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2006

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Articles 721 - 750 of 2765

Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In Health Promotion During Pregnancy, Sarah Elizabeth Hendrix Jul 2006

The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In Health Promotion During Pregnancy, Sarah Elizabeth Hendrix

MSN Research Projects

Health promotion is fundamental to nurse practitioner practice. To be effective in health promotion, the nurse practitioner must have a clear understanding of the nature of behavioral change, the individual issues each client brings to a particular behavior, and have expertise in health promotion. The nurse practitioner must possess specific skills to facilitate the client’s movement along the continuum of health behavior change. Health promotion that enhances prenatal care has been described and established by evidence-based research and professional practice guidelines. The purpose of this evidence-based research project was to develop a current nurse practitioner knowledgebase regarding the role of …


The Role Of The Nurse Pracitioner In End Of Life Care, Caryn Alison Johnson Jul 2006

The Role Of The Nurse Pracitioner In End Of Life Care, Caryn Alison Johnson

MSN Research Projects

Although advances in medical technology have increased the average lifespan of the elderly population, many patients do not receive assistance at the end of life, and suffer with avoidable pain and distress. Practitioners and researchers have identified the need for further research to improve the quality of EOLC. Research shows that the NP may be the best choice of hospital staff to initiate EOLC discussions and decisions with patients and their families. For this reason, it is likely that the role of the NP in EOLC will expand to a specialty focus in the near future. Therefore, the purpose of …


An Evidence Based Practice Perspective Regarding The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In Access To Mental Health Care, Alvin Terry Ricks Jr. Jul 2006

An Evidence Based Practice Perspective Regarding The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In Access To Mental Health Care, Alvin Terry Ricks Jr.

MSN Research Projects

Mental health care, persecuted without merit, has long suffered from the prejudice and shame fashioned by a public blinded by ignorance. The real barriers created by the primary health care system hampering access to mental health care are increased by the preconceived ideals that ridicule the patient in crisis confronts. The purpose o f this project is to identify the barriers to access, how access it mental health care can be achieved through primary care and how the nurse practitioner can aid in mental health access as a primary care provider. Research o f literature provides a base o f …


The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In The Use Of Homeopathy In Healthcare, Misty Mathis Harris Jul 2006

The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner In The Use Of Homeopathy In Healthcare, Misty Mathis Harris

MSN Research Projects

Homeopathy is the administration of diluted substances, derived from plants, minerals, or animal products, that would in a healthy person induce symptoms of the disease treated (Skinner, 1996). Samuel Hahnermann, the founder of homeopathy, insisted that homeopathy is the restoration of the bioenergetic field surrounding the life force (Skinner, 1996) . The purpose of this project was to develop a nurse practitioner knowledgebase regarding the use of homeopathy. Martha Rogers' Theory of Unitary Human Beings served as the theoretical foundation for this clinical project and guided the systematic review of literature. The consideration of the use of homeopathy by nurse …


Circadian Rhythmicity By Autocatalysis, Arun Mehra, Christian I. Hong, Mi Shi, Jennifer J. Loros, Jay C. Dunlap, Peter Ruoff Jul 2006

Circadian Rhythmicity By Autocatalysis, Arun Mehra, Christian I. Hong, Mi Shi, Jennifer J. Loros, Jay C. Dunlap, Peter Ruoff

Dartmouth Scholarship

The temperature compensated in vitro oscillation of cyanobacterial KaiC phosphorylation, the first example of a thermodynamically closed system showing circadian rhythmicity, only involves the three Kai proteins (KaiA, KaiB, and KaiC) and ATP. In this paper, we describe a model in which the KaiA- and KaiB-assisted autocatalytic phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of KaiC are the source for circadian rhythmicity. This model, based upon autocatalysis instead of transcription-translation negative feedback, shows temperature-compensated circadian limit-cycle oscillations with KaiC phosphorylation profiles and has period lengths and rate constant values that are consistent with experimental observations.


