Issues Associated with Developing a Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Completion Program in Florida

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Rebecca M.

2011-01-01

The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) and the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) supported the notion that the baccalaureate degree should be the entry-level degree for the dental hygiene profession. There was also clear evidence that there was a national shortage of baccalaureate-earned-minimum dental hygiene educators.…

Strategies for Maintaining Associate Degree Nursing Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tilton, Theodore

As part of the national campaign of the American Nurses Association (ANA) to create two levels of nursing, one for bachelor of science nurses (BSN's) and one for associate degree nurses (ADN's), Illinois has been targeted for a legislative push to change the laws governing nurse licensure, which, if successful, would signal the beginning of the…

Predictors of Associate's Degree Completion in Engineering and Engineering Technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reys-Nickel, Lynsey L.

The purpose of this ex post facto study was to describe completers and non-completers of associate's degree programs in engineering and engineering technologies and determine whether and to what extent completion in these programs is a function of selected student-related variables and institutional variables. Data from the 2004/2009 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS: 04/09) of associate's degree completers and non-completers in engineering and engineering technologies were accessed and analyzed through PowerStats, a web-based data analysis tool from National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Descriptive data indicated that, proportionally, engineering and engineering technologies completers were mostly White, married, middle income, employed part-time, enrolled full-time, did not hold a high school diploma or certificate, completed Trigonometry/Algebra II, had a father who's highest education level was an associate's degree, but did not know their mother's highest level of education, completed remedial coursework, and started college with the goal of earning an associate's degree. While more males enrolled in the programs, males and females demonstrated similar completion rates, proportionally--with females showing a slightly higher percentage of completion. Results from the logistic regression further indicated that the variables significant to completion in associate's degree programs in engineering and engineering technologies were gender and enrollment size. Findings suggested that female students were more likely to earn the degree, and that the larger the institution, the more likely the student would become a completer. However, since a major limitation of the study was the small weighted sample size, the results of the study are inconclusive in terms of the extent to which the findings can be generalized to the population of students in associate's degree programs in engineering and engineering technologies. This study fills a gap in the literature of what is known about engineering and engineering technician students. It also contributes to the body of research on an understudied STEM educational and professional pathway, the associate's degree in engineering and engineering technologies.

The Struggle to Succeed: Factors Associated with the Persistence of Part-Time Adult Students Seeking a Master's Degree

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cohen, Marian A. O.; Greenberg, Scott

2011-01-01

Studies of student persistence at the undergraduate level are numerous and well known to those in the field, but at the graduate level, they are far more limited. The latter generally focus on doctoral candidates or those enrolled in professional programs. Master's-degree candidates, especially those who pursue a degree on a part-time basis at a…

Educational Level, Anticoagulation Quality, and Clinical Outcomes in Elderly Patients with Acute Venous Thromboembolism: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PubMed

Hofmann, Eveline; Faller, Nicolas; Limacher, Andreas; Méan, Marie; Tritschler, Tobias; Rodondi, Nicolas; Aujesky, Drahomir

2016-01-01

Whether the level of education is associated with anticoagulation quality and clinical outcomes in patients with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) is uncertain. We thus aimed to investigate the association between educational level and anticoagulation quality and clinical outcomes in elderly patients with acute VTE. We studied 817 patients aged ≥65 years with acute VTE from a Swiss prospective multicenter cohort study (09/2009-12/2013). We defined three educational levels: 1) less than high school, 2) high school, and 3) post-secondary degree. The primary outcome was the anticoagulation quality, expressed as the percentage of time spent in the therapeutic INR range (TTR). Secondary outcomes were the time to a first recurrent VTE and major bleeding. We adjusted for potential confounders and periods of anticoagulation. Overall, 56% of patients had less than high school, 25% a high school degree, and 18% a post-secondary degree. The mean percentage of TTR was similar across educational levels (less than high school, 61%; high school, 64%; and post-secondary, 63%; P = 0.36). Within three years of follow-up, patients with less than high school, high school, and a post-secondary degree had a cumulative incidence of recurrent VTE of 14.2%, 12.9%, and 16.4%, and a cumulative incidence of major bleeding of 13.3%, 15.1%, and 15.4%, respectively. After adjustment, educational level was neither associated with anticoagulation quality nor with recurrent VTE or major bleeding. In elderly patients with VTE, we did not find an association between educational level and anticoagulation quality or clinical outcomes.

Are Plasma Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Levels Associated with Degree of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Euthyroid Obese Patients? A Turkish Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Bakiner, Okan; Bozkirli, Emre; Cavlak, Gulhan; Ozsahin, Kursad; Ertorer, Eda

2014-01-01

We aimed to observe the association between degree of obesity and metabolic syndrome and plasma thyrotropin levels in obese, euthyroid Turkish patients. 947 obese and overweight patients who admitted to our outpatient clinic were assessed retrospectively. 150 healthy euthyroid cases were also recruited as the control group. Cases with metabolic syndrome were determined. Patients were divided into various subgroups as overweight, obese, morbid obese, men, and women. No statistical significance was determined when all the patients' and subgroups' plasma thyrotropin levels were compared to normal weight control group. No association was shown between the presence of metabolic syndrome and plasma thyrotropin levels for both all patients and subgroups. Also there was not any association between each component of metabolic syndrome and plasma thyrotropin levels. In conclusion, we did not found any significant association between plasma thyrotropin levels and obesity and metabolic syndrome in our euthyroid subjects. PMID:24527220

Lower Serum DHEAS levels are associated with a higher degree of physical disability and depressive symptoms in middle-aged to older African American women

PubMed Central

Haren, Matthew T.; Malmstrom, Theodore K.; Banks, William A.; Patrick, Ping; Miller, Douglas K.; Morley, John E.

2007-01-01

Background Changes in androgen levels and associations with chronic disease, physical and neuropsychological function and disability in women over the middle to later years of life are not well understood and have not been extensively studied in African-American women. Aims The present cross-sectional analysis reports such levels and associations in community dwelling, African American women aged 49 – 65 years from St. Louis, Missouri. Methods A home-based physical examination and a health status questionnaire were administered to randomly sampled women. Body composition (DEXA), lower limb and hand-grip muscle strength, physical and neuropsychological function and disability levels were assessed. Blood was drawn and assayed for total testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS), oestradiol (E2), adiponectin, leptin, triglycerides, glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP) and cytokine receptors (sIL2r, sIL6r, sTNFr1 & sTNFr2). Multiple linear regression modelling was used to identify the best predictors of testosterone, DHEAS and Free Androgen Index (T/SHBG). Results Seventy-four percent of women were menopausal and a quarter of these were taking oestrogen therapy. DHEAS and E2 declined between the ages of 49 and 65 years, whereas total T, SHBG and FAI remained stable. Total T and DHEAS levels were strongly correlated. In this population sample there were no independent associations of either total T or FAI with indicators of functional limitations, disability or clinically relevant depressive symptoms. Unlike total T and FAI, lower DHEAS levels was independently associated with both higher IADL scores (indicating a higher degree of physical disability) and higher CESD scores (indicating a higher degree of clinically relevant depressive symptoms). Conclusion There is an age-related decline in serum DHEAS in African-American women. Lower DHEAS levels appear to be associated with a higher degree of physical disability and depressive symptoms in this population. PMID:17451893

GSEH: A Novel Approach to Select Prostate Cancer-Associated Genes Using Gene Expression Heterogeneity.

PubMed

Kim, Hyunjin; Choi, Sang-Min; Park, Sanghyun

2018-01-01

When a gene shows varying levels of expression among normal people but similar levels in disease patients or shows similar levels of expression among normal people but different levels in disease patients, we can assume that the gene is associated with the disease. By utilizing this gene expression heterogeneity, we can obtain additional information that abets discovery of disease-associated genes. In this study, we used collaborative filtering to calculate the degree of gene expression heterogeneity between classes and then scored the genes on the basis of the degree of gene expression heterogeneity to find "differentially predicted" genes. Through the proposed method, we discovered more prostate cancer-associated genes than 10 comparable methods. The genes prioritized by the proposed method are potentially significant to biological processes of a disease and can provide insight into them.

The Levels and Training Strategies of Chinese Higher Vocational Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shiming, Zhu; Ya'nan, Mao

2017-01-01

Chinese higher vocational education has already formed a relatively complete system covering the four degree levels: associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral. The associate's level mainly cultivates people with high-tech capabilities for enterprises. The bachelor's level is mainly divided into application and teaching bachelor's, whereby an…

Social capital and health: Does egalitarianism matter? A literature review

PubMed Central

Islam, M Kamrul; Merlo, Juan; Kawachi, Ichiro; Lindström, Martin; Gerdtham, Ulf-G

2006-01-01

The aim of the paper is to critically review the notion of social capital and review empirical literature on the association between social capital and health across countries. The methodology used for the review includes a systematic search on electronic databases for peer-reviewed published literature. We categorize studies according to level of analysis (single and multilevel) and examine whether studies reveal a significant health impact of individual and area level social capital. We compare the study conclusions according to the country's degrees of economic egalitarianism. Regardless of study design, our findings indicate that a positive association (fixed effect) exists between social capital and better health irrespective of countries degree of egalitarianism. However, we find that the between-area variance (random effect) in health tends to be lower in more egalitarian countries than in less egalitarian countries. Our tentative conclusion is that an association between social capital and health at the individual level is robust with respect to the degree of egalitarianism within a country. Area level or contextual social capital may be less salient in egalitarian countries in explaining health differences across places. PMID:16597324

Relationships among grit, academic performance, perceived academic failure, and stress in associate degree students.

PubMed

Lee, Wincy Wing Sze

2017-10-01

The present study examined the relationships among grit, academic performance, perceived academic failure, and stress levels of Hong Kong associate degree students using path analysis. Three hundred and forty-five students from a community college in Hong Kong voluntarily participated in the study. They completed a questionnaire that measured their grit (operationalized as interest and perseverance) and stress levels. The students also provided their actual academic performance and evaluated their perception of their academic performance as a success or a failure. The results of the path analysis showed that interest and perseverance were negatively associated with stress, and only perceived academic failure was positively associated with stress. These findings suggest that psychological appraisal and resources are more important antecedents of stress than objective negative events. Therefore, fostering students' psychological resilience may alleviate the stress experienced by associate degree students or college students in general. Copyright © 2017 The Foundation for Professionals in Services for Adolescents. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design and Assessment of an Associate Degree-Level Plant Operations Technical Education Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selwitz, Jason Lawrence

Research was undertaken to develop and evaluate an associate degree-level technical education program in Plant Operations oriented towards training students in applied science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills and knowledge relevant to a spectrum of processing industries. This work focuses on four aspects of the curriculum and course development and evaluation research. First, the context of, and impetus for, what was formerly called vocational education, now referred to as technical or workforce education, is provided. Second, the research that was undertaken to design and evaluate an associate degree-level STEM workforce education program is described. Third, the adaptation of a student self-assessment of learning gains instrument is reviewed, and an analysis of the resulting data using an adapted logic model is provided, to evaluate the extent to which instructional approaches, in two process control/improvement-focused courses, were effective in meeting course-level intended learning outcomes. Finally, eight integrative multiscale exercises were designed from two example process systems, wastewater treatment and fast pyrolysis. The integrative exercises are intended for use as tools to accelerate the formation of an operator-technician's multiscale vision of systems, unit operations, underlying processes, and fundamental reactions relevant to multiple industries. Community and technical colleges serve a vital function in STEM education by training workers for medium- and high-skilled technical careers and providing employers the labor necessary to operate and maintain thriving business ventures. Through development of the curricular, course, and assessment-related instruments and tools, this research helps ensure associate degree-level technical education programs can engage in a continual process of program evaluation and improvement.

The Past, the Present, and the Future of Associate Degree Nursing Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arlton, Donna

A review of the history of associate degree nursing (ADN) education is presented, along with a discussion of contemporary problems faced by ADN educators. The paper first notes the practical, hospital-based nature of early nursing education programs; reviews early studies calling for school-based programs to prepare nurses for different levels of…

The Development of a Program of Study for a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education in Belize

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mendez Valladares, Melissa Dilieth

2017-01-01

Presently, the highest degree a person interested in teaching at the early childhood level in Belize is the Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. The purpose of this project was to design a program of undergraduate coursework in the area of teacher preparation that will meet university qualifications for a Bachelor's Degree in Early…

Mood and metabolic consequences of sleep deprivation as a potential endophenotype' in bipolar disorder.

PubMed

Aydin, Adem; Selvi, Yavuz; Besiroglu, Lutfullah; Boysan, Murat; Atli, Abdullah; Ozdemir, Osman; Kilic, Sultan; Balaharoglu, Ragıp

2013-09-05

It has been commonly recognized that circadian rhythm and sleep/wake cycle are causally involved in bipolar disorder. There has been a paucity of systematic research considering the relations between sleep and mood states in bipolar disorder. The current study examines the possible influences of sleep deprivation on mood states and endocrine functions among first-degree relatives of patients with bipolar disorder and healthy controls. Blood samples were taken at two time points in the consecutive mornings at predeprivation and postdeprivation periods. Participants simultaneously completed the Profiles of Mood States at two time points after giving blood samples. Plasma T3 and TSH levels increased after total sleep deprivation in both groups. Sleep deprivation induced TSH levels were reversely associated with depression-dejection among healthy controls. A paradoxical effect was detected for only the first-degree relatives of the patients that changes in plasma cortisol levels negatively linked to depression-dejection and anger-hostility scores after total sleep deprivation. Plasma DHEA levels became correlated with vigor-activity scores after sleep deprivation among first-degree relatives of bipolar patients. On the contrary, significant associations of depression-dejection, anger-hostility, and confusion-bewilderment with the baseline plasma DHEA levels became statistically trivial in the postdeprivation period. Findings suggested that first-degree relatives of patients with bipolar disorder had completely distinct characteristics with respect to sleep deprivation induced responses in terms of associations between endocrine functions and mood states as compared to individuals whose relatives had no psychiatric problems. Considering the relationships between endocrine functions and mood states among relatives of the patients, it appears like sleep deprivation changes the receptor sensitivity which probably plays a pivotal role on mood outcomes among the first-degree relatives of patients with bipolar disorder. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Career Mobility: Implementing the Ladder Concept in Associate Degree and Practical Nursing Curricula.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Story, Donna Ketchum

Designing a career ladder curriculum is not simply taking an existing practical nurse curriculum and an associate degree nursing curriculum and placing one after the other. The curriculum is designed to produce students who are competent practitioners as practical nurses at the end of the first level and then allow them to continue for an…

78 FR 78976 - Indian Health Professions Preparatory, Indian Health Professions Pre-graduate and Indian Health...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-27

.... Physician Assistant: PA-C. P. Physical Therapy: M.S. and D.P.T. Q. Podiatry: D.P.M. R. Public Health Nutritionist: M.S. S. Respiratory Therapy: B.S. Degree. T. Social Work: Masters Level only (Direct Practice and...: Associate and Bachelor Degrees and advanced degrees in Psychiatry, Geriatric, Women's Health, Pediatric...

Psychosocial factors at home and at work and levels of salivary cortisol.

PubMed

Eller, Nanna Hurwitz; Netterstrøm, Bo; Hansen, Ase Marie

2006-10-01

Salivary cortisol as a physiological measure of stress has attracted great interest in recent years. A 55 women and 28 men, all healthy volunteers, were included in a study on psychosocial factors at work and at home and salivary cortisol. General linear models, univariate and repeated measures, respectively, were used to evaluate the associations between psychosocial factors and cortisol excretion measured six times during a working day. Age, physical activity, tobacco use and the time of the first saliva sample were used as covariates. In the women, high degrees of time pressure, effort and effort reward imbalance were significantly associated with higher levels of cortisol. In the men, high degrees of effort, effort reward imbalance and overcommitment were significantly associated with higher levels of cortisol. Psychosocial factors are of significance to the level of salivary cortisol. The study emphasises the benefits of taking physiological measurements of stress in epidemiological studies.

Insulin resistance and alanine amino transaminase (ALT) levels in first degree relatives of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Kuzhandai velu, V; Jyothirmayi, B; Kumar, J S

2011-01-01

Insulin resistance is established as an independent predictor of a range of disorders such as obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. There is an association of hyperinsulinemia with hypertriglycerdemia, low level of HDL and high level of LDL. In nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, there is an elevation of ALT, raising the possibility that the prospective relationship between ALT and type 2 diabetes may reflect cross-sectional associations with insulin resistance or obesity. To find the significance of insulin resistance and alanine aminotransferase level in first degree relatives of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study included 50 first degree relatives of type 2 diabetes (25 men and 25 women) aged 20-60 years and 30 control of similar age. All cases were taken from SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chennai. All the cases were analyzed for HOMA(IR), QUICKI, IR ratio, fasting glucose, insulin (ELISA), lipid profile and alanine aminotransferase. Student's 't' test was applied for statistical analysis. The data show the significance of insulin resistance (HOMA(IR)) (2.76±1.46, 1.35±0.8, p<0.001) in the first degree relatives of type 2 diabetes mellitus when compared with controls respectively and increased level fasting plasma insulin (12.28±6.16, 6.12±3.04, p<0.001). In the lipid profile the total cholesterol and TAG are significant. No statistical significance was found in ALT (24.8±9.84, 20.08±11.02). Results of the study conclude that there is a high prevalence of insulin resistance in the first degree relatives of type 2 diabetes mellitus. ALT levels in the first degree relatives of type 2 diabetes mellitus had increased levels of insulin resistance, the pathogenesis suggesting increase in ALT levels as seen in insulin resistance condition. In our study, ALT was not statistically significant. Copyright © 2012 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

MGMT hypomethylation is associated with DNA damage in workers exposed to low-dose benzene.

PubMed

Li, Jie; Zhang, Xinjie; He, Zhini; Sun, Qing; Qin, Fei; Huang, Zhenlie; Zhang, Xiao; Sun, Xin; Liu, Linhua; Chen, Liping; Gao, Chen; Wang, Shan; Wang, Fangping; Li, Daochuan; Zeng, Xiaowen; Deng, Qifei; Wang, Qing; Zhang, Bo; Tang, Huanwen; Chen, Wen; Xiao, Yongmei

2017-07-01

This study aims to assess the effects of low-dose benzene on DNA damage and O 6 -methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation in occupational workers. We recruited 96 nonsmoking male petrochemical industry workers exposed to low-dose benzene and 100 matched control workers. Urinary S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) and S-benzylmercapturic acid (SBMA) were measured for indicating internal exposure of benzene and toluene. The degree of DNA damage was determined by the Comet assay. The levels of MGMT methylation were detected quantitatively by bisulphite-PCR pyrosequencing assay. The benzene-exposed workers had significantly higher levels of urinary SPMA, degree of DNA damage but decreased MGMT methylation than the controls (all p < 0.05). In contrast, the level of urinary SBMA does not differ between benzene-exposed workers and the controls. In all participants, MGMT methylation was negatively associated with the urinary SPMA and the degree of DNA damage, indicating that epigenetic regulation might be involved in response to low-dose benzene exposure-induced genetic damage. MGMT methylation could be a potent biomarker associated with low-dose benzene exposure and benzene-induced DNA damage.

Competency Model 101. The Process of Developing Core Competencies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eichelberger, Lisa Wright; Hewlett, Peggy O'Neill

1999-01-01

The Mississippi Competency Model defines nurses' roles as provider (caregiver, teacher, counselor, advocate), professional (scholar, collaborator, ethicist, researcher), and manager (leader, facilitator, intrapreneur, decision maker, technology user) for four levels of nursing: licensed practical nurse, associate degree, bachelor's degree, and…

An Exploration of the Transition to the Full-Time Faculty Role among Associate Degree Nurse Educators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shapiro, Sandra A.

2016-01-01

In the context of the nursing and faculty shortages, recommendations have been made to increase the number of highly educated nurses who are qualified to teach. A lack of nursing faculty has been reported at all levels of education. Because the majority of nurses enter into practice with an associate degree, the professoriate at the associate…

Reading Habits of University ESL Students at Different Levels of English Proficiency and Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mokhtari, Kouider; Sheorey, Ravi

1994-01-01

Examines the degree to which the levels of English proficiency (high vs. low) and education (graduate vs. undergraduate) of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students were associated with differences in their reading behaviors. Finds that the subjects' level of education and English proficiency were associated with their reading behavior…

Kinesiophobia in relation to physical activity in chronic neck pain.

PubMed

Demirbüken, İlkşan; Özgül, Bahar; Kuru Çolak, Tuğba; Aydoğdu, Onur; Sarı, Zübeyir; Yurdalan, Saadet Ufuk

2016-01-01

Little research is available concerning physical activity and its determinants in people with chronic neck pain. To explore the relation between kinesiophobia and physical activity and gender effect on these relations in people with chronic neck pain. Ninety-nine subjects (34 men and 65 women) with chronic neck pain were participated in the study. Pain intensity was assessed with Visual Analog Scale and kinesiophobia degree was determined by using Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. Level of physical activity was assessed with short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. There was no statistically correlation between neck pain intensity and kinesiophobia degree (p= 0.246, r= 0.123) and physical activity level (p= 0.432, r= -0.083). It was also found that kinesiophobia degree was not correlated to physical activity level (p= 0.148, r= -0.153). There was a negative correlation between kinesiophobia degree and physical activity level only for women, not for men (p= 0.011, r= -0.318). Our results showed that although people with chronic neck pain reported higher pain intensity and fear of movement, pain intensity and kinesiophobia degree did not associate to their physical activity levels. It can be speculated that high kinesiophobia degrees cause low physical activity levels for women, but not for men.

Case Study: Creation of a Degree Program in Computer Security. White Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Belon, Barbara; Wright, Marie

This paper reports on research into the field of computer security, and undergraduate degrees offered in that field. Research described in the paper reveals only one computer security program at the associate's degree level in the entire country. That program, at Texas State Technical College in Waco, is a 71-credit-hour program leading to an…

The Angio-Fibrotic Switch of VEGF and CTGF in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

PubMed Central

Kuiper, Esther J.; Van Nieuwenhoven, Frans A.; de Smet, Marc D.; van Meurs, Jan C.; Tanck, Michael W.; Oliver, Noelynn; Klaassen, Ingeborg; Van Noorden, Cornelis J. F.; Goldschmeding, Roel; Schlingemann, Reinier O.

2008-01-01

Background In proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) cause blindness by neovascularization and subsequent fibrosis, but their relative contribution to both processes is unknown. We hypothesize that the balance between levels of pro-angiogenic VEGF and pro-fibrotic CTGF regulates angiogenesis, the angio-fibrotic switch, and the resulting fibrosis and scarring. Methods/Principal Findings VEGF and CTGF were measured by ELISA in 68 vitreous samples of patients with proliferative DR (PDR, N = 32), macular hole (N = 13) or macular pucker (N = 23) and were related to clinical data, including degree of intra-ocular neovascularization and fibrosis. In addition, clinical cases of PDR (n = 4) were studied before and after pan-retinal photocoagulation and intra-vitreal injections with bevacizumab, an antibody against VEGF. Neovascularization and fibrosis in various degrees occurred almost exclusively in PDR patients. In PDR patients, vitreous CTGF levels were significantly associated with degree of fibrosis and with VEGF levels, but not with neovascularization, whereas VEGF levels were associated only with neovascularization. The ratio of CTGF and VEGF was the strongest predictor of degree of fibrosis. As predicted by these findings, patients with PDR demonstrated a temporary increase in intra-ocular fibrosis after anti-VEGF treatment or laser treatment. Conclusions/Significance CTGF is primarily a pro-fibrotic factor in the eye, and a shift in the balance between CTGF and VEGF is associated with the switch from angiogenesis to fibrosis in proliferative retinopathy. PMID:18628999

Psychological Distress in Patients with Symptomatic Vitreous Floaters

PubMed Central

Yim, Kyung Mi; Seong, Su Jeong

2017-01-01

Purpose To evaluate the degree of psychological distress in symptomatic vitreous floater patients and to evaluate whether these psychological factors are associated with the severity of discomfort associated with vitreous floaters. Methods We recruited 61 patients with symptomatic vitreous floaters and 34 controls. The degree of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) was evaluated using optical coherence tomography. We measured the level of depression, perceived stress, state, and trait anxiety and the degree of floater-associated discomfort with self-administered questionnaire. We compared psychological parameters between floater patients and control. We also compared clinical and psychological characteristics among different floater-associated discomfort severity groups. Results Symptomatic vitreous floater patients showed higher rate of complete PVD and higher psychological distress compared to the control. On multiple logistic regression analysis, complete PVD (p = 0.001), depression (p = 0.001), and younger age (p = 0.037) were significantly associated with symptomatic floaters. There were no significant differences in complete PVD rate among different discomfort groups, while severe discomfort group showed higher depression, perceived stress, and state and trait anxiety compared to the other two milder symptom groups. Conclusions Symptomatic vitreous floater patients showed substantial level of psychological distress, and the severity of floater symptoms was significantly associated with psychological distress. PMID:29375909

Psychological Distress in Patients with Symptomatic Vitreous Floaters.

PubMed

Kim, Yong-Kyu; Moon, Su Young; Yim, Kyung Mi; Seong, Su Jeong; Hwang, Jae Yeon; Park, Sung Pyo

2017-01-01

To evaluate the degree of psychological distress in symptomatic vitreous floater patients and to evaluate whether these psychological factors are associated with the severity of discomfort associated with vitreous floaters. We recruited 61 patients with symptomatic vitreous floaters and 34 controls. The degree of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) was evaluated using optical coherence tomography. We measured the level of depression, perceived stress, state, and trait anxiety and the degree of floater-associated discomfort with self-administered questionnaire. We compared psychological parameters between floater patients and control. We also compared clinical and psychological characteristics among different floater-associated discomfort severity groups. Symptomatic vitreous floater patients showed higher rate of complete PVD and higher psychological distress compared to the control. On multiple logistic regression analysis, complete PVD ( p = 0.001), depression ( p = 0.001), and younger age ( p = 0.037) were significantly associated with symptomatic floaters. There were no significant differences in complete PVD rate among different discomfort groups, while severe discomfort group showed higher depression, perceived stress, and state and trait anxiety compared to the other two milder symptom groups. Symptomatic vitreous floater patients showed substantial level of psychological distress, and the severity of floater symptoms was significantly associated with psychological distress.

The Comparison of Self-Efficacy Belief Levels on Anatomy Education between the Undergraduate Students from Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department and the Associate Students from Vocational School of Health Services in Western Black Sea Region

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Acar, Derya; Colak, Tuncay; Colak, Serap; Gungor, Tugba; Yener, Deniz M.; Aksu, Elif; Guzelordu, Dilsat; Sivri, Ismail; Colak, Enis; Ors, Abdullah

2017-01-01

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation (PTR) undergraduate degree departments and Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS) associate degree departments train healthcare professionals, which is important for both continuance of human health and treatment of various illnesses. Anatomic structures underlie the illnesses that these departments treat…

Effects of extrusion temperature and dwell time on aflatoxin levels in cottonseed.

PubMed

Buser, Michael D; Abbas, Hamed K

2002-04-24

Cottonseed is an economical source of protein and is commonly used in balancing livestock rations; however, its use is typically limited by protein, fat, gossypol, and aflatoxin contents. Whole cottonseed was extruded to determine if the temperature and dwell time (multiple stages of processing) associated with the process affected aflatoxin levels. The extrusion temperature study showed that aflatoxin levels were reduced by an additional 33% when the cottonseed was extruded at 160 degrees C as compared to 104 degrees C. Furthermore, the multiple-pass extrusion study indicated that aflatoxin levels were reduced by an additional 55% when the cottonseed was extruded four times as compared to one time. To estimate the aflatoxin reductions due to extrusion temperature and dwell time, the least mean fits obtained for the individual studies were combined. Total estimated reductions of 55% (three stages of processing at 104 degrees C), 50% (two stages of processing at 132 degrees C), and 47% (one stage of processing at 160 degrees C) were obtained from the combined equations. If the extreme conditions (four stages of processing at 160 degrees C) of the evaluation studies are applied to the combined temperature and processing equation, the resulting aflatoxin reduction would be 76%.

Lipoprotein (a): a potential biological marker for unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

PubMed

Phillips, J; Roberts, G; Bolger, C; el Baghdady, A; Bouchier-Hayes, D; Farrell, M; Collins, P

1997-05-01

The diagnosis and treatment of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) prior to rupture reduces the high morbidity and mortality associated with their occurrence. Elevated serum lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] level, an independent risk factor for atherogenesis, has been demonstrated in sporadic IA disease (1). The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of correlation between elevated Lp(a) levels and the occurrence of IAs in asymptomatic first degree relatives of index cases from three families exhibiting a familial tendency towards IA development. 25 family members and 41 healthy controls were screened by random serum Lp(a) sampling. All family members received 4-vessel cerebral angiography. Eleven family members were found on angiography to harbour asymptomatic aneurysms and all were successfully treated by surgery. Of these 11, ten had significantly raised serum Lp(a) levels (> 30 mg%). Fourteen family members had negative angiograms. Eight of this latter group, mean age 43.6 +/- 3.8 years, had serum Lp(a) levels above the normal range. Mean Lp(a) levels were 53.7 +/- 1.2 mg% in subjects with aneurysms compared with 22.1 +/- 1.45 mg% in subjects without demonstrable aneurysms and 10.5 +/- 0.48 mg% in the control population. The prevalence of elevated Lp(a) levels in these families and the high degree of association of raised Lp(a) levels with the presence of IAs in several family members warrants follow up of angiographically negative young subjects. We require a case-control study to establish whether particular polymorphisms at the apoprotein (a) gene level are associated with the occurrence of IAs in these families.

Communication of Career Pathways Through Associate Degree Program Web Sites: A Baseline Assessment.

PubMed

Becker, Ellen A; Vargas, Jenny

2018-05-08

The American Association for Respiratory Care sponsored a series of conferences that addressed the competency of the future workforce of respiratory therapists (RTs). Based upon the findings from those conferences, several initiatives emerged that support RTs earning a baccalaureate (or bachelor's) degree. The objective of this study was to identify the ways that associate degree programs communicate career pathways toward a baccalaureate degree through their Web sites. This cross-sectional observational study used a random sample of 100 of the 362 associate degree programs approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Data were collected from 3 specific categories: demographic data, baccalaureate completion information, and the Web page location for the program. The presence of statements related to any pathway toward a bachelor's degree, transfer credits, articulation agreements, and links for baccalaureate completion were recorded. The descriptive statistics in this study were reported as total numbers and percentages. Of the 100 programs in the random sample, only 89 were included in the study. Only 39 (44%) programs had links on their program Web site that had any content related to bachelor's degrees, 16 (18%) identified college transfer courses toward a bachelor's degree, and 26 (29%) programs included baccalaureate articulation agreements on their Web site. A minority of associate degree programs communicated career pathway information to their prospective and current students through program Web sites. An informative Web site would make the path more transparent for entry-level students to meet their future educational needs as their careers progress. Copyright © 2018 by Daedalus Enterprises.

34 CFR 694.23 - What additional activities are allowable for State GEAR UP projects?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... associate's or a bachelor's degree), including school designs that give students early exposure to college-level courses and experiences and allow students to earn transferable college credits or an associate's... allow drop-outs to complete a secondary school diploma and begin college-level work. (Authority: 20 U.S...

34 CFR 694.23 - What additional activities are allowable for State GEAR UP projects?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... associate's or a bachelor's degree), including school designs that give students early exposure to college-level courses and experiences and allow students to earn transferable college credits or an associate's... allow drop-outs to complete a secondary school diploma and begin college-level work. (Authority: 20 U.S...

34 CFR 694.23 - What additional activities are allowable for State GEAR UP projects?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... associate's or a bachelor's degree), including school designs that give students early exposure to college-level courses and experiences and allow students to earn transferable college credits or an associate's... allow drop-outs to complete a secondary school diploma and begin college-level work. (Authority: 20 U.S...

The role of neighborhood level socioeconomic characteristics in Salmonella infections in Michigan (1997–2007): Assessment using geographic information system

PubMed Central

Younus, Muhammad; Hartwick, Edward; Siddiqi, Azfar A; Wilkins, Melinda; Davies, Herbert D; Rahbar, Mohammad; Funk, Julie; Saeed, Mahdi

2007-01-01

Background: The majority of U.S. disease surveillance systems contain incomplete information regarding socioeconomic status (SES) indicators like household or family income and educational attainment in case reports, which reduces the usefulness of surveillance data for these parameters. We investigated the association between select SES attributes at the neighborhood level and Salmonella infections in the three most populated counties in Michigan using a geographic information system. Methods: We obtained data on income, education, and race from the 2000 U.S. Census, and the aggregate number of laboratory-confirmed cases of salmonellosis (1997–2006) at the block group level from the Michigan Department of Community Health. We used ArcGIS to visualize the distribution, and Poisson regression analysis to study associations between potential predictor variables and Salmonella infections. Results: Based on data from 3,419 block groups, our final multivariate model revealed that block groups with lower educational attainment were less commonly represented among cases than their counterparts with higher education levels (< high school degree vs. ≥ college degree: rate ratio (RR) = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.63, 0.99; ≥ and high school degree, but no college degree vs. ≥ college degree: RR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.76, 0.92). Levels of education also showed a dose-response relation with the outcome variable, i.e., decreasing years of education was associated with a decrease in Salmonella infections incidence at the block group level. Conclusion: Education plays a significant role in health-seeking behavior at the population level. It is conceivable that a reporting bias may exist due to a greater detection of Salmonella infections among high education block groups compared to low education block groups resulting from differential access to healthcare. In addition, individuals of higher education block groups who also have greater discretionary income may eat outside the home frequently and be more likely to own pets considered reservoirs of Salmonella, which increase the likelihood of contracting Salmonella infections compared to their counterparts with lower levels of education. Public health authorities should focus on improving the level of disease detection and reporting among communities with lower income and education and further evaluate the role of higher educational attainment in the predisposition for salmonellosis. PMID:18093323

Relations between Hormone Levels and Observational Measures of Aggressive Behavior of Young Adolescents in Family Interactions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Inoff-Germain, Gale; And Others

1988-01-01

Relations between hormone levels and aggressive behavior of adolescents in family interactions were examined. Higher estradiol and androstenedione levels were associated with higher degrees of aggressive behaviors in girls. Findings for boys were sparse. (PCB)

Effect of Direction, Text Organization, and Age Level on Reading Comprehension.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lindsey, Jimmy D.

1980-01-01

Concludes that teacher guidance affects learning disabled students' recall and comprehension of goal-relevant information but that neither text organization nor age level is associated with degree of recall and comprehension. (FL)

Unemployment risk among individuals undergoing medical treatment for chronic diseases.

PubMed

Nakaya, N; Nakamura, T; Tsuchiya, N; Tsuji, I; Hozawa, A; Tomita, H

2016-03-01

Chronic diseases increase the risk of unemployment even in non-disaster settings; therefore, in post-disaster settings, special attention needs to be paid to the employment status of those suffering from chronic diseases. To examine the association between chronic disease and the risk of unemployment in a disaster area. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Shichigahama Town, Miyagi, north-eastern Japan, where had been severely inundated by the 2011 tsunami. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between undergoing medical treatment for a combination of chronic diseases (stroke, cancer, myocardial infarction and angina) and unemployment risk. Confounders such as psychological distress and levels of daily life activity were considered. Among the 2588 individuals studied, there was a statistically significant association between undergoing medical treatment for chronic disease and the risk of unemployment [odds ratio (OR) = 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-2.7, P < 0.05]. In participants with a lower degree of psychological distress and better levels of daily life activity (n = 1967), no significant associations were observed (OR = 1.1, 95% CI 0.6-2.1). Conversely, in 536 participants with a higher degree of psychological distress and/or poorer levels of daily life activity, statistically significant associations were found (OR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.01-6.6, P < 0.05). The association between undergoing medical treatment for chronic disease and unemployment risk was observed only in participants with a higher degree of psychological distress and/or poorer levels of daily life activity. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Occupational Medicine. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Does it pay to attend a for-profit college? Vertical and horizontal stratification in higher education.

PubMed

Denice, Patrick

2015-07-01

Despite the recent growth of for-profit colleges, scholars are only beginning to understand the labor market consequences of attending these institutions. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, I find that for-profit associate's degree holders encounter lower hourly earnings than associate's degree holders educated at public or private, nonprofit colleges, and earnings that are not significantly different than high school graduates. However, individuals who complete a bachelor's degree by attending college in either the for-profit or nonprofit sectors encounter positive returns. These findings, robust to model selection, suggest that the distinction between for-profit and nonprofit colleges constitutes an important axis in the horizontal dimension of education at the sub-baccalaureate level, and complicate notions of vertical stratification such that higher levels of educational attainment do not necessarily guarantee a wage premium. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Data-Driven Examination of the Impact of Associate and Bachelor's Degree Programs on the Nation's Nursing Workforce. AACC Policy Brief 2011-02PBL

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fulcher, Roxanne; Mullin, Christopher M.

2011-01-01

The nation relies on both 2- and 4-year institutions of higher education for the majority of its registered nurses (RNs), who are authorized to practice as RNs after achieving either an associate or bachelor's-level nursing degree and passing a national licensure exam. Due to job growth and retirements, the nation is projected to need more than 1…

Quantitative Estimation of Plasma Free Drug Fraction in Patients With Varying Degrees of Hepatic Impairment: A Methodological Evaluation.

PubMed

Li, Guo-Fu; Yu, Guo; Li, Yanfei; Zheng, Yi; Zheng, Qing-Shan; Derendorf, Hartmut

2018-07-01

Quantitative prediction of unbound drug fraction (f u ) is essential for scaling pharmacokinetics through physiologically based approaches. However, few attempts have been made to evaluate the projection of f u values under pathological conditions. The primary objective of this study was to predict f u values (n = 105) of 56 compounds with or without the information of predominant binding protein in patients with varying degrees of hepatic insufficiency by accounting for quantitative changes in molar concentrations of either the major binding protein or albumin plus alpha 1-acid glycoprotein associated with differing levels of hepatic dysfunction. For the purpose of scaling, data pertaining to albumin and α1-acid glycoprotein levels in response to differing degrees of hepatic impairment were systematically collected from 919 adult donors. The results of the present study demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of physiologically based scaling f u in hepatic dysfunction after verifying with experimentally measured data of a wide variety of compounds from individuals with varying degrees of hepatic insufficiency. Furthermore, the high level of predictive accuracy indicates that the inter-relation between the severity of hepatic impairment and these plasma protein levels are physiologically accurate. The present study enhances the confidence in predicting f u in hepatic insufficiency, particularly for albumin-bound drugs. Copyright © 2018 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Are US degree-granting institutions associated with better community health determinants and outcomes?

PubMed

Spaulding, A; Stallings-Smith, S; Mease, A; Spaulding, A; Apatu, E

2018-06-16

The impact of individual education level on health outcomes is well-established, but the effect of degree-granting institutions on county health rankings (CHRs) is unknown. The objective of this study is to determine if there is an association between the presence of degree-granting institutions and CHRs. This is an ecologic study. Data for 3062 counties were derived from the Robert Wood Johnson County Health Rankings and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System for year 2016. Ordinal logistic regression was utilized to determine the association between presence of a degree-granting institution and county rankings for health behaviors, health outcomes, clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment. All models were adjusted for potential confounding factors including age, sex, race/ethnicity, English language proficiency, and urban/rural location. The presence of a degree-granting institution was positively associated with CHRs for length of life (odds ratio [OR] = 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05, 1.58), health behaviors (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.79), and clinical care (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.67). Counties with the highest rankings in one health category were more likely to score in the highest rankings for other health categories. These findings suggest that degree-granting institutions are associated with CHRs. Partnerships between public health agencies and degree-granting institutions are recommended to improve population health. Copyright © 2018 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Availability of Data on Noncredit Education and Postsecondary Certifications: An Analysis of Selected State-Level Data Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sykes, Andrea R.; Szuplat, Mary A.; Decker, Cynthia G.

2014-01-01

Federal policymakers have interest in three specific areas of postsecondary career and technical education (CTE): associate degrees and certificates awarded in CTE, skills and training obtained through noncredit courses, and industry-recognized certifications. Research and data are readily available on students earning degrees and certificates in…

Foundation Degrees: A Case for Greater Institutional Autonomy?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greenbank, Paul

2010-01-01

Foundation Degrees (FDs) were launched in 2000 by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES). One of the key reasons for their introduction was a belief that this new work-based higher education (HE) qualification could help meet employer demand for people with higher technician/associate professional-level skills. According to the Higher…

[''Liva"--population survey of female sexual habits].

PubMed

Olesen, Tina Bech; Jensen, Kirsten Egebjerg; Munk, Christian; Tolstrup, Janne Schurmann; Kjaer, Susanne Krüger

2010-11-22

Sexual and contraceptive habits, e.g. early age at first intercourse, multiple sexual partners and non-use of condoms, are well-established risk factors for sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy. The aim was to examine if and how educational level and degree of urbanization are related to age at first intercourse, lifetime number of sexual partners and condom use. We used data from a large population-based questionnaire survey conducted during 2004-2005, including a random sample of 20,478 women (18-45 years) (participation rate: 81.4%). We used multiple logistic regression analysis to estimate odds ratios (OR) of early sexual debut (≤ 15 years old), having had > 5 lifetime sexual partners and never-use of condoms associated with educational level and degree of urbanization. The OR of having had an early sexual debut was almost twofold higher among women with a lower educational level (OR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.73-2.15) than among women with higher educational level, and the OR of having had > 5 lifetime sexual partners was highest among women in the capital centre (OR = 2.36; 95% CI: 2.16-2.57) compared with women in the small provincial town areas. Furthermore, the OR of never-use of condoms was 2.53 (95% CI: 2.15-2.97) for women with a lower educational level compared with those with a higher educational level (mutually adjusted for age, degree of urbanization and educational level). Low educational level is associated with young age at first sexual intercourse and never-use of condoms, and living in an area of high urbanization is associated with a higher lifetime number of sexual partners. This information may be of importance for prevention in relation to women's reproductive health.

Plasma Homocysteine and Asymmetrical Dimethyl-l-Arginine (ADMA) and Whole Blood DNA Methylation in Early and Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Pinna, Antonio; Zinellu, Angelo; Tendas, Donatella; Blasetti, Francesco; Carru, Ciriaco; Castiglia, Paolo

2016-01-01

To compare the plasma levels of homocysteine and asymmetrical dimethyl-l-arginine (ADMA) and the degree of whole blood DNA methylation in patients with early and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and in controls without maculopathy of any sort. This observational case-control pilot study included 39 early AMD patients, 27 neovascular AMD patients and 132 sex- and age-matched controls without maculopathy. Plasma homocysteine and ADMA concentrations and the degree of whole blood DNA methylation were measured. Quantitative variables were compared by Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney test. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the significance of the association between early or wet AMD and some variables. There were no significant differences in mean plasma homocysteine and ADMA concentrations and in the degree of whole blood DNA methylation between patients with early or neovascular AMD and their controls. Similarly, logistic regression analysis disclosed that plasma homocysteine and ADMA levels were not associated with an increased risk for early or neovascular AMD. We failed to demonstrate an association between early or neovascular AMD and increased plasma homocysteine and/or ADMA. Results also suggest that the degree of whole blood DNA methylation is not a marker of AMD.

[Possible public health implications regarding associations between the degree of urbanisation and electronic media exposure amongst Colombian children].

PubMed

Gómez, Luis F; Lucumí, Diego I; Parra, Diana C; Lobelo, Felipe

2008-01-01

Determining the association between the degree of urbanisation and excessive television-viewing and video-game use amongst children aged 5 to 12 years old. Data from the Colombian National Nutritional Survey 2005 was used in the analysis. Television viewing and video-game use was determined through parental reports for 13,090 children and classified as being excessive (e' 2 hours/day) or suitable (<2 hours/day). Five levels of urbanisation were determined using criteria from the National Planning Department and the population size of the rural or urban settings included in the survey. Multiple logistical regression analysis was conducted while taking potential confounders into account. There was a gradual increase in the probability of TV or videogames being used for 2 hours or more as the degree of urbanisation increased. This association was statistically significant for urbanisation level 3 and higher (urbanisation level 2, OR=1,33: 0,89-1,99 95 %CI; urbanisation level 3, 1,35=OR: 1,00-1,80 95 %CI; urbanisation level 4, 1,61=OR: 1,16-2,23 95 %CI and urbanisation level 5, 1,7=OR: 1,17-2,46 95 %CI). Colombian children living in areas of high-to-moderate urbanisation and population density are at a higher risk of excessive exposure to electronic media entertainment. Due to its multiple health implications (in particular obesity and cardio-metabolic health), such sedentary behaviour should be monitored and its determinants in the Colombian paediatric population must be understand for making effective public health interventions.

Computerized dynamic posturography: the influence of platform stability on postural control.

PubMed

Palm, Hans-Georg; Lang, Patricia; Strobel, Johannes; Riesner, Hans-Joachim; Friemert, Benedikt

2014-01-01

Postural stability can be quantified using posturography systems, which allow different foot platform stability settings to be selected. It is unclear, however, how platform stability and postural control are mathematically correlated. Twenty subjects performed tests on the Biodex Stability System at all 13 stability levels. Overall stability index, medial-lateral stability index, and anterior-posterior stability index scores were calculated, and data were analyzed using analysis of variance and linear regression analysis. A decrease in platform stability from the static level to the second least stable level was associated with a linear decrease in postural control. The overall stability index scores were 1.5 ± 0.8 degrees (static), 2.2 ± 0.9 degrees (level 8), and 3.6 ± 1.7 degrees (level 2). The slope of the regression lines was 0.17 for the men and 0.10 for the women. A linear correlation was demonstrated between platform stability and postural control. The influence of stability levels seems to be almost twice as high in men as in women.

Deaf persons' english reading levels and associations with epidemiological, educational, and cultural factors.

PubMed

Zazove, Philip; Meador, Helen E; Reed, Barbara D; Gorenflo, Daniel W

2013-01-01

One hundred six Michigan d/Deaf persons, part of a study evaluating how to improve d/Deaf persons' understanding of cancer prevention recommendations, had reading levels determined using the Test of Reading Comprehension, Syntactic Sentences. Respondents averaged 52 years old, 59% female, 84% Caucasian, 58% married, and 75% Deaf community members. The mean Test of Reading Comprehension, Syntactic Sentences score was 6.1 (women: 6.2, men: 6.0). Higher scores were associated with greater income (p = .02), employment (p = .01), education (high school p = .002, some college p < .001), English use (child at home, teacher in school, at home now: all p < .001), a hearing spouse (p = .003), hard of hearing/d/Deaf father (p = .02), losing hearing after age 20 years, believing smoking is bad (p < .001), speaking with and satisfaction with physicians and nurses (p < .001), good communication with (p = .01), and comfort discussing cancer with doctors (p < .001). Lower scores were associated with using American Sign Language with physicians and nurses (.019) and Deaf community membership (p = .02). In multivariate analysis, higher scores were associated with higher income, college degree, and teacher using English. Reading levels of a predominantly Deaf population were low. Higher income, college degree, and teacher using English were associated with higher reading levels.

From Graduate Student to Professor: Reflection on the Transition and Tips for Those Who Follow

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Payne, Ellen K.; Berry, David C.

2014-01-01

Successful completion of the Board of Certification (BOC) examination verifies that an athletic trainer has the knowledge and skills associated with the entry-level practice of athletic training, but earning a terminal degree ''does not mean that the person holding this degree necessarily understands how to design, implement, assess, or even…

Training, Degrees, and Credentials in the Hiring of School Psychologists

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'donnell, Patrick S.; Dunlap, Linda L.

2014-01-01

A national sample of 246 Directors of Pupil Personnel Services and Directors of Special Education were surveyed to assess the importance they place on training, degrees, and credentials in the hiring of school psychologists. High, but varying, levels of importance were found for the content knowledge and skill areas in the National Association of…

Motivational Factors in Registered Nurses Completing a Baccalaureate Completion Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alonzo, Amanda L.

2009-01-01

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to investigate what motivates associate degree (AND) and diploma prepared registered nurses (RN) to pursue a baccalaureate degree (BSN) through an RN-to-BSN program. Studies have shown that the educational level of nurses has direct impact on the safety and quality of care provided to patients.…

The Relationship between the Employment of Part-Time Faculty and Student Degree and/or Certificate Completion in Two-Year Community Colleges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yu, Hongwei; Campbell, Dale; Mendoza, Pilar

2015-01-01

Prior research studies associated the employment of part-time faculty with student degree and/or certificate completion (Benjamin, 2002; Ehrenberg & Zhang, 2005; Jacoby, 2006; Leslie & Gappa, 2002; Umbach, 2008; Umbach & Wawrzynski, 2005). To date, institutional-level data have been utilized to investigate whether such employment…

Waste-Management Education and Research Consortium (WERC) annual progress report, 1991--1992. Appendixes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1992-04-07

This report contains the following appendices: Appendix A - Requirements for Undergraduate Level; Appendix B - Requirements for Graduate Level; Appendix C - Graduate Degree In Environmental Engineering; Appendix D - Non-degree Certificate Program; Appendix E - Curriculum for Associate Degree Program; Appendix F - Curriculum for NCC Program; Appendix G - Information 1991 Teleconference Series; Appendix H - Information on 1992 Teleconference Series; Appendix I - WERC interactive Television Courses; Appendix J - WERC Research Seminar Series; Appendix K - Sites for Hazardous/Radioactive Waste Management Series; Appendix L- Summary of Technology Development of the Second Year; Appendix M -more » List of Major Publications Resulting from WERC; Appendix N - Types of Equipment at WERC Laboratories.« less

Waste-Management Education and Research Consortium (WERC) annual progress report, 1991--1992

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Maji, A. K.; Thomson, Bruce M.; Samani, Zohrab A.

1992-04-07

This report contains the following appendices: Appendix A - Requirements for Undergraduate Level; Appendix B - Requirements for Graduate Level; Appendix C - Graduate Degree In Environmental Engineering; Appendix D - Non-degree Certificate Program; Appendix E - Curriculum for Associate Degree Program; Appendix F - Curriculum for NCC Program; Appendix G - Information 1991 Teleconference Series; Appendix H - Information on 1992 Teleconference Series; Appendix I - WERC interactive Television Courses; Appendix J - WERC Research Seminar Series; Appendix K - Sites for Hazardous/Radioactive Waste Management Series; Appendix L- Summary of Technology Development of the Second Year; Appendix M -more » List of Major Publications Resulting from WERC; Appendix N - Types of Equipment at WERC Laboratories.« less

DNA methylation of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) is associated with brain function involved in processing emotional stimuli.

PubMed

Frodl, Thomas; Szyf, Moshe; Carballedo, Angela; Ly, Victoria; Dymov, Sergiy; Vaisheva, Farida; Morris, Derek; Fahey, Ciara; Meaney, James; Gill, Michael; Booij, Linda

2015-09-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of fMRI blood oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) reactivity with the level of epigenetic methylation of SLC6A4 in blood DNA from a sample of healthy participants and patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). We investigated patients with MDD and healthy controls using fMRI and an emotional attention-shifting task. We assessed site-specific DNA methylation of a previously characterized SLC6A4 region in peripheral blood DNA using pyrosequencing. Our study involved 25 patients with MDD and 35 healthy controls. Activation in the anterior insula elicited by negative emotional content was significantly positively associated with the degree of SLC6A4 methylation. Significantly negative associations were observed between activation in the posterior insula and the degree of SLC6A4 methylation when judging the geometry of pictures after seeing negative in contrast to positive emotional stimuli. Healthy controls with a high degree of SLC6A4 methylation depicted significantly more activity elicited by positive stimuli in limbic regions and more activity elicited by negative stimuli in limbic as well as cognitive control regions than those with a low degree of SLC6A4 methylation. It is impossible to measure methylation directly in the brain and thus we assessed peripheral methylation of SLC6A4. Since the association was cross-sectional, no conclusion about cause and effect can be drawn. Our study provides further support to the hypothesis that particular DNA methylation states that are associated with brain function during emotion processing are detectable in the periphery.

Gastrointestinal health effects associated with the consumption of drinking water produced by point-of-use domestic reverse-osmosis filtration units.

PubMed Central

Payment, P; Franco, E; Richardson, L; Siemiatycki, J

1991-01-01

During a prospective epidemiological study of gastrointestinal health effects associated with the consumption of drinking water produced by reverse-osmosis domestic units, a correlation was demonstrated between the bacterial counts on R2A medium incubated at 35 degrees C and the reported gastrointestinal symptoms in families who used these units. A univariate correlation was found with bacterial counts on R2A medium at 20 degrees C but was confounded by the bacterial counts at 35 degrees C. Other variables, such as family size and amount of water consumed, were not independently explanatory of the rate of illness. These observations raise concerns for the possibility of increased disease associated with certain point-of-use treatment devices for domestic use when high levels of bacterial growth occur. PMID:2059052

Coding of level of ambiguity within neural systems mediating choice.

PubMed

Lopez-Paniagua, Dan; Seger, Carol A

2013-01-01

Data from previous neuroimaging studies exploring neural activity associated with uncertainty suggest varying levels of activation associated with changing degrees of uncertainty in neural regions that mediate choice behavior. The present study used a novel task that parametrically controlled the amount of information hidden from the subject; levels of uncertainty ranged from full ambiguity (no information about probability of winning) through multiple levels of partial ambiguity, to a condition of risk only (zero ambiguity with full knowledge of the probability of winning). A parametric analysis compared a linear model in which weighting increased as a function of level of ambiguity, and an inverted-U quadratic models in which partial ambiguity conditions were weighted most heavily. Overall we found that risk and all levels of ambiguity recruited a common "fronto-parietal-striatal" network including regions within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, intraparietal sulcus, and dorsal striatum. Activation was greatest across these regions and additional anterior and superior prefrontal regions for the quadratic function which most heavily weighs trials with partial ambiguity. These results suggest that the neural regions involved in decision processes do not merely track the absolute degree ambiguity or type of uncertainty (risk vs. ambiguity). Instead, recruitment of prefrontal regions may result from greater degree of difficulty in conditions of partial ambiguity: when information regarding reward probabilities important for decision making is hidden or not easily obtained the subject must engage in a search for tractable information. Additionally, this study identified regions of activity related to the valuation of potential gains associated with stimuli or options (including the orbitofrontal and medial prefrontal cortices and dorsal striatum) and related to winning (including orbitofrontal cortex and ventral striatum).

Coding of level of ambiguity within neural systems mediating choice

PubMed Central

Lopez-Paniagua, Dan; Seger, Carol A.

2013-01-01

Data from previous neuroimaging studies exploring neural activity associated with uncertainty suggest varying levels of activation associated with changing degrees of uncertainty in neural regions that mediate choice behavior. The present study used a novel task that parametrically controlled the amount of information hidden from the subject; levels of uncertainty ranged from full ambiguity (no information about probability of winning) through multiple levels of partial ambiguity, to a condition of risk only (zero ambiguity with full knowledge of the probability of winning). A parametric analysis compared a linear model in which weighting increased as a function of level of ambiguity, and an inverted-U quadratic models in which partial ambiguity conditions were weighted most heavily. Overall we found that risk and all levels of ambiguity recruited a common “fronto—parietal—striatal” network including regions within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, intraparietal sulcus, and dorsal striatum. Activation was greatest across these regions and additional anterior and superior prefrontal regions for the quadratic function which most heavily weighs trials with partial ambiguity. These results suggest that the neural regions involved in decision processes do not merely track the absolute degree ambiguity or type of uncertainty (risk vs. ambiguity). Instead, recruitment of prefrontal regions may result from greater degree of difficulty in conditions of partial ambiguity: when information regarding reward probabilities important for decision making is hidden or not easily obtained the subject must engage in a search for tractable information. Additionally, this study identified regions of activity related to the valuation of potential gains associated with stimuli or options (including the orbitofrontal and medial prefrontal cortices and dorsal striatum) and related to winning (including orbitofrontal cortex and ventral striatum). PMID:24367286

Chronic inflammation-associated genomic instability paves the way for human esophageal carcinogenesis.

PubMed

Lin, Runhua; Zhang, Chong; Zheng, Jiaxuan; Tian, Dongping; Lei, Zhijin; Chen, Donglin; Xu, Zexin; Su, Min

2016-04-26

Chronic inflammation is associated with increased risk of cancer development, whereas the link between chronic inflammation and esophageal carcinogenesis is still obscure heretofore. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between chronic inflammation and DNA damage, as well as the possible role of DNA damage in esophageal carcinogenic process. Endoscopic esophageal biopsies from 109 individuals from Chaoshan littoral, a high-risk region for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), were examined to evaluate the association between chronic inflammation and histological severity, while additional 204 esophageal non-tumor samples from patients with ESCC were collected. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the oxidative DNA damage and DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Significantly positive correlation was observed between degree of chronic inflammation and esophageal precursor lesions (rs = 0.37, P < 0.01). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that oxidative DNA damage level was positively correlated with the degree of chronic inflammation (rs = 0.21, P < 0.05). Moreover, the level of oxidative DNA damage positively correlated with histological severity (rs = 0.49, P < 0.01). We found that the extent of DSBs was progressively increased with inflammation degree (P < 0.01) and the progression of precancerous lesions (P < 0.001). Collectively, these findings provide evidence linking chronic inflammation-associated genomic instability with esophageal carcinogenesis and suggest possibilities for early detection and intervention of esophageal carcinogenesis.

Bachelor's Degree in Library and Information Science Field: A Comparative Analysis Study Performed on Distinguished American Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abouserie, Hossam Eldin Mohamed Refaat

2009-01-01

This study explored the state of bachelor's degree offered at top Library and Information Science schools in the United States in 2009. Schools selected were accredited on the Master's level and ranked as top five Library and Information Science schools by the American Library Association, ALA. The study embraced the comparative analysis…

Reaching REMOTE Learners: Successes and Challenges for Students in an Online Graduate Degree Program in the Pacific Islands

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rao, Kavita; Giuli, Charles

2010-01-01

Access to higher education in the U.S-affiliated Pacific Islands is limited. The island nations and territories in this Pacific region are geographically dispersed and separated by thousands of miles of ocean. Although local and regional colleges offer undergraduate degrees (associate's and bachelor's levels), islanders who seek graduate-level…

Strategies for Pursuing a Master's Degree.

PubMed

Thomas, Cynthia M; McIntosh, Constance E; Mensik, Jennifer S

2016-01-01

Health care has become very complex and is in a constant state of change. As a result of the evolving change and increasing complexity, a more educated nursing workforce is needed (Dracup K. Master's nursing programs. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. 2015; Institute of Medicine. The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. 2010). It is now becoming necessary for registered nurses to earn an advanced degree to work at the highest level of their practice authority (Dracup K. Master's nursing programs. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. 2015; Institute of Medicine. The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. 2010.). Preparing to reenter college may be an overwhelming prospect for some registered nurses seeking an advanced degree. However, there are some simple strategies that may help sort out the many degree options, financial obligations, decisions about brick and mortar versus online learning, commitment to degree completion, and changing career paths. This article will provide the registered nurse valuable information that will assist in the exciting process of returning to college.

Correlational Study of Diabetic Retinopathy and Hearing Loss.

PubMed

Ooley, Caroline; Jun, Weon; Le, Kim; Kim, Allen; Rock, Nathan; Cardenal, Molly; Kline, Rebecca; Aldrich, Drew; Hayes, John

2017-03-01

Our research goal was to complete a retrospective chart review to determine if there is a correlation between the level of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neurosensory hearing loss. A retrospective analysis of 175 Department of Veterans Affairs Computerized Patient Record System charts was completed at the VA Portland Health Care System. Subjects were classified by degree of diabetic retinopathy as follows: no diabetic retinopathy (n = 80), mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (n = 51), moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (n = 25), and combined severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (n = 17). Degree of sensorineural hearing was collected for each ear. Additionally, measures of diabetic control, including hemoglobin A1C, and creatinine, were recorded. After controlling for diabetic control, as measured by HbA1C and creatinine, level of diabetic retinopathy was significantly associated with hearing loss severity in both ears (right ear, P = .018 and left ear, P = .007). When adjusted to include diabetes control, the severity of diabetic retinopathy showed a correlation with degree of hearing loss at most levels. Because of this association, recommendation for hearing evaluations may be considered for those with mild, moderate, or severe nonproliferative or proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Role of kinesiophobia on pain, disability and quality of life in people suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review.

PubMed

Luque-Suarez, Alejandro; Martinez-Calderon, Javier; Falla, Deborah

2018-04-17

(1) To explore the level of association between kinesiophobia and pain, disability and quality of life in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) detected via cross-sectional analysis and (2) to analyse the prognostic value of kinesiophobia on pain, disability and quality of life in this population detected via longitudinal analyses. A systematic review of the literature including an appraisal of the risk of bias using the adapted Newcastle Ottawa Scale. A synthesis of the evidence was carried out. An electronic search of PubMed, AMED, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubPsych and grey literature was undertaken from inception to July 2017. Observational studies exploring the role of kinesiophobia (measured with the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia) on pain, disability and quality of life in people with CMP. Sixty-three articles (mostly cross-sectional) (total sample=10 726) were included. We found strong evidence for an association between a greater degree of kinesiophobia and greater levels of pain intensity and disability and moderate evidence between a greater degree of kinesiophobia and higher levels of pain severity and low quality of life. A greater degree of kinesiophobia predicts the progression of disability overtime, with moderate evidence. A greater degree of kinesiophobia also predicts greater levels of pain severity and low levels of quality of life at 6 months, but with limited evidence. Kinesiophobia does not predict changes in pain intensity. The results of this review encourage clinicians to consider kinesiophobia in their preliminary assessment. More longitudinal studies are needed, as most of the included studies were cross-sectional in nature. CRD42016042641. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Elevated serum gastrin is associated with a history of advanced neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus.

PubMed

Wang, Judy S; Varro, Andrea; Lightdale, Charles J; Lertkowit, Nantaporn; Slack, Kristen N; Fingerhood, Michael L; Tsai, Wei Yann; Wang, Timothy C; Abrams, Julian A

2010-05-01

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are frequently prescribed to patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE), but in a subset, they can induce significant hypergastrinemia. Elevated levels of gastrin have been associated with tumorigenic effects in a number of gastrointestinal cancers. We decided to investigate the association between serum gastrin levels and dysplasia in BE. We performed a cross-sectional study and enrolled patients with BE without dysplasia, low-grade dysplasia (LGD), high-grade dysplasia (HGD), or adenocarcinoma (AC), as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease controls, all chronically taking PPIs. Fasting serum gastrin was measured, and data were collected on patient characteristics, medication use, and the highest degree of BE neoplasia. A total of 95 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 64.7 (+/-10.0) years, and 70.5% were male. The median serum gastrin level was 40 pM. There was no significant difference in gastrin levels with increased degrees of BE neoplasia (overall P=0.68). In multivariable analysis, the highest quartile of gastrin was associated with significantly increased odds of advanced neoplasia (HGD or AC) (odds ratio (OR): 5.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20-24.8). In BE patients taking PPIs, an elevated serum gastrin is associated with a history of HGD or AC. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether patients with nondysplastic BE and elevated serum gastrin are at increased risk for neoplastic progression.

Readiness and motivation for change among young women with broadly defined eating disorders.

PubMed

Ålgars, Monica; Ramberg, Carin; Moszny, Josefine; Hagman, Jessica; Rintala, Hanna; Santtila, Pekka

2015-01-01

Readiness and motivation for change were examined in 32 women with broadly defined eating disorders who took part in a 10-week Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based group intervention. Readiness for change and eating disorder psychopathology were assessed before and after the intervention. The results revealed significant negative associations between degree of eating disorder symptoms and degree of readiness for change before the intervention started. In particular, higher levels of eating concern, shape concern, and body dissatisfaction were associated with lower motivation for change. No significant associations between degree of readiness for change before the intervention started and changes in eating disorder symptoms at the end of intervention were found. Readiness for change increased from the beginning to the end of the intervention, indicating that group CBT may be a cost-effective and time-efficient way of enhancing readiness and motivation for change in individuals with eating psychopathology.

College Level Aviation Curriculum Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mattson, Betty J.

This document describes a college-level curriculum for airplane pilots that is expected to be available at Muskegon (Michigan) College of Business and Technology in fall 1990. The curriculum offers associate or bachelor degree, college credit for earned flight ratings, private license, transfer credit for other aviation college programs, the…

Arthritis in the family practice setting: associations with education and community poverty.

PubMed

Callahan, Leigh F; Shreffler, Jack; Mielenz, Thelma; Schoster, Britta; Kaufman, Jay S; Xiao, Changfu; Randolph, Randy; Sloane, Philip D

2008-07-15

To examine associations of self-reported arthritis in 25 urban and rural family practice clinics with education (individual socioeconomic status) and community poverty (community socioeconomic status). A total of 7,770 patients at 25 family practice sites across North Carolina self-reported whether they had arthritis. Education was measured as less than a high school (HS) degree, a HS degree, and more than a HS degree. The US Census 2000 block group poverty rate (percentage of households in poverty in that block group) was grouped into low, middle, and high tertiles. We assumed heterogeneity by race (non-Hispanic white and African American) for the effects of these sociodemographic variables, and therefore stratified by race. Multilevel analyses were performed using a 2-level mixed logistic model to examine the independent associations and joint effects of education and poverty with self-reported arthritis as the outcome, adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index. White participants with less than a HS degree living in block groups with high poverty had 1.55 times the odds (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.10-2.17) of reporting arthritis compared with white participants with more than a HS degree and low poverty rates. African American participants with less than a HS degree and high poverty rates had 2.06 times the odds (95% CI 1.16-3.66) of reporting arthritis compared with African American participants with more than a HS degree and low poverty rates. In the family practice setting, both disadvantaged white and African American participants showed increased odds of self-reported arthritis, with stronger associations in African Americans.

Perceptions of Registered Nurses after Completing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing: A Phenomenological Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

John, Diane Yvette

2010-01-01

Background. The demands of the current health-care system support the need for more nurses to be prepared at the bachelor's level (American Association of the Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2007). However, only 28% of the registered nurse (RN) population in Florida holds a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN), which may be the result of increased…

Policy Statements for the Associate Degree, the Associate in Applied Science Degree, and the Associate Degree in Nursing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Association of Community and Junior Colleges, Washington, DC.

