Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Who Wears Me? Bioimpedance As A Passive Biometric, Cory Cornelius, Jacob Sorber, Ronald Peterson, Joe Skinner, Ryan Halter, David Kotz

Dartmouth Scholarship

Mobile and wearable systems for monitoring health are becoming common. If such an mHealth system knows the identity of its wearer, the system can properly label and store data collected by the system. Existing recognition schemes for such mobile applications and pervasive devices are not particularly usable – they require ıt active engagement with the person (e.g., the input of passwords), or they are too easy to fool (e.g., they depend on the presence of a device that is easily stolen or lost). \par We present a wearable sensor to passively recognize people. Our sensor uses the unique electrical properties …

Evaluation Of Smoking Cessation Services In Ireland: Design And Pilot Of A Smoking Cessation Treatment Database, Sheila Keogan

Masters

A reduction in tobacco use is one of the stated aims of the National Health Promotion Strategy
(2000-2005) (Department of Health and Children, 2000a) as well being the core activity of
membership for all health promoting hospitals (HPH).
AIMS OF THE STUDY

1. To develop a database of smoking cessation services in Ireland.

2. Do a census of the smoking cessation services in Ireland and evaluate the range and
availability of them.
3. Develop a database for use in smoking cessation treatment services which would schedule
consultations with patients and gather all relevant demographics, treatments and their outcomes,
(cessation treatment …

Observer Variation In Mri Evaluation Of Patients With Suspected Lumbar Disc Herniation And Nerve Root Compression: Comparison Of Neuroradiologist And Neurosurgeon's Interpretations, Imaad-Ur Rehman, Rana Shoaib Hamid, Waseem Akhtar, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Rohana Naqi, Haji Ismail Siddiq

Department of Radiology

Objective: To analyse inter-observer variation between a neuroradiologist and neurosurgeon in the MRI diagnosis of lumbar nerve root compression. Although lumbar MFI is primarily analyzed and reported by a radiologist, neurosurgeons often analyse it independently as they have sufficient clinical background as well as radiological expertise to diagnose most spinal pathologies on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Methods: Retrospective analysis was carried out for images of 54 patients who underwent MRI between March and July 2010 of lumbar spine with suspected lumbar disc herniation and nerve root compression, at Aga Khan Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. One fellowship trained neuroradiologist and one neurosurgeon …

The Effects Of A Group Visit Program On Outcomes Of Diabetes Care In An Urban Family Practice., Jeffrey A Reitz, Mona Sarfaty, James Diamond, Brooke Salzman

Department of Family & Community Medicine Faculty Papers

Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent chronic health condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Those with diabetes must acquire self-efficacy in the tasks necessary for them to successfully manage their disease. In this study, a controlled pre- and post-design was used to determine the effect of an adult support and education group visit program embedded in an urban academic family medicine practice on weight and the achievement of treatment goals for hemoglobin A1C, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) blood concentration, and blood pressure (BP) several months after it was implemented. Participants in the program were matched to a comparison group based on …

Body Mass Index Trajectories From Adolescence To Midlife: Differential Effects Of Parental And Respondent Education By Race/Ethnicity And Gender, Katrina M. Walsemann, Jennifer A. Ailshire, Bethany A. Bell, Edward A. Frongillo

Faculty Publications

Objectives: Race/ethnicity and education are among the strongest social determinants of body mass index (BMI) throughout the life course, yet we know relatively little about how these social factors both independently and interactively contribute to the rate at which BMI changes from adolescence to midlife. The purpose of this study is to 1) examine variation in trajectories of BMI from adolescence to midlife by mothers' and respondents' education, and 2) determine if the effects of mothers' and respondents' education on BMI trajectories differ by race/ethnicity and gender.

Design: We used nationally representative data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth …

Iron Homeostasis During Cystic Fibrosis Pulmonary Exacerbation, Alex H. Gifford, Lisa A. Moulton, Dana B. Dorman, Gordana Olbina, Mark Westerman, H. Worth Parker, Bruce Stanton, George A. O'Toole

Dartmouth Scholarship

BACKGROUND:

Hypoferremia is a marker of disease severity in cystic fibrosis (CF). The effect of systemic antibiotics on iron homeostasis during CF pulmonary exacerbation (CFPE) is unknown. Our central hypotheses were that, by the completion of treatment, serum iron would increase, serum concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and hepcidin-25, two mediators of hypoferremia, would decrease, and sputum iron would decrease.