Role Of A Probiotic (Saccharomyces Boulardii) In Management And Prevention Of Diarrhoea, A G. Billoo, M A. Memon, S A. Khaskheli, G Murtaza, Khalid Iqbal, M Saeed Shekhani, Ahson Q. Siddiqi Jul 2006

Role Of A Probiotic (Saccharomyces Boulardii) In Management And Prevention Of Diarrhoea, A G. Billoo, M A. Memon, S A. Khaskheli, G Murtaza, Khalid Iqbal, M Saeed Shekhani, Ahson Q. Siddiqi

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) in acute watery diarrhoea and its role in reducing the frequency of episodes of diarrhoea in subsequent two months.
Methods: Children from 2 mo to 12 years of age, with acute diarrhoea were selected according to inclusion criteria and randomised in S. boulardii group (treated with ORS, nutritional support and S. boulardii, 250 mg bid) and in control group (treated with ORS and nutritional support only). Active treatment phase was 5 d and each child was followed for two months afterwards. Frequency and consistency of stools as well …


Agents Promoting Cellular Differentiation, Clinic Staff Jul 2006

Agents Promoting Cellular Differentiation, Clinic Staff

Topics in Integrative Medicine

Discusses the concept of cellular differentiation as an important anti-cancer mechanism and the data that supports the use of retinoids, vitamin D and other products for this purpose.


The Use Of Fatty Acids In Malignancies, Clinic Staff Jul 2006

The Use Of Fatty Acids In Malignancies, Clinic Staff

Topics in Integrative Medicine

Fatty acids have specific biological response modifier effects. These effects are discussed in relation to anti-inflammatory properties, and for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of cancer.


Integrative Medicine Approach To Colon Cancer, Clinic Staff Jul 2006

Integrative Medicine Approach To Colon Cancer, Clinic Staff

Topics in Integrative Medicine

Illustrates the principles and practice of Integrative Medicine in the treatment of colon cancer.


Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum), Clinic Staff Jul 2006

Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum), Clinic Staff

Topics in Integrative Medicine

Milk thistle is a commonly used herb for hepatic function and disorders. The evidence for its effects in liver disease is presented, as well as its potential use in cancer treatment.


The Use Of Mushroom Preparations In Malignancies, Clinic Staff Jul 2006

The Use Of Mushroom Preparations In Malignancies, Clinic Staff

Topics in Integrative Medicine

Medicinal mushrooms have been recommended for centuries in Asia. Specific types of mushrooms are presented, as well as evidence for their immunopotentiating effects and their use as adjuvant therapy for specific types of cancer.


Characteristics Of Staff–Patient Interactions On A Behavioral Treatment Unit For Patients With Serious Mental Illness, And The Effects Of A Behavior Management Training Program On Staff Performance, Lindsay S. Schenkel Jul 2006

Characteristics Of Staff–Patient Interactions On A Behavioral Treatment Unit For Patients With Serious Mental Illness, And The Effects Of A Behavior Management Training Program On Staff Performance, Lindsay S. Schenkel

Department of Psychology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Despite the existence of effective psychological interventions for people diagnosed with schizophrenia, these continue to be underutilized. This problem is most critical in the case of so called “treatment-refractory” patients, where, paradoxically, effective interventions with among the strongest evidence base in psychiatry exist – namely – inpatient social-learning-based rehabilitation programs. Barriers to implementation and effective maintenance of such programs include a low frequency of staff-patient interactions and a relatively high frequency of non-therapeutic staff behaviors, lack of staff training and background in behavioral treatment, negative attitudes towards behavioral interventions, and tension between professional disciplines. This study examined the nature and …


Mechanisms Of Sickle Cell Anemia, Gary M. Onady, Lawrence Prochaska, John F. Donnelly, John Paietta, Dean Parmelee, Barbara Schuster Jul 2006

Mechanisms Of Sickle Cell Anemia, Gary M. Onady, Lawrence Prochaska, John F. Donnelly, John Paietta, Dean Parmelee, Barbara Schuster

Family Medicine Faculty Publications

Team-based learning (TBL) is a well-defined instructional strategy that allows a single instructor to teach by conducting multiple small groups simultaneously in the same classroom. Learners actively participate in and out of class as they move through three phases: independent study assignments, readiness assurance testing, and group activities that force them to put knowledge into practice. Students prepare in advance by reading an assigned article. Class time is shifted away from learning facts and toward application and integration of information. The instructor retains control of content and acts as both facilitator and content expert. This TBL program is designed to …


