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In-person Interviews (in-person + interview)
Selected AbstractsOccupation and multiple myeloma: An occupation and industry analysisAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 8 2010Laura S. Gold PhD Abstract Background Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy with a poorly understood etiology. The purpose of our research was to examine the relationships between lifetime occupations and MM in a relatively large case,control study. Methods MM cases (n,=,180) were identified through cancer registries in the Seattle-Puget Sound area and Detroit. Population-based controls (n,=,481) were identified using random digit dialing and Medicare and Medicaid Services files. In-person interviews were conducted to ascertain occupational histories. Standard occupational classification (SOC) and standard industrial classification (SIC) codes were assigned to each job held by each participant. Unconditional logistic regression was used to generate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between MM and having ever worked in each occupation/industry and according to duration of employment in an occupation/industry. Results The risk of MM was associated with several manufacturing occupations and industries, including machine operators and tenders, not elsewhere classified (SOC 76) (OR,=,1.8, CI,=,1.0,3.3); textile, apparel, and furnishing machine operators and tenders (SOC 765) (OR,=,6.0, CI,=,1.7,21); and machinery manufacturing, except electrical (SIC 35) (OR,=,3.3, CI,=,1.7,6.7). Several service occupations and industries, such as food and beverage preparation (SOC 521) (OR,=,2.0, CI,=,1.1,3.8), were also associated with MM. One occupation that has been associated with MM in several previous studies, painters, paperhangers, and plasterers (SOC 644) was associated with a non-significantly elevated risk (OR,=,3.6, CI,=,0.7,19). Conclusions We found associations between the risk of MM and employment in several manufacturing and service-related occupations and industries. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:768,779, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) Genetic Variation and Early Onset of Non-Fatal Myocardial InfarctionANNALS OF HUMAN GENETICS, Issue 6 2008V. Meiner Summary Although Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) mediates the transfer of cholesteryl esters and triglycerides between lipoprotein particles and thus plays a crucial role in reverse cholesterol transport, the association of variations in the CETP gene with acute myocardial infarction (MI) remains unclear. In this study we examined whether common genetic variation in the CETP gene is related to early-onset non-fatal MI risk in a population-based case-control study from western Washington State. Genotyping for the CETP ,2708 G/A, ,971 A/G, ,629 A/C, Intron-I TaqI G/A and exon-14 A/G (I405V) SNPs was performed in 578 cases with first acute non-fatal MI and in 666 demographically similar controls, free of clinical cardiovascular disease, identified randomly from the community. In-person interviews and non-fasting blood specimens provided data on coronary heart disease risk factors. In men, there was little evidence for an association between single SNPs and MI risk, but in women the age- and race-adjusted OR was found to be significant in 4 out of the 5 CETP single variants. Haplotype analysis revealed two haplotypes associated with MI risk among men. As compared to men homozygous for the most common haplotype D (,2708 G, ,971 G, ,629 C, TaqI G and exon-14 A), the fully-adjusted multiplicative model identified haplotype G (,2708 G, ,971 A, ,629 A, TaqI G and exon-14 G) was associated with a 4.0-6.0-fold increased risk of MI for each additional copy; [95%CI 2.4,14.8] and haplotype B (,2708 G, ,971 G, ,629 A, TaqI A and exon-14 A) showed a significant decreased risk for early onset MI [OR = 0.18; 95%CI 0.04 , 0.75]. An evolutionary-based haplotype analysis indicated that the two haplotypes associated with the MI risk are most evolutionarily divergent from the other haplotypes. Variation at the CETP gene locus is associated with the risk of early-onset non-fatal MI. This association was found to be independent of HDL-C levels. These data and the sex-specific findings require confirmation in other populations. [source] Alcohol consumption and risk of prostate cancer in middle-aged menINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 1 2005W. Marieke Schoonen Abstract Alcohol consumption is a modifiable lifestyle factor that may affect prostate cancer risk. Alcohol alters the hormonal milieu and contains chemical substances such as flavonoids (red wine), which may alter tumor cell growth. Data from a population-based case-control study in King County, WA, were utilized to evaluate the association of alcohol consumption with prostate cancer in middle-aged men. A total of 753 newly diagnosed prostate cancer cases, 40,64 years of age, participated in the study. Seven hundred three control subjects, frequency matched to cases by age, were selected through random digit dialing. All participants completed an in-person interview on lifetime alcohol consumption and other risk factors for prostate cancer. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and assess significance (95% confidence intervals [CI]). All tests of statistical significance were two-sided. No clear association with prostate cancer risk was seen for overall alcohol consumption. Each additional glass of red wine consumed per week showed a statistically significant 6% decrease in relative risk (OR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.90,0.98), and there was evidence for a decline in risk estimates across increasing categories of red wine intake (trend p = 0.02). No clear associations were seen for consumption of beer or liquor. Our present study suggests that consumption of beer or liquor is not associated with prostate cancer. There may be, however, a reduced relative risk associated with increasing level of red wine consumption. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential negative association between red wine intake and prostate cancer risk. [source] A modified Mini Nutritional Assessment without BMI can effectively assess the nutritional status of neuropsychiatric patientsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 13 2009Alan C Tsai Aim and objectives., To determine whether a modified version of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) without body mass index (BMI) can effectively identify individuals at risk of malnutrition among patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. Background., Neuropsychiatric patients have an additional risk of nutritional disorder due to functional impairments and drug effects. However, their nutritional status is generally neglected. It is important to find a tool that is simple, easy to use and non-invasive. Design., The study involved 105 patients in the acute phase of confirmed neuropsychiatric disorders in an area hospital. All subjects were cognitively able to have effective verbal communication. Method., The study included serum biochemical and anthropometric measurements and an on-site, in-person interview using a structured questionnaire to elicit personal data, health condition and answers to questions in the MNA. Subjects' nutritional statuses were graded with a MNA that adopted population-specific anthropometric cut-off points or one further with the BMI question removed and its assigned score redistributed to other anthropometric questions. Results., Both versions of the modified MNA effectively graded the nutritional status of neuropsychiatric patients and showed good correlations with the major nutritional indicators such as BMI, calf circumference and the length of hospital stay. Conclusions., The MNA can effectively assess the nutritional status of neuropsychiatric patients and enhance timely detection and intervention of their nutritional disorders. A modified MNA without the BMI question can maintain the full functionality of the tool. The version does not require weight and height measurements and thus will enhance the usefulness of the instrument. Relevance to clinical practice., Neuropsychiatric patients are a high-risk group of nutritional disorders. The MNA, especially the one without BMI, has the potential to improve professional efficiency of the primary care workers. [source] Obesity and prostate cancer screening among african-american and caucasian men,THE PROSTATE, Issue 13 2006Jay H. Fowke Abstract BACKGROUND Differential prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing practices according to obesity-related comorbid conditions may contribute to inconsistent results in studies of obesity and prostate cancer. We investigated the relationship between obesity and PSA testing, and evaluated the role of prior diagnoses and disease screening on PSA testing patterns. METHODS Men, 40 and 79 years old and without prior prostate cancer were recruited from 25 health centers in the Southern US (n,=,11,558, 85% African-American). An extensive in-person interview measured medical and other characteristics of study participants, including PSA test histories, weight, height, demographics, and disease history. Odds ratios (OR) and (95% confidence intervals) from logistic regression summarized the body mass index (BMI) and PSA test association while adjusting for socio-economic status (SES). RESULTS BMI between 25 and 40 was significantly associated with recent PSA testing (past 12 months) (OR25.0,29.9,=,1.23 (1.09, 1.39); OR30,34.9,=,1.36 (1.18, 1.57); OR35.0,39.9,=,1.44 (1.18, 1.76); OR,40,=,1.15 (0.87, 1.51)). Prior severe disease diagnoses, such as heart disease, did not influence the obesity and PSA test association. However, adjustment for prior high blood pressure or high cholesterol diagnoses reduced the BMI-PSA testing associations. Physician PSA test recommendations were not associated with BMI, and results did not appreciably vary by race. CONCLUSIONS Overweight and obese men were preferentially PSA tested within the past 12 months. BMI was not associated with physician screening recommendations. Data suggest that clinical diagnoses related to obesity increase clinical encounters that lead to preferential selection of obese men for prostate cancer diagnosis. This detection effect may bias epidemiologic investigations of obesity and prostate cancer incidence. Prostate 66: 1371,1380, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Matched Case,Control Data Analysis with Selection BiasBIOMETRICS, Issue 4 2001I-Feng Lin Summary. Case-control studies offer a rapid and efficient way to evaluate hypotheses. On the other hand, proper selection of the controls is challenging, and the potential for selection bias is a major weakness. Valid inferences about parameters of interest cannot be drawn if selection bias exists. Furthermore, the selection bias is difficult to evaluate. Even in situations where selection bias can be estimated, few methods are available. In the matched case-control Northern Manhattan Stroke Study (NOMASS), stroke-free controls are sampled in two stages. First, a telephone survey ascertains demographic and exposure status from a large random sample. Then, in an in-person interview, detailed information is collected for the selected