The policy statements contained in this document present the position of the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges (AACJC) on the Associate Degree, the Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS), and the Associate Degree in Nursing. In its statement on the Associate Degree, the AACJC: (1) stresses the responsibility of faculty and…

Electronics Technology. Tech Prep Competency Profile.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lakeland Tech Prep Consortium, Kirtland, OH.

This tech prep competency profile covers the occupation of electronics technician. Section 1 provides the occupation definition. Section 2 lists development committee members. Section 3 provides the leveling codes--abbreviations for grade level, (by the end of grade 12, by the end of associate degree), academic codes (communications, math, or…

Clinical Laboratory Helper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Szucs, Susan C.; And Others

This curriculum guide provides competencies and tasks for the position of clinical laboratory helper; it serves as both a career exploration experience and/or entry-level employment training. A list of 25 validated competencies and tasks covers careers from entry level to those that must be mastered to earn an associate degree in clinical…

Genome-wide association study and pathway level analysis of tocochromanol levels in maize grain

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Tocopherols and tocotrienols, collectively known as tocochromanols, are the major lipid-soluble antioxidants in maize (Zea mays L.) grain. Given that individual tocochromanols differ in their degree of vitamin E activity, variation for tocochromanol composition and content in grain from among divers...

Energy Related Technology Programs at the Non-Baccalaureate Postsecondary Level.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brooking, Walter J.

Guidelines are presented for institution administrators considering the initiation of programs to train energy-related technicians at the associate degree level. Two essential preliminary steps are outlined: Acquiring and analyzing all available information about the proposed field including national legislation and surveying the probable need for…

Outdoor temperature, precipitation, and wind speed affect physical activity levels in children: a longitudinal cohort study

PubMed Central

Edwards, Nicholas M.; Myer, Gregory D.; Kalkwarf, Heidi J.; Woo, Jessica G.; Khoury, Philip R.; Hewett, Timothy E.; Daniels, Stephen R.

2015-01-01

Objective Evaluate effects of local weather conditions on physical activity in early childhood. Methods Longitudinal prospective cohort study of 372 children, 3 years old at enrollment, drawn from a major US metropolitan community. Accelerometer-measured (RT3) physical activity was collected every 4 months over 5 years and matched with daily weather measures: day length, heating/cooling degrees (degrees mean temperature < 65°F or ≥ 65°F, respectively), wind, and precipitation. Mixed regression analyses, adjusted for repeated measures, were used to test the relationship between weather and physical activity. Results Precipitation and wind speed were negatively associated with total physical activity and moderate-vigorous physical activity (P<0.0001). Heating and cooling degrees were negatively associated with total physical activity and moderate-vigorous physical activity and positively associated with inactivity (all P<0.0001), independent of age, sex, race, BMI, day length, wind, and precipitation. For every 10 additional heating degrees there was a five-minute daily reduction in moderate-vigorous physical activity. For every additional 10 cooling degrees there was a 17-minute reduction in moderate-vigorous physical activity. Conclusions Inclement weather (higher/lower temperature, greater wind speed, more rain/snow) is associated with less physical activity in young children. These deleterious effects should be considered when planning physical activity research, interventions, and policies. PMID:25423667

Waste-Management Education and Research Consortium (WERC) annual progress report, 1992--1993. Appendices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1993-02-15

This report contains the following appendices: Appendix A - Requirements for Undergraduate Level; Appendix B - Requirements for Graduate Level; Appendix C - Graduate Degree In Environmental Engineeringat New Mexico State University; Appendix D - Non-degree Certificate program; Appendix E - Curriculum for Associate Degree Program in Radioactive & Hazardous Waste Materials; Appendix F - Curriculum for NCC Program in Earth & Environmental Sciences; Appendix G - Brochure of 1992 Teleconference Series; Appendix H - Sites for Hazardous/Radioactive Waste Management Series; Appendix I - WERC Interactive Television Courses; Appendix J - WERC Research Seminar Series Brochures; Appendix K - Summarymore » of Technology Development of the Third Year; Appendix L - List of Major Publications Resulting From WERC; Appendix M - Types of Equipment at WERC Laboratories; and Appendix N - WERC Newsletter Examples.« less

Waste-Management Education and Research Consortium (WERC) annual progress report, 1992--1993

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eiceman, Gary A.; King, J. Phillip; Smith, Geoffrey B.

1993-02-15

This report contains the following appendices: Appendix A - Requirements for Undergraduate Level; Appendix B - Requirements for Graduate Level; Appendix C - Graduate Degree In Environmental Engineeringat New Mexico State University; Appendix D - Non-degree Certificate program; Appendix E - Curriculum for Associate Degree Program in Radioactive Hazardous Waste Materials; Appendix F - Curriculum for NCC Program in Earth Environmental Sciences; Appendix G - Brochure of 1992 Teleconference Series; Appendix H - Sites for Hazardous/Radioactive Waste Management Series; Appendix I - WERC Interactive Television Courses; Appendix J - WERC Research Seminar Series Brochures; Appendix K - Summary of Technologymore » Development of the Third Year; Appendix L - List of Major Publications Resulting From WERC; Appendix M - Types of Equipment at WERC Laboratories; and Appendix N - WERC Newsletter Examples.« less

Chronic inflammation-associated genomic instability paves the way for human esophageal carcinogenesis

PubMed Central

Tian, Dongping; Lei, Zhijin; Chen, Donglin; Xu, Zexin; Su, Min

2016-01-01

Chronic inflammation is associated with increased risk of cancer development, whereas the link between chronic inflammation and esophageal carcinogenesis is still obscure heretofore. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between chronic inflammation and DNA damage, as well as the possible role of DNA damage in esophageal carcinogenic process. Endoscopic esophageal biopsies from 109 individuals from Chaoshan littoral, a high-risk region for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), were examined to evaluate the association between chronic inflammation and histological severity, while additional 204 esophageal non-tumor samples from patients with ESCC were collected. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the oxidative DNA damage and DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Significantly positive correlation was observed between degree of chronic inflammation and esophageal precursor lesions (rs = 0.37, P < 0.01). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that oxidative DNA damage level was positively correlated with the degree of chronic inflammation (rs = 0.21, P < 0.05). Moreover, the level of oxidative DNA damage positively correlated with histological severity (rs = 0.49, P < 0.01). We found that the extent of DSBs was progressively increased with inflammation degree (P < 0.01) and the progression of precancerous lesions (P < 0.001). Collectively, these findings provide evidence linking chronic inflammation-associated genomic instability with esophageal carcinogenesis and suggest possibilities for early detection and intervention of esophageal carcinogenesis. PMID:27028857

Nuclear education and training: marriages that work

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hanson, H.D.

1985-11-01

Public Service Electric and Gas Company is meeting the education and training needs of its nuclear department operations, support, and services personnel through a variety of activities in association with institutions of higher education. Activities include credit or credit recommendation programs at the associates, undergraduate, and graduate degree level. The paper emphasizes the process of working with a local college in the development of a new degree program for submission through the State Board of Education. The development, review, evaluation, and approval process is detailed as well as lessons learned. Plans for further development of the program toward ABET accreditationmore » are also described. Samples of the surveys conducted to determine employee interest in terms of academic area, academic level, offering strategies, etc. are presented. The process of soliciting program proposals from universities and colleges, the selection process, and implementation of the programs are also discussed. More briefly described is the preparation for credit recommendation process from regionally accredited groups. External degree programs, off-hours course presentations on-site for undergraduate and graduate credit, faculty extern, student intern, and co-op activities are also discussed.« less

Bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine and adenosine monophosphate and the degree of atopy in children with allergic rhinitis.

PubMed

Kim, Chang Keun; Choi, Soo Jeon; Lee, Ju Kyung; Suh, Dong In; Koh, Young Yull

2011-01-01

nonasthmatic patients with allergic rhinitis often have bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). Not only the presence but also the degree of atopy are important factors in BHR of patients with asthma. BHR is commonly evaluated by bronchial challenges using direct or indirect stimuli. to assess BHR to methacholine (direct) and to adenosine monophosphate (AMP) (indirect) in children with allergic rhinitis and to compare their relationships with the degree of atopy. methacholine and AMP challenges were performed in 88 children with allergic rhinitis, and a provocative concentration causing a 20% decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (PC(20)) was calculated for each challenge. The degree of atopy was measured using serum total IgE levels, number of positive skin prick test results, and atopic scores (sum of graded wheal size). BHR to methacholine (PC(20) <8 mg/mL) and to AMP (PC(20) <200 mg/mL) was observed in 22 (25%) and 30 (34%) patients, respectively. No association was found between BHR to methacholine and any atopy parameter. In contrast, serum total IgE levels and atopic scores were higher in the group with BHR to AMP than in the group without BHR to AMP. Furthermore, a significant association was found between the degree of these 2 parameters and BHR to AMP (score for trend, P < .001 and P = .03, respectively). both BHR to methacholine and BHR to AMP were detected in a significant proportion of children with allergic rhinitis. The degree of atopy seems to be an important factor in BHR to AMP but not in BHR to methacholine.

Empowerment and job satisfaction in associate degree nurse educators.

PubMed

Baker, Sandra L; Fitzpatrick, Joyce J; Griffin, Mary Quinn

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine empowerment, job satisfaction levels, and relationships among 139 associate degree nursing educators.The Conditions of Work Effectiveness II, Psychological Empowerment Scale, and Job Diagnostic Survey were used. Findings indicated that the majority of educators were satisfied with their jobs as nursing faculty and felt empowered in their workplaces. Psychological empowerment demonstrated the strongest positive correlation with job satisfaction. There were no significant differences in empowerment or job satisfaction based on educators' tenure status, educational level, evidence of scholarship, or academic rank. Based on the findings of this study, the authors recommend that deans use resources to provide faculty opportunities to expand their departmental influence and spend more time with students, as well as place faculty in positions that highlight their relevance to the college and nursing program.

Career satisfaction level, mental distress, and gender differences in working conditions among Japanese obstetricians and gynecologists.

PubMed

Sugiura-Ogasawara, Mayumi; Suzuki, Sadao; Kitazawa, Masafumi; Kuwae, Chizuko; Sawa, Rintaro; Shimizu, Yukiko; Takeshita, Toshiyuki; Yoshimura, Yasunori

2012-03-01

Career satisfaction level, degree of mental distress associated with certain work-related factors, and demographics were examined for the first time in obstetricians and gynecologists in Japan. Associations between the score on Kessler 6 screening scale, or the job satisfaction level, and the scores on the job content questionnaire, Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ), working conditions and demographics were examined in 1301 members of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 8.4% of respondents were speculated to suffer from depression or anxiety disorder. Multivariate linear regression analysis identified a heavier workload, less personal control, lower satisfaction on the SSQ, and longer working hours as being independent risk factors for mental distress. Careful monitoring of the mental state is necessary for obstetricians and gynecologists with lower incomes, heavier workloads, lower degrees of personal control, and lower satisfaction scores on the SSQ. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research © 2012 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Elevated Serum Gastrin Is Associated With a History of Advanced Neoplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus

PubMed Central

Wang, Judy S.; Varro, Andrea; Lightdale, Charles J.; Lertkowit, Nantaporn; Slack, Kristen N.; Fingerhood, Michael L.; Tsai, Wei Yann; Wang, Timothy C.; Abrams, Julian A.

2011-01-01

OBJECTIVES Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are frequently prescribed to patients with Barrett’ s esophagus (BE), but in a subset, they can induce significant hypergastrinemia. Elevated levels of gastrin have been associated with tumorigenic effects in a number of gastrointestinal cancers. We decided to investigate the association between serum gastrin levels and dysplasia in BE. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study and enrolled patients with BE without dysplasia, low-grade dysplasia (LGD), high-grade dysplasia (HGD), or adenocarcinoma (AC), as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease controls, all chronically taking PPIs. Fasting serum gastrin was measured, and data were collected on patient characteristics, medication use, and the highest degree of BE neoplasia. RESULTS A total of 95 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 64.7 (±10.0) years, and 70.5 % were male. The median serum gastrin level was 40 pM. There was no significant difference in gastrin levels with increased degrees of BE neoplasia (overall P = 0.68). In multivariable analysis, the highest quartile of gastrin was associated with significantly increased odds of advanced neoplasia (HGD or AC) (odds ratio (OR): 5.46, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.20–24.8). CONCLUSIONS In BE patients taking PPIs, an elevated serum gastrin is associated with a history of HGD or AC. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether patients with nondysplastic BE and elevated serum gastrin are at increased risk for neoplastic progression. PMID:19904251

Is Spending More Time Associated With Less Missed Care?: A Comparison of Time Use and Missed Care Across 15 Nursing Units at 2 Hospitals.

PubMed

McNair, Norma; Baird, Jennifer; Grogan, Tristan R; Walsh, Catherine M; Liang, Li-Jung; Worobel-Luk, Pamela; Needleman, Jack; Nuckols, Teryl K

2016-09-01

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between nursing time use and perceptions of missed care. Recent literature has highlighted the problem of missed nursing care, but little is known about how nurses' time use patterns are associated with reports of missed care. In 15 nursing units at 2 hospitals, we assessed registered nurse (RN) perceptions of missed care, observed time use by RNs, and examined the relationship between time spent and degree of missed care at the nursing unit level. Patterns of time use were similar across hospitals, with 25% of time spent on documentation. For 6 different categories of nursing tasks, no association was detected between time use, including time spent on documentation, and the degree of missed care at the nursing unit level. Nursing time use cannot fully explain variation in missed care across nursing units. Further work is needed to account for patterns of missed care.

Urban, Rural, and Regional Variations in Physical Activity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martin, Sarah Levin; Kirkner, Gregory J.; Mayo, Kelly; Matthews, Charles E.; Durstine, Larry; Hebert, James R.

2005-01-01

Purpose: There is some speculation about geographic differences in physical activity (PA) levels. We examined the prevalence of physical inactivity (PIA) and whether US citizens met the recommended levels of PA across the United States. In addition, the association between PIA/PA and degree of urbanization in the 4 main US regions (Northeast,…

A Focused Report Presented to North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Colorado Technical Coll., Colorado Springs.

During January 23-24, 1984, a North Central Association of Colleges and Schools evaluation team visited Colorado Technical College to conduct a comprehensive evaluation for continued accreditation at the bachelor's degree granting level. The accreditation was continued as a result, and it was recommended that a comprehensive evaluation be…

The Kinematics and Spondylosis of the Lumbar Spine Vary Depending on the Levels of Motion Segments in Individuals With Low Back Pain.

PubMed

Basques, Bryce A; Espinoza Orías, Alejandro A; Shifflett, Grant D; Fice, Michael P; Andersson, Gunnar B; An, Howard S; Inoue, Nozomu

2017-07-01

A prospective cohort study. The aim of this study was to identify associations of spondylotic and kinematic changes with low back pain (LBP). The ability to characterize and differentiate the biomechanics of both the symptomatic and asymptomatic lumbar spine is crucial to alleviate the sparse literature on the association of lumbar spine biomechanics and LBP. Lumbar dynamic plain radiographs (flexion-extension), dynamic computed tomography (CT) scanning (axial rotation, disc height), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, disc and facet degeneration grades) were obtained for each subject. These parameters were compared between symptomatic and control groups using Student t test and multivariate logistic regression, which controlled for patient age and sex and identified spinal parameters that were independently associated with symptomatic LBP. Disc grade and mean segmental motion by level were tested by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Ninety-nine volunteers (64 asymptomatic/35 LBP) were prospectively recruited. Mean age was 37.3 ± 10.1 years and 55% were male. LBP showed association with increased L5/S1 translation [odds ratio (OR) 1.63 per mm, P = 0.005], decreased flexion-extension motion at L1/L2 (OR 0.87 per degree, P = 0.036), L2/L3 (OR 0.88 per degree, P = 0.036), and L4/L5 (OR 0.87 per degree, P = 0.020), increased axial rotation at L4/L5 (OR 2.11 per degree, P = 0.032), decreased disc height at L3/L4 (OR 0.52 per mm, P = 0.008) and L4/L5 (OR 0.37 per mm, p < 0.001), increased disc grade at all levels (ORs 2.01-12.33 per grade, P = 0.001-0.026), and increased facet grade at L4/L5 (OR 4.99 per grade, P = 0.001) and L5/S1 (OR 3.52 per grade, P = 0.004). Significant associations were found between disc grade and kinematic parameters (flexion-extension motion, axial rotation, and translation) at L4/L5 (P = 0.001) and L5/S1 (P < 0.001), but not at other levels (P > 0.05). In symptomatic individuals, L4/L5 and L5/S1 levels were affected by spondylosis and kinematic changes. This study clarifies the relationships between kinematic alterations and LBP, mostly observed at the above-mentioned segments. N/A.

Modulation of mechanosensitive calcium-selective cation channels by temperature

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ding, J. P.; Pickard, B. G.

1993-01-01

Gating of associations of mechanosensitive Ca(2+)-selective cation co-channels in the plasmalemma of onion epidermis has a strong and unusual temperature dependence. Tension-dependent activity rises steeply as temperature is lowered from 25 degrees C to about 6 degrees C, but drops to a low level at about 5 degrees C. Under the conditions tested (with Mg2+ and K+ at the cytosolic face of outside-out membrane patches), promotion results both from more bursting at all observed linkage levels and from longer duration of bursts of co-channels linked as quadruplets and quintuplets. Co-channel conductance decreases linearly, but only modestly, with declining temperature. It is proposed that these and related mechanosensitive channels may participate in a variety of responses to temperature, including thermonasty, thermotropism, hydrotropism, and both cold damage and cold acclimation.

Correlation of C-Reactive Protein and Cardiac Enzymes with Angiographic Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Pakistani Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

PubMed

Saleem, Ayesha; Ali, Azmat

2017-02-01

To determine the correlation of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels with the severity of coronary stenosis on angiography and the association of cardiac enzymes with the degree of stenosis in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Secondly, to compare association of angiographic severity of vascular stenosis with CRP in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-STEMI / Unstable angina (UA). Prospective, descriptive study. Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) Hospital, from October 2014 to March 2015. CRP was measured on diagnosis of ACS in 70 patients. Cardiac enzymes were measured 6 hours after the onset of chest pain. Angiographic scoring for degree of stenosis and number of culprit vessels was done. Two groups consisting of patients with STEMI (group 1) and with NSTEMI/UA (group 2) were made. No correlation was found between CRP levels and angiographic stenosis in patients with ACS (r=0.162, p>0.05). No association was found between eosinophil count and severity of stenosis (p=0.88). Rise of cardiac enzymes and degree of coronary stenosis showed a positive correlation (p <0.001). There was significant difference in the means of coronary artery stenosis scores between the two groups (Gensini score of groups 1 and 2: 35.9 ±4 and 14 ±8, respectively) p<0.001, but there was no significant difference in CRP levels. CRP is a marker of inflammation in ACS rather than a risk factor for determining the severity of vascular stenosis. Rise in cardiac enzymes still grade high in predicting severity of vascular stenosis than eosinophil count or CRP levels.

Association of educational status with cardiovascular disease: Teheran Lipid and Glucose Study.

PubMed

Hajsheikholeslami, Farhad; Hatami, Masumeh; Hadaegh, Farzad; Ghanbarian, Arash; Azizi, Fereidoun

2011-06-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between educational level and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in an older Iranian population. To estimate the odds ratio (OR) of educational level in a cross-sectional study, logistic regression analysis was used on 1,788 men and 2,204 women (222 men and 204 women positive based on their CVD status) aged ≥ 45 years. In men, educational levels of college degree and literacy level below diploma were inversely associated with CVD in the multivariate model [0.52 (0.28-0.94), 0.61 (0.40-0.92), respectively], but diploma level did not show any significant association with CVD, neither in the crude model nor in the multivariate model. In women, increase in educational level was inversely associated with risk of CVD in the crude model, but in the multivariate adjusted model, literacy level below diploma decreased risk of CVD by 39%, compared with illiteracy. Our findings support those of developed countries that, along with other CVD risk factors, educational status has an inverse association with CVD among a representative Iranian population of older men and women.

Cup inclination angle of greater than 50 degrees increases whole blood concentrations of cobalt and chromium ions after metal-on-metal hip resurfacing.

PubMed

Hart, A J; Buddhdev, P; Winship, P; Faria, N; Powell, J J; Skinner, J A

2008-01-01

A cup inclination angle greater than 45 degrees is associated with increased wear rates of metal on polyethylene (MOP) hip replacements. The same maybe true for metal on metal (MOM) hips yet this has not been clearly shown. We measured the acetabular inclination angle from plain radiographs, and whole blood metal ion levels using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry of 26 patients (mean Harris Hip Score 94 and mean time post op of 22 months) with Birmingham Hip Resurfacings. We identified a threshold level of 50 degrees cup inclination. Below this threshold, the mean whole blood cobalt and chromium were 1.6 ppb and 1.88 ppb respectively; above this threshold, the mean blood cobalt and chromium were 4.45 ppb and 4.3 ppb respectively. These differences were significant cobalt (p<0.01) and chromium (p=0.01). All patients above the threshold had metal levels greater than any of the patients below the threshold. For 14 patients, who returned one year later for a repeat blood metal level measurement, cobalt and chromium levels were very similar. The effect of an acetabular inclination angle of greater than 50 degrees on wear rates of MOM hips, as measured through blood metal ion levels, appears to be similar to that seen with MOP hips. Additionally, our new analytical methods may allow blood metal levels to be used as a realistic biomarker of in vivo wear rate of MOM hips. The implication is that metal levels can be minimised with optimal orientation of the acetabular component.

Fate of Campylobacter jejuni in butter.

PubMed

Zhao, T; Doyle, M P; Berg, D E

2000-01-01

An outbreak of Campylobacter enteritis was associated with a restaurant in Louisiana during the summer of 1995. Thirty cases were identified, and four required hospitalization. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from the patients, and epidemiologic studies revealed illness associated with eating garlic butter served at the restaurant. Three batches of garlic butter prepared by the restaurant associated with the outbreak and a C. jejuni isolate obtained from a patient involved in the outbreak were used for studies to determine the fate of C. jejuni in garlic butter. Studies also were done to determine the efficacy of the heat treatment used by the restaurant to prepare garlic bread to kill C. jejuni. Garlic butter was inoculated with approximately 10(4) and 10(6) CFU/g of C. jejuni and held at 5 or 21 degrees C. Results revealed that the survival of C. jejuni differed greatly, depending on the presence or absence of garlic. At 5 degrees C, C. jejuni populations decreased to an undetectable level (<10 CFU/g) within 3 h for two batches and within 24 h for another batch. In contrast, C. jejuni could survive at 5 degrees C for 13 days in butter with no garlic. At 21 degrees C, C. jejuni populations decreased to an undetectable level within 5 h for two batches and to 50 CFU/g in 5 h for another batch. In contrast, C. jejuni was detected at 500 CFU/g at 28 h after inoculation but was undetectable at 3 days in butter with no garlic held at 21 degrees C. The heating procedure (135 degrees C, 4 min) used to make garlic bread by the implicated restaurant was determined not to be sufficient for killing C. jejuni, with the internal temperature of the buttered bread after heating ranging from 19 to 22 degrees C. This study revealed that C. jejuni can survive for many days in refrigerated butter, but large populations (10(3) to 10(5) CFU/g) are killed within a few hours in butter that contains garlic. Furthermore, the heat treatment used by the restaurant to melt garlic butter in making garlic bread was not adequate to kill C. jejuni.

Causal Attributions and Parents' Acceptance of Their Homosexual Sons.

PubMed

Belsky, Yael; Diamond, Gary M

2015-01-01

This Internet-based study examined the association between Israeli parents' attributions regarding the cause of their son's homosexuality and their level of acceptance of their homosexual son. The sample (N = 57) was recruited via Internet Web sites (gay forums and support groups). Findings suggest that more essentialist (versus constructivist) causal attributions were associated with higher levels of parental acceptance. Length of time parents knew of their son's homosexual orientation predicted the degree to which their attributions were essentialist. Implications are discussed.

EDUCATIONAL DEGREES AND ADULT MORTALITY RISK IN THE UNITED STATES*

PubMed Central

Rogers, Richard G.; Everett, Bethany G.; Zajacova, Anna; Hummer, Robert A.

2011-01-01

We present the first published estimates of U.S. adult mortality risk by detailed educational degree, including advanced postsecondary degrees. We use the 1997–2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Linked Mortality Files and Cox proportional hazards models to reveal wide graded differences in mortality by educational degree. Compared to adults who have a professional degree, those with an MA are 5 percent, those with a BA 26 percent, those with an AA 44 percent, those with some college 65 percent, HS graduates 80 percent, and those with a GED or 12 or fewer years of schooling are at least 95 percent more likely to die during the follow-up period, net of sociodemographic controls. These differentials vary by gender and cohort. Advanced educational degrees are not only associated with increased workforce skill level, but also with a reduced risk of death. PMID:20589989

Inferring a dual-stream model of mentalizing from associative white matter fibres disconnection.

PubMed

Herbet, Guillaume; Lafargue, Gilles; Bonnetblanc, François; Moritz-Gasser, Sylvie; Menjot de Champfleur, Nicolas; Duffau, Hugues

2014-03-01

In the field of cognitive neuroscience, it is increasingly accepted that mentalizing is subserved by a complex frontotemporoparietal cortical network. Some researchers consider that this network can be divided into two distinct but interacting subsystems (the mirror system and the mentalizing system per se), which respectively process low-level, perceptive-based aspects and high-level, inference-based aspects of this sociocognitive function. However, evidence for this type of functional dissociation in a given neuropsychological population is currently lacking and the structural connectivities of the two mentalizing subnetworks have not been established. Here, we studied mentalizing in a large sample of patients (n = 93; 46 females; age range: 18-65 years) who had been resected for diffuse low-grade glioma-a rare tumour that migrates preferentially along associative white matter pathways. This neurological disorder constitutes an ideal pathophysiological model in which to study the functional anatomy of associative pathways. We mapped the location of each patient's resection cavity and residual lesion infiltration onto the Montreal Neurological Institute template brain and then performed multilevel lesion analyses (including conventional voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping and subtraction lesion analyses). Importantly, we estimated each associative pathway's degree of disconnection (i.e. the degree of lesion infiltration) and built specific hypotheses concerning the connective anatomy of the mentalizing subnetworks. As expected, we found that impairments in mentalizing were mainly related to the disruption of right frontoparietal connectivity. More specifically, low-level and high-level mentalizing accuracy were correlated with the degree of disconnection in the arcuate fasciculus and the cingulum, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, our findings constitute the first experimental data on the structural connectivity of the mentalizing network and suggest the existence of a dual-stream hodological system. Our results may lead to a better understanding of disorders that affect social cognition, especially in neuropathological conditions characterized by atypical/aberrant structural connectivity, such as autism spectrum disorders.

Gender inequality and gender differences in authoritarianism.

PubMed

Brandt, Mark J; Henry, P J

2012-10-01

Authoritarianism may be endorsed in part as a means of managing and buffering psychological threats (e.g., Duckitt & Fisher, 2003; Henry, 2011). Building on this research, the authors postulated that authoritarianism should be especially prevalent among women in societies with high levels of gender inequality because they especially face more psychological threats associated with stigma compared with men. After establishing that authoritarianism is, in part, a response to rejection, a psychological threat associated with stigma (Study 1), the authors used multilevel modeling to analyze data from 54 societies to find that women endorsed authoritarian values more than men, especially in individualistic societies with high levels of gender inequality (Study 2). Results show that the threats of stigma for women are not uniform across different cultures and that the degree of stigma is related to the degree of endorsement of psychologically protective attitudes such as authoritarianism.

Biomarkers and degree of atherosclerosis are independently associated with incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in a primary prevention cohort: The ARIC study

PubMed Central

Agarwala, Anandita; Virani, Salim; Couper, David; Chambless, Lloyd; Boerwinkle, Eric; Astor, Brad C.; Hoogeveen, Ron C.; Coresh, Joe; Sharrett, A. Richey; Folsom, Aaron R; Mosley, Tom; Ballantyne, Christie M.; Nambi, Vijay

2016-01-01

Background and aims Biomarkers and atherosclerosis imaging have been studied individually for association with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, limited data exist on whether the biomarkers are associated with events with a similar magnitude in the presence of atherosclerosis. In this study, we assessed whether the presence of atherosclerosis as measured by carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) affects the association between biomarkers known to be associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a primary prevention cohort. Methods 8,127 participants from the ARIC study (4th visit, 1996–1998) were stratified as having minimal, mild, or substantial atherosclerosis by cIMT. Levels of C-reactive protein, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, cardiac troponin T, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, lipoprotein(a), cystatin C, and urine albumin to creatinine ratio were measured in each participant. Hazard ratios were used to determine the relationship between the biomarkers and incident CHD, stroke, and CVD in each category of atherosclerosis. Results While each of the biomarkers was significantly associated with risk of events overall, we found no significant differences noted in the strength of association of biomarkers with CHD, stroke, and CVD when analyzed by degree of atherosclerosis. Conclusions These findings suggest that the level of atherosclerosis does not significantly influence the association between biomarkers and CVD. PMID:27665201

Biomarkers and degree of atherosclerosis are independently associated with incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in a primary prevention cohort: The ARIC study.

PubMed

Agarwala, Anandita; Virani, Salim; Couper, David; Chambless, Lloyd; Boerwinkle, Eric; Astor, Brad C; Hoogeveen, Ron C; Coresh, Joe; Sharrett, A Richey; Folsom, Aaron R; Mosley, Tom; Ballantyne, Christie M; Nambi, Vijay

2016-10-01

Biomarkers and atherosclerosis imaging have been studied individually for association with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, limited data exist on whether the biomarkers are associated with events with a similar magnitude in the presence of atherosclerosis. In this study, we assessed whether the presence of atherosclerosis as measured by carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) affects the association between biomarkers known to be associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a primary prevention cohort. 8127 participants from the ARIC study (4th visit, 1996-1998) were stratified as having minimal, mild, or substantial atherosclerosis by cIMT. Levels of C-reactive protein, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, cardiac troponin T, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, lipoprotein(a), cystatin C, and urine albumin to creatinine ratio were measured in each participant. Hazard ratios were used to determine the relationship between the biomarkers and incident CHD, stroke, and CVD in each category of atherosclerosis. While each of the biomarkers was significantly associated with risk of events overall, we found no significant differences noted in the strength of association of biomarkers with CHD, stroke, and CVD when analyzed by degree of atherosclerosis. These findings suggest that the level of atherosclerosis does not significantly influence the association between biomarkers and CVD. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Adolescent Gambling Behaviour and Attitudes: A Prevalence Study and Correlates in an Australian Population

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jackson, Alun C.; Dowling, Nicki; Thomas, Shane A.; Bond, Lyndal; Patton, George

2008-01-01

There is considerable evidence that a range of risk factors are associated with adolescent problem gambling. Using a representative sample of 2,788 eighth grade students in Victoria, Australia, the primary aim of this study was to examine the degree to which these risk factors are associated with different levels of adolescent gambling…

Comorbid Problems in ADHD: Degree of Association, Shared Endophenotypes, and Formation of Distinct Subtypes. Implications for a Future "DSM"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rommelse, Nanda N. J.; Altink, Marieke E.; Fliers, Ellen A.; Martin, Neilson C.; Buschgens, Cathelijne J. M.; Hartman, Catharina A.; Buitelaar, Jan K.; Faraone, Stephen V.; Sergeant, Joseph A.; Oosterlaan, Jaap

2009-01-01

We aimed to assess which comorbid problems (oppositional defiant behaviors, anxiety, autistic traits, motor coordination problems, and reading problems) were most associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); to determine whether these comorbid problems shared executive and motor problems on an endophenotype level with ADHD; and…

Does maternal hydronephrosis have an impact on urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) levels?

PubMed

Pabuccu, Emre G; Caglar, Gamze Sinem; Kiseli, Mine; Yarci Gursoy, Asli; Candar, Tuba; Tangal, Semih; Ergun, İhsan

2017-03-01

To determine urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) levels and creatinine clearance values in women with different degrees of asymptomatic hydronephrosis during pregnancy. A total of 44 pregnant women with different degrees of hydronephrosis and 46 without hydronephrosis were consecutively enrolled in this prospective study. Basic serum and urine parameters, uNGAL levels, and creatinine clearance values were evaluated. All results were compared between the two groups. Regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors, which were mostly related to hydronephrosis. Demographic data, basal laboratory parameters, and creatinine clearance values were similar, whereas significantly higher uNGAL levels were detected in women with hydronephrosis compared to those without hydronephrosis (45.3 versus 33.2 ng/mL, respectively) (p = 0.004). An increasing trend in uNGAL levels was detected with increasing degrees of hydronephrosis; as it was not statistically significant (p = 0.163). Linear regression analysis revealed that the parameter of "pelvic diameter" was found as a significant independent factor influencing uNGAL concentrations (β = 0.289; 95% CI: 0.522-3.061; p = 0.006). Other independent variables were not found to influence uNGAL concentrations (p > 0.05). The results obtained from this study indicate a significant increase of urinary concentration of NGAL in the presence of asymptomatic maternal hydronephrosis. This impact is likely to be more profound in those with severe hydronephrosis although this has not been specifically investigated. This theory needs to be validated in larger populations.

Hearing loss and risk of early retirement. The HUNT study

PubMed Central

Krokstad, Steinar; Tambs, Kristian

2013-01-01

Background: We explore the possible consequences of measured hearing impairment (HI) and perceived hearing difficulties for early retirement in a large population-based study. Furthermore, we study whether having a part-time position was associated with measured HI and perceived hearing difficulties in the same population. Methods: This study included 25 740 persons from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) aged 20–54 years at baseline in HUNT1 (1984–1986) who also participated in the follow up, HUNT2, including a hearing examination 11 years later. Logistic regression analysis was conducted for men and women separately and in two age strata. Effects of low-, middle- and high-frequency hearing levels were explored, adjusting for each other. Further adjustment was made for socio-economic class and general health in HUNT1. Results: The risk of early retirement increased with degree of loss of low-frequency hearing in young and middle-aged men and middle-aged women. The middle-aged men and women experiencing hearing disability had an increased risk of early retirement. Degree of hearing level was not associated with part-time work, but in middle-aged men, awareness of having a hearing loss was associated with part-time employment. Conclusions: Degree of low-frequency hearing loss was associated with early retirement but not with part-time work. Perceived hearing disability increased the risk of early retirement in middle-aged men and women and also the risk of part-time work in middle-aged men. PMID:22930741

Hearing loss and risk of early retirement. The HUNT study.

PubMed

Helvik, Anne-Sofie; Krokstad, Steinar; Tambs, Kristian

2013-08-01

We explore the possible consequences of measured hearing impairment (HI) and perceived hearing difficulties for early retirement in a large population-based study. Furthermore, we study whether having a part-time position was associated with measured HI and perceived hearing difficulties in the same population. This study included 25,740 persons from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) aged 20-54 years at baseline in HUNT1 (1984-1986) who also participated in the follow up, HUNT2, including a hearing examination 11 years later. Logistic regression analysis was conducted for men and women separately and in two age strata. Effects of low-, middle- and high-frequency hearing levels were explored, adjusting for each other. Further adjustment was made for socio-economic class and general health in HUNT1. The risk of early retirement increased with degree of loss of low-frequency hearing in young and middle-aged men and middle-aged women. The middle-aged men and women experiencing hearing disability had an increased risk of early retirement. Degree of hearing level was not associated with part-time work, but in middle-aged men, awareness of having a hearing loss was associated with part-time employment. Degree of low-frequency hearing loss was associated with early retirement but not with part-time work. Perceived hearing disability increased the risk of early retirement in middle-aged men and women and also the risk of part-time work in middle-aged men.

Five-level emergency triage systems: variation in assessment of validity.

PubMed

Kuriyama, Akira; Urushidani, Seigo; Nakayama, Takeo

2017-11-01

Triage systems are scales developed to rate the degree of urgency among patients who arrive at EDs. A number of different scales are in use; however, the way in which they have been validated is inconsistent. Also, it is difficult to define a surrogate that accurately predicts urgency. This systematic review described reference standards and measures used in previous validation studies of five-level triage systems. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL to identify studies that had assessed the validity of five-level triage systems and described the reference standards and measures applied in these studies. Studies were divided into those using criterion validity (reference standards developed by expert panels or triage systems already in use) and those using construct validity (prognosis, costs and resource use). A total of 57 studies examined criterion and construct validity of 14 five-level triage systems. Criterion validity was examined by evaluating (1) agreement between the assigned degree of urgency with objective standard criteria (12 studies), (2) overtriage and undertriage (9 studies) and (3) sensitivity and specificity of triage systems (7 studies). Construct validity was examined by looking at (4) the associations between the assigned degree of urgency and measures gauged in EDs (48 studies) and (5) the associations between the assigned degree of urgency and measures gauged after hospitalisation (13 studies). Particularly, among 46 validation studies of the most commonly used triages (Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale, Emergency Severity Index and Manchester Triage System), 13 and 39 studies examined criterion and construct validity, respectively. Previous studies applied various reference standards and measures to validate five-level triage systems. They either created their own reference standard or used a combination of severity/resource measures. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Low-level violence in schools: is there an association between school safety measures and peer victimization?

PubMed

Blosnich, John; Bossarte, Robert

2011-02-01

Low-level violent behavior, particularly school bullying, remains a critical public health issue that has been associated with negative mental and physical health outcomes. School-based prevention programs, while a valuable line of defense to stave off bullying, have shown inconsistent results in terms of decreasing bullying. This study explored whether school safety measures (eg, security guards, cameras, ID badges) were associated with student reports of different forms of peer victimization related to bullying. Data came from the 2007 School Crime Supplement of the National Crime Victimization Survey. Chi-square tests of independence were used to examine differences among categorical variables. Logistic regression models were constructed for the peer victimization outcomes. A count variable was constructed among the bullying outcomes (0-7) with which a Poisson regression model was constructed to analyze school safety measures' impacts on degree of victimization. Of the various school safety measures, only having adults in hallways resulted in a significant reduction in odds of being physically bullied, having property vandalized, or having rumors spread. In terms of degree of victimization, having adults and/or staff supervising hallways was associated with an approximate 26% decrease in students experiencing an additional form of peer victimization. Results indicated that school safety measures overall were not associated with decreased reports of low-level violent behaviors related to bullying. More research is needed to further explore what best promotes comprehensive safety in schools. © 2011, American School Health Association.

CXCL4 Plasma Levels Are Not Associated with the Extent of Coronary Artery Disease or with Coronary Plaque Morphology

PubMed Central

Erbel, Christian; Korosoglou, Grigorios; Ler, Pearlyn; Akhavanpoor, Mohammadreza; Domschke, Gabriele; Linden, Fabian; Doesch, Andreas O.; Buss, Sebastian J.; Giannitsis, Evangelos; Katus, Hugo A.; Gleissner, Christian A.

2015-01-01

Background CXCL4 is a platelet chemokine released at micromolar concentrations upon platelet activation. CXCL4 has been shown to promote atherogenesis by various mechanisms. However, data on CXCL4 plasma levels in patients with coronary artery disease are largely inconclusive. Computed coronary artery angiography (CCTA) represents an excellent tool to quantify and characterize coronary atherosclerotic plaques. We hypothesized that increased CXCL4 plasma levels may be associated with features of plaque instability resulting in adverse cardiovascular events. Specifically, we sought to determine whether CXCL4 levels are correlated with specific features of coronary artery disease including (1) plaque volume, (2) calcium score, (3) degree of stenosis, or (4) vascular remodeling. Methods and Results CXCL4 plasma levels were measured by ELISA in 217 patients undergoing CCTA for suspected CAD (mean age 64.2 ± 9.4 years, 107 (49.3%) male). Mean CXCL4 plasma levels were 12.5 ± 4.6 ng/mL. There was no significant correlation between CXCL4 levels and any clinical or demographic parameters including cardiovascular risk factors. CXCL4 plasma levels did not differ between patient with or without coronary artery disease (CAD: 12.5 ± 4.5 ng/ml, no CAD: 12.5 ± 4.8 ng/ml). Neither univariate nor multivariate analysis showed an association between CXCL4 levels and plaque volume, total calcium score, degree of stenosis, or vascular remodeling. Subgroup analysis of patients with CAD as confirmed by CCTA did not show any association of CXCL4 levels with the extent of CAD. Conclusions While CXCL4 may be present and active within the arterial wall, local increase of CXCL4 may not translate into systemically elevated CXCL4 levels. Further studies will have to test whether CXCL4 may still represent a suitable therapeutic target in human atherosclerosis. PMID:26524462

CXCL4 Plasma Levels Are Not Associated with the Extent of Coronary Artery Disease or with Coronary Plaque Morphology.

PubMed

Erbel, Christian; Korosoglou, Grigorios; Ler, Pearlyn; Akhavanpoor, Mohammadreza; Domschke, Gabriele; Linden, Fabian; Doesch, Andreas O; Buss, Sebastian J; Giannitsis, Evangelos; Katus, Hugo A; Gleissner, Christian A

2015-01-01

CXCL4 is a platelet chemokine released at micromolar concentrations upon platelet activation. CXCL4 has been shown to promote atherogenesis by various mechanisms. However, data on CXCL4 plasma levels in patients with coronary artery disease are largely inconclusive. Computed coronary artery angiography (CCTA) represents an excellent tool to quantify and characterize coronary atherosclerotic plaques. We hypothesized that increased CXCL4 plasma levels may be associated with features of plaque instability resulting in adverse cardiovascular events. Specifically, we sought to determine whether CXCL4 levels are correlated with specific features of coronary artery disease including (1) plaque volume, (2) calcium score, (3) degree of stenosis, or (4) vascular remodeling. CXCL4 plasma levels were measured by ELISA in 217 patients undergoing CCTA for suspected CAD (mean age 64.2 ± 9.4 years, 107 (49.3%) male). Mean CXCL4 plasma levels were 12.5 ± 4.6 ng/mL. There was no significant correlation between CXCL4 levels and any clinical or demographic parameters including cardiovascular risk factors. CXCL4 plasma levels did not differ between patient with or without coronary artery disease (CAD: 12.5 ± 4.5 ng/ml, no CAD: 12.5 ± 4.8 ng/ml). Neither univariate nor multivariate analysis showed an association between CXCL4 levels and plaque volume, total calcium score, degree of stenosis, or vascular remodeling. Subgroup analysis of patients with CAD as confirmed by CCTA did not show any association of CXCL4 levels with the extent of CAD. While CXCL4 may be present and active within the arterial wall, local increase of CXCL4 may not translate into systemically elevated CXCL4 levels. Further studies will have to test whether CXCL4 may still represent a suitable therapeutic target in human atherosclerosis.

Decreased heat tolerance is associated with hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis impairment.

PubMed

Michel, V; Peinnequin, A; Alonso, A; Buguet, A; Cespuglio, R; Canini, F

2007-06-29

When rats are exposed to heat, they adapt themselves to the stressor with a wide inter-individual variability. Such differences in heat tolerance may be related to particularities in the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis activation. To further this hypothesis, 80 rats instrumented with a telemetric device for abdominal temperature (Tabd) measurement were separated into two groups. Sixty-eight rats were exposed during 90 min at an ambient temperature of 40 degrees C, and 12 rats to an ambient temperature of 22 degrees C. Heat-exposed rats were then divided into three groups using the a posteriori k-means clustering method according to their Tabd level at the end of heat exposure. Heat tolerant rats (Tol, n=30) exhibiting the lowest Tabd showed a slight dehydration, a moderate triglyceride mobilization, but the highest plasma adrenocorticotropic-hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone levels. Conversely, heat exhausted rats (HE, n=14) presented the highest Tabd, a higher degree of dehydration, a greater metabolic imbalance with the lowest plasma triglyceride level and the highest lactate concentration, as well as a lowest plasma corticosterone and ACTH levels. The fact that the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA content within the pituitary was low despite of a high c-fos mRNA level is also relevant. Current inflammatory processes in HE rats were underlined by lower inhibitory factor kappaBalpha (IkappaBalpha) mRNA and higher tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) mRNA. In conclusion, data show that intolerance to heat exposure is associated to an HPA axis impairment, possibly related to changes occurring in the IkappaBalpha and TNF-alpha mRNA levels.

Acetabular labral tears with underlying chondromalacia: a possible association with high-level running.

PubMed

Guanche, Carlos A; Sikka, Robby S

2005-05-01

The use of hip arthroscopy has helped delineate intra-articular pathology and has enabled clinicians to further elucidate the factors responsible for injuries, such as running. The subtle development of degenerative changes may be a result of repetitive impact loading associated with this sport. This study presents a population of runners with common pathologic acetabular changes. Case series. Eight high-level runners with an average age of 36 years (range, 19 to 45 years) were seen for complaints of increasing hip pain with running without any history of macrotrauma. All of the patients had either run several marathons (4), were triathletes (1), Olympic middle distance runners (1), or had run more than 10 miles per week for longer than 5 years (2). Plain radiographic analysis revealed no degenerative changes and an average center-edge (CE) angle of 36.7 degrees (range, 28 degrees to 44 degrees). All patients underwent hip arthroscopy with labral debridement. In 6 patients (75%), a chondral injury of the acetabular cartilage underlying the labral tear was noted. In addition, 3 patients had ligamentum teres disruptions. It is possible that the development of these tears is the result of subtle instability, which may be exacerbated by running, eventually leading to labral tearing and possible ligamentum teres disruption. While perhaps concurrently, subtle acetabular dysplasia may play a role. Although this study does not confirm an association between running and the development of labral tears or chondral lesions in the hip, it certainly questions whether there is an injury pattern common to this population, a "runner's hip." Level IV.

Tech-Prep/Associate Degree Program Guide: Tech Prep Associate Degree Program, Business Administration Associate Degree Program, Office Administration Associate Degree Program, Allied Health Associate Degree Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marmaras, Judy; Neri, Pat

The Tech-Prep Associate Degree Program (TPAD) at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) in Warwick, is a high school/community college partnership providing high school students with an alternative program of study focused on goal setting, basic academic skills development, and the skills needed to pursue a career in a technical, business or…

The educational preparation of nurses in a developing economy and patient mortality.

PubMed

Mahfoud, Z R; Gkantaras, I; Topping, A E; Cannaby, A M; Foreman, B; Watson, R; Thompson, D R; Gray, R

2018-03-02

Most studies have reported that higher levels (baccalaureate degree) of educational attainment by nurses are associated with lower levels of patient mortality. Researchers working in developed economies (e.g. North America and Europe) have almost exclusively conducted these studies. The value of baccalaureate nurse education has not been tested in countries with a developing economy. A retrospective observational study conducted in seven hospitals. Patient mortality was the main outcome of interest. Anonymized data were extracted from nurses and patients from two different administrative sources and linked using the staff identification number that exists in both systems. We used bivariate logistic regression models to test the association between mortality and the educational attainment of the admitting nurse (responsible for assessment and care planning). Data were extracted for 11 918 (12, 830 admissions) patients and 7415 nurses over the first 6 months of 2015. The majority of nurses were educated in South Asia and just over half were educated to at least bachelor degree level. After adjusting for confounding and clustering, nurse education was not found to be associated with mortality. Our observations may suggest that in a developing economy, the academic level of nurses' education is not associated with a reduction in patient mortality. Findings should be interpreted with considerable caution but do challenge widely held assumptions about the value of baccalaureate-prepared nurses. Further research focused on nursing education in developing economies is required to inform health policy and planning. © 2018 International Council of Nurses.

The Influence of Academic Momentum and Associate Degree Credit Requirements on Community College Student Degree Completion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knox, Daniel

2017-01-01

This study addresses gaps in the theoretical and policy literature by examining the relationship between associate degree program credit requirements and four student outcomes: associate degree attainment, time to degree, final associate degree grade point average, and persistence. Using student unit record data, a longitudinal quantitative study…

Kinematic constraints associated with the acquisition of overarm throwing part I: step and trunk actions.

PubMed

Stodden, David F; Langendorfer, Stephen J; Fleisig, Glenn S; Andrews, James R

2006-12-01

The purposes of this study were to: (a) examine differences within specific kinematic variables and ball velocity associated with developmental component levels of step and trunk action (Roberton & Halverson, 1984), and (b) if the differences in kinematic variables were significantly associated with the differences in component levels, determine potential kinematic constraints associated with skilled throwing acquisition. Results indicated stride length (69.3 %) and time from stride foot contact to ball release (39. 7%) provided substantial contributions to ball velocity (p < .001). All trunk kinematic measures increased significantly with increasing component levels (p < .001). Results suggest that trunk linear and rotational velocities, degree of trunk tilt, time from stride foot contact to ball release, and ball velocity represented potential control parameters and, therefore, constraints on overarm throwing acquisition.

Femoral head-neck junction deformity is related to osteoarthritis of the hip.

PubMed

Barros, Hilton José Melo; Camanho, Gilberto Luis; Bernabé, Antônio Carlos; Rodrigues, Marcelo Bordalo; Leme, Luiz Eugênio Garcez

2010-07-01

Primary or idiopathic osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip has increasingly been attributed to the presence of presumably minor femoral or acetabular deformities that are not routinely identified. The alpha angle reflects one such deformity of the femoral neck and reflects a risk for femoroacetabular impingement, which in turn reportedly is associated with OA. If impingement is in fact associated with OA, then one might expect the mean alpha angle to be greater in patients with presumed idiopathic hip OA. We therefore compared the alpha angle among a group of elderly patients with idiopathic OA with that in a control group of elderly individuals without OA. We measured the alpha angles in 50 individuals (72 hips) with a mean age of 70 years (range, 60-84 years) with apparently idiopathic OA and compared their angles with those from a control group of 56 individuals without OA. The alpha angle was measured by means of radiographs of their hips using the Dunn view at 45 degrees flexion. The patients with OA had a greater percentage with abnormal alpha angles than did the normal subjects: 82% versus 30%, respectively. The mean alpha angle in the group with OA was larger than in the control subjects: 66.4 masculine (range, 28 degrees -108 degrees ) versus 48.1 masculine (range, 34 degrees -68 degrees ). Hips with presumably idiopathic OA had more abnormalities at the femoral head-neck junction than did the control hips without OA and may relate to the risk of OA developing. Level II, prognostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Spherical Harmonics Analysis of the ECMWF Global Wind Fields at the 10-Meter Height Level During 1985: A Collection of Figures Illustrating Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanchez, Braulio V.; Nishihama, Masahiro

1997-01-01

Half-daily global wind speeds in the east-west (u) and north-south (v) directions at the 10-meter height level were obtained from the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) data set of global analyses. The data set covered the period 1985 January to 1995 January. A spherical harmonic expansion to degree and order 50 was used to perform harmonic analysis of the east-west (u) and north-south (v) velocity field components. The resulting wind field is displayed, as well as the residual of the fit, at a particular time. The contribution of particular coefficients is shown. The time variability of the coefficients up to degree and order 3 is presented. Corresponding power spectrum plots are given. Time series analyses were applied also to the power associated with degrees 0-10; the results are included.

Gender-specific factors associated with the suicidal ideation of children in Taiwan: A large-scale cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Huang, Hsiao-Ling; Peng, Wu-Der; Lin, Ying-Chun; Lee, Chien-Hung; Hu, Chih-Yang; Huang, Shun-Te

2017-07-06

We examined the relationship between suicidal ideation (SI) and the depressed mood, life stress and parenting styles in children. A large-scale survey was conducted including 5328 children from 65 elementary schools in Taiwan. SI was measured by asking children if any suicidal thoughts had occurred in the previous month. A series of regression models was analysed separately for male and female students. Compared with boys, girls demonstrated a higher proportion of SI. Among boys, SI was significantly associated with a high level of perceived environmental stress (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.61), a high degree of depressed mood (aOR = 2.39), authoritative (aOR = 1.72) and authoritarian (aOR = 2.53) parenting styles and two or more life-stress events (aOR = 1.45). A high level of perceived environmental stress (aOR = 2.09), a high degree of depressed mood (aOR = 2.89) and an authoritarian parenting style (aOR = 1.76) were significantly associated with the SI in girls. Gender-specific interventions aimed at preventing SI must enhance support systems at school and at home, particularly for students who suffer from a high degree of stress and depressed mood, and are subjected to an authoritarian parenting style. © 2017 International Union of Psychological Science.

Measurements of the degree of development of rigor mortis as an indicator of stress in slaughtered pigs.

PubMed

Warriss, P D; Brown, S N; Knowles, T G

2003-12-13

The degree of development of rigor mortis in the carcases of slaughter pigs was assessed subjectively on a three-point scale 35 minutes after they were exsanguinated, and related to the levels of cortisol, lactate and creatine kinase in blood collected at exsanguination. Earlier rigor development was associated with higher concentrations of these stress indicators in the blood. This relationship suggests that the mean rigor score, and the frequency distribution of carcases that had or had not entered rigor, could be used as an index of the degree of stress to which the pigs had been subjected.

Body size, but neither age nor asymptomatic mitral regurgitation, influences plasma concentrations of dimethylarginines in dogs.

PubMed

Pedersen, L G; Tarnow, I; Olsen, L H; Teerlink, T; Pedersen, H D

2006-06-01

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a marker of various cardiovascular diseases in man. The aim of the present study was to test if Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) with varying degrees of mitral regurgitation (MR) had increased plasma concentration of ADMA and furthermore, characterize the plasma level of ADMA and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in normal dogs. Seventy-six dogs were included (44 CKCS and 32 dogs of other breeds). The CKCS had various degrees of MR, whereas the remaining dogs had either no or minimal MR. Apart from cardiac murmurs, no dogs showed signs of cardiac or systematic disease. The degree of MR had no significant influence on ADMA (P = 0.33). Body weight was directly associated with ADMA (P = 0.0004) and creatinine was directly associated with SDMA (P<0.0001). Furthermore, the plasma concentration of ADMA was three to four times higher than found in healthy humans.

Determination of Key Flavor Components in Methylene Chloride Extracts from Processed Grapefruit Juice.

PubMed

Jella; Rouseff; Goodner; Widmer

1998-01-19

The relative correlation of 52 aroma and 5 taste components in commercial not-from-concentrate grapefruit juices with flavor panel preference was determined. Methylene chloride extracts of juice were analyzed using GC/MS with a DB-5 column. Nonvolatiles determined included limonin and naringin by HPLC, degrees Brix, total acids, and degrees Brix/acid ratio. Juice samples were classified into low, medium, or high categories, based on average taste panel preference scores (nine-point hedonic scale). Principal component analysis demonstrated that highest quality juices were tightly clustered. Discriminant analysis indicated that 82% of the samples could be identified in the correct preference category using only myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, linalool, nootkatone, and degrees Brix. Nootkatone alone was not strongly associated with preference scores. The most preferred juices were strongly associated with low myrcene, low linalool, and intermediate levels of beta-caryophyllene.

Changes in insulin-like growth factor-I and its binding proteins are associated with diabetes mellitus in older adults.

PubMed

Aneke-Nash, Chino S; Parrinello, Christina M; Rajpathak, Swapnil N; Rohan, Thomas E; Strotmeyer, Elsa S; Kritchevsky, Stephen B; Psaty, Bruce M; Bůžková, Petra; Kizer, Jorge R; Newman, Anne B; Strickler, Howard D; Kaplan, Robert C

2015-05-01

To determine whether changes in insulin-like growth factor (IGF) protein levels are greater in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus or worsening glycemia than in normoglycemic individuals over a 9-year follow-up period. Retrospective analysis of a cohort study. Participants were recruited from North Carolina, California, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Cardiovascular Health Study All Stars participants, a cohort study of community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older (N=897). Plasma IGF-I, IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-1, and IGFBP-3 levels were assessed and American Diabetes Association cut-points for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and diabetes mellitus were used to classify participants at baseline (1996-97) and follow-up (2005-06). At baseline, mean age was 76.3±3.6, and 18.5% had diabetes mellitus. Participants with IFG alone and IGT plus IFG had higher IGF-I levels and lower IGFBP-1 levels than those with normoglycemia or diabetes mellitus. The greatest percentage change in IGF levels occurred in those who had diabetes mellitus at baseline (9-year changes: -9.3% for IGF-I, 59.7% for IGFBP-1, -13.4% for IGFBP-3), the smallest in individuals who remained normoglycemic at follow-up (9-year changes: -3.7% for IGF-I, 25.6% for IGFBP-1, -6.4% for IGFBP-3), and intermediate in those who were normoglycemic but developed IFG at follow-up. Degrees of glycemic impairment are associated with varying degrees of change in IGF protein levels. The changes observed in the diabetes mellitus group have been previously shown to be associated with heart failure, cancer, and noncancer mortality. © 2015, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2015, The American Geriatrics Society.

Family history of cancer predicts endometrial cancer risk independently of Lynch Syndrome: Implications for genetic counselling.

PubMed

Johnatty, Sharon E; Tan, Yen Y; Buchanan, Daniel D; Bowman, Michael; Walters, Rhiannon J; Obermair, Andreas; Quinn, Michael A; Blomfield, Penelope B; Brand, Alison; Leung, Yee; Oehler, Martin K; Kirk, Judy A; O'Mara, Tracy A; Webb, Penelope M; Spurdle, Amanda B

2017-11-01

To determine endometrial cancer (EC) risk according to family cancer history, including assessment by degree of relatedness, type of and age at cancer diagnosis of relatives. Self-reported family cancer history was available for 1353 EC patients and 628 controls. Logistic regression was used to quantify the association between EC and cancer diagnosis in ≥1 first or second degree relative, and to assess whether level of risk differed by degree of relationship and/or relative's age at diagnosis. Risk was also evaluated for family history of up to three cancers from known familial syndromes (Lynch, Cowden, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer) overall, by histological subtype and, for a subset of 678 patients, by EC tumor mismatch repair (MMR) gene expression. Report of EC in ≥1 first- or second-degree relative was associated with significantly increased risk of EC (P=3.8×10 -7 ), independent of lifestyle risk factors. There was a trend in increasing EC risk with closer relatedness and younger age at EC diagnosis in relatives (P Trend =4.43×10 -6 ), and with increasing numbers of Lynch cancers in relatives (P Trend ≤0.0001). EC risk associated with family history did not differ by proband tumor MMR status, or histological subtype. Reported EC in first- or second-degree relatives remained associated with EC risk after conservative correction for potential misreported family history (OR 2.0; 95% CI, 1.24-3.37, P=0.004). The strongest predictor of EC risk was closer relatedness and younger EC diagnosis age in ≥1 relative. Associations remained significant irrespective of proband MMR status, and after excluding MMR pathogenic variant carriers, indicating that Lynch syndrome genes do not fully explain familial EC risk. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Master's level education in Jordan: a qualitative study of key motivational factors and perceived impact on practice.

PubMed

Zahran, Zainab

2013-09-01

To explore key motivational factors of Jordanian nurses to undertake a Master's degree and explore perceived impact on practice. In Jordan, there are postgraduate educational programmes offering a Master's degree in clinical nursing for registered nurses. These programmes are intended to prepare nurses to practise at an advanced level as potential clinical nurse specialists. Little is known about the motivation of nurses to undertake such Master's degree preparation programmes and their perceived impact on practice. Using an ethnographic design, narratives from semi-structured interviews with participants (n=37) from five Jordanian hospitals and two public universities were collected and thematically analysed. Four main themes emerged from the data: self development; broadening career opportunities; developing practice; and the perceived impact of Master's level nurses on practice. The majority of Jordanian nurses chose to undertake a Master's degree because of a desire for self and practice development. The majority of participants referred to M-level nurses in terms of knowledge transfer, highlighting their clinical teaching and in-service education activities. M-level nurses were also associated with managerial and supervisory roles in clinical practice. Controversy over the impact of M-level nurses in enhancing patient care is not limited to the Jordanian setting. Future research needs to focus on comparative studies between nurses with M-level qualifications and experienced nurses without either M-level qualifications or specialist courses to establish if there is any significant relationship between practice performance and educational preparation and experience. Evaluation research could be undertaken for the purpose of developing measurable and observable criteria related to educational and skill based outcomes. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ambient air pollution and annoyance responses from pregnant women

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Llop, Sabrina; Ballester, Ferran; Estarlich, Marisa; Esplugues, Ana; Fernández-Patier, Rosalia; Ramón, Rosa; Marco, Alfredo; Aguirre, Amelia; Sunyer, Jordi; Iñiguez, Carmen; INMA-Valencia cohort

ObjectivesTo describe the degree of annoyance caused by air pollution and noise in pregnant women in a birth cohort; to determine the modifying factors and their relation with exposure to ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO 2). MethodsThe study population was 855 pregnant women in Valencia, Spain. Annoyance caused by air pollution and noise, and explanatory factors were obtained from 786 pregnant women through a questionnaire. NO 2 levels were determined combining measurements at 93 points within the area of study and using geostatistical techniques (kriging). ResultsIn all 7.9% of the women reported high annoyance caused by air pollution and 13.1% high annoyance caused by noise. There was a significant difference in the degree of annoyance due to both air pollution and noise depending on the area where the women lived and their working status. The degree of annoyance correlated better with measured NO 2 at the municipality level (air pollution: r=0.53; noise: r=0.44) than at the individual level (air pollution and noise: r=0.21). On multivariate analysis, being a housewife, higher NO 2 levels and high traffic density were associated with higher degrees of annoyance. ConclusionsThere was a high percentage of women who perceived medium-high annoyance due to noise and air pollution. Annoyance caused by environmental pollutants could lead to some psychological effects, which impair the quality of life, or even physiological ones, which affect prenatal development.

Recreational music-making: an integrative group intervention for reducing burnout and improving mood states in first year associate degree nursing students: insights and economic impact.

PubMed

Bittman, Barry B; Snyder, Cherie; Bruhn, Karl T; Liebfreid, Fran; Stevens, Christine K; Westengard, James; Umbach, Paul O

2004-01-01

The challenges of providing exemplary undergraduate nursing education cannot be underestimated in an era when burnout and negative mood states predictably lead to alarming rates of academic as well as career attrition. While the multi-dimensional nature of this complex issue has been extensively elucidated, few rational strategies exist to reverse a disheartening trend recognizable early in the educational process that subsequently threatens to undermine the future viability of quality healthcare. This controlled prospective crossover study examined the impact of a 6-session Recreational Music-making (RMM) protocol on burnout and mood dimensions as well as Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) in first year associate level nursing students. A total of 75 first year associate degree nursing students from Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) participated in a 6-session RMM protocol focusing on group support and stress reduction utilizing a specific group drumming protocol. Burnout and mood dimensions were assessed with the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Profile of Mood States respectively. Statistically significant reductions of multiple burnout and mood dimensions as well as TMD scores were noted. Potential annual cost savings for the typical associate degree nursing program (16,800 dollars) and acute care hospital (322,000 dollars) were projected by an independent economic analysis firm. A cost-effective 6-session RMM protocol reduces burnout and mood dimensions as well as TMD in associate degree nursing students.

Designing a Curriculum Model to Include Sexuality and a Procedure for its Administration. Human Sexuality-Nursing 50383.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoffman, Elise; And Others

In order to design and implement a plan to integrate human sexuality into the curriculum for associate degree nursing students at Alvin Community College (Texas), levels of knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary in promoting sexual health were defined. Of the four levels in the Mims and Swenson Sexual Health Model (life experiences, basic,…

A Curriculum Evaluation Study of Commercial Art Programs in the Wisconsin Vocational, Technical and Adult Schools: Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crandall, William H.; Niesl, Joseph

A study of 2-year associate degree commercial arts programs in Wisconsin was conducted to determine the entry-level job requirements of commercial artists on a statewide basis; to identify skill tasks, performance levels, and learning experiences required of commercial artists; to evaluate the relevance of 2-year programs to industry requirements;…

Permaculture in higher education: Teaching sustainability through action learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Battisti, Bryce Thomas

This is a case study of the use of Action Learning (AL) theory to teach and confer degrees in Permaculture and other forms of sustainability at the newly formed Gaia University International (GUI). In Chapter Two I argue that GUI, as an institution of higher learning, is organized to provide support for learning. The goal of the university structure is to provide students, called Associates, with a vehicle for accumulation of credit towards a bachelor's degree. This organizational structure is necessary, but insufficient for AL because Associates need more than an organization to provide and coordinate their degree programs. In other words, just because the network of university structures are organized in ways that make AL possible and convenient, it does not necessarily follow that Action Learning will occur for any individual Associate. The support structures within GUI's degrees are discussed in Chapter Three. To a greater or lesser degree GUI provides support for personal learning among Associates as advisors and advisees with the goal of helping Associates complete and document the outcomes of world-change projects. The support structures are necessary, but not sufficient for AL because the personal learning process occurring for each Associate requires transformative reflection. Additionally, because Associates' attrition rate is very high, many Associates do not remain enrolled in GUI long enough to benefit from the support structures. At the simplest organizational level I discuss the reflection process conducted in the patterned interactions of assigned learning groups called Guilds (Chapter Four). These groups of Associates work to provide each other with the best possible environment for personal learning through reflection. As its Associates experience transformative reflection, GUI is able to help elevate the quality of world-change efforts in the Permaculture community. Provided the organizational and support structures are in place, this reflection process is both necessary and sufficient for AL. By this I mean that if transformative reflection is occurring in Guild meetings, and is supported by a system of advisors, reviewers and support people within a university organized to give credit for Action Learning, then Action Learning will occur for individual Associates.

Does intentional support of degree programs in general surgery residency affect research productivity or pursuit of academic surgery?

PubMed

Joshua Smith, Jesse; Patel, Ravi K; Chen, Xi; Tarpley, Margaret J; Terhune, Kyla P

2014-01-01

Many residents supplement general surgery training with years of dedicated research, and an increasing number at our institution pursue additional degrees. We sought to determine whether it was worth the financial cost for residency programs to support degrees. We reviewed graduating chief residents (n = 69) in general surgery at Vanderbilt University from 2001 to 2010 and collected the data including research time and additional degrees obtained. We then compared this information with the following parameters: (1) total papers, (2) first-author papers, (3) Journal Citation Reports impact factors of journals in which papers were published, and (4) first job after residency or fellowship training. The general surgery resident training program at Vanderbilt University is an academic program, approved to finish training 7 chief residents yearly during the time period studied. Chief residents in general surgery at Vanderbilt who finished their training 2001 through 2010. We found that completion of a degree during residency was significantly associated with more total and first-author publications as compared with those by residents with only dedicated research time (p = 0.001 and p = 0.017). Residents completing a degree also produced publications of a higher caliber and level of authorship as determined by an adjusted resident impact factor score as compared with those by residents with laboratory research time only (p = 0.005). Degree completion also was significantly correlated with a first job in academia if compared to those with dedicated research time only (p = 0.046). Our data support the utility of degree completion when economically feasible and use of dedicated research time as an effective way to significantly increase research productivity and retain graduates in academic surgery. Aggregating data from other academic surgery programs would allow us to further determine association of funding of additional degrees as a means to encourage academic productivity and retention. Copyright © 2014 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Assessing the competences associated with a nursing Bachelor thesis by means of rubrics.

