Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Career Development For Transition-Aged Youth With Emotional Disturbances: Exemplary Practices Of Florida Mental Health And Substance Abuse Agencies, Mason G. Haber, Troy Loker, Nicole Deschenes, Hewitt B. Clark

Mason G. Haber

Though an emerging literature on career development practices for transition-age youth with emotional disturbances (TAY w/ED) exists, this literature has not been systematically reviewed. In addition, efforts by publicly-funded sites in Florida to implement such programs have not been comprehensively described. The current project is designed to advance these aims to provide a basis for expanded implementation of career development programs for TAY w/ED in the state.

Improved Feed Protein Fractionation Schemes For Formulating Rations With The Cornell Net Carbohydrate And Protein System, Cristina Lanzas, G A. Broderick, D G. Fox

Cristina Lanzas

Adequate predictions of rumen-degradable protein (RDP) and rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) supplies are necessary to optimize performance while minimizing losses of excess nitrogen (N). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the original Cornell Net Carbohydrate Protein System (CNCPS) protein fractionation scheme and to develop and evaluate alternatives designed to improve its adequacy in predicting RDP and RUP. The CNCPS version 5 fractionates CP into 5 fractions based on solubility in protein precipitant agents, buffers, and detergent solutions: A represents the soluble nonprotein N, B1 is the soluble true protein, B2 represents protein with intermediate rates of degradation, B3 is …

A Hybrid Model For Prediction Of Peptide Binding To Mhc Molecules, P. Zhang, V. Brusic, K. Basford

Ping Zhang

We propose a hybrid classification system for predicting peptide binding to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. This system combines Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Stabilized Matrix Method (SMM). Its performance was assessed using ROC analysis, and compared with the individual component methods using statistical tests. The preliminary test on four HLA alleles provided encouraging evidence for the hybrid model. The datasets used for the experiments are publicly accessible and have been benchmarked by other researchers.

© Copyright Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 2009

Access the published version at www.springerlink.com/.

Finding Recurrent Regions Of Copy Number Variation: A Review, Oscar M. Rueda, Ramon Diaz-Uriarte

Ramon Diaz-Uriarte

Copy number alterations (CNA) in genomic DNA are linked to a variety of human diseases. Although many methods have been developed to analyze data from a single subject, disease-critical genes are more likely to be found in regions that are common or recurrent among diseased subjects. Unfortunately, finding recurrent CNA regions remains a challenge. We review existing methods for the identification of recurrent CNA regions. Methods differ in their working definition of ``recurrent region'', the type of input data, the statistical and computational methods used to identify recurrence, and the biological considerations they incorporate (which play a role in the …

Chronic Disease And Risk Factor Surveillance Using The Sa Monitoring And Surveillance System (Samss) – History, Results And Future Challenges, Anne Taylor, Eleonora Dal Grande

Anne Taylor

Discussion of how chronic disease and risk factor surveillance systems can deliver data-driven evidence to assist in the prevention and slowing of the progression of chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and osteoporosis.

Survival Unchanged Five Months After Implementing The 2005 Aha Cpr And Ecc Guidelines For Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest., Blair L. Bigham, Kent M. Koprowicz, John Stouffer, Tom P. Aufderheide, Stuart Donn, Judy Powell, Dan Davis, Sarah Nafziger, Brian Suffoletto, Ahamed Idris, Mike Helbock, Laurie J. Morrison

Kent M Koprowicz

Introduction: To improve survival from out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), the American Heart Association released guidelines in 2005. We examined the effect of these guidelines on survival in the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) Epistry – Cardiac Arrest. We hypothesized that survival would increase after guideline implementation. Methods: 174 EMS agencies from 8 of the 10 ROC sites were surveyed to determine 2005 AHA guideline implementation, or crossover, date. Two sites with 2005 compatible treatment algorithms prior to guideline release were not included. Patients with OHCA secondary to a non cardiac cause, EMS witnessed events, patients <18 years>old, and patients with …

Antibacterial Activity Of Indium Curcumin And Indium Diacetylcurcumin, Keivan Zandi

Keivan Zandi

Studies on curcumin, the principal element of turmeric powder, have demonstrated several biological actions such as antibacterial activity. Evaluation of new analogs or new compounds of curcumin for their antibacterial effect is interesting for researchers. In this in vitro study, we attempted to test the antibacterial activity of indium curcumin (In(CUR)(3)), indium diacetylcurcumin (In(DAC)(3)), and diacetylcurcumin (DAC) in comparison with curcumin. The action of these agents were examined on Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 14990), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), and Escerichia coli (ATCC 25922). Curcumin was effective against S. aureus and S. epidermidis, whereas In(DAC)(3) showed activity against …