Obesity, Physical Activity, And Mortality In A Prospective Chinese Elderly Cohort, Mary Schooling, Tai Hing Lam, Zhi Bin Li, Sai Yin Ho, Wai Man Chan, Kin Sang Ho, May Ked Tham, Benjamin J. Cowling, Gabriel M. Leung Jul 2006

Obesity, Physical Activity, And Mortality In A Prospective Chinese Elderly Cohort, Mary Schooling, Tai Hing Lam, Zhi Bin Li, Sai Yin Ho, Wai Man Chan, Kin Sang Ho, May Ked Tham, Benjamin J. Cowling, Gabriel M. Leung

Publications and Research

Background
In older people, it is unclear whether obesity relates to mortality, which calls into question its etiologic role in disease and its public health relevance. This apparent lack of relationship in older people could be an artifactual result of their diverse health states.

Methods
We used Cox regression analysis to determine whether the effect of body mass index (BMI) (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) or physical activity on mortality varied with health status in a prospective cohort study of Chinese people 65 years or older enrolled from 1998 to 2000 at …


Recognition Of Facial Expressions Of Six Emotions By Children With Specific Language Impairment, Kristen Diane Atwood Jul 2006

Recognition Of Facial Expressions Of Six Emotions By Children With Specific Language Impairment, Kristen Diane Atwood

Theses and Dissertations

Over the past several years, research has shown that children with language impairment often have increased social difficulties. The purpose of this study was to take a closer look at the relationship between language ability and emotion understanding by examining the recognition of facial expressions in children with specific language impairment (SLI) and their typically developing peers. As such, this study is a follow-up investigation of the work done by Spackman, Fujiki, Brinton, Nelson, & Allen (2006). Children with SLI and their age- and gender-matched peers were asked to identify the following six facial expressions of emotion in a language-minimal …


Psychometrically Equivalent Arabic Monosyllabic Word Recognition Materials, Maida Christine Robertson Jul 2006

Psychometrically Equivalent Arabic Monosyllabic Word Recognition Materials, Maida Christine Robertson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop, digitally record, evaluate, and psychometrically equate a set of Arabic monosyllabic word lists to use in the measurement of the word recognition score. Familiar Arabic monosyllabic words were digitally recorded by a native male talker from Jordan who was judged to have a standard Arabic dialect. Twenty native Arabic participants with normal hearing were used as subjects to determine the percentage of correct word recognition for each word at 10 intensity levels ranging from -5 to 40 dB HL in 5 dB increments. The monosyllabic word data were analyzed using logistic regression. …


Early Predictors Of Self-Regulation In Middle Childhood, Rebecca A. Colman, Sam A. Hardy, Myesha Albert, Marcela Raffaelli, Lisa J. Crockett Jul 2006

Early Predictors Of Self-Regulation In Middle Childhood, Rebecca A. Colman, Sam A. Hardy, Myesha Albert, Marcela Raffaelli, Lisa J. Crockett

Department of Psychology: Faculty Publications

The present study examined the contribution of caregiving practices at ages 4–5 (Time 1) to children’s capacity for self regulation at ages 8–9 (Time 2). The multiethnic sample comprised 549 children of National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) participants. High levels of maternal warmth and low levels of physically punitive discipline at Time 1 were associated with a greater capacity for self-regulation at Time 2. These associations remained significant once initial levels of self-regulation were taken into account, indicating that the development of self-regulation is open to caregiver infl uence during childhood. Neither child gender nor ethnicity moderated the effects …


Relative Risk Regression In Medical Research: Models, Contrasts, Estimators, And Algorithms, Thomas Lumley, Richard Kronmal, Shuangge Ma Jul 2006

Relative Risk Regression In Medical Research: Models, Contrasts, Estimators, And Algorithms, Thomas Lumley, Richard Kronmal, Shuangge Ma

UW Biostatistics Working Paper Series

The relative risk or prevalence ratio is a natural and familiar summary of association between a binary outcome and an exposure or intervention. For rare events, the relative risk can be approximately estimated by logistic regression. For common events estimation is more difficult. We review proposed estimation algorithms for relative risk regression. Some of these give inconsistent estimates or invalid standard errors. We show that the methods that give correct inference can be viewed as arising from a family of quasilikelihood estimating functions for the same generalized linear model, differing in their efficiency and in their robustness to outlying values …