PubMed

Llaurado-Serra, M; Rodríguez, E; Gallart, A; Fuster, P; Monforte-Royo, C; De Juan, M Á

2018-07-01

Writing a Bachelor thesis is the last step in obtaining a university degree. The thesis may be job- or research-orientated, but it must demonstrate certain degree-level competences. Rubrics are a useful way of unifying the assessment criteria. To design a system of rubrics for assessing the competences associated with the Bachelor thesis of a nursing degree, to examine the system's reliability and validity and to analyse results in relation to the final thesis mark. Cross-sectional and psychometric study conducted between 2012 and 2014. Nursing degree at a Spanish university. Twelve tutors who designed the system of rubrics. Students (n = 76) who wrote their Bachelor thesis during the 2013-2014 academic year. After deciding which aspects would be assessed, who would assess them and when, the tutors developed seven rubrics (drafting process, assessment of the written thesis by the supervisor and by a panel, student self-assessment, peer assessment, tutor evaluation of the peer assessment and panel assessment of the viva). We analysed the reliability (inter-rater and internal consistency) and validity (convergent and discriminant) of the rubrics, and also the relationship between the competences assessed and the final thesis mark. All the rubrics had internal consistency coefficients >0.80. The rubric for oral communication skills (viva) yielded inter-rater reliability of 0.95. Factor analysis indicated a unidimensional structure for all but one of the rubrics, the exception being the rubric for peer assessment, which had a two-factor structure. The main competences associated with a good quality Bachelor thesis were written communication skills and the ability to work independently. The assessment system based on seven rubrics is shown to be valid and reliable. Writing a Bachelor thesis requires a range of degree-level competences and it offers nursing students the opportunity to develop their evidence-based practice skills. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Educational levels of hospital nurses and surgical patient mortality.

PubMed

Aiken, Linda H; Clarke, Sean P; Cheung, Robyn B; Sloane, Douglas M; Silber, Jeffrey H

2003-09-24

Growing evidence suggests that nurse staffing affects the quality of care in hospitals, but little is known about whether the educational composition of registered nurses (RNs) in hospitals is related to patient outcomes. To examine whether the proportion of hospital RNs educated at the baccalaureate level or higher is associated with risk-adjusted mortality and failure to rescue (deaths in surgical patients with serious complications). Cross-sectional analyses of outcomes data for 232 342 general, orthopedic, and vascular surgery patients discharged from 168 nonfederal adult general Pennsylvania hospitals between April 1, 1998, and November 30, 1999, linked to administrative and survey data providing information on educational composition, staffing, and other characteristics. Risk-adjusted patient mortality and failure to rescue within 30 days of admission associated with nurse educational level. The proportion of hospital RNs holding a bachelor's degree or higher ranged from 0% to 77% across the hospitals. After adjusting for patient characteristics and hospital structural characteristics (size, teaching status, level of technology), as well as for nurse staffing, nurse experience, and whether the patient's surgeon was board certified, a 10% increase in the proportion of nurses holding a bachelor's degree was associated with a 5% decrease in both the likelihood of patients dying within 30 days of admission and the odds of failure to rescue (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-0.99 in both cases). In hospitals with higher proportions of nurses educated at the baccalaureate level or higher, surgical patients experienced lower mortality and failure-to-rescue rates.

Progenesis in Proctoeces lintoni (Fellodistomidae), a parasite of Fissurella crassa (Archaeogastropoda) in a latitudinal gradient in the Pacific Coast of South America.

PubMed

Oliva, M E; Huaquin, L G

2000-08-01

The fellodistomid Proctoeces lintoni is a common parasite of the gonads of key-hole limpets Fissurella spp. (Archaeogastropoda). It has also been found in the mantle of Octopus vulgaris and as an intestinal parasite of haemulid and gobiesocid fishes. Fissurella crassa, a host for progenetic P. lintoni, can be found from Huarmey, Peni (10 degrees S) to Chiloé, Chile (42 degrees S). Proctoeces lintoni has been found parasitizing fishes and molluscs from Callao, Peni (12 degrees S) to Valdivia, Chile (39 degrees S). Progenesis is thought to be a latitude-dependent phenomenon, and high progenesis is expected at higher latitude. In the present article, the association between latitude and progenesis was examined over a latitudinal gradient of about 3,000 km. Data suggest that progenesis of P. lintoni infecting F. crassa was not associated with latitude. Low levels of progenesis found in the Peruvian population could be a consequence of parasite-induced mortality rather than of low latitude, as would be predicted by the latitude dependence hypothesis.

Male pattern baldness is not associated with established cardiovascular risk factors in the general population.

PubMed

Ellis, J A; Stebbing, M; Harrap, S B

2001-04-01

A number of studies have shown an association between male pattern baldness (MPB) and cardiovascular disease. Few of these studies, however, have examined whether MPB is a novel risk factor, or is associated with abnormalities of established coronary risk factors. We have therefore performed an analysis of MPB and cardiovascular risk factors in the general population. A total of 1219 male participants aged 18-70 years from the Victorian Family Heart Study were surveyed using a validated questionnaire for degree and pattern of baldness. Carefully standardized measures of height, weight, blood pressure, pulse rate, total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and plasma fibrinogen were made. Subjects were grouped according to the degree and pattern of baldness as: no baldness, frontal baldness and vertex baldness. Bald men were older than non-bald men (P < 0.0001). Age was also associated with increased levels of coronary risk factors (P < 0.0001). When multiple regression was used to adjust for age differences, the levels of coronary risk factors were not significantly different between the bald and non-bald groups. The lack of association between baldness and established coronary risk factors implies that baldness may predispose to coronary heart disease through novel mechanisms yet to be defined.

Endotoxin and biogenic amine levels in Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus), sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and Mediterranean hake (Merluccius merluccius) stored at 22 degrees C.

PubMed

Prester, Ljerka; Macan, Jelena; Varnai, Veda Marija; Orct, Tatjana; Vukusic, Jelena; Kipcic, Dubravka

2009-03-01

Whole Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus), sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and Mediterranean hake (Merluccius merluccius) from the Croatian Adriatic were stored at 22 degrees C and changes in histamine, putrescine, tyramine and cadaverine levels were monitored in relation to bacterial endotoxin. After 12 h, histamine levels in sardine were above the legal limit of 50 mg kg(-1), set by the US Food and Drug Administration, and an increase in putrescine content preceded the increase in histamine. After 24 h, histamine contents in mackerel and sardine reached 1090 +/- 101 and 577 +/- 275 mg kg(-1), respectively, which exceeded the toxic threshold of 500 mg kg(-1). At the same time, the putrescine content was also high in both fish (353-420 mg kg(-1)). The time-course of endotoxin production was similar in all fish species stored at 22 degrees C. A high correlation was found between endotoxin and histamine, and between endotoxin and putrescine in mackerel and sardine. On the other hand, high endotoxin levels in hake, after 24 h, were associated with the low histamine and putrescine content (40-60 mg kg(-1)).

The Association Among Individual and Contextual Factors and Unmet Healthcare Needs in South Korea: A Multilevel Study Using National Data.

PubMed

Lee, Seung Eun; Yeon, Miyeon; Kim, Chul-Woung; Yoon, Tae-Ho

2016-09-01

The objective of this study is to investigate associations between contextual characteristics and unmet healthcare needs in South Korea after accounting for individual factors. The present study used data from the 2012 Korean Community Health Survey (KCHS) of 228 902 adults residing within 253 municipal districts in South Korea. A multilevel analysis was conducted to investigate how contextual characteristics, defined by variables that describe the regional deprivation, degree of urbanity, and healthcare supply, are associated with unmet needs after controlling for individual-level variables. Of the surveyed Korean adults, 12.1% reported experiencing unmet healthcare needs in the past. This figure varied with the 253 districts surveyed, ranging from 2.6% to 26.2%. A multilevel analysis found that the association between contextual characteristics and unmet needs varied according to the factors that caused the unmet needs. The degree of urbanity was associated with unmet need due to "financial burden" (odds ratio [OR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42 to 0.66 for rural vs. metropolitan), but not unmet need due to "service not available when needed." There were no significant associations between these unmet need measures and regional deprivation. Among individual-level variables, income level showed the highest association with unmet need due to "financial burden" (OR, 5.63; 95% CI, 4.76 to 6.66), while employment status showed a strong association with unmet need due to "service not available when needed." Our finding suggests that different policy interventions should be considered for each at-risk population group to address the root cause of unmet healthcare needs.

Analysis of obstruction site in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients by drug induced sleep endoscopy.

PubMed

Koo, Soo Kweon; Choi, Jang Won; Myung, Nam Suk; Lee, Hyoung Ju; Kim, Yang Jae; Kim, Young Joong

2013-01-01

We analyzed site, pattern and degree of obstruction in Korean male obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients by drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). We also investigated possible links between BMI, AHI and DISE findings. Sixty-nine male patients underwent DISE. DISE findings were reported using our classification system in which modified 'VOTE classification' - obstruction type, site of obstruction, degree of obstruction and anatomical site contributing obstruction - was reported. Associations were analyzed among the results of the polysomnography, patients' characteristics and DISE finding. Multilevel airway obstruction was found in 84.06% of patients and 15.94% had a unilevel obstruction. Among those with unilevel obstruction, 90.90% had retropalatal level obstruction and 9.10% had retrolingual level obstruction. Palate with lateral pharyngeal wall obstruction (49.28%) is the most common obstruction type of the retropalatal level and tongue with lateral pharyngeal wall (37.68%) is the most common obstruction type of the retrolingual level. Examining the relation between obstruction site according to body mass index (BMI) and severity of OSAS (apnea hypopnea index, AHI), the lateral pharyngeal wall had an increasing tendency associated with higher BMI and higher AHI. But the lateral pharyngeal wall of both levels was statistically significant associated with higher AHI. The majority of the Korean male OSAS patients have multilevel obstruction and according to BMI and AHI, the DISE findings indicate that the lateral pharyngeal wall is the most important anatomical site contributing to obstruction regardless of the level at which the obstruction lies. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prospective Investigation of Video Game Use in Children and Subsequent Conduct Disorder and Depression Using Data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children

PubMed Central

Rutherford, Adam D.; Munafò, Marcus R.

2016-01-01

There is increasing public and scientific concern regarding the long-term behavioural effects of video game use in children, but currently little consensus as to the nature of any such relationships. We investigated the relationship between video game use in children, degree of violence in games, and measures of depression and a 6-level banded measure of conduct disorder. Data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children were used. A 3-level measure of game use at age 8/9 years was developed, taking into account degree of violence based on game genre. Associations with conduct disorder and depression, measured at age 15, were investigated using ordinal logistic regression, adjusted for a number of potential confounders. Shoot-em-up games were associated with conduct disorder bands, and with a binary measure of conduct disorder, although the strength of evidence for these associations was weak. A sensitivity analysis comparing those who play competitive games to those who play shoot-em-ups found weak evidence supporting the hypothesis that it is violence rather than competitiveness that is associated with conduct disorder. However this analysis was underpowered, and we cannot rule out the possibility that increasing levels of competition in games may be just as likely to account for the observed associations as violent content. Overall game exposure as indicated by number of games in a household was not related to conduct disorder, nor was any association found between shoot-em-up video game use and depression. PMID:26820149

Prospective Investigation of Video Game Use in Children and Subsequent Conduct Disorder and Depression Using Data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.

PubMed

Etchells, Peter J; Gage, Suzanne H; Rutherford, Adam D; Munafò, Marcus R

2016-01-01

There is increasing public and scientific concern regarding the long-term behavioural effects of video game use in children, but currently little consensus as to the nature of any such relationships. We investigated the relationship between video game use in children, degree of violence in games, and measures of depression and a 6-level banded measure of conduct disorder. Data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children were used. A 3-level measure of game use at age 8/9 years was developed, taking into account degree of violence based on game genre. Associations with conduct disorder and depression, measured at age 15, were investigated using ordinal logistic regression, adjusted for a number of potential confounders. Shoot-em-up games were associated with conduct disorder bands, and with a binary measure of conduct disorder, although the strength of evidence for these associations was weak. A sensitivity analysis comparing those who play competitive games to those who play shoot-em-ups found weak evidence supporting the hypothesis that it is violence rather than competitiveness that is associated with conduct disorder. However this analysis was underpowered, and we cannot rule out the possibility that increasing levels of competition in games may be just as likely to account for the observed associations as violent content. Overall game exposure as indicated by number of games in a household was not related to conduct disorder, nor was any association found between shoot-em-up video game use and depression.

Dental Laboratory Technology Program Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Georgia Univ., Athens. Dept. of Vocational Education.

This program guide contains the standard dental laboratory technology curriculum for both diploma programs and associate degree programs in technical institutes in Georgia. The curriculum encompasses the minimum competencies required for entry-level workers in the dental laboratory technology field. The general information section contains the…

Experimental Shigella Infections in Laboratory Animals I. Antagonism by Human Normal Flora Components in Gnotobiotic Mice 12

PubMed Central

Maier, Bruce R.; Hentges, David J.

1972-01-01

Germfree mice were associated with selected species of human intestinal bacteria and then challenged with a streptomycin-resistant Shigella flexneri strain. Antagonism against Shigella was most pronounced in mice associated with Escherichia coli and least pronounced in mice associated with Bacteroides fragilis. A moderate degree of antagonism could be demonstrated in mice associated with either Streptococcus faecalis or Bifidobacterium adolescentis. Shigella persisted in the cecal contents of E. coli-associated mice at very low, stable levels. Shigella populations were reduced to levels below detection in the ceca of mice diassociated with E. coli and Bacteroides. Upon subsequent administration of streptomycin, Bacteroides disappeared from the ceca. The E. coli population was greatly reduced, and Shigella reappeared at very high population levels as an apparent recombinant which resembled E. coli biochemically. A streptomycin-resistant E. coli population subsequently emerged and became dominant in the ceca. Shigella concomitantly declined to levels below detection. PMID:4631914

Differences in STEM degree attainment by region, ethnicity, and degree type

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koledoye, Kimberly A.

Purpose One purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which a difference was present in the STEM degree attainment of all students and particularly of URMs between the 2001 and the 2009 academic year. The second purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which a difference was present in the attainment of STEM associate degrees and bachelor degrees of all students and particularly of URMs awarded between the 2001 and the 2009 academic year. Another purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which a difference existed in STEM associate degree and STEM bachelor degree attainment among geographic regions between the 2001 and the 2009 academic years. The extent to which a difference existed in the STEM bachelor degree and associate degree attainment of URMs among geographic regions between the 2001 to the 2009 academic year was ascertained. The final purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which a difference was present in STEM associate degree and bachelor degree attainment of all students and particularly URMs as a function of degree type between the 2001 academic year and the 2009 academic year. Methodology Archival data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System were utilized to compare STEM degree attainment for regions, regions for URMs, STEM degree attainment overall and for URMs, STEM degree attainment classified by associate degrees and bachelor degrees for all students and URMs, and STEM degree attainment of associate degrees and bachelor degrees for all students and URMs by specific degree type between 2001 and 2009. Findings In this non-experimental causal comparative investigation, statistically significant differences were revealed in 95 of the 165 comparisons. Declining associate degree attainment was concerning, particularly in the computer and information sciences and engineering and engineering technologies. Moderate increases were determined in bachelor degree attainment with statistically significant differences identified in all STEM degree areas. Women had more increases than other URMs, and degree attainment by geographic region varied widely. Given the strong national need for more STEM graduates, reason for concerns are raised by the results of this investigation. KEY WORDS: STEM degrees, Associate, Bachelor, IPEDS

A Note on Comparing the Power of Test Statistics at Low Significance Levels.

PubMed

Morris, Nathan; Elston, Robert

2011-01-01

It is an obvious fact that the power of a test statistic is dependent upon the significance (alpha) level at which the test is performed. It is perhaps a less obvious fact that the relative performance of two statistics in terms of power is also a function of the alpha level. Through numerous personal discussions, we have noted that even some competent statisticians have the mistaken intuition that relative power comparisons at traditional levels such as α = 0.05 will be roughly similar to relative power comparisons at very low levels, such as the level α = 5 × 10 -8 , which is commonly used in genome-wide association studies. In this brief note, we demonstrate that this notion is in fact quite wrong, especially with respect to comparing tests with differing degrees of freedom. In fact, at very low alpha levels the cost of additional degrees of freedom is often comparatively low. Thus we recommend that statisticians exercise caution when interpreting the results of power comparison studies which use alpha levels that will not be used in practice.

Association Between Socioeconomic Status and Participation in Colonoscopy Screening Program in First Degree Relatives of Colorectal Cancer Patients.

PubMed

Chouhdari, Arezoo; Yavari, Parvin; Pourhoseingholi, Mohammad Amin; Sohrabi, Mohammad-Reza

2016-04-01

Approximately 15% to 25% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases have positive family history for disease. Colonoscopy screening test is the best way for prevention and early diagnosis. Studies have found that first degree relatives (FDRs) with low socioeconomic status are less likely to participate in colonoscopy screening program. The aim of this study is to determine the association between socioeconomic status and participation in colonoscopy screening program in FDRs. This descriptive cross-sectional, study has been conducted on 200 FDRs who were consulted for undergoing colonoscopy screening program between 2007 and 2013 in research institute for gastroenterology and liver disease of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. They were interviewed via phone by a valid questionnaire about socioeconomic status. For data analysis, chi-square, exact fisher and multiple logistic regression were executed by SPSS 19. The results indicated 58.5% participants underwent colonoscopy screening test at least once to the time of the interview. There was not an association between participation in colonoscopy screening program and socioeconomic status to the time of the interview in binomial analysis. But statistical significance between intention to participate and educational and income level were found. We found, in logistic regression analysis, that high educational level (Diploma and University degree in this survey) was a predictor to participate in colonoscopy screening program in FDRs. According to this survey low socioeconomic status is an important factor to hinder participation of FDRs in colonoscopy screening program. Therefore, planned interventions for elevation knowledge and attitude in FDRs with low educational level are necessary. Also, reducing colonoscopy test costs should be a major priority for policy makers.

Effective Padding of Multi-Dimensional Arrays to Avoid Cache Conflict Misses

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hong, Changwan; Bao, Wenlei; Cohen, Albert

Caches are used to significantly improve performance. Even with high degrees of set-associativity, the number of accessed data elements mapping to the same set in a cache can easily exceed the degree of associativity, causing conflict misses and lowered performance, even if the working set is much smaller than cache capacity. Array padding (increasing the size of array dimensions) is a well known optimization technique that can reduce conflict misses. In this paper, we develop the first algorithms for optimal padding of arrays for a set associative cache for arbitrary tile sizes, In addition, we develop the first solution tomore » padding for nested tiles and multi-level caches. The techniques are in implemented in PAdvisor tool. Experimental results with multiple benchmarks demonstrate significant performance improvement from use of PAdvisor for padding.« less

The expression and correlation of Hsp 70 and Hsp 27 in serous middle ear effusion fluids of pediatric patients-a preliminary study.

PubMed

Min, Hyun Jin; Choe, Ji Won; Chang, Moon Young; Kim, Kyung Soo; Lee, Sei Young; Mun, Seog-Kyun

2017-10-01

Several cytokines and innate immune-associated molecules are present in middle ear effusions, but damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in middle ear effusion have not been studied. Therefore, we evaluated the role of heat shock proteins (Hsps) in the development of otitis media with effusion (OME). Serous middle ear effusions from 22 pediatric patients who were diagnosed with OME and underwent ventilation tube insertion from June 2015 to March 2017 were evaluated in our study. The levels of Hsp 90, 70, 27, IL-8, and TNF-α in effusion fluids were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The associations between the levels of these molecules and the degree of tympanic membrane inflammation were statistically evaluated. Finally, the relationships among these molecules were also evaluated. Hsp 70 and Hsp 27 were detected in all middle ear effusions, but Hsp 90 was detected in only five effusion fluid samples. IL-8 was also detected in all middle ear effusions, but TNF-α was detected in only four effusion fluid samples. When we compared the degree of tympanic membrane inflammation with the levels of Hsp 70, Hsp 27, and IL-8, which were detected in all effusion fluids, we could not find statistical significance. However, Hsp 70, Hsp 27, and IL-8 were significantly associated with each other (p < 0.05). Hsp 70 and Hsp 27 were expressed in middle ear effusions. Furthermore, the levels of Hsp 70 and Hsp 27 were positively correlated with each other, and were also positively associated with the neutrophil chemoattractant, IL-8. Our findings suggested that Hsp 70 and Hsp 27 might be involved in the pathophysiology of pediatric OME. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Far-Infrared Photometry with an 0.4-Meter Liquid Helium Cooled Balloon-Borne Telescope. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacobson, M. R.

1977-01-01

A 0.4-meter aperture, liquid helium cooled multichannel far-infrared balloon-borne telescope was constructed to survey the galactic plane. Nine new sources, above a 3-sigma confidence level of 1300 Jy, were identified. Although two-thirds of the scanned area was more than 10 degrees from the galactic plane, no sources were detected in that region; all nine fell within 10 degrees and eight of those within 4 degrees of the galactic equator. Correlations with visible, compact H lines associated with radio continuum and with sources displaying spectra steeply rising between 11 and 20 microns were noted, while stellar objects were not detected.

Influence of incubation temperature on hatching success, energy expenditure for embryonic development, and size and morphology of hatchlings in the oriental garden lizard, Calotes versicolor (Agamidae).

PubMed

Ji, Xiang; Qiu, Qing-Bo; Diong, Cheong-Hoong

2002-06-01

We incubated eggs of Calotes versicolor at four constant temperatures ranging from 24 degrees C to 33 degrees C to assess the effects of incubation temperature on hatching success, embryonic use of energy, and hatchling phenotypes that are likely to affect fitness. All viable eggs increased in mass throughout incubation due to absorption of water, and mass gain during incubation was dependent on initial egg mass and incubation temperature. The average duration of incubation at 24 degrees C, 27 degrees C, 30 degrees C, and 33 degrees C was 82.1 days, 60.5 days, 51.4 days, and 50.3 days, respectively. Incubation temperature affected hatching success, energy expenditure for embryonic development, and several hatchling traits examined, but it did not affect the sex ratio of hatchlings. Hatching success was lowest (3.4%) at 33 degrees C, but a higher incidence of deformed embryos was recorded from eggs incubated at this temperature compared to eggs incubated at lower temperatures. Most of the deformed embryos died at the last stage of incubation. Energy expenditure for embryonic development was, however, higher in eggs incubated at 33 degrees C than those similarly incubated at lower temperatures. A prolonged exposure of eggs of C. versicolor at 33 degrees C appears to have an adverse and presumably lethal effect on embryonic development. Hatching success at 24 degrees C was also low (43.3%), but hatchlings incubated at 24 degrees C did not differ in any of the examined traits from those incubated at two intermediate temperatures (27 degrees C and 30 degrees C). Hatchlings incubated at 33 degrees C were smaller (snout-vent length, SVL) than those incubated at lower incubation temperatures and had larger mass residuals (from the regression on SVL) as well as shorter head length, hindlimb length, tympanum diameter, and eye diameter relative to SVL. Hatchlings from 33 degrees C had significantly lower scores on the first axis of a principal component analysis representing mainly SVL-free head size (length and width) and fore- and hindlimb lengths, but they had significantly higher scores on the second axis mainly representing SVL-free wet body mass. Variation in the level of fluctuating asymmetry in eye diameter associated with incubation temperatures was quite high, and it was clearly consistent with the prediction that environmental stress associated with the highest incubation temperatures might produce the highest level of asymmetry. Newly emerged hatchlings exhibited sexual dimorphism in head width, with male hatchlings having larger head width than females. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Managerial and environmental factors in the continuity of mental health care across institutions.

PubMed

Greenberg, Greg A; Rosenheck, Robert A

2003-04-01

The authors examined the association of continuity of care with factors assumed to be under the control of health care administrators and environmental factors not under managerial control. The authors used a facility-level administrative data set for 139 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers over a six-year period and supplemental data on environmental factors to conduct two types of analysis. First, simple correlations were used to examine bivariate associations between eight continuity-of-care measures and nine measures of the institutional environment and the social context. Second, to control for potential autocorrelation, multivariate hierarchical linear models with all nine independent measures were created. The strongest predictors of continuity of care were per capita outpatient expenditure and the degree of emphasis on outpatient care as measured by the percentage of all mental health expenditures devoted to outpatient care. The former was significantly associated with greater continuity of care on six of eight measures and the latter on seven of eight measures. The environmental factor of social capital (the degree of civic involvement and trust at the state level) was associated with greater continuity of care on five measures. The degree to which non-VA mental health services were funded in a state was unexpectedly found to be positively associated with greater continuity of care. In multivariate analysis using hierarchical linear modeling, significant relationships with continuity of care remained for per capita outpatient expenditures, overall outpatient emphasis, and social capital, but not for non-VA mental health funding. A linear term representing the year was positively and significantly associated with six of the eight examined continuity-of-care measures, indicating improvement in continuity of care for the period under study, although the explanation for this trend over time is unclear. Several factors potentially under managerial control are associated with increased mental health continuity of care.

Genomic vulnerability to LINE-1 hypomethylation is a potential determinant of the clinicogenetic features of multiple myeloma

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background The aim of this study was to clarify the role of global hypomethylation of repetitive elements in determining the genetic and clinical features of multiple myeloma (MM). Methods We assessed global methylation levels using four repetitive elements (long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1), Alu Ya5, Alu Yb8, and Satellite-α) in clinical samples comprising 74 MM samples and 11 benign control samples (7 cases of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and 4 samples of normal plasma cells (NPC)). We also evaluated copy-number alterations using array-based comparative genomic hybridization, and performed methyl-CpG binding domain sequencing (MBD-seq). Results Global levels of the repetitive-element methylation declined with the degree of malignancy of plasma cells (NPC>MGUS>MM), and there was a significant inverse correlation between the degree of genomic loss and the LINE-1 methylation levels. We identified 80 genomic loci as common breakpoints (CBPs) around commonly lost regions, which were significantly associated with increased LINE-1 densities. MBD-seq analysis revealed that average DNA-methylation levels at the CBP loci and relative methylation levels in regions with higher LINE-1 densities also declined during the development of MM. We confirmed that levels of methylation of the 5' untranslated region of respective LINE-1 loci correlated strongly with global LINE-1 methylation levels. Finally, there was a significant association between LINE-1 hypomethylation and poorer overall survival (hazard ratio 2.8, P = 0.015). Conclusion Global hypomethylation of LINE-1 is associated with the progression of and poorer prognosis for MM, possibly due to frequent copy-number loss. PMID:23259664

Autoantibodies associated with RNA are more enriched than anti-dsDNA antibodies in circulating immune complexes in SLE.

PubMed

Ahlin, E; Mathsson, L; Eloranta, M-L; Jonsdottir, T; Gunnarsson, I; Rönnblom, L; Rönnelid, J

2012-05-01

To what extent different autoantibodies accumulate in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) immune complexes (ICs), and whether such accumulation is associated with disease activity has been investigated. ICs were isolated from SLE sera by both polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation and C1q-binding. Autoantibody specificities were determined using a lineblot assay quantified by densitometry. To compare the relative levels of autoantibodies, levels were normalized to the total levels of IgG measured by ELISA in sera and parallel ICs. Samples were investigated both in a cross-sectional design as well as in a paired design with samples obtained during both active and inactive SLE. All investigated autoantibody specificities except anti-dsDNA were enriched in circulating ICs as compared with parallel sera. The group of antibodies against RNA-associated antigens (anti-RNP/Sm, anti-Sm, anti-SSA/Ro60, anti-SSA/Ro52, anti-SSB/La) all exhibited higher median enrichment than the DNA-associated (anti-dsDNA, anti-histones, anti-nucleosomes) or cytoplasmic (anti-ribosomal P) antigens. In particular autoantibodies against RNP/Sm and SSA/Ro52 had the highest degree of enrichment in SLE PEG precipitates. These findings were corroborated by analysis of autoantibody content in C1q-bound ICs. There was no difference in degree of IC accumulation of the investigated autoantibodies during active and inactive SLE. Our findings demonstrate a difference in enrichment between autoantibodies against RNA- and DNA-associated autoantigens in isolated SLE IC, suggesting that the RNA-associated autoantibodies are more prone to form circulating ICs in SLE, in contrast to antibodies against DNA-associated autoantigens such as dsDNA. These finding have implications in understanding mechanisms of differential autoantibody accumulation in target organs in SLE.

Transfer, Behavioral Improvement, and Anxiety Reduction in Systematic Desensitization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kennedy, Thomas D.; Kimura, Harry K.

1974-01-01

Degree of transfer and fear change associated with four levels of desensitization, pseudodesensitization, and no treatment were assessed in snakephobic students. Desensitization subjects reported significantly less anxiety than no-treatment controls when repeating their highest pretreatment responses, but were no different from either control…

Agricultural greenhouse gas flux determination via remote sensing and modeling

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Serious concerns have been raised about increasing levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs) and associated climate change. For every degree in global temperature increase, grain production yields are expected to decrease 10%, while the global human population continues to increase by roughly 8...

Infra-renal angles, entry into inferior vena cava and vertebral levels of renal veins.

PubMed

Satyapal, K S

1999-10-01

Current norms for renal vasculature hold true in only half the population. Standard textbooks perpetuate old misconceptions regarding renal venous anatomy. This study is aimed to determine left and right infra-renal angles (L-IRA, R-IRA); entry level of renal veins into the inferior vena cava (IVC), and height of IVC under renal vein influence; and their vertebral level. One hundred morphologically normal en-bloc renal specimens randomly selected from post-mortem examinations were dissected and resin casted. IRA were also measured from venograms of 32 adult and 11 foetal cadavers, as were vertebral entry levels. IRA measurements (degrees) were as follows: left, 55 degrees +/- 16 degrees (20 degrees -102 degrees ); right, 60 degrees +/- 17 degrees (10 degrees -93 degrees ). Left vein entered IVC higher than right 54%, lower 36%, and opposite each other 10%. Vertical distance between lower borders of veins was 1.0 +/- 0.9 cm. Vertical distance of IVC under renal vein influence was 2.3 +/- 1.0 cm. Vertebral level of veins in adults lies between TI2-L2. In foetuses, IRA was as follows: left, 65 degrees +/- 12 degrees (45 degrees -90 degrees ); right, 58 degrees +/- 7 degrees (40 degrees -70 degrees ); vertebral level between T12 and L3. Similar IRA values from literature noted on right, 51 degrees (26 degrees -100 degrees ); differences on left, 77 degrees (43 degrees -94 degrees ), clearly differing from Williams et al. (Gray's Anatomy, 37(th) ed, 1989) statement that renal veins "open into the inferior vena cava almost at right angles." Large variations of IRA are not surprising since kidneys are considered normally "floating viscera," varying position with posture and respiratory movement as well as in live vs. cadaveric subjects. The entry level into the IVC also differs from Williams et al. This study uniquely quantitated actual height difference between lower borders of left and right veins. The data presented appears to be the first documentation of vertebral level of entry of renal veins into IVC in foetuses. These findings are clinically important for the angiographer, catheter design, and planning porto-renal shunt procedures. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Who wants to enroll in health care PhD programs? An analysis of a nationwide graduate destination survey.

PubMed

Pan, Ying-Ju; Lee, Lung-Sheng

2012-06-01

PhD training is important for national human resource development in the era of the "knowledge economy". However, it is not clear what factors are associated with the decision of a master's degree graduate to pursue a PhD degree in health care, including medicine, public health, and nursing. It is postulated that the intention to pursue a PhD degree in health care is associated with a graduate's attributes, academic publication, socioeconomic status, and extent of financial support. A cross-sectional investigation was conducted to analyze data from the 2007 nationwide graduate destination survey in Taiwan. Logistic regression with a forward stepwise model selection strategy was applied to identify those significant factors related to the intention of master's degree graduates to pursue a PhD degree in health care. The predictive validity of the selected model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. Of the 1668 master's degree graduates who responded to the survey, only 240 (14.4%) indicated a desire to pursue a PhD degree. Seven factors are identified to be independently associated with the intention to pursue a PhD degree in health care, including female gender [odds ratio (OR)=0.18, 95% confidence interval: 0.13-0.26], more than 2 years in graduate school (OR=0.46), working during graduate school (OR=0.47), submission of conference and journal articles (OR=1.61 and 1.48, respectively), tuition source, and parents' educational level. The predictive validity of the selected model was 0.77. These findings provide an overview of potential PhD students in the field of health care. Based on this assessment, effective strategies need to be developed to attract and retain qualified candidates, as well as other types of PhD students who are in demand in this field. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Characteristics of Associate's Degree Attainers and Time to Associate's Degree. Web Tables. NCES 2012-271

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Green, Caitlin; Radwin, David

2012-01-01

The number of associate's degrees conferred by U.S. postsecondary institutions increased 30 percent from 1997 to 2007, from 571,000 to 745,000, and is projected to grow another 30 percent by 2020, a faster pace than the actual and projected growth in bachelor's degrees awarded. Despite the growing prevalence of associate's degrees, however, there…

Time to Degree: A National View of the Time Enrolled and Elapsed for Associate and Bachelor's Degree Earners. (Signature Report No. 11)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shapiro, Doug; Dundar, Afet; Wakhungu, Phoebe Khasiala; Yuan, Xin; Nathan, Angel; Hwang, Youngsik

2016-01-01

This report examines time to degree completion for a cohort of students who earned an associate degree as their first and only postsecondary degree or a bachelor's degree as their first four-year degree between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015. Overall, the average time enrolled for associate and bachelor's degree earners was 3.3 years and 5.1…

Informal Training in Staff Networks to Support Dissemination of Health Promotion Programs

PubMed Central

Ramanadhan, Shoba; Wiecha, Jean L.; Gortmaker, Steven L.; Emmons, Karen M.; Viswanath, Kasisomayajula

2011-01-01

Purpose To study informal skill transfer via staff networks as a complement to formal training among afterschool childcare providers implementing a health promotion program. Design Cross-sectional, sociometric network analysis. Setting Boston Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) afterschool programs implementing the iPLAY program. Participants All 91 staff members at 20 sites were eligible; 80 completed the survey (88% response rate). Measures At the network level, network density measured system-level connectedness. At the staff level, the independent variable was out degree, the number of individuals to whom respondents noted a program-related connection. The dependent variable was skill gains, the number of key implementation skills gained from the network. Analysis We mapped the staff program-related social network. We utilized multiple linear regression to estimate the relationship between out degree and skill gains, and we adjusted for clustering of staff in sites. Results Most staff (77%) reported gaining at least one skill from the network, but only 2% of potential network connections were established. The regression model showed that out degree (i.e., number of program-related contacts) was significantly associated with skill gains (β = .48, p < .01) independent of other variables. Conclusion Informal skill transfer in staff networks may be a useful complement to formal training for implementation of health promotion programs, but informal skill transfer was likely underutilized in this network. Future research employing longitudinal and/or multisite data should examine these findings in greater detail. PMID:20809826

Predictors of backrest elevation in critical care.

PubMed

Grap, Mary Jo; Munro, Cindy L; Bryant, Sandra; Ashtiani, Brooke

2003-04-01

Low backrest and supine positions are associated with increased mortality and ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). Data are not available across ICU settings about the level of backrest position used and its relationship to enteral feeding and hemodynamic status. The purpose of this descriptive study was to document the level of backrest elevation and position and identify factors associated with and predict positioning in a medical, surgical and neuroscience intensive care unit. Data were collected randomly in each unit over a 6-week period, resulting in 506 observations for170 patients. Backrest elevation was determined by electronic bed read-out or bed frame elevation gauge. BP, HR and enteral feeding status were retrieved from the medical record. Results showed that mean backrest elevation was 19.2 degrees and 70% of subjects were supine. No difference in backrest elevation among units was found. Significant correlations between backrest elevation and systolic BP (r=0.15, P=0.006); and backrest and diastolic BP (r=0.13, P=0.02) were found. There was no difference in backrest elevation between patients being fed and not being fed. Differences in backrest elevation for intubated versus nonintubated patients approached significance (P=0.07) with intubated patients at lower backrest elevations. In summary, use of higher backrest elevations (>30 degrees ) is minimal, is not related to feeding and minimally related to hemodynamic status. Strategies to meet published recommendations for backrest elevation (30-45 degrees ) must include repeated feedback about nurse's use of backrest elevation and estimates of elevation.

Does more education cause lower BMI, or do lower-BMI individuals become more educated? Evidence from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979.

PubMed

Benson, Rebecca; von Hippel, Paul T; Lynch, Jamie L

2017-03-21

More educated adults have lower average body mass index (BMI). This may be due to selection, if adolescents with lower BMI attain higher levels of education, or it may be due to causation, if higher educational attainment reduces BMI gain in adulthood. We test for selection and causation in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979, which has followed a representative US cohort from age 14-22 in 1979 through age 47-55 in 2012. Using ordinal logistic regression, we test the selection hypothesis that overweight and obese adolescents were less likely to earn high school diplomas and bachelor's degrees. Then, controlling for selection with individual fixed effects, we estimate the causal effect of degree completion on BMI and obesity status. Among 18-year-old women, but not among men, being overweight or obese predicts lower odds of attaining higher levels of education. At age 47-48, higher education is associated with lower BMI, but 70-90% of the association is due to selection. Net of selection, a bachelor's degree predicts less than a 1 kg reduction in body weight, and a high school credential does not reduce BMI. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Measurement of fidgeting in patients with anorexia nervosa using a novel shoe-based monitor.

PubMed

Belak, Lauren; Gianini, Loren; Klein, Diane A; Sazonov, Edward; Keegan, Kathryn; Neustadt, Esther; Walsh, B Timothy; Attia, Evelyn

2017-01-01

To objectively assess seated non-exercise physical activity in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) relative to healthy controls (HCs) and examine the associations between this physical activity, eating disorder pathology, and levels of anxiety and depression. Eleven inpatients with AN and 10 HCs wore a shoe-based accelerometer (SmartShoe) at three time points: a) while eating lunch, b) filling out questionnaires, and c) watching television for 1h. Across all three tasks, patients with AN were significantly more active than HCs, thereby engaging in a greater degree of restless or fidgeting behavior. Degree of physical activity was positively correlated with eating disorder psychopathology in the sample with AN, and a trend towards a positive association between physical activity and levels of depression and anxiety was also found in this sample. Among individuals with AN, physical activity was not significantly correlated with BMI, duration of illness, or number of days since hospital admission. Use of a minimally invasive, shoe-based monitor revealed patients with AN engaged in a greater degree of fidgeting relative to HCs during quiet, seated tasks and this heightened activity was related to measures of pathology. Non-exercise physical activity, including fidgeting, may warrant further clinical attention in this patient population. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Charting the course for nurses' achievement of higher education levels.

PubMed

Kovner, Christine T; Brewer, Carol; Katigbak, Carina; Djukic, Maja; Fatehi, Farida

2012-01-01

To improve patient outcomes and meet the challenges of the U.S. health care system, the Institute of Medicine recommends higher educational attainment for the nursing workforce. Characteristics of registered nurses (RNs) who pursue additional education are poorly understood, and this information is critical to planning long-term strategies for U.S. nursing education. To identify factors predicting enrollment and completion of an additional degree among those with an associate or bachelor's as their pre-RN licensure degree, we performed logistic regression analysis on data from an ongoing nationally representative panel study following the career trajectories of newly licensed RNs. For associate degree RNs, predictors of obtaining a bachelor's degree are the following: being Black, living in a rural area, nonnursing work experience, higher positive affectivity, higher work motivation, working in the intensive care unit, and working the day shift. For bachelor's RNs, predictors of completing a master's degree are the following: being Black, nonnursing work experience, holding more than one job, working the day shift, working voluntary overtime, lower intent to stay at current employer, and higher work motivation. Mobilizing the nurse workforce toward higher education requires integrated efforts from policy makers, philanthropists, employers, and educators to mitigate the barriers to continuing education. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of storage on volatile profiles in roasted almonds (Prunus dulcis).

PubMed

Lee, Jihyun; Xiao, Lu; Zhang, Gong; Ebeler, Susan E; Mitchell, Alyson E

2014-11-19

Hexanal, peroxide value, and lipid hydroperoxides are common indicators of lipid oxidation in food products. However, these markers are not always reliable as levels are dynamic and often can be detected only after significant oxidation has occurred. Changes in the volatile composition of light- and dark-roast almonds were evaluated during storage over 24 weeks at 25 or 35 °C using headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Several volatile changes were identified in association with early oxidation events in roasted almonds. Hexenal decreased significantly during the first 6 weeks of storage and did not increase above initial levels until 20-24 weeks of storage depending upon the degree of roast. In contrast, levels of 1-heptanol and 1-octanol increased at 16-20 weeks, depending upon the degree of roast, and no initial losses were observed. Seventeen new compounds, absent in raw and freshly roasted almonds but detectable after 6 weeks of storage, were identified. Of these, 2-octanone, 2-nonanone, 3-octen-2-one, 2-decanone, (E)-2-decenal, 2,4-nonadienal, pentyl oxirane, and especially acetic acid increased significantly (that is, >10 ng/g). The degree of roasting did not correlate with the levels of these compounds. Significant decreases in roasting-related aroma volatiles such as 2-methylbutanal, 3-methylbutanal, furfural, 2-phenylacetaldehyde, 2,3-butanedione, 2-methylpyrazine, and 1-methylthio-2-propanol were observed by 4 weeks of storage independent of the degree of roast or storage conditions.

Sex differences in associations of arginine vasopressin and oxytocin with resting-state functional brain connectivity.

PubMed

Rubin, Leah H; Yao, Li; Keedy, Sarah K; Reilly, James L; Bishop, Jeffrey R; Carter, C Sue; Pournajafi-Nazarloo, Hossein; Drogos, Lauren L; Tamminga, Carol A; Pearlson, Godfrey D; Keshavan, Matcheri S; Clementz, Brett A; Hill, Scot K; Liao, Wei; Ji, Gong-Jun; Lui, Su; Sweeney, John A

2017-01-02

Oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) exert robust and sexually dimorphic influences on cognition and emotion. How these hormones regulate relevant functional brain systems is not well understood. OT and AVP serum concentrations were assayed in 60 healthy individuals (36 women). Brain functional networks assessed with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) were constructed with graph theory-based approaches that characterize brain networks as connected nodes. Sex differences were demonstrated in rs-fMRI. Men showed higher nodal degree (connectedness) and efficiency (information propagation capacity) in left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and bilateral superior temporal gyrus (STG) and higher nodal degree in left rolandic operculum. Women showed higher nodal betweenness (being part of paths between nodes) in right putamen and left inferior parietal gyrus (IPG). Higher hormone levels were associated with less intrinsic connectivity. In men, higher AVP was associated with lower nodal degree and efficiency in left IFG (pars orbitalis) and left STG and less efficiency in left IFG (pars triangularis). In women, higher AVP was associated with lower betweenness in left IPG, and higher OT was associated with lower nodal degree in left IFG (pars orbitalis). Hormones differentially correlate with brain networks that are important for emotion processing and cognition in men and women. AVP in men and OT in women may regulate orbital frontal cortex connectivity, which is important in emotion processing. Hormone associations with STG and pars triangularis in men and parietal cortex in women may account for well-established sex differences in verbal and visuospatial abilities, respectively. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Brief report: High and low level initiations of joint attention, and response to joint attention: differential relationships with language and imitation.

PubMed

Pickard, Katherine E; Ingersoll, Brooke R

2015-01-01

Frequency of high-level (showing/pointing) and low-level (coordinated gaze shifts) behaviors on the Early Social Communication Scales are often used as a measure of joint attention initiations (IJA). This study examined the degree to which these skills and response to joint attention (RJA; e.g. gaze following) were differentially related to measures of language and imitation in 53 children with autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 22 and 93 months. High-level and low-level IJA were not associated with each other, and only high-level IJA was associated with RJA, and language and imitation measures. High-level IJA and RJA were unique predictors of imitation, while RJA was a unique predictor of language. Findings indicate that IJA involves distinct skills, with high-level behaviors more closely related to social-communication skills.

Factors associated with increased felt stigma among individuals with epilepsy.

PubMed

Bautista, Ramon Edmundo D; Shapovalov, Denys; Shoraka, Ali Reza

2015-08-01

The aim of the study is to determine whether certain demographic, clinical, and psychosocial traits are associated with higher levels of felt stigma among persons with epilepsy (PWE) patients followed at a level 4 epilepsy center. We performed a direct survey of 182 consenting patients that included the Epilepsy Stigma Scale. On univariate analysis, higher levels of perceived stigma were associated with age, marital status, race, driving, work status, seizure etiology, Quality of Life in Epilepsy-10 (QOLIE-10) scores, and health literacy. Among coping reactions, the use of denial, behavioral disengagement and venting were also associated with higher degrees of felt stigma. Using multiple linear regression, being single, poorer QOLIE-10 scores, difficulties understanding written information, and the use of behavioral disengagement were independently associated with poorer scores on the Epilepsy Stigma Scale. Our study paints a compelling profile of a PWE who has greater perceived stigma. Programs that increase the level of social support, improve health literacy, and enhance quality of life may also help decrease the amount of felt stigma among PWE. Copyright © 2015 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

How Japanese companion dog and cat owners’ degree of attachment relates to the attribution of emotions to their animals

PubMed Central

Koda, Naoko; Martens, Pim

2018-01-01

Recently, studies in the United States and European countries have shown that the degree of attachment is associated with the attribution of emotions to companion animals. These studies imply that investigating the degree of attachment to companion animals is a good way for researchers to explore animal emotions and then improve animal welfare. Although a promising area of study, in Japan, no empirical studies have examined the correlation between the degree of attachment and the attribution of emotions to companion animals. In this research, we aimed to assess companion animal owners’ attribution of six primary (anger, joy, sadness, disgust, fear and surprise) and four secondary (shame, jealousy, disappointment and compassion) emotions to their dogs and cats, as well as how the degree of attachment related to such attribution of emotions from a Japanese cultural perspective. The “Pet Bonding Scale” (PBS), which is used to determine the level of bonding between humans and animals, was introduced to measure respondents’ degree of attachment to their companion animals. The results of a questionnaire (N = 546) distributed throughout Japan showed that respondents attributed a wide range of emotions to their animals. Companion animals’ primary emotions, compared to secondary emotions, were more commonly attributed by their owners. The attribution of compassion and jealousy was reported at a high level (73.1% and 56.2%, respectively), which was surprising as compassion and jealousy are generally defined as secondary emotions. All participants were highly attached to their companion animals, and this attachment was positively associated with the attribution of emotions (9/10) to companion animals (all p < 0.05). This study is one of the first to investigate animal emotions by analyzing the bonding between companion animals and owners in Japan, and it can therefore provide knowledge to increase Japanese people’s awareness of animal welfare. PMID:29304166

How Japanese companion dog and cat owners' degree of attachment relates to the attribution of emotions to their animals.

PubMed

Su, Bingtao; Koda, Naoko; Martens, Pim

2018-01-01

Recently, studies in the United States and European countries have shown that the degree of attachment is associated with the attribution of emotions to companion animals. These studies imply that investigating the degree of attachment to companion animals is a good way for researchers to explore animal emotions and then improve animal welfare. Although a promising area of study, in Japan, no empirical studies have examined the correlation between the degree of attachment and the attribution of emotions to companion animals. In this research, we aimed to assess companion animal owners' attribution of six primary (anger, joy, sadness, disgust, fear and surprise) and four secondary (shame, jealousy, disappointment and compassion) emotions to their dogs and cats, as well as how the degree of attachment related to such attribution of emotions from a Japanese cultural perspective. The "Pet Bonding Scale" (PBS), which is used to determine the level of bonding between humans and animals, was introduced to measure respondents' degree of attachment to their companion animals. The results of a questionnaire (N = 546) distributed throughout Japan showed that respondents attributed a wide range of emotions to their animals. Companion animals' primary emotions, compared to secondary emotions, were more commonly attributed by their owners. The attribution of compassion and jealousy was reported at a high level (73.1% and 56.2%, respectively), which was surprising as compassion and jealousy are generally defined as secondary emotions. All participants were highly attached to their companion animals, and this attachment was positively associated with the attribution of emotions (9/10) to companion animals (all p < 0.05). This study is one of the first to investigate animal emotions by analyzing the bonding between companion animals and owners in Japan, and it can therefore provide knowledge to increase Japanese people's awareness of animal welfare.

Methacholine and adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) responsiveness, and the presence and degree of atopy in children with asthma.

PubMed

Suh, Dong I; Lee, Ju K; Kim, Chang K; Koh, Young Y

2011-02-01

The relationship between atopy and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), both key features of asthma, remains to be clarified. BHR is commonly evaluated by bronchial challenges using direct and indirect stimuli. The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of BHR to methacholine (direct stimulus) and adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) (indirect stimulus) according to the presence and degree of atopy in children with asthma. We performed a retrospective analysis of data from 120 children presenting with a diagnosis of asthma. These children were characterized by skin-prick tests (SPTs), spirometry and bronchial challenges with methacholine and AMP. Atopy was defined by at least one positive reaction to SPTs, and its degree was measured using serum total IgE levels, number of positive SPTs and atopic scores (sum of graded wheal size). A provocative concentration causing a 20% decline in FEV(1) (PC(20) ) was determined for each challenge. Patients with atopy(n=94) had a significantly lower AMP PC(20) than non-atopic patients (n=26), whereas methacholine PC(20) was not different between the two groups. Among the patients with atopy, there was no association between methacholine PC(20) and any atopy parameter. In contrast, a significant association was found between AMP PC(20) and the degree of atopy reflected in serum total IgE, number of positive SPTs and atopic scores (anova trend test, p=0.002, 0.001, 0.003, respectively). AMP responsiveness was associated with the presence and degree of atopy, whereas such a relationship was not observed for methacholine responsiveness. These findings suggest that atopic status may be better reflected by bronchial responsiveness assessed by AMP than by methacholine. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

DNA methylation differences at the glucocorticoid receptor gene in depression are related to functional alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity and to early life emotional abuse.

PubMed

Farrell, Chloё; Doolin, Kelly; O' Leary, Niamh; Jairaj, Chaitra; Roddy, Darren; Tozzi, Leonardo; Morris, Derek; Harkin, Andrew; Frodl, Thomas; Nemoda, Zsófia; Szyf, Moshe; Booij, Linda; O'Keane, Veronica

2018-07-01

Depression is associated with alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. A proposed mechanism to explain these alterations are changes in DNA methylation levels, secondary to early life adversity (ELA), at stress-related genes. Two gene regions that have been implicated in the literature, the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) exon 1F and the FKBP5 gene intron 7 were examined in 67 individuals (33 depressed patients and 34 controls). We investigated whether cortisol concentrations, evaluated in 25 depressed patients and 20 controls, and measures of ELA were associated with the degree of methylation at these candidate gene regions. Mean NR3C1 exon 1F DNA methylation levels were significantly increased in the depressed cohort and the degree of methylation was found to be positively associated with morning cortisol concentrations. DNA methylation levels at specific CG sites within the NR3C1 exon 1F were related to childhood emotional abuse severity. DNA methylation at CG38 was related to both HPA axis and childhood emotional abuse measures in the depressed group. No FKBP5 differences were revealed. Our findings suggest that hypermethylation at the NR3C1 exon 1F may occur in depression. This locus-specific epigenetic change is associated with higher basal HPA axis activity, possibly reflecting acquired glucocorticoid receptor resistance. Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evidence-based practice in physical therapy in Austria: current state and factors associated with EBP engagement.

PubMed

Diermayr, Gudrun; Schachner, Herbert; Eidenberger, Margit; Lohkamp, Monika; Salbach, Nancy M

2015-12-01

Research examining the use of evidence-based practice (EBP) in physical therapy in many countries has revealed positive attitudes, varying degrees of EBP use and barriers at practitioner, patient and organizational levels. In contrast to these countries, Austria does not have an academic or research tradition in physical therapy. Engagement in EBP in countries such as Austria is unknown. The objectives of the study were to describe the current state of EBP engagement and identify factors associated with EBP engagement among Austrian physical therapists (PTs). A cross-sectional online survey was conducted. Existing questionnaires and the theory of planned behaviour guided questionnaire development. Face and content validity and ease of use of the questionnaire were evaluated in pilot tests. Item-level response frequencies and percentages were determined. Simple and multiple regressions were used to identify factors associated with EBP engagement. The final sample size was 588 (response rate: 17.5%). Ten percent of participants fully agreed that they regularly use guidelines and standardized assessment tools in clinical practice. While 49.9% reported not using electronic databases for literature searching, 41.9% reported reading research articles 2-5 times per month. Most frequently cited barriers to EBP engagement were lack of scientific skills, lack of time and insufficient organizational support. Research awareness, attitude, behavioural control, involvement in research and degree level were final correlates of EBP engagement. Austrian PTs show a low level of engagement in EBP. Initiatives to advance EBP in Austria and other countries with no academic or research tradition should primarily target practitioner-level factors. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Clinical aspects, prenatal diagnosis, and pathogenesis of trisomy 16 mosaicism.

PubMed

Yong, P J; Barrett, I J; Kalousek, D K; Robinson, W P

2003-03-01

Analysis of data from cases of trisomy mosaicism can provide insight for genetic counselling after prenatal diagnosis and for the elucidation of the pathogenesis of trisomy during pregnancy. Statistical analysis was carried out on data from 162 cases of pregnancies with prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 16 mosaicism. The majority of cases resulted in live birth (66%) with an average gestational age of 35.7 weeks and average birth weight of -1.93 standard deviations from the population mean. Among the live births 45% had at least one malformation, the most common being VSD, ASD, and hypospadias. The level of trisomy on direct CVS (cytotrophoblast) was associated with more severe intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and higher risk of malformation, while the level of trisomy on cultured CVS (chorionic villous stroma) was associated only with more severe IUGR. Similarly, the presence of trisomy on amniocentesis (amniotic fluid) was associated with both IUGR and malformation, while the presence of trisomy in the amniotic mesenchyme was associated only with IUGR. Surprisingly, the degree of trisomy in placental tissues appeared to be independent of the degree of trisomy in amniotic fluid and amniotic mesenchyme. The sex of the fetus was not associated with any outcome variables, although there was an excess of females (sex ratio = 0.45) that may be explained by selection against male mosaic trisomy 16 embryos before the time of CVS (approximately 9-12 weeks). The levels of trisomy in different fetal-placental tissues are significant predictors of some measures of outcome in mosaic trisomy 16 pregnancies.

Five degree-of-freedom control of an ultra-precision magnetically-suspended linear bearing. Ph.D. Thesis - MIT

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trumper, David L.; Slocum, A. H.

1991-01-01

The authors constructed a high precision linear bearing. A 10.7 kg platen measuring 125 mm by 125 mm by 350 mm is suspended and controlled in five degrees of freedom by seven electromagnets. The position of the platen is measured by five capacitive probes which have nanometer resolution. The suspension acts as a linear bearing, allowing linear travel of 50 mm in the sixth degree of freedom. In the laboratory, this bearing system has demonstrated position stability of 5 nm peak-to-peak. This is believed to be the highest position stability yet demonstrated in a magnetic suspension system. Performance at this level confirms that magnetic suspensions can address motion control requirements at the nanometer level. The experimental effort associated with this linear bearing system is described. Major topics are the development of models for the suspension, implementation of control algorithms, and measurement of the actual bearing performance. Suggestions for the future improvement of the bearing system are given.

Baccalaureate education in nursing and patient outcomes.

PubMed

Blegen, Mary A; Goode, Colleen J; Park, Shin Hye; Vaughn, Thomas; Spetz, Joanne

2013-02-01

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of registered nurse (RN) education by determining whether nurse-sensitive patient outcomes were better in hospitals with a higher proportion of RNs with baccalaureate degrees. The Future of Nursing report recommends increasing the percentage of RNs with baccalaureate degrees from 50% to 80% by 2020. Research has linked RN education levels to hospital mortality rates but not with other nurse-sensitive outcomes. This was a cross-sectional study that, with the use of data from 21 University HealthSystem Consortium hospitals, analyzed the association between RN education and patient outcomes (risk-adjusted patient safety and quality of care indicators), controlling for nurse staffing and hospital characteristics. Hospitals with a higher percentage of RNs with baccalaureate or higher degrees had lower congestive heart failure mortality, decubitus ulcers, failure to rescue, and postoperative deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism and shorter length of stay. The recommendation of the Future of Nursing report to increase RN education levels is supported by these findings.

Undergraduate Learning Outcomes for the 21st Century and Associated Practices: The Case of the College of Education at King Faisal University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al-arfaj, Maher M.

2011-01-01

The study focuses on higher education practices associated with learning outcomes for the 21st century, and the degree of their applications in the College of Education at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. The findings show that most of these practices are not implemented or are being administered at a low level. Accordingly, the study calls…

The Prevalence and Severity of Burnout among Physiotherapists in an Arabian Setting and the Influence of Organizational Factors: An Observational Study

PubMed Central

Al-Imam, Dalia Muhammed; Al-Sobayel, Hana Ibrahim

2014-01-01

Burnout has been shown to be present in different health professions, but the prevalence among physiotherapists working in an Arabian setting has not been established. [Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the burnout levels of physiotherapists working in Saudi Arabia and the association of burnout with work and organization-related factors. [Subjects and Methods] A cross-sectional study was conducted at government hospitals in Saudi Arabia. One hundred and nineteen Saudi physiotherapists were included. They electronically completed a questionnaire that included the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Areas of Worklife Survey. [Results] Participants showed a moderate degree of burnout as reflected by mean scores of the three subscales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The majority of participants demonstrated moderate to high burnout levels across the three subscales. A significant association was found between the exhaustion subscale and the subspecialty in which participants worked. A strong association was found between workload and exhaustion subscale scores. [Conclusion] This study was the first to explore burnout and related factors among physiotherapists in an Arabian setting. A moderate degree of burnout and associations of burnout with work and organizational factors were found. The findings may help human resource planning and managing the physiotherapy services. PMID:25202179

Adolescent obesity adversely affects blood pressure and resting heart rate.

PubMed

Baba, Reizo; Koketsu, Masaaki; Nagashima, Masami; Inasaka, Hiroshi; Yoshinaga, Masao; Yokota, Mitsuhiro

2007-05-01

Obesity is associated with hypertension (HT) and high resting heart rate (HR), as well as metabolic disturbances. However, little is known about how strongly these hemodynamic abnormalities are associated with the degree of obesity in adolescents. Height, body weight, resting HR, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured in 20,165 male and 19,683 female high-school students. Adiposity levels were classified into 6 groups by body mass index: group 1 (<20th percentile), group 2 (20th-39.9th percentile), group 3 (40th-59.9th percentile), group 4 (60th-79.9th percentile), group 5 (80th-98.9th percentile), and group 6 (> or =99th percentile). Systolic and diastolic hypertensions were defined as > or =140 mmHg and > or =85 mmHg, respectively. Resting tachycardia was defined as the corresponding 95th percentile or greater. Resting HR and systolic and diastolic blood pressures increased with adiposity level in both sexes (p<0.0001). Both systolic HT and diastolic HT were associated with high resting HR, and the clustering of these unfavorable conditions increased with the degree of obesity. Hemodynamic abnormalities, such as HT and a high resting HR, are closely associated with adolescent obesity and are probably explained by impaired autonomic nerve function.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of neurological soft signs in relatives of people with schizophrenia

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Neurological soft signs are subtle but observable impairments in motor and sensory functions that are not localized to a specific area of the brain. Neurological soft signs are common in schizophrenia. It has been established that soft signs meet two of five criteria for an endophenotype, namely: association with the illness, and state independence. This review investigated whether soft signs met a further criterion for an endophenotype, namely familial association. It was hypothesized that if familial association were present then neurological soft signs would be: (a) more common in first-degree relatives of people with schizophrenia than in controls; and (b) more common in people with schizophrenia than in their first-degree relatives. Method A systematic search identified potentially eligible studies in the EMBASE (1980-2011), OVID - MEDLINE (1950-2011) and PsycINFO (1806-2011) databases. Studies were included if they carried out a three-way comparison of levels of soft signs between people with schizophrenia, their first-degree relatives, and normal controls. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers and cross-checked by double entry. Results After screening 8678 abstracts, seven studies with 1553 participants were identified. Neurological soft signs were significantly more common in first-degree relatives of people with schizophrenia than in controls (pooled standardised mean difference (SMD) 1.24, 95% confidence interval (c.i) 0.59-1.89). Neurological soft signs were also significantly more common in people with schizophrenia than in their first-degree relatives (SMD 0.92, 95% c.i 0.64-1.20). Sensitivity analyses examining the effects of age and group blinding did not significantly alter the main findings. Conclusions Both hypotheses were confirmed, suggesting that the distribution of neurological soft signs in people with schizophrenia and their first-degree relatives is consistent with the endophenotype criterion of familial association. PMID:21859445

Contextualizing public stigma: Endorsed mental health treatment stigma on college and university campuses.

PubMed

Gaddis, S Michael; Ramirez, Daniel; Hernandez, Erik L

2018-01-01

Scholars suggest that public mental health stigma operates at a meso-level and is associated with severity of symptoms, disclosure, self-esteem, and treatment-seeking behavior. However, the operationalization of public stigma nearly always comes from an individual-level generalization of what others believe. Using data from over 60,000 students on 75 U.S. college and university campuses between 2009 and 2015, we contextualize public stigma by creating a school-level measure of students' individual-level endorsed mental health treatment stigma. We present multilevel logistic regression models for 21 different dependent variables. We find that even after controlling for individual-level stigma scores, school-level stigma is negatively associated with self-reports of suicidal ideation and self-injury, although not associated with screens for depression or anxiety. Moreover, school-level stigma is negatively associated with medication use, counseling and therapy visits, and to a lesser degree, informal support. We suggest that future research should continue to examine the contextual environment of public stigma, while policymakers may be able to implement changes to significantly reduce stigma at this level. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Correlations among Stress Parameters, Meat and Carcass Quality Parameters in Pigs

PubMed Central

Dokmanovic, Marija; Baltic, Milan Z.; Duric, Jelena; Ivanovic, Jelena; Popovic, Ljuba; Todorovic, Milica; Markovic, Radmila; Pantic, Srdan

2015-01-01

Relationships among different stress parameters (lairage time and blood level of lactate and cortisol), meat quality parameters (initial and ultimate pH value, temperature, drip loss, sensory and instrumental colour, marbling) and carcass quality parameters (degree of rigor mortis and skin damages, hot carcass weight, carcass fat thickness, meatiness) were determined in pigs (n = 100) using Pearson correlations. After longer lairage, blood lactate (p<0.05) and degree of injuries (p<0.001) increased, meat became darker (p<0.001), while drip loss decreased (p<0.05). Higher lactate was associated with lower initial pH value (p<0.01), higher temperature (p<0.001) and skin blemishes score (p<0.05) and more developed rigor mortis (p<0.05), suggesting that lactate could be a predictor of both meat quality and the level of preslaughter stress. Cortisol affected carcass quality, so higher levels of cortisol were associated with increased hot carcass weight, carcass fat thickness on the back and at the sacrum and marbling, but also with decreased meatiness. The most important meat quality parameters (pH and temperature after 60 minutes) deteriorated when blood lactate concentration was above 12 mmol/L. PMID:25656214

Impact of fetal and childhood mercury exposure on immune status in children.

PubMed

Hui, Lai Ling; Chan, Michael Ho Ming; Lam, Hugh Simon; Chan, Peggy Hiu Ying; Kwok, Ka Ming; Chan, Iris Hiu Shuen; Li, Albert Martin; Fok, Tai Fai

2016-01-01

Mercury exposure have been shown to affect immune status in animals as reflected by cytokine expression. It is unclear whether low levels of exposure during fetal and/or childhood periods could impact on immune status in humans. To test the hypothesis that fetal and childhood mercury exposure is associated with childhood cytokine profiles and to investigate whether childhood selenium levels interact with any of the associations found. Children were recruited from a previously established birth cohort between the ages of 6-9 years for assessment and measurement of blood mercury, selenium and cytokine profile (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13 and TNF-alpha). Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the adjusted association of cord blood mercury concentration and current mercury concentrations with levels of the cytokine levels. We tested whether the association with current mercury level varied by current selenium level and cord blood mercury level. IL-10 was negatively associated with current blood mercury concentration. The effect was greatest in cases with low cord blood mercury and low current selenium concentrations. None of the other cytokine levels were associated with either cord blood or current blood mercury concentrations, except that cord blood mercury was negatively associated with IL-6. Childhood mercury exposure was negatively associated with childhood IL-10 levels. It is postulated that while selenium is protective, low levels of fetal mercury exposure may increase the degree of this negative association during childhood. Further studies into the clinical significance of these findings are required. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pediatric patient safety events during hospitalization: approaches to accounting for institution-level effects.

PubMed

Slonim, Anthony D; Marcin, James P; Turenne, Wendy; Hall, Matt; Joseph, Jill G

2007-12-01

To determine the rates, patient, and institutional characteristics associated with the occurrence of patient safety indicators (PSIs) in hospitalized children and the degree of statistical difference derived from using three approaches of controlling for institution level effects. Pediatric Health Information System Dataset consisting of all pediatric discharges (<21 years of age) from 34 academic, freestanding children's hospitals for calendar year 2003. The rates of PSIs were computed for all discharges. The patient and institutional characteristics associated with these PSIs were calculated. The analyses sequentially applied three increasingly conservative methods to control for the institution-level effects robust standard error estimation, a fixed effects model, and a random effects model. The degree of difference from a "base state," which excluded institution-level variables, and between the models was calculated. The effects of these analyses on the interpretation of the PSIs are presented. PSIs are relatively infrequent events in hospitalized children ranging from 0 per 10,000 (postoperative hip fracture) to 87 per 10,000 (postoperative respiratory failure). Significant variables associated PSIs included age (neonates), race (Caucasians), payor status (public insurance), severity of illness (extreme), and hospital size (>300 beds), which all had higher rates of PSIs than their reference groups in the bivariable logistic regression results. The three different approaches of adjusting for institution-level effects demonstrated that there were similarities in both the clinical and statistical significance across each of the models. Institution-level effects can be appropriately controlled for by using a variety of methods in the analyses of administrative data. Whenever possible, resource-conservative methods should be used in the analyses especially if clinical implications are minimal.