A New Application Of Spatiotemporal Analysis For Detecting Demographic Variations In Aids Mortality: An Example From Florida, Yuwen Chiu, Chiehwen Ed Hsu

Chiehwen Ed Hsu

The purpose of the present study was to characterize, geographically and temporally, the patterns of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) death disparity in 67 Florida jurisdictions, and to determine if the detected trends varied according to age, race, and sex. The space-time scan statistic proposed by Kulldorff et al was used to examine the excess AIDS deaths that occurred between 1987 and 2004. Results were geographically referenced in maps using EpiInfo and EpiMap made available by the Centers for Disease Control. Miami-Dade and the nearby counties including Broward, Martin, and Palm Beach are the most likely clusters (observed/expected: 1505.16) with …

The ‘Yin And Yang’ Of Epidemiology — The North West Adelaide Health Study As An Example Of The Successful Merging Of Quantitative And Qualitative Ways Of Thinking, Kay Price, Anne Taylor

Anne Taylor

The North West Adelaide Health Study (NWAHS) is used as an example to show how quantitative and qualitative research contribute to producing an innovative knowledge network.

The Effects Of Lactation And Negative Energy Balance On Kisspeptin-Stimulated Luteinizing Hormone And Growth Hormone In Dairy Cows, Brian K. Whitlock, Joseph A. Daniel, Robyn R. Wilborn, Herris S. Maxwell, Barbara P. Steele, James L. Sartin

Brian K Whitlock, PhD, DVM, DACT

Kisspeptin, a neuroendocrine regulator of gonadotropin releasing hormone, is hypothesized to integrate nutrition and hormones critical to metabolism and the regulation of reproduction. Since the negative energy balance of early lactation is associated with reduced fertility via suppression of gonadotropin secretion and enhanced growth hormone (GH) responsiveness, this experiment was designed to determine the effects of stage of lactation and negative energy balance on kisspeptin-10 (Kp-10) stimulated luteinizing hormone (LH) and GH concentrations. Five nonlactating [5.1 ± 0.8 (SEM) years; 577 ± 19 kg body weight (BW)] and five lactating [4.1 ± 0.6 years; 608 ± 11 kg BW] multiparous …

The Effect Of Heterogeneous Infectious Period And Contagiousness On The Dynamics Of Salmonella Transmission In Dairy Cattle, Cristina Lanzas, S Brien, R Ivanek, Y Lo, P P. Chapagain, K A. Ray, P Ayscue, L D. Warnick, Y T. Grohn

Cristina Lanzas

The objective of this study was to address the impact of heterogeneity of infectious period and contagiousness on Salmonella transmission dynamics in dairy cattle populations. We developed three deterministic SIR-type models with two basic infected stages (clinically and subclinically infected). In addition, model 2 included long-term shedders, which were defined as individuals with low contagiousness but long infectious period, and model 3 included super-shedders (individuals with high contagiousness and long infectious period). The simulated dynamics, basic reproduction number (R0) and critical vaccination threshold were studied. Clinically infected individuals were the main force of infection transmission for models 1 and 2. …

The Risk And Control Of Salmonella Outbreaks In Calf-Raising Operations: A Mathematical Modeling Approach, Cristina Lanzas, L D. Warnick, R Ivanek, P Ayscue, D V. Nydam, Y T. Grohn

Cristina Lanzas

Salmonellosis in calves has economic and welfare implications, and serves as a potential source of human infections. Our objectives were to assess the risk of Salmonella spread following its introduction into a herd of pre-weaned calves and to evaluate the efficacy of control strategies to prevent and control outbreaks. To meet these objectives, we developed a model of Salmonella transmission within a pre-weaned group of calves based on a well documented outbreak of salmonellosis in a calf-raising operation and other literature. Intervention scenarios were evaluated in both deterministic and stochastic versions of the model. While the basic reproduction number (R0) …

Book Review 17 Me, Myself, And Why? The Secrets To Navigating Change By Lisa A. Mininni, William C. Mcpeck

William C. McPeck

This is my personal review of Me, Myself, and Why? The Secrets to Navigating Change by Lisa A. Mininni which was published in 2007 by PM Publishing.

