Universities & Medical Training This is an OPML file. It can be used to export all the MedWorm RSS feeds on this topic into your personal RSS reader (usually you have to save this file to your own computer before clicking on an Import OPML command in your own feed reader to upload the file which will then import all the feeds) or it can be used by webmasters to integrate MedWorm feeds with their own website. This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader, such as GoogleReader, or to display this data on your own website or blog. Subscribe to this data using MyMedWorm.Subscribe to this data using GoogleReader.Subscribe to this data using Bloglines.Subscribe to this data using MyYahoo.

This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 38.

Acknowledgment of Members of Health Education & Behavior's Review Panel
Source: Health Education - February 5, 2013 Category: Health Management Tags: Information for Readers Source Type: research

Effectiveness of a National Media Campaign to Promote Parent-Child Communication About Sex
Conclusions. This study provides the first field-based data on the real-world reach and effectiveness of PSUNC among parents. The data support earlier experimental trials of PSUNC, showing that the campaign is associated with greater parent–child communication, primarily among mothers. Further research may be needed to develop additional messages for fathers.
Source: Health Education - February 5, 2013 Category: Health Management Authors: Davis, K. C., Evans, W. D., Kamyab, K. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Worry as a Predictor of Nutrition Behaviors: Results From a Nationally Representative Survey
This study used nationally representative data from National Cancer Institute’s Food Attitudes and Behavior Survey (n = 3,397) to examine the association between health-related worry and a variety of nutrition behaviors. Greater worry was associated with higher fruit and vegetable consumption (B = 0.19, p < .01), but also more meals eaten when watching television (B = 0.34, p < .01) and fewer with family (B = –0.13, p = .02). Importantly, and counterintuitively, greater worry appeared to reverse the conventional relationship between self-efficacy and dietary restriction; those who were self-efficacious an...
Source: Health Education - February 5, 2013 Category: Health Management Authors: Ferrer, R. A., Bergman, H. E., Klein, W. M. P. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Stress Management-Augmented Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention for African American Women: A Pilot, Randomized Controlled Trial
The relationship between chronic stress and weight management efforts may be a concern for African American (AA) women, who have a high prevalence of obesity, high stress levels, and modest response to obesity treatment. This pilot study randomly assigned 44 overweight/obese AA women with moderate to high stress levels to either a 12-week adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Balance intervention augmented with stress management strategies (Lifestyle + Stress) or Lifestyle Alone. A trend toward greater percentage of baseline weight loss at 3-month data collection was observed in Lifestyle + Stress (&ndash...
Source: Health Education - February 5, 2013 Category: Health Management Authors: Cox, T. L., Krukowski, R., Love, S. J., Eddings, K., DiCarlo, M., Chang, J. Y., Prewitt, T. E., West, D. S. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