Skin disorders in overweight and obese patients and their relationship with insulin.

PubMed

Plascencia Gómez, A; Vega Memije, M E; Torres Tamayo, M; Rodríguez Carreón, A A

2014-03-01

The prevalence of obesity has increased worldwide in recent years. Some authors have described skin conditions associated with obesity, but there is little evidence on the association between insulin levels and such disorders. To describe the skin disorders present in overweight and obese patients and analyze their association with insulin levels. The study included nondiabetic male and female patients over 6 years of age who were seen at our hospital between January and April 2011. All the patients were evaluated by a dermatologist, who performed a physical examination, including anthropometry, and reviewed their medical history and medication record; fasting blood glucose and insulin were also measured. The patients were grouped according to degree of overweight or obesity and the data were compared using analysis of variance or the χ(2) test depending on the type of variable. The independence of the associations was assessed using regression analysis. In total, 109 patients (95 adults and 13 children, 83.5% female) were studied. The mean (SD) age was 38 (14) years and the mean body mass index was 39.6±8 kg/m(2). The skin conditions observed were acanthosis nigricans (AN) (in 97% of patients), skin tags (77%), keratosis pilaris (42%), and plantar hyperkeratosis (38%). Statistically significant associations were found between degree of obesity and AN (P=.003), skin tags (P=.001), and plantar hyperkeratosis. Number of skin tags, AN neck severity score, and AN distribution were significantly and independently associated with insulin levels. AN and skin tags should be considered clinical markers of hyperinsulinemia in nondiabetic, obese patients. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. and AEDV. All rights reserved.

[Association between ambient temperature and hospital emergency room visits for cardiovascular diseases: a case-crossover study].

PubMed

Guo, Yu-Ming; Wang, Jia-Jia; Li, Guo-Xing; Zheng, Ya-An; He, Wichmann; Pan, Xiao-Chuan

2009-08-01

To explore the association between ambient average temperature and hospital emergency room visits for cardiovascular diseases (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Vision ICD-10: I00 - I99) in Beijing, China. Data was collected on daily hospital emergency room visits for cardiovascular diseases from Peking University Third Hospital, including meteorological data (daily average temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure) from the China Meteorological Data Sharing Service System, and on air pollution from the Beijing Municipal Environmental Monitoring Center. Time-stratified case-crossover design was used to analyze data on 4 seasons. After adjusting data on air pollution, 1 degree ( degrees C) increase of ambient average temperature would associate with the emergency room visits of odds ratio (ORs) as 1.282 (95%CI: 1.250 - 1.315), 1.027 (95%CI: 1.001 - 1.055), 0.661 (95%CI: 0.637 - 0.687), and 0.960 (95%CI: 0.937 - 0.984) in spring, summer, autumn, and winter respectively. After controlling the influence of relative humidity, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure, 1 degrees C increase in the ambient average temperature would be associated with the emergency room visits on ORs value as 1.423 (95%CI: 1.377 - 1.471), 1.082 (95%CI: 1.041 - 1.124), 0.633 (95%CI: 0.607 - 0.660) and 0.971 (95%CI: 0.944 - 1.000) in spring, summer, autumn, and winter respectively. These data on outcomes suggested that the elevated level of ambient temperature would increase the hospital emergency room visits for cardiovascular diseases in spring and summer while the elevated level of ambient temperature would decrease the hospital emergency room visits for the cardiovascular diseases in autumn and winter, suggesting that patients with cardiovascular diseases should pay attention to the climate change.

Lithium levels in tap water and psychotic experiences in a general population of adolescents.

PubMed

Shimodera, Shinji; Koike, Shinsuke; Ando, Shuntaro; Yamasaki, Syudo; Fujito, Ryosuke; Endo, Kaori; Iijima, Yudai; Yamamoto, Yu; Morita, Masaya; Sawada, Ken; Ohara, Nobuki; Okazaki, Yuji; Nishida, Atsushi

2018-06-09

Recently, several epidemiologic studies have reported that lithium in drinking water may be associated with lower rates of suicide mortality, lower incidence of dementia, and lower levels of adolescents' depression and aggression at the population level. However, to our knowledge, no study has investigated lithium level in tap water in relation to psychotic experiences in a general population of adolescents. This is the first study to investigate this using a large dataset. Information on psychotic experiences, distress associated with these experiences, and depressive symptoms were collected in 24 public junior high schools in Kochi Prefecture in Japan. Samples were collected from sources that supplied drinking water to schools, and lithium levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The association of lithium levels with psychotic experiences, considering distress as a degree of severity, was examined using an ordinal logistic regression model with schools and depressive symptoms as random effects. In total, 3040 students responded to the self-reporting questionnaire (response rate: 91.8%). Lithium levels in tap water were inversely associated with psychotic experiences (p = 0.021). We concluded that lithium level in tap water was inversely associated with psychotic experiences among a general population of adolescents and may have a preventive effect for such experiences and distress. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Perspectives on repeated low-level blast and the measurement of neurotrauma in humans as an occupational exposure risk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carr, W.; Dell, K. C.; Yanagi, M. A.; Hassan, D. M.; LoPresti, M. L.

2017-11-01

A pressing question in military medical research is the nature and degree of effects on the human brain from occupational repeated exposure to low-level explosive blast, but reliable and effective means to objectively measure such effects remain elusive. In survey results, headache, difficulty sleeping, irritability, cognitive impairment, and a variety of other symptoms consistent with post-concussive syndrome have been reported by those exposed to blast and there was positive correlation between degree of blast exposure and degree of symptomology, but an important goal is to obtain more objective evidence of an effect than self-report alone. This review reflects recent efforts to measure and evaluate such hypothesized effects and current recommendations for ongoing study. Optimal measures are likely those with sensitivity and specificity to systemic effects in mild neurotrauma, that have minimal to no volitional component, and that can be sampled relatively quickly with minimal intrusion in prospective, observational field studies during routine training with explosives. An understanding of an association between parameters of exposure to repeated low-level blast and negative neurologic effects would support the evaluation of clinical implications and development of protective equipment and surveillance protocols where warranted. At present, low-level blast exposure surveillance measurements do not exist as a systematic record for any professional community.

[Teaching nursing research at bachelor and second level degree: opinions of nursing associate professors and nursing researchers].

PubMed

D'Aliesio, Lorella; Vellone, Ercole; Rega, Maria Luisa; Galletti, Caterina

2006-01-01

Nursing research is a systematic and very important enquiry for improving clients' quality of life and effective and efficient nursing care. National and international literature state that all nurses should have knowledge and responsibilities in research which are different in relation to their educational level. The aim of the present study was to collect opinions of the new professors in nursing about objectives, contents and methods for teaching nursing research at Bachelor and Master Degree. The sample was made of nine participants who were interviewed by twenty questions sent by e-mail. The interviews were analysed using quantitative-descriptive and qualitative-phenomenological methods (triangulation). Interviews revealed that Bachelor students should be educated to retrieve and criticise scientific literature, to apply research finding in practice and to collaborate in research studies; Master students should improve knowledge of Bachelor degree and be able to design and conduct research studies. Participants emphasised the importance of using active methodologies for teaching and to involve students in research. By analysing the literature and the results of the present study educational objectives for teaching nursing research at Bachelor and Master degree are defined.

Residential Segregation and the Availability of Primary Care Physicians

PubMed Central

Gaskin, Darrell J; Dinwiddie, Gniesha Y; Chan, Kitty S; McCleary, Rachael R

2012-01-01

Objective To examine the association between residential segregation and geographic access to primary care physicians (PCPs) in metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). Data Sources We combined zip code level data on primary care physicians from the 2006 American Medical Association master file with demographic, socioeconomic, and segregation measures from the 2000 U.S. Census. Our sample consisted of 15,465 zip codes located completely or partially in an MSA. Methods We defined PCP shortage areas as those zip codes with no PCP or a population to PCP ratio of >3,500. Using logistic regressions, we estimated the association between a zip code's odds of being a PCP shortage area and its minority composition and degree of segregation in its MSA. Principal Findings We found that odds of being a PCP shortage area were 67 percent higher for majority African American zip codes but 27 percent lower for majority Hispanic zip codes. The association varied with the degree of segregation. As the degree of segregation increased, the odds of being a PCP shortage area increased for majority African American zip codes; however, the converse was true for majority Hispanic and Asian zip codes. Conclusions Efforts to address PCP shortages should target African American communities especially in segregated MSAs. PMID:22524264

A Gadamerian Phenomenological Study Examining the Meaning of Having a Bachelor's Degree Expressed by Associate Degree Nurses (ADN) Who Educationally Transitioned to a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sauld, Jill Pierpont

2017-01-01

Since the inception of associate degree nursing programs, professional nursing conversations and debate have grappled with reckoning differences between the associate degree in nursing (ADN) and the bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN). Research reporting better patient outcomes with more baccalaureate prepared nurses has been a driving force for…

Correlation between physics A-levels/A-levels and degree performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chadwick, Roy

1985-09-01

The author presents an analysis of 178 students who left Solihull Sixth form College between 1975 and 1981 to do a degree in physics (approximately one third) or engineering (approximately two thirds) at university or polytechnic. The first table is an analysis of physics A-level grade and degree performance; the second table an analysis of the points total for physics A-level plus maths A-level (five for A, four for B, etc.), against degree performances, and the final table an analysis of the points total for physics A-level plus maths A-level plus third A-level (again five for A, four for B, etc.), against degree performance.

Nursery Production, A Teacher's Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buckey, Sylvia; And Others

Developed by a group of university faculty members and graduate assistants, this planning guide is designed for teachers' use in high school, technical school, and associate degree agriculture programs in teaching nursery production with the focus on entry and advanced level occupations. This manual consists of the text of the student handbook…

Competency: Does High Fidelity Simulation Make a Difference?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Valente, Alice M.

2010-01-01

High fidelity simulation is a well documented adjunctive teaching method in medical and nurse practitioner programs, but few studies of effectiveness on this technology on the development of competency have emphasized pre-licensure associate degree level programs. This study explored student competency in the application of the nursing process…

Critical-Thinking Skills of First-Year Athletic Training Students Enrolled in Professional Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bates, Dana K.; Sikkema, Jill A.; Nynas, Suzette M.; Culp, Clinton

2017-01-01

Context: The Examination of Professional Degree Level document presented to the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Directors states that research in athletic training education has not investigated differences in the critical-thinking skills of professional athletic training students. Objective: Investigate the differences in…

Leadership Style and Adequate Yearly Progress: A Correlational Study of Effective Principal Leadership

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leapley-Portscheller, Claudia Iris

2008-01-01

Principals are responsible for leading efforts to reach increasingly higher levels of student academic proficiency in schools associated with adequate yearly progress (AYP) requirements. The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to identify the degree to which perceptions of principal transformational, transactional, and…

Nursing Faculty Development at California Community Colleges amidst Healthcare Reform

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tsao, Jane Ming Yao

2017-01-01

As the frontline nurse leaders, associate degree nursing (ADN) faculty members represent the key players for a seamless RN-BSN academic progression at the fundamental level of nursing education, which requires a balanced academic-clinical practice teaching. However, the Institute of Medicine's recommendation on expanded scope of nursing practice…

Soils and Foundations: A Syllabus.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Long, Melvin J.

The teaching guide and course outline for a 12-week course in soils and foundations is designed to help student technicians in a two-year associate degree civil engineering technology program to obtain entry level employment as highway engineering aides, soil testing technicians, soil mappers, or construction inspectors. The seven teaching units…

Written Composition Performance of Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Casas, Ana Miranda; Ferrer, Manuel Soriano; Fortea, Inmaculada Baixauli

2013-01-01

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is frequently associated with learning disabilities. The present study examined the written composition of children with ADHD, which depends to a large degree on continuous self-regulation and attentional control skills for organizing information and maintaining the level of effort. Fifty children…

Optimistic and pessimistic self-assessment of own diets is associated with age, self-rated health and weight status in Danish adults.

PubMed

Sørensen, Mette Rosenlund; Matthiessen, Jeppe; Holm, Lotte; Knudsen, Vibeke Kildegaard; Andersen, Elisabeth Wreford; Tetens, Inge

2017-07-01

The aim of this study was to analyse concordance between Danish adults' recorded diet quality and their own assessment of the healthiness and to examine socio-demographic, health and behavioural characteristics associated with an optimistic or pessimistic self-assessment. Data were derived from The Danish National Survey of Diet and Physical Activity 2011-2013 and included a random sample of 3014 adults (18-75 y). Diet quality was evaluated on the basis of seven-day pre-coded food diaries and categorised 'unhealthy', 'somewhat healthy' and 'healthy'. Self-assessment of the healthiness of own diets was registered via personal interviews and categorised healthy enough 'to a high degree', 'to some degree' or 'not at all/only partly'. Highly and somewhat optimistic self-assessment, respectively, were defined as assessing own diets as healthy enough to a high degree or to some degree while having unhealthy diets. Highly and somewhat pessimistic self-assessment, respectively, were defined as assessing own diets as not healthy enough or healthy enough to some degree while having healthy diets. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine characteristics associated with optimistic and pessimistic self-assessments, respectively. Among individuals with unhealthy diets, 13% were highly optimistic and 42% somewhat optimistic about the healthiness of their diets. Among individuals with healthy diets, 14% were highly pessimistic and 51% somewhat pessimistic about the healthiness of their diets. Highly optimistic self-assessment was associated with increasing age, excellent self-rated health, normal weight and a moderate activity level. Highly pessimistic self-assessment was associated with decreasing age, good self-rated health and being obese. The findings indicate that people seem to use personal health characteristics as important references when assessing the healthiness of their diets. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Issues in Associate Degree Nursing. Bridge to Success. Education and Service: A Partnership for Associate Degree Nursing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Southern Regional Education Board, Atlanta, GA.

This publication is a compilation of highlights from papers presented at the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) project's regional conferences during 1983-84. Papers address pertinent issues in ADN education and practice. "AD Education: Are the Parameters Real?" (Julia Perkins) examines the parameters of associate degree nursing education from a…

Body weight loss reverts obesity-associated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Corona, Giovanni; Rastrelli, Giulia; Monami, Matteo; Saad, Farid; Luconi, Michaela; Lucchese, Marcello; Facchiano, Enrico; Sforza, Alessandra; Forti, Gianni; Mannucci, Edoardo; Maggi, Mario

2013-06-01

Few randomized clinical studies have evaluated the impact of diet and physical activity on testosterone levels in obese men with conflicting results. Conversely, studies on bariatric surgery in men generally have shown an increase in testosterone levels. The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of available trials on the effect of body weight loss on sex hormones levels. Meta-analysis. An extensive Medline search was performed including the following words: 'testosterone', 'diet', 'weight loss', 'bariatric surgery', and 'males'. The search was restricted to data from January 1, 1969 up to August 31, 2012. Out of 266 retrieved articles, 24 were included in the study. Of the latter, 22 evaluated the effect of diet or bariatric surgery, whereas two compared diet and bariatric surgery. Overall, both a low-calorie diet and bariatric surgery are associated with a significant (P<0.0001) increase in plasma sex hormone-binding globulin-bound and -unbound testosterone levels (total testosterone (TT)), with bariatric surgery being more effective in comparison with the low-calorie diet (TT increase: 8.73 (6.51-10.95) vs 2.87 (1.68-4.07) for bariatric surgery and the low-calorie diet, respectively; both P<0.0001 vs baseline). Androgen rise is greater in those patients who lose more weight as well as in younger, non-diabetic subjects with a greater degree of obesity. Body weight loss is also associated with a decrease in estradiol and an increase in gonadotropins levels. Multiple regression analysis shows that the degree of body weight loss is the best determinant of TT rise (B=2.50±0.98, P=0.029). These data show that weight loss is associated with an increase in both bound and unbound testosterone levels. The normalization of sex hormones induced by body weight loss is a possible mechanism contributing to the beneficial effects of surgery in morbid obesity.

Actor-partner interdependence analysis in depressed patient-caregiver dyads: Influence of emotional intelligence and coping strategies on anxiety and depression.

PubMed

Marguerite, Serres; Laurent, Boyer; Marine, Alessandrini; Tanguy, Leroy; Karine, Baumstarck; Pascal, Auquier; Xavier, Zendjidjian

2017-12-01

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of suffering for both patients and their natural caregivers. A preliminary study highlights the association of emotional intelligence (EI) and coping strategies with quality of life. However, there is a lack of studies concerning dyadic (i.e., patient and natural caregiver) characteristics' impact on anxious and depressive symptoms. In a sample of MDD patients-caregivers dyads, we explored the influence of EI and coping strategies on anxious and depressive symptoms using the actor-partner interdependence model (APIM). The cross-sectional study included 79 MDD patient-caregiver dyads. Self-reported data, completed by patients and their primary caregivers, were collected including socio-demographic, EI using TEIQue-SF, coping strategies using BriefCope, depressive symptoms using Beck Depression Inventory, anxious symptoms using STAI. The APIM was used to test the dyadic effects of EI and coping strategies on anxious and depressive symptoms, using structural equation modelling. Patients and caregivers reported both anxious and depressive symptoms. Coping strategies, such as problem solving, positive thinking and avoidance, exhibited evidence of actor (degree to which the individual's coping strategies are associated with their own anxiety or depression level) and partner effect (degree to which the individual's coping strategies are associated with the anxiety or depression level of the other member of the dyad). The caregivers' EI was associated with a decrease of their own depression level contrary to patients for which the results were not significant. The patients' and caregivers' EI was associated with a decrease of their own level of anxiety. EI and coping strategies were moderately associated with anxious and depressive symptomatology among MDD patient-caregiver dyads. These results suggest that targeted interventions could be proposed to both patients and caregivers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Assessment of hot flushes and vaginal dryness among obese women undergoing bariatric surgery.

PubMed

Goughnour, S L; Thurston, R C; Althouse, A D; Freese, K E; Edwards, R P; Hamad, G G; McCloskey, C; Ramanathan, R; Bovbjerg, D H; Linkov, F

2016-01-01

Menopausal symptoms are associated with a negative impact on the quality of life, leading women to seek medical treatment. Obesity has been linked to higher levels of menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. This assessment will explore whether the prevalence and bother of hot flushes and vaginal dryness change from pre- to post-bariatric surgery among obese midlife women. This study is a longitudinal analysis of data from 69 women (ages 35-72 years) undergoing bariatric surgery with reported reproductive histories and menopausal symptoms at preoperative and 6-month postoperative visits. Prevalence of and degree of bother of hot flushes and vaginal dryness at pre- and post-surgery were compared using McNemar's test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The reported degree of bother of symptoms associated with hot flushes decreased from pre- to post-surgery (p < 0.01). There was no significant change in the prevalence of hot flushes or vaginal dryness in the overall study sample. The degree of bother of symptoms associated with hot flushes among midlife women may decrease after bariatric surgery. These results highlight important secondary gains, including less bothersome menopausal symptoms, for women who choose bariatric surgery for weight loss.

Nurse staffing and patient outcomes in Belgian acute hospitals: cross-sectional analysis of administrative data.

PubMed

Van den Heede, Koen; Sermeus, Walter; Diya, Luwis; Clarke, Sean P; Lesaffre, Emmanuel; Vleugels, Arthur; Aiken, Linda H

2009-07-01

Studies have linked nurse staffing levels (number and skill mix) to several nurse-sensitive patient outcomes. However, evidence from European countries has been limited. This study examines the association between nurse staffing levels (i.e. acuity-adjusted Nursing Hours per Patient Day, the proportion of registered nurses with a Bachelor's degree) and 10 different patient outcomes potentially sensitive to nursing care. DESIGN-SETTING-PARTICIPANTS: Cross-sectional analyses of linked data from the Belgian Nursing Minimum Dataset (general acute care and intensive care nursing units: n=1403) and Belgian Hospital Discharge Dataset (general, orthopedic and vascular surgery patients: n=260,923) of the year 2003 from all acute hospitals (n=115). Logistic regression analyses, estimated by using a Generalized Estimation Equation Model, were used to study the association between nurse staffing and patient outcomes. The mean acuity-adjusted Nursing Hours per Patient Day in Belgian hospitals was 2.62 (S.D.=0.29). The variability in patient outcome rates between hospitals is considerable. The inter-quartile ranges for the 10 patient outcomes go from 0.35 for Deep Venous Thrombosis to 3.77 for failure-to-rescue. No significant association was found between the acuity-adjusted Nursing Hours per Patient Day, proportion of registered nurses with a Bachelor's degree and the selected patient outcomes. The absence of associations between hospital-level nurse staffing measures and patient outcomes should not be inferred as implying that nurse staffing does not have an impact on patient outcomes in Belgian hospitals. To better understand the dynamics of the nurse staffing and patient outcomes relationship in acute hospitals, further analyses (i.e. nursing unit level analyses) of these and other outcomes are recommended, in addition to inclusion of other study variables, including data about nursing practice environments in hospitals.

Stress, loneliness, and depression in Taiwanese rural community-dwelling elders.

PubMed

Wang, J J; Snyder, M; Kaas, M

2001-06-01

This study examined the stressors and stress levels, loneliness, and depression experienced by Taiwanese rural elders and determine if differences in the level of stress were associated with specific person-environmental characteristics. The relationship between stress and depression was also explored. A total of 201 older rural community residents participated in the study. Findings showed that rural elders experienced a number of stressors related to health and family issues. Differences in the degree of stressfulness of individuals differed by gender, educational level, living arrangement, and socioeconomic status (SES). Findings in this study also showed that there was a high association among stress level, depressive symptoms, and mood status. The findings of this study will assist community health policy-makers in determining the need for health-related services for rural elders experiencing these problems.

Options for Meeting U.S. Navy Foreign Language and Cultural Expertise Requirements in the Post 9/11 Security Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

inquire about weather or sea conditions or inspect vessels. Higher-level language skills, especially those associated with the art of diplomacy...and Schools, and since 2002 has conferred Associates of Arts in Foreign Language (AA/FL) Degrees upon resident students who successfully complete all...Specialist (RP), Machinery Repairman (MR), Gas Turbine System Technician (GS), Culinary Specialist (CS), Naval Aircrewman (AW), and Command Master Chief

Imageability and semantic association in the representation and processing of event verbs.

PubMed

Xu, Xu; Kang, Chunyan; Guo, Taomei

2016-05-01

This study examined the relative salience of imageability (the degree to which a word evokes mental imagery) versus semantic association (the density of semantic network in which a word is embedded) in the representation and processing of four types of event verbs: sensory, cognitive, speech, and motor verbs. ERP responses were recorded, while 34 university students performed on a lexical decision task. Analysis focused primarily on amplitude differences across verb conditions within the N400 time window where activities are considered representing meaning activation. Variation in N400 amplitude across four types of verbs was found significantly associated with the level of imageability, but not the level of semantic association. The findings suggest imageability as a more salient factor relative to semantic association in the processing of these verbs. The role of semantic association and the representation of speech verbs are also discussed.

Consumer and relationship factors associated with shared decision making in mental health consultations.

PubMed

Matthias, Marianne S; Fukui, Sadaaki; Kukla, Marina; Eliacin, Johanne; Bonfils, Kelsey A; Firmin, Ruth L; Oles, Sylwia K; Adams, Erin L; Collins, Linda A; Salyers, Michelle P

2014-12-01

This study explored the association between shared decision making and consumers' illness management skills and consumer-provider relationships. Medication management appointments for 79 consumers were audio recorded. Independent coders rated overall shared decision making, minimum level of shared decision making, and consumer-provider agreement for 63 clients whose visit included a treatment decision. Mental health diagnoses, medication adherence, patient activation, illness management, working alliance, and length of consumer-provider relationships were also assessed. Correlation analyses were used to determine relationships among measures. Overall shared decision making was not associated with any variables. Minimum levels of shared decision making were associated with higher scores on the bond subscale of the Working Alliance Inventory, indicating a higher degree of liking and trust, and with better medication adherence. Agreement was associated with shorter consumer-provider relationships. Consumer-provider relationships and shared decision making might have a more nuanced association than originally thought.

False memory and the associative network of happiness.

PubMed

Koo, Minkyung; Oishi, Shigehiro

2009-02-01

This research examines the relationship between individuals' levels of life satisfaction and their associative networks of happiness. Study 1 measured European Americans' degree of false memory of happiness using the Deese-Roediger-McDermott paradigm. Scores on the Satisfaction With Life Scale predicted the likelihood of false memory of happiness but not of other lure words such as sleep . In Study 2, European American participants completed an association-judgment task in which they judged the extent to which happiness and each of 15 positive emotion terms were associated with each other. Consistent with Study 1's findings, chronically satisfied individuals exhibited stronger associations between happiness and other positive emotion terms than did unsatisfied individuals. However, Koreans and Asian Americans did not exhibit such a pattern regarding their chronic level of life satisfaction (Study 3). In combination, results suggest that there are important individual and cultural differences in the cognitive structure and associative network of happiness.

Relationship between methylation status of RASSF2A gene promoter and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer.

PubMed

Xia, Y; Xiong, N; Huang, Y

2018-01-01

Relationship between the methylation status of the RASSF2A gene promoter and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) was explored. Between January 2013 and January 2016, tissue samples were collected from 30 patients diagnosed with ovarian endometriosis cyst (EC group), 30 patients diagnosed with ovarian endometrial adenocarcinoma (OEA group) and 30 patients diagnosed with ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCC group). Additionally, 30 cases of normal endometrium tissues were collected for the control group. The methylation status of the RASSF2A promoter was evaluated by combined bisulfite restriction enzyme analysis (COBRA). RT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of RASSF2A mRNA in tissues. Relationship between methylation status and RASSF2A mRNA expression level and the patient age, tumor clinical stage, tumor grading and pathological type were analyzed. Results showed that in the OEA and OCC groups, the methylation degrees of the RASSF2A promoter were obviously higher than that of the other two groups. The expression level of RASSF2A mRNA in the OEA and OCC groups was lower than that of the other two groups. The methylation degree of the RASSF2A promoter was related to clinical staging and grading. No relationship between the methylation degree of the RASSF2A promoter and patient’s age and the pathological type of the tissue was detected. We concluded that the methylation status of the RASSF2A gene promoter could be considered an excellent indicator for early detection of ovarian cancers.

The MMPI-2 neurotic triad subscales and depression levels after pharmacological treatment in patients with depressive disorders - clinical study.

PubMed

Talarowska, Monika; Zboralski, Krzysztof; Chamielec, Marcelina; Gałecki, Piotr

2011-12-01

Affective disorders provide for one third of the main causes of psychiatric inpatient care, both in male and female subjects. An early diagnosis of the disease with precise identification of the character of its particular symptoms are key important factors for the efficacy of treatment. The goal of the study was an identification of possible associations between scores of the neurotic triad in the MMPI-2 test (hypochondria - Hs, depression - D, hysteria - Hy), evaluated at initial hospitalization period with remission degree assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), following eight weeks of treatment with SSRI. A group of 50 subjects took part in the study. The MMPI-2 test and HDRS were used in the study. The HDRS was performed at the therapy onset and reapplied after 8 weeks of its continuation. The MMPI-2 test was applied at the beginning of treatment. Higher scores in Hs (p=0.007), D (p=0.021) and Hy scales (p=0.001) are associated with the higher degree of depression, measured by the HDRS at the therapy onset. The highest performance in Hs scale (p=0.003) and Hy scale (p=0.001) evaluated on admission, was associated with the highest depression level after pharmacological treatment. The higher the degree of hypochondria and hysteria symptoms, measured by the MMPI-2 test at the onset of therapy in patients with depressive disorders, the higher severity of depression is being found after 8 weeks of therapy with SSRI agents, measured by the HDRS scale.

Radiographers' professional knowledge regarding parameters and safety issues in plain radiography: a questionnaire survey.

PubMed

Farajollahi, A R; Fouladi, D F; Ghojazadeh, M; Movafaghi, A

2014-08-01

To review the knowledge of radiographers and examine the possible sociodemographic and situational contributors to this knowledge. A questionnaire survey was devised and distributed to a cohort of 120 radiographers. Each questionnaire contained two sections. In the first section, background data, including sex, age, highest academic level, grade point average (GPA), length of time from graduation, work experience as a radiographer and the status of previous refresher course(s), were collected. The second section contained 17 multiple-choice questions concerning radiographic imaging parameters and safety issues. The response rate was 63.8%. In univariate analytic model, higher academic degree (p < 0.001), higher GPA (r(2) = 0.11; p = 0.001), academic workplace (p = 0.04) and taking previous refresher course(s) (p = 0.01) were significantly associated with higher knowledge score. In multivariate analytic model, however, higher academic degree (B = 1.62; p = 0.01), higher GPA (B = 0.50; p = 0.01) and taking previous refresher course(s) (B = -1.26; p = 0.03) were independently associated with higher level of knowledge. Age, sex, length of time from graduation and work experience were not associated with the respondents' knowledge score. Academic background is a robust indicator of a radiographer's professional knowledge. Refresher courses and regular knowledge assessments are highly recommended. This is the first study in the literature that examines professional knowledge of radiographers in terms of technical and safety issues in plain radiography. Academic degree, GPA and refresher courses are independent predictors of this knowledge. Regular radiographer professional knowledge checks may be recommended.

Multiple myeloma and family history of lymphohaematopoietic cancers: Results from the International Multiple Myeloma Consortium.

PubMed

Schinasi, Leah H; Brown, Elizabeth E; Camp, Nicola J; Wang, Sophia S; Hofmann, Jonathan N; Chiu, Brian C; Miligi, Lucia; Beane Freeman, Laura E; de Sanjose, Silvia; Bernstein, Leslie; Monnereau, Alain; Clavel, Jacqueline; Tricot, Guido J; Atanackovic, Djordje; Cocco, Pierluigi; Orsi, Laurent; Dosman, James A; McLaughlin, John R; Purdue, Mark P; Cozen, Wendy; Spinelli, John J; de Roos, Anneclaire J

2016-10-01

Family clusters of multiple myeloma (MM) suggest disease heritability. Nevertheless, patterns of inheritance and the importance of genetic versus environmental risk factors in MM aetiology remain unclear. We pooled data from eleven case-control studies from the International Multiple Myeloma Consortium to characterize the association of MM risk with having a first-degree relative with a history of a lympho-haematapoietic cancer. Unconditional logistic regression models, adjusted for study, sex, age and education level, were used to estimate associations between MM risk and having a first-degree relative with a history of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, leukaemia or MM. Sex, African American race/ethnicity and age were explored as effect modifiers. A total of 2843 cases and 11 470 controls were included. MM risk was elevated in association with having a first-degree relative with any lympho-haematapoietic cancer (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1·29, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1·08-1·55). The association was particularly strong for having a first-degree relative with MM (OR = 1·90, 95% CI: 1·26-2·87), especially among men (OR = 4·13, 95% CI: 2·17-7·85) and African Americans (OR = 5·52, 95% CI: 1·87-16·27).These results support the hypothesis that genetic inheritance plays a role in MM aetiology. Future studies are warranted to characterize interactions of genetic markers with environmental exposures. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Evidence That a Psychopathology Interactome Has Diagnostic Value, Predicting Clinical Needs: An Experience Sampling Study

PubMed Central

van Os, Jim; Lataster, Tineke; Delespaul, Philippe; Wichers, Marieke; Myin-Germeys, Inez

2014-01-01

Background For the purpose of diagnosis, psychopathology can be represented as categories of mental disorder, symptom dimensions or symptom networks. Also, psychopathology can be assessed at different levels of temporal resolution (monthly episodes, daily fluctuating symptoms, momentary fluctuating mental states). We tested the diagnostic value, in terms of prediction of treatment needs, of the combination of symptom networks and momentary assessment level. Method Fifty-seven patients with a psychotic disorder participated in an ESM study, capturing psychotic experiences, emotions and circumstances at 10 semi-random moments in the flow of daily life over a period of 6 days. Symptoms were assessed by interview with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS); treatment needs were assessed using the Camberwell Assessment of Need (CAN). Results Psychotic symptoms assessed with the PANSS (Clinical Psychotic Symptoms) were strongly associated with psychotic experiences assessed with ESM (Momentary Psychotic Experiences). However, the degree to which Momentary Psychotic Experiences manifested as Clinical Psychotic Symptoms was determined by level of momentary negative affect (higher levels increasing probability of Momentary Psychotic Experiences manifesting as Clinical Psychotic Symptoms), momentary positive affect (higher levels decreasing probability of Clinical Psychotic Symptoms), greater persistence of Momentary Psychotic Experiences (persistence predicting increased probability of Clinical Psychotic Symptoms) and momentary environmental stress associated with events and activities (higher levels increasing probability of Clinical Psychotic Symptoms). Similarly, the degree to which momentary visual or auditory hallucinations manifested as Clinical Psychotic Symptoms was strongly contingent on the level of accompanying momentary paranoid delusional ideation. Momentary Psychotic Experiences were associated with CAN unmet treatment needs, over and above PANSS measures of psychopathology, similarly moderated by momentary interactions with emotions and context. Conclusion The results suggest that psychopathology, represented as an interactome at the momentary level of temporal resolution, is informative in diagnosing clinical needs, over and above traditional symptom measures. PMID:24466189

Perceived importance and self-assessment of the skills of Canada's health-system pharmacy managers.

PubMed

Axworthy, Sheri; MacKinnon, Neil J

2002-06-01

The relationship between the perceived importance of managerial skills and self-assessed proficiency in each skill among health-system pharmacy managers in Canada was examined, and the demographic characteristics associated with pharmacy managers who lack these skills were analyzed. Surveys were mailed to 514 health-system pharmacy managers in Canada in July 2000. The survey listed 61 specific managerial skills, under seven general categories. The respondents were asked to rate the level of importance that each of the skills had in their job and rate their proficiency in each skill. Ratings were based on a five-point Likert scale ranging from very high importance or skill level to very low importance or skill level. The response rate was 52.7%. Of the 61 specific managerial skills considered, the majority of respondents identified "Demonstrating ethical conduct" as both the most important skill and their greatest strength. "Understand the operating principles of managed care" was viewed as the least important skill, while "Participating in the implementation of a marketing program" was respondents' greatest weakness. There were significant differences in the mean self-assessed skill levels of the respondents according to their educational background, size of the institution in which they work, and years of managerial experience. Health-system pharmacy managers with a master of business administration degree had a significantly higher overall mean perceived skill level than managers in all other "Education" categories. Managers with a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy had a significantly lower overall mean perceived skill level than those with a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy plus "other" degrees, while managers employed in institutions of 500 or more inpatient beds had a significantly higher overall self-rated mean skill level than managers employed in institutions of 51-100 inpatient beds. A national survey of health-system pharmacy managers in Canada revealed a pressing need for better training in managerial skills for these pharmacists.

Association between local inflammation and breast tissue age-related lobular involution among premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer patients

PubMed Central

Hanna, Mirette; Dumas, Isabelle; Orain, Michèle; Jacob, Simon; Têtu, Bernard; Sanschagrin, François; Bureau, Alexandre; Poirier, Brigitte; Diorio, Caroline

2017-01-01

Increased levels of pro-inflammatory markers and decreased levels of anti-inflammatory markers in the breast tissue can result in local inflammation. We aimed to investigate whether local inflammation in the breast tissue is associated with age-related lobular involution, a process inversely related to breast cancer risk. Levels of eleven pro- and anti-inflammatory markers were assessed by immunohistochemistry in normal breast tissue obtained from 164 pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer patients. Involution status of the breast (degree of lobular involution and the predominant lobule type) was microscopically assessed in normal breast tissue on hematoxylin-eosin stained mastectomy slides. Multivariate generalized linear models were used to assess the associations. In age-adjusted analyses, higher levels of pro-inflammatory markers IL-6, TNF-α, CRP, COX-2, leptin, SAA1 and IL-8; and anti-inflammatory marker IL-10, were inversely associated with the prevalence of complete lobular involution (all P≤0.04). Higher levels of the pro-inflammatory marker COX-2 were also associated with lower prevalence of predominant type 1/no type 3 lobules in the breast, an indicator of complete involution, in age-adjusted analysis (P = 0.017). Higher tissue levels of inflammatory markers, mainly the pro-inflammatory ones, are associated with less involuted breasts and may consequently be associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. PMID:28846716

Airway responsiveness to mannitol in asthma is associated with chymase-positive mast cells and eosinophilic airway inflammation.

PubMed

Sverrild, A; Bergqvist, A; Baines, K J; Porsbjerg, C; Andersson, C K; Thomsen, S F; Hoffmann, H J; Gibson, P; Erjefält, J S; Backer, V

2016-02-01

Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to inhaled mannitol is associated with indirect markers of mast cell activation and eosinophilic airway inflammation. It is unknown how AHR to mannitol relates to mast cell phenotype, mast cell function and measures of eosinophilic inflammation in airway tissue. We compared the number and phenotype of mast cells, mRNA expression of mast cell-associated genes and number of eosinophils in airway tissue of subjects with asthma and healthy controls in relation to AHR to mannitol. Airway hyperresponsiveness to inhaled mannitol was measured in 23 non-smoking, corticosteroid-free asthmatic individuals and 10 healthy controls. Mast cells and eosinophils were identified in mucosal biopsies from all participants. Mast cells were divided into phenotypes based on the presence of chymase. mRNA expression of mast cell-associated genes was measured by real-time PCR. The proportion of submucosal MCTC was higher in asthmatic individuals with AHR to mannitol compared with asthmatic individuals without AHR (median: 40.3% vs. 18.7%, P = 0.03). Increased submucosal MCTC numbers were associated with increased levels of mRNA for thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and CPA3 in asthmatics. Reactivity to mannitol correlated significantly with eosinophils in submucosa (r(s): 0.56, P = 0.01). Airway hyperresponsiveness to inhaled mannitol is associated with an altered submucosal mast cell profile in asthmatic individuals. This mast cell profile is associated with increased levels of TSLP and CPA3. The degree of AHR to mannitol is correlated with the degree of eosinophilic inflammation in the airway submucosa. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Computerized Testing of Level III Associate Degree Nursing Students versus Paper and Pencil Testing Methods

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gullo, Shirna R.

2014-01-01

Computerized testing may be one solution to enhance performance on the curricular Health Education Systems Inc. (HESI) exam and the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Due to the integration of improved technological processes and procedures in healthcare for computerized documentation and electronicmedical records,…

Engineering an Associate Degree-Level STEM Workforce Education Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Selwitz, Jason L.; Ahring, Birgitte; Garcia-Perez, Manuel; Morrison, Judith

2018-01-01

Community and technical colleges serve a vital function in STEM education by training workers for medium- and high-skilled technical careers and providing employers the labor necessary to operate and maintain thriving business ventures. A curriculum developed with the elements of a systems-based approach results in a program more relevant to the…

Nurse Educators' Preceptions of Preparedness to Guide Clinical Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jenkins-Cameron, Stella L.

2014-01-01

The purpose of the study was to examine nurse educators' (NEs) perceptions of their level of preparedness to guide learning in clinical rotations of associate degree pre-licensure nursing programs of a South Atlantic state. The study also sought to determine the relationship between clinical experience, formal education, and teaching experience to…

Adaptive Competency Acquisition: Whey LPN-to-AND Career Mobility Education Programs Work.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coyle-Rogers, Patricia G.

2001-01-01

Scores on an adaptive competency profile for 30 Licensed Practical Nurse graduate candidates and 41 second-level Associate Degree in Nursing candidates indicated that there was no significant difference between the two groups. Results suggest that a variety of educational backgrounds foster development of nursing competence. (Contains 23…

Salivary Progesterone Is Associated with Reduced Coherence of Attentional, Cognitive, and Motivational Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schultheiss, Oliver C.; Patalakh, Mariya; Rosch, Andreas G.

2012-01-01

The present study tested whether the hypothesis that high levels of progesterone (P) have a decoupling effect on the function of the brain hemispheres (Hausmann & Gunturkun, 2000) also extends to attentional functions, referential connections between verbal and nonverbal representations and the degree to which implicit motivational needs match a…

A State Level Investigation of the Associations among Intellectual Capital, Religiosity and Reproductive Health

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reeve, Charlie L.; Basalik, Debra

2011-01-01

The current study examines the degree to which state intellectual capital, state religiosity and reproductive health form a meaningful nexus of ecological relations. Though the specific magnitude of effects vary across outcomes, results from hierarchical regression analyses were consistent with the hypothesized path model indicating that a state's…

Common Aspects of Object Relations and Self-Representations in Offspring from Disparate Dysfunctional Families.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hadley, Judith A.; And Others

1993-01-01

Surveyed 97 adults self-identified as coming from dysfunctional families. Although level of family dysfunction was generally high, no significant differences were observed between adult children of alcoholics and adults from families whose dysfunction was not due to substance abuse. Degree of family dysfunction was significantly associated with…

Adolescent Family Experiences and Educational Attainment during Early Adulthood

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Melby, Janet N.; Conger, Rand D.; Fang, Shu-Ann; Wickrama, K. A. S.; Conger, Katherine J.

2008-01-01

In this study, the authors investigated the degree to which a family investment model would help account for the association between family of origin socioeconomic characteristics and the later educational attainment of 451 young adults (age 26) from 2-parent families. Parents' educational level, occupational prestige, and family income in 1989…

B/TEC Opens Doors for You.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Business and Technician Education Council, London (England).

This package contains a paper summarizing the aims and services provided by the Business and Technician Education Council (B/TEC). Established to advance the quality and availability of a wide range of employment-related education to persons in the United Kingdom who are studying at or beyond the equivalent of the American associate-degree level,…

The Pendulum Swings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scully, Maura King

2009-01-01

The gender gap in higher education has been a reality across the developed world for the past two decades, and it continues to grow. In the United States today, 57 percent of college students are women. Women also hold the majority of associate and master's degrees, and men and women have just achieved parity at the doctorate level, where women…

Fostering Connections to Nature -- Strategies for Community College Early Childhood Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murphy, Debra

2017-01-01

How can early childhood teacher educators at the community college level create opportunities for their students to explore and relate to the natural world? This article discusses three learning opportunities in an early childhood associate-degree program that foster connections between preservice and inservice early childhood teachers and nature…

Raising Rigor, Getting Results: Lessons Learned from AP Expansion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wakelyn, David

2009-01-01

Advanced Placement (AP), which enables high school students to take introductory college-level courses, is the nation's oldest example of a rigorous, common curriculum. Students who score well on AP exams are more likely to persist in college and earn a degree. The Advanced Placement Expansion project of the National Governors Association Center…

Preschool Teachers' Language and Literacy Practices with Dual Language Learners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sawyer, Brook E.; Hammer, Carol Scheffner; Cycyk, Lauren M.; Lopez, Lisa; Blair, Clancy; Sandilos, Lia; Komaroff, Eugene

2016-01-01

The purposes of this study were to (a) examine the degree to which teachers used linguistically responsive practices to support the language and literacy development of Spanish-speaking Dual Language Learners (DLL) and (b) to investigate the associations between these practices and select teacher-level factors. The sample consisted of 72 preschool…

Preschool Teachers' Language and Literacy Practices with Dual Language Learners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sawyer, Brook E.; Hammer, Carol Scheffner; Cycyk, Lauren M.; López, Lisa; Blair, Clancy; Sandilos, Lia; Komaroff, Eugene

2016-01-01

The purposes of this study were to (a) examine the degree to which teachers used linguistically responsive practices to support the language and literacy development of Spanish-speaking Dual Language Learners (DLL) and (b) to investigate the associations between these practices and select teacher-level factors. The sample consisted of 72 preschool…

The Impact of Software on Associate Degree Programs in Electronic Engineering Technology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hata, David M.

1986-01-01

Assesses the range and extent of computer assisted instruction software available in electronic engineering technology education. Examines the need for software skills in four areas: (1) high-level languages; (2) assembly language; (3) computer-aided engineering; and (4) computer-aided instruction. Outlines strategies for the future in three…

An Investigation of Depression and Loneliness among School Principals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Izgar, Huseyin

2009-01-01

This research aimed to investigate whether loneliness predicts depression, and to examine the levels of depression loneliness among school principals according to such variables as gender and educational background. The study was conducted on 232 school principals (37 females and 195 males). Thirty six of the participants had associate degrees,…

Evaluating the Level of Degree Programmes in Higher Education: Conceptual Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rexwinkel, Trudy; Haenen, Jacques; Pilot, Albert

2013-01-01

Evaluating the level of degree programmes became crucial with the Bologna Agreement in 1999 when European ministers agreed to implement common bachelor's and master's degree programmes and a common system of quality assurance. The European Quality Assurance system demands evaluation of the degree programme level based on valid and reliable…

The Master's Degree, The Comprehensive University, and The National Interest.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Casanova, Sally L.; And Others

1992-01-01

This article offers opinions and insights from four graduate deans at California State University institutions concerning the master's degree and the direction of master's level education. It is noted that U.S. graduate education is increasingly concentrated at the master's degree level, and that this degree level serves a particularly important…

Slightly elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentrations are associated with carotid atherosclerosis in women with varying degrees of glucose tolerance.

PubMed

Prahl, Ulrica; Wikstrand, John; Bergström, Göran M L; Behre, Carl Johan; Hulthe, Johannes; Fagerberg, Björn

2010-11-01

We examined whether high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) ≥2.0 mg/L was associated with increased intima-media thickness (IMT), plaque burden, and plaque echolucency in carotid arteries. Women (n = 635) from a population sample of 64-year-old females with varying degrees of glucose tolerance underwent risk factor assessment, measurement of hsCRP, and ultrasound examinations of the carotid arteries. Participants with hsCRP levels ≥2.0 mg/L had elevated carotid bulb IMT independently of other cardiovascular risk factors compared with those with hsCRP <2.0 mg/L. The participants with plaques in the highhsCRP group had larger total plaque area compared to those with plaque in the lower hsCRP group. Plaque echolucency did not differ between groups. High-sensitivity CRP levels ≥2.0 mg/L were accompanied by elevated IMT in the carotid bulbs independently of other cardiovascular risk factors. Total plaque area was larger among women with plaques in the high hsCRP group versus the lower hsCRP group.

Defining Competencies for Associate Degree Nursing Education and Practice. Proceedings of the Midwest Regional Conference on "The Associate Degree Nursing--Facilitating Competency Development" Project (Chicago, Illinois, March 10-11, 1983).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Minckley, Barbara B., Ed.; Walters, Mary Dale, Ed.

Focusing on "Associate Degree Nursing--Facilitating Competency Development," a 3-year project sponsored by the Midwest Alliance in Nursing (MAIN) to explore and recommend ways of strengthening Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) education and service, these proceedings contain papers by individuals involved with the development of the project and those…

NLN: Celebrating Associate Degree Nursing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoddick, Nancy A.

1981-01-01

Introduces a project celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of associate degree nursing (ADN) education. Reviews the efforts and plans of two national associations to identify and resolve recurring ADN issues and recognize the associate degree nurse's contributions. Describes the forums and publications planned to meet these objectives. Includes…

Tolerance of ambiguity, perfectionism and resilience are associated with personality profiles of medical students oriented to rural practice.

PubMed

Eley, Diann S; Leung, Janni K; Campbell, Narelle; Cloninger, C Robert

2017-05-01

Resilience, coping with uncertainty and learning from mistakes are vital characteristics for all medical disciplines - particularly rural practice. Levels of coping constructs were examined in medical students with and without a rural background or an interest in rural practice. Cross-sectional surveys identified two personality profiles, and their association with levels of Tolerance of Ambiguity, Resilience, Perfectionism-High Standards and Concern over mistakes as constructs indicative of coping. Medical students (N = 797) were stratified by rural background and degree of rural interest. Mediation analysis tested the effect of personality profile on levels of the coping constructs. More (72%) rural background students had Profile 1 which was associated with higher levels of Tolerance of Ambiguity, High standards, and Resilience, but lower Concern over mistakes. Non-rural background students reporting a strong rural interest also had Profile 1 (64%) and similar levels of coping constructs. Personality profile mediated the association between rural interest and levels of coping constructs regardless of background. Having a rural background or strong rural interest are associated with a personality profile that indicates a better capacity for coping. Personality may play a part in an individual's interest in rural practice. Rural workforce initiatives through education should encourage and nurture students with a genuine interest in rural practice - regardless of background.

Competency-Based Curriculum for Articulated Programs in Air Conditioning/Refrigeration. A Study for the Articulation of Competency-Based Curricula for the Coordination of Vocational-Technical Education Programs in Louisiana. Final Report. Volume II.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Louisiana State Dept. of Education, Baton Rouge. Div. of Vocational Education.

The curriculum guide for air conditioning/refrigeration is one of five guides written and field tested in a project to develop statewide articulated competency-based curricula in selected vocational education programs. Two separate curricula, one for the vocational-technical level and one for the associate degree level, are presented. The six…

Clinical comparison of a new manual toothbrush on breath volatile sulfur compounds.

PubMed

Williams, Malcolm I; Vazquez, Joe; Cummins, Diane

2004-10-01

The objective of this randomized, crossover study was to compare the effectiveness of a newly designed manual toothbrush (Colgate 360 degrees) to two commercially available manual toothbrushes (Oral-B Indicator and Oral-B CrossAction) and a battery-powered toothbrush (Crest SpinBrush PRO) for their ability to reduce overnight volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) associated with oral malodor. The study followed a four-period crossover design. Following a washout period, prospective subjects arrived at the testing facility without eating, drinking, or performing oral hygiene for baseline evaluation of breath VSC levels. For each phase of the study, subjects were given one of the test tooth-brushes and a tube of regular toothpaste to take home, and they were instructed to brush their teeth in their customary manner for 1 minute. When using the Colgate 360 degrees toothbrush, subjects were instructed to clean their tongue with the implement on the back of the brush head for 10 seconds. The following morning, subjects reported to the testing facility, again without performing oral hygiene, eating, or drinking, for the overnight evaluation. After a minimum 2-day washout period, subjects repeated the same regimen using the other toothbrushes. The levels of breath VSC were evaluated instrumentally using a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame photometric detector. Measurements were taken in duplicate and then averaged. The levels of VSC were expressed as parts per billion (ppb) in mouth air. Sixteen men and women completed the study. At baseline, the mean levels of VSC in mouth air for the 4 toothbrushes were 719.8 ppb+/-318.4 ppb, 592.8 ppb+/-264.6 ppb, 673.8 ppb+/-405.9 ppb, and 656.2 ppb+/-310.2 ppb for the Colgate 360 degrees, Oral-B Indicator, Crest SpinBrush PRO, and Oral-B CrossAction, respectively. Overnight, the mean breath VSC levels after using the four toothbrushes were lower than those observed at baseline. The respective mean levels of breath VSC were 266.5 ppb+/-269.9 ppb, 545.2 ppb+/-346.1 ppb, 567 ppb+/-335.7 ppb, and 554.6 ppb+/-398.4 ppb. Only the Colgate 360 degrees toothbrush provided a statistically significant reduction (P < .05) in breath VSC vs baseline. Additionally, the Colgate 360 degrees toothbrush was statistically significantly better (P < .05) than the three commercial toothbrushes in reducing breath VSC. Therefore, the results of this randomized, crossover clinical study indicate that a newly designed manual toothbrush with a tongue-cleaning implement on the back of the brush head was significantly more effective than three commercially available toothbrushes in reducing morning breath VSC associated with oral malodor.

Associations between the Five-Factor Model personality traits and psychotic experiences in patients with psychotic disorders, their siblings and controls.

PubMed

Boyette, Lindy-Lou; Korver-Nieberg, Nikie; Verweij, Kim; Meijer, Carin; Dingemans, Peter; Cahn, Wiepke; de Haan, Lieuwe

2013-12-15

Earlier studies indicated that personality characteristics contribute to symptomatic outcome in patients with psychotic disorders. The aim of the present study was to further explore this connection by examining the relationship between the Five-Factor Model (FFM) personality traits and a dimensional liability for psychosis. FFM traits according to the NEO-FFI and levels of subclinical psychotic symptoms according to the CAPE were assessed in 217 patients with psychotic disorders, 281 of their siblings and 176 healthy controls. Psychotic symptoms according to the PANSS were assessed in the patient group. Patients differed from siblings and controls on four of the five FFM traits, all but Openness. Siblings reported higher levels of Neuroticism than controls, but lower levels than patients. Particularly lower Agreeableness, and to a lesser degree, higher Neuroticism and lower Extraversion were associated with more severe symptoms in patients. Furthermore, higher Neuroticism and higher Openness were associated with higher levels of subclinical psychotic experiences in all three groups. Associations were strongest in patients. Our findings suggest that levels of Neuroticism increase with the level of familial risk for psychosis. Levels of Openness may reflect levels of impairment that distinguish clinical from subclinical symptomatology. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Expression and significance of P-gp/mdr1 mRNA, MRP and LRP in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma].

PubMed

Li, Le; Su, Li-ping; Ma, Li; Zhao, Jin; Zhu, Lei; Zhou, Yong-an

2009-03-01

To explore the expression and clinical significance of P-glycoprotein (P-gp)/mdr1mRNA, multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) and lung resistance protein (LRP) in newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. mdr1 mRNA of in 41 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was assayed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The expressions of P-gp, MRP and LRP proteins in lymph node viable blasts were identified by flow cytometry. The results were compared with those obtained from control cases, and the correlation of the changes with clinical outcomes was analyzed. (1) Among the 41 cases, the positive expression of P-gp protein was detected in 8 cases, MRP in 7 cases, LRP in 15 cases, and mdr 1 mRNA in 11 cases. (2) The P-gp and LRP levels in NHL were significantly higher than those in control group, but MRP wasn't. The P-gp over-expression was significantly associated with mdr1mRNA (r = 0.396, P = 0.01). No correlation was showed among the expressions of P-gp, MRP and LRP. (3) Patients with P-gp expression had a poorer outcome of chemotherapy than those with P-gp-negative (P = 0.005). P-gp expression was significantly associated with higher clinical stage (P = 0.046) and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase level (P = 0.032), but not associated with malignant degree (P = 0.298). MRP had no impact on the outcome of chemotherapy (P = 0.212), and wasn't significantly associated with higher clinical stage (P = 0.369), elevated LDH (P = 0.762) and higher malignant degree (P = 0.451). Patients with LRP expression had a poorer outcome of chemotherapy than those LRP-negative (P = 0.012). LRP expression was significantly associated with higher clinical stage (P = 0.0019), elevated LDH (P = 0.02) and higher malignant degree (P = 0.01). The data of this study indicate that P-gp and LRP expressions but not MRP expression are important in the mechanism of drug resistance associated with a poor clinical outcome in previously untreated NHL.

Searching for the Golden Model of Education: Cross-National Analysis of Math Achievement

PubMed Central

Bodovski, Katerina; Byun, Soo-yong; Chykina, Volha; Chung, Hee Jin

2017-01-01

We utilized four waves of TIMSS data in addition to the information we have collected on countries’ educational systems to examine whether different degrees of standardization, differentiation, proportion of students in private schools and governmental spending on education influence students’ math achievement, its variation and socioeconomic status (SES) gaps in math achievement. Findings: A higher level of standardization of educational systems was associated with higher average math achievement. Greater expenditure on education (as % of total government expenditure) was associated with a lower level of dispersion of math achievement and smaller SES gaps in math achievement. Wealthier countries exhibited higher average math achievement and a narrower variation. Higher income inequality (measured by Gini index) was associated with a lower average math achievement and larger SES gaps. Further, we found that higher level of standardization alleviates the negative effects of differentiation in the systems with more rigid tracking. PMID:29151667

San Diego Community College District Degree and Certificate Report, 2002 Awards.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

San Diego Community Coll. District, CA. Research and Planning.

This report provides a descriptive analysis of the degree and certificate programs in the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD). In 2002, nearly 4,000 associate degrees were awarded by the three community colleges in the district. The associate degree program has a 60-unit requirement and includes both the associate in arts and the…

Articulation to and from the Applied Associate Degree: Challenges and Opportunities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ignash, Jan M.

2012-01-01

This chapter discusses the "tangled knot" of articulating associate degrees in applied fields and reviews sample programs from applied associate (A.A.S.) to baccalaureate degrees using three distinct pathways, comparing the resulting A.A.S. to baccalaureate degree pathways to similar B.A. or B.S. programs. It focuses predominantly on curricular…

Health Professionals Facing Burnout: What Do We Know about Nursing Managers?

PubMed

Heeb, Jean-Luc; Haberey-Knuessi, Véronique

2014-01-01

Objective. To address the degree of burnout in nursing managers in hospitals of Western Switzerland, including comparison with medical managers, and its relationship with personal, work-related, and organizational characteristics. Methods. Statistical analysis of the scores of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey from 257 nursing managers who answered a standardized electronic questionnaire. Results. Nursing managers showed a low degree of burnout, which was similar to that of medical managers. Most of them had a low level of emotional exhaustion and a low level of depersonalization, while personal accomplishment was contrasted. Only 2.3% had a high degree of burnout. These findings challenge the hypothesis of high stress being associated with high burnout, as nursing managers can be supposed to have a highly demanding job due to their intermediary position within the hospital hierarchy. Variations of burnout by personal, work-related, and organizational characteristics mainly concerned emotional exhaustion. Conclusion. Though nursing managers face a highly demanding job, they may benefit from resources (including coping strategies and empowerment) which help counterbalance job stress. Unequal distribution of resources may play a central role when facing burnout.

Health Professionals Facing Burnout: What Do We Know about Nursing Managers?

PubMed Central

Haberey-Knuessi, Véronique

2014-01-01

Objective. To address the degree of burnout in nursing managers in hospitals of Western Switzerland, including comparison with medical managers, and its relationship with personal, work-related, and organizational characteristics. Methods. Statistical analysis of the scores of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey from 257 nursing managers who answered a standardized electronic questionnaire. Results. Nursing managers showed a low degree of burnout, which was similar to that of medical managers. Most of them had a low level of emotional exhaustion and a low level of depersonalization, while personal accomplishment was contrasted. Only 2.3% had a high degree of burnout. These findings challenge the hypothesis of high stress being associated with high burnout, as nursing managers can be supposed to have a highly demanding job due to their intermediary position within the hospital hierarchy. Variations of burnout by personal, work-related, and organizational characteristics mainly concerned emotional exhaustion. Conclusion. Though nursing managers face a highly demanding job, they may benefit from resources (including coping strategies and empowerment) which help counterbalance job stress. Unequal distribution of resources may play a central role when facing burnout. PMID:24804090

Equality and quality in education. A comparative study of 19 countries.

PubMed

Pfeffer, Fabian T

2015-05-01

This contribution assesses the performance of national education systems along two important dimensions: The degree to which they help individuals develop capabilities necessary for their successful social integration (educational quality) and the degree to which they confer equal opportunities for social advancement (educational equality). It advances a new conceptualization to measure quality and equality in education and then uses it to study the relationship between institutional differentiation and these outcomes. It relies on data on final educational credentials and literacy among adults that circumvent some of the under-appreciated conceptual challenges entailed in the widespread analysis of international student assessment data. The analyses reveal a positive relationship between educational quality and equality and show that education systems with a lower degree of institutional differentiation not only provide more educational equality but are also marked by higher levels of educational quality. While the latter association is partly driven by other institutional and macro-structural factors, I demonstrate that the higher levels of educational equality in less differentiated education systems do not entail an often-assumed trade-off for lower quality. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Equality and Quality in Education. A Comparative Study of 19 Countries

PubMed Central

Pfeffer, Fabian T.

2015-01-01

This contribution assesses the performance of national education systems along two important dimensions: The degree to which they help individuals develop capabilities necessary for their successful social integration (educational quality) and the degree to which they confer equal opportunities for social advancement (educational equality). It advances a new conceptualization to measure quality and equality in education and then uses it to study the relationship between institutional differentiation and these outcomes. It relies on data on final educational credentials and literacy among adults that circumvent some of the under-appreciated conceptual challenges entailed in the widespread analysis of international student assessment data. The analyses reveal a positive relationship between educational quality and equality and show that education systems with a lower degree of institutional differentiation not only provide more educational equality but are also marked by higher levels of educational quality. While the latter association is partly driven by other institutional and macro-structural factors, I demonstrate that the higher levels of educational equality in less differentiated education systems do not entail an often-assumed trade-off for lower quality. PMID:25769872

[Functional limitations associated with lumbosacral spine pain in pregnant women].

PubMed

Brylewska-Pinda, Magdalena; Kemicer-Chmielewska, Ewa; Pierzak-Sominka, Joanna; Mosiejczuk, Hanna

Lower back pain affects most pregnant women. Pain is often associated with varying degrees of functional limitations, causing a problem for pregnant women in the performance of many everyday activities. The aim of the study was to assess the extent to which lumbosacral spine pain caused limitations in the daily functioning of pregnant women, and the relationship between reported restrictions and analysed variables. The study was conducted in the city of Szczecin in Poland among 81 pregnant women. Data were collected using a standardized Oswestry questionnaire survey (The Oswestry Lower Back Pain Disability Questionnaire). Results were analysed using the χ² test of independence. The signiicance level was adopted at p < 0.05. The majority of women pregnant for the second time (n = 38) had mild disability. The relationship between the degree of disability and the order of pregnancies was statistically signi icant (χ² = 40.457, p = 0.0000000085). The majority of pregnant women had minor functional limitations due to pain in the lumbosacral spine region. The degree of functional limitations depends on the trimester of pregnancy and the order of pregnancies.

The role of production of adipsin and leptin in the development of insulin resistance in patients with abdominal obesity.

PubMed

Vasilenko, M A; Kirienkova, E V; Skuratovskaia, D A; Zatolokin, P A; Mironyuk, N I; Litvinova, L S

2017-07-01

We investigated the tissue-specific features of the production of adipokines (leptin and adipsin) by adipose tissue in obese patients depending on the degree of obesity and the state of carbohydrate metabolism. An increase in the content of adipsin and leptin in the blood plasma was found. In patients with varying degrees of obesity with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM 2), we determined the level of tissue-specific expression of LEP and CFD genes encoding leptin and adipsin, respectively. The contribution of different adipose tissue depots to the blood plasma level of adipsin and leptin in obese patients with and without DM 2 was established. The disturbance of reciprocal relationships between adipsin and leptin in obesity is associated with the development of insulin resistance.

Training models and status of clinical neuropsychologists in Europe: results of a survey on 30 countries.

PubMed

Hokkanen, Laura; Lettner, Sandra; Barbosa, Fernando; Constantinou, Marios; Harper, Lauren; Kasten, Erich; Mondini, Sara; Persson, Bengt; Varako, Nataliya; Hessen, Erik

2018-06-20

The aims of the study were to analyze the current European situation of specialist education and training within clinical neuropsychology, and the legal and professional status of clinical neuropsychologists in different European countries. An online survey was prepared in 2016 by a Task Force established by the European Federation of Psychological Associations, and representatives of 30 countries gave their responses. Response rate was 76%. Only three countries were reported to regulate the title of clinical neuropsychologist as well as the education and practice of clinical neuropsychologists by law. The most common university degree required to practice clinical neuropsychology was the master's degree; a doctoral degree was required in two countries. The length of the specialist education after the master's degree varied between 12 and 60 months. In one third of the countries, no commonly agreed upon model for specialist education existed. A more systematic training model and a longer duration of training were associated with independence in the work of clinical neuropsychologists. As legal regulation is mostly absent and training models differ, those actively practicing clinical neuropsychology in Europe have a very heterogeneous educational background and skill level. There is a need for a European standardization of specialist training in clinical neuropsychology. Guiding principles for establishing the common core requirements are presented.

Impact of Multiple Factors on the Degree of Tinnitus Distress.

PubMed

Brüggemann, Petra; Szczepek, Agnieszka J; Rose, Matthias; McKenna, Laurence; Olze, Heidi; Mazurek, Birgit

2016-01-01

The primary cause of subjective tinnitus is a dysfunction of the auditory system; however, the degree of distress tinnitus causes depends largely on the psychological status of the patient. Our goal was to attempt to associate the grade of tinnitus-related distress with the psychological distress, physical, or psychological discomfort patients experienced, as well as potentially relevant social parameters, through a simultaneous analysis of these factors. We determined the level of tinnitus-related distress in 531 tinnitus patients using the German version of the tinnitus questionnaire (TQ). In addition, we used the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ); General Depression Scale Allgemeine Depression Skala (ADS), Berlin Mood Questionnaire (BSF); somatic symptoms inventory (BI), and SF-8 health survey as well as general information collected through a medical history. The TQ score significantly correlated with a score obtained using PSQ, ADS, BSF, BI, and SF-8 alongside psychosocial factors such as age, gender, and marital status. The level of hearing loss and the auditory properties of the specific tinnitus combined with perceived stress and the degree of depressive mood and somatic discomfort of a patient were identified as medium-strong predictors of chronic tinnitus. Social factors such as gender, age, or marital status also had an impact on the degree of tinnitus distress. The results that were obtained were implemented in a specific cortical distress network model. Using a large representative sample of patients with chronic tinnitus permitted a simultaneous statistical measurement of psychometric and audiological parameters in predicting tinnitus distress. We demonstrate that single factors can be distinguished in a manner that explains their causative association and influence on the induction of tinnitus-related distress.

Risk Factors for Proximal Junctional Kyphosis Associated With Dual-rod Growing-rod Surgery for Early-onset Scoliosis.