METHODS:

Blood and sputum samples were collected from 12 subjects with moderate-to-severe CF (median percentage-predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1) %) = 29%; median weight = 56 kg) within 24 hours of starting and completing a course of systemic …

Oncolog, Volume 57, Number 08, August 2012, Amelia Scholtz, Dawn Chalaire

OncoLog MD Anderson's Report to Physicians (All issues) Archives

• Preoperative Chemotherapy Offers Best Outcomes for Patients with Rare Bladder Cancer: A combination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery provides patients who have small-cell urothelial cancer (SCUC) with much longer survival times than does initial surgery, the previous standard treatment
• Addressing Psychological Concerns for Cancer Patients: Despite advances in cancer treatment over the past several years, for many people, a diagnosis of cancer can still feel like a death sentence. The added stress leads to psychological problems for many patterns
• INBRIEF: New Antibody Treatment Produces Responses in Patient with Advanced Cancer/Accelerated Partial-Breast Brachytherapy Associated with Decreased Long-Term Breast Preservation and Increased …

Obstructive Sleep Apnea And The Effects Of Co-Existing Factors On Pacu Stay Time, Shari F. Jones Phd, Crna

Dissertations

Significance/Background: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common disturbance during sleep affecting 30% of the population. The occurrence of moderate/severe OSA is 11.4% in men and 4.7% in women. OSA is caused by repetitive partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway with apnea episodes. OSA is prevalent in western society, yet is frequently undiagnosed due to lack of knowledge of the disorder. This population presents a challenge during the peri-operative period due to increased risk for several complications. Of particular interest to Nurse Anesthetists, are respiratory complications that result in delayed emergence from anesthesia, delayed post-operative recovery, increased …

Quality Of Life For All Ages, By Design. A Conversation With Patricia Moore, Patricia Moore

Center for Policy Research

On November 3, 2011, Patricia Moore presented the Syracuse Seminar on Aging to a packed audience of over 250 faculty, students, and community members. She delivered an engaging lecture on “Quality of life for all ages, by design”. Afterwards Janet Wilmoth, Director of the Syracuse University Aging Studies Institute, and Patricia Moore had a chance to sit down and talk about her path-breaking career, ability-based design, and aging in America.

Digest Of The Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine (Summer 2012), Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine

Digest

The Summer 2012 issue of the Digest of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine includes the following articles:

• Message from the President
• PCOM Updates
• Commencement 2012
• Honors and Awards
• Development News
• Giving Back and Paying it Forward: Three alumni talk about their Careers and their Support for the College
• Top 100 Donors
• Transitioning into Retirement
• Trends in Forensic Medicine: Dramatic Rise in Prescription Drug Use
• Remembering Nicholas C. Pedano, DO ’61, FACOS
• Class Notes
• In Memoriam
• My Turn Essay
• The Fund for PCOM

Impact Of Macular Pigment On Visual Performance, James Loughman, Peter Davison, John Nolan, Stephen Beatty

Articles

PURPOSE. To investigate changes in macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and visual performance following supplementation with different macular carotenoid formulations. METHODS. Thirty-six subjects (19 male, 17 female; mean 6 SD, age 51 6 13 years) were recruited into this single-masked placebo-controlled study, and were randomly assigned to one of the following three intervention (supplementation) groups: (1) group 1 (20 mg lutein [L] and 2 mg zeaxanthin [Z]); (2) group 2 (10 mg L, 2 mg Z, and 10 mg meso-zeaxanthin [MZ]); and group 3 (placebo). Outcomes measures included visual performance and MPOD response. Data were collected at baseline, at 3 …

Clinical Applicability Of The Macular Degeneration Detection Device (Mdd-2): A Novel Photostress Recovery Measurement Device, James Loughman, Ciara Hewitt, Claire Judge, Louise Martin, Claire Moulds, Peter Davison