Accumulation Of Phycotoxins In The Mussel Mytilus Galloprovincialis From The Central Adriatic Sea, Maja Pavela-Vrančić, Ivana Ujević, Živana Ninčević Gladan, Ambrose Furey Jul 2006

Accumulation Of Phycotoxins In The Mussel Mytilus Galloprovincialis From The Central Adriatic Sea, Maja Pavela-Vrančić, Ivana Ujević, Živana Ninčević Gladan, Ambrose Furey

Physical Sciences Publications

Surveys of DSP (Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning) toxin profiles in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis from coastal waters of the central Adriatic Sea, over the years 1995 to 2001, demonstrate that incidents of shellfish toxicity in this area are dominated by the occurrence of okadaic acid (OA) and a PTX derivative, 7-epi-pectenotoxin-2-seco acid (7-epi-PTX-2SA). Toxin composition and the relative ratio of toxic components in shellfish is in correlation with the occurrence of DSP producing organisms from the Dinophysis species along with Prorocentrum micans and Lingulodinium polyedrum. The occurrence of D. sacculus shortly before the appearance of OA in shellfish implicates its possible …


Premium Assistance In Medicaid And Schip: Ace In The Hole Or House Of Cards?, Cynthia Shirk, Jennifer Ryan Jul 2006

Premium Assistance In Medicaid And Schip: Ace In The Hole Or House Of Cards?, Cynthia Shirk, Jennifer Ryan

National Health Policy Forum

This issue brief explores the use of premium assistance in publicly financed health insurance coverage programs. In the context of Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), premium assistance entails using federal and state funds to subsidize the premiums for the purchase of private insurance coverage for eligible individuals. This paper considers the evolution of premium assistance and some of the statutory and administrative limitations, as well as private market factors, that have prevented widespread enrollment in Medicaid or SCHIP premium assistance programs. Finally, this issue brief offers some ideas for potential legislative and/or programmatic changes that could …


A Pilot Study To Measure Force Development During A Simulated Maltese Cross For Gymnastics Still Rings, William A. Sands, Michael H. Stone, Jeni R. Mcneal, Sarah L. Smith, Monem Jemni, Jennifer K. Dunlavy, Koichi Mizushima, G. Gregory Haff Jul 2006

A Pilot Study To Measure Force Development During A Simulated Maltese Cross For Gymnastics Still Rings, William A. Sands, Michael H. Stone, Jeni R. Mcneal, Sarah L. Smith, Monem Jemni, Jennifer K. Dunlavy, Koichi Mizushima, G. Gregory Haff

ETSU Faculty Works

The purpose of this study was to develop a measurement procedure for the Maltese cross performed on still rings. Sixteen elite/international gymnasts participated. Two small force platforms (FPs) interfaced to a portable data logger (100 Hz sampling rate) were placed under the gymnasts’ hands in a simulated Maltese position (i.e., prone). Gymnasts attempted to rise a few centimeters to a Maltese position while vertical ground reaction forces were recorded bilaterally. Results indicated that the FPs had sufficient fidelity to differentiate gymnasts’ abilities to perform a Maltese. This method may serve to gauge the preparedness of male gymnasts performing this important …


2006 Apothecary, Southwestern Oklahoma State University Jul 2006

2006 Apothecary, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Apothecary

This edition celebrates the golden anniversary of Apothecary. We would like to dedicate the 50th edition of Apothecary to all alumni and graduating seniors. Our cover includes a selection of our favorite Apothecary covers starting with the first in 1956 - 57 academic year. We have come a long way since 1956, and we can only hope that this edition will serve as a reminder to all alumni and seniors of the years spent at Southwestern Oklahoma State University College of Pharmacy.