PubMed

Watanabe, Kota; Uno, Koki; Suzuki, Teppei; Kawakami, Noriaki; Tsuji, Taichi; Yanagida, Haruhisa; Ito, Manabu; Hirano, Toru; Yamazaki, Ken; Minami, Shohei; Taneichi, Hiroshi; Imagama, Shiro; Takeshita, Katsushi; Yamamoto, Takuya; Matsumoto, Morio

2016-10-01

A retrospective, multicenter study. To identify risk factors for proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) when treating early-onset scoliosis (EOS) with dual-rod growing-rod (GR) procedure. The risk factors for PJK associated with GR treatment for EOS have not been adequately studied. We evaluated clinical and radiographic results from 88 patients with EOS who underwent dual-rod GR surgery in 12 spine centers in Japan. The mean age at the time of the initial surgery was 6.5±2.2 years (range, 1.5-9.8 y), and the mean follow-up period was 3.9±2.6 years (range, 2.0-12.0 y). Risk factors for PJK were analyzed by binomial multiple logistic regression analysis. The potential factors analyzed were sex, etiology, age, the number of rod-lengthening procedures, coronal and sagittal parameters on radiographs, the type of foundation (pedicle screws or hooks), the uppermost level of the proximal foundation, and the lowermost level of the distal foundation. PJK developed in 23 patients (26%); in 19 of these, the proximal foundation became dislodged following PJK. Binomial multiple logistic regression analysis identified the following significant independent risk factors for PJK: a lower instrumented vertebra at or cranial to L3 [odds ratio (OR), 3.32], a proximal thoracic scoliosis of ≥40 degrees (OR, 2.95), and a main thoracic kyphosis of ≥60 degrees (OR, 5.08). The significant independent risk factors for PJK during dual-rod GR treatment for EOS were a lower instrumented vertebra at or cranial to L3, a proximal thoracic scoliosis of ≥40 degrees, and a main thoracic kyphosis of ≥60 degrees.

Impact of Multiple Factors on the Degree of Tinnitus Distress

PubMed Central

Brüggemann, Petra; Szczepek, Agnieszka J.; Rose, Matthias; McKenna, Laurence; Olze, Heidi; Mazurek, Birgit

2016-01-01

Objective: The primary cause of subjective tinnitus is a dysfunction of the auditory system; however, the degree of distress tinnitus causes depends largely on the psychological status of the patient. Our goal was to attempt to associate the grade of tinnitus-related distress with the psychological distress, physical, or psychological discomfort patients experienced, as well as potentially relevant social parameters, through a simultaneous analysis of these factors. Methods: We determined the level of tinnitus-related distress in 531 tinnitus patients using the German version of the tinnitus questionnaire (TQ). In addition, we used the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ); General Depression Scale Allgemeine Depression Skala (ADS), Berlin Mood Questionnaire (BSF); somatic symptoms inventory (BI), and SF-8 health survey as well as general information collected through a medical history. Results: The TQ score significantly correlated with a score obtained using PSQ, ADS, BSF, BI, and SF-8 alongside psychosocial factors such as age, gender, and marital status. The level of hearing loss and the auditory properties of the specific tinnitus combined with perceived stress and the degree of depressive mood and somatic discomfort of a patient were identified as medium-strong predictors of chronic tinnitus. Social factors such as gender, age, or marital status also had an impact on the degree of tinnitus distress. The results that were obtained were implemented in a specific cortical distress network model. Conclusions: Using a large representative sample of patients with chronic tinnitus permitted a simultaneous statistical measurement of psychometric and audiological parameters in predicting tinnitus distress. We demonstrate that single factors can be distinguished in a manner that explains their causative association and influence on the induction of tinnitus-related distress. PMID:27445776

Personality Disorders, Impulsiveness, and Novelty Seeking in Persons with DSM-IV Pathological Gambling and Their First-Degree Relatives.

PubMed

Black, Donald W; Coryell, William H; Crowe, Raymond R; Shaw, Martha; McCormick, Brett; Allen, Jeff

2015-12-01

This study investigates the presence of personality disorders, impulsiveness, and novelty seeking in probands with DSM-IV pathological gambling (PG), controls, and their respective first-degree relatives using a blind family study methodology. Ninety-three probands with DSM-IV PG, 91 controls, and their 395 first-degree relatives were evaluated for the presence of personality disorder with the Structured Interview for DSM-IV Personality. Impulsiveness was assessed with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS). Novelty seeking was evaluated using questions from Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory. Results were analyzed using logistic regression by the method of generalized estimating equations to account for within family correlations. PG probands had a significantly higher prevalence of personality disorders than controls (41 vs. 7 %, OR = 9.0, P < 0.001), along with higher levels of impulsiveness and novelty seeking. PG probands with a personality disorder had more severe gambling symptoms; earlier age at PG onset; more suicide attempts; greater psychiatric comorbidity; and a greater family history of psychiatric illness than PG probands without a personality disorder. PG relatives had a significantly higher prevalence of personality disorder than relatives of controls (24 vs. 9%, OR = 3.2, P < 0.001) and higher levels of impulsiveness. Risk for PG in relatives is associated with the presence of personality disorder and increases along with rising BIS Non-Planning and Total scale scores. Personality disorders, impulsiveness, and novelty seeking are common in people with PG and their first-degree relatives. The presence of a personality disorder appears to be a marker of PG severity and earlier age of onset. Risk for PG in relatives is associated with the presence of personality disorder and trait impulsiveness. These findings suggest that personality disorder and impulsiveness may contribute to a familial diathesis for PG.

Classroom norms of bullying alter the degree to which children defend in response to their affective empathy and power.

PubMed

Peets, Kätlin; Pöyhönen, Virpi; Juvonen, Jaana; Salmivalli, Christina

2015-07-01

This study examined whether the degree to which bullying is normative in the classroom would moderate associations between intra- (cognitive and affective empathy, self-efficacy beliefs) and interpersonal (popularity) factors and defending behavior. Participants were 6,708 third- to fifth-grade children (49% boys; Mage = 11 years) from 383 classrooms. Multilevel modeling analyses revealed that children were more likely to defend in response to their affective empathy in classrooms with high levels of bullying. In addition, popular students were more likely to support victims in classrooms where bullying was associated with social costs. These findings highlight the importance of considering interactions among individual and contextual influences when trying to understand which factors facilitate versus inhibit children's inclinations to defend others. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Criminalistics Education and the Role of the Criminalistics Educator.

PubMed

Lindquist, C A

1995-06-01

The uniqueness of criminalistics education stems from the participation of academe, laboratories, and a variety of public agencies, professional associations, and private vendors. One consequence of laboratory and association participation is the premium placed on experience during the evaluation process. An analysis of undergraduate criminalistics programs indicates the existence of considerable reservations about their utility for providing new laboratory personnel. At the masters degree level, however, a consensus appears to exist about the appropriateness of curricular structure and the value of a graduate degree in criminalistics for laboratory employment. Doctoral programs related to criminalistics are also discussed and the need for their maintenance is emphasized. The review concludes with an examination of the role of the criminalistics educator as: academic leader, agent of institutional change, laboratory counter-balance, and catalyst for legal change. Copyright © 1995 Central Police University.

Bachelor of science degree education programs: organization, structure, and curriculum.

PubMed

Douce, F Herbert

2005-09-01

Therapists with bachelor's degrees in respiratory therapy have become the new advanced clinicians of the twenty-first century. Although the opportunity has increased in recent years, earning a baccalaureate degree in respiratory therapy remains a limited option. The "2-year preprofessional plus 2-year respiratory therapy" is the most popular curriculum design, but several other notable designs also fulfill the definition of a bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy. Two landmark documents issued in 2003 make strong arguments for expanding opportunities for baccalaureate education in respiratory therapy. Recognizing the "need to increase the number of respiratory therapists with advanced levels of training and education to meet the demands of providing services requiring complex cognitive abilities and patient management skills," the American Association for Respiratory Therapy has strongly encouraged the continuing development of baccalaureate education. Strategies for expanding baccalaureate opportunities include increasing the number and capacities of traditional programs, creating more articulation and bridge agreements between community and junior colleges with 4-year colleges and universities, and offering baccalaureate respiratory therapy through distance education. For the profession of respiratory therapy to require a baccalaureate at entry level, expansion of baccalaureate education will be necessary, and educators, managers, practitioners, and professional leaders will need to pursue all viable strategies. As an interim phase in the evolution of the profession, Becker suggests a strategy of"reprofessionalism" aimed at assisting therapists currently in the workforce to complete their degrees. Through a combination of strategies, a bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy will inevitably become the standard for clinicians in the decades to come.

Degree of thyrotropin suppression as a prognostic determinant in differentiated thyroid cancer.

PubMed

Pujol, P; Daures, J P; Nsakala, N; Baldet, L; Bringer, J; Jaffiol, C

1996-12-01

We investigate whether the prognosis of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer is improved by maintaining a greater level of TSH suppression. One hundred and forty-one patients who underwent hormone therapy after thyroidectomy were followed up from 1970 to 1993 (mean, 95 months). Patients received levothyroxine (L-T4; mean dose, 2.6 micrograms/kg-day). TSH suppression was evaluated by TRH stimulation test until 1986 and thereafter by a second generation immunoradiometric assay. As TSH underwent fluctuation over time in most patients, we focused on subgroups of patients with relatively constant TSH levels during the follow-up. The relapse-free survival (RFS) was longer in the group with constantly suppressed TSH (all TSH values, < or = 0.05 mU/L; n = 18) than in the group with nonsuppressed TSH (all TSH values, > or = 1 mU/L; n = 15; P < 0.01). Age, sex, tumor node metastasis stage, and initial therapy were not different between the suppressed and nonsuppressed TSH groups. In the overall population, we analyzed the level of TSH suppression by studying the percentage of undetectable TSH values (< or = 0.05 mU/L) during the follow-up. The patients with a greater degree of TSH suppression (> 90% of undetectable TSH values; n = 19) had a trend toward a longer RFS than the remaining population (n = 102; P = 0.14). The patients with a lesser degree of TSH suppression (< 10% of undetectable TSH values; n = 27) had a shorter RFS than the remaining patients (n = 94; P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis that included TSH suppression, age, sex, histology, and tumor node metastasis stage, the degree of TSH suppression predicted RFS independently of other factors (P = 0.02). This study shows that a lesser degree of TSH suppression is associated with an increased incidence of relapse, supporting the hypothesis that a high level of TSH suppression is required for the endocrine management of thyroid cancer.

Factors Associated with D-Dimer Levels in HIV-Infected Individuals

PubMed Central

Borges, Álvaro H.; O’Connor, Jemma L.; Phillips, Andrew N.; Baker, Jason V.; Vjecha, Michael J.; Losso, Marcelo H.; Klinker, Hartwig; Lopardo, Gustavo; Williams, Ian; Lundgren, Jens D.

2014-01-01

Background Higher plasma D-dimer levels are strong predictors of mortality in HIV+ individuals. The factors associated with D-dimer levels during HIV infection, however, remain poorly understood. Methods In this cross-sectional study, participants in three randomized controlled trials with measured D-dimer levels were included (N = 9,848). Factors associated with D-dimer were identified by linear regression. Covariates investigated were: age, gender, race, body mass index, nadir and baseline CD4+ count, plasma HIV RNA levels, markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-6 [IL-6]), antiretroviral therapy (ART) use, ART regimens, co-morbidities (hepatitis B/C, diabetes mellitus, prior cardiovascular disease), smoking, renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] and cystatin C) and cholesterol. Results Women from all age groups had higher D-dimer levels than men, though a steeper increase of D-dimer with age occurred in men. Hepatitis B/C co-infection was the only co-morbidity associated with higher D-dimer levels. In this subgroup, the degree of hepatic fibrosis, as demonstrated by higher hyaluronic acid levels, but not viral load of hepatitis viruses, was positively correlated with D-dimer. Other factors independently associated with higher D-dimer levels were black race, higher plasma HIV RNA levels, being off ART at baseline, and increased levels of CRP, IL-6 and cystatin C. In contrast, higher baseline CD4+ counts and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were negatively correlated with D-dimer levels. Conclusions D-dimer levels increase with age in HIV+ men, but are already elevated in women at an early age due to reasons other than a higher burden of concomitant diseases. In hepatitis B/C co-infected individuals, hepatic fibrosis, but not hepatitis viral load, was associated with higher D-dimer levels. PMID:24626096

Investigation of the effects of planned mouth care education on the degree of oral mucositis in pediatric oncology patients.

PubMed

Yavuz, Betül; Bal Yılmaz, Hatice

2015-01-01

This study was designed as a longitudinal study with the purpose of investigating the effects of providing mouth care education to pediatric oncology patients on the degree of oral mucositis. The study sample included 16 children aged 8 to 18 years who were hospitalized in the pediatric oncology and hematology clinics at a university hospital. The results revealed a statistically significant difference between the degree of mucositis before and after the education given to children undergoing chemotherapy (P < .05). The median pain values were significantly different before and after the education (P < .05) as well. It was also found that there was a strong positive statistically significant correlation between the degree of mucositis and mean pain score both before and after the education (P < .001). Consequently, it is reported that both the degree of mucositis and pain levels decreased when children were given planned mouth care education before chemotherapy and when they regularly performed mouth care. © 2014 by Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses.

Subclinical rejection in renal transplants is associated with low serum mannose-binding lectin levels.

PubMed

Ibernon, Meritxell; Moreso, Francesc; Serón, Daniel

2011-08-01

Surveillance biopsies have contributed to the understanding of the natural history of renal allograft lesions. Subclinical rejection, defined as the presence of histological lesions, indistinguishable from acute rejection in stable grafts, is associated with progression of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. The prevalence of subclinical rejection has decreased as more powerful immunosuppressive treatments have been introduced, suggesting that subclinical rejection represents the degree of control of the alloimmune response. However, non-immune factors such as donor age are also associated with the prevalence of subclinical rejection, suggesting that kidneys from older donors are more susceptible to insult and have a reduced capacity for tissue regeneration. Innate immunity has a crucial role in the modulation of the inflammatory response during infection and tissue damage. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is an innate immune protein, the polymorphisms of which are associated with infection, low-grade inflammation, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between MBL and disease is complex. For example, low MBL level is associated with higher risk for diabetes, whereas in patients with diabetes, high MBL level is associated with more severe renal damage. In renal transplant patients, low MBL levels are associated with an increased prevalence of infection and diabetes, whereas high MBL levels are associated with shortened graft survival. Although MBL is not clearly associated with prevalence of acute rejection, surveillance biopsy studies have shown that low MBL levels are associated with subclinical rejection in kidney and the heart, suggesting that MBL modulates the injury-repair process of the allograft.

Subclinical rejection in renal transplants is associated with low serum mannose-binding lectin levels

PubMed Central

Ibernon, Meritxell; Moreso, Francesc; Serón, Daniel

2011-01-01

Surveillance biopsies have contributed to the understanding of the natural history of renal allograft lesions. Subclinical rejection, defined as the presence of histological lesions, indistinguishable from acute rejection in stable grafts, is associated with progression of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. The prevalence of subclinical rejection has decreased as more powerful immunosuppressive treatments have been introduced, suggesting that subclinical rejection represents the degree of control of the alloimmune response. However, non-immune factors such as donor age are also associated with the prevalence of subclinical rejection, suggesting that kidneys from older donors are more susceptible to insult and have a reduced capacity for tissue regeneration. Innate immunity has a crucial role in the modulation of the inflammatory response during infection and tissue damage. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is an innate immune protein, the polymorphisms of which are associated with infection, low-grade inflammation, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between MBL and disease is complex. For example, low MBL level is associated with higher risk for diabetes, whereas in patients with diabetes, high MBL level is associated with more severe renal damage. In renal transplant patients, low MBL levels are associated with an increased prevalence of infection and diabetes, whereas high MBL levels are associated with shortened graft survival. Although MBL is not clearly associated with prevalence of acute rejection, surveillance biopsy studies have shown that low MBL levels are associated with subclinical rejection in kidney and the heart, suggesting that MBL modulates the injury–repair process of the allograft. PMID:25018901

Multiple-degree-of-freedom vehicle

DOEpatents

Borenstein, Johann

1995-01-01

A multi-degree-of-freedom vehicle employs a compliant linkage to accommodate the need for a variation in the distance between drive wheels or drive systems which are independently steerable and drivable. The subject vehicle is provided with rotary encodes to provide signals representative of the orientation of the steering pivot associated with each such drive wheel or system, and a linear encoder which issues a signal representative of the fluctuations in the distance between the drive elements. The wheels of the vehicle are steered and driven in response to the linear encoder signal, there being provided a controller system for minimizing the fluctuations in the distance. The controller system is a software implementation of a plurality of controllers, operating at the chassis level and at the vehicle level. A trajectory interpolator receives x-displacement, y-displacement, and .theta.-displacement signals and produces to the vehicle level controller trajectory signals corresponding to interpolated control signals. The x-displacement, y-displacement, and .theta.-displacement signals are received from a human operator, via a manipulable joy stick.

Dynamics of biochemical components, lipid classes and energy values on gonadal development of R. philippinarum associated with the temperature and ingestion rate.

PubMed

Fernández-Reiriz, M J; Pérez-Camacho, A; Delgado, M; Labarta, U

2007-08-01

This study evaluates the effect of temperature, coupled with ingestion rate, on the dynamics of biochemical components and lipid classes in R. philippinarum. The data are discussed with regard to sexual development and energy balance. Experimental protocol developed in the present study used two groups of the clam R. philippinarum: L (temperatures of 14 degrees C and 18 degrees C) and H (temperatures of 18 degrees C and 22 degrees C). The intra-group ingestion level was similar, although the ingestion level of the clams in the group H was 2.4 times higher than group L. We observed that R. philippinarum conditioned at 18 degrees C (18L) shows higher protein content, furthermore an important loss of organic weight was observed after 48 days. In such a situation, the clams use their own reserves (carbohydrates and glycogen) for sexual development while in situations without food stress (positive energy balance) and low temperature (14 degrees C) an accumulation of reserves is produced. Strikingly dissimilar behaviour in biochemical composition was observed for the 18H and 22H treatments, both with a positive energy balance. Despite similar protein content, the highest levels of carbohydrates were observed at the lower temperature (18 degrees C). Glycogen was also higher for the 18 degrees C treatment, although the differences were significant only in the males. Although the total lipids in R. philippinarum showed no significant differences in any treatment, they became apparent and related to sex when considering the individual lipid classes. There was no variation in lipid classes in the males between the 14L and 22H treatments despite the large disparity in the degree of sexual development. However, in the females significant differences in lipid classes (phospholipids, triglycerides) were observed. The results of this study show that a positive energy balance permits R. philippinarum gonadal development and accumulation of reserves both in low and high temperature conditions. In low temperature situations, gonadal development is slower and the energy reserves are accumulated in the form of carbohydrates. When the clams are conditioned at high temperatures, gonadal development is fast and complete, carbohydrates are consumed and lipids are accumulated.

Objectively Measured Sedentary Behavior, Obesity, and Psychological Well-Being: A Cross-Sectional Study of Japanese Schoolchildren.

PubMed

Ishii, Kaori; Shibata, Ai; Adachi, Minoru; Mano, Yoshiyuki; Oka, Koichiro

2017-04-01

Sedentary behaviors (SB) are associated with health indicators; however, there are currently very few studies that have examined these associations, especially in conjunction with psychological factors, in children. The current study examined the independent relationship between objectively assessed SB, and indicators of obesity and psychological well-being, among Japanese children. A total of 967 elementary-school children completed a cross-sectional survey. SB was measured with accelerometers for 7 consecutive days. Psychological well-being data (eg, anxiety and behavior problems) were collected via a self-report questionnaire. To determine the relationship of SB with degree of obesity and psychological well-being, linear regression analyses were conducted to relate the indicators of obesity and psychological well-being on SB, adjusted by gender, grade, percentage of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day, duration spent wearing the accelerometer, and degree of obesity. SB was significantly related to behavioral/emotional problems (β = .280, P = .010, R 2 = .015). There was a statistically significant relationship between SB and anxiety (β = .206, P = .059, R 2 = .007). No significant association with degree of obesity was found. Excess SB relates higher levels of behavioral/emotional problems and anxiety. These results can inspire the development of interventions that promote well-being and enhance psychological health, by focusing on SB in Japanese children.

[Factors associated with nutritional status of iodine in Mexican preschool children].

PubMed

López Rodríguez, Guadalupe; Galván, Marcos; Silva Maldonado, Isabela; Chávez Dossetti, Michel

2013-01-01

Iodine deficiency is a public health problem in many developing countries where pregnant women and children are the more susceptible populations. To evaluate the association of iodine nutritional status with the weather, availability of iodine in salt, and degree of social exclusion in preschool children of the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. Cross-sectional study in 1,333 children < 5 years; in these, urinary iodine and iodine in the salt was measured, and annual average of humidity, type of location and degree of social marginalization in the localities where they lived was recorded. 24.5% of children evaluated had < 100 µg/l of urinary iodine excretion, and 28.6% of salt samples contained < 20 ppm of iodine; iodine urine average of wet weather children was lower (209.09 ± 6.8 µg/l) than in dry climates (274.7 ± 5.86 µg/l; p < 0.05); the iodine content of salt in children living communities with high levels of marginalization was less than with low marginalization (23.5 ± 1.2 and 32.9 ± 2.7 ppm, respectively; p < 0.01). The humidity and the degree of social marginalization of the locations were associated with lower iodine content of salt and urinary iodine in children evaluated.

Effect of cooking method (baking compared with frying) on acrylamide level of potato chips.

PubMed

Palazoğlu, T Koray; Savran, Derya; Gökmen, Vural

2010-01-01

The effect of cooking method (baking compared with frying) on acrylamide level of potato chips was investigated in this study. Baking and frying experiments were conducted at 170, 180, and 190 degrees C using potato slices with a thickness of 1.4 mm. Raw potatoes were analyzed for reducing sugars and asparagine. Surface and internal temperatures of potato slices were monitored during the experiments to better explain the results. Fried and baked chips were analyzed for acrylamide content using an LC-MS method. The results showed that acrylamide level of potato chips prepared by frying increased with frying temperature (19.6 ng/g at 170 degrees C, 39 ng/g at 180 degrees C, and 95 ng/g at 190 degrees C). In baking, however, the highest acrylamide level was observed in potato chips prepared at 170 degrees C (47.8 ng/g at 170 degrees C, 19.3 ng/g at 180 degrees C, and 29.7 ng/g at 190 degrees C). The results showed that baking at 170 degrees C more than doubled the acrylamide amount that formed upon frying at the same temperature, whereas at 180 and 190 degrees C, the acrylamide levels of chips prepared by baking were lower than their fried counterparts.

An Individual’s Connection to Nature Can Affect Perceived Restorativeness of Natural Environments. Some Observations about Biophilia

PubMed Central

Berto, Rita; Barbiero, Giuseppe; Barbiero, Pietro

2018-01-01

This study investigates the relationship between the level to which a person feels connected to Nature and that person’s ability to perceive the restorative value of a natural environment. We assume that perceived restorativeness may depend on an individual’s connection to Nature and this relationship may also vary with the biophilic quality of the environment, i.e., the functional and aesthetic value of the natural environment which presumably gave an evolutionary advantage to our species. To this end, the level of connection to Nature and the perceived restorativeness of the environment were assessed in individuals visiting three parks characterized by their high level of “naturalness” and high or low biophilic quality. The results show that the perceived level of restorativeness is associated with the sense of connection to Nature, as well as the biophilic quality of the environment: individuals with different degrees of connection to Nature seek settings with different degrees of restorativeness and biophilic quality. This means that perceived restorativeness can also depend on an individual’s “inclination” towards Nature. PMID:29510581

Individual Income, Area Deprivation, and Health: Do Income-Related Health Inequalities Vary by Small Area Deprivation?

PubMed

Siegel, Martin; Mielck, Andreas; Maier, Werner

2015-11-01

This paper aims to explore potential associations between health inequalities related to socioeconomic deprivation at the individual and the small area level. We use German cross-sectional survey data for the years 2002 and 2006, and measure small area deprivation via the German Index of Multiple Deprivation. We test the differences between concentration indices of income-related and small area deprivation related inequalities in obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Our results suggest that small area deprivation and individual income both yield inequalities in health favoring the better-off, where individual income-related inequalities are significantly more pronounced than those related to small area deprivation. We then apply a semiparametric extension of Wagstaff's corrected concentration index to explore how individual-level health inequalities vary with the degree of regional deprivation. We find that the concentration of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes among lower income groups also exists at the small area level. The degree of deprivation-specific income-related inequalities in the three health outcomes exhibits only little variations across different levels of multiple deprivation for both sexes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Physical fitness of an industrial fire department vs. a municipal fire department.

PubMed

Garver, Julie N; Jankovitz, Kristine Z; Danks, Jane M; Fittz, Ashley A; Smith, Heather S; Davis, Steven C

2005-05-01

Both industrial and municipal firefighters need to maintain high levels of physical fitness and minimize cardiovascular risk factors. The nature of firefighter responsibilities in industrial and municipal settings may vary, affecting the ability to sustain high levels of physical fitness. We compared the working conditions, physical fitness, and exercise training practices of an industrial fire department (n = 17) to those of a nearby municipal fire department (n = 55). After informed consent, aerobic capacity, muscular strength, muscular endurance, body composition, flexibility, blood lipid concentrations, and blood pressure levels were measured. Exercise training practices and related factors were assessed using a questionnaire. Despite programmatic differences, these departments demonstrated similar, relatively high degrees of physical fitness and similar blood lipid concentrations, blood pressure levels, and cardiac risk factors. It is recommended that fire departments involve appropriately trained staff, schedule on-duty times for exercise, offer well-equipped exercise facilities, and follow National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for exercise conditioning in order to maintain a high degree of physical fitness.

Joint Effects of Structural Racism and Income Inequality on Small-for-Gestational-Age Birth

PubMed Central

Wallace, Maeve E.; Liu, Danping; Grantz, Katherine L.

2015-01-01

Objectives. We examined potential synergistic effects of racial and socioeconomic inequality associated with small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth. Methods. Electronic medical records from singleton births to White and Black women in 10 US states and the District of Columbia (n = 121 758) were linked to state-level indicators of structural racism, including the ratios of Blacks to Whites who were employed, were incarcerated, and had a bachelor’s or higher degree. We used state-level Gini coefficients to assess income inequality. Generalized estimating equations models were used to quantify the adjusted odds of SGA birth associated with each indicator and the joint effects of structural racism and income inequality. Results. Structural racism indicators were associated with higher odds of SGA birth, and similar effects were observed for both races. The joint effects of racial and income inequality were significantly associated with SGA birth only when levels of both were high; in areas with high inequality levels, adjusted odds ratios ranged from 1.81 to 2.11 for the 3 structural racism indicators. Conclusions. High levels of racial inequality and socioeconomic inequality appear to increase the risk of SGA birth, particularly when they co-occur. PMID:26066964

Joint Effects of Structural Racism and Income Inequality on Small-for-Gestational-Age Birth.

PubMed

Wallace, Maeve E; Mendola, Pauline; Liu, Danping; Grantz, Katherine L

2015-08-01

We examined potential synergistic effects of racial and socioeconomic inequality associated with small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth. Electronic medical records from singleton births to White and Black women in 10 US states and the District of Columbia (n = 121 758) were linked to state-level indicators of structural racism, including the ratios of Blacks to Whites who were employed, were incarcerated, and had a bachelor's or higher degree. We used state-level Gini coefficients to assess income inequality. Generalized estimating equations models were used to quantify the adjusted odds of SGA birth associated with each indicator and the joint effects of structural racism and income inequality. Structural racism indicators were associated with higher odds of SGA birth, and similar effects were observed for both races. The joint effects of racial and income inequality were significantly associated with SGA birth only when levels of both were high; in areas with high inequality levels, adjusted odds ratios ranged from 1.81 to 2.11 for the 3 structural racism indicators. High levels of racial inequality and socioeconomic inequality appear to increase the risk of SGA birth, particularly when they co-occur.

Possible Association between Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) Levels and Relapse in Depressed Patients following Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

PubMed Central

Shibasaki, Chiyo; Itagaki, Kei; Abe, Hiromi; Kajitani, Naoto; Okada-Tsuchioka, Mami; Takebayashi, Minoru

2018-01-01

Abstract Background Matrix metalloproteinases are involved in neuroinflammatory processes, which could underlie depression. Serum levels of MMP-9 and MMP-2 in depressed patients are significantly altered following electroconvulsive therapy, but an association between altered matrix metalloproteinases after successful ECT and possible relapse has yet to be investigated. Methods Serum was obtained twice, before and immediately after a course of electroconvulsive therapy, from 38 depressed patients. Serum was also collected, once, from two groups of age- and gender-matched healthy controls, 40 volunteers in each group. Possible associations between levels of matrix metalloproteinases and relapse during a 1-year follow-up period were analyzed. Results Excluding patients who did not respond to electroconvulsive therapy and patients lost to follow-up, data from 28 patients were evaluated. Eighteen of the patients (64.3%) relapsed within 1 year. In the group that did not relapse, serum levels of MMP-9 were significantly decreased after a course of electroconvulsive therapy, but not in the group that relapsed. No association between MMP-2 and relapse was observed. Conclusion The degree of change in serum MMP-9 change could be associated with relapse following electroconvulsive therapy in depressed patients. PMID:29025075

With NSF Support, Research Moves into Science Labs of 2-Year Colleges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berrett, Dan

2012-01-01

Original research in biology, which is thought to spark student interest and bolster majors, makes its way to the associate-degree level. Through a grant from the National Science Foundation, students of biology in community colleges will have the chance to do research on open-ended, real-world questions with no predetermined answers--and…

Online Clinical Post-Conference, Face-to-Face Clinical Postconference: Effects on Critical Thinking in Associate Degree Nursing Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ebersole-Berkstresser, Kristie Anne

2013-01-01

Nurse educators, at every level of pre-licensure nursing education, are charged with developing critical thinking skills within their students. Post-clinical conference is one teaching strategy that nurse educators can employ to help promote the development of critical thinking skills in pre-licensure nursing students. However, traditional…

Developmental Math Programs in California Community College: An Analysis of Math Boot Camp at Cosumnes River College

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Powell, Torence J.

2017-01-01

The California Community College system, as an open access institution, is tasked with helping students who possess math skills far below college-level complete math course requirements for obtaining an associate degree or transfer to a university. Colleges have created various developmental math programs to achieve this mission; this paper…

Curriculum Development and Faculty Perceptions of an RN to BSN Program Development at a Community College

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davis, Kelly

2017-01-01

Transformative change is occurring in the nursing profession, higher education, and healthcare. There is increased employer demand for baccalaureate prepared nurses. Currently, associate degree programs educate the majority of entry-level nurses in the United States. One solution to meet the increased demand for baccalaureate prepared nurses is to…

The Influence of Friendships and Friendship-Making Ability in Physical Activity Participation in Chiang Mai, Thailand High School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Page, Randy M.; Taylor, Jerry; Suwanteerangkul, Jiraporn; Novilla, Lelinneth M.

2005-01-01

Unfortunately, the influence of friendships is a neglected area of investigation in studies of youth physical activity. This study investigated the degree to which three friendship variables (ability to make friends, level of involvement with friends, perceived friends' involvement in exercise/physical activity) was associated with physical…

The Association between Secondary Mathematics and First Year University Performance in Health Sciences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Joyce, Christopher; Hine, Gregory; Anderton, Ryan

2017-01-01

In recent years, there has been a significant decline in the rate of participation in secondary school mathematics courses within Australia, particularly in advanced or higher level mathematics. The aim of this study was to investigate how grade point average (GPA) differed between five health science degrees at an Australian university. The…

The IRSC Baccalaureate Transition Team: Leading Change in a Culture of Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Massey, Edwin R.; Locke, Mary G.; Neuhard, Ian P.

2009-01-01

No other Florida community college has successfully developed and launched nine baccalaureate degree programs at one time. Indian River State College accomplished this goal--and gained Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Level II accreditation--in 12 months by establishing a college-wide Baccalaureate Transition Team within a…

Peer Play Interactions and Learning for Low-Income Preschool Children: The Moderating Role of Classroom Quality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bulotsky-Shearer, Rebecca J.; Bell, Elizabeth R.; Carter, Tracy M.; Dietrich, Sandy L. R.

2014-01-01

Research Findings: The present study examined the degree to which the association between interactive peer play and academic skills was dependent upon the level of classroom quality for a representative sample of culturally and linguistically diverse urban Head Start children (N = 304 children across 53 classrooms). Peer play interactions within…

Occupational Analysis: Hospital Radiologic Technologist. The UCLA Allied Health Professions Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reeder, Glenn D.; And Others

In an effort to meet the growing demand for skilled radiologic technologists and other supportive personnel educated through the associate degree level, a national survey was conducted as part of the UCLA Allied Health Professions Project to determine the tasks performed by personnel in the field and lay the groundwork for development of…

Dance training intensity at 11-14 years is associated with femoral torsion in classical ballet dancers.

PubMed

Hamilton, D; Aronsen, P; Løken, J H; Berg, I M; Skotheim, R; Hopper, D; Clarke, A; Briffa, N K

2006-04-01

To examine in a cross sectional study the influence of femoral torsion (FT) and passive hip external rotation (PER) on turnout (TO). Starting age, years of classical ballet training, and current and past dance training intensity were assessed to determine their influence on FT, PER, and TO in pre-professional female dancers. Sixty four dancers (mean (SD) age 18.16 (1.80) years) were recruited from four different dance training programmes. They completed a dance history questionnaire. FT was measured using a clinical method. PER was measured with the subjects prone, and TO was measured with the subjects standing. Mean TO was 136 degrees, mean unilateral PER was 49.4 degrees, and mean FT was 18.4 degrees. A positive correlation was observed between PER combined (PERC) and TO (r = 0.443, p < 0.001). A negative association was found between FT combined (FTC) and PERC (r = -0.402, p = 0.001). No association was found between starting age or years of classical ballet training and FTC, PERC, or TO. Dancers who trained for six hours a week or more during the 11-14 year age range had less FT than those who trained less (mean difference 6 degrees, 95% confidence interval 1.4 to 10.3). Students currently training for longer had higher levels of TO (p < 0.001) but comparable PERC and FTC. FT is significantly associated with PERC. Dancers who trained for six hours a week or more at 11-14 years of age had significantly less FT. FTC had a significant influence on PERC, but no influence on the execution of TO.

Blood lead levels, iron metabolism gene polymorphisms and homocysteine: a gene-environment interaction study.

PubMed

Kim, Kyoung-Nam; Lee, Mee-Ri; Lim, Youn-Hee; Hong, Yun-Chul

2017-12-01

Homocysteine has been causally associated with various adverse health outcomes. Evidence supporting the relationship between lead and homocysteine levels has been accumulating, but most prior studies have not focused on the interaction with genetic polymorphisms. From a community-based prospective cohort, we analysed 386 participants (aged 41-71 years) with information regarding blood lead and plasma homocysteine levels. Blood lead levels were measured between 2001 and 2003, and plasma homocysteine levels were measured in 2007. Interactions of lead levels with 42 genotyped single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in five genes ( TF , HFE , CBS , BHMT and MTR ) were assessed via a 2-degree of freedom (df) joint test and a 1-df interaction test. In secondary analyses using imputation, we further assessed 58 imputed SNPs in the TF and MTHFR genes. Blood lead concentrations were positively associated with plasma homocysteine levels (p=0.0276). Six SNPs in the TF and MTR genes were screened using the 2-df joint test, and among them, three SNPs in the TF gene showed interactions with lead with respect to homocysteine levels through the 1-df interaction test (p<0.0083). Seven SNPs in the MTHFR gene were associated with homocysteine levels at an α-level of 0.05, but the associations did not persist after Bonferroni correction. These SNPs did not show interactions with lead levels. Blood lead levels were positively associated with plasma homocysteine levels measured 4-6 years later, and three SNPs in the TF gene modified the association. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

A Survey of Clinical Faculty Calibration in Dental Hygiene Programs.

PubMed

Dicke, Nichole L; Hodges, Kathleen O; Rogo, Ellen J; Hewett, Beverly J

2015-08-01

This study investigated the calibration efforts of entry-level dental hygiene programs in the U.S. Four aspects were explored, including attitudes, characteristics, quality and satisfaction, to evaluate current calibration practices. A descriptive comparative survey design was used. Directors of accredited dental hygiene programs (n=345) were asked to forward an electronic survey invitation to clinical faculty. Eighty-five directors forwarded the survey to 847 faculty; 45.3% (n=384) participated. The 37-item survey contained multiple-choice and Likert scale questions and was available for 3 weeks. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic data and research questions. The Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman Correlation Coefficient and Mann-Whitney U tests were employed to analyze hypotheses (p=0.05). The demographic profile for participants revealed that most worked for institutions awarding associate entry-level degrees, had 1 to 10 years' experience, taught clinically and didactically, and held a master's degree. Clinical instructors valued calibration, believed it reduced variation and wanted more calibration. Some were not offered quality calibration. There was a difference between the entry-level degree awarded and the program's evaluation of clinical skill faculty reliability, as analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (p=0.008). Additionally, full-time versus part-time educators reported more observed student frustration with faculty variance, as evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test (p=0.001, bfp=0.004). Faculty members value calibration's potential benefits and want enhanced calibration efforts. Calibration efforts need to be improved to include standards for measuring intra- and inter-rater reliability and plans for resolving inconsistencies. More research is needed to determine effective calibration methods and their impact on student learning. Copyright © 2015 The American Dental Hygienists’ Association.

Amadori-albumin correlates with microvascular complications and precedes nephropathy in type 1 diabetic patients.

PubMed

Schalkwijk, C G; Chaturvedi, N; Twaafhoven, H; van Hinsbergh, V W M; Stehouwer, C D A

2002-07-01

Amadori-albumin, a major glycated protein, is involved in experimental hyperglycaemia-induced microvascular complications, and is associated with advanced nephropathy in Type I diabetic patients in humans. Our aim was to assess the association of Amadori-albumin with early nephropathy and with retinopathy in Type I diabetic patients and the involvement of chronic low-degree inflammation therein. Amadori-albumin, the Amadori product of haemoglobin (HbA1c), C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen levels were measured in the EUCLID study, a 2-year randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of lisinopril in 447 Type I diabetic patients. Retinal photographs were taken in 341 patients at baseline and 294 at follow up. Amadori-albumin was positively associated with albumin the excretion rate and retinopathy status (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.02 for trend, respectively) and with the progression from normoalbuminuria to (micro)albuminuria (38.6 U mL(-1) in nonprogressors, 44.3 U mL-1 in progressors; P = 0.02), but not with the development or progression of retinopathy during a 2-year follow up. Amadori-albumin levels at baseline were associated with C-reactive protein and fibrinogen (P = 0.0007 and P = 0.0001, respectively). C-reactive protein and fibrinogen were also associated with albumin excretion rates (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01, respectively) and retinopathy status (P = 0.02 and P = 0.0006, respectively). Adjustment for these inflammatory markers did not markedly attenuate the association between Amadori-albumin and the albumin excretion rate, while adjustment for fibrinogen, but not C-reactive protein, abolished the association between Amadori-albumin and retinopathy. Lisinopril had no impact on the association between the levels of Amadori-albumin and albumin excretion rates or retinopathy. Amadori-albumin was associated with early nephropathy and with retinopathy in Type I diabetic patients and preceded an increase in albumin excretion rate, but not retinopathy. A chronic low-degree inflammation does not appear to be involved in Amadori-albumin-associated microvascular complications in Type I diabetes.

Technology Assessment Requirements for Programs and Projects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bilbro, James W.

2006-01-01

Program/project uncertainty can most simply be defined as the unpredictability of its outcome. As might be expected, the degree of uncertainty depends substantially on program/project type. For hi-tech programs/projects, uncertainty all too frequently translates into schedule slips, cost overruns and occasionally even to cancellations or failures - consummations root cause of such events is often attributed to inadequate definition of requirements. If such were indeed the root cause, then correcting the situation would simply be a matter of requiring better requirements definition, but since history seems frequently to repeat itself, this must not be the case - at least not in total. There are in fact many contributors to schedule slips, cost overruns, project cancellations and failures, among them lack of adequate requirements definition. The case can be made, however, that many of these contributors are related to the degree of uncertainty at the outset of the project. And further, that a dominant factor in the degree of uncertainty is the maturity of the technology required to bring the project to fruition. This presentation discusses the concept of relating degrees of uncertainty to Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and their associated Advancement Degree of Difficulty (AD2) levels. It also briefly describes a quantifiable process to establish the appropriate TRL for a given technology and quantifies through the AD2 what is required to move it from its current TRL to the desired TRL in order to reduce risk and maximize likelihood of successfully infusing the technology.

Is gentrification all bad? Positive association between gentrification and individual's perceived neighborhood collective efficacy in Montreal, Canada.

PubMed

Steinmetz-Wood, Madeleine; Wasfi, Rania; Parker, George; Bornstein, Lisa; Caron, Jean; Kestens, Yan

2017-07-14

Collective efficacy has been associated with many health benefits at the neighborhood level. Therefore, understanding why some communities have greater collective efficacy than others is important from a public health perspective. This study examined the relationship between gentrification and collective efficacy, in Montreal Canada. A gentrification index was created using tract level median household income, proportion of the population with a bachelor's degree, average rent, proportion of the population with low income, and proportion of the population aged 30-44. Multilevel linear regression analyses were conducted to measure the association between gentrification and individual level collective efficacy. Gentrification was positively associated with collective efficacy. Gentrifiers (individuals moving into gentrifying neighborhoods) had higher collective efficacy than individuals that lived in a neighborhood that did not gentrify. Perceptions of collective efficacy of the original residents of gentrifying neighborhoods were not significantly different from the perceptions of neighborhood collective efficacy of gentrifiers. Our results indicate that gentrification was positively associated with perceived collective efficacy. This implies that gentrification could have beneficial health effects for individuals living in gentrifying neighborhoods.

Certification by the Karl Fischer method of the water content in SRM 2890, Water Saturated 1-Octanol, and the analysis of associated interlaboratory bias in the measurement process.

PubMed

Margolis, S A; Levenson, M

2000-05-01

The calibration of Karl Fischer instruments and reagents and the compensation for instrumental bias are essential to the accurate measurement of trace levels of water in organic and inorganic chemicals. A stable, nonhygroscopic standard, Water Saturated Octanol, which is compatible with the Karl Fischer reagents, has been prepared. This material, Standard Reference Material (SRM) 2890, is homogeneous and is certified to contain 39.24 +/- 0.85 mg water/mL (expanded uncertainty) of solution (47.3 +/- 1.0 mg water/g solution, expanded uncertainty) at 21.5 degrees C. The solubility of water in -octanol has been shown to be nearly constant between 10 degrees C and 30 degrees C (i.e., within 1% of the value at 21.5 degrees C). The results of an interlaboratory comparison exercise illustrate the utility of SRM 2890 in assessing the accuracy and bias of Karl Fischer instruments and measurements.

Development of a competency mapping tool for undergraduate professional degree programmes, using mechanical engineering as a case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holmes, David W.; Sheehan, Madoc; Birks, Melanie; Smithson, John

2018-01-01

Mapping the curriculum of a professional degree to the associated competency standard ensures graduates have the competence to perform as professionals. Existing approaches to competence mapping vary greatly in depth, complexity, and effectiveness, and a standardised approach remains elusive. This paper describes a new mapping software tool that streamlines and standardises the competency mapping process. The available analytics facilitate ongoing programme review, management, and accreditation. The complete mapping and analysis of an Australian mechanical engineering degree programme is described as a case study. Each subject is mapped by evaluating the amount and depth of competence development present. Combining subject results then enables highly detailed programme level analysis. The mapping process is designed to be administratively light, with aspects of professional development embedded in the software. The effective competence mapping described in this paper enables quantification of learning within a professional degree programme, and provides a mechanism for holistic programme improvement.

An Innovative Academic Progression in Nursing Model in New York State.

PubMed

Markowitz, Marianne; Bastable, Susan B

2017-05-01

The Dual Degree Partnership in Nursing (DDPN) is a unique articulation model created in 2005 between two nursing programs that provides a seamless pathway for students to earn both an associate's degree and a bachelor's degree in nursing while benefiting from the strengths of each program. Archival data has been systematically collected for a decade on admission, progression, retention, satisfaction, graduation, and NCLEX-RN pass rates to measure the reliability, validity, and integrity of this DDPN model for nursing education. The findings demonstrate consistent performance and positive outcomes on all factors measured, which have been benchmarked against available state and national results. This innovative approach to academic progression in nursing is replicable and serves as a prototype to educate more nurses at the baccalaureate level, which directly contributes to the Institute of Medicine's goal of 80% of RNs having a minimum of a bachelor's degree by 2020. [J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(5):266-273.]. Copyright 2017, SLACK Incorporated.

Evaluating the Level of Degree Programmes in Higher Education: The Case of Nursing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rexwinkel, Trudy; Haenen, Jacques; Pilot, Albert

2013-01-01

The European Quality Assurance system demands that the degree programme level is represented in terms of quantitative outcomes to be valid and reliable. To meet this need the Educational Level Evaluator (ELE) was devised. This conceptually designed procedure with instrumentation aiming to evaluate the level of a degree validly and reliably still…

Spinal tuberculosis: the association between pedicle involvement and anterior column damage and kyphotic deformity.

PubMed

Yusof, Mohammad Imran; Hassan, Eskandar; Rahmat, Nasazli; Yunus, Rohaizan

2009-04-01

Pedicle involvement in spinal tuberculosis (TB), the prevertebral abscess formation, severity of vertebral body, and disc collapse were evaluated from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the patients. To study the pedicle involvement in spine TB in relation to the degree of vertebral body and disc collapse, prevertebral abscess collection, and degree of kyphosis; and to correlate the occurrence of pedicle involvement and the degree of spinal deformity. There are a few reports describing the posterior element involvement in spinal TB. Typically, the infection resides in the anterior part of the vertebral body endplates and rarely involved the pedicles. There were 31 patients, who had been diagnosed and treated for spinal TB from 2003 to 2007 at our center. Critical evaluation of each patient's MRI was carried out for the pedicle involvement, prevertebral abscess formation, severity of vertebral body, and disc collapse. Spinal TB mostly involved the thoracic level (48.4%). Pedicle involvement was noted in 64.5% of patients, and the highest involvement was at thoracic level. The mean vertebral body, disc collapse, prevertebral abscess, and kyphosis were more severe in pedicle involved group. The posterior spinal element, specifically the pedicle is not uncommonly involved in spinal TB. Pedicle involvement is part of the disease process and usually associated with relatively severe vertebral body and disc destruction, wide prevertebral abscess, and severe kyphosis. Pedicle involvement can be detected early from MRI and need to be documented as it may influence the treatment strategy.

It's not how much you play, but how much you enjoy the game: the longitudinal associations between adolescents' self-esteem and the frequency versus enjoyment of involvement in sports.

PubMed

Adachi, Paul J C; Willoughby, Teena

2014-01-01

The frequency of involvement in sports often has been concurrently and longitudinally associated with higher self-esteem. The interpretation of this association consistently has been framed as involvement in sports leading to higher levels of self-esteem over time (i.e., socialization effect), although no studies have tested whether higher levels of self-esteem lead to increased involvement in sports over time (i.e., selection effect). Another important aspect of involvement in sports that may be related to self-esteem is the degree to which youth enjoy sports. However, this aspect has received much less attention. To address these gaps in the literature, we first examined the bidirectional effects between self-esteem and the frequency of involvement in sports with 1,492 adolescents (50.8 % female; 92.4 % Canadian-born) over 4 years. Higher levels of self-esteem predicted greater involvement in sports over time, but greater involvement in sports did not predict higher levels of self-esteem over time, offering support only for selection effects. We then tested the bidirectional effects between the enjoyment of sports and self-esteem and found evidence of both socialization and selection effects. Specifically, greater enjoyment of sports predicted higher self-esteem over time, and higher self-esteem predicted greater enjoyment of sports over time. These novel findings suggest that adolescents with higher self-esteem play sports more frequently and enjoy sports more than adolescents with lower self-esteem. In addition, the degree to which adolescents enjoy sports may be more important for increasing self-esteem than the frequency with which adolescents play sports.

Endocrine actions of pesticides measured in the Flemish environment and health studies (FLEHS I and II).

PubMed

Croes, K; Den Hond, E; Bruckers, L; Govarts, E; Schoeters, G; Covaci, A; Loots, I; Morrens, B; Nelen, V; Sioen, I; Van Larebeke, N; Baeyens, W

2015-10-01

Within the Flemish Environment and Health studies (FLEHS I, 2002-2006, and FLEHS II, 2007-2012), pesticide exposure, hormone levels and degree of sexual maturation were measured in 14-15-year-old adolescents residing in Flanders (Belgium). In FLEHS II, geometric mean concentrations (with 95 % confidence interval (CI)) of 307 (277-341) and 36.5 ng L(-1) (34.0-39.2) were found for p,p'-dichlorophenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). These values were respectively 26 and 60 % lower than levels in FLEHS I, 5 years earlier. Metabolites of organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) and of para-dichlorobenzene were measured for the first time in FLEHS II, yielding concentrations of 11.4, 3.27 and 1.57 μg L(-1) for the sum of dimethyl- and diethyl phosphate metabolites and 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP), respectively. Data on internal exposure of HCB showed a positive correlation with sexual maturation, testosterone and the aromatase index for boys and with free thyroxine (fT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (both boys and girls). For both p,p'-DDE and HCB, a negative association with sexual development in girls was found. The OPP metabolites were negatively associated with sex hormone levels in the blood of boys and with sexual maturation (both boys and girls). The pesticide metabolite 2,5-DCP was negatively correlated with free T4, while a positive association with TSH was reported (boys and girls). These results show that even exposure to relatively low concentrations of pesticides can have significant influences on hormone levels and the degree of sexual maturation in 14-15-year-old adolescents.

Growth failure, somatomedin and growth hormone levels in juvenile diabetes mellitus--a pilot study.

PubMed

Nash, H

1979-06-01

Growth hormone (hGH) responsiveness to exercise and somatomedin C (SmC) activity were measured in ten children with insulin-deficient diabetes mellitus. Four of the ten children showed a significant degree of growth retardation. Normal SmC activity was found in association with elevated hGH levels. The hypothesis that growth-retarded diabetics have a failure of Sm production despite high hGH levels (analogous to malnutrition and Laron dwarfism) was not substantiated by this study. Chronic deficiency of insulin, itself a somatomedin, may play a major role in diabetic growth failure.

Significance of beach geomorphology on fecal indicator bacteria levels.

PubMed

Donahue, Allison; Feng, Zhixuan; Kelly, Elizabeth; Reniers, Ad; Solo-Gabriele, Helena M

2017-08-15

Large databases of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) measurements are available for coastal waters. With the assistance of satellite imagery, we illustrated the power of assessing data for many sites by evaluating beach features such as geomorphology, distance from rivers and canals, presence of piers and causeways, and degree of urbanization coupled with the enterococci FIB database for the state of Florida. We found that beach geomorphology was the primary characteristic associated with enterococci levels that exceeded regulatory guidelines. Beaches in close proximity to marshes or within bays had higher enterococci exceedances in comparison to open coast beaches. For open coast beaches, greater enterococci exceedances were associated with nearby rivers and higher levels of urbanization. Piers and causeways had a minimal contribution, as their effect was often overwhelmed by beach geomorphology. Results can be used to understand the potential causes of elevated enterococci levels and to promote public health. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Periodontal Disease Is an Independent Predictor of Intracardiac Calcification

PubMed Central

Pressman, Gregg S.; Qasim, Atif; Verma, Nitin; Arishiro, Kumiko; Notohara, Yasuhiro; Crudu, Vitalie; Figueredo, Vincent M.

2013-01-01

Background. Periodontitis is the most common chronic inflammatory condition worldwide and is associated with incident coronary disease. Hypothesis. We hypothesized that periodontal disease would also be associated with cardiac calcification, a condition which shares many risk factors with atherosclerosis and is considered a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods. Cross-sectional study at two sites (USA and Japan) involving subjects with both clinical echocardiograms and detailed dental examinations. Semiquantitative scoring systems were used to assess severity of periodontal disease and echocardiographic calcification. Results. Fifty-six of 73 subjects (77%) had cardiac calcifications, and 51% had moderate to severe periodontal disease (score > 2). In unadjusted analysis, a significant relationship between periodontal score and cardiac calcification (Spearman rho = 0.4, P = 0.001) was noted, with increases in mean calcification score seen across increasing levels of periodontal disease. On multivariate logistic regression, adjusted for age, gender, race, glomerular filtration rate, and traditional risk factors, this association remained significant (P = 0.024). There was no significant interaction by study site, race, or gender. Conclusions. In a multiracial population, we found a significant association between the degree of periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition, and cardiac calcification. Further, higher periodontal scores were associated with greater degrees of calcification. PMID:24106721

Periodontal disease is an independent predictor of intracardiac calcification.

PubMed

Pressman, Gregg S; Qasim, Atif; Verma, Nitin; Miyamae, Masami; Arishiro, Kumiko; Notohara, Yasuhiro; Crudu, Vitalie; Figueredo, Vincent M

2013-01-01

Periodontitis is the most common chronic inflammatory condition worldwide and is associated with incident coronary disease. We hypothesized that periodontal disease would also be associated with cardiac calcification, a condition which shares many risk factors with atherosclerosis and is considered a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. Cross-sectional study at two sites (USA and Japan) involving subjects with both clinical echocardiograms and detailed dental examinations. Semiquantitative scoring systems were used to assess severity of periodontal disease and echocardiographic calcification. Fifty-six of 73 subjects (77%) had cardiac calcifications, and 51% had moderate to severe periodontal disease (score > 2). In unadjusted analysis, a significant relationship between periodontal score and cardiac calcification (Spearman rho = 0.4, P = 0.001) was noted, with increases in mean calcification score seen across increasing levels of periodontal disease. On multivariate logistic regression, adjusted for age, gender, race, glomerular filtration rate, and traditional risk factors, this association remained significant (P = 0.024). There was no significant interaction by study site, race, or gender. In a multiracial population, we found a significant association between the degree of periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition, and cardiac calcification. Further, higher periodontal scores were associated with greater degrees of calcification.

Emerging importance of holobionts in evolution and in probiotics

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

The existence of microbe free animals or plants in nature is virtually impossible as they and plants have a certain degree of symbiotic association with microbes. This symbiotic association leads to the formation of holobiont (host and its symbionts). This mutual coexistence is not merely at the physical or chemical level but also at the genetic level leading to the emergence of the concept of hologenome (gene pool of host and its associated symbionts). The abundance of symbionts with the associated gene diversity contributes to the fitness of the holobiont under varying environmental conditions. The hologenome theory of evolution considers the dynamic holobiont as a single unit for natural selection and provides a more accommodating view of evolution blending Darwinism and Lamarkism. Additionally, holobionts are providing scientific basis to our understanding of the growing importance of probiotics in human health and in disease management. PMID:23694677

Paranoia Symptoms Moderate the Impact of Emotional Context Processing on Community Functioning of Individuals with Schizophrenia.

PubMed

Park, Kiho; Choi, Kee-Hong

2018-04-26

This study examined whether better emotional context processing is associated with better community functioning among persons with schizophrenia, and whether the relationship between the two variables is moderated by level of paranoid symptoms. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale-Expanded Version, Emotional Context Processing Scale, and Multnomah Community Ability Scale were administered to 39 community-dwelling participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Emotional context processing had a small-to-moderate association with community functioning. However, the association between emotional context processing and community functioning was moderated by level of paranoid symptoms. Emotional context processing in participants with mild paranoid symptoms was strongly associated with better community functioning, whereas emotional context processing in those with severe paranoid symptoms was not. Emotional context processing and the degree of paranoia should be considered in treatment plans designed to enhance the community functioning of individuals with schizophrenia to help them improve their understanding of social situations.

MMPI disability profile is associated with degree of opioid use in chronic work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

PubMed

Kidner, Cindy L; Gatchel, Robert J; Mayer, Tom G

2010-01-01

To examine the relationship between level of opioid use and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) findings among chronic pain patients who were about to begin a functional restoration program. A prospective cohort study of patients with chronic disabling occupational musculoskeletal disorders. A total of 768 consecutive patients with valid MMPI were divided into 2 groups: 398 patients who reported no opioid use upon admission (No); and 370 patients who reported opioid use upon admission (Yes). Average daily opioid doses (in morphine equivalents) could be determined for 287 of 370 patients, who were further divided into 4 opioid subgroups: Low (>0 to 30 mg, n=148); Medium (>30 to 60 mg, n=57); High (>60 to 120 mg, n=47); and Very High (>120 mg, n=35). Seventy-five percent of the patients who produced valid MMPI profiles could be classified into 1 of the 4 MMPI profiles. Of those patients who could be classified, approximately 7% showed a Normal profile, 15% showed a Conversion V, 9% showed a Neurotic Triad, and 69% showed the Disability Profile. Although the Disability Profile accounted for the majority of patients in all opioid subgroups, the proportions did increase with pretreatment opioid dose, as expected, indicating a relationship between degree of psychopathology and level of pretreatment opioid use. Patients who did not take pretreatment opioids showed the highest proportions of Conversion V and Normal profiles, which indicate a lesser degree or absence of psychopathology, respectively. Patients who took pretreatment opioids were more than one-and-a-half times as likely as patients who did not take pretreatment opioids to produce the Disability Profile, whereas patients taking very high doses of pretreatment opioids were nearly 3 times as likely to produce this profile as patients who took no pretreatment opioids. The results of this study support the hypothesis that increasing levels of pretreatment opioid use is associated with less desirable MMPI profiles, specifically the Disability Profile and, thus, greater levels of pretreatment psychopathology.

Role of kappa-casein in the association of denatured whey proteins with casein micelles in heated reconstituted skim milk.

PubMed

Anema, Skelte G

2007-05-02

Reconstituted skim milk at pH from 6.5 to 7.1 was unheated, preheated (68 degrees C/20 min), or heated at 90 degrees C for 20-30 min. On preheating, the size of the casein micelles decreased by about 5-20 nm, with a greater effect at higher pH. The casein micelle size of the heated milk at pH 6.5 increased by about 30 nm when compared to that of the unheated or preheated milk. As the pH was increased before heating, the particle size gradually decreased so that, at pH 7.1, the size was markedly smaller than that for the unheated milk and slightly smaller than that for the preheated milk. High levels (about 85%) of denatured whey protein associated with the casein micelles at pH 6.5, and this level decreased as the pH increased so that, at pH 7.1, low levels (about 15%) were associated with the micelles. Low levels of alphaS-casein and beta-casein were found in the serum regardless of the heat treatment or the pH of the milk. At pH 6.5, low levels (about 10%) of kappa-casein were also found in the milk serum. In the unheated milk, the level of serum kappa-casein increased slightly with increasing pH; in the heated samples, the level of serum kappa-casein increased markedly and linearly with increasing pH so that, at pH 7.1, about 70% of the kappa-casein was in the serum phase. The results of this study indicate that the pH dependence of the levels of serum phase kappa-casein may be responsible for the change in distribution of the whey proteins between the colloidal and serum phases. This is the first report to demonstrate significant levels of dissociation of kappa-casein from the micelles at pH between 6.5 and 6.7, although this dissociation phenomenon is well known on heating milk at high temperatures at pH above 6.7.

Involvement of ABA in induction of secondary dormancy in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seeds.

PubMed

Leymarie, Juliette; Robayo-Romero, Maria Emilia; Gendreau, Emmanuel; Benech-Arnold, Roberto L; Corbineau, Françoise

2008-12-01

At harvest, barley seeds are dormant because their germination is difficult above 20 degrees C. Incubation of primary dormant seeds at 30 degrees C, a temperature at which they do not germinate, results in a loss of their ability to germinate at 20 degrees C. This phenomenon which corresponds to an induction of a secondary dormancy is already observed after a pre-treatment at 30 degrees C as short as 4-6 h, and is optimal after 24-48 h. It is associated with maintenance of a high level of embryo ABA content during seed incubation at 30 degrees C, and after seed transfer at 20 degrees C, while ABA content decreases rapidly in embryos of primary dormant seeds placed directly at 20 degrees C. Induction of secondary dormancy also results in an increase in embryo responsiveness to ABA at 20 degrees C. Application of ABA during seed treatment at 30 degrees C has no significant additive effect on the further germination at 20 degrees C. In contrast, incubation of primary dormant seeds at 20 degrees C for 48 and 72 h in the presence of ABA inhibits further germination on water similarly to 24-48 h incubation at 30 degrees C. However fluridone, an inhibitor of ABA synthesis, applied during incubation of the grains at 30 degrees C has only a slight effect on ABA content and secondary dormancy. Expression of genes involved in ABA metabolism (HvABA8'OH-1, HvNCED1 and HvNCED2) was studied in relation to the expression of primary and secondary dormancies. The results presented suggest a specific role for HvNCED1 and HvNCED2 in regulation of ABA synthesis in secondary seed dormancy.

Probabilistic assessment of sea level during the last interglacial stage.

PubMed

Kopp, Robert E; Simons, Frederik J; Mitrovica, Jerry X; Maloof, Adam C; Oppenheimer, Michael

2009-12-17

With polar temperatures approximately 3-5 degrees C warmer than today, the last interglacial stage (approximately 125 kyr ago) serves as a partial analogue for 1-2 degrees C global warming scenarios. Geological records from several sites indicate that local sea levels during the last interglacial were higher than today, but because local sea levels differ from global sea level, accurately reconstructing past global sea level requires an integrated analysis of globally distributed data sets. Here we present an extensive compilation of local sea level indicators and a statistical approach for estimating global sea level, local sea levels, ice sheet volumes and their associated uncertainties. We find a 95% probability that global sea level peaked at least 6.6 m higher than today during the last interglacial; it is likely (67% probability) to have exceeded 8.0 m but is unlikely (33% probability) to have exceeded 9.4 m. When global sea level was close to its current level (>or=-10 m), the millennial average rate of global sea level rise is very likely to have exceeded 5.6 m kyr(-1) but is unlikely to have exceeded 9.2 m kyr(-1). Our analysis extends previous last interglacial sea level studies by integrating literature observations within a probabilistic framework that accounts for the physics of sea level change. The results highlight the long-term vulnerability of ice sheets to even relatively low levels of sustained global warming.

Association between measures of vitamin A and the ocular fundus findings in cerebral malaria.

PubMed

Lewallen, S; Taylor, T E; Molyneux, M E; Semba, R D; Wills, B A; Courtright, P

1998-03-01

To investigate the relationship between serum vitamin A levels and conjunctival impression cytology and retinal whitening present in Malawian children with cerebral malaria. Standard retinal examination and conjunctival impression cytology were performed at hospital admission on 101 consecutively admitted children with cerebral malaria. Blood samples were drawn from 56 children at 24 hours, frozen at -20 degrees C, and transported for assessment of vitamin A levels by high-performance liquid chromatography. Associations among fundus findings and vitamin A measurements were sought. The whitening of the retina that we have previously described in children with cerebral malaria was found to be associated with a mean+/-SD serum vitamin A level of 0.29+/-0.1 micromol/L, compared with a mean vitamin A level of 0.41+/-0.2 micromol/L in children without retinal whitening. Children with retinal whitening were 2.77 (95% CI, 1.06-7.3) times more likely to have abnormal conjunctival impression cytology results than those without whitening. No child had any clinical or ophthalmologic evidence of chronic vitamin A deficiency. The retinal whitening described in children with cerebral malaria is associated with low serum vitamin A levels and with abnormal conjunctival impression cytology results and may be due to acute vitamin A deficiency at the tissue level.

[Academic achievement, engagement and burnout among first year medical students].

PubMed

Gómez H, Paula; Pérez V, Cristhian; Parra P, Paula; Ortiz M, Liliana; Matus B, Olga; McColl C, Peter; Torres A, Graciela; Meyer K, Andrea

2015-07-01

Stress may affect the sense of wellbeing and academic achievement of university students. To assess the relationship of academic engagement and burnout with academic achievement among first year medical students. The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-Student and Maslach Burnout Inventory Student Survey (MBI-SS) were applied to 277 first year medical students of four universities. Their results were correlated with the grades obtained in the different courses. Moderately high engagement and low burnout levels were detected. There was a high level of satisfaction with studies and a moderate exhaustion level. Academic achievement was associated with the degree of engagement with studies but not with burnout. Conglomerate analysis detected a group of students with high levels of wellbeing, characterized by high levels of academic engagement and low burnout. Other group had moderate levels of engagement and lack of personal fulfilment. Other group, identified as extenuated, had high levels of personal exhaustion and depersonalization. Finally the disassociated group had a low academic engagement, low emotional exhaustion, high levels of depersonalization and lack of personal fulfillment. Academic achievement is associated with the level of engagement with studies but not with burnout.

Is right ventricular mid-septal pacing superior to apical pacing in patients with high degree atrio-ventricular block and moderately depressed left ventricular function?

PubMed

Chen, Kang; Mao, Ye; Liu, Shao-hua; Wu, Qiong; Luo, Qing-zhi; Pan, Wen-qi; Jin, Qi; Zhang, Ning; Ling, Tian-you; Chen, Ying; Gu, Gang; Shen, Wei-feng; Wu, Li-qun

2014-06-01

We are aimed to investigate whether right ventricular mid-septal pacing (RVMSP) is superior to conventional right ventricular apical pacing (RVAP) in improving clinical functional capacity and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) for patients with high-degree atrio-ventricular block and moderately depressed left ventricle (LV) function. Ninety-two patients with high-degree atrio-ventricular block and moderately reduced LVEF (ranging from 35% to 50%) were randomly allocated to RVMSP (n=45) and RVAP (n=47). New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, echocardiographic LVEF, and distance during a 6-min walk test (6MWT) were determined at 18 months after pacemaker implantation. Serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Compared with baseline, NYHA functional class remained unchanged at 18 months, distance during 6MWT (485 m vs. 517 m) and LVEF (36.7% vs. 41.8%) were increased, but BNP levels were reduced (2352 pg/ml vs. 710 pg/ml) in the RVMSP group compared with those in the RVAP group, especially in patients with LVEF 35%-40% (for all comparisons, P<0.05). However, clinical function capacity and LV function measurements were not significantly changed in patients with RVAP, despite the pacing measurements being similar in both groups, such as R-wave amplitude and capture threshold. RVMSP provides a better clinical utility, compared with RVAP, in patients with high-degree atrioventricular block and moderately depressed LV function whose LVEF levels ranged from 35% to 40%.

Large-Scale Functional Brain Network Reorganization During Taoist Meditation.