controls to be used in a matched case,control study. The telephone survey data provides information about the selection probability and the potential selection bias. In this article, we propose bias-corrected estimators in a case-control study using a joint estimating equation approach. The proposed bias-corrected estimate and its standard error can be easily obtained by standard statistical software. [source] Effects of obesity and height on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and percentage of free PSA levels among African-American and Caucasian menCANCER, Issue 10 2006Jay H. Fowke PhD Abstract BACKGROUND. Prior studies suggest that obese men have lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels than leaner men. Caucasian (CA) men also may have lower PSA levels than African-American (AA) men, but the relevance of body size to racial disparities in PSA levels is unclear. The association between body mass index (BMI) and height on PSA and percentage of free PSA (%fPSA) was investigated within AA and CA men without a prior prostate cancer diagnosis. METHODS. AA (n = 150) and CA (n = 149) men of similar socioeconomic status completed an extensive in-person interview and donated blood. PSA and %fPSA levels were compared across race, BMI, and height categories after adjusting for age and other factors. RESULTS. PSA levels decreased with increasing BMI (PSA = .72, .69, .67, .59 ng/mL for BMI 18.5 to <25, 25 to <30, 30 to <35, and ,35, respectively; Ptrend = .18), and trends were significant among men less than age 60 years (PSA = .81, .76, .66, .59, respectively; Ptrend = .02). fPSA also significantly decreased with BMI among men <60 years (Ptrend = .04). In contrast, %fPSA was not associated with BMI. However, %fPSA increased 27% across height categories (Ptrend = .02). PSA levels were significantly lower among CA men (PSAAA = 0.87, PSACA = 0.63 ng/mL; P < .01), whereas %fPSA levels did not differ by race. Also, associations between body size and PSA or %fPSA did not significantly differ by race, and adjustment for BMI and height had no effect on the racial disparity in PSA (PSAAA = 0.87, PSACA = 0.63 ng/mL; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS. The data suggest that race, BMI, and height are independently associated with PSA and %fPSA levels. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society. [source] Risk indicators of edentulism, partial tooth loss and prosthetic status among black and white middle-aged and older adultsCOMMUNITY DENTISTRY AND ORAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 5 2001Teresa A. Dolan Abstract ,Objectives: To describe the prevalence and risk indicators of edentulism; to describe the frequencies of wearing removable dentures; to describe the prevalence and risk indicators of fixed prosthetic restorations; to test the hypothesis that fixed prosthetic restorations are most likely to have been placed in persons at lower risk for dental and periodontal diseases, and to test the hypothesis that, with dental disease, dental behaviors, dental attitudes and ability to afford crowns taken into account, blacks are less likely than whites to have received crowns. Methods: The Florida Dental Care Study is a cohort study of subjects 45 years old or older. A telephone screening interview was done as a first stage to identify 5254 subjects who met eligibility requirements and who self-reported whether they were edentulous. In a second stage, a subsample of dentate subjects was contacted after they completed their telephone screening interview. Of these, 873 subjects completed a baseline in-person interview and dental examination. Results: A total of 19% of first-stage subjects were edentulous. In a single multiple logistic regression, having a poorer self-rated level of general health was significantly associated with edentulism, as were being poor, older and white. Among the second-stage participants (all of whom were dentate), several prosthetic patterns were observed. For example, a total of 64% of maxillary full denture wearers reported wearing their denture all the time. Participants had also received numerous fixed prosthodontic services. The proportion of subjects with at least one crown varied widely by subject characteristics. Conclusions: A substantial percentage of non-ideal frequencies of wearing removable prostheses was reported, as were prosthesis-related soreness and broken prostheses. Although we expected and observed an association between having a fixed prosthetic crown and periodontal status, dental fillings, dental attitudes and financial resources, a residual association with race suggests that blacks are much less likely to receive prosthetic crowns. The several possible reasons for this circumstance warrant further investigation. [source] Carotenoids/vitamin C and smoking-related bladder cancerINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 3 2004J. Esteban Castelao Abstract Previous epidemiological studies of fruit and vegetable intake and bladder cancer risk have yielded inconsistent results, especially with respect to the role of cigarette smoking as a possible modifier of the diet-bladder cancer association. A population-based case-control study was conducted in nonAsians of Los Angeles, California, which included 1,592 bladder cancer patients and an equal number of neighborhood controls matched to the index cases by sex, date of birth (within 5 years) and race between January 1, 1987 and April 30, 1996. Information on smoking, medical and medication history, and intake frequencies of food groups rich in preformed nitrosamines, vitamins A and C and various carotenoids, were collected through in-person, structured