Intestinal Parasites In Various Animals At A Zoo In Malaysia, Yvonne Lim Ai Lian

Yvonne Lim Ai Lian

A survey was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites from different groups of mammals housed in a zoological garden in Malaysia. A total of 197 faecal samples were collected randomly from various primates (99), hoofed mammals (70) and feline (28). It was discovered that 89.3% of feline, 54.5% of primates and 45.7% of hoofed mammals were infected with intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasites found in primates were Balantidium coli (19.2%), Cryptosporidium spp. (14.1%), hookworm (10.1%), Trichuris spp. (5.1%), Ascaris (4.0%) and Blastocystis spp. (2.0%). For hoofed mammals, hookworm had the highest prevalence (34.3%) followed by Trichuris spp. and Cryptosporidium …

Secondary Prevention For Acute Coronary Syndrome In Rural South Australia: Are Drugs Best? What About The Rest?, Tracey Wachtel, Angela Kucia, Jennene Greenhill

Angela Kucia

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current Australian clinical guidelines recommend all patients with ACS receive comprehensive secondary prevention services to address this burden. Optimal patient outcomes rely on the timely and effective implementation of proven therapies and for secondary prevention to be successful, pharmcological interventions must be combined with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor identification and management. The ability to implement clinical guidelines is also reliant on available resources, yet many rural populations in Australia do not have access to structured secondary prevention services, and the level of support available to them …

A Case Of Cutaneous Larva Migrans Acquired From Soiled Toilet Floors In Urban Kuala Lumpur, Noorzurani Robson Associate Prof. Dr., S Othman

Associate Prof. Dr. Noorzurani Robson

Despite being a common skin dermatosis in the tropics, physicians in the tropics may miss the diagnosis of cutaneous larva migrans for other pruritic skin manifestation. This is especially in those who live in urban housing with no history of travel. Cutaneous larva migrans, an intensely pruritic skin pathology is mainly contracted by people with history of beach holiday or contact with moist soft sand which had been contaminated with dog or cat faeces. This article reports a patient who presented with intensely itchy papular spots over the dorsum of his foot after walking barefooted in an urban toilet soiled …

Composite Endpoint Analysis For Assessing Surrogacy With Censored Data, Debashis Ghosh

Debashis Ghosh

Background: There is great interest in the development of surrogate endpoints using new technologies in medical research. The promise of such endpoints is that they would allow for faster completion of clinical trials and would be potentially cost-effective.

Purpose: In determining surrogacy, it is important to distinguish the roles of surrogate from the true endpoint. The latter should be thought of as the gold standard. We discuss a framework in which the utility of a surrogate endpoint is based on whether or not as part of a composite endpoint, it yields treatment effects that associate with that on the true …

Estudo Longitudinal De Saúde Do Adulto -Elsa-Brasil [English], Paulo A. Lotufo

Paulo A Lotufo

Presentation update on September, 2011.

Are Baby Boomers Booming Too Much? : An Epidemiological Description Of Overweight And Obese Baby Boomers, G Hugo, Anne Taylor, E Dal Grande

Anne Taylor

The objective of this study was to provide a social, demographic, and health-related description of overweight and obese baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) in South Australia.

International Strategy For Disaster Reduction – World Health Organization 2008-09 Campaign On Safer Healthcare Facilities, Richard N. Bradley

Richard N Bradley

Many recent emergencies highlight the need for hospitals that are safer and more resistant to disasters. The International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, an instrument of the United Nations General Assembly, and the World Health Organization have addressed the need for safer and more disaster-resistant healthcare facilities by making this priority the theme of their 2008 – 2009 biennial World Campaign on Disaster Reduction.

Intrinsic Severity As A Determinant Of Antiepileptic Drug Refractoriness, Michael A. Rogawski, Michael R. Johnson

Michael A. Rogawski

For the most part, resistance to medications in epilepsy is independent of the choice of antiepileptic drug. This simple clinical observation constrains the possible biological mechanisms for drug refractory epilepsy by imposing a requirement to explain resistance for a diverse set of chemical structures that act on an even more varied group of molecular targets. To date, research on antiepileptic drug refractoriness has been guided by the “drug transporter overexpression” and the “reduced drug-target sensitivity” hypotheses. These concepts posit that drug refractoriness is a condition separate from the underlying epilepsy. Inadequacies in both hypotheses mandate a fresh approach to the …

Non-Response To A Life Course Socioeconomic Position Indicator In Surveillance: Comparison Of Telephone And Face-To-Face Modes, Catherine Chittleborough, Anne Taylor, Fran Baum, Janet Hiller

Anne Taylor

Measurement of socioeconomic position (SEP) over the life course in population health surveillance systems is important for examining differences in health and illness between different population groups and for monitoring the impact of policies and interventions aimed at reducing health inequities and intergenerational disadvantage over time. While face-to-face surveys are considered the gold standard of interviewing techniques, computer-assisted telephone interviewing is often preferred for cost and convenience. This study compared recall of parents' highest level of education in telephone and face-to-face surveys.