PubMed

Jao, Tun; Li, Chia-Wei; Vértes, Petra E; Wu, Changwei Wesley; Achard, Sophie; Hsieh, Chao-Hsien; Liou, Chien-Hui; Chen, Jyh-Horng; Bullmore, Edward T

2016-02-01

Meditation induces a distinct and reversible mental state that provides insights into brain correlates of consciousness. We explored brain network changes related to meditation by graph theoretical analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data. Eighteen Taoist meditators with varying levels of expertise were scanned using a within-subjects counterbalanced design during resting and meditation states. State-related differences in network topology were measured globally and at the level of individual nodes and edges. Although measures of global network topology, such as small-worldness, were unchanged, meditation was characterized by an extensive and expertise-dependent reorganization of the hubs (highly connected nodes) and edges (functional connections). Areas of sensory cortex, especially the bilateral primary visual and auditory cortices, and the bilateral temporopolar areas, which had the highest degree (or connectivity) during the resting state, showed the biggest decrease during meditation. Conversely, bilateral thalamus and components of the default mode network, mainly the bilateral precuneus and posterior cingulate cortex, had low degree in the resting state but increased degree during meditation. Additionally, these changes in nodal degree were accompanied by reorganization of anatomical orientation of the edges. During meditation, long-distance longitudinal (antero-posterior) edges increased proportionally, whereas orthogonal long-distance transverse (right-left) edges connecting bilaterally homologous cortices decreased. Our findings suggest that transient changes in consciousness associated with meditation introduce convergent changes in the topological and spatial properties of brain functional networks, and the anatomical pattern of integration might be as important as the global level of integration when considering the network basis for human consciousness.

Surgical treatment of a proximal diaphyseal tibial deformity associated with partial caudal and cranial cruciate ligament deficiency and patella baja.

PubMed

Vincenti, S; Knell, S; Pozzi, A

2017-04-01

Caudal cruciate ligament injury can be a complication following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) (Slocum und Slocum, 1993) especially if the post-operative Tibial Plateau Angle (TPA) is less than 5 degree. We describe a case of negative TPA associated with partial cranial and caudal ligament rupture treated with a center of rotation of angulation (CORA) based cranial tibial opening wedge osteotomy and tibial tuberosity transposition. A 13 kg, mixed breed dog was presented for right pelvic limb lameness. Radiographically a bilateral patella baja and a malformed tibia tuberosity along with a bilateral TPA of -8 degree were detected. Arthroscopically a partial rupture of the cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments were found. A cranial tibial opening wedge osteotomy of 23 degree and a fibular ostectomy were performed. The osteotomy was fixed with a 8 holes ALPS 9 (KYON, Switzerland) and a 3-holes 2.0mm UniLock plate (Synthes, Switzerland). Then a proximal tibial tuberosity transposition of 10mm was performed and fixed with a pin and tension band construct. The postoperative TPA was 15 degree. The radiographic controls at 6, 10 weeks, 6 months and 1 year after surgery revealed an unchanged position of the implants and progressive healing of the osteotomies. At the 6 and 12 months recheck evaluation the dog had no evidence of lameness or stifle pain and radiographs revealed complete healing of the osteotomy site and no implant failure. The diaphyseal CORA based osteotomy allowed accurate correction of a proximal tibial deformity associated with negative TPA.

When Do Adolescents Accept or Defy to Maternal Prohibitions? The Role of Social Domain and Communication Style.

PubMed

Van Petegem, Stijn; Vansteenkiste, Maarten; Soenens, Bart; Zimmermann, Grégoire; Antonietti, Jean-Philippe; Baudat, Sophie; Audenaert, Elien

2017-05-01

Drawing upon both Social-Cognitive Domain Theory and Self-Determination Theory, the goal of the present multi-informant study was to test whether the correlates of maternal prohibitions depend on what is prohibited (i.e., the content of the social domain involved), thereby contrasting moral with friendship prohibitions, as well on how the prohibition is communicated, thereby contrasting an autonomy-supportive with a controlling communication style. In a sample of adolescents (N = 196; mean age = 13.9 years; 63 % female) and their mothers (N = 185; mean age = 44 years), we first examined mean-level differences between the two domains in terms of mothers' degree and style of prohibition, as well as on a number of developmental outcomes (i.e., adolescents' legitimacy perceptions, internalization, and oppositional defiance). Both adolescents and mothers reported more maternal involvement in the moral domain (e.g., higher scores for degree of prohibition and controlling communication style). In addition, adolescents reported greater perceived legitimacy and less oppositional defiance in the moral domain (as compared to the friendships domain). Second, we tested whether associations between degree and style of prohibition and the developmental outcomes were moderated by social domain. Whereas associations between degree of prohibition and developmental outcomes either were non-significant or moderated by domain, the associations with communication style were more domain-invariant, with an autonomy-supportive style generally yielding an adaptive pattern of correlates and with a controlling style relating to maladaptive outcomes. The discussion focuses on similarities and differences in the characteristics and correlates of both types of prohibitions.

Seamless Transfer or Crooked Seams? The Differentiated Outcomes of Associate's Degree Types Completing the Baccalaureate Degree

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thomas, John Phillip

2012-01-01

In this study academic outcomes for Associate of Applied Science and Associate of Applied Arts degree students who transferred to a large public midwestern research university were examined. A group with transcripted technical credits of 16 hours at transfer were compared and contrasted with a peer group of college-parallel associate's degree…

Quantifying the effect of changes in state-level adult smoking rates on youth smoking.

PubMed

Farrelly, Matthew C; Arnold, Kristin Y; Juster, Harlan R; Allen, Jane A

2014-01-01

Quantify the degree to which changes in state-level adult smoking prevalence subsequently influence youth smoking prevalence. Analysis of data from the Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) collected from 1995 to 2006 and the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) collected from 1999 to 2006. Adults 25 years or older who completed the TUS-CPS and youth in middle and high school who completed the NYTS. Current smoking among middle and high school students as a function of the change in state-level adult smoking, controlling for individual-level sociodemographic characteristics and state-level tobacco control policy variables. Among middle school students, declines in state-level adult smoking rates are associated with lower odds of current smoking (P < .05), and each doubling of the decline in adult smoking rates is associated with a 6.0% decrease in youth smoking. Among high school students, declines in state-level adult smoking rates are not associated with current smoking. Higher cigarette prices were associated with lower odds of smoking among middle and high school students. Greater population coverage by smoke-free air laws and greater funding for tobacco control programs were associated with lower odds of current smoking among high school students but not middle school students. Compliance with youth access laws was not associated with middle or high school smoking. By quantifying the effect of changes in state-level adult smoking rates on youth smoking, this study enhances the precision with which the tobacco control community can assess the return on investment for adult-focused tobacco control programs.

Current Trends in Associate Degree Nursing Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blackstone, Elaine Grant

This study was designed to ascertain current trends in associate degree nursing programs and to discover innovative ideas and techniques which could be applied to the existing program at Miami-Dade Community College (Florida). Data was compiled from interviews with representatives of ten associate degree nursing programs in six states. Information…

Changing Directions: The Future of Associate Degree Nursing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dillon, Patricia

1997-01-01

The majority of current nursing graduates are associate degree nurses (ADNs). However, recent trends, such as the shift to a worldwide health care market and community/primary care, suggest that a bachelor's degree is better preparation. Ways to increase the mobility of ADNs into bachelor's degree programs are needed. (SK)

Identification of indicator proteins associated with flooding injury in soybean seedlings using label-free quantitative proteomics.

PubMed

Nanjo, Yohei; Nakamura, Takuji; Komatsu, Setsuko

2013-11-01

Flooding injury is one of the abiotic constraints on soybean growth. An experimental system established for evaluating flooding injury in soybean seedlings indicated that the degree of injury is dependent on seedling density in floodwater. Dissolved oxygen levels in the floodwater were decreased by the seedlings and correlated with the degree of injury. To understand the molecular mechanism responsible for the injury, proteomic alterations in soybean seedlings that correlated with severity of stress were analyzed using label-free quantitative proteomics. The analysis showed that the abundance of proteins involved in cell wall modification, such as polygalacturonase inhibitor-like and expansin-like B1-like proteins, which may be associated with the defense system, increased dependence on stress at both the protein and mRNA levels in all organs during flooding. The manner of alteration in abundance of these proteins was distinct from those of other responsive proteins. Furthermore, proteins also showing specific changes in abundance in the root tip included protein phosphatase 2A subunit-like proteins, which are possibly involved in flooding-induced root tip cell death. Additionally, decreases in abundance of cell wall synthesis-related proteins, such as cinnamyl-alcohol dehydrogenase and cellulose synthase-interactive protein-like proteins, were identified in hypocotyls of seedlings grown for 3 days after flooding, and these proteins may be associated with suppression of growth after flooding. These flooding injury-associated proteins can be defined as indicator proteins for severity of flooding stress in soybean.

Temperature effects on CO2-sensitive intrapulmonary chemoreceptors in the lizard, Tupinambis nigropunctatus.

PubMed

Douse, M A; Mitchell, G S

1988-06-01

Body temperature (Tb) effects on CO2 responses of 17 intrapulmonary chemoreceptors (IPC) were investigated in 9 anesthetized (pentobarbital; 30 mg/kg) and unidirectionally ventilated tegu lizards (Tupinambis nigropunctatus). At 30 degrees C, all IPC (n = 15) had a stable discharge pattern. At 20 degrees C, IPC discharge (n = 14) was stable at high PCO2 but irregular at low PCO2 and often (10/14) consisted of bursts of activity separated by one or more seconds of quiescence. Responses of IPC to static and dynamic changes in PCO2 were quantified at both Tb and the discharge rate vs PCO2 response curves were compared. Static discharge frequency (fSTAT) decreased as PCO2 increased at both Tb. At 20 degrees C: (1) fSTAT was diminished at all PCO2 levels relative to 30 degrees C; and (2) the slope of the fSTAT vs PCO2 relationship was markedly attenuated. The Q10 was 3.7 +/- 0.5 and was independent of PCO2. The peak discharge associated with a step decrease in PCO2 (dynamic response; fDYN) also decreased as PCO2 increased. At 20 degrees C: (1) fDYN was diminished at all PCO2 levels relative to 30 degrees C; but (2) the slope of the fDYN vs PCO2 relationship was similar at both Tb. The Q10 was 2.6 +/- 0.3 and was significantly less than the Q10 of fSTAT (P less than 0.05). Acute changes in Tb exert large effects on the CO2 response and discharge pattern of IPC; these effects on IPC may be important in ventilatory control at different Tb in lizards.

Topographic gravity modeling for global Bouguer maps to degree 2160: Validation of spectral and spatial domain forward modeling techniques at the 10 microGal level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirt, Christian; Reußner, Elisabeth; Rexer, Moritz; Kuhn, Michael

2016-09-01

Over the past years, spectral techniques have become a standard to model Earth's global gravity field to 10 km scales, with the EGM2008 geopotential model being a prominent example. For some geophysical applications of EGM2008, particularly Bouguer gravity computation with spectral techniques, a topographic potential model of adequate resolution is required. However, current topographic potential models have not yet been successfully validated to degree 2160, and notable discrepancies between spectral modeling and Newtonian (numerical) integration well beyond the 10 mGal level have been reported. Here we accurately compute and validate gravity implied by a degree 2160 model of Earth's topographic masses. Our experiments are based on two key strategies, both of which require advanced computational resources. First, we construct a spectrally complete model of the gravity field which is generated by the degree 2160 Earth topography model. This involves expansion of the topographic potential to the 15th integer power of the topography and modeling of short-scale gravity signals to ultrahigh degree of 21,600, translating into unprecedented fine scales of 1 km. Second, we apply Newtonian integration in the space domain with high spatial resolution to reduce discretization errors. Our numerical study demonstrates excellent agreement (8 μGgal RMS) between gravity from both forward modeling techniques and provides insight into the convergence process associated with spectral modeling of gravity signals at very short scales (few km). As key conclusion, our work successfully validates the spectral domain forward modeling technique for degree 2160 topography and increases the confidence in new high-resolution global Bouguer gravity maps.

Cognitive Alexithymia Is Associated with the Degree of Risk for Psychosis

PubMed Central

van der Velde, Jorien; Swart, Marte; van Rijn, Sophie; van der Meer, Lisette; Wunderink, Lex; Wiersma, Durk; Krabbendam, Lydia; Bruggeman, Richard; Aleman, André

2015-01-01

Alexithymia is a personality construct denoting emotion processing problems. It has been suggested to encompass two dimensions: a cognitive and affective dimension. The cognitive dimension is characterized by difficulties in identifying, verbalizing and analyzing emotions, while the affective dimension reflects the level of emotional arousal and imagination. Alexithymia has been previously proposed as a risk factor for developing psychosis. More specifically, the two alexithymia dimensions might be differentially related to the vulnerability for psychosis. Therefore, we examined the two dimensions of alexithymia, measured with the BVAQ in 94 siblings of patients with schizophrenia, 52 subjects at ultra-high risk (UHR) for developing psychosis, 38 patients with schizophrenia and 109 healthy controls. The results revealed that siblings and patients had higher levels of cognitive alexithymia compared to controls. In addition, subjects at UHR for psychosis had even higher levels of cognitive alexithymia compared to the siblings. The levels of affective alexithymia in siblings and patients were equal to controls. However, UHR individuals had significantly lower levels of affective alexithymia (i.e. higher levels of emotional arousal and fantasizing) compared to controls. Alexithymia was further related to subclinical levels of negative and depressive symptoms. These findings indicate that alexithymia varies parametrically with the degree of risk for psychosis. More specifically, a type-II alexithymia pattern, with high levels of cognitive alexithymia and normal or low levels of affective alexithymia, might be a vulnerability factor for psychosis. PMID:26030357

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FRACTION OF EXHALED NITRIC OXIDE AND SPIROMETRY DATA AND CLINICAL CONTROL OF ASTHMA IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

PubMed Central

Salviano, Luanda Dias da Silva; Taglia-Ferre, Karla Delevedove; Lisboa, Sandra; da Costa, Ana Carolina Carioca; Campos, Hisbello da Silva; March, Maria de Fátima Pombo

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the association between fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) values and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and the level of asthma control, as proposed by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), in asthmatic children and adolescents attended at the National Institute of Women, Children and Adolescents Health Fernandes Figueira of Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IFF/FIOCRUZ). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, with a review of medical records of 90 asthmatics between 7 and 17 years old, who were followed up at the IFF/FIOCRUZ Asthma Outpatient Clinic and were referred to perform respiratory function tests (RFT)between March 2013 and September 2014. After classification according to GINA, patients performed complete spirometry and FeNO measurement. Subsequently, they were separated into two groups: regular and non-regular inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use, regardless of the ventilatory pattern in spirometry. Results: The association between FEV1 values and the degree of asthma control according to GINA (p=0.001) was observed in all patients, regardless of ICS use, but there was no association between FEV1 and levels of FeNO. Conclusions: The correlation observed between GINA and FEV1 reinforces the importance of spirometry in the clinical follow-up of these patients. Although no association was found between the value of FeNO and the degree of asthma control and FEV1, FeNO may be an early method to detect airway inflammation, even before the symptoms and spirometric changes. PMID:29412429

Three-Year College Discovery Master Plan, Bronx Community College, 1998-2001, Parts I-III.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Shirley; Santa Rita, Emilio

Bronx Community College created a three-year College Discovery (CD) master plan for 1998-2001 to help restructure its counseling programs and support services and enable CD students to acquire an associate's degree level of education. The first area of restructuring is in the role of the director of College Discovery and Counseling. General…

An Opportunity to Learn US History: What NAEP Data Suggest Regarding the Opportunity Gap

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heafner, Tina L.; Fitchett, Paul G.

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study is to determine the degree to which Opportunity to Learn (OTL), is associated with students' achievement in US History. Opportunity to Learn stems from the basic premise that there is an important relationship between the quality and frequency of classroom instruction and students' levels of academic success. The authors…

Multilevel Analysis of the Impact of School-Level Tobacco Policies on Adolescent Smoking: The Case of Michigan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paek, Hye-Jin; Hove, Thomas; Oh, Hyun Jung

2013-01-01

Background: In efforts to curb and prevent youth smoking, school tobacco policies have become an important and effective strategy. This study explores the degrees and types of tobacco-free school policy (TFSP) enforcement that are associated with adolescent smoking. Methods: A multilevel analysis was performed using 983 students who are nested in…

A Proposal to the Massachusetts Board of Regional Community Colleges for a New Occupational Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Viaux, Frederic B.

The development of a Mental Health Technology Program at Middlesex Community College is proposed. The 2-year program would train the student to become a middle-level generalist in the field of mental health with special abilities as a communicator. On successfully completing the program, the student would receive an Associate Degree in Mental…

Model Specifications for Estimating Labor Market Returns to Associate Degrees: How Robust Are Fixed Effects Estimates? A CAPSEE Working Paper

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Belfield, Clive; Bailey, Thomas

2017-01-01

Recently, studies have adopted fixed effects modeling to identify the returns to college. This method has the advantage over ordinary least squares estimates in that unobservable, individual-level characteristics that may bias the estimated returns are differenced out. But the method requires extensive longitudinal data and involves complex…

What Motivates High School Students to Want to Be Teachers? The Role of Salary, Working Conditions, and Societal Evaluations about Occupations in a Comparative Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Han, Seong Won; Borgonovi, Francesca; Guerriero, Sonia

2018-01-01

This study examines between-country differences in the degree to which teachers' working conditions, salaries, and societal evaluations about desirable job characteristics are associated with students' teaching career expectations. Three-level hierarchical generalized linear models are employed to analyze cross-national data from the Programme for…

Understanding the Gender Gap in Science and Engineering: Evidence from the Chilean College Admissions Tests

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gándara, Fernanda; Silva, Monica

2016-01-01

This study seeks to develop a better understanding of the underrepresentation of women in science and engineering by analyzing the gender gaps (a) in the interest in pursuing a science degree and (b) on science achievement. We use national-level college admissions data to examine gender differences and to explore the association between these…

Inequality matters: classroom status hierarchy and adolescents' bullying.

PubMed

Garandeau, Claire F; Lee, Ihno A; Salmivalli, Christina

2014-07-01

The natural emergence of status hierarchies in adolescent peer groups has long been assumed to help prevent future intragroup aggression. However, clear evidence of this beneficial influence is lacking. In fact, few studies have examined between-group differences in the degree of status hierarchy (defined as within-group variation in individual status) and how they are related to bullying, a widespread form of aggression in schools. Data from 11,296 eighth- and ninth-graders (mean age = 14.57, 50.6 % female) from 583 classes in 71 schools were used to determine the direction of the association between classroom degree of status hierarchy and bullying behaviors, and to investigate prospective relationships between these two variables over a 6-month period. Multilevel structural equation modeling analyses showed that higher levels of classroom status hierarchy were concurrently associated with higher levels of bullying at the end of the school year. Higher hierarchy in the middle of the school year predicted higher bullying later in the year. No evidence was found to indicate that initial bullying predicted future hierarchy. These findings highlight the importance of a shared balance of power in the classroom for the prevention of bullying among adolescents.

Symptom Severity Predicts Degree of T Cell Activation In Adult Women Following Childhood Maltreatment

PubMed Central

Lemieux, Andrine; Coe, Christopher L.; Carnes, Molly

2008-01-01

Although depression is often associated with a reduction in cellular immune responses, other types of emotional disturbance and psychopathology can activate certain aspects of immunity. Activation markers on T cells, in particular, have been found to be elevated in post-traumatic stress states. However, little is known about the relationship between the severity of PTSD symptoms and the degree of change in T cell phenotypes, or about the potential role of neuroendocrine factors in mediating the association. Twenty-four women with a history of sexual trauma during childhood, including 11 who met diagnostic criteria for PTSD, were compared to 12 age-matched, healthy women without a history of maltreatment. The women provided fasted blood samples for enumeration of cell subsets by immunofluorescence and 24-hour urine samples for analysis of catecholamine and cortisol levels. The percent of T cells expressing CD45RA, an early activation marker, was higher in the PTSD diagnosed women, and the levels correlated positively with intrusive symptoms and negatively with avoidant symptoms. These alterations in cell surface markers did not appear to be mediated by norepinephrine (NE) or cortisol, making them a distinctive and independent biomarker of arousal and disturbance in PTSD. PMID:18396007

The importance of employee participation and perceptions of changes in procedures in a teamworking intervention

PubMed Central

Nielsen, Karina; Randall, Raymond

2012-01-01

The powerful positive results of implementing teamwork are not always achieved. It has been suggested that attempts to implement theories regarding teamwork do not always lead to those theories being put into practice, and as a result positive outcomes are not always found. The participation of employees in the development and implementation of an intervention may help to ensure that changes take place. In this longitudinal study (N = 583) of teamwork implementation in Denmark we examined the links between pre-intervention working conditions and well-being, levels of participation in planning and implementation, employees’ reports of changes in procedures, and intervention outcomes. Pre-intervention levels of autonomy and job satisfaction predicted the degree of employee participation in the planning and implementation of the intervention. Pre-intervention well-being and social support were linked directly to the degree to which employees reported changes in existing work practices concerning teamwork. In addition, participation and changes in work procedures were significantly associated with post-intervention autonomy, social support and well-being. The results indicate that employee participation in intervention processes is crucial in what appears to be an important association with perceived changes in procedures and, therefore, in intervention outcomes. PMID:22745519

Higher serum glucose levels are associated with cerebral hypometabolism in Alzheimer regions.

PubMed

Burns, Christine M; Chen, Kewei; Kaszniak, Alfred W; Lee, Wendy; Alexander, Gene E; Bandy, Daniel; Fleisher, Adam S; Caselli, Richard J; Reiman, Eric M

2013-04-23

To investigate whether higher fasting serum glucose levels in cognitively normal, nondiabetic adults were associated with lower regional cerebral metabolic rate for glucose (rCMRgl) in brain regions preferentially affected by Alzheimer disease (AD). This is a cross-sectional study of 124 cognitively normal persons aged 64 ± 6 years with a first-degree family history of AD, including 61 APOEε4 noncarriers and 63 carriers. An automated brain mapping algorithm characterized and compared correlations between higher fasting serum glucose levels and lower [(18)F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET rCMRgl measurements. As predicted, higher fasting serum glucose levels were significantly correlated with lower rCMRgl and were confined to the vicinity of brain regions preferentially affected by AD. A similar pattern of regional correlations occurred in the APOEε4 noncarriers and carriers. Higher fasting serum glucose levels in cognitively normal, nondiabetic adults may be associated with AD pathophysiology. Findings suggest that the risk imparted by higher serum glucose levels may be independent of APOEε4 status. This study raises additional questions about the role of the metabolic process in the predisposition to AD and supports the possibility of targeting these processes in presymptomatic AD trials.

Transforming the Terminal Associates of Applied Science into a Four-Year Degree: A Win-Win Situation for Students, Community Colleges, Universities, and Businesses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Batts, David L.; Pagliari, Leslie R.

2013-01-01

Associates of Applied Science (AAS) degrees were once considered terminal degrees and were developed for people seeking technical skills to join the workforce. This paper discusses the transformation from a transferable degree into technical four-year baccalaureate degree. It also discusses survey results of students currently in a degree…

Sources and Information on Transfer Associate Degrees

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ayon, Carlos

2012-01-01

This chapter provides an annotated bibliography of articles about the effects of transfer associate degrees and related statewide transfer and articulation policies. It also provides links to transfer degree legislation in several states.

Effects of topical steroids on tight junction proteins and spongiosis in esophageal epithelia of patients with eosinophilic esophagitis.

PubMed

Katzka, David A; Tadi, Ravikanth; Smyrk, Thomas C; Katarya, Eesha; Sharma, Anamay; Geno, Deborah M; Camilleri, Michael; Iyer, Prasad G; Alexander, Jeffrey A; Buttar, Navtej S

2014-11-01

The allergic response associated with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) occurs when food antigens permeate tight junction-mediated epithelial dilated intercellular spaces. We assessed whether levels of tight junction proteins correlate with the dilation of intercellular spaces (spongiosis) and the effects of topical steroids on these parameters. We assessed esophageal biopsy samples from 10 patients with active EoE treated with topical fluticasone, 10 untreated patients, and 10 patients without esophageal disease (controls) for degree of spongiosis. Immunohistochemical assays were used to determine the levels of the tight junction proteins filaggrin, zonula occludens (ZO)-1, ZO-2, ZO-3, and claudin-1. Histology and immunohistochemistry results were assessed blindly, with levels of tight junction proteins and degree of spongiosis rated on scales of 0 to 3. The mean degrees of spongiosis in untreated and treated patients with EoE were 1.3 and 0.4, respectively (P = .016). Esophageal epithelia did not stain significantly for ZO-1 or ZO-2. Filaggrin was observed in a predominant cytoplasmic pattern, compared with the cytoplasmic and membranous patterns of ZO-3 and claudin-1. In biopsy specimens from patients with active EoE, the mean staining intensities for filaggrin, ZO-3, and claudin-1 were 1.6, 1.4, and 0.7, respectively. In biopsy specimens from patients treated with fluticasone, levels of filaggrin, ZO-3, and claudin-1 were 2.8 (P = .002 compared with untreated patients), 1.7 (P = .46 compared with untreated patients), and 1.3 (P = .25 compared with untreated patients), respectively. The correlation between the level of filaggrin and the degree of spongiosis was r = 0.23, and between ZO-3 staining and the degree of spongiosis was r = .016 (P = .001 for filaggrin vs ZO-3 staining). Filaggrin, ZO-3, and claudin-1 (but not ZO-1 or ZO-2) are detected in the esophageal mucosa of patients with EoE treated with steroids and individuals without esophageal disease. Without treatment, spongiosis increases, corresponding with reduced levels of filaggrin, ZO-3, and claudin-1. Loss of tight junction regulators and dilation of intercellular spaces appear to be involved in the pathophysiology of EoE and could be targets for treatment. Copyright © 2014 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Grandmother Involvement as a Protective Factor for Early Childhood Social Adjustment

PubMed Central

Barnett, Melissa A.; Scaramella, Laura V.; Neppl, Tricia K.; Ontai, Lenna L.; Conger, Rand D.

2010-01-01

Despite high rates of grandmother involvement with young grandchildren, very little research has examined the associations between non-residential grandmother involvement and grandchild social adjustment. The present study draws 127 families enrolled in the Family Transitions Project to consider the degree to which mother-reported maternal grandmother involvement buffers 3- and 4-year old grandchildren from economic, parenting, and child temperamental risks for reduced social competence and elevated externalizing behaviors. Findings indicate that higher levels of mother-reported grandmother involvement reduced the negative association between observed grandchild negative emotional reactivity and social competence. Further, high levels of mother-reported grandmother involvement protected grandchildren from the positive association between observed harsh mother parenting and grandchild externalizing behaviors. These findings underscore the relevance of moving beyond the nuclear family to understand factors linked to social adjustment during early childhood. PMID:20954774

Factors associated with spontaneous perineal lacerations in deliveries without episiotomy in a university maternity hospital in the city of Recife, Brazil: a cohort study.

PubMed

Lins, Vanessa Maria Laranjeiras; Katz, Leila; Vasconcelos, Fernanda Barros Lima; Coutinho, Isabela; Amorim, Melania Maria

2018-04-18

The objective of this study is to determine factors associated with spontaneous perineal laceration in low-risk pregnant women who delivered vaginally without episiotomy in a university maternity hospital in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. A prospective cohort study was conducted with 222 low-risk, full-term pregnant women admitted in labor with a single fetus in cephalic presentation. Women with malformed fetuses were excluded from the study. The variables analyzed were: the frequency and severity of lacerations, the women's biological, sociodemographic, clinical and obstetrical characteristics, neonatal characteristics, and data on their deliveries and procedures. For the data analysis, risk ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated. A significance level of 5% was adopted and multiple regression analysis was performed. Spontaneous first-degree perineal tears were registered in 47% of the women, second-degree tears in 31%, and third degree tears in only 1.8%. There were no cases of fourth-degree tears. Having experienced normal childbirth previously constituted a protective factor against vaginal tearing (OR =  0.46; 95%CI: 0.23-0.91; p = .027). The principal protective factor against spontaneous lacerations was having experienced normal childbirth previously. Intrapartum strategies aimed at protecting the perineum and pelvic floor muscle training during prenatal care should be encouraged in these women.

Falls, fractures and bone density in Parkinson's disease - a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Tassorelli, Cristina; Berlangieri, Mariangela; Buscone, Simona; Bolla, Monica; De Icco, Roberto; Baricich, Alessio; Pacchetti, Claudio; Cisari, Carlo; Sandrini, Giorgio

2017-04-01

Evidence suggests that falls and associated bone fractures are more frequent in patients suffering from Parkinson's disease (PD) than in the general population. In this cross-sectional study we evaluated the clinical and biochemical characteristics that are associated to falls, fractures and bone health in a population of PD subjects. Forty-two consecutive subjects suffering from idiopathic PD (mild-to-moderate severity) with/without falls in the previous year were included. They were characterized as regards functional independence, balance, fear of falling, bone density (ultrasound densitometry) and plasma levels of vitamin D. Twenty-one age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were evaluated as controls. We detected a greater degree of osteoporosis in PD subjects as compared to controls, more pronounced in males than in females (Z-score: M -3.8 ± 1.6, F -2.28 ± 0.92, p = 0.0006). A positive correlation was found between independence levels and bone density or vitamin D levels. Twenty seven patients (64%) reported falls in the previous year. These were associated to post-traumatic fractures in 16 subjects (59% of fallers). Women fell more than men (fallers: 20 F/7 M; non fallers: 4 F/11 M, χ² test p = 0.02), although the occurrence of post-traumatic fractures among fallers did not differ between sexes (F 11/9, M 5/2, χ² test p > 0.05). Fallers with post-traumatic fractures showed higher degrees of motor impairment. These findings confirm that falls and osteoporosis represent major health issues in PD, already in the middle stages of disease.

A Multicomponent, Preschool to Third Grade Preventive Intervention and Educational Attainment at 35 Years of Age.

PubMed

Reynolds, Arthur J; Ou, Suh-Ruu; Temple, Judy A

2018-03-01

Educational attainment is the leading social determinant of health, but few studies of prevention programs have examined whether the programs are associated with educational attainment outcomes after the mid-20s, especially for large-scale programs that provide a longer duration of services. To examine the association between a preschool to third grade intervention and educational attainment at midlife and differences by program duration, sex, and parental educational level. This matched-group, alternative intervention study assessed 1539 low-income minority children born in 1979 or 1980 who grew up in high-poverty neighborhoods in Chicago, Illinois. The comparison group included 550 children primarily from randomly selected schools participating in the usual early intervention. A total of 989 children who entered preschool in 1983 or 1984 and completed kindergarten in 1986 were included in the Chicago Longitudinal Study and were followed up for 27 to 30 years after the end of a multicomponent intervention. A total of 1398 participants (90.8%) in the original sample had educational attainment records at 35 years of age. The study was performed from January 1, 2002, through May 31, 2015. The Child-Parent Center Program provides school-based educational enrichment and comprehensive family services from preschool to third grade (ages 3-9 years). Educational outcomes from administrative records and self-report included school dropout, 4-year high school graduation, years of education, postsecondary credential, and earned degrees from associate's to master's or higher. A total of 1539 participants (mean [SD] age, 35.1 [0.32] years; 1423 [92.9%] black and 108 [7.1%] Hispanic) were included in the study. After weighting on 2 propensity scores, preschool participants had higher rates of postsecondary degree completion, including associate's degree or higher (15.7% vs 10.7%; difference, 5.0%; 95% CI, 1.0%-9.0%), master's degree (4.2% vs 1.5%; difference, 2.7%; 95% CI, 1.3%-4.1%), and years of education (12.81 vs 12.32; difference, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.20-0.77). Duration of participation showed a consistent linear association with outcomes. Compared with fewer years, preschool to second or third grade participation led to higher rates of associate's degree or higher (18.5% vs 12.5%; difference, 6.0%; 95% CI, 1.0%-11.0%), bachelor's degree (14.3% vs 8.2%; difference, 6.1%; 95% CI, 1.3%-10.9%), and master's degree or higher (5.9% vs 2.3%; difference, 3.6%; 95% CI, 1.4%-5.9%). The pattern of benefits was robust and favored male participants for high school graduation, female participants for college attainment, and those from lower-educated households. This study indicates that an established early and continuing intervention is associated with higher midlife postsecondary attainment. Replication and extension of findings to other locations and populations should further strengthen confidence in the health benefits of large-scale preventive interventions.

Assessment of numeracy in sports and exercise science students at an Australian university

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Green, Simon; McGlynn, Susan; Stuart, Deidre; Fahey, Paul; Pettigrew, Jim; Clothier, Peter

2018-05-01

The effect of high school study of mathematics on numeracy performance of sports and exercise science (SES) students is not clear. To investigate this further, we tested the numeracy skills of 401 students enrolled in a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree in SES using a multiple-choice survey consisting of four background questions and 39 numeracy test questions. Background questions (5-point scale) focused on highest level of mathematics studied at high school, self-perception of mathematics proficiency, perceived importance of mathematics to SES and likelihood of seeking help with mathematics. Numeracy questions focused on rational number, ratios and rates, basic algebra and graph interpretation. Numeracy performance was based on answers to these questions (1 mark each) and represented by the total score (maximum = 39). Students from first (n = 212), second (n = 78) and third (n = 111) years of the SES degree completed the test. The distribution of numeracy test scores for the entire cohort was negatively skewed with a median (IQR) score of 27(11). We observed statistically significant associations between test scores and the highest level of mathematics studied (P < 0.05), being lowest in students who studied Year 10 Mathematics (20 (9)), intermediate in students who studied Year 12 General Mathematics (26 (8)) and highest in two groups of students who studied higher-level Year 12 Mathematics (31 (9), 31 (6)). There were statistically significant associations between test scores and level of self-perception of mathematics proficiency and also likelihood of seeking help with mathematics (P < 0.05) but not with perceived importance of mathematics to SES. These findings reveal that the level of mathematics studied in high school is a critical factor determining the level of numeracy performance in SES students.

Students' Desired and Experienced Levels of Connectivity to an Asynchronous, Online, Distance Degree Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schroeder, Shawnda; Baker, Mary; Terras, Katherine; Mahar, Patti; Chiasson, Kari

2016-01-01

This study examined graduate students' desired and experienced levels of connectivity in an online, asynchronous distance degree program. Connectivity was conceptualized as the students' feelings of community and involvement, not their level of access to the Internet. Graduate students enrolled in a distance degree program were surveyed on both…

Student and Institutional Variables that Affect Time to Degree Completion of Community College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barrett, Iris Killian

2012-01-01

This research study investigated student and institutional variables associated with timely degree completion of the associate degree by community college students. Along with increased community college enrollments, time to degree has also increased. Three years (150% time or six semesters) currently stands as the community college standard for…

Predictors of Accounting Salaries: A Comparison of Bachelor Degree Graduate Salaries with Associate Degree Graduate Salaries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tickell, Geoffrey

2009-01-01

This paper reports on an investigation comparing the employment salary of bachelor degree in accounting graduates with associate degree in accounting graduates two years after their graduation. Using hierarchical regression analyses, this study shows the predictive strength of participants' academic qualifications, age, gender, GPA, professional…

[Evaluation of initial results of treatment of lead poisoning with EDTA].

PubMed

Petkova, V; Adjarov, D; Pavlova, S; Naydenova, E; Kerimova, M; Kuneva, T

1994-01-01

The results of EDTA therapy were studied in 37 workers of a battery factory consisting of males with varying degrees of occupational lead poisoning (low exposure: 10 subjects, blood lead levels (PbB) lower than 400 micrograms/l with slight alterations in heme biosynthesis; beyond limit of effect: 5 subjects, PbB > 400 micrograms/l; slight intoxication: 19 subjects, with marked alterations in heme synthesis and preclinical signs of intoxication; average degree of intoxication: 3 subjects with clinical signs of intoxication. Clinical symptoms and the following parameters were investigated: blood lead (PbB), delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase in erythrocytes (ALA-D), zinc protoporphyrin (PP) in erythrocytes and delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in 24-hour urine before and after EDTA chelating therapy. Simultaneous measurement of ALA-D and PP showed high diagnostic sensitivity in detecting lead poisoning in occupationally exposed subjects. In view of the high interindividual variability of the results, these indices did not, however, permit a useful differentiation to be made of the different degrees of intoxication at individual level, even though a good correlation was observed between PbB and porphyrin metabolism indices. From the alterations observed in ALA-D and PP values it was not possible to establish an association between degree of alteration and types of clinical symptoms in the different intoxication studies. At the end of EDTA treatment, a clinical improvement was observed in all cases studied but only in 5 cases was a reduction in PbB observed, to levels below 1.20 mol/l, which is accepted as a permissible limit for the general population; in 17 cases PbB remained at levels above the critical value for occupational lead poisoning (400 micrograms/l), although there was a decrease after treatment. The improvement observed in the indices of porphyrin metabolism at the end of treatment was only slight: significant variations were measured only for PbB. After treatment no association was observed between ALA-D and PP variations in erythrocytes and improvement in clinical symptoms; measurement of these indices therefore seems to be of little use in assessing the efficacy of the treatment. In spite of its limited diagnostic sensitivity during intoxication, measurement of ALA in urine could be useful to assess the efficacy of chelating therapy in subjects in whom the values are initially altered.

Higher levels of trait emotional awareness are associated with more efficient global information integration throughout the brain: A graph-theoretic analysis of resting state functional connectivity.

PubMed

Smith, Ryan; Sanova, Anna; Alkozei, Anna; Lane, Richard D; Killgore, William D S

2018-06-21

Previous studies have suggested that trait differences in emotional awareness (tEA) are clinically relevant, and associated with differences in neural structure/function. While multiple leading theories suggest that conscious awareness requires widespread information integration across the brain, no study has yet tested the hypothesis that higher tEA corresponds to more efficient brain-wide information exchange. Twenty-six healthy volunteers (13 female) underwent a resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging scan, and completed the Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale (LEAS; a measure of tEA) and the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI-II; a measure of general intelligence [IQ]). Using a whole-brain (functionally defined) region-of-interest (ROI) atlas, we computed several graph theory metrics to assess the efficiency of brain-wide information exchange. After statistically controlling for differences in age, gender, and IQ, we first observed a significant relationship between higher LEAS scores and greater average degree (i.e., overall whole-brain network density). When controlling for average degree, we found that higher LEAS scores were also associated with shorter average path lengths across the collective network of all included ROIs. These results jointly suggest that individuals with higher tEA display more efficient global information exchange throughout the brain. This is consistent with the idea that conscious awareness requires global accessibility of represented information.

Multilevel analysis of the impact of school-level tobacco policies on adolescent smoking: the case of Michigan.

PubMed

Paek, Hye-Jin; Hove, Thomas; Oh, Hyun Jung

2013-10-01

In efforts to curb and prevent youth smoking, school tobacco policies have become an important and effective strategy. This study explores the degrees and types of tobacco-free school policy (TFSP) enforcement that are associated with adolescent smoking. A multilevel analysis was performed using 983 students who are nested in 14 schools. The individual-level data are drawn from the 2009 Michigan Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The school-level data are drawn from the 2008 School Health Profiles survey. Two factors are associated with lower adolescent smoking: greater punishment for TFSP violation and more tobacco control communication efforts. By contrast, the factors associated with higher adolescent smoking are designation of a tobacco-free school zone and school-level smoking. This study theoretically and methodologically guides researchers to test TFSP effectiveness in other states. Three strategic implications emerge: (1) schools should provide a consistent antismoking message in smoke-free environments; (2) schools should integrate TFSP into a comprehensive tobacco control initiative, including community-wide tobacco control programs and messages; and (3) the way a specific TFSP is promoted and communicated could determine how effective it is. © 2013, American School Health Association.

Serum biochemical markers in lung cancer.

PubMed Central

Burt, R. W.; Ratcliffe, J. G.; Stack, B. H.; Cuthbert, J.; Kennedy, R. S.; Corker, C. S.; Franchimont, P.; Spilg, W. G.; Stimson, W. H.

1978-01-01

The prevalence of elevated serum levels of 5 potential tumour-associated antigens was determined in patients with lung cancer sampled at the time of initial presentation, using age- and sex-matched patients with benign lung disease as controls. Elevated levels (greater than upper 95th centile of controls) were found as follows: carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), 17%; pregnancy-associated alpha-macroglobulin (PAM), 16%; casein 14%; human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) 6%; alpha-foetoprotein (AFP), 1.5%. The prevalence of elevated CEA levels (but not other markers) was higher in patients with evidence of extra-thoracic tumour spread (23%) mainly due to anaplastic tumours and adenocarcinomas. A degree of concordance of elevated marker levels occurred with CEA, HCG, casein and AFP, but there was a striking discordance of elevated CEA and PAM levels. Simultaneous assays of CEA and PAM will detect the majority of patients with elevations of any of the markers studied, and are likely to be the most useful biochemical markers in following the response of lung tumours to therapy. PMID:77672

Is chronic pain associated with somatization/hypochondriasis? An evidence-based structured review.

PubMed

Fishbain, David A; Lewis, John E; Gao, Jinrun; Cole, Brandly; Steele Rosomoff, R

2009-01-01

This is an evidence-based structured review. The objectives of this review were to answer the following questions: (1) Are somatization/hypochondriasis associated with chronic pain? (2) Is the degree of somatization/hypochondriasis related to pain levels? (3) Does pain treatment improve somatization/hypochondriasis? (4) Are some pain diagnoses differentially associated with somatization/hypochondriasis? Fifty-seven studies which fulfilled inclusion criteria and had high quality scores were sorted by the above-mentioned objectives. Agency for health care policy and research guidelines were utilized to type and characterize the strength/consistency of the study evidence within each objective. Somatization and hypochondriasis were both consistently associated with chronic pain (consistency ratings B and A, respectively). Study evidence indicated a correlation between pain intensity and presence of somatization and hypochondriasis (consistency rating A and B, respectively). Pain treatment improved somatization and hypochondriasis (consistency rating B and A, respectively). Some chronic pain diagnostic groups somatized more (consistency rating B). Somatization is commonly associated with chronic pain and may relate to pain levels.

Dispersal barriers and isolation among deep-sea mussel populations (Mytilidae: Bathymodiolus) from eastern Pacific hydrothermal vents.

PubMed

Won, Y; Young, C R; Lutz, R A; Vrijenhoek, R C

2003-01-01

Deep-sea hydrothermal vent species are widely dispersed among habitat islands found along the global mid-ocean ridge system. We examine factors that affect population structure, gene flow and isolation in vent-endemic mussels of the genus Bathymodiolus from the eastern Pacific Ocean. Mussels were sampled from localities including the Galapagos Rift (GAR, 0 degrees 48' N; 86 degrees 10' W) and the East Pacific Rise (EPR, 13 degrees N to 32 degrees S latitude) across a maximum distance of 4900 km. The sampled range crossed a series of topographical features that interrupt linear aspects of the ridge system, and it encompassed regions of strong cross-axis currents that could impede along-axis dispersal of mussel larvae. Examinations of mitochondrial DNA sequences and allozyme variation revealed significant barriers to gene flow along the ridge axis. All populations from the GAR and EPR from 13 degrees N to 11 degrees S were homogeneous genetically and appeared to experience unimpeded high levels of interpopulational gene flow. In contrast, mussels from north and south of the Easter Microplate were highly divergent (4.4%), possibly comprising sister-species that diverged after formation of the microplate approximately 4.5 Ma. Strong cross-axis currents associated with inflated bathymetry of the microplate region may reinforce isolation across this region.

Recession and Divorce in the United States, 2008-2011

PubMed Central

Cohen, Philip N.

2015-01-01

Recession may increase divorce through a stress mechanism, or reduce divorce by exacerbating cost barriers or strengthening family bonds. After establishing an individual-level model predicting U.S. women's divorce, the paper tests period effects, and whether unemployment and foreclosures are associated with the odds of divorce using the 2008-2011 American Community Survey. Results show a downward spike in the divorce rate after 2008, almost recovering to the expected level by 2011, which suggests a negative recession effect. On the other hand, state foreclosure rates are positively associated with the odds of divorce with individual controls, although this effect is not significant when state fixed effects are introduced. State unemployment rates show no effect on odds of divorce. Future research will have to determine why national divorce odds fell during the recession while state-level economic indicators were not strongly associated with divorce. Exploratory analysis which shows unemployment decreasing divorce odds for those with college degrees, while foreclosures have the opposite effect, provides one possible avenue for such research. PMID:26023246

Hypothermia is associated with improved outcomes in a porcine model of hemorrhagic shock.

PubMed

George, Mark E; Mulier, Kristine E; Beilman, Greg J

2010-03-01

: Hypothermia after trauma is, in current medical practice, both avoided and aggressively treated. However, the effects of environmental hypothermia during early resuscitation after hemorrhagic shock have been only poorly characterized. : The objective of our study was to compare normothermia versus mild and severe levels of hypothermia in a porcine model of hemorrhagic shock. In a prospective survival study, we anesthetized 19 juvenile male pigs (Yorkshire-Landrace, 15-25 kg) and caused them to hemorrhage until their systolic blood pressure was 45 mm Hg to 55 mm Hg for a duration of 45 minutes. Then, we randomized them into three groups (all of which underwent an 8-hour limited resuscitation period) as follows: normothermic (39 degrees C), mildly hypothermic (36 degrees C), and severely hypothermic (33 degrees C). We used ice packs to achieve surface cooling that mimicked environmental hypothermia. After 8 hours, we rewarmed the pigs and fully resuscitated them for 16 hours. We extubated the survivors and observed them for an additional 24 hours, before killing them. : Surface cooling resulted in significant reduction in core body temperature. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the normothermic group (60%) than in the two hypothermic groups combined (7%) (p = 0.015) or in the severely hypothermic group (0%) (p = 0.023). Hypothermic animals had significantly lower levels of creatinine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and lactate in addition to a lower base deficit after shock. However, severely hypothermic animals required greater volumes of colloid infusion and whole blood transfusion to maintain our target systolic blood pressure and hemoglobin levels when compared with normothermic animals. We saw a strong trend toward decreased oxygen consumption with hypothermia. : In our porcine model, we found that simulating mild and severe levels of environmental hypothermia during early resuscitation after hemorrhage was associated with a significantly decreased mortality rate. Furthermore, markers of cellular stress and organ dysfunction, including lactate levels and the base deficit, were lower in hypothermic animals. Decreasing oxygen consumption with hypothermia may, in part, explain the protective effects observed with hypothermia.

Conflict, negative emotion, and reports of partners' relationship maintenance in same-sex couples.

PubMed

Ogolsky, Brian G; Gray, Christine R

2016-03-01

The literature on relationship maintenance has focused primarily on the beneficial outcomes of maintenance, and, as a result, little is known about relational processes that may interfere with reports of partners' maintenance. The authors examine how daily conflict influences individuals' reports of their partners' maintenance, and how a constructive communication style buffers this influence by reducing negative emotion on conflict days. In a daily diary study of 98 same-sex couples in romantic relationships, they found that the negative association between conflict and reports of a partner's relationship maintenance was mediated by negative emotion. That is, there was an indirect effect by which daily conflict was associated with higher levels of daily negative emotion, which was associated with reports of lower levels of partners' relationship maintenance. This indirect effect was moderated by couples' overall level of constructive communication such that higher levels diminished the degree to which couples experienced negative emotion on days with episodes of relational conflict. The authors discuss results in the context of interpersonal theory and provide implications for clinicians and practitioners. (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Low Temperature Development Induces a Specific Decrease in trans-Delta-Hexadecenoic Acid Content which Influences LHCII Organization.

PubMed

Huner, N P; Krol, M; Williams, J P; Maissan, E; Low, P S; Roberts, D; Thompson, J E

1987-05-01

Lipid and fatty acid analyses were performed on whole leaf extracts and isolated thylakoids from winter rye (Secale cereale L. cv Puma) grown at 5 degrees C cold-hardened rye (RH) and 20 degrees C nonhardened rye (RNH). Although no significant change in total lipid content was observed, growth at low, cold-hardening temperature resulted in a specific 67% (thylakoids) to 74% (whole leaves) decrease in the trans-Delta(3)-hexadecenoic acid (trans-16:1) level associated with phosphatidyldiacylglycerol (PG). Electron spin resonance and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated no significant difference in the fluidity of RH and RNH thylakoids. Separation of chlorophyll-protein complexes by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that the ratio of oligomeric light harvesting complex:monomeric light harvesting complex (LHCII(1):LHCII(3)) was 2-fold higher in RNH than RH thylakoids. The ratio of CP1a:CP1 was also 1.5-fold higher in RNH than RH thylakoids. Analyses of winter rye grown at 20, 15, 10, and 5 degrees C indicated that both, the trans-16:1 acid levels in PG and the LHCII(1):LHCII(3) decreased concomitantly with a decrease in growth temperature. Above 40 degrees C, differential scanning calorimetry of RNH thylakoids indicated the presence of five major endotherms (47, 60, 67, 73, and 86 degrees C). Although the general features of the temperature transitions observed above 40 degrees C in RH thylakoids were similar to those observed for RNH thylakoids, the transitions at 60 and 73 degrees C were resolved as inflections only and RH thylakoids exhibited transitions at 45 and 84 degrees C which were 2 degrees C lower than those observed in RNH thylakoids. Since polypeptide and lipid compositions of RH and RNH thylakoids were very similar, we suggest that these differences reflect alterations in thylakoid membrane organization. Specifically, it is suggested that low developmental temperature modulates LHCII organization such that oligomeric LHCII predominates in RNH thylakoids whereas a monomeric or an intermediate form of LHCII predominates in RH thylakoids. Furthermore, we conclude that low developmental temperature modulates LHCII organization by specifically altering the fatty composition of thylakoid PG.

Subjective underchallenge at work and its impact on mental health.

PubMed

Lehmann, Anja; Burkert, Silke; Daig, Isolde; Glaesmer, Heide; Brähler, Elmar

2011-08-01

To investigate the relation between subjective underchallenge at work and the degree of depressiveness and life satisfaction. A representative sample of the German general population of N = 1,178 (52.5% men; age: M = 40.4 years, SD = 11.3) was included in this study. Measurements contain Satisfaction with Life Scalè (SWLS) and the Patient Health Questionnairè (PHQ-D). To assess subjective underchallenge at work, a ten-item scale was developed for the purpose of this study. The association between subjective underchallenge at work, life satisfaction and depressiveness was examined by means of path analyses. A significant positive association was found between subjective underchallenge at work and depressiveness, mediated by life satisfaction. This association was not moderated by income but by level of education. Participants with a medium educational level displayed a weaker association than participants with either a high or a low educational level. Not only work overload but also feeling underchallenged at work can have a negative impact on mental health and well-being. This is not an issue for blue-collar workers only and deserves more attention in future research.

Effect of dietary levels of lipid and carbohydrate on growth performance, body composition, nitrogen excretion and plasma glucose levels in rainbow trout reared at 8 or 18 degrees C.

PubMed

Brauge, C; Corraze, G; Médale, F

1995-01-01

Trout reared at 8 or 18 degrees C were fed twice a day almost to satiation with 1 of 3 experimental diets. The diets were formulated to contain the same levels of protein (43%, dry matter (DM) basis) and digestible energy (around 15 kJ/g DM), but different carbohydrate/lipid ratios 30:7 to 23:14). Time-course studies of nitrogen excretion and glycaemia were also carried out. After 12 weeks of feeding, growth, protein retention and body composition were not influenced by the dietary treatment in trout reared at 8 degrees C. At 18 degrees C, the protein retention was not affected by dietary treatment, but the weight gain tended to be higher in trout fed the diet with the lowest carbohydrate/lipid ratio. This result was due to higher body lipid deposition in these trout. Nitrogen excretion was not influenced by dietary treatment, but was higher at 18 degrees C than at 8 degrees C because of a higher feed intake. Glycaemia increased with dietary level of digestible carbohydrate and the highest plasma glucose level was attained later at 8 degrees C in comparison to 18 degrees C.

Changes in Level of the Conus after Corrective Surgery for Scoliosis: MRI-Based Preliminary Study in 31 Patients

PubMed Central

Hong, Jae-Young; Park, Jung-Ho; Hur, Chang-Yong; Hong, Suk-Joo; Modi, Hitesh N

2011-01-01

Background Detection of postoperative spinal cord level change can provide basic information about the spinal cord status, and electrophysiological studies regarding this point should be conducted in the future. Methods To determine the changes in the spinal cord level postoperatively and the possible associated factors, we prospectively studied 31 patients with scoliosis. All the patients underwent correction and posterior fusion using pedicle screws and rods between January 2008 and March 2009. The pre- and postoperative conus medullaris levels were determined by matching the axial magnetic resonance image to the sagittal scout image. The patients were divided according to the change in the postoperative conus medullaris level. The change group was defined as the patients who showed a change of more than one divided section in the vertebral column postoperatively, and the parameters of the change and non-change groups were compared. Results The mean pre- and postoperative Cobb's angle of the coronal curve was 76.80° ± 17.19° and 33.23° ± 14.39°, respectively. Eleven of 31 patients showed a lower conus medullaris level postoperatively. There were no differences in the pre- and postoperative magnitude of the coronal curve, lordosis and kyphosis between the groups. However, the postoperative degrees of correction of the coronal curve and lumbar lordosis were higher in the change group. There were also differences in the disease entities between the groups. A higher percentage of patients with Duchene muscular dystrophy had a change in level compared to that of the patients with cerebral palsy (83.3% vs. 45.5%, respectively). Conclusions The conus medullaris level changed postoperatively in the patients with severe scoliosis. Overall, the postoperative degree of correction of the coronal curve was higher in the change group than that in the non-change group. The degrees of correction of the coronal curve and lumbar lordosis were related to the spinal cord level change after scoliosis correction. PMID:21369475

Risk of Thyroid Cancer in Euthyroid Asymptomatic Patients with Thyroid Nodules with an Emphasis on Family History of Thyroid Cancer.

PubMed

Hwang, Shin Hye; Kim, Eun-Kyung; Moon, Hee Jung; Yoon, Jung Hyun; Kwak, Jin Young

2016-01-01

To determine the factors associated with thyroid cancer, focusing on first-degree family history and ultrasonography (US) features, in euthyroid asymptomatic patients with thyroid nodules. This retrospective study included 1310 thyroid nodules of 1254 euthyroid asymptomatic patients who underwent US-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy between November 2012 and August 2013. Nodule size and clinical risk factors-such as patient age, gender, first-degree family history of thyroid cancer, multiplicity on US and serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels-were considered together with US features to compare benign and malignant nodules. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk of thyroid malignancy according to clinical and US characteristics. Although all of the clinical factors and US findings were significantly different between patients with benign and malignant nodules, a solitary lesion on US (p = 0.041-0.043), US features and male gender (p < 0.001) were significant independent risk factors for thyroid malignancy in a multivariate analysis. Patient age, a first-degree family history of thyroid cancer and high normal serum TSH levels did not independently significantly increase the risk of thyroid cancer. However, multicollinearity existed between US assessment and patient age, first-degree family history of thyroid cancer and serum TSH values. Ultrasonography findings should be the primary criterion used to decide the management of euthyroid asymptomatic patients with thyroid nodules. The concept of first-degree family history as a risk factor for thyroid malignancy should be further studied in asymptomatic patients.

Predictive value of clinical and laboratory variables for vesicoureteral reflux in children.

PubMed

Soylu, Alper; Kasap, Belde; Demir, Korcan; Türkmen, Mehmet; Kavukçu, Salih

2007-06-01

We aimed to determine the predictability of clinical and laboratory variables for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children with urinary tract infection (UTI). Data of children with febrile UTI who underwent voiding cystoureterography between 2002 and 2005 were evaluated retrospectively for clinical (age, gender, fever > or = 38.5 degrees C, recurrent UTI), laboratory [leukocytosis, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), pyuria, serum creatinine (S(Cr))] and imaging (renal ultrasonography) variables. Children with VUR (group 1) vs. no VUR (group 2) and children with high-grade (III-V) VUR (group 3) vs. no or low-grade (I-II) VUR (group 4) were compared. Among 88 patients (24 male), 38 had VUR and 21 high-grade VUR. Fever > or = 38.5 degrees C was associated with VUR [odds ratio (OR): 7.5]. CRP level of 50 mg/l was the best cut-off level for predicting high-grade VUR (OR 15.5; discriminative ability 0.89 +/- 0.05). Performing voiding cystourethrography based on this CRP level would result in failure to notice 9% of patients with high-grade VUR, whereas 69% of children with no/low-grade VUR would be spared from this invasive test. In conclusion, fever > or = 38 degrees C and CRP > 50 mg/l seem to be potentially useful clinical predictors of VUR and high-grade VUR, respectively, in pediatric patients with UTI. Further validation of these findings could limit unnecessary voiding cystourethrography.

Variable sensitivity of US maize yield to high temperatures across developmental stages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butler, E. E.; Huybers, P. J.

2013-12-01

The sensitivity of maize to high temperatures has been widely demonstrated. Furthermore, field work has indicated that reproductive development stages are particularly sensitive to stress, but this relationship has not been quantified across a wide geographic region. Here, the relationship between maize yield and temperature variations is examined as a function of developmental stage. US state-level data from the National Agriculture Statistics Service provide dates for six growing stages: planting, silking, doughing, dented, mature, and harvested. Temperatures that correspond to each developmental stage are then inferred from a network of weather station observations interpolated to the county level, and a multiple linear regression technique is employed to estimate the sensitivity of county yield outcomes to variations in growing-degree days and an analogous measure of high temperatures referred to as killing-degree days. Uncertainties in the transition times between county-level growth stages are accounted for. Results indicate that the silking and dented stages are generally the most sensitive to killing degree days, with silking the most sensitive stage in the US South and dented the most sensitive in the US North. These variable patterns of sensitivity aid in interpreting which weather events are of greatest significance to maize yields and provide some insight into how shifts in planting time or changes in developmental timing would influence the risks associated with exposure to high temperatures.

[THE ROLE OF ANGIOGENIC FACTORS IN THE DIAGNOSTICS OF PREGNANCY COMPLICATED WITH PREECLAMPSIA].

PubMed

Tagiyeva, I; Aliyeva, S; Bagirova, S; Shamsadinskaya, N; Agaeva, K

2017-01-01

The pathophysiology of preeclampsia remains largely unknown. It has been hypothesized that placental ischemia is an early event, leading to placental production of a soluble factor or factors that cause maternal endothelial dysfunction, resulting in the clinical findings of hypertension, proteinuria, and edema. Here, we confirm that placental soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1), an antagonist of vascular growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PIGF), is upregulated in preeclampsia, leading to increased systemic levels of sFlt1. Our research demonstrate that increased circulating sFlt1 in III trimester in patients with preeclampsia is associated with decreased circulating levels of free VEGF and PIGF, resulting in endothelial dysfunction, comparing with control group. These observations suggest that excess circulating sFlt1 contributes to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. 45 pregnant women with preeclampsia of different severity degrees were under observation. Control group included 20 healthy pregnant. Pregnant women with preeclampsia were subdivided into 2 groups. There were 11 (24,4%) pregnant with severe degree of preeclamsia (I group), the II group included 34 pregnant with mild degree of preeclampsia. Increased expression of soluble tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), together with decreased PIGF and VEGF signaling, were first abnormalities described. Thus, determination of levels angiogenic factors: PIGF, VEGF and sFlt-1 is very important for prediction severity of preeclampsia.

The relationship of plasma decoy receptor 3 and coronary collateral circulation in patients with coronary artery disease.

PubMed

Yan, Youyou; Song, Dandan; Liu, Lulu; Meng, Xiuping; Qi, Chao; Wang, Junnan

2017-11-15

Previously, decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) was found to be a potential angiogenetic factor, while the relationship of DcR3 with coronary collateral circulation formation has not been investigated. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether plasma decoy receptor 3 levels was associated with CCC formation and evaluate its predictive power for CCC status in patients with coronary artery disease. Among patients who underwent coronary angiography with coronary artery disease and had a stenosis of ≥90% were included in our study. Collateral degree was graded according to Rentrope Cohen classification. Patients with grade 2 or 3 collateral degree were enrolled in good CCC group and patients with grade 0 or 1 collateral degree were enrolled in poor CCC group. Plasma DcR3 level was significantly higher in good CCC group (328.00±230.82 vs 194.84±130.63ng/l, p<0.01) and positively correlated with Rentrope grade (p<0.01). In addition, plasma DcR3 was also positively correlated with VEGF-A. Both ROC (receiver operating characteristic curve) and multinomial logistical regression analysis showed that plasma DcR3 displayed potent predictive power for CCC status. Higher plasma DcR3 level was related to better CCC formation and displayed potent predictive power for CCC status. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Physical activity affects plasma coenzyme Q10 levels differently in young and old humans.

PubMed

Del Pozo-Cruz, Jesús; Rodríguez-Bies, Elisabet; Ballesteros-Simarro, Manuel; Navas-Enamorado, Ignacio; Tung, Bui Thanh; Navas, Plácido; López-Lluch, Guillermo

2014-04-01

Coenzyme Q (Q) is a key lipidic compound for cell bioenergetics and membrane antioxidant activities. It has been shown that also has a central role in the prevention of oxidation of plasma lipoproteins. Q has been associated with the prevention of cholesterol oxidation and several aging-related diseases. However, to date no clear data on the levels of plasma Q during aging are available. We have measured the levels of plasmatic Q10 and cholesterol in young and old individuals showing different degrees of physical activity. Our results indicate that plasma Q10 levels in old people are higher that the levels found in young people. Our analysis also indicates that there is no a relationship between the degree of physical activity and Q10 levels when the general population is studied. However, very interestingly, we have found a different tendency between Q10 levels and physical activity depending on the age of individuals. In young people, higher activity correlates with lower Q10 levels in plasma whereas in older adults this ratio changes and higher activity is related to higher plasma Q10 levels and higher Q10/Chol ratios. Higher Q10 levels in plasma are related to lower lipoperoxidation and oxidized LDL levels in elderly people. Our results highlight the importance of life habits in the analysis of Q10 in plasma and indicate that the practice of physical activity at old age can improve antioxidant capacity in plasma and help to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Osmolarity: a decisive parameter of bowel agents in intestinal magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Borthne, Arne S; Abdelnoor, Michael; Storaas, Trygve; Pierre-Jerome, Claude; Kløw, Nils-E

2006-06-01

The aim was to evaluate the importance of the osmolarity of different oral agents for bowel distension and the level of related adverse events. The longitudinal design included the exposition of different oral MR agents on two separate occasions. Four groups of volunteers were randomly given 350 ml gastrografin of three different concentrations and water. On the second occasion they received mannitol, iohexol or iodixanol with equivalent osmolarities, but the control group (water) received mannitol. We recorded the outcomes as the degree of bowel distension determined as the mean bowel section area and the total level of discomfort recorded from a visual analogue scale (VAS). The statistical analysis included scatter plots with the best-fitted line with linear regression to study the association between osmolarity and section area and the association between osmolarity and adverse events. A dose-response association was found between increasing osmolarity levels and bowel area in square centimeters (P = 0.00001). A similar dose-response association existed between increasing levels of osmolarity and adverse events (P = 0.001). Osmolarity appears to be more important for bowel distension than the physico-chemical characteristics of the nonabsorbable oral agents. The optimum osmolarity level is determined by the patient's tolerance of the adverse events.

Possible Association between Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) Levels and Relapse in Depressed Patients following Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).

PubMed

Shibasaki, Chiyo; Itagaki, Kei; Abe, Hiromi; Kajitani, Naoto; Okada-Tsuchioka, Mami; Takebayashi, Minoru

2018-03-01

Matrix metalloproteinases are involved in neuroinflammatory processes, which could underlie depression. Serum levels of MMP-9 and MMP-2 in depressed patients are significantly altered following electroconvulsive therapy, but an association between altered matrix metalloproteinases after successful ECT and possible relapse has yet to be investigated. Serum was obtained twice, before and immediately after a course of electroconvulsive therapy, from 38 depressed patients. Serum was also collected, once, from two groups of age- and gender-matched healthy controls, 40 volunteers in each group. Possible associations between levels of matrix metalloproteinases and relapse during a 1-year follow-up period were analyzed. Excluding patients who did not respond to electroconvulsive therapy and patients lost to follow-up, data from 28 patients were evaluated. Eighteen of the patients (64.3%) relapsed within 1 year. In the group that did not relapse, serum levels of MMP-9 were significantly decreased after a course of electroconvulsive therapy, but not in the group that relapsed. No association between MMP-2 and relapse was observed. The degree of change in serum MMP-9 change could be associated with relapse following electroconvulsive therapy in depressed patients. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of CINP.

Education, licensure, and certification of school nurses: position statement.

PubMed

2013-07-01

It is the position of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) that every school-age child deserves a school nurse who has a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited college or university and is licensed as a registered nurse through the state board of nursing. These requirements constitute minimal preparation needed to practice at the entry level of school nursing (American Nurses Association [ANA] & NASN, 2011). Additionally, NASN supports state school nurse certification, where required, and promotes national certification of school nurses through the National Board for Certification of School Nurses.

Certificate and Associate Degree Pathways. Snapshot™ Report, Summer 2017

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Student Clearinghouse, 2017

2017-01-01

Of all associate degrees reported to the National Student Clearinghouse for the 2010-11 academic year, 575,067 were earned by students with no previous degrees or certificates. Within the next six academic years, 65.1 percent of these students enrolled at four-year institutions and 41.4 percent earned bachelor's degrees. This brief report presents…

An Analysis of National Surveys: Associate Degree Programs in Manufacturing Engineering and Related Programs. A Preliminary Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mathias, Elizabeth A.

In 1993, a study was conducted to investigate the responses of associate degree programs in manufacturing and related technical programs to current technical education initiatives. The study focused on the relationships of associate degree programs to secondary and postsecondary education and industry, curricular trends, familiarity with the…

Opening up a Road to Somewhere: Development of Associate Degree Students in Hong Kong

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Wincy W. S.

2014-01-01

Associate (community college) degrees have expanded rapidly in the past decade in Hong Kong, but their value has been questioned due to the limited number of government-funded articulation opportunities available. This paper argues that associate degrees in Hong Kong are not valued solely for articulation purposes, but also for nurturing students'…

360 Degree Feedback Best Practices and the Army’s MSAF Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-04

assessments/360bestpractices.pdf (accessed March 22, 2011). 16 Walter W . Tornow , Manuel London, and CCL Associates, Maximizing the Value of 360- Degree...degree Appraisal Feedback Process,‖ Organizational Dynamics 25, (Autumn 1996): 3, in ProQuest (accessed February 3, 2011). 31 Tornow , London, and CCL...Associates, Maximizing the Value of 360-Degree Feedback, 152. 32 Wimer, ―The Dark Side of 360-Degree Feedback,‖ 42. 33 Ibid. 34 Tornow

Plasma cytokine IL-6 levels and subjective cognitive decline: preliminary findings.