interviews. Beginning in January 1992, all case patients and their matched control subjects were asked for a blood sample donation at the end of the in-person interviews for measurements of 3- and 4-aminobiphenyl (ABP) hemoglobin adducts, and glutathione S -transferases M1/T1/P1 (GSTM1/T1/P1) and N -acetyltransferase-1 (NAT1) genotypes. Seven hundred seventy-one (74%) case patients and 775 (79%) control subjects consented to the blood donation requests. In addition, all case patients and matched control subjects were asked to donate an overnight urine specimen following caffeine consumption for measurements of cytochrome P4501A2 (CYP1A2) and N -acetyltransferase-2 (NAT2) phenotypes. Urine specimens were collected from 724 (69%) case patients and 689 (70%) control subjects. After adjustment for nondietary risk factors including cigarette smoking, there were strong inverse associations between bladder cancer risk and intake of dark-green vegetables [p value for linear trend (p) = 0.01], yellow-orange vegetables (p = 0.01), citrus fruits/juices (p = 0.002) and tomato products (p = 0.03). In terms of nutrients, bladder cancer risk was inversely associated with intake of both total carotenoids (p = 0.004) and vitamin C (p = 0.02). There was a close correlation (r = 0.58, p = 0.0001) between intakes of total carotenoids and vitamin C in study subjects. When both nutrients were included in a multivariate logistic regression model, only total carotenoids exhibited a residual effect that was of borderline statistical significance (p = 0.07 and p = 0.40 for total carotenoids and vitamin C, respectively). Cigarette smoking was a strong modifier of the observed dietary effects; these protective effects were confined largely to ever smokers and were stronger in current than ex-smokers. Smokers showed a statistically significant or borderline statistically significant decrease in 3- and 4-aminobiphenyl (ABP)-hemoglobin adduct level with increasing intake of carotenoids (p = 0.04 and 0.05, respectively). The protective effect of carotenoids on bladder cancer seemed to be influenced by NAT1 genotype, NAT2 phenotype and CYP1A2 phenotype; the association was mainly confined to subjects possessing the putative NAT1 -rapid, NAT2-rapid and CYP1A2-rapid genotype/phenotype. The carotenoid-bladder cancer association was not affected by the GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 genotypes. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The suitability of the BSRS-5 for assessing elderly who have attempted suicide and need to be referred for professional mental health consultation in a metropolitan city, TaiwanINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 10 2009Wei-Jen Chen Abstract Objectives The goals of this study are to (1) investigate the prevalence of necessary referral for professional mental health consultation for elderly people who attempted suicide ("suicide-attempted") in Kaohsiung city, Taiwan during 2006,2007, (2) assess whether the 5-item Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5) can be used as an efficient screening instrument for assessing the probability of a second suicide attempt among the elderly, and (3) examine predictors of needing referral among the suicide-attempted. Methods During the study period, 144 suicide-attempted elderly subjects were enrolled. Demographic data, BSRS-5, SAD PERSONS scale, and Medical Outcome Study Short Form-12 (MOS SF-12) data were collected by a trained semi-professional. The prevalence of necessary referrals for the suicide-attempted elderly was estimated, and the salient factors for their referral were evaluated with logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 109 participants out of the 144 recruited completed the questionnaires, giving a response rate of 75.7%. The prevalence of necessary referrals for professional mental health consultation was 33.9% (37/109). The significant predictors of needing referrals were lower scores for MCS (OR,=,0.89; 95% CI,=,0.83,0.96), family discord (OR,=,3.86; 95% CI,=,1.17,12.75), and type of interviewee (OR,=,4.97; 95% CI,=,1.57,15.74). Conclusion When the BSRS-5 is used to evaluate the referral of elderly patients who have attempted suicide for a professional mental health consultation, it is best to conduct in-person interviews to ask whether the elderly patient still has any suicidal ideation. In addition, evaluating quality of life and level of family discord may also be crucial for suicide prevention in the elderly. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Pilot Test of an Attribution Retraining Intervention to Raise Walking Levels in Sedentary Older AdultsJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 11 2007Catherine A. Sarkisian MD OBJECTIVES: To pilot test a new behavioral intervention to increase walking in sedentary older adults. DESIGN: Pre,post community-based pilot study. SETTING: Three senior centers in greater Los Angeles. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-six sedentary adults aged 65 and older. INTERVENTION: At four weekly 1-hour group sessions held at the senior centers, a trained health educator applied a theoretically grounded, standardized "attribution retraining" curriculum developed by a multidisciplinary team of investigators. Participants were taught that becoming sedentary is not inevitable with aging and that older adults should attribute being sedentary to modifiable attributes rather than to old age. A 1-hour exercise class including strength, endurance, and flexibility training followed each weekly attribution retraining session. MEASUREMENTS: Change from baseline in steps per week recorded using a digital pedometer was measured after 7 weeks. Age expectations (measured using the Expectations Regarding Aging-38 survey, a previously tested instrument on which higher scores indicate that the participant expects high functioning with aging and lower scores indicate that the participant expects physical and mental decline) and health-related quality of life were measured using in-person interviews. RESULTS: Mean steps per week increased from 24,749 to 30,707, a 24% increase,equivalent to 2.5 miles (2-sided t -test P=.002). Age expectation scores increased 30% (P<.001), and the changes in age expectations and steps per week correlated (correlation coefficient=0.39, P=.01). Participants experienced improved mental health,related quality of life (P=.049) and reported less difficulty with activities of daily living (P=.04). More than 50% of participants reported improvements in pain, energy level, and sleep quality. CONCLUSION: In this small pre,post community-based pilot study, a structured attribution retraining curriculum accompanied by a weekly exercise class was associated with increased walking levels and improved quality of life in sedentary older adults. Attribution retraining deserves further investigation as a potential means of increasing physical activity in sedentary older adults. [source] REVIEW: Questionnaires in ecology: a review of past use and recommendations for best practiceJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2005PIRAN C. L. WHITE Summary 1Questionnaires, or social surveys, are used increasingly as a means of collecting data in ecology. We present a critical review of their use and give recommendations for good practice. 2We searched for papers in which questionnaires were used in 57 ecological academic journals, published over the period 1991,2003 inclusive. This provided a total sample size of 168 questionnaires from 127 papers published in 22 academic journals. 3Most questionnaires were carried out in North America and western Europe, and addressed species-level issues, principally focusing on mammals. The majority were concerned with impacts of species and/or their conservation, and just under half with human,wildlife interactions. 4Postal survey was the method used most frequently to carry out the questionnaires, followed by in-person interviews. Some questionnaires were conducted by telephone, and none was web-based. 5Most questionnaires were concerned with obtaining factual information or perceptions of facts. Ground-truthing (independent verification of the facts) was carried out in less than 10% of questionnaires. 6The mean (± SE) sample size (number of respondents) per questionnaire was 1422 ± 261 and the average (± SE) response rate was 63 ± 3%. These figures varied widely depending on the methods used to conduct the questionnaire. 7The analysis of data was mostly descriptive. Simple univariate methods were the most frequently used statistical tools, and data from a third of questionnaires were not subjected to any analysis beyond simple descriptions of the results. 8Synthesis and applications. We provide recommendations for best practice in the future use of questionnaires in ecology, as follows: (i) the definition of the target population, any hypotheses to be tested and procedures for the selection of participants should be clearly documented; (ii) questionnaires should be piloted prior to their use; (iii) the sample size should be sufficient for the statistical analysis; (iv) the rationale for the choice of survey method should be clearly stated; (v) the number of non-respondents should be minimized; (vi) the question and answer format should be kept as simple as possible; (vii) the structure of the questionnaire and the data emerging from it should be unambiguously shown in any publication; (viii) bias arising from non-response should be quantified; (ix) the accuracy of data should be assessed by ground-truthing where relevant; (x) the analysis of potentially interrelated data should be done by means of modelling. Researchers should also consider whether alternative, interpretative methods, such as in-depth interviews or participatory approaches, may be more appropriate, for example where the focus is on elucidating motivations or perceptions rather than testing factual hypotheses. [source] The Role of Youth Problem Behaviors in the Path From Child Abuse and Neglect to Prostitution: A Prospective ExaminationJOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE, Issue 1 2010Helen W. Wilson Behaviors beginning in childhood or adolescence may mediate the relationship between childhood maltreatment and involvement in prostitution. This paper examines 5 potential mediators: early sexual initiation, running away, juvenile crime, school problems, and early drug use. Using a prospective cohort design, abused and neglected children (ages 0,11) with cases processed during 1967,1971 were matched with nonabused, nonneglected children and followed into young adulthood. Data are from in-person interviews at approximately age 29 and arrest records through 1994. Structural equation modeling tested path models. Results indicated that victims of child abuse and neglect were at increased risk for all problem behaviors except drug use. In the full model, only early sexual initiation remained significant as a mediator in the pathway from child abuse and neglect to prostitution. Findings were generally consistent for physical and sexual abuse and neglect. These findings suggest that interventions to reduce problem behaviors among maltreated children may also reduce their risk for prostitution later in life. [source] The health of California's immigrant hired farmworkersAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 