Consistent Effects Of Tsg101 Genetic Variability On Multiple Outcomes Of Exposure To Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1, Arman A. Bashirova, Gabriela Bleiber, Ying Qi, Holli Hutcheson, Traci Yamashita, Randall C. Johnson, Jie Cheng, Galit Alter, James J. Goedert, Susan Buchbinder, Keith Hoots, David Vlahov, Margaret May, Frank Maldarelli, Lisa Jacobson, Stephen J. O'Brien, Amalio Telenti, Mary Carrington Jul 2006

Consistent Effects Of Tsg101 Genetic Variability On Multiple Outcomes Of Exposure To Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1, Arman A. Bashirova, Gabriela Bleiber, Ying Qi, Holli Hutcheson, Traci Yamashita, Randall C. Johnson, Jie Cheng, Galit Alter, James J. Goedert, Susan Buchbinder, Keith Hoots, David Vlahov, Margaret May, Frank Maldarelli, Lisa Jacobson, Stephen J. O'Brien, Amalio Telenti, Mary Carrington

Biology Faculty Articles

Tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101) encodes a host cellular protein that is appropriated by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in the budding process of viral particles from infected cells. Variation in the coding or noncoding regions of the gene could potentially affect the degree of TSG101-mediated release of viral particles. While the coding regions of the gene were found to lack nonsynonymous variants, two polymorphic sites in the TSG101 5' area were identified that were associated with the rate of AIDS progression among Caucasians. These single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), located at positions -183 and +181 relative to the …


Accuracy Of Automated Developmental Sentence Scoring Software, Carrie Ann Judson Jul 2006

Accuracy Of Automated Developmental Sentence Scoring Software, Carrie Ann Judson

Theses and Dissertations

Developmental Sentence Scoring (DSS; Lee 1974) is a well established, structured method for analyzing a child's expressive syntax within the context of a conversational speech sample. Automated DSS programs may increase efficiency of DSS analysis; however the program must be accurate in order to yield valid and reliable results. A recent study by Sagae, Lavie, and MacWhinney (2005) proposed a new method for analyzing the accuracy of automated language analysis programs. This method was used in addition to previously established methods to analyze the accuracy of a new automated DSS program, entitled DSSA (Channell, 2006). Previously collected language samples from …


Sheep Updates 2006 - Contents, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia Jul 2006

Sheep Updates 2006 - Contents, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

Sheep Updates

No abstract provided.


Sheep Updates 2006 - Part 1, David Sackett, Kevin Foster, Ronald J. Yates, Phil Nichols, Graeme Martin, John Milton, Scott Williams, Garry Mcalister, Mark Suttie, Peter Fennessy, Jack Cocks Jul 2006

Sheep Updates 2006 - Part 1, David Sackett, Kevin Foster, Ronald J. Yates, Phil Nichols, Graeme Martin, John Milton, Scott Williams, Garry Mcalister, Mark Suttie, Peter Fennessy, Jack Cocks

Sheep Updates

This session covers seven papers from different authors:

PLENARY

1. Making Dollars from Merinos, David Sackett, Holmes Sackett & Associates Pty Limited, Wagga Wagga, NSW

2. A new variety of sulla (Hedysarun coronarium)for forage production in southern Australia, Kevin Foster, Ron Yates, Phil Nichols, Department of Agriculture and Food, WA and Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture, UWA

3. Mating - Short and fast is better, Graeme Martin, John Milton, Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences, The University of Western Australia

4. Breech strike protection in sheep post 2010, Scott Williams, Program Manager Animal Health and Welfare, Australian Wool …


Sheep Updates 2006 - Part 4, K. G. Geenty, A. A. Swan, A. J. Smith, J. L. Smith, Chris Oldham, R. G. Woodgate, R. A. Love, E. Dobbe, H. M. Hoult, J. Pearson, S. Hill, A. Van Burgel, R. B. Besier, R. Warburton, L. Mathwin, D. Rogers, E. Crossley, Allan Herbert, P. Nichols, Tony Albertsen, Darryl Mcclements, Graeme Martin, Penny Hawken, Caroline Vinoles, Beth Paganoni, Dominique Blanche Jul 2006