PubMed

Keegan, Andrew P; Paris, Daniel; Luis, Cheryl A; Abdullah, Laila; Ait-Ghezala, Ghania; Beaulieu-Abdelahad, David; Pryor, Makenzie; Chaykin, Jillian; Crynen, Gogce; Crawford, Fiona; Mullan, Michael

2018-02-01

Detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) prior to clinical inception will be paramount for introducing disease modifying treatments. We have begun collecting baseline characteristics of a community cohort for longitudinal assessment and testing of antecedent blood-based biomarkers. We describe the baseline visit from the first 131 subjects in relationship to a commonly described cytokine, interleukin 6 (IL-6). Subjects from the community presented for a free memory screening with varying degrees of memory concern. We quantified the baseline plasma levels of the cytokine IL-6 and assessed cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA) and mood (Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS) in relationship to their memory concern. Baseline MoCA scores were inversely related to age, and this association was influenced by an AD risk factor, Apolipoprotein E (APOE4) carrier status. The degree of subjective cognitive decline correlated with GDS and was inversely related to MoCA scores. Interleukin 6 levels were related to age, body mass index, and years of education. It will be important to assess how these baseline IL-6 levels and forthcoming novel biomarkers relate to future cognitive decline. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ground water level, Water storage, Soil moisture, Precipitation Variability Using Multi Satellite Data during 2003-2016 Associated with California Drought

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, J. W.; Singh, R. P.

2017-12-01

The agricultural market of California is a multi-billion-dollar industry, however in the recent years, the state is facing severe drought. It is important to have a deeper understanding of how the agriculture is affected by the amount of rainfall as well as the ground conditions in California. We have considered 5 regions (each 2 degree by 2 degree) covering whole of California. Multi satellite (MODIS Terra, GRACE, GLDAS) data through NASA Giovanni portal were used to study long period variability 2003 - 2016 of ground water level and storage, soil moisture, root zone moisture level, precipitation and normalized vegetation index (NDVI) in these 5 regions. Our detailed analysis of these parameters show a strong correlation between the NDVI and some of these parameters. NDVI represents greenness showing strong drought conditions during the period 2011-2016 due to poor rainfall and recharge of ground water in the mid and southern parts of California. Effect of ground water level and underground storage will be also discussed on the frequency of earthquakes in five regions of California. The mid and southern parts of California show increasing frequency of small earthquakes during drought periods.

Driving forces behind the Chinese public's demand for improved environmental safety.

PubMed

Wen, Ting; Wang, Jigan; Ma, Zongwei; Bi, Jun

2017-12-15

Over the past decades, the public demand for improved environmental safety keeps increasing in China. This study aims to assess the driving forces behind the increasing public demand for improved environmental safety using a provincial and multi-year (1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2014) panel data and the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology (STIRPAT) model. The potential driving forces investigated included population size, income levels, degrees of urbanization, and educational levels. Results show that population size and educational level are positively (P<0.01) associated with public demand for improved environmental safety. No significant impact on demand was found due to the degree of urbanization. For the impact due to income level, an inverted U-shaped curve effect with the turning point of ~140,000 CNY GDP per capita is indicated. Since per capita GDP of 2015 in China was approximately 50,000 CNY and far from the turning point, the public demand for improved environmental safety will continue rising in the near future. To meet the increasing public demand for improved environmental safety, proactive and risk prevention based environmental management systems coupled with effective environmental risk communication should be established. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Perception of collaborative learning in associate degree students in Hong Kong.

PubMed

Shek, Daniel T L; Shek, Moses M W

2013-01-01

Although collaborative learning has been widely researched in Western contexts, no study has been carried out to understand how associate degree students look at collaborative learning in Hong Kong. In this study, perceptions of and attitudes to collaborative learning among associate degree students were studied. A total of 44 associate degree students completed an online questionnaire including measures of perceived benefits and attitudes to collaborative learning, and social-emotional competence. Results showed that there were no significant differences between male and female students on perceived benefits of and attitudes towards collaborative learning. Social-emotional competence was related to perceived benefits of and attitudes to collaborative learning. Attitudes were also related to perceived benefits of collaborative learning. This paper is the first known study looking at the relationships among perceived benefits and attitudes to collaborative learning and social-emotional competence in Chinese associate degree students in different Chinese contexts.

Endocrine basis of the reproductive pattern of the Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua): winter breeding and extended laying period in northern populations.

PubMed

Mauget, R; Garcia, V; Jouventin, P

1995-05-01

Changes in plasma LH, prolactin, testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone were investigated throughout moult and reproduction in free-living male and female Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) at Crozet Island (46 degrees S, 51 degrees E), where this species is able to relay after a reproductive failure. In both sexes, LH, prolactin, and steroid hormones, remained at basal levels during the moult. LH level was highest at the time of arrival at the colony for breeding and, although it decreased after courtship, it did not drop at basal value by incubation and first chick brooding period. Prolactin peaked for both chick brooding periods; replacement clutch was associated with an increased secretion of LH, whereas high prolactin levels were maintained. Testosterone, in male, and estradiol, in female, peaked during courtship I and chick brooding II; progesterone, in female, peaked during courtship I and II. These hormonal patterns are consistent with those observed in passerine species which are also able to relay after a reproductive failure. Winter breeding observed at Crozet Island might reflect the extreme adaptive capacity of Gentoo penguin species.

JPRS Report, Science & Technology, USSR: Science & Technology Policy

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-12-19

industrial introduction to a significant degree depend on the level of equipment of the bases and on the methods of the organization of work. The...planning, financing, and the remuneration of labor, and legal status. A significant number of pilot-scale, experimental, and semi- industrial units...plants, and shops operate directly at industrial enterprises and in associations. The pilot experimental enterprises of scientific institu- tions are

Public School Funding and Postsecondary Outcomes in Illinois: What Is Reasonable to Expect from Illinois' School Funding Reforms? Policy Research. IERC 2018-1

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Houston, Derek A.

2018-01-01

This study examines the relationships between school funding and students' college preparation, postsecondary enrollment, and postsecondary degree attainment, adding to the literature on how money matters in education. The author addresses how past school funding levels among Illinois public high schools may have been associated with students'…

Using US Tuning to Effect: the American Historical Association's Tuning Project and the First Year Research Paper

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Belanger, Elizabeth

2017-01-01

While research has long been recognized as a high impact practice in undergraduate education, much of the scholarship on undergraduate research has focused on students in the final years of their degree. This article describes a study of the ability of first year students to undertake historical research in an introductory level course at a small…

A Feasibility Study to Assess Alternative Energy Program Development Potential at the Community College Level, October 1, 1983-June 30, 1984. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blair, Brittain A.

In 1983-84, a feasibility study was conducted to determine the viability of establishing a comprehensive alternative energy technology program at Southeastern Illinois College (SIC). The study involved an examination of a number of exemplary associate degree programs in alternative energy, through on-site visits and telephone surveys; a survey of…

Effects of rehydration on +Gz tolerance after 14-days' bed rest.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greenleaf, J. E.; Van Beaumont, W.; Bernauer, E. M.; Haines, R. F.; Sandler, H.; Staley, R. W.; Young, H. L.; Yusken, J. W.

1973-01-01

Investigation of the magnitude of reduction in human tolerance to centrifugation following 2 weeks of bed rest with moderate daily exercise. The degree of hypovolemia associated with these exposures is assessed, and the possibility to improve or to return to control levels the tolerance to acceleration forces acting in the head-to-foot direction through rehydration prior to acceleration is explored.

An Analysis of the Effects of Varying Levels of Implementation of Disciplines Associated with Learning Organizations and Student Achievement at California Schools with Similar Demographic Characteristics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frisby, Sandra

2012-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe, measure, compare, and contrast the perceptions of elementary teachers and principals regarding the degree to which the schools in which they are employed have implemented learning organizations conforming to Senge's (1990) 5 disciplines: mental models, personal mastery, shared vision, team…

Lipid Lowering Agents Aeromedical Concerns

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-06-01

simvastatin, fluvastatin, atorvastatin ) b. family history of premature CHD (first degree d. Others (nicotinic acid, probucol) male relative ឧ, first... atorvastatin , fluvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin) serum liver enzyme levels associated with have been developed for clinical use and are now...Engl J Med 1993; There are unpublished data about atorvastatin and 328:1213-9. 18 10. LRCP. JAMA 1984;251:351-64. 15. Vgontzas, et al. Clin Pharm Ther

A National Study of Differences between Online and Classroom-Only Community College Students in Time to First Associate Degree Attainment, Transfer, and Dropout

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shea, Peter; Bidjerano, Temi

2016-01-01

Previous research indicates that online learning at the community college level results in higher rates of withdrawal, failure, and dropout compared to classroom-based education (Xu & Smith Jaggars, 2011; Smith-Jaggars & Xu, 2010). The primary goal of the current study was to examine national data (US Dept. of Ed. Beginning Postsecondary…

Association between cultural factors and the caregiving burden for Chinese spousal caregivers of frail elderly in Hong Kong.

PubMed

Chan, Christopher L F; Chui, Ernest W T

2011-05-01

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between cultural factors and the caregiving burden of Chinese spousal caregivers who provided care to their frail partners. A sample consisting of 102 Chinese caregivers for frail elderly spouses was recruited from home care services across various districts in Hong Kong. Structured interviews were conducted with the participants in their homes, measuring demographics, the functional status of the spouse, the degree of assistance required in daily care, perceived health, the caregiver's orientation to traditional Chinese family values, social support, coping, and caregiver burden. Findings of regression analysis indicated that gender, activities of daily living (ADL) status, orientation to traditional Chinese family values, passive coping, and marital satisfaction associated with caregiver burden. Being female, having lower functioning in ADL or a strong orientation toward traditional Chinese family values, employing the strategies of passive coping more frequent, or experiencing a low degree of marital satisfaction were associated with high levels of caregiver burden. These findings provided a basis for developing appropriate interventions to minimize the caregiver burden of spousal family caregivers.

Using attribution theory to examine community rehabilitation provider stigma.

PubMed

Strauser, David R; Ciftci, Ayse; O'Sullivan, Deirdre

2009-03-01

This study builds on existing research investigating the stigma-reducing strategies specific to rehabilitation service providers by comparing differences in education levels and degree of contact among rehabilitation service providers. Rehabilitation service providers with master's level and bachelor level education showed significant differences in their stigmatizing tendencies on subscales of controllability and stability for different categories of disabilities. Specifically, service providers with a master's degree had more stigmatizing beliefs for psychosis and cocaine addiction, compared with service providers with a bachelor's degree. Service providers with either a bachelor's degree or master's degree reported lower levels of stigma overall for five of the six categories of disability compared with their community college student counterparts. No differences were found for length of time working with persons with psychiatric disabilities.

Variables influencing medical usage rates, injury patterns, and levels of care for mass gatherings.

PubMed

Milsten, Andrew M; Seaman, Kevin G; Liu, Peter; Bissell, Rick A; Maguire, Brian J

2003-01-01

Mass gatherings create difficult environments for which to plan emergency medical responses. The purpose of this study was to identify those variables that are associated with increased medical usage rates (MURs) and certain injury patterns that can be used to facilitate the planning process. Patient information collected at three types of mass gatherings (professional American football and baseball games and rock concerts) over a three-year period was reviewed retrospectively. Specific variables were abstracted: (1) event type; (2) gender; (3) age; (4) weather; and (5) attendance. All 216 events (total attendance 9,708,567) studied were held in the same metropolitan region. All MURs are reported as patients per 10,000 (PPTT). The 5,899 patient encounters yielded a MUR of 6.1 PPTT. Patient encounters totaled 3,659 for baseball games (4.85 PPTT), 1,204 for football games (6.75 PPTT), and 1,036 for rock concerts (30 PPTT). The MUR for Location A concerts (no mosh pits) was 7.49 PPTT, whereas the MUR for the one Location B concert (with mosh pits) was 110 PPTT. The MUR for Location A concerts was higher than for baseball, but not football games (p = 0.005). Gender distribution was equal among patrons seeking medical care. The mean values for patient ages were 29 years at baseball games, 33 years at football games, and 20 years at concerts. The MUR at events held when the apparent temperature was 80 degrees F significantly lower statistically than that at events conducted at temperatures <80 degrees F were (18 degrees C) (4.90 vs. 8.10 PPTT (p = 0.005)). The occurrence of precipitation and increased attendance did not predict an increased MUR. Medical care was sought mostly for minor/basic-level care (84%) and less so for advanced-level care (16%). Medical cases occurred more often at sporting events (69%), and were more common than were cases with traumatic injuries (31%). Concerts with precipitation and rock concerts had a positive association with the incidence of trauma and the incidence of injuries; whereas age and gender were not associated with medical or traumatic diagnoses. Event type and apparent temperature were the variables that best predicted MUR as well as specific injury patterns and levels of care.

Influence of time, temperature and coagulation on the measurement of C3, C3 split products and C4.

PubMed

Sinosich, M J; Teisner, B; Brandslund, I; Fisher, M; Grudzinskas, J G

1982-11-26

Quantitative and qualitative immunoelectrophoretic analyses of circulating C3, C3 split products and C4 were performed in matched EDTA plasma and serum obtained from 5 normal subjects and stored for up to 48 h at room temperature (18 degrees C-22 degrees C) and 4 degrees C. Fluctuations in apparent levels of C3 were greater in serum than plasma stored at room temperature, a fall in levels seen by 24 h being followed by a significant increase. By contrast, levels of C3 did not alter if stored at 4 degrees C. C4 levels in both EDTA plasma and serum remained unchanged for 24 h, a slight decrease being seen at 48 h. Levels of C4 remained constant if samples were stored at 4 degrees C. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis revealed a significant progressive decrease in C3 levels and a simultaneous increase in C3c occurring after 4 h in serum and 8 h in EDTA plasma, stored at room temperature. In studies conducted at 4 degrees C, similar but delayed fluctuations were seen. A progressive and significant increase in C3d levels was seen in both plasma and serum samples stored at room temperature, levels rising to 276% (plasma) and 308% (serum) of levels seen at zero time. At 4 degrees C marginal increases in C3d levels only were observed. These results suggest that in vitro degradation of C3 and C4 are readily facilitated by temperature, time and coagulation, and that conditions of collection and storage of samples must be optimized for the accurate definition of activation of the complement cascade.

Pre-separation storage of whole blood: the effect of temperature on red cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate and myeloperoxidase in plasma.

PubMed

Knutson, F; Lööf, H; Högman, C F

1999-10-01

Although whole blood intended for component preparation is commonly left to cool at ambient temperature, knowledge is insufficient concerning what effects this may have on red blood cell (RBC) quality, in particular after a prolonged hold. Whole blood collected in CPD was incubated at 20 degrees C and 28 degrees C for 6 h designed as a paired study. Blood components were prepared and the red blood cell concentrates (RBCs) were stored for 28 days at 4 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C. Blood gases, pH, glucose, lactate, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) and plasma myeloperoxidase (MPO) were investigated. After 6 h the 2,3-DPG concentrations had lowered to 88% (20 degrees C) and 54% (28 degrees C) of initial levels, respectively. The difference was significant and was maintained for 28 days, although, at low levels from day 7 (28 degrees C) and day 14 (20 degrees C) of storage. ATP was maintained at the initial level in both groups during the first 6 h of storage but after component separation the levels were significantly higher in the 28 degrees C group during the first 5 days. The release of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was significantly higher in the non-cooled group than in the cooled group. Pre-separation holding for 6 h of whole blood at temperatures of 28 degrees C causes a great and rapid loss of 2,3-DPG and considerable formation of acid metabolites resulting in clearly subnormal 2,3-DPG levels even on day 1. Active pre-separation cooling to 20 degrees C is to be recommended.

Is Menstrual Dysphonia Associated With Greater Disability and Lower Quality of Life?

PubMed

Barillari, Maria Rosaria; Volpe, Umberto; Innaro, Nadia; Barillari, Umberto

2016-01-01

The aim of the present study had been to examine the relationships between menstrual dysphonia and measures of psychosocial distress, in a sample of female professional voice users. This is a prospective study of 52 consecutive professional voice users, aged 18-40 years, affected by transient dysphonia related to the menstrual cycle and recruited in the Division of Phoniatrics and Audiology of the Second University of Naples, from April 2011 to September 2014. The following evaluation protocol was used: videoendoscopy, the GIRBAS scale, the Voice Handicap Index, and the determination of sexual hormonal plasma levels both during the menstrual and the luteal phase of the cycle. Furthermore, we measured, in all patients, the levels of perceived disability and quality of life during and after the dysphonia episodes by means of the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life and the Sheehan disability scale. Laryngoscopic evaluation revealed that only minor morphologic changes were present during the first days of the follicular phase, usually returning to normal morphology after the menstrual period was over. However, we found that dysphonia episodes of varying degree were present in most evaluated subjects; women with a moderate degree of dysphonia also had a lower quality of life and greater overall disability, during menses. Despite minimal morphologic signs of laryngeal pathology, menstrual dysphonia might represent a disease which is frequent among female professional voice users, which in turn is associated with a certain degree of disability and lower quality of life during premenstrual and menstrual phases. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Identifying county characteristics associated with resident well-being: A population based study.

PubMed

Roy, Brita; Riley, Carley; Herrin, Jeph; Spatz, Erica S; Arora, Anita; Kell, Kenneth P; Welsh, John; Rula, Elizabeth Y; Krumholz, Harlan M

2018-01-01

Well-being is a positively-framed, holistic assessment of health and quality of life that is associated with longevity and better health outcomes. We aimed to identify county attributes that are independently associated with a comprehensive, multi-dimensional assessment of individual well-being. We performed a cross-sectional study examining associations between 77 pre-specified county attributes and a multi-dimensional assessment of individual US residents' well-being, captured by the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index. Our cohort included 338,846 survey participants, randomly sampled from 3,118 US counties or county equivalents. We identified twelve county-level factors that were independently associated with individual well-being scores. Together, these twelve factors explained 91% of the variance in individual well-being scores, and they represent four conceptually distinct categories: demographic (% black); social and economic (child poverty, education level [

Family History of Breast Cancer, Breast Density, and Breast Cancer Risk in a U.S. Breast Cancer Screening Population.

PubMed

Ahern, Thomas P; Sprague, Brian L; Bissell, Michael C S; Miglioretti, Diana L; Buist, Diana S M; Braithwaite, Dejana; Kerlikowske, Karla

2017-06-01

Background: The utility of incorporating detailed family history into breast cancer risk prediction hinges on its independent contribution to breast cancer risk. We evaluated associations between detailed family history and breast cancer risk while accounting for breast density. Methods: We followed 222,019 participants ages 35 to 74 in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium, of whom 2,456 developed invasive breast cancer. We calculated standardized breast cancer risks within joint strata of breast density and simple (1 st -degree female relative) or detailed (first-degree, second-degree, or first- and second-degree female relative) breast cancer family history. We fit log-binomial models to estimate age-specific breast cancer associations for simple and detailed family history, accounting for breast density. Results: Simple first-degree family history was associated with increased breast cancer risk compared with no first-degree history [Risk ratio (RR), 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0-2.1 at age 40; RR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.7 at age 50; RR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.6 at age 60; RR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.5 at age 70). Breast cancer associations with detailed family history were strongest for women with first- and second-degree family history compared with no history (RR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.2 at age 40); this association weakened in higher age groups (RR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.88-1.5 at age 70). Associations did not change substantially when adjusted for breast density. Conclusions: Even with adjustment for breast density, a history of breast cancer in both first- and second-degree relatives is more strongly associated with breast cancer than simple first-degree family history. Impact: Future efforts to improve breast cancer risk prediction models should evaluate detailed family history as a risk factor. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 938-44. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

14 CFR 91.179 - IFR cruising altitude or flight level.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...: (1) When operating below 18,000 feet MSL and— (i) On a magnetic course of zero degrees through 179 degrees, any odd thousand foot MSL altitude (such as 3,000, 5,000, or 7,000); or (ii) On a magnetic course... magnetic course of zero degrees through 179 degrees, any odd flight level (such as 190, 210, or 230); or...

14 CFR 91.179 - IFR cruising altitude or flight level.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...: (1) When operating below 18,000 feet MSL and— (i) On a magnetic course of zero degrees through 179 degrees, any odd thousand foot MSL altitude (such as 3,000, 5,000, or 7,000); or (ii) On a magnetic course... magnetic course of zero degrees through 179 degrees, any odd flight level (such as 190, 210, or 230); or...

The Origins and Rise of Associate Degree Nursing Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haase, Patricia T.

This book offers an analytical history of the associate degree nursing (ADN) program and the role of associate degree nurses in the U.S. health care system. It covers the period from just after World War II to the middle of the 1980s. The support of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation and the Federal Government for ADN education is highlighted. Chapter…

Accumulation of lactate by supercooled hatchlings of the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta): implications for overwinter survival.

PubMed

Hartley, L M; Packard, M J; Packard, G C

2000-02-01

Hatchlings of the North American painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) typically spend their first winter of life inside the shallow, subterranean nest where they completed embryogenesis the preceding summer. Neonates at northern localities consequently may be exposed during winter to subzero temperatures and frozen soil. Hatchlings apparently survive exposure to such conditions by supercooling, but the physiological consequences of this adaptive strategy have not been examined. We measured lactate in hatchling painted turtles after exposure to each of three temperatures (0 degree C, -4 degrees C, and -8 degrees C) for three time periods (5 days, 15 days, and 25 days) to determine the extent to which overwintering hatchlings might rely on anaerobic metabolism to regenerate ATP. Whole-body lactate increased with increasing duration of exposure and decreasing temperature, and the highest levels were associated with the group that experienced the highest mortality. These results indicate that animals may develop a considerable lactic acidosis during a winter in which temperatures fall below 0 degree C for weeks or months and that accumulation of lactate may contribute to mortality of overwintering animals.

Influence of oral health condition on swallowing and oral intake level for patients affected by chronic stroke.

PubMed

Mituuti, Cláudia T; Bianco, Vinicius C; Bentim, Cláudia G; de Andrade, Eduardo C; Rubo, José H; Berretin-Felix, Giédre

2015-01-01

According to the literature, the occurrence of dysphagia is high in cases of stroke, and its severity can be enhanced by loss of teeth and the use of poorly fitting prostheses. To verify that the status of oral health influences the level of oral intake and the degree of swallowing dysfunction in elderly patients with stroke in chronic phase. Thirty elderly individuals affected by stroke in chronic phase participated. All subjects underwent assessment of their oral condition, with classification from the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and nasoendoscopic swallowing assessment to classify the degree of dysphagia. The statistical analysis examined a heterogeneous group (HG, n=30) and two groups designated by the affected body part, right (RHG, n=8) and left (LHG, n=11), excluding totally dentate or edentulous individuals without rehabilitation with more than one episode of stroke. There was a negative correlation between the need for replacement prostheses and the FOIS scale for the HG (P=0.02) and RHG (P=0.01). Differences in FOIS between types of prostheses of the upper dental arch in the LHG (P=0.01) and lower dental arch in the RHG (P=0.04). A negative correlation was found between the number of teeth present and the degree of dysfunction in swallowing liquid in the LHG (P=0.05). There were differences in the performance in swallowing solids between individuals without prosthesis and those with partial prosthesis in the inferior dental arch (P=0.04) for the HG. The need for replacement prostheses, type of prostheses, and the number of teeth of elderly patients poststroke in chronic phase showed an association with the level of oral intake and the degree of oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Linking egg thiamine and fatty acid concentrations of Lake Michigan lake trout with early life stage mortality.

PubMed

Czesny, Sergiusz; Dettmers, John M; Rinchard, Jacques; Dabrowski, Konrad

2009-12-01

The natural reproduction of lake trout Salvelinus namaycush in Lake Michigan is thought to be compromised by nutritional deficiency associated with inadequate levels of thiamine (vitamin B1) in their eggs. However, mortality driven by thiamine deficiency (commonly referred to as early mortality syndrome [EMS]) is not the only significant cause of low lake trout survival at early life stages. In this study, we sought to better understand the combined effects of variable levels of thiamine and fatty acids in lake trout eggs on prehatch, posthatch, and swim-up-stage mortality. We sampled the eggs of 29 lake trout females from southwestern Lake Michigan. The concentrations of free thiamine and its vitamers (e.g., thiamine monophosphate [TMP] and thiamine pyrophosphate [TPP]) as well as fatty acid profiles were determined in sampled eggs. Fertilized eggs and embryos were monitored through the advanced swim-up stage (1,000 degree-days). Three distinct periods of mortality were identified: prehatch (0-400 degree-days), immediately posthatch (401-600 degree-days), and swim-up (601-1,000 degree-days). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed (1) that cis-7-hexadecenoic acid in both neutral lipids (NL) and phospholipids (PL) correlated with prehatch mortality, (2) that docosapentaenoic acid in PL and docosahexaenoic acid in NL correlated with posthatch mortality, and (3) that total lipids, TPP, and palmitoleic acid in NL, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid in PL correlated with the frequency of EMS. These results indicate the complexity of early life stage mortality in lake trout and suggest that inadequate levels of key fatty acids in eggs, along with variable thiamine content, contribute to the low survival of lake trout progeny in Lake Michigan.

Structural organisation and lipid composition of the epicuticular accessory layer of infective larvae of Trichinella spiralis.

PubMed

Gounaris, K; Smith, V P; Selkirk, M E

1996-05-22

The epicuticle of infective larvae of Trichinella spiralis represents the interface between this intracellular nematode parasite and the cytosol of mammalian skeletal muscle. The macromolecular structures that make up the epicuticle were studied by freeze-fracture electron microscopy and compositional analysis. Three fracture planes were observed: one with a typical plasma membrane-type bilayer organisation which was overlaid by two extended layers of lipid in an inverted cylindrical configuration. This overall structure remained unchanged in response to variations in temperature between 20 degrees C and 45 degrees C. The lipid cylinders were on average 6.8 nm in diameter, with randomly-associated particles that were not dissociated by high-salt treatment, indicative of hydrophobically associated proteins. The majority of the lipids were non-polar, consisting of cholesterol, cholesterol esters, mono- and tri-glycerides, and free fatty acids. Three major classes of phospholipids were identified: phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine. Total lipid extracts did not adopt an inverted cylindrical or micellar configuration on isolation, but formed flat sheets of lamellae as did the purified polar and non-polar fractions of the lipids. Isolated lipids did not undergo thermally-induced polymorphism between 20 degrees C and 60 degrees C and there was no pH dependency of the structures adopted. The fatty acid saturation levels of the phospholipids were compatible with the observation that they did not form polymorphic structures on isolation. We suggest that this unusual configuration is probably stabilised by the associated (glyco)proteins and may be required for selective permeation of nutrients from the host cell cytosol and/or for maintaining the high curvature of the parasite within the cell.

Prevalence and associated factors of burnout among doctors in Yemen.

PubMed

Al-Dubai, Sami Abdo Radman; Rampal, Krishna Gopal

2010-01-01

This study aimed to determine the level and factors contributing to burnout among doctors in Sana'a City, Yemen and to determine the relationship between burnout and psychological morbidity. This was a cross-sectional study of 563 working doctors in the four main hospitals in Sana'a City, Yemen. The 12-item version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12) was used as a measure of psychological morbidity and the 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to measure emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. Sources of job stress were determined using a 37-item scale questionnaire. The questionnaire elicited information about socio-demographic and work characteristics. On the MBI, 356 doctors showed high emotional exhaustion (63.2%), 109 showed high depersonalization (19.4%) and 186 showed low personal accomplishment (33.0%). Sixty six doctors (11.7%) were identified as experiencing a high degree of burnout (high emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and low personal accomplishment). The prevalence of high degree of burnout was significantly higher in those with duration of work or=40 h/wk (OR=2.1, 95% CI 1.25-3.62) and in those who had psychological morbidity (OR=5.3, 95% CI 2.22-12.39). Thirteen out of 37 sources of stress were significantly associated with high degree of burnout. In multivariate analysis, the significant predictors of high burnout were: dealing with patient's psychosocial problems, feeling of isolation, disturbance of home/family life by work, not chewing khat, long working hours and psychological morbidity. The prevalence of high degree of burnout as well as emotional exhaustion in Yemeni doctors was higher than those reported internationally and was associated with psychological morbidity and many important sources of job stress.

Burnout among workers in emergency Departments in Palestinian hospitals: prevalence and associated factors.

PubMed

Hamdan, Motasem; Hamra, Asma'a Abu

2017-06-15

Working in Emergency Departments (EDs) entails high work pressure and stress due to witnessing human suffering and the unpredictable nature of the work. This environment puts personnel at risk of burnout. This analysis aims to assess burnout levels and associated risk factors among health workers in EDs in Palestinian hospitals. Also, it examines the association between burnout and workplace violence, as well as with job turnover. Cross-sectional design utilising a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from all workers at 14 EDs; 8 from the West Bank and 6 from the Gaza Strip. Burnout was measured using Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey. A total of 444 workers (response rate 74.5%) participated: 161(36.3%) nurses, 142(32.0%) physicians and 141(31.7%) administrative personnel. Results showed high levels of burnout among EDs workers; 64.0% suffered from high emotional exhaustion, 38.1% from high depersonalization and 34.6% from low personal accomplishment. In addition, high levels of emotional exhaustion (72.3%) was significantly prevalent among physicians compared to nurses (69.8%) and administrative workers (51.4%) (p < 0.05). In comparison, high levels of depersonalization was significantly prevalent among nurses (48.8%) compared to physicians (32.1%) and administrative workers (31.9%) (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the levels of personal accomplishment burnout among the three groups (p > 0.05). Moreover, high degree of burnout was more prevalent among EDs workers in the West Bank than among those working in the Gaza Strip (OR 2.02, 95% CI = 1.11-3.69, p = 0.019), and higher among younger workers (aged ≤30 years old) than their older counterparts (OR 2.4, 95% CI = 1.302-4.458, p = 0.005). Exposure to physical violence was significantly associated with having a high degree of burnout (OR 2.017 95% CI = 1.121-3.631, p = 0.019), but no association was observed with regards to exposure to verbal violence (p > 0.05). Finally, burnout was significantly associated with workers' intention to leave work at EDs (p < 0.05). Burnout is considerably prevalent among EDs' workers, especially nurses and physicians. Burnout is positively associated with job turnover intention and also with exposure to workplace violence. Therefore, there is a need for prevention and management strategies to address occupational burnout and reduce negative consequences on workers, patients and organisations.

Genome-wide DNA-(de)methylation is associated with Noninfectious Bud-failure exhibition in Almond (Prunus dulcis [Mill.] D.A.Webb)

PubMed Central

Fresnedo-Ramírez, Jonathan; Chan, Helen M.; Parfitt, Dan E.; Crisosto, Carlos H.; Gradziel, Thomas M.

2017-01-01

Noninfectious bud-failure (BF) remains a major threat to almond production in California, particularly with the recent rapid expansion of acreage and as more intensive cultural practices and modern cultivars are adopted. BF has been shown to be inherited in both vegetative and sexual progeny, with exhibition related to the age and propagation history of scion clonal sources. These characteristics suggest an epigenetic influence, such as the loss of juvenility mediated by DNA-(de)methylation. Various degrees of BF have been reported among cultivars as well as within sources of clonal propagation of the same cultivar. Genome-wide methylation profiles for different clones within almond genotypes were developed to examine their association with BF levels and association with the chronological time from initial propagation. The degree of BF exhibition was found to be associated with DNA-(de)methylation and clonal age, which suggests that epigenetic changes associated with ageing may be involved in the differential exhibition of BF within and among almond clones. Research is needed to investigate the potential of DNA-(de)methylation status as a predictor for BF as well as for effective strategies to improve clonal selection against age related deterioration. This is the first report of an epigenetic-related disorder threatening a major tree crop. PMID:28202904

Genome-wide DNA-(de)methylation is associated with Noninfectious Bud-failure exhibition in Almond (Prunus dulcis [Mill.] D.A.Webb).

PubMed

Fresnedo-Ramírez, Jonathan; Chan, Helen M; Parfitt, Dan E; Crisosto, Carlos H; Gradziel, Thomas M

2017-02-16

Noninfectious bud-failure (BF) remains a major threat to almond production in California, particularly with the recent rapid expansion of acreage and as more intensive cultural practices and modern cultivars are adopted. BF has been shown to be inherited in both vegetative and sexual progeny, with exhibition related to the age and propagation history of scion clonal sources. These characteristics suggest an epigenetic influence, such as the loss of juvenility mediated by DNA-(de)methylation. Various degrees of BF have been reported among cultivars as well as within sources of clonal propagation of the same cultivar. Genome-wide methylation profiles for different clones within almond genotypes were developed to examine their association with BF levels and association with the chronological time from initial propagation. The degree of BF exhibition was found to be associated with DNA-(de)methylation and clonal age, which suggests that epigenetic changes associated with ageing may be involved in the differential exhibition of BF within and among almond clones. Research is needed to investigate the potential of DNA-(de)methylation status as a predictor for BF as well as for effective strategies to improve clonal selection against age related deterioration. This is the first report of an epigenetic-related disorder threatening a major tree crop.

Effects of a retention intervention program for associate degree nursing students.

PubMed

Fontaine, Karen

2014-01-01

To evaluate the effects of a retention intervention program on nursing students' persistence in obtaining an associate's degree. An associate degree nursing program at a large community college used a three-year grant from the US Department of Labor to create a program to improve retention of nursing students. Seven retention interventions (stipends, learning communities, comprehensive orientation, individualized academic planning, counseling, peer tutoring, and community nurse mentoring) were provided to participants. Correlational analyses were conducted between demographic variables and degree completion and between individual intervention program participation and degree completion. The program produced a statistically significant improvement in retention, but no specific intervention or mixture of interventions was significantly correlated with retention. Retention programs must be comprehensive, integrated efforts in order to increase the degree completion rate.

Perceptions of Quality for Graduate Athletic Training Education

PubMed Central

Seegmiller, Jeff G

2006-01-01

Context: Accreditation is generally considered the primary mechanism for quality assurance in higher education, but disagreement often exists between accrediting agencies and the perceptions of professionals who feel the accrediting body has failed to meet its quality control function. For accreditation to have value, it must be a meaningful indicator of quality and be viewed as such. Objective: To identify the predominant contributors to quality for postcertification graduate education as perceived by athletic training educators and to compare results among respondents with different education levels, academic ranks, tenure classifications, and program affiliations. Design: Non-experimental descriptive survey. Setting: 2003 National Athletic Trainers' Association Educators' Conference. Patients or Other Participant(s): Of a convenience sample of 353 athletic training educators, 194 (55%) submitted usable questionnaires. Males accounted for 115 (59%) respondents and females for 79 (41%). Of the 14 National Athletic Trainers' Association-accredited postcertification graduate education programs, 12 were represented. Main Outcome Measure(s): Quantitative data for closed-ended questionnaire items were analyzed using descriptive statistics and measures of central tendency, with composite mean scores for each item used for comparisons. Qualitative data were coded according to major themes and analyzed. Results: Support for accreditation at the postcertification graduate education level was moderate (mean = 3.08 ± 0.811 on a 4-point scale). Subjects with doctoral degrees (n = 88) indicated that research contributed significantly more to quality (mean = 3.38 ± 0.636) than did those with master's degrees (n = 106, mean = 2.97 ± 0.786). Respondents with master's degrees stated that clinical education was a greater contributor to quality (mean = 3.76 ± 0.491) than did those with doctoral degrees (3.44 ± 0.663). Conclusions: The educators showed agreement for most quality indicators. The greatest contributors to program quality were program curriculum; adequate faculty, staff, and administrative support; evaluation; clinical education; and research. PMID:17273467

STARS: The Space Transportation Architecture Risk System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greenberg, Joel S.

1997-01-01

Because of the need to perform comparisons between transportation systems that are likely to have significantly different levels of risk, both because of differing degrees of freedom in achieving desired performance levels and their different states of development and utilization, an approach has been developed for performing early comparisons of transportation architectures explicitly taking into account quantitative measures of uncertainty and resulting risk. The approach considers the uncertainty associated with the achievement of technology goals, the effect that the achieved level of technology will have on transportation system performance and the relationship between transportation system performance/capability and the ability to accommodate variations in payload mass. The consequences of system performance are developed in terms of expected values and associated standard deviations of nonrecurring, recurring and the present value of transportation system life cycle cost. Typical results are presented to illustrate the application of the methodology.

Elevated free fatty acid uptake via CD36 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma

PubMed Central

Nath, Aritro; Li, Irene; Roberts, Lewis R.; Chan, Christina

2015-01-01

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and the factors influencing HCC progression are poorly understood. Here we reveal that HCC progression via induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is closely associated with the expression of CD36/fatty acid translocase and elevated free fatty acid (FFA) levels. Although obesity is manifested as elevated FFA levels, the degree of EMT was not associated with the body mass index of the patients, highlighting the specific roles of CD36 and FFA uptake. Treatment of human liver cancer cell lines with FFAs exacerbated the EMT phenotype, whereas chemical inhibition of CD36 mitigated these effects. Furthermore, the Wnt and TGF-β signaling pathways were activated upon FFA treatment, potentially acting as upstream activators of the EMT program. These results provide the first direct evidence associating CD36 and elevated FFAs with HCC progression. PMID:26424075

Elevated free fatty acid uptake via CD36 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma.

PubMed

Nath, Aritro; Li, Irene; Roberts, Lewis R; Chan, Christina

2015-10-01

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and the factors influencing HCC progression are poorly understood. Here we reveal that HCC progression via induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is closely associated with the expression of CD36/fatty acid translocase and elevated free fatty acid (FFA) levels. Although obesity is manifested as elevated FFA levels, the degree of EMT was not associated with the body mass index of the patients, highlighting the specific roles of CD36 and FFA uptake. Treatment of human liver cancer cell lines with FFAs exacerbated the EMT phenotype, whereas chemical inhibition of CD36 mitigated these effects. Furthermore, the Wnt and TGF-β signaling pathways were activated upon FFA treatment, potentially acting as upstream activators of the EMT program. These results provide the first direct evidence associating CD36 and elevated FFAs with HCC progression.

Total and high molecular weight adiponectin are elevated in patients with Laron syndrome despite marked obesity.

PubMed

Kanety, Hannah; Hemi, Rina; Ginsberg, Shira; Pariente, Clara; Yissachar, Eleanor; Barhod, Ehud; Funahashi, Tohru; Laron, Zvi

2009-12-01

Patients with Laron syndrome (LS; primary GH insensitivity) caused by molecular defects of the GH receptor gene, are characterized by dwarfism, profound obesity, and hyperlipidemia. The aim of the current study was to evaluate adiponectin levels in LS, as obesity is known to be associated with low adiponectin. We studied nine untreated LS adult patients (5 males, 4 females) and six girls with LS receiving once-daily treatment by IGF1. Total and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin levels, adiponectin multimers distribution, and metabolic indices were analyzed in serum samples obtained during several years of follow-up. Adiponectin levels in the severely obese adult LS patients (percent body fat; females 61.0+/-2.5%, males 40.6+/-8.1%) were two- to three-fold higher than those reported for subjects of corresponding age, gender and degree of adiposity. Total adiponectin was significantly higher in females compared with males (21.4+/-3.5 vs 10.2+/-4.6 microg/ml, P<0.001). The elevated adiponectin in LS subjects was associated with an increased abundance of the HMW isoform, and positively correlated with body fat percentage (r=0.65, P=0.017) and leptin (r=0.65, P=0.012). There was no correlation between adiponectin levels (total and HMW) and the degree of insulin resistance in LS subjects or their blood lipids levels. Adiponectin was also high in young girls with LS (22.9+/-7.4 microg/ml) and did not change during long-term IGF1 replacement therapy. Adiponectin hypersecretion in LS, despite profound obesity, suggests that GH activity may negatively impact adiponectin secretion from adipocytes.

Serum Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Levels and Aortic Stiffness in Noncritical Coronary Artery Disease

PubMed Central

Soylu, Korhan; Nar, Gökay; Aksan, Gökhan; Gedikli, Ömer; İnci, Sinan; Yuksel, Serkan; Nar, Rukiye; İdil Soylu, Ayşegül; Gulel, Okan; Şahin, Mahmut

2014-01-01

Aim The aim of this study was to establish the degree of aortic stiffness and levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in patients with stable ischemic heart disease. Materials and Methods Patients who were found to have stable, noncritical lesions on coronary angiography were included in the study [noncritical coronary artery disease (CAD)]. The control group consisted of those patients who had similar risk profiles and metabolic parameters without atherosclerosis on angiography. Results A total of 101 patients were included in the study of which 56 had noncritical CAD. Whereas the aortic strain (9.11 ± 3.4 vs. 14.01 ± 4.1%, p < 0.001) and aortic distensibility (3.98 ± 1.9 10−6 cm2/dyn vs. 6.33 ± 2.3 10−6 cm2/dyn, p < 0.001) were lower in the noncritical CAD group, the aortic stiffness index was higher (6.34 ± 3.9 vs. 3.37 ± 2.4, p < 0.001) as compared to controls. Serum NGAL levels were higher in the noncritical CAD group (79.29 ± 38.8 vs. 48.05 ± 21.4 ng/ml, p < 0.001). NGAL levels were negatively correlated with aortic strain (p < 0.01, r = 0.57) and distensibility (p < 0.001, r = 0.62), but positively correlated with the aortic stiffness index (p < 0.001, r = 0.72). Conclusion We show that in patients with noncritical CAD, the degree of aortic stiffness and NGAL levels are higher. These markers can be used as tools for further risk stratification of patients with noncritical CAD. PMID:25737678

Developmental trajectories of self-injurious behavior, suicidal behavior and substance misuse and their association with adolescent borderline personality pathology.

PubMed

Nakar, Orit; Brunner, Romuald; Schilling, Oliver; Chanen, Andrew; Fischer, Gloria; Parzer, Peter; Carli, Vladimir; Wasserman, Danuta; Sarchiapone, Marco; Wasserman, Camilla; Hoven, Christina W; Resch, Franz; Kaess, Michael

2016-06-01

Adolescent risk-taking and self-harm behaviors are associated with affect dysregulation and impulsivity, both core features of borderline personality disorder (BPD). We hypothesized that the developmental courses of these behaviors i) tend to cluster rather than appear individually, and ii) might indicate adolescent BPD pathology. Therefore, we explored the developmental trajectories of self-injurious behavior (SIB), suicidal behavior (SB) and substance misuse (SM) in a community sample of adolescents; and we investigated the trajectories' overlap and its associations with BPD traits. 513 adolescents, aged 15-17 years, were followed for two years as part of the Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe study and its subsequent follow-up. Distinct developmental trajectories were explored using general growth mixture modeling. Three distinct classes were identified within each of the harmful behaviors SIB, SB and SM. Both the high-risk SIB trajectory and the high-risk SB trajectory demonstrated elevated initial degree of engagement, followed by a gradual decrease. The SM high-risk trajectory had a medium initial degree of engagement, which increased over time. There was a high degree of overlap (80-90%) among the high-risk trajectories for the three behaviors (SIB, SB and SM), and this overlap was significantly associated with elevated levels of BPD pathology. The data collection was based on participants' self-report. The findings indicate a similar pattern of reduction over time between SIB and SB for the high-risk trajectories, whereas the high-risk trajectories for SM show a pattern of increase over time. The observed symptom shift is associated with borderline personality pathology in adolescents. Therefore these behaviors might represent early indicators of risk supporting potential early detection. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Common symptoms of Nepalese soft contact lens wearers: A pilot study.

PubMed

Sapkota, Kishor; Martin, Raul; Franco, Sandra; Lira, Madalena

2015-01-01

To determine the common symptoms in current soft contact lens (CL) wearers and their association with other factors among Nepalese population. All the current CL wearers who started to wear soft CL in Nepal Eye Hospital between July 2007 and June 2012 were invited for the participation. Frequency of the ten most common symptoms, divided into never, occasionally, frequently and consistent were recorded. Association between degree of symptoms with other factors, e.g. age, gender, profession, cigarette smoking, ethnicity, level of education and duration and wearing modality of CL wear were analyzed. Out of 129 subjects participated in this study, 67% were female; the mean age of the subjects was 23.9±4.3 years. Ninety seven percent of them had at least one symptom occasionally or frequently or consistently. Discomfort was found in 88.4% of the total subjects. Other common symptoms were foreign body sensation in 73.6%, redness in 65.9%, reduced wearing time in 63.6% and dryness in 62.8%. Symptoms were found occasionally in the majority of subjects. Degree of symptoms was not associated with age, gender, profession, education status, ethnicity of subjects and duration or modality of lens wear (p>0.05) but was positively associated with passive cigarette smoking (p<0.001). Almost all of the Nepalese soft CL wearers had some types of symptoms at least occasionally. Discomfort was the most common symptom. Degree of symptoms was associated with the passive smoking but not with other factors like age, sex, profession and duration of lens wear. Copyright © 2014 Spanish General Council of Optometry. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

miR-638 regulates gene expression networks associated with emphysematous lung destruction

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by varying degrees of emphysematous lung destruction and small airway disease, each with distinct effects on clinical outcomes. There is little known about how microRNAs contribute specifically to the emphysema phenotype. We examined how genome-wide microRNA expression is altered with regional emphysema severity and how these microRNAs regulate disease-associated gene expression networks. Methods We profiled microRNAs in different regions of the lung with varying degrees of emphysema from 6 smokers with COPD and 2 controls (8 regions × 8 lungs = 64 samples). Regional emphysema severity was quantified by mean linear intercept. Whole genome microRNA and gene expression data were integrated in the same samples to build co-expression networks. Candidate microRNAs were perturbed in human lung fibroblasts in order to validate these networks. Results The expression levels of 63 microRNAs (P < 0.05) were altered with regional emphysema. A subset, including miR-638, miR-30c, and miR-181d, had expression levels that were associated with those of their predicted mRNA targets. Genes correlated with these microRNAs were enriched in pathways associated with emphysema pathophysiology (for example, oxidative stress and accelerated aging). Inhibition of miR-638 expression in lung fibroblasts led to modulation of these same emphysema-related pathways. Gene targets of miR-638 in these pathways were amongst those negatively correlated with miR-638 expression in emphysema. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that microRNAs are altered with regional emphysema severity and modulate disease-associated gene expression networks. Furthermore, miR-638 may regulate gene expression pathways related to the oxidative stress response and aging in emphysematous lung tissue and lung fibroblasts. PMID:24380442

Birmingham COPD Cohort: a cross-sectional analysis of the factors associated with the likelihood of being in paid employment among people with COPD

PubMed Central

Rai, Kiran K; Jordan, Rachel E; Siebert, W Stanley; Sadhra, Steven S; Fitzmaurice, David A; Sitch, Alice J; Ayres, Jon G; Adab, Peymané

2017-01-01

Background Employment rates among those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are lower than those without COPD, but little is known about the factors that affect COPD patients’ ability to work. Methods Multivariable analysis of the Birmingham COPD Cohort Study baseline data was used to assess the associations between lifestyle, clinical, and occupational characteristics and likelihood of being in paid employment among working-age COPD patients. Results In total, 608 of 1,889 COPD participants were of working age, of whom 248 (40.8%) were in work. Older age (60–64 years vs 30–49 years: odds ratio [OR] =0.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] =0.12–0.65), lower educational level (no formal qualification vs degree/higher level: OR =0.43; 95% CI =0.19–0.97), poorer prognostic score (highest vs lowest quartile of modified body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise (BODE) score: OR =0.10; 95% CI =0.03–0.33), and history of high occupational exposure to vapors, gases, dusts, or fumes (VGDF; high VGDF vs no VGDF exposure: OR =0.32; 95% CI =0.12–0.85) were associated with a lower probability of being employed. Only the degree of breathlessness of BODE was significantly associated with employment. Conclusion This is the first study to comprehensively assess the characteristics associated with employment in a community sample of people with COPD. Future interventions should focus on managing breathlessness and reducing occupational exposures to VGDF to improve the work capability among those with COPD. PMID:28138233

Compensation of chief executive officers at nonprofit US hospitals.

PubMed

Joynt, Karen E; Le, Sidney T; Orav, E John; Jha, Ashish K

2014-01-01

Hospital chief executive officers (CEOs) can shape the priorities and performance of their organizations. The degree to which their compensation is based on their hospitals' quality performance is not well known. To characterize CEO compensation and examine its relation with quality metrics. Retrospective observational study. Participants included 1877 CEOs at 2681 private, nonprofit US hospitals. We used linear regression to identify hospital structural characteristics associated with CEO pay. We then determined the degree to which a hospital's performance on financial metrics, technologic metrics, quality metrics, and community benefit in 2008 was associated with CEO pay in 2009. The CEOs in our sample had a mean compensation of $595,781 (median, $404,938) in 2009. In multivariate analyses, CEO pay was associated with the number of hospital beds overseen ($550 for each additional bed; 95% CI, 429-671; P < .001), teaching status ($425,078 more at major teaching vs nonteaching hospitals; 95% CI, 315,238-534,918; P < .001), and urban location. Hospitals with high levels of advanced technologic capabilities compensated their CEOs $135,862 more (95% CI, 80,744-190,990; P < .001) than did hospitals with low levels of technology. Hospitals with high performance on patient satisfaction compensated their CEOs $51,706 more than did those with low performance on patient satisfaction (95% CI, 15,166-88,247; P = .006). We found no association between CEO pay and hospitals' margins, liquidity, capitalization, occupancy rates, process quality performance, mortality rates, readmission rates, or measures of community benefit. Compensation of CEOs at nonprofit hospitals was highly variable across the country. Compensation was associated with technology and patient satisfaction but not with processes of care, patient outcomes, or community benefit.

Polymorphisms in HLA-DPB1 Are Associated With Differences in Rubella Virus–Specific Humoral Immunity After Vaccination

PubMed Central

Lambert, Nathaniel D.; Haralambieva, Iana H.; Kennedy, Richard B.; Ovsyannikova, Inna G.; Pankratz, Vernon Shane; Poland, Gregory A.

2015-01-01

Vaccination with live attenuated rubella virus induces a strong immune response in most individuals. However, small numbers of subjects never reach or maintain protective antibody levels, and there is a high degree of variability in immune response. We have previously described genetic polymorphisms in HLA and other candidate genes that are associated with interindividual differences in humoral immunity to rubella virus. To expand our previous work, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to discover single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with rubella virus–specific neutralizing antibodies. We identified rs2064479 in the HLA-DPB1 genetic region as being significantly associated with humoral immune response variations after rubella vaccination (P = 8.62 × 10−8). All other significant SNPs in this GWAS were located near the HLA-DPB1 gene (P ≤ 1 × 10−7). These findings demonstrate that polymorphisms in HLA-DPB1 are strongly associated with interindividual differences in neutralizing antibody levels to rubella vaccination and represent a validation of our previous HLA work. PMID:25293367

State-Level Point-of-Sale Tobacco News Coverage and Policy Progression Over a 2-Year Period.

PubMed

Myers, Allison E; Southwell, Brian G; Ribisl, Kurt M; Moreland-Russell, Sarah; Bowling, J Michael; Lytle, Leslie A

2018-01-01

Mass media content may play an important role in policy change. However, the empirical relationship between media advocacy efforts and tobacco control policy success has rarely been studied. We examined the extent to which newspaper content characteristics (volume, slant, frame, source, use of evidence, and degree of localization) that have been identified as important in past descriptive studies were associated with policy progression over a 2-year period in the context of point-of-sale (POS) tobacco control. We used regression analyses to test the relationships between newspaper content and policy progression from 2012 to 2014. The dependent variable was the level of implementation of state-level POS tobacco control policies at Time 2. Independent variables were newspaper article characteristics (volume, slant, frame, source, use of evidence, and degree of localization) and were collected via content analysis of the articles. State-level policy environment contextual variables were examined as confounders. Positive, significant bivariate relationships exist between characteristics of news content (e.g., high overall volume, public health source present, local quote and local angle present, and pro-tobacco control slant present) and Time 2 POS score. However, in a multivariate model controlling for other factors, significant relationships did not hold. Newspaper coverage can be a marker of POS policy progression. Whether media can influence policy implementation remains an important question. Future work should continue to tease out and confirm the unique characteristics of media content that are most associated with subsequent policy progression, in order to inform media advocacy efforts.

Examining maladaptive beliefs about sleep across insomnia patient groups

PubMed Central

Carney, Colleen E.; Edinger, Jack D.; Morin, Charles M.; Manber, Rachel; Rybarczyk, Bruce; Stepanski, Edward J.; Wright, Helen; Lack, Leon

2009-01-01

Objectives: Unhelpful beliefs about sleep have been linked to insomnia, and increasing one's cognitive flexibility about sleep has been linked to post-treatment sleep improvement. This study evaluated if levels of such beliefs differ across insomnia groups, and whether there are particular beliefs that differ for specific insomnia subtypes. Methods: Participants (N = 1384) were people with insomnia and good sleepers ranging from 18 to 89 years old (M = 42.6, SD = 19.4). Data from previous studies at five insomnia clinical sites were pooled to examine responses on the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep Scale (DBAS-16) across differing insomnia groups. Results: Group analyses revealed that those from community-based insomnia clinics and those who are hypnotic-dependent generally had the highest levels of unhelpful sleep-related beliefs. With the exception of beliefs about sleep needs (wherein only community sleep clinic patients had high scores relative to good sleepers), all insomnia groups had higher scores on the DBAS-16 than good sleepers. A validity analysis suggested that a DBAS-16 index score > 3.8 was the level of unhelpful beliefs associated with clinically significant insomnia, although a slightly lower cutoff may be useful to identify an unhelpful degree of sleep-related beliefs in highly screened PI and medical patient groups. Conclusions: This study offers descriptive data for the use of the DBAS-16 across insomnia subgroups, which will help the user understand what degree of maladaptive sleep beliefs are most strongly associated with clinically significant levels of insomnia. Results also may have implications for cognitive targeting during treatment for particular insomnia groups. PMID:20004301

Land quality, sustainable development and environmental degradation in agricultural districts: A computational approach based on entropy indexes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zambon, Ilaria, E-mail: ilaria.zambon@unitus.it; Colantoni, Andrea; Carlucci, Margherita

Land Degradation (LD) in socio-environmental systems negatively impacts sustainable development paths. This study proposes a framework to LD evaluation based on indicators of diversification in the spatial distribution of sensitive land. We hypothesize that conditions for spatial heterogeneity in a composite index of land sensitivity are more frequently associated to areas prone to LD than spatial homogeneity. Spatial heterogeneity is supposed to be associated with degraded areas that act as hotspots for future degradation processes. A diachronic analysis (1960–2010) was performed at the Italian agricultural district scale to identify environmental factors associated with spatial heterogeneity in the degree of landmore » sensitivity to degradation based on the Environmentally Sensitive Area Index (ESAI). In 1960, diversification in the level of land sensitivity measured using two common indexes of entropy (Shannon's diversity and Pielou's evenness) increased significantly with the ESAI, indicating a high level of land sensitivity to degradation. In 2010, surface area classified as “critical” to LD was the highest in districts with diversification in the spatial distribution of ESAI values, confirming the hypothesis formulated above. Entropy indexes, based on observed alignment with the concept of LD, constitute a valuable base to inform mitigation strategies against desertification. - Highlights: • Spatial heterogeneity is supposed to be associated with degraded areas. • Entropy indexes can inform mitigation strategies against desertification. • Assessing spatial diversification in the degree of land sensitivity to degradation. • Mediterranean rural areas have an evident diversity in agricultural systems. • A diachronic analysis carried out at the Italian agricultural district scale.« less

[Relationship between PMP, FN, vWF and Bleeding Degree in Patients with Acute Leukemia].

PubMed

Wang, Chang-Sheng; Zhao, Lian; Huang, Li-Yun; Yue, Xiao-He

2018-06-01

To detect the serum levels of platelet microparticle (PMP), fibronectin (FN), and von Willebrand Factor (vWF) in acute leukemia (AL) patients with thrombocytopenic and to analyze the relationship of the serum levels of PMP, FN and vWF with bleeding degree. One hundred and one newly diagnosed AL patients from May 2014 to May 2017 were enrolled the AL group. According to the WHO standard of bleeding stratification, 101 AL patients were divided into 5 sub groups: 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 score groups; 52 normal persons subjected to physical examination were enrolled in control group. The PMP level was detected by flow cytometry; the FN and vWF levels were detected by ELISA. The levels of PMP, FN and vWF were compared between the AL group and the control group. The serum levels of PMP, FN and vWF were compared according to bleeding degree group. The relationship of bleeding degree with the serum levels of PMP, FN and vWF was analyzed. The patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia aged 18 to 60, and accounted for 61.39%. The degree of bleeding was mainly 1 score, which accounted for 38.61%. The serum levels of PMP, vWF and FN AL groups were significantly higher than those in control group (6.06%±4.38% vs 0.89%±0.50%, 205.82±24.89 vs 58.04±13.35 µg/L, 398.29±46.93 vs 311.37±26.02 µg/L)(P<0.001). The serum levels of PMP, FN and vWF were different among 5 subgroup (P<0.01); the level of PMP and FN were the highest in 0 score group and the lowest in 4 score group; the vWF level was the highest in 4 score groups and the lowest in 0 score group. The bleeding degree in the patients with acute leukemia negatively correlated with PMP level, and positively with NF and vWF levels (r=-0.753, r=0.648, r=0.805). According to the relationship of the bleeding degree with serum levels of PMP, FN, vWF in patients, the detection of PMP, vWF and FN levels can help to evaluale the bleeding degree in the patients.

A Qualitative Study of Tribal Colleges and Universities that Have Transitioned: From Two-Year Associate Degree Granting Institutions to Targeted Four-Year Bachelor Degree Granting Institutions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chandler, Lynette

2010-01-01

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to analyze how tribal colleges and Universities have transitioned from two-year associate degree granting institutions to offering four-year bachelor degree granting institutions. This case study includes three tribal colleges: Sitting Bull College, Salish Kootenai College and Turtle Mountain…

Restricted cell elongation in Arabidopsis hypocotyls is associated with a reduced average pectin esterification level

PubMed Central

Derbyshire, Paul; McCann, Maureen C; Roberts, Keith

2007-01-01

Background Cell elongation is mainly limited by the extensibility of the cell wall. Dicotyledonous primary (growing) cell walls contain cellulose, xyloglucan, pectin and proteins, but little is known about how each polymer class contributes to the cell wall mechanical properties that control extensibility. Results We present evidence that the degree of pectin methyl-esterification (DE%) limits cell growth, and that a minimum level of about 60% DE is required for normal cell elongation in Arabidopsis hypocotyls. When the average DE% falls below this level, as in two gibberellic acid (GA) mutants ga1-3 and gai, and plants expressing pectin methyl-esterase (PME1) from Aspergillus aculeatus, then hypocotyl elongation is reduced. Conclusion Low average levels of pectin DE% are associated with reduced cell elongation, implicating PMEs, the enzymes that regulate DE%, in the cell elongation process and in responses to GA. At high average DE% other components of the cell wall limit GA-induced growth. PMID:17572910

Restricted cell elongation in Arabidopsis hypocotyls is associated with a reduced average pectin esterification level.

PubMed

Derbyshire, Paul; McCann, Maureen C; Roberts, Keith

2007-06-17

Cell elongation is mainly limited by the extensibility of the cell wall. Dicotyledonous primary (growing) cell walls contain cellulose, xyloglucan, pectin and proteins, but little is known about how each polymer class contributes to the cell wall mechanical properties that control extensibility. We present evidence that the degree of pectin methyl-esterification (DE%) limits cell growth, and that a minimum level of about 60% DE is required for normal cell elongation in Arabidopsis hypocotyls. When the average DE% falls below this level, as in two gibberellic acid (GA) mutants ga1-3 and gai, and plants expressing pectin methyl-esterase (PME1) from Aspergillus aculeatus, then hypocotyl elongation is reduced. Low average levels of pectin DE% are associated with reduced cell elongation, implicating PMEs, the enzymes that regulate DE%, in the cell elongation process and in responses to GA. At high average DE% other components of the cell wall limit GA-induced growth.

Friendship network position and salivary cortisol levels.

PubMed

Kornienko, Olga; Clemans, Katherine H; Out, Dorothée; Granger, Douglas A

2013-01-01

We employed a social network analysis approach to examine the associations between friendship network position and cortisol levels. The sample consisted of 74 first-year students (93% female, ages 22-38 years, M = 27) from a highly competitive, accelerated Nursing program. Participants completed questionnaires online, and the entire group met at one time to complete a series of sociometric nominations and donated a saliva sample. Saliva was later assayed for cortisol. Metrics derived from directed friendship nominations indexed each student's friendship network status regarding popularity, gregariousness, and degree of interconnectedness. Results revealed that (1) individuals with lower gregariousness status (i.e., lowest number of outgoing ties) had higher cortisol levels, and (2) individuals with higher popularity status (i.e., higher numbers of incoming ties) had higher cortisol levels. Popularity and gregariousness-based network status is significantly associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity. Implications for prevailing theories of the social determinants of individual differences in biological sensitivity and susceptibility to context are discussed.

Adolescent Family Experiences and Educational Attainment during Early Adulthood

PubMed Central

Melby, Janet N.; Conger, Rand D.; Fang, Shu-Ann; Wickrama, K. A. S.; Conger, Katherine J.

2009-01-01

This study investigated the degree to which a family investment model would help account for the association between family of origin socioeconomic characteristics and the later educational attainment of 451 young adults (age 26) from two-parent families. Parents’ educational level, occupational prestige, and family income in 1989 each had a statistically significant direct relationship with youths’ educational attainment in 2002. Consistent with the theoretical model guiding the study, parents’ educational level and family income also demonstrated statistically significant indirect effects on later educational attainment through their associations with growth trajectories for supportive parenting, sibling relations, and adolescent academic engagement. Supportive parenting and sibling relations were linked to later educational attainment through their association with adolescent academic engagement. Academic engagement during adolescence was associated with educational attainment in young adulthood. These basic processes operated similarly regardless of youths’ gender, target youths’ age relative to a near-age sibling, gender composition of the sibling dyad, or gender of parent. PMID:18999319

Post-conventional moral reasoning is associated with increased ventral striatal activity at rest and during task.

PubMed

Fang, Zhuo; Jung, Wi Hoon; Korczykowski, Marc; Luo, Lijuan; Prehn, Kristin; Xu, Sihua; Detre, John A; Kable, Joseph W; Robertson, Diana C; Rao, Hengyi

2017-08-02

People vary considerably in moral reasoning. According to Kohlberg's theory, individuals who reach the highest level of post-conventional moral reasoning judge moral issues based on deeper principles and shared ideals rather than self-interest or adherence to laws and rules. Recent research has suggested the involvement of the brain's frontostriatal reward system in moral judgments and prosocial behaviors. However, it remains unknown whether moral reasoning level is associated with differences in reward system function. Here, we combined arterial spin labeling perfusion and blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging and measured frontostriatal reward system activity both at rest and during a sequential risky decision making task in a sample of 64 participants at different levels of moral reasoning. Compared to individuals at the pre-conventional and conventional level of moral reasoning, post-conventional individuals showed increased resting cerebral blood flow in the ventral striatum and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Cerebral blood flow in these brain regions correlated with the degree of post-conventional thinking across groups. Post-conventional individuals also showed greater task-induced activation in the ventral striatum during risky decision making. These findings suggest that high-level post-conventional moral reasoning is associated with increased activity in the brain's frontostriatal system, regardless of task-dependent or task-independent states.

Association between tuberculosis and atopy: role of the CD14-159C/T polymorphism.

PubMed

Baççioğlu Kavut, A; Kalpaklioğlu, F; Birben, E; Ayaslioğlu, E

2012-01-01

The development of allergic hypersensitivity depends on both genetic and environmental factors. Different amounts of microbial products could affect patients with atopy and different genotypes. We aimed to evaluate the role of varying degrees of exposure to infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tuberculosis) in atopic patients and analyze the association with genetic factors. We performed CD14-159C/T genotyping in atopic patients (n=118) and healthy individuals (n=62) and recorded the following variables: rural lifestyle, exposure to persons with tuberculosis, bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination, tuberculin skin test (TST), skin prick test, and phenotypes of atopy. Blood samples were analyzed for soluble-CD14 (sCD14), interferon (IFN) y, total immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and eosinophil levels. A score was used to identify the likelihood of exposure to tuberculosis. Almost all the study participants had had a BCG vaccination, and half had a positive TST result. No differences were observed between atopic patients with high/low tuberculosis scores and CD14 genotypes in terms of atopic phenotypes, allergen sensitization, and levels of total IgE, sCD14, and IFN-y. However, the frequency of asthma was higher in atopic patients with a high tuberculosis score and was not associated with CD14 genotypes. Eosinophil counts in blood were higher in atopic patients with a high tuberculosis score and CC+CT genotypes. These results suggest that the C allele of the CD14-159C/T polymorphism has a marked effect on eosinophil levels in atopic patients with increased exposure to tuberculosis. In addition, the degree of exposure to tuberculosis in atopic patients may modify the development of asthma.

Study of the relationship between myopia and personality.

PubMed

Rodríguez Uña, I; Pérez Bartolomé, F; Urriés Ortiz, M; Arriola Villalobos, P; Bermúdez Vallecilla, M; Fernández-Vega Cueto, L; Martín Villaescusa, C; Marticorena Álvarez, P

2015-08-01

To study the correlation between the myopic refractive error and certain personality traits, and to determine whether there is a correlation between the degree of myopia and an increased frequency in personality disorders. Cross-sectional observational multicenter study conducted on 82 subjects (26 men, 56 women) age over 18 years with myopia (spherical defect ≤ -0.5 D), with 30 subjects having high myopia (<-6 D). age and gender, academic level, result in the Neo PI-R personality test, autorefractometry, myopic pathology, and ophthalmological treatment. Correlation (Spearman's) between the magnitude of the spherical defect and the 5 personality traits studied in the total sample was not statistically significant: neuroticism (-0.057; P=.610), extroversion (-0.020; P=.857), openness (-0.032; P=.774), kindness (-0.060; P=.592), and responsibility (-0.034; P=.765). By dividing them into subgroups of low and high significance (t-test), a significant (P=.002) upward trend of the myopic defect with increasing scores on extraversion was found. When comparing high myopic subjects to the non-high myopic ones, there were significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of the associated pathology (P=.001), received treatment (P=.001) and the level of studies (P=.013). There were no differences in the variables of personality: neuroticism (P=.852), extroversion (P=.199), openness (P=.560), kindness (P=.584), and responsibility (P=.722). A low correlation was found between myopia and personality. There was no difference in the degree of myopia between the groups with different education levels. Subjects with more severe ocular pathology associated with myopia had higher scores in neuroticism, without finding any significant association. Copyright © 2014 Sociedad Española de Oftalmología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Effect of packaging and storage temperature on the survival of Listeria monocytogenes inoculated postprocessing on sliced salami.