Articles

Background: Diseases affecting the macula, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy and central serous retinopathy can result in impaired photostress recovery time (PSRT) despite normal visual acuity and fundoscopic appearance. The MDD-2 Macular Degeneration Detection Device is a novel flash photostress recovery device. In this study, we examine the repeatability of the MDD-2 in a normal population and its suitability for incorporation into routine clinical practice. Methods: One hundred (60 female) subjects (mean age 35+-8 years; range 18 to 66 years) were recruited to partake in this study. The photostress recovery time was measured using the MDD-2 on …

Spiritual Care Interventions To Improve The Quality Of Life In Patients With Advanced Cancer Receiving Palliative Care, Maria Ballen-Sanchez

HIM 1990-2015

Title: Spiritual Care Interventions and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients Receiving Palliative Care Background: Despite the evidence supporting spiritual care in nursing and an increased quality of life among patients, patients feel that their spiritual needs are not being supported by medical professionals. Nurses agree that the role they play is significant in addressing the needs of cancer patients; however, they feel that they lack the knowledge for addressing spirituality concerns at the end of life. The purpose of this study is to identify spiritual care interventions that nurses can implement to improve quality of life (QOL) in patients …

Psychosocial Status And Health Outcomes In Older Adults Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Amanada Fernandez

HIM 1990-2015

Purpose: To recognize and raise awareness about the psychosocial status and health outcomes in older adults living with HIV. Method: A literature search was conducted from the disciplines of nursing and medicine using the CINAHL, PubMed, and Medline databases. Inclusion criteria: articles exploring older adults who are HIV positive and factors related to depression, suicide and available healthcare resources. Exclusion criteria: articles including individuals under the age of 50 infected with HIV/AIDS and articles focused entirely on physiologic principles of HIV/AIDS. Results: In older adults living with HIV/AIDS, the literature review disclosed a comprehensive gap between identifying this age group …

Frequency Of Poor Quality Of Life And Predictors Of Health Related Quality Of Life In Cirrhosis At A Tertiary Care Hospital Pakistan, Om Parkash, Romaina Iqbal, Fatima Jafri, Iqbal Azam, Wasim Jafri

Section of Gastroenterology

Background

Cirrhosis produces variety of symptoms which eventually lead to a negative impact on Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL). The general aim of this study was to evaluate the magnitude of poor HRQOL and to assess factors related with HRQOL in patients with CLD in Pakistan.

Findings

This was a cross sectional study conducted in gastroenterology outpatient clinics of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi on adult patients with cirrhosis. In this study chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ) was used to assess HRQOL of these patients and CLDQ score was used as an outcome measure to determine factors related with …

Effects Of Passive Heat Stress On Thermoregulation In Smokers Versus Non-Smokers, Hannah M. Anderson

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Context: Maintaining thermal balance under heat-stress depends on appropriate increases in sweating and skin blood flow (cutaneous vasodilation). Given the multiple effects on nicotine on the body, it is unknown if sweating and cutaneous vasodilation are impaired, or possibly enhanced in smokers during heat stress. Objective: To examine the effects of passive heating on thermoregulatory responses (i.e., sweating and cutaneous vasodilation) in smokers versus non-smokers. Design: 1 passive heat trial per subject. Patients or Other Participants: 14 male smokers (26 ± 7 y; 180.0 ± 5.5 cm; 81.2 ± 20.7 kg; 3.2 ± 1.9 packs/week) and 12 male non-smokers (26 …

The Real-Time Measurements Of Blood Nitric Oxide (No) And Hydrogen Peroxide (H2o2) Levels Under Acute Hyperglycemia, Michael Minni

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

Vascular endothelial dysfunction is one of the earliest recognizable events under hyperglycemic conditions. It is characterized by decreased endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and increased oxidative stress, such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) overproduction. However, the real-time changes in blood NO and H₂O₂ levels under acute hyperglycemia have not been evaluated. In this study, acute hyperglycemia (200 mg/dl, 400 mg/dL, and 600 mg/dL) was induced by intravenous infusion of 20%, 30%, and 50% D-glucose respectively for 180 min. Infusion of saline or 30% L-glucose serve as controls. Blood NO or H_{2 …}

The Role Of Antioxidant Rich Berries In The Prevention Of Postmenopausal Bone Loss, Lydia Karimi Kaume