4 2010Don Villarejo BS Abstract Background Hispanic immigrant workers dominate California's hired farm workforce. Little is known about their health status; even less is known about those lacking employment authorization. Methods The California Agricultural Workers Health Survey (CAWHS) was a statewide cross-sectional household survey conducted in 1999. Six hundred fifty-four workers completed in-person interviews, comprehensive physical examinations, and personal risk behavior interviews. Results The CAWHS PE Sample is comprised mostly of young Mexican men who lack health insurance and present elevated prevalence of indicators of chronic disease: overweight, obesity, high blood pressure, and high serum cholesterol. The self-reported, cumulative, farm work career incidence of paid claims for occupational injury under workers compensation was 27% for males and 11% for females. Conclusions The survey finds elevated prevalence of indicators of chronic disease but lack of health care access. Participants without employment authorization reported a greater prevalence of high-risk behaviors, such as binge drinking, and were less knowledgeable about workplace protections. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:387,397, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Occupation and leukemia: A population-based case,control study in Iowa and Minnesota,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2001A. Blair PhD Abstract Background Studies have suggested that risk of leukemia may be associated with occupational or industrial exposures and risk may vary by the histological type of the disease. Methods A population-based case,control study was conducted in Iowa and Minnesota to evaluate the association between various occupations, industries, and occupational exposures and leukemia risk. A total of 513 cases and 1,087 controls was included in the study. A lifetime occupational history and other risk factor information were collected through in-person interviews, and a job-exposure matrix was used to assess possible risks associated with specific exposures. Results A significantly increased risk of leukemia was observed among agricultural service industries and among nursing and healthcare workers. Janitors, cleaners, and light truck drivers also experienced increased risk. Those employed in plumbing, heating and air conditioning industries, and sales of nondurable goods (such as paints and varnishes) had an increased risk. Printers, painters, and workers in the food and metal industries had a nonsignificantly increased risk of leukemia. Analyses by specific exposures and histology of leukemia showed that risk of leukemia associated with occupational or industrial exposures may vary by histological type of the disease. Conclusions An increased risk of leukemia among workers employed in agricultural industries, nursing and healthcare workers, and in a few occupations with possible exposure to solvents is consistent with earlier studies. Associations of risk with occupations not observed previously deserve further assessment. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:3,14, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Social-cognitive correlates of adjustment to prostate cancerPSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Katherine J. Roberts Abstract This study examined whether social support might enhance health-related quality of life in men (n=89) treated for localized prostate cancer by improving their ability to cognitively process their cancer experience. Data were collected using two, structured in-person interviews and abstracting medical records. The baseline interview was within several months (T1) after treatment for cancer, and follow-up was 3 months later (T2). Most men (61.8%) were treated by radical prostatectomy. Results showed that T1 social support was positively related to T2 mental functioning, and this relation appeared to be mediated by T1 indicators of cognitively processing, intrusive thoughts and searching for meaning. These findings suggest that supportive social relations may improve mental functioning by helping men cognitively process their prostate cancer experience. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Indicators of community economic development through mural-based tourismTHE CANADIAN GEOGRAPHER/LE GEOGRAPHE CANADIEN, Issue 1 2005Rhonda Koster Community Economic Development (CED) has become a recognised form of economic development, despite contention regarding its definition and applications. It is acknowledged that development planning benefits from a more holistic approach with a focus on community participation. The objective of this paper was to explore the process and selected indicators of CED success through an examination of five Saskatchewan communities that have made the conscious decision to develop tourism through the use of wall murals on the exteriors of buildings. Extensive in-person interviews were conducted with stakeholders in each of these communities. Generally, this research has found that both the CED process undertaken and the measurement of success are dependent upon the desired outcomes of mural development. For example, in communities that created murals-as-community-beautification, the process was less formalised and success was measured more qualitatively, for example in increased community pride and the development of social relationships. For those communities where murals were developed as part of an explicit economic development strategy, the process was more formalised and the outcomes measured more quantitatively, including the numbers of visitors, employment and businesses