PubMed

Gounadaki, Antonia S; Skandamis, Panagiotis N; Drosinos, Eleftherios H; Nychas, George-John E

2007-10-01

The survival of postprocess Listeria monocytogenes contamination on sliced salami, stored under the temperatures associated with retail and domestic storage, was investigated. Sliced salami was inoculated with low and high concentrations of L. monocytogenes before being packaged under vacuum or air. Survival of L. monocytogenes was determined after storage of sausages for 45 or 90 days for low or high sample inocula, respectively, at 5, 15, and 25 degrees C. All survival curves of L. monocytogenes were characterized by an initial rapid inactivation within the first days of storage, followed by a second, slower inactivation phase or "tailing." Greater reduction of L. monocytogenes was observed at the high storage temperature (25 degrees C), followed by ambient (15 degrees C) and chill (5 degrees C) storage conditions. Moreover, vacuum packaging resulted in a slower destruction of L. monocytogenes than air packaging, and this effect increased as storage temperature decreased. Although L. monocytogenes numbers decreased to undetectable levels by the end of the storage period, the time (in days) needed for this reduction and for the total elimination of the pathogen decreased with high temperature, aerobic storage, and high inoculum. Results of this study clearly indicated that the kinetics of L. monocytogenes were highly dependent on the interaction of factors such as storage temperature, packaging conditions, and initial level of contamination (inoculum). These results may contribute to the exposure assessment of quantitative microbial risk assessment and to the establishment of storage-packaging recommendations of fermented sausages.

Enrichment, isolation, and virulence of freeze-stressed plasmid-bearing virulent strains of Yersinia enterocolitica on pork.

PubMed

Bhaduri, Saumya

2006-08-01

The influence of freeze stress at -20 degrees C on the enrichment, isolation, detection, presence of virulence plasmid, and expression of virulence of plasmid-bearing Yersinia enterocolitica (YEP+) inoculated on pork chop medallions was assessed. Pork chop medallions (10 cm2) artificially contaminated with 10, 1, and 0.5 CFU/cm2 of YEP+ strains (serotype O:3) were placed in sterile petri dishes at -20 degrees C for 24 h. The medallions were swabbed when frozen, after thawing at room temperature for 1.5 h and after thawing at 4 degrees C for 18 h. Swabs were enriched and YEP+ were detected and isolated using the Congo red-binding and low-calcium-response assays. The YEP+ were isolated under all conditions on pork chop medallions inoculated with 10 CFU/cm2 and at a level of 1 CFU/cm2 when thawed at room temperature and at 4 degrees C but not from frozen pork chop medallions. The YEP+ were not isolated from pork chop medallions inoculated with 0.5 CFU/cm2 and then frozen, whereas YEP+ were recovered when inoculated at this level from pork chop medallions not subjected to freezing. Virulence of the strains isolated from frozen pork chop medallions was confirmed by PCR and the expression of plasmid-associated phenotypes. These results indicate that YEP+ subjected to freezing on pork are potentially capable of causing foodborne illness and that freezing is not a substitute for safe handling and proper cooking of pork.

Level of education associated with ophthalmic diseases. The Beijing Eye Study.

PubMed

Xu, Liang; Wang, Ya Xing; Jonas, Jost B

2010-01-01

To determine associations between educational level and ophthalmic diseases in Chinese. The population-based Beijing Eye Study, performed in 2006, enrolled 3,251 participants (age: 45+ years) out of 4,439 subjects invited to participate (response rate: 73.2%). The participants underwent an interview including questions concerning their educational level, and a detailed ophthalmic examination. Data on the level of education were available for 3,221 (99.1%) subjects, with 1,484 (46.1%) subjects living in the rural region. The mean age was 60.4 +/- 10.1 years (range: 45-89 years). In a multivariate analysis, a higher level of education was significantly associated with myopic refractive error, higher best-corrected visual acuity, lower degree of nuclear cataract, and lower prevalence of angle-closure glaucoma, and with the systemic parameters of lower age, male gender, urban region, taller body height, and lower body mass index. It was not significantly associated with intraocular pressure, amount of subcapsular cataract and cortical cataract, cataract surgery, and the prevalences of diabetes mellitus, retinal vein occlusions, chronic open-angle glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration, and with the systemic parameters of fasting serum concentrations of glucose, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, cholesterol and triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In the Greater Beijing area, a higher level of education was associated with myopic refractive error, higher best-corrected visual acuity, and lower prevalence of nuclear cataract and angle-closure glaucoma, after adjusting for the systemic parameters of younger age, male gender, urban region, taller body height, lower body mass index less smoking and less alcohol consumption. Educational level was not significantly associated with intraocular pressure, cortical cataract, blood pressure, and frequencies of age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusions and chronic open-angle glaucoma.

Circulating Immunoglobulins Are Not Associated with Intraplaque Mast Cell Number and Other Vulnerable Plaque Characteristics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis

PubMed Central

Quax, Paul H. A.; de Borst, Gert Jan; de Vries, Jean-Paul P. M.; Moll, Frans L.; Kuiper, Johan; Toes, René E. M.; de Jager, Saskia C. A.; de Kleijn, Dominique P. V.; Hoefer, Imo E.; Pasterkamp, Gerard; Bot, Ilze

2014-01-01

Background Recently, we have shown that intraplaque mast cell numbers are associated with atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability and with future cardiovascular events, which renders inhibition of mast cell activation of interest for future therapeutic interventions. However, the endogenous triggers that activate mast cells during the progression and destabilization of atherosclerotic lesions remain unidentified. Mast cells can be activated by immunoglobulins and in the present study, we aimed to establish whether specific immunoglobulins in plasma of patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy were related to (activated) intraplaque mast cell numbers and plasma tryptase levels. In addition, the levels were related to other vulnerable plaque characteristics and baseline clinical data. Methods and Results OxLDL-IgG, total IgG and total IgE levels were measured in 135 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy. No associations were observed between the tested plasma immunoglobulin levels and total mast cell numbers in atherosclerotic plaques. Furthermore, no associations were found between IgG levels and the following plaque characteristics: lipid core size, degree of calcification, number of macrophages or smooth muscle cells, amount of collagen and number of microvessels. Interestingly, statin use was negatively associated with plasma IgE and oxLDL-IgG levels. Conclusions In patients suffering from carotid artery disease, total IgE, total IgG and oxLDL-IgG levels do not associate with plaque mast cell numbers or other vulnerable plaque histopathological characteristics. This study thus does not provide evidence that the immunoglobulins tested in our cohort play a role in intraplaque mast cell activation or grade of atherosclerosis. PMID:24586471

Income inequality among American states and the conditional risk of post-traumatic stress disorder.

PubMed

Pabayo, Roman; Fuller, Daniel; Goldstein, Risë B; Kawachi, Ichiro; Gilman, Stephen E

2017-09-01

Vulnerability to post-traumatic disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic event can be influenced by individual-level as well as contextual factors. Characteristics of the social and economic environment might increase the odds for PTSD after traumatic events occur. One example that has been identified as a potential environmental determinant is income inequality. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between State-level income inequality and PTSD among adults who have been exposed to trauma. We used data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (n = 34,653). Structured diagnostic interviews were administered at baseline (2001-2002) and follow-up (2004-2005). Weighted multi-level logistic regression was used to determine if US State-level income inequality, as measured by the Gini coefficient, was associated with incident episodes of PTSD during the study's 3-year follow-up period adjusting for individual and state-level covariates. The mean Gini coefficient across states in the NESARC was 0.44 (SD = 0.02) and ranged from 0.39 to 0.53. Of the respondents, 27,638 reported exposure to a traumatic event. Of this sample, 6.9 and 2.3% experienced persistent or recurrent and incident PTSD, respectively. State-level inequality was not associated with increased odds for persistent or recurrent PTSD (OR = 1.02; 95% CI 0.85, 1.22), but was associated with incident PTSD (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.04, 1.63). The degree of income inequality in one's state of residence is associated with vulnerability to PTSD among individuals exposed to traumatic events. Additional work is needed to determine if this association is causal (or alternatively, is explained by other socio-contextual factors associated with income inequality), and if so, what anxiogenic mechanisms explain it.

Core temperature is regulated, although at a lower temperature, in rats exposed to hypergravic fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Monson, C. B.; Horowitz, J. M.; Horwitz, B. A.

1988-01-01

1. In rats acclimated to 23 degrees C (RT rats) or 5 degrees C (CA rats), core temperature (Tc), tail temperature (Tt) and oxygen consumption (VO2) were measured during exposure to a hypergravic field. 2. Rats were exposed for 5.5 h to a 3 g field while ambient temperature (Ta) was varied. For the first 2 h, Ta was 25 degrees C; then Ta was raised to 34 degrees C for 1.5 h. During this period of warm exposure, Tc increased 4 degrees C in both RT and CA rats. Finally, Ta was returned to 25 degrees C for 2 h, and Tc decreased toward the levels measured prior to warm exposure. 3. In a second experiment at 3 g, RT and CA rats were exposed to cold (12 degrees C) after two hours at 25 degrees C. During the one hour cold exposure, Tc fell 1.5 degrees C in RT and 0.5 degree C in CA rats. After cold exposure, when ambient temperature was again 25 degrees C, Tc of RT and CA rats returned toward the levels measured prior to the thermal disturbance. 4. Rats appear to regulate their temperature, albeit at a lower level, in a 3 g field.

Longer sitting time and low physical activity are closely associated with chronic low back pain in population over 50 years of age: a cross-sectional study using the sixth korea national health and nutrition examination survey.

PubMed

Park, Sang-Min; Kim, Ho-Joong; Jeong, Hyunseok; Kim, Hyoungmin; Chang, Bong-Soon; Lee, Choon-Ki; Yeom, Jin S

2018-04-17

There is increasing evidence supporting an association between sitting time and low back pain (LBP). However, the degree of the association between the total daily sitting time and LBP in the general population is poorly understood. (1) To analyze the association between the duration of sitting time and LBP, and (2) to examine this association according to the degree of physical activity in population over 50 years of age with a nationally representative sample of Korean adults. A cross-sectional study PATIENT SAMPLE: Data from version VI-2, 3 of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) performed in 2014 and 2015. Multiple logistic regression was performed to find the rates of association between chronic LBP, level of sitting time, and physical activity. Nationwide Health surveys and examinations were conducted in general Korean representative populations (n = 7,550 in 2014, n = 7,380 in 2015). Chronic LBP was defined as self-reported LBP lasting for more than 30 days during the past 3 months in a health survey. Sitting time and daily physical activity were evaluated using the long version of the international physical activity questionnaires (IPAQ). The duration of sitting time was divided into 2 categories according to the median value (7 hours), and further divided into 4 categories using quartiles. Physical activity was also divided into low and high physical activity according to duration of mid- to high-intensity activities. There were no sources of funding and no conflicts of interest associated with this study. On multiple logistic regression analysis, sitting time more than 7 hours/day was significantly associated with LBP (adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 1.33, p<.001). The risk of LBP increased with increasing duration of sitting time. In participants with low levels of physical activity, the duration of sitting time showed more positive association with LBP than that in all the participants and participants with high levels of physical activity. Longer duration of sitting time is a risk factor for LBP. Furthermore, long duration of sitting time with low physical activity further increases the risk of LBP. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[A densitometric analysis of the chromatin structural characteristics of the nuclei in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of breast cancer patients].

PubMed

Nalieskina, L A

1995-01-01

Alterations in optical structural characteristics of nuclear chromatin, in comparison with healthy individuals (10) and patients with fibroadenoma (29), were detected in 57 patients with a breast cancer by densitometric investigation of peripheral blood lymphocytes. The degree of these alterations are closely associated with the level of malignancy in the initial neoplasia and the aggregation of oncopathology in pedigrees.

Association of polymorphisms in genes involved in lipoprotein metabolism with plasma concentrations of remnant lipoproteins and HDL subpopulations before and after hormone therapy in postmenopausal women

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A high degree of inter-individual variability in plasma lipid level response to hormone therapy (HT) has been reported. Variations in the estrogen receptor alpha gene (ESR1) and in genes involved in lipid metabolism may explain some of the variability in response to HT. We studied the effect of sin...

USAF Summer Faculty Research Program. 1981 Research Reports. Volume I.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-10-01

Kent, OH 44242 (216) 672-2816 Dr. Martin D. Altschuler Degree: PhD, Physics and Astronomy, 1964 Associate Professor Specialty: Robot Vision, Surface...line inspection and control, computer- aided manufacturing, robot vision, mapping of machine parts and castings, etc. The technique we developed...posture, reduced healing time and bacteria level, and improved capacity for work endurance and efficiency. 1 ,2𔃽 Federal agencies, such as the FDA and

Review of the Strength and Capacity Data for Manual Material Handling Activities.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-11-01

Industrial Association Journal, 1, 1-12, 1973. KEYWORDS: posture, lordosimetry, lunbosacral adjustments, ectomorphs , endomorphs METHODS: Ten women served as...no-load condition, the average lumbosacral angle is close to 130 degrees, and the range of its variation is less for the ectomorphs . Lumbosacral...in reaction to light, load application, ectomorphs tend to arch, and endomorphs tend to straighten. At greater levels of loading, the ectomorphs tend

Early Identification of Transformation in the Proficiency Level of Critical Thinking Skills (CTS) for the First Semester Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Student

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swing, Velmarie K.

2014-01-01

Critical thinking (CT) in the new nursing graduate continues to be a topic of concern in the academic and acute care settings. While research studies have analyzed critical thinking skills (CTS) at the beginning and end of nursing programs, few have focused on early program evaluation of CT. In this non-experimental, explanatory, quantitative…

Vertically Propagating Waves in the Upper Atmosphere of Saturn From Cassini Radio Occultations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schinder, P. J.; Flasar, F. M.; Kliore, A. J.; French, R. G.; Marouf, E. A.; Nagy, A.; Rappaport, N.; Anabtawi, A.; Asmar, S.; Barbinis, E.; Fleischman, D. U.; Goltz, G. L.; Johnston, D. V.; Rochblatt, D.; McGhee, C. A.

2005-12-01

We present results from 12 ingress and egress soundings done within 10 degrees of Saturn's equator. Above the 100-mbar level, near the tropopause, the vertical profiles of temperature are marked by undulatory structure that may be associated with vertically propagating waves. We determine the properties and spectra of these waves, and speculate on their origins and their dynamical effects on the upper atmosphere.

Primary care practice organization influences colorectal cancer screening performance.

PubMed

Yano, Elizabeth M; Soban, Lynn M; Parkerton, Patricia H; Etzioni, David A

2007-06-01

To identify primary care practice characteristics associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) screening performance, controlling for patient-level factors. Primary care director survey (1999-2000) of 155 VA primary care clinics linked with 38,818 eligible patients' sociodemographics, utilization, and CRC screening experience using centralized administrative and chart-review data (2001). Practices were characterized by degrees of centralization (e.g., authority over operations, staffing, outside-practice influence); resources (e.g., sufficiency of nonphysician staffing, space, clinical support arrangements); and complexity (e.g., facility size, academic status, managed care penetration), adjusting for patient-level covariates and contextual factors. Chart-based evidence of CRC screening through direct colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or consecutive fecal occult blood tests, eliminating cases with documented histories of CRC, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and health care utilization, patients were significantly more likely to be screened for CRC if their primary care practices had greater autonomy over the internal structure of care delivery (p<.04), more clinical support arrangements (p<.03), and smaller size (p<.001). Deficits in primary care clinical support arrangements and local autonomy over operational management and referral procedures are associated with significantly lower CRC screening performance. Competition with hospital resource demands may impinge on the degree of internal organization of their affiliated primary care practices.

The role of Vitamin D in immuno-inflammatory responses in Ankylosing Spondylitis patients with and without Acute Anterior Uveitis.

PubMed

Mitulescu, T C; Stavaru, C; Voinea, L M; Banica, L M; Matache, C; Predeteanu, D

2016-01-01

Hypothesis: Abnormal Vitamin D (Vit D) level could have consequences on the immuno-inflammatory processes in Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyze the role of Vitamin D in the interplay between immune and inflammation effectors in AS associated-Acute Anterior Uveitis (AAU). Methods and Results: 25-hydroxyvitamin D (Vit D), LL-37 peptide, IL-8 and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) were identified and quantified in the serum/ plasma of thirty-four AS patients [eleven AS patients presenting AAU (AAU AS patients) and twenty-three AS patients without AAU (wAAU AS patients)] and eighteen healthy individuals (Control) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Acute-phase SAA level was significantly higher in AS patients compared to Controls. Contrary with wAAU AS patients, significantly elevated levels of IL-8, and diminished levels of Vit D characterized AAU AS patients. Regarding LL-37, its level decreased concomitantly with the level of Vit D. When AS patients were subgrouped based on AAU presence or on Vit D level, important associations between immuno-inflammatory assessed markers and AS features were noticed. Generally, Vit D levels were associated indirectly with leukocytes/ neutrophils number or with ESR, CRP, and Fibrinogen levels. The levels of SAA and IL-8 associated directly with AAU or with AAU relapses, especially in AS patients with Vit D insufficiency, while SAA associated directly with infection/ inflammatory markers and with disease activity indexes or with the degree of functional limitation. Discussion: Altered levels of Vit D affect the balance between LL-37, IL-8 and SAA, suggesting an association with AAU, an extra-articular manifestation of AS. Abbreviations: Vit D = Vitamin D, AS = Ankylosing Spondylitis, AAU = Acute Anterior Uveitis, AAU AS = AS patients with AAU, wAAU AS = AS patients without AAU, SSZ = Sulphasalazine, Leu = Leukocytes, Neu = Neutrophils.

The role of Vitamin D in immuno-inflammatory responses in Ankylosing Spondylitis patients with and without Acute Anterior Uveitis

PubMed Central

Mitulescu, TC; Stavaru, C; Voinea, LM; Banica, LM; Matache, C; Predeteanu, D

2016-01-01

Hypothesis:Abnormal Vitamin D (Vit D) level could have consequences on the immuno-inflammatory processes in Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Aim:The purpose of this study was to analyze the role of Vitamin D in the interplay between immune and inflammation effectors in AS associated-Acute Anterior Uveitis (AAU). Methods and Results:25-hydroxyvitamin D (Vit D), LL-37 peptide, IL-8 and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) were identified and quantified in the serum/ plasma of thirty-four AS patients [eleven AS patients presenting AAU (AAU AS patients) and twenty-three AS patients without AAU (wAAU AS patients)] and eighteen healthy individuals (Control) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Acute-phase SAA level was significantly higher in AS patients compared to Controls. Contrary with wAAU AS patients, significantly elevated levels of IL-8, and diminished levels of Vit D characterized AAU AS patients. Regarding LL-37, its level decreased concomitantly with the level of Vit D. When AS patients were subgrouped based on AAU presence or on Vit D level, important associations between immuno-inflammatory assessed markers and AS features were noticed. Generally, Vit D levels were associated indirectly with leukocytes/ neutrophils number or with ESR, CRP, and Fibrinogen levels. The levels of SAA and IL-8 associated directly with AAU or with AAU relapses, especially in AS patients with Vit D insufficiency, while SAA associated directly with infection/ inflammatory markers and with disease activity indexes or with the degree of functional limitation. Discussion:Altered levels of Vit D affect the balance between LL-37, IL-8 and SAA, suggesting an association with AAU, an extra-articular manifestation of AS. Abbreviations:Vit D = Vitamin D, AS = Ankylosing Spondylitis, AAU = Acute Anterior Uveitis, AAU AS = AS patients with AAU, wAAU AS = AS patients without AAU, SSZ = Sulphasalazine, Leu = Leukocytes, Neu = Neutrophils. PMID:27713770

An intercalated BSc degree is associated with higher marks in subsequent medical school examinations.

PubMed

Cleland, Jennifer A; Milne, Andrew; Sinclair, Hazel; Lee, Amanda J

2009-05-19

To compare medical students on a modern MBChB programme who did an optional intercalated degree with their peers who did not intercalate; in particular, to monitor performance in subsequent undergraduate degree exams. This was a retrospective, observational study of anonymised databases of medical student assessment outcomes. Data were accessed for graduates, University of Aberdeen Medical School, Scotland, UK, from the years 2003 to 2007 (n = 861). The main outcome measure was marks for summative degree assessments taken after intercalating. Of 861 medical students, 154 (17.9%) students did an intercalated degree. After adjustment for cohort, maturity, gender and baseline (3rd year) performance in matching exam type, having done an IC degree was significantly associated with attaining high (18-20) common assessment scale (CAS) marks in three of the six degree assessments occurring after the IC students rejoined the course: the 4th year written exam (p < 0.001), 4th year OSCE (p = 0.001) and the 5th year Elective project (p = 0.010). Intercalating was associated with improved performance in Years 4 and 5 of the MBChB. This improved performance will further contribute to higher academic ranking for Foundation Year posts. Long-term follow-up is required to identify if doing an optional intercalated degree as part of a modern medical degree is associated with following a career in academic medicine.

An intercalated BSc degree is associated with higher marks in subsequent medical school examinations

PubMed Central

Cleland, Jennifer A; Milne, Andrew; Sinclair, Hazel; Lee, Amanda J

2009-01-01

Background To compare medical students on a modern MBChB programme who did an optional intercalated degree with their peers who did not intercalate; in particular, to monitor performance in subsequent undergraduate degree exams. Methods This was a retrospective, observational study of anonymised databases of medical student assessment outcomes. Data were accessed for graduates, University of Aberdeen Medical School, Scotland, UK, from the years 2003 to 2007 (n = 861). The main outcome measure was marks for summative degree assessments taken after intercalating. Results Of 861 medical students, 154 (17.9%) students did an intercalated degree. After adjustment for cohort, maturity, gender and baseline (3rd year) performance in matching exam type, having done an IC degree was significantly associated with attaining high (18–20) common assessment scale (CAS) marks in three of the six degree assessments occurring after the IC students rejoined the course: the 4th year written exam (p < 0.001), 4th year OSCE (p = 0.001) and the 5th year Elective project (p = 0.010). Conclusion Intercalating was associated with improved performance in Years 4 and 5 of the MBChB. This improved performance will further contribute to higher academic ranking for Foundation Year posts. Long-term follow-up is required to identify if doing an optional intercalated degree as part of a modern medical degree is associated with following a career in academic medicine. PMID:19454007

Brain connectivity associated with cascading levels of language.

PubMed

Richards, Todd; Nagy, William; Abbott, Robert; Berninger, Virginia

2016-01-01

Typical oral and written language learners (controls) (5 girls, 4 boys) completed fMRI reading judgment tasks (sub-word grapheme-phoneme, word spelling, sentences with and without spelling foils, affixed words, sentences with and without affix foils, and multi-sentence). Analyses identified connectivity within and across adjacent levels (units) of language in reading: from subword to word to syntax in Set I and from word to syntax to multi-sentence in Set II). Typicals were compared to (a) students with dyslexia (6 girls, 10 boys) on the subword and word tasks in Set I related to levels of language impaired in dyslexia, and (b) students with oral and written language learning disability (OWL LD) (3 girls, 2 boys) on the morphology and syntax tasks in Set II, related to levels of language impaired in OWL LD. Results for typical language learners showed that adjacent levels of language in the reading brain share common and unique connectivity. The dyslexia group showed over-connectivity to a greater degree on the imaging tasks related to their levels of language impairments than the OWL LD group who showed under-connectivity to a greater degree than did the dyslexia group on the imaging tasks related to their levels of language impairment. Results for these students in grades 4 to 9 (ages 9 to 14) are discussed in reference to the contribution of patterns of connectivity across levels of language to understanding the nature of persisting dyslexia and dysgraphia despite early intervention.

Brace and deformity-related stress level in females with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis based on the Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaires

PubMed Central

Misterska, Ewa; Glowacki, Maciej; Harasymczuk, Jerzy

2011-01-01

Summary Background Psychopathological symptoms occur more often in chronically ill patients than in healthy populations. The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between different types of treatment and stress levels. Material/Methods The study group consisted of 69 females, of whom 35 were treated conservatively with a Cheneau brace; the other 34 subjects were treated operatively and, after correction of scoliosis with thoracoplasty, wore a brace for 12 weeks during the postoperative period. Patients completed the Polish versions of the Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire-Deformity and the Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire-Brace. Results Patients who were treated surgically felt a moderate level of stress connected with wearing the brace and with body deformation. The group treated conservatively felt moderate stress connected with wearing the brace, but a low level of stress in relation to body deformation. The groups differed significantly statistically in the level of stress felt regarding body deformation (p=0.004). In the group treated conservatively, the correlation between the level of stress, the age at which treatment was initiated, and degree of apical translation proved to be significant. Conclusions Patients treated surgically in comparison with patients treated conservatively report higher stress levels connected with body deformation. A higher level of stress depends on the degree of trunk deformation on the frontal plane; stress is also higher in patients who begin conservative treatment at a later age. PMID:21278693

Couples’ Reasons for Cohabitation: Associations with Individual Well-Being and Relationship Quality

PubMed Central

Rhoades, Galena K.; Stanley, Scott M.; Markman, Howard J.

2009-01-01

This study used a new measure to examine how different types of reasons for cohabitation were associated with individual well-being and relationship quality in a sample of 120 cohabiting heterosexual couples (N = 240). Spending more time together and convenience were the most strongly endorsed reasons. The degree to which individuals reported cohabiting to test their relationships was associated with more negative couple communication and more physical aggression as well as lower relationship adjustment, confidence, and dedication. Testing the relationship was also associated with higher levels of attachment insecurity and more symptoms of depression and anxiety. Men were more likely than women to endorse testing their relationships and less likely to endorse convenience as a reason for cohabiting. PMID:19756225

Attitudinal moderation of correlation between food liking and consumption.

PubMed

Cantin, I; Dubé, L

1999-06-01

This paper focuses on the degree of correlation between food liking and consumption and proposes the degree of correspondence between affective and cognitive aspects of liking and consumption as moderators of this correlation. In a close-response questionnaire, 103 young females (average age of 20) indicated their liking for and consumption of 12 non-alcoholic cold beverages. They also indicated their level of agreement with affective and cognitive statements associated with each beverage as well as the affective or cognitive statement that was representative of their attitude toward each beverage. Even though there are affective and cognitive bases of both liking and consumption, the affective basis dominates liking whereas the cognitive basis dominates consumption for most beverage categories. Separate analyses conducted at the level of individual subjects and of individual beverage categories both revealed that those cases in which the attitude basis for liking and consumption showed the highest correspondence, also manifested the highest liking-consumption correlation. Results are discussed with regard to health promotion and food marketing strategies. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Shared Relationship Efficacy of Dyad Can Increase Life Satisfaction in Close Relationships: Multilevel Study

PubMed Central

Ito, Kenichi; Yoshida, Toshikazu

2016-01-01

Characteristics of relationship itself play an important role in determining well-being of individuals who participate in the relationship. We used efficacy expectations mutually shared between close friends or romantic partners as a characteristic of relationship and investigated its impact on their life satisfaction. In Study 1, we conducted a cross-sectional study among 137 pairs of close same-sex friends to test whether the efficacy expectations shared between friends are associated with levels of life satisfaction. In Study 2, we conducted a longitudinal study among 114 heterosexual romantic couples to test predictive validity of the efficacy expectations shared between couples predict levels of life satisfaction 2 month later. In both studies we found a consistent result that as degrees of the efficacy expectations shared between individuals in a relationship increased, the degree of their life satisfaction also increased. Underlying mechanisms that explain how characteristics of relationship itself increase life satisfaction are discussed. PMID:27437946

[Hygiene requirements for the level of intellectual intensivity loads in foreign language learning].

PubMed

Ivashchenko, S N

2013-01-01

The material of this article provides information about the basics of hygiene conditions and nature of intellectual loads of students of secondary schools in the perception of information in a foreign language. Are the most favorable conditions for the successful training of perception and assimilation of information supplied in the course of the learning process in one foreign language or some more different ones? It was found that the process of perception and assimilation of educational information in foreign languages is associated with some degree of mental and emotional stress of students. At the same time, the effectiveness of the learning process depends on the degree of stress. Certain parameters of the psychological and emotional stress students usually have a stimulating effect on their central nervous system. Another level, the psychological and emotional stress of students on the contrary, causes a braking effect of functional activity of the relevant structures of the central nervous system of students and reduces the effectiveness of training.

Foreignness as a matter of degree: the relative immunogenicity of peptide/MHC ligands.

PubMed

van den Berg, Hugo A; Rand, David A

2004-12-21

The ability of T lymphocytes (T cells) to recognize and attack foreign invaders while leaving healthy cells unharmed is often analysed as a discrete self/non-self dichotomy, with each peptide/MHC ligand classified as either self or non-self. We argue that the ligand immunogenicity is more naturally treated as a continuous quantity, and show how to define and quantitate relative ligand immunogenicity. In our theory, self-tolerance is acquired through reduction of the relative immunogenicity of autoantigens, whereas xenoantigens, typically not presented during induction of deletional tolerance, retain a high degree of relative immunogenicity. Autoantigens that are not prominently presented in deletional tolerance likewise retain a high relative immunogenicity and remain essentially foreign. According to our analysis, any given autoantigen can attain a high level of relative immunogenicity, provided it is presented at sufficiently high levels. Our theory provides a quantitative tool to analyse the immunogenicity of tumour-associated neoantigens and the aetiology of autoimmune disease.

Evaluation of an Associate of Arts in Teaching Program at a Midwest Community College

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stuart, Diana Hyler

2012-01-01

Community colleges in the state of Missouri began to offer a two-year degree known as the Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) in 2007. Because this was a new degree for the state and only a few other states in the nation offered the degree, community colleges in Missouri were eager to measure the efficacy of the degree. The purpose of this…

Normative legal regulating of vehicles with a high degree of automation of control: strategy and tactics for implementation in Russia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kisulenko, B. V.; Bocharov, A. V.; Pugachev, V. V.

2018-02-01

The article discusses the risks specific to vehicles with a high level of automation of control, and conditions the limits on the operating conditions of such vehicles. The article determines existing legal barriers to the implementation of autonomous vehicles. The article contains an analysis of foreign practice of regulating in the European Union, Japan and the United States and information about the UNECE activities aimed at enabling operation of vehicles with a high degree of automation control. Basing on the results of the analysis, the authors made proposals for removal of legal barriers. The article also contains proposals for the development of specific requirements for autonomous vehicles associated with their specific features of design.

Creating Career Ladders in University Systems: The Accelerated Associate's Degree Program for Unemployed Licensed Nurses at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Melendez, Edwin; Suarez, Carlos

This document describes the Accelerated Associate's Degree Program for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico. The program, targeting unemployed LPNs living in San Juan, Puerto Rico, allows students to complete an associate's degree in one year. Fifty-four students enrolled during the first year and 50% of…

Associate Degree Nursing: Model Prerequisites Validation Study. California Community College Associate Degree Programs by The Center for Student Success, A Health Care Initiative Sponsored Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Phillips, Brad C.; Spurling, Steven; Armstrong, William A.

California faces a severe nursing shortage, with the number of registered nurses far below what is required to avert a potential state health care crisis. The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Project is a joint project involving scholars, educational researchers, and analysts from the Center for Student Success (CSS) housed at City College of San…

Contraceptive awareness among men in Bangladesh.

PubMed

Islam, Mohammad Amirul; Padmadas, Sabu S; Smith, Peter W F

2006-04-01

A considerable gap exists between contraceptive awareness and use. Traditional approaches to measuring awareness are inadequate to properly understand the linkages between awareness and use. The objective of this study was to examine the degree of men's modern contraceptive awareness in Bangladesh and the associated determinants and further testing of a hypothesis that current contraceptive use confers a high degree of method awareness. This study used the couple data set from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (1999-2000). A two-level, multinomial logistic regression was used with the degree of contraceptive awareness as the dependent variable. The degree of awareness was measured by the reported number of modern contraceptive methods known among men aged 15-59 years. Men's responses on method awareness were classified according to those reported spontaneously and probed. Nearly 100% of the study participants reported having heard of at least one method and about half reported awareness of at least eight different methods of contraception. Multinomial logistic regression analyses showed that older and educated men were more likely to have reported a high degree of awareness. The findings confirmed our hypothesis that current contraceptive use is likely to confer a high degree of modern method awareness among men (p<0.001), after controlling for other important characteristics. Men who had a low degree of contraceptive awareness seem not properly informed of the wide range of contraceptive options. It is imperative that family planning intervention strategies in Bangladesh should focus on the degree and functional knowledge of contraceptive methods to improve the uptake of especially male-based modern methods.

14 CFR 23.1327 - Magnetic direction indicator.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... not have a deviation in level flight, greater than ten degrees on any heading. (b) A magnetic nonstabilized direction indicator may deviate more than ten degrees due to the operation of electrically powered... does not have a deviation in level flight greater than ten degrees on any heading, or a gyroscopic...

Metabolomic Profiling in Individuals with a Failing Kidney Allograft.

PubMed

Bassi, Roberto; Niewczas, Monika A; Biancone, Luigi; Bussolino, Stefania; Merugumala, Sai; Tezza, Sara; D'Addio, Francesca; Ben Nasr, Moufida; Valderrama-Vasquez, Alessandro; Usuelli, Vera; De Zan, Valentina; El Essawy, Basset; Venturini, Massimo; Secchi, Antonio; De Cobelli, Francesco; Lin, Alexander; Chandraker, Anil; Fiorina, Paolo

2017-01-01

Alteration of certain metabolites may play a role in the pathophysiology of renal allograft disease. To explore metabolomic abnormalities in individuals with a failing kidney allograft, we analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS; for ex vivo profiling of serum and urine) and two dimensional correlated spectroscopy (2D COSY; for in vivo study of the kidney graft) 40 subjects with varying degrees of chronic allograft dysfunction stratified by tertiles of glomerular filtration rate (GFR; T1, T2, T3). Ten healthy non-allograft individuals were chosen as controls. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed a dose-response association between GFR and serum concentration of tryptophan, glutamine, dimethylarginine isomers (asymmetric [A]DMA and symmetric [S]DMA) and short-chain acylcarnitines (C4 and C12), (test for trend: T1-T3 = p<0.05; p = 0.01; p<0.001; p = 0.01; p = 0.01; p<0.05, respectively). The same association was found between GFR and urinary levels of histidine, DOPA, dopamine, carnosine, SDMA and ADMA (test for trend: T1-T3 = p<0.05; p<0.01; p = 0.001; p<0.05; p = 0.001; p<0.001; p<0.01, respectively). In vivo 2D COSY of the kidney allograft revealed significant reduction in the parenchymal content of choline, creatine, taurine and threonine (all: p<0.05) in individuals with lower GFR levels. We report an association between renal function and altered metabolomic profile in renal transplant individuals with different degrees of kidney graft function.

Neuropathological biomarker candidates in brain tumors: key issues for translational efficiency.

PubMed

Hainfellner, J A; Heinzl, H

2010-01-01

Brain tumors comprise a large spectrum of rare malignancies in children and adults that are often associated with severe neurological symptoms and fatal outcome. Neuropathological tumor typing provides both prognostic and predictive tissue information which is the basis for optimal postoperative patient management and therapy. Molecular biomarkers may extend and refine prognostic and predictive information in a brain tumor case, providing more individualized and optimized treatment options. In the recent past a few neuropathological brain tumor biomarkers have translated smoothly into clinical use whereas many candidates show protracted translation. We investigated the causes of protracted translation of candidate brain tumor biomarkers. Considering the research environment from personal, social and systemic perspectives we identified eight determinants of translational success: methodology, funding, statistics, organization, phases of research, cooperation, self-reflection, and scientific progeny. Smoothly translating biomarkers are associated with low degrees of translational complexity whereas biomarkers with protracted translation are associated with high degrees. Key issues for translational efficiency of neuropathological brain tumor biomarker research seem to be related to (i) the strict orientation to the mission of medical research, that is the improval of medical practice as primordial purpose of research, (ii) definition of research priorities according to clinical needs, and (iii) absorption of translational complexities by means of operatively beneficial standards. To this end, concrete actions should comprise adequate scientific education of young investigators, and shaping of integrative diagnostics and therapy research both on the local level and the level of influential international brain tumor research platforms.

Relationship between psychological factors and symptoms of TMD in university undergraduate students.

PubMed

Pesqueira, Aldiéris A; Zuim, Paulo R J; Monteiro, Douglas R; Ribeiro, Paula Do Prado; Garcia, Alicio R

2010-01-01

Temporomandibular disorders is a collective term used to describe a number of related disorders involving the temporomandibular joints, masticatory muscles and occlusion with common symptoms such as pain, restricted movement, muscle tenderness and intermittent joint sounds. The multifactorial TMD etiology is related to emotional tension, occlusal interferences, tooth loss, postural deviation, masticatory muscular dysfunction, internal and external changes in TMJ structure and the various associations of these factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the relationship between signs of psychological distress and temporomandibular disorder in university students. A total 150 volunteers participated in this study. They attended different courses in the field of human science at one public university and four private universities. TMD was assessed by the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC) questionnaire. Anxiety was measured by means of a self-evaluative questionnaire, Spielberger's Trait-State anxiety inventory, to evaluate students'state and trait anxiety. The results of the two questionnaires were compared to determine the relationship between anxiety levels and severity degrees of chronic TMD pain by means of the chi-square test. The significance level was set at 5%. The statistical analysis showed that the TMD degree has a positive association with state-anxiety (p = 0.008; p < 0.05) and negative with trait-anxiety (p = 0.619; p < 0.05). Moreover a high TMD rate was observed among the students (40%). This study concluded that there is a positive association between TMD and anxiety.

Improving the accuracy of acetabular cup implantation using a bulls-eye spirit level.

PubMed

Macdonald, Duncan; Gupta, Sanjay; Ohly, Nicholas E; Patil, Sanjeev; Meek, R; Mohammed, Aslam

2011-01-01

Acetabular introducers have a built-in inclination of 45 degrees to the handle shaft. With patients in the lateral position, surgeons aim to align the introducer shaft vertical to the floor to implant the acetabulum at 45 degrees. We aimed to determine if a bulls-eye spirit level attached to an introducer improved the accuracy of implantation. A small circular bulls-eye spirit level was attached to the handle of an acetabular introducer. A saw bone hemipelvis was fixed to a horizontal, flat surface. A cement substitute was placed in the acetabulum and subjects were asked to implant a polyethylene cup, aiming to obtain an angle of inclination of 45 degrees. Two attempts were made with the spirit level masked and two with it unmasked. The distance of the air bubble from the spirit level's center was recorded by a single assessor. The angle of inclination of the acetabular component was then calculated. Subjects included both orthopedic consultants and trainees. Twenty-five subjects completed the study. Accuracy of acetabular implantation when using the unmasked spirit level improved significantly in all grades of surgeon. With the spirit level masked, 12 out of 50 attempts were accurate at 45 degrees inclination; 11 out of 50 attempts were "open," with greater than 45 degrees of inclination, and 27 were "closed," with less than 45 degrees. With the spirit level visible, all subjects achieved an inclination angle of exactly 45 degrees. A simple device attached to the handle of an acetabular introducer can significantly improve the accuracy of implantation of a cemented cup into a saw bone pelvis in the lateral position.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with non-contact soft tissue injuries in elite professional soccer players: influence on degree of injury and recovery time

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The biological mechanisms involved in non-contact musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries (NCMSTI) are poorly understood. Genetic risk factors may be associated with susceptibility to injuries, and may exert marked influence on recovery times. Methods Data on type and degree of injury and recovery time were collected in 73 male professional soccer players (43 White, 11 Black Africans and 19 Hispanics) who suffered total of 242 injuries (203 muscle, 24 ligament, and 15 tendon injuries). One single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in the following genes were analyzed: Elastin (ELN); Titin (TTN); SRY-related HMG-box (SOX15); Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2); Chemokine, CC motif, ligand 2 (CCL2); Collagen type 1 alpha 1(COL1A1); Collagen type 5 alpha 1 (COL5A1), and Tenascin C (TNC). Results There was evidence of a statistically significant association between the degree of injury and the IGF2 genotype (P = 0.034). In addition, there was evidence of a statistically significant association between the degree of muscle injury and CCL2 (P = 0.026) Finally, there was evidence of a statistically significant association between ELN and degree of injury (p = 0.009) and recovery time (P = 0.043). There was no evidence of a statistically significant association between any of the genes studied and degree of injury or recovery time for tendon injuries. Conclusion SNPs in the IGF2, CCL2, and ELN genes may be associated to the degree and recovery time of NCMSTI. PMID:23890452

[Spatial-temporal evolution characteristic of coordination between urbanization and eco-environment in Jilin Province, Northeast China].

PubMed

Tan, Jun-tao; Zhang, Ping-yu; Li, Jing; Liu, Shi-wei

2015-12-01

By building urbanization and eco-environment evaluation index systems, the levels of urbanization and eco-environment, and the degree of their coupling coordination of Jilin Province from 2000 to 2012 were evaluated. The level of comprehensive urbanization showed a continued growth trend, and the economic urbanization contributed the largest share. The eco-environment comprehensive level fluctuated upward. The eco-environment state, response and pressure increased faster since the implementation of the strategy of revitalizing Northeast China and other old industrial regions. Coupling coordination degree between urbanization and eco-environment increased continuously, from uncoordinated status to advanced coordinated status, changing from eco-environment lagged to urbanization lagged. The level of urbanization in central region was higher than east and west regions in Jilin Province, but its eco-environment level was low. Coupling coordination degree in Changchun was the highest, and that of Baishan was the lowest. Coupling coordination degree of Chang-Ji integrated region was always at the leading level, but the level of eco-environment lagged behind was growing since 2000. Coupling coordination degree of Siping, Liaoyuan, Songyuan and Yanbian increased, but that of Baicheng decreased.

Mobility and cognition at admission to the nursing home - a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Sverdrup, Karen; Bergh, Sverre; Selbæk, Geir; Røen, Irene; Kirkevold, Øyvind; Tangen, Gro Gujord

2018-01-30

Earlier studies show that the main reasons for admission to long-term nursing home care are cognitive impairment and functional impairments of activities of daily life. However, descriptive evidence of mobility is scant. The aims of this study were to describe mobility at admission to nursing homes and to assess the association between mobility and degree of dementia. We included 696 residents at admission to 47 nursing homes in Norway. Inclusion criteria were expected stay for more than 4 weeks and 65 years or older. In addition, younger residents with dementia were included. Residents with life expectancy shorter than six weeks were excluded. Mobility was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and the Nursing Home Life Space Diameter (NHLSD). The Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR) was used to describe the degree of dementia. The associations between mobility and degree of dementia was analysed using the Chi-square and the Kruskal-Wallis test (KW-test). When the KW-test indicated a statistical significant difference, we proceeded with planned group comparisons with the Mann-Whitney U-test. In addition, we performed multiple linear regression analyses to control for potential confounders. Forty-three percent of the residents were not able to perform the balance test in SPPB. Twenty-four percent of the residents were not able to walk four meters, while only 17.6% had a walking speed of 0.83 m/s or higher. Sixty-two percent of the residents were not able to rise from a chair or spent more than 60 s doing it. The median score on NHLSD area was 22 (IQR 17) and the median score on NHLSD dependency was 36 (IQR 26). Residents with severe dementia had significantly lower levels of mobility than residents with moderate dementia. Cognitive function was associated with SPPB and NHLSD dependency in the adjusted models. Nursing home residents form a frail, but heterogeneous group both in terms of cognition and mobility at admission. Mobility was negatively associated with cognitive function, and residents with severe dementia had significantly lower levels of mobility than residents with moderate dementia.

Molecular genetics of the platelet serotonin system in first-degree relatives of patients with autism

PubMed Central

Cross, Sarah; Kim, Soo-Jeong; Weiss, Lauren A.; Delahanty, Ryan J.; Sutcliffe, James S.; Leventhal, Bennett L.; Cook, Edwin H.; Veenstra-VanderWeele, Jeremy

2009-01-01

Elevated platelet serotonin (5-HT) is found in a subset of children with autism and in some of their first-degree relatives. Indices of the platelet serotonin system, including whole blood serotonin (5-HT), 5-HT binding affinity for the serotonin transporter (Km), 5-HT uptake (Vmax), and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) receptor binding, were previously studied in twenty-four first-degree relatives of probands with autism, half of whom were selected for elevated whole blood 5-HT levels. All subjects were then genotyped for selected polymorphisms at the SLC6A4, HTR7, HTR2A, ITGB3, and TPH1 loci. Previous studies allowed an a priori prediction of SLC6A4 haplotypes that separated the subjects into three groups that showed significantly different 5-HT binding affinity (Km, p = 0.005) and 5-HT uptake rate (Vmax, p = 0.046). Genotypes at four individual polymorphisms in SLC6A4 were not associated with platelet 5-HT indices. Haplotypes at SLC6A4 and individual genotypes of polymorphisms at SLC6A4, HTR7, HTR2A, ITGB3, and TPH1 showed no significant association with whole blood 5-HT. Haplotype analysis of two polymorphisms in TPH1 revealed a nominally significant association with whole blood 5-HT (p = 0.046). These initial studies of indices of the 5-HT system with several SNPs at loci in this system generate hypotheses for testing in other samples. PMID:17406648

Subtropical Arctic Ocean temperatures during the Palaeocene/Eocene thermal maximum.

PubMed

Sluijs, Appy; Schouten, Stefan; Pagani, Mark; Woltering, Martijn; Brinkhuis, Henk; Sinninghe Damsté, Jaap S; Dickens, Gerald R; Huber, Matthew; Reichart, Gert-Jan; Stein, Ruediger; Matthiessen, Jens; Lourens, Lucas J; Pedentchouk, Nikolai; Backman, Jan; Moran, Kathryn

2006-06-01

The Palaeocene/Eocene thermal maximum, approximately 55 million years ago, was a brief period of widespread, extreme climatic warming, that was associated with massive atmospheric greenhouse gas input. Although aspects of the resulting environmental changes are well documented at low latitudes, no data were available to quantify simultaneous changes in the Arctic region. Here we identify the Palaeocene/Eocene thermal maximum in a marine sedimentary sequence obtained during the Arctic Coring Expedition. We show that sea surface temperatures near the North Pole increased from 18 degrees C to over 23 degrees C during this event. Such warm values imply the absence of ice and thus exclude the influence of ice-albedo feedbacks on this Arctic warming. At the same time, sea level rose while anoxic and euxinic conditions developed in the ocean's bottom waters and photic zone, respectively. Increasing temperature and sea level match expectations based on palaeoclimate model simulations, but the absolute polar temperatures that we derive before, during and after the event are more than 10 degrees C warmer than those model-predicted. This suggests that higher-than-modern greenhouse gas concentrations must have operated in conjunction with other feedback mechanisms--perhaps polar stratospheric clouds or hurricane-induced ocean mixing--to amplify early Palaeogene polar temperatures.

Self-Assembly of Polysaccharides Gives Rise to Distinct Mechanical Signatures in Marine Gels

PubMed Central

Pletikapić, G.; Lannon, H.; Murvai, Ü.; Kellermayer, M.S.Z.; Svetličić, V.; Brujic, J.

2014-01-01

Marine-gel biopolymers were recently visualized at the molecular level using atomic force microscopy (AFM) to reveal fine fibril-forming networks with low to high degrees of cross-linking. In this work, we use force spectroscopy to quantify the intra- and intermolecular forces within the marine-gel network. Combining force measurements, AFM imaging, and the known chemical composition of marine gels allows us to identify the microscopic origins of distinct mechanical responses. At the single-fibril level, we uncover force-extension curves that resemble those of individual polysaccharide fibrils. They exhibit entropic elasticity followed by extensions associated with chair-to-boat transitions specific to the type of polysaccharide at high forces. Surprisingly, a low degree of cross-linking leads to sawtooth patterns that we attribute to the unraveling of polysaccharide entanglements. At a high degree of cross-linking, we observe force plateaus that arise from unzipping, as well as unwinding, of helical bundles. Finally, the complex 3D network structure gives rise to force staircases of increasing height that correspond to the hierarchical peeling of fibrils away from the junction zones. In addition, we show that these diverse mechanical responses also arise in reconstituted polysaccharide gels, which highlights their dominant role in the mechanical architecture of marine gels. PMID:25028877

Pathology of ocular lesions associated with gas supersaturation in white seabass.

PubMed

Smiley, Jeffrey E; Okihiro, Mark S; Drawbridge, Mark A; Kaufmann, Ronald S

2012-03-01

Cultured juvenile white seabass Atractoscion nobilis (WSB) can suffer from intraocular emphysemas and exophthalmia in the hatchery environment. To identify the cause, two size-groups of WSB were exposed to five gas saturation levels, ranging from 98% to 122% total gas pressure (TGP), over a 96-h exposure period in 18 degrees C and 23 degrees C seawater. Histological examination revealed that the gross and subgross lesions associated with gas supersaturation included corneal and orbital emphysema, along with subretinal, optic nerve, and iridial hemorrhage. Corneal emphysema was the most prominent gross lesion, with the severity and prevalence increasing between size-groups and water temperatures as TGP increased. Following the same pattern was orbital emphysema, which affected more than 93% of the fish examined and caused hemorrhage in the subretinal space, around the optic nerve, in the iris, or a combination thereof. Iridial hemorrhage occurred in 91% of the fish examined and decreased significantly with fish size. The prevalence and severity of hemorrhage in the subretinal space increased significantly with TGP and fish size but not with temperature. Optic nerve hemorrhage was absent in small fish exposed at 18 degrees C but increased significantly with temperature and fish size. The reverse was true for the large fish.

Scoliosis in Steinert syndrome: a case report.

PubMed

Themistocleous, George S; Sapkas, George S; Papagelopoulos, Panayiotis J; Stilianessi, Eugenia V; Papadopoulos, Elias Ch; Apostolou, Constantinos D

2005-01-01

Steinert syndrome is described as an autosomal dominant condition characterized by progressive muscular wasting, myotonia, musculoskeletal manifestations and rare spinal defects. Little is reported about spinal deformity associated with this syndrome. We present a patient with Steinert syndrome complicated by scoliosis. In the literature on muscular dystrophy, other than Duchenne, little mention is given to the problem of scoliosis in general and its treatment in particular. A case report of a patient with Steinert syndrome associated with thoracic scoliosis and hypokyphosis is presented. A 17-year-old boy presented with King type II right thoracic scoliosis (T5-T11, Cobb angle of 40 degrees) and hypokyphosis--10 degrees. He was treated with posterior stabilization and instrumentation at level T3-L2 with a postoperative correction of the scoliotic curve to 20 degrees. Histopathologic examination of the muscles confirmed the diagnosis of Steinert myotonic dystrophy. At 30-month follow-up, the patient was clinically pain free and well balanced. Plain radiographs showed solid spine fusion with no loss of deformity correction. Scoliosis in Steinert syndrome shares the characteristic of an arthrogrypotic neuromuscular curve and demands the extensive soft tissue release for optimal surgical correction. Intraoperative observations included profound tissue bleeding, abnormally tough soft tissues and a difficult recovery from anaesthesia.

Nuclear fear and children: the impact of parental nuclear activism, responsivity, and fear

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

LaGuardia, M.R.

1986-01-01

This study examines the extent to which parental nuclear fear, parental activism, and parental responsivity is associated with children's (age 10) nuclear fear. Other associated variables investigated include: nuclear denial, general anxiety and fear, and the personal characteristics of sex, socio-economic status, and academic aptitude. Findings indicate that children attend to nuclear issues when their parents attend to a significant degree. Children's hopelessness about the arms race is increased as parents' worry about nuclear war increases. Children's fear about not surviving a nuclear war increases as parents' worry about survivability decreases. Children who have more general fears also indicated thatmore » they have a high level of hopelessness, pervasive worry, and much concern about being able to survive a nuclear war. Children with a high degree of general anxiety did not indicate high degrees of nuclear fears. Children with high academic aptitude were more knowledgeable about nuclear issues and expressed more fears about the nuclear threat. Boys demonstrated more knowledge about nuclear issues than girls, and girls expressed much more frequent fear and worry about the nuclear threat than boys. Parents of lower socio-economic statues (SES) expressed more denial about the nuclear threat and were more pro-military than the higher SES parents.« less

Technical note: enumeration of mesophilic aerobes in milk: evaluation of standard official protocols and Petrifilm aerobic count plates.

PubMed

Freitas, R; Nero, L A; Carvalho, A F

2009-07-01

Enumeration of mesophilic aerobes (MA) is the main quality and hygiene parameter for raw and pasteurized milk. High levels of these microorganisms indicate poor conditions in production, storage, and processing of milk, and also the presence of pathogens. Fifteen raw and 15 pasteurized milk samples were submitted for MA enumeration by a conventional plating method (using plate count agar) and Petrifilm Aerobic Count plates (3M, St. Paul, MN), followed by incubation according to 3 official protocols: IDF/ISO (incubation at 30 degrees C for 72 h), American Public Health Association (32 degrees C for 48 h), and Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture (36 degrees C for 48 h). The results were compared by linear regression and ANOVA. Considering the results from conventional methodology, good correlation indices and absence of significant differences between mean counts were observed, independent of type of milk sample (raw or pasteurized) and incubation conditions (IDF/ISO, American Public Health Association, or Ministry of Agriculture). Considering the results from Petrifilm Aerobic Count plates, good correlation indices and absence of significant differences were only observed for raw milk samples. The microbiota of pasteurized milk interfered negatively with the performance of Petrifilm Aerobic Count plates, probably because of the presence of microorganisms that poorly reduce the dye indicator of this system.

Racial Discrimination and Racial Identity Attitudes in Relation to Self-Rated Health and Physical Pain and Impairment Among Two-Spirit American Indians/Alaska Natives

PubMed Central

Walters, Karina L.

2009-01-01

Objectives. We examined associations between racial discrimination and actualization, defined as the degree of positive integration between self-identity and racial group identity, and self-rated health and physical pain and impairment. Methods. We used logistic regressions to analyze data from 447 gay, lesbian, bisexual, and other sexual-minority American Indians/Alaska Natives. Results. Greater self-reported discrimination was associated with higher odds of physical pain and impairment (odds ratio [OR] = 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13, 1.78); high levels of actualization were associated with lower odds of physical pain and impairment (OR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.35, 0.99) and self-rated fair or poor health (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.32, 0.90). Actualization also moderated the influence of discrimination on self-rated health (t = –2.33; P = .020). Discrimination was positively associated with fair or poor health among participants with low levels of actualization, but this association was weak among those with high levels of actualization. Conclusions. Among two-spirit American Indians/Alaska Natives, discrimination may be a risk factor for physical pain and impairment and for fair or poor self-rated health among those with low levels of actualization. Actualization may protect against physical pain and impairment and poor self-rated health and buffer the negative influence of discrimination. PMID:19218182

Is there an association between advanced paternal age and endophenotype deficit levels in schizophrenia?

PubMed

Tsuang, Debby; Esterberg, Michelle; Braff, David; Calkins, Monica; Cadenhead, Kristin; Dobie, Dorcas; Freedman, Robert; Green, Michael F; Greenwood, Tiffany; Gur, Raquel; Gur, Ruben; Horan, William; Lazzeroni, Laura C; Light, Gregory A; Millard, Steven P; Olincy, Ann; Nuechterlein, Keith; Seidman, Larry; Siever, Larry; Silverman, Jeremy; Stone, William; Sprock, Joyce; Sugar, Catherine; Swerdlow, Neal; Tsuang, Ming; Turetsky, Bruce; Radant, Allen

2014-01-01

The children of older fathers have increased risks of developing schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and among those who develop these disorders, those with older fathers present with more severe clinical symptoms. However, the influence of advanced paternal age on other important domains related to schizophrenia, such as quantitative endophenotype deficit levels, remains unknown. This study investigated the associations between paternal age and level of endophenotypic impairment in a well-characterized family-based sample from the Consortium on the Genetics of Schizophrenia (COGS). All families included at least one affected subject and one unaffected sibling. Subjects met criteria for schizophrenia (probands; n = 293) or were unaffected first-degree siblings of those probands (n = 382). Paternal age at the time of subjects' birth was documented. Subjects completed a comprehensive clinical assessment and a battery of tests that measured 16 endophenotypes. After controlling for covariates, potential paternal age-endophenotype associations were analyzed using one model that included probands alone and a second model that included both probands and unaffected siblings. Endophenotype deficits in the Identical Pairs version of the 4-digit Continuous Performance Test and in the Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery verbal memory test showed significant associations with paternal age. However, after correcting for multiple comparisons, no endophenotype was significantly associated with paternal age. These findings suggest that factors other than advanced paternal age at birth may account for endophenotypic deficit levels in schizophrenia.

Degrees Conferred: 2000-01 Update. Informational Memorandum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wisconsin Univ. System, Madison. Office of Policy Analysis and Research.

This memorandum contains facts about degrees conferred by institutions in the University of Wisconsin (UW) System in 2000-2001. Overall, the UW System conferred 28,217 degrees in 2000-2001. Of these, 969 were Associate Degrees, and 20,927 were Bachelors Degrees. There were 4,952 Masters Degrees, and 759 Doctoral Degrees, with 610 professional…

Decreased expression levels of Nurr1 are associated with chronic inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Xu, Ying; Huang, Qi; Zhang, Wenfang; Wang, Yaping; Zeng, Qingling; He, Chunyan; Xue, Junli; Chen, Jin; Hu, Xuemei; Xu, Yancheng

2015-10-01

Chronic inflammation is associated with insulin resistance, a characteristic of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Nuclear receptor‑related protein 1 (Nurr1) can regulate inflammation, dependent on the nature of individual diseases. However, whether Nurr1 regulates chronic inflammation during the pathogenic process of T2D in humans remains to be fully elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the potential association between the expression of Nurr1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and inflammation in patients with T2D. The levels of plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α and interleukin (IL)‑6, the relative expression levels of Nurr1, and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)‑3β phosphorylation in PBMCs from 40 patients with T2D and 40 healthy controls (HC group) were examined, and their potential association with clinical measures were analyzed. The expression levels of Nurr1, induced by high glucose and palmitic acid, were assessed in the PBMCs from the HC group. Compared with the HC group, significantly higher levels of plasma TNFα and IL‑6 were correlated positively with the degree of insulin resistance in the T2D patients. However, significantly lower expression levels of Nurr1 and GSK‑3β phosphorylation in the PBMCs were correlated negatively with the levels of TNFα, IL‑6, fasting insulin and insulin resistance in the T2D patients. Treatment of the PBMCs with high glucose or palmitic acid inhibited the expression of Nurr1 in a dose‑ and time‑dependent manner. Therefore, decreased expression levels of Nurr1 were associated with chronic inflammation and insulin resistance in patients with T2D.

Variants in Complement Factor H and Complement Factor H-Related Protein Genes, CFHR3 and CFHR1, Affect Complement Activation in IgA Nephropathy.

PubMed

Zhu, Li; Zhai, Ya-Ling; Wang, Feng-Mei; Hou, Ping; Lv, Ji-Cheng; Xu, Da-Min; Shi, Su-Fang; Liu, Li-Jun; Yu, Feng; Zhao, Ming-Hui; Novak, Jan; Gharavi, Ali G; Zhang, Hong

2015-05-01

Complement activation is common in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and associated with disease severity. Our recent genome-wide association study of IgAN identified susceptibility loci on 1q32 containing the complement regulatory protein-encoding genes CFH and CFHR1-5, with rs6677604 in CFH as the top single-nucleotide polymorphism and CFHR3-1 deletion (CFHR3-1∆) as the top signal for copy number variation. In this study, to explore the clinical effects of variation in CFH, CFHR3, and CFHR1 on IgAN susceptibility and progression, we enrolled two populations. Group 1 included 1178 subjects with IgAN and available genome-wide association study data. Group 2 included 365 subjects with IgAN and available clinical follow-up data. In group 1, rs6677604 was associated with mesangial C3 deposition by genotype-phenotype correlation analysis. In group 2, we detected a linkage between the rs6677604-A allele and CFHR3-1∆ and found that the rs6677604-A allele was associated with higher serum levels of CFH and lower levels of the complement activation split product C3a. Furthermore, CFH levels were positively associated with circulating C3 levels and negatively associated with mesangial C3 deposition. Moreover, serum levels of the pathogenic galactose-deficient glycoform of IgA1 were also associated with the degree of mesangial C3 deposition in patients with IgAN. Our findings suggest that genetic variants in CFH, CFHR3, and CFHR1 affect complement activation and thereby, predispose patients to develop IgAN. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Nephrology.

The association between skeletal maturation and adrenal androgen levels in obese children and adolescents.

PubMed

Kim, Sung Eun; Jang, Joon Weon; Ahn, Moon Bae; Kim, Shin-Hee; Cho, Won Kyoung; Cho, Kyoung Soon; Park, So Hyun; Jung, Min Ho; Suh, Byoung Kyu

2017-06-01

This study aimed to investigate the association between skeletal maturation and adrenal androgen levels in obese children and adolescents. Fifty-three children and adolescents (aged 7-15 years) diagnosed as obese or overweight were investigated. Anthropometric measurements, bone age (BA) determination, serum biochemical analyses, and hormonal measurements were performed. The difference between BA and chronological age (BA-CA, dBACA) was calculated and used to represent the degree of advanced skeletal maturation. Thirty-one subjects were classified into the obese group and 22 subjects into the overweight group. Insulin resistance as calculated by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was significantly higher in the obese group than in the overweight group (4.03±2.20 vs. 2.86±1.11, P =0.026). The skeletal maturation of the obese group was advanced, but the dBACA did not differ between the obese and overweight groups statistically (1.43±1.35 vs. 0.91±1.15, P =0.141). Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels were significantly higher in subjects with dBACA>1 compared to those with dBACA≤1 (104.3±62.2 vs. 59.6±61.0, P =0.014). Correlation analyses demonstrated that dBACA was positively correlated with body mass index standard deviation scores ( r =0.35, P =0.010), fasting insulin ( r =0.36, P =0.009), HOMA-IR ( r =0.30, P =0.031), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 ( r =0.331, P =0.028). In multivariate linear regression analysis, HOMA-IR ( P =0.026) and serum DHEA-S ( P =0.032) were positively correlated with the degree of advanced skeletal maturation. Advanced skeletal maturation is associated with increased insulin resistance and elevated DHEA-S levels in obese children and adolescents.

The association between skeletal maturation and adrenal androgen levels in obese children and adolescents

PubMed Central

Kim, Sung Eun; Jang, Joon Weon; Ahn, Moon Bae; Kim, Shin-Hee; Cho, Won Kyoung; Cho, Kyoung Soon; Park, So Hyun; Suh, Byoung Kyu

2017-01-01

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between skeletal maturation and adrenal androgen levels in obese children and adolescents. Methods Fifty-three children and adolescents (aged 7–15 years) diagnosed as obese or overweight were investigated. Anthropometric measurements, bone age (BA) determination, serum biochemical analyses, and hormonal measurements were performed. The difference between BA and chronological age (BA–CA, dBACA) was calculated and used to represent the degree of advanced skeletal maturation. Results Thirty-one subjects were classified into the obese group and 22 subjects into the overweight group. Insulin resistance as calculated by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was significantly higher in the obese group than in the overweight group (4.03±2.20 vs. 2.86±1.11, P=0.026). The skeletal maturation of the obese group was advanced, but the dBACA did not differ between the obese and overweight groups statistically (1.43±1.35 vs. 0.91±1.15, P=0.141). Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels were significantly higher in subjects with dBACA>1 compared to those with dBACA≤1 (104.3±62.2 vs. 59.6±61.0, P=0.014). Correlation analyses demonstrated that dBACA was positively correlated with body mass index standard deviation scores (r=0.35, P=0.010), fasting insulin (r=0.36, P=0.009), HOMA-IR (r=0.30, P=0.031), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (r=0.331, P=0.028). In multivariate linear regression analysis, HOMA-IR (P=0.026) and serum DHEA-S (P=0.032) were positively correlated with the degree of advanced skeletal maturation. Conclusion Advanced skeletal maturation is associated with increased insulin resistance and elevated DHEA-S levels in obese children and adolescents. PMID:28690989

Networking Matters: A Social Network Analysis of the Association of Program Directors of Internal Medicine.

PubMed

Warm, Eric; Arora, Vineet M; Chaudhry, Saima; Halvorsen, Andrew; Schauer, Daniel; Thomas, Kris; McDonald, Furman S

2018-03-22

Networking has positive effects on career development; however, personal characteristics of group members such as gender or diversity may foster or hinder member connectedness. Social network analysis explores interrelationships between people in groups by measuring the strength of connection between all possible pairs in a given network. Social network analysis has rarely been used to examine network connections among members in an academic medical society. This study seeks to ascertain the strength of connection between program directors in the Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine (APDIM) and its Education Innovations Project subgroup and to examine possible associations between connectedness and characteristics of program directors and programs. We hypothesize that connectedness will be measurable within a large academic medical society and will vary significantly for program directors with certain measurable characteristics (e.g., age, gender, rank, location, burnout levels, desire to resign). APDIM program directors described levels of connectedness to one another on the 2012 APDIM survey. Using social network analysis, we ascertained program director connectedness by measuring out-degree centrality, in-degree centrality, and eigenvector centrality, all common measures of connectedness. Higher centrality was associated with completion of the APDIM survey, being in a university-based program, Educational Innovations Project participation, and higher academic rank. Centrality did not vary by gender; international medical graduate status; previous chief resident status; program region; or levels of reported program director burnout, callousness, or desire to resign. In this social network analysis of program directors within a large academic medical society, we found that connectedness was related to higher academic rank and certain program characteristics but not to other program director characteristics like gender or international medical graduate status. Further research is needed to optimize our understanding of connection in organizations such as these and to determine which strategies promote valuable connections.