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is the most prevalent form of osteoporosis and results in fragility fractures. Smoking is one of the major risk factors for osteoporosis and is known to aggravate bone loss in postmenopausal women due to increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Diet-based interventions using berries have shown bone protective affects in animal studies partially due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of their phenolic compounds. The goal of this research was to determine the effects of antioxidant-rich fruits in the prevention of postmenopausal bone loss. Our first study examined the dose dependent effects of blackberries in preventing bone loss in an …

Does Psychopathy Predict Future Risky Sexual Behavior?, Jessica Jade Fulton

Dissertations

Risky sexual behavior (RSB), such as having sex with an unknown partner, is associated with a variety of negative consequences including sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy. Previous research (e.g., Fulton, Marcus, & Payne, 2010) suggests that psychopathic personality traits as assessed by the Psychopathic Personality Inventory (Lilienfeld & Andrews, 1996) are associated with RSB. Self-Centered Impulsivity (SCI), which is characterized by impulsivity, irresponsibility, and reckless behavior, was positively associated with RSB among men and women. In contrast, Fearless Dominance (FD), which is characterized by fearlessness, manipulativeness, and social dominance, was positively associated with RSB among men but not women. …

Integrating Care: Improving Overall Health By Integrating Behavioral/Mental Health Care Into Primary Care, Macaran A. Baird

Center for Policy Research

Hippocrates noted that the patient must be attended in light of “his” diet, work, home, and community setting. Since that time, we have struggled with the dilemma of how to put the patient’s presenting problems in the context of the patient’s life circumstances. That goal has proven elusive. So how do we sort out where to put the emphasis with our healing arts?

Machine Learning Approach To Extract Diagnostic And Prognostic Thresholds: Application In Prognosis Of Cardiovascular Mortality, Luis J. Mena, Eber E. Orozco, Vanessa G. Felix, Rodolfo Ostos, Jesus D. Melgarejo, Gladys E. Maestre

School of Medicine Publications

Machine learning has become a powerful tool for analysing medical domains, assessing the importance of clinical parameters, and extracting medical knowledge for outcomes research. In this paper, we present a machine learning method for extracting diagnostic and prognostic thresholds, based on a symbolic classification algorithm called REMED. We evaluated the performance of our method by determining new prognostic thresholds for well-known and potential cardiovascular risk factors that are used to support medical decisions in the prognosis of fatal cardiovascular diseases. Our approach predicted 36% of cardiovascular deaths with 80% specificity and 75% general accuracy. The new method provides an innovative …

Each Day Outdoor Play!Exchange-Early Childhood Leaders, Shelina Bhamani

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

No abstract provided.

Atlas-Based White Matter Analysis In Individuals With Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome (22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome) And Unaffected Siblings, Petya D. Radoeva, Ioana L. Coman, Kevin M. Antshel, Wanda Fremont, Christopher Mccarthy, Ashwini Kotkar, Dongliang Wang, Robert J. Shprintzen, Wendy R. Kates

Communication Disorders Faculty Publications

Background: Velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS, MIM#192430, 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome) is a genetic disorder caused by a deletion of about 40 genes at the q11.2 band of one copy of chromosome 22. Individuals with VCFS present with deficits in cognition and social functioning, high risk of psychiatric disorders, volumetric reductions in gray and white matter (WM) and some alterations of the WM microstructure. The goal of the current study was to characterize the WM microstructural differences in individuals with VCFS and unaffected siblings, and the correlation of WM microstructure with neuropsychological performance. We hypothesized that individuals with VCFS would have decreased indices …

Effectiveness Of Resin Infiltration And Mi Paste Cpp-Acp In Masking White Spot Lesions, Melissa Wu Bailey

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The development of decalcification around orthodontic brackets and bands, commonly called white spot lesions (WSLs), is often observed in patients with poor oral hygiene during treatment (Behnan et al., 2010, Rodgers et al., 2010). In many instances, these WSLs continue to be visible after the removal of fixed appliances and after natural remineralization. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effectiveness of two treatment modalities, resin infiltration (RI) and Casein Phosphopeptide Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP), at improving the light reflectivity and thus the appearance of WSLs using spectrophotometric analysis. Sixty extracted human third molars were partially …