Book Review 16 Wellness Leadership: Creating Supportive Environments For Healthier And More Productive Employees By Judd Allen, Ph.D., William C. Mcpeck

William C. McPeck

This is my personal review of Wellness Leadership: Creating supportive environments for healthier and more productive employees by Judd Allen, Ph.D. which was published in 2008 by Healthycultures.com.

Predictors Of Podiatry Utilisation In Australia : The North West Adelaide Health Study, Hylton B. Menz, Tiffany K. Gill, Anne Taylor, Catherine L. Hill

Anne Taylor

Foot problems are highly prevalent in the community; however no large population-based studies have examined the characteristics of those who do and do not access podiatry services in Australia. The aim of this study was to explore patterns of podiatry utilisation in a population-based sample of people aged 18 years and over living in the northwest region of Adelaide, South Australia.

What Clinical Observations On The Epidemiology Of Antiepileptic Drug Intractability Tell Us About The Mechanisms Of Pharmacoresistance, Michael Rogawski

Michael A. Rogawski

In the past several years, there have been important advances in the clinical epidemiology of antiepileptic drug resistance, as reviewed by Mohanraj and Brodie. It would appear that by and large, intractability is independent of the choice of antiepileptic drug (AED). Many patients will become seizure free on the first agent tried, irrespective of which one their physician decides to pick. Nonresponders to the first drug are in a different category: it is likely that they will continue to have seizures no matter which medicine or combination of medicines is tried. This simple clinical observation puts important constraints on the …

Assessing Bioterrorism Preparedness And Response Of Rural Veterinarians: Experiences And Training Needs, Francisco Soto Mas

Francisco Soto Mas

Veterinarians play a unique role in emergency preparedness and response, and federal agencies and academic institutions therefore allocate considerable resources to provide training to enhance their readiness. However, the level of preparedness of veterinarians in many rural regions is yet to be improved. This article reports an assessment of the bioterrorism preparedness, specifically the experience and training needs, of rural veterinarians in North Texas. The study employed a cross-sectional design with a study population that included all veterinarians (N ¼352) in the 37 counties within Texas Department of State Health Services Regions 2 and 3. Data on veterinarians practicing or …

Prevalence And Correlates Of Foot Pain In A Population-Based Study : The North West Adelaide Health Study, Catherine L. Hill, Tiffany K. Gill, Hylton B. Menz, Anne Taylor

Anne Taylor

Few population-based studies have examined the prevalence of foot pain in the general community. The aims of this study were therefore to determine the prevalence, correlates and impact of foot pain in a population-based sample of people aged 18 years and over living in the northwest region of Adelaide, South Australia.

Mental Health Services Research & Policy Collection: Arl Collection Initiative, Phyllis Ruscella, Ardis Hanson, John Abresch, Claudia Dold

Ardis Hanson

An ARL-level mental health services research and policy collection will support, not only the international and national goals of improving mental health; it also positions USF (USF) within the renowned health services research community, becoming peers with other major university health services research centers. The further development of the mental health services research and policy collections, with the foci on disaster mental health and vulnerable populations and the improved access to related mental health services research grey literature, directly supports USF’s stated goals. It expands the university’s capacity for world-renowned interdisciplinary research. It supports globally competitive undergraduate, graduate, and professional …

Addding Value To Increase The Hospital Library Profile: A Staff Publications Alerting Service, Roni Wayne, Susan J. Rockliff

Susan J Rockliff

Easy to set up and administer, a new service by The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Library alerts hospital staff to its collective publishing output. Along with boosting the Library's visibility, it would also seem to be fostering organisational pride.

Chronic Disease Prevalence And Associations In A Cohort Of Australian Men: The Florey Adelaide Male Ageing Study (Famas), Sean A. Martin, Matthew T. Haren, Anne Taylor, Sue M. Middleton, Gary A. Wittert

Anne Taylor

An increasing proportion of Australia's chronic disease burden is carried by the ageing male. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of asthma, cancer, diabetes, angina and musculoskeletal conditions and their relationship to behavioural and socio-demographic factors in a cohort of Australian men.