created. This research also indicates that particular attributes of rural places play a critical role in how CED is understood, defined and carried out, and how successes, both tangible and intangible, are measured. Le Développement économique communautaire (DEC)est désormais une forme de développement économique reconnue, malgré le débat qui entoure sa définition et ses applications. On admet qu'une approche plus globale, axée sur la participation de la collectivité, favorise la planification du développement. L'objectif de cette étude est d'examiner la démarche du DEC ainsi que des indicateurs spécifiques de succès dans cinq collectivités de la Saskatchewan qui ont pris la décision délibérée de développer le tourisme grâce à la réalisation de murales sur les murs extérieurs d'édifices. Nous avons mené des entrevues en profondeur, en personne, avec des intervenants dans chacune de ces collectivités. D'une manière générale, cette recherche a mis en évidence le fait quele processus du DEC ainsi que la mesure de son succès dépendent des résultats que l'on attend de la réalisation des murales. Ainsi, là où les murales ont été réalisées dans le but d'embellir la collectivité, le processus était moins formel et le succès se mesurait surtout par des critères qualitatifs tels que le développement de relations sociales ou un sentiment de fierté accru de la part des résidents. Par contre, là où la réalisation des murales résultait d'une stratégie de développement économique explicite, le processus était plus formel et les résultats se mesuraient en termes quantitatifs comprenant le nombre de visiteurs, ainsi que le nombre d'emplois et de commerces créés. Cette recherche démontre également que certains attributs de lieux ruraux jouent un rôle crucial dans la façon dont on comprend, définit et met en ,uvre le DEC, ainsi que sur la manière dont on mesure les succès, tangibles autant qu'intangibles. [source] Occupational exposure to crystalline silica and risk of systemic lupus erythematosus: A population-based, case,control study in the Southeastern United StatesARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 7 2002Christine G. Parks Objective Crystalline silica may act as an immune adjuvant to increase inflammation and antibody production, and findings of occupational cohort studies suggest that silica exposure may be a risk factor for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We undertook this population-based study to examine the association between occupational silica exposure and SLE in the southeastern US. Methods SLE patients (n = 265; diagnosed between January 1, 1995 and July 31, 1999) were recruited from 4 university rheumatology practices and 30 community-based rheumatologists in 60 contiguous counties. Controls (n = 355), frequency-matched to patients by age, sex, and state of residence, were randomly selected from driver's license registries. The mean age of the patients at diagnosis was 39 years; 91% were women and 60% were African American. Detailed occupational and farming histories were collected by in-person interviews. Silica exposure was determined through blinded assessment of job histories by 3 industrial hygienists, and potential medium- or high-level exposures were confirmed through followup telephone interviews. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated by logistic regression. Results More patients (19%) than controls (8%) had a history of medium- or high-level silica exposure from farming or trades. We observed an association between silica and SLE (medium exposure OR 2.1 [95% CI 1.1,4.0], high exposure OR 4.6 [95% CI 1.4,15.4]) that was seen in separate analyses by sex, race, and at different levels of education. Conclusion These results suggest that crystalline silica exposure may promote the development of SLE in some individuals. Additional research is recommended in other populations, using study designs that minimize potential selection bias and maximize the quality of exposure assessment. [source] The longitudinal course of bipolar disorder as revealed through weekly text messaging: a feasibility studyBIPOLAR DISORDERS, Issue 3 2010Jedediah M Bopp Bopp JM, Miklowitz DJ, Goodwin GM, Stevens W, Rendell JM, Geddes JR. The longitudinal course of bipolar disorder as revealed through weekly text messaging: a feasibility study. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 327,334. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Objectives:, To examine the feasibility of collecting course of illness data from patients with bipolar I and II disorder, using weekly text-messaged mood ratings, and to examine the time trajectory of symptom ratings based on this method of self-report. Methods:, A total of 62 patients with bipolar I (n = 47) or II (n = 15) disorder provided mood data in response to weekly cell phone text messages (n = 54) or e-mail prompts (n = 8). Participants provided weekly ratings using the Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale and the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms,Self Report. Patients with bipolar I and II disorder, and men and women, were compared on percentages of time in depressive or manic mood states over up to two years. Results:, Participants provided weekly ratings over an average of 36 (range 1,92) weeks. Compliance with the procedure was 75%. Overall, participants reported depressive symptoms 47.7% of the time compared to 7% of entries reflecting manic symptoms, 8.8% reflecting both depressive and manic symptoms, and 36.5% reflecting euthymic mood. Participants with bipolar I disorder reported more days of depression and were less likely to improve with time than participants with