Accuracy Of Ortho Insight 3d Digital Scanner In Mesial-Distal Tooth Measurements, Andrew A. Ferris

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Digital scanners and software may be used to measure mesial-distal (MD) tooth width for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Although there have been many studies performed on different digital scanners, accuracy of mesial-distal tooth measurements using the Ortho Insight 3D scanner and its software (Motionview Software LLC) has not been reported. Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine if the MD tooth measurements from the digital models scanned by Ortho Insight 3D are accurate compared to the measurements taken directly from the teeth and models with a digital caliper. Material and Methods: Individual MD tooth measurements were …

Dental And Buccal Bone Stability After Rapid Maxillary Expansion And Fixed Orthodontic Treatment, Allison Milliner

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate, via CBCT, the dental and osseous effects of patients who had completed comprehensive orthodontic treatment with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in conjunction with Ricketts prescription brackets. Thirty consecutive patients (16 males, 14 females; mean age = 13.9  1.9 years) who required RME as part of their orthodontic treatment and had pre-RME (T1), post-RME (T2) and final orthodontic (T3) CBCT images were included in the study. Thirteen patients had 2-banded, while 17 had 4-banded appliances. Measurements of interdental distance (ID), interdental angle (IA), buccal bone thickness (BBT) and buccal marginal bone …

Evaluation Of Apical, Coronal And Occlusal Form Diffrences With Conventional Orthodontic Treatment, Tamar Sardarian

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can be used to accurately identify dental landmarks in order to detect changes in dental arch forms. Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine how apical, coronal and occlusal arch forms change following orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances and to establish a base for future studies. Material and Methods: Maxillary and mandibular apical, coronal and occlusal landmarks of 27 subjects were selected on their respective CBCT images at two time points: pre-orthodontic treatment (T1) and post-orthodontic treatment (T2). Comparisons were made between the two time points to evaluate how each arch form changed …

Effect Of Time On Gypsum-Impression Material Compatibility, John Boram Won

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the compatibility of dental gypsum with three recently introduced irreversible hydrocolloid (alginate) alternatives. The test materials were Alginot® (Kerr™), Position Penta Quick® (3M ESPE™) and Silgimix® (Sultan Dental™). The irreversible hydrocolloid impression material, Jeltrate Plus antimicrobial® (Dentsply Caulk™) served as the control. Materials and Methods: Testing of materials was conducted in accordance with ANSI/ADA Specification No. 18 for Alginate Impression Materials. Statistical Analysis: The 3-Way ANOVA test was used to analyze measurements between different time points at a significance level of (p < 0.05) Outcome: It was found that there was greater compatibility between gypsum and the alternative materials over time than the traditional irreversible hydrocolloid material that was tested. A statistically significant amount of surface change/incompatibility was found over time with the combination of the dental gypsum products and the control impression material (Jeltrate Plus antimicrobial®).

Mechanical Evaluation Of Mandibular Defects Restored With Rhbmp-2: A Finite Element Model, Jelson Yalung

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The utilization of recombinant human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (rh- BMP2) to form new bone has been shown to be a promising alternative to autogenous bone grafts. Understanding the biomechanical properties of rhBMP-2 restored mandibular defects would provide useful knowledge in the future success of orthopedic and dental treatment in patients who have had restoration of mandibular defects with rhBMP-2. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the biomechanical characteristics of rhBMP-2 regenerated bone in mandibular defects using 2 different concentrations of rhBMP-2 with a given carrier in non-human primates Material and Methods: Critical-sized defects (approximately 2.5 …

Breastfeeding Attitudes And Intentions Among Middle Eastern Women Living In Southern California, Christina Irsilious Fam

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. Breastfeeding is unsurpassed as the preferred method of feeding infants all over the world due to the fact that its benefits far outweigh those of infant formula. Mothers from all cultures prefer breastfeeding, yet with immigration and emigration so widespread from developing countries, women's value systems are changing to adapt to their new surroundings. The United States has experienced a great influx of Middle Easterners; California in particular has a dominant presence of Middle Easterners. Many are faced with obstacles and stresses in acculturation, which may lead to lack of breastfeeding their infants. Few studies are available on Middle …