Sheep Updates 2006 - Part 4, K. G. Geenty, A. A. Swan, A. J. Smith, J. L. Smith, Chris Oldham, R. G. Woodgate, R. A. Love, E. Dobbe, H. M. Hoult, J. Pearson, S. Hill, A. Van Burgel, R. B. Besier, R. Warburton, L. Mathwin, D. Rogers, E. Crossley, Allan Herbert, P. Nichols, Tony Albertsen, Darryl Mcclements, Graeme Martin, Penny Hawken, Caroline Vinoles, Beth Paganoni, Dominique Blanche

Sheep Updates

This session covers seven papers from different authors:

MANAGEMENT

1. Wool and meat traits in Merino flocks in different regions, K.G. Geenty, A.A. Swan, A.J. Smith, J.L. Smith, Sheep CRC and CSIRO Livestock Industries, Armidale

2. Fat score or Condition score? - It all depends on what you want to do! Chris Oldham, Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia

3. Sheep worm control - the latest for Western Australia, RG Woodgate, RA Love, E Dobbe, HM Hoult, J Pearson, S Hill, A van Burgel and RB Besier, Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia

PASTURES

4. Rethinking pasture production …


Sheep Updates 2006 - Part 2, Darryl Smith, Kathryn Kemper, David Rutley, R. R. Woolaston, D. J. Brown, K. D. Atkins, A. E. Casey, A. J. Ball, David Hopkins, David Stanley, Leonie Martin, Arthur Gilmour, Remy Van De Ven, Geoff Duddy, Steve Semple, David Kessell, Andrew Thompson Jul 2006

Sheep Updates 2006 - Part 2, Darryl Smith, Kathryn Kemper, David Rutley, R. R. Woolaston, D. J. Brown, K. D. Atkins, A. E. Casey, A. J. Ball, David Hopkins, David Stanley, Leonie Martin, Arthur Gilmour, Remy Van De Ven, Geoff Duddy, Steve Semple, David Kessell, Andrew Thompson

Sheep Updates

This session covers six papers from different authors:

GENETICS

1. Novel selection traits - what are the possible side effects?, Darryl Smith, Kathryn Kemper, South Australian Research and Development Institute, David Rutley, University of Adelaide.

2. Genetic Changes in the Australian Merino since 1900, Sheep Genetics Australia Technical Committee, R.R. Woolaston Pullenvale, Queensland, D.J. Brown, Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit*, University of New England, K.D. Atkins, A.E. Casey, NSW Department of Primary Industries, A.J. Ball, Meat and Livestock Australia, University of New England

3. Influence of Sire Growth Estimated Breeding Value (EBV0 on Progeny Growth, David Hopkins, David Stanley, Leonie …


The Impact Of Hurricane Katrina On Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, Lsu Health Sciences Center - New Orleans Jul 2006

The Impact Of Hurricane Katrina On Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, Lsu Health Sciences Center - New Orleans

LSUHSC Hurricane Katrina Archive: Reports & Presentations

"The Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans" is a 6 page document presented by Dr. Larry H. Hollier (Dean of the School of Medicine 2004-2007, Chancellor 2006-2021) to the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on July 13, 2006.

This report details the status of faculty, departments, and organizations affiliated with LSU Health just before Hurricane Katrina, the challenges the school administrators faced in evacuating the campuses and associated medical centers as well as relocating all services, and the success of the university in continuing education and research programs while …


Investigating Mediation When Counterfactuals Are Not Metaphysical: Does Sunlight Uvb Exposure Mediate The Effect Of Eyeglasses On Cataracts?, Brian Egleston, Daniel O. Scharfstein, Beatriz Munoz, Sheila West Jul 2006

Investigating Mediation When Counterfactuals Are Not Metaphysical: Does Sunlight Uvb Exposure Mediate The Effect Of Eyeglasses On Cataracts?, Brian Egleston, Daniel O. Scharfstein, Beatriz Munoz, Sheila West

Johns Hopkins University, Dept. of Biostatistics Working Papers

We investigate the degree to which a reduction in ocular sunlight ultra-violet B (UVB) exposure mediates a relationship between wearing eyeglasses and a decreased risk of cataracts. An estimand is proposed in which causal effects are estimated locally within strata based on potential UVB exposure without glasses and the degree to which glasses use reduces UVB exposure. We take advantage of the structure of the data in which the counterfactual UVB exposures if the participants in the study who wore glasses had not worn glasses are considered observable.