bipolar II disorder. Gender differences observed at the beginning of the study were not observed at follow-up. Conclusions:, The results are similar to those of other longitudinal studies of bipolar disorder that use traditional retrospective, clinician-gathered mood data. Text-message-based symptom monitoring during routine follow-up may be a reliable alternative to in-person interviews. [source] The effect of fever, febrile illnesses, and heat exposures on the risk of neural tube defects in a Texas-Mexico border populationBIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH, Issue 10 2004Lucina Suarez Abstract BACKGROUND Hyperthermia produces neural tube defects (NTDs) in a variety of animal species. Elevated maternal body temperatures may also place the developing human embryo at risk. We examined the relation between maternal hyperthermia and the development of NTDs in a high-risk Mexican-American population. METHODS Case-women were Mexican-American women with NTD-affected pregnancies who resided and delivered in any of the 14 Texas counties bordering Mexico, during 1995,2000. Control-women were randomly selected from study area residents delivering normal live births, frequency-matched to cases by hospital and year. Information on maternal fevers, febrile illnesses, exposures to heat generated from external sources, and hyperthermia-inducing activities was gathered through in-person interviews, conducted about six weeks postpartum. RESULTS The risk effect (OR) associated with maternal fever in the first trimester, compared to no fever, was 2.9 (95% CI, 1.5,5.7). Women taking fever-reducing medications showed a lower risk effect (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.0,5.6) than those who did not (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.4,10.9). First-trimester maternal exposures to heat devices such as hot tubs, saunas, or electric blankets were associated with an OR of 3.6 (95% CI, 1.1,15.9). Small insignificant effects were observed for activities such as cooking in a hot kitchen (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0,2.6) and working or exercising in the sun (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.9,2.2). CONCLUSIONS Maternal hyperthermia increases the risk for NTD-affected offspring. Women intending to become pregnant should avoid intense heat exposures, carefully monitor and manage their febrile illnesses, and routinely consume folic acid supplements. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Associations between youth assets and sexual activity: does adult supervision play a role?CHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 4 2007L. Harris Abstract Background, Youth participation in sexual risk behaviours continues to be a critically important public health topic. Additionally, as youth are frequently being left alone during the day without adult supervision, there are increased opportunities for sexual risk-taking behaviour. This study examined how the relationships of nine youth assets and sexual activity may vary according to the stratification of youth into two groups: self-care and supervised. Methods, Data were collected through at-home, in-person interviews from a random sample of inner-city youth (mean age = 15.4 years; 51.5% female; 48.8% White; 22.4% Black; 18.5% Hispanic; 10% Native American) and their parents (n = 1079 parent/youth pairs). Nine youth assets were analysed using multiple logistic regression. Examples of assets youth may possess are: positive role models, family communication, school connectedness, constructive use of time and aspirations for the future. The item used to assess sexual intercourse was ,Have you ever had sexual intercourse ("done it", "had sex", "made love", "gone all the way")?'. Asset/risk behaviour associations that were unique to one of the two strata were the focus of the study. Results, Thirty-seven per cent of youth spent two or more hours per day home alone. Youth who were supervised had a greater number of unique significant associations between assets and sexual activity than youth who were in the self-care group. Conclusions, Youth in supervised settings may be less likely to participate in sexual activity because of the presence of assets. Certain assets may also be important in deterring sexual activity for youth who are in self-care. [source] Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome in infants: improving diagnosisCHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 3 2005L. Pastorino Abstract Background, Diagnosis of Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (NBCCS) in infants may pose significant challenges to clinicians owing to its variable expressivity and age-related manifestations. Methods, We report two paediatric cases of NBCCS who presented initially with a non-specific phenotype. Results, In case 1, a diagnosis of NBCCS was possible only after the father was interviewed and found to present with two major criteria for the disease. Subsequent molecular testing confirmed the diagnosis. In case 2, molecular testing of the infant and his father had diagnostic value as neither satisfied fully the current diagnostic criteria for NBCCS. Conclusions, Presence of the few clinical manifestations of NBCCS that appear in infants, typically congenital malformations and skeletal abnormalities, should prompt clinicians to conduct in-person interviews with both parents. In general, paediatricians should refer both parents of infants who are suspected of having an inherited condition to clinical geneticists for expert examination, given the potential unreliability of reported medical history. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||