The South Australia Health Chronic Disease Self-Management Internet Trial
Discussion. The peer-led online program was both acceptable and useful for this population. It appeared to decrease symptoms, improve health behaviors, self-efficacy, and reduce health care utilization up to 1 year. This intervention also has large potential implications for the use of a public health education model for reaching large numbers of people. It demonstrates that an Internet self-management program, which includes social media, can reach rural and underserved people as well as be effective and reduce health care costs. If this intervention can be brought to scale, it has the potential for improving the lives of...
Source: Health Education - February 5, 2013 Category: Health Management Authors: Lorig, K., Ritter, P. L., Plant, K., Laurent, D. D., Kelly, P., Rowe, S. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Diet and Exercise Adherence and Practices Among Medically Underserved Patients With Chronic Disease: Variation Across Four Ethnic Groups
Many factors interact to create barriers to dietary and exercise plan adherence among medically underserved patients with chronic disease, but aspects related to culture and ethnicity are underexamined in the literature. Using both qualitative (n = 71) and quantitative (n = 297) data collected in a 4-year, multimethod study among patients with hypertension and/or diabetes, the authors explored differences in self-reported adherence to diet and exercise plans and self-reported daily diet and exercise practices across four ethnic groups—Whites, Blacks, Vietnamese, and Latinos—at a primary health care center in Ma...
Source: Health Education - February 5, 2013 Category: Health Management Authors: Orzech, K. M., Vivian, J., Huebner Torres, C., Armin, J., Shaw, S. J. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Measuring Health Literacy in Individuals With Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Evaluation of Available Measures
Conclusion. This review provides an evaluation of available health literacy measures and guidance to practitioners and researchers for selecting the appropriate measures for use in clinical settings and research applications.
Source: Health Education - February 5, 2013 Category: Health Management Authors: Al Sayah, F., Williams, B., Johnson, J. A. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Health Care Access and Health Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: The Cost of Health Disparities
This report examines individual differences in health care access within a diverse sample of urban MSM (N = 871). The authors examined demographic differences in health care access and the relation between access and health-related attitudes, health behaviors, and HIV transmission risk. They operationalized health care access in terms of three indicators: perceived barriers, insurance status, and recent medical visit. Twenty-seven percent (n = 227) of MSM reported zero or one health care access indicator. African American and Latino race/ethnicity, lower income, and HIV-unknown status were associated with limited health ca...
Source: Health Education - February 5, 2013 Category: Health Management Authors: McKirnan, D. J., Du Bois, S. N., Alvy, L. M., Jones, K. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Location, Timing, and Social Structure Patterns Related to Physical Activity Participation in Weight Loss Programs
Less than half of the adults in the United States meet national guidelines for physical activity. Physical activity programs can induce short-term improvements in physical activity. To develop effective interventions, researchers and practitioners should consider the timing, location, and social structure patterns of participants. Using a pretest, posttest study design, 329 adults in a weight loss program completed surveys on their patterns and physical activity participation. Men preferred weight lifting, cycling, and jogging, whereas women preferred walking and aerobics. Black participants preferred being active in the h...
Source: Health Education - February 5, 2013 Category: Health Management Authors: Gay, J. L., Trevarthen, G. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Limited Evidence That Competitive Food and Beverage Practices Affect Adolescent Consumption Behaviors
Childhood obesity is emerging as a considerable public health problem with no clear antidote. The school food environment is a potential intervention point for policy makers, with competitive food and beverage regulation as a possible policy lever. This research examines the link between competitive food and beverage availability in school and adolescent consumption patterns using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998-1999. Results from value-added multivariate regression models reveal limited evidence that competitive food policy affects fruit and vegetable consumption. Findings sugg...
Source: Health Education - February 5, 2013 Category: Health Management Authors: Vericker, T. C. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

A Community-Driven Intervention for Prostate Cancer Screening in African Americans
The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of an educational intervention on prostate cancer screening behavior and knowledge. Participants were 104 African American men, 45 years and older, who had not been screened for prostate cancer with a prostate-specific antigen and/or digital rectal exam within the past year. All participants received an intervention delivered by trained lay community educators using a prostate cancer educational brochure developed in collaboration with the community, with structured interviews preintervention and 3 months postintervention. The main study outcomes included prostate-specific ...
Source: Health Education - February 5, 2013 Category: Health Management Authors: Patel, K., Ukoli, F., Liu, J., Beech, D., Beard, K., Brown, B., Sanderson, M., Kenerson, D., Cooper, L., Canto, M., Blot, B., Hargreaves, M. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Health Behavior in Ecological Context
Health is best understood within an ecological context. Accordingly, health promotion involves processes that foster supportive environments and healthful behavior. Thus, effective health promotion programs are typically multilevel, focusing not only on the population at risk but also on the environmental conditions that contribute so importantly to health and health behavior. Health behavior is important at each societal level. Arguably, accomplishment of health promotion goals at each societal level requires changes in the behavior of those who control or influence the health outcomes of interest. Recognition of three di...
Source: Health Education - February 5, 2013 Category: Health Management Authors: Simons-Morton, B. Tags: Perspective Source Type: research

IOM Report Redefines the Assessment and Value of Community-Based Prevention
Source: Health Education - February 5, 2013 Category: Health Management Authors: Allegrante, J. P., Livingood, W. C. Tags: Editorial Source Type: research

Dry box training with three‐dimensional vision for the assistant surgeon in robot‐assisted urological surgery
Abstract: We analyzed whether three‐dimensional vision, practice or previous laparoscopic experience improves the surgical performance of the bedside assistant during robot‐assisted surgery. Six experienced laparoscopic surgeons and 15 novices carried out three skills drills imitating an assistant's maneuvers in robot‐assisted surgery, and times for completing the tasks were recorded. Both the novice and experienced groups showed significantly shorter manipulation times for each drill with three‐dimensional vision compared with two‐dimensional or glassless three‐dimensional vision. The experienced group show...
Source: International Journal of Urology - February 5, 2013 Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Nobuyuki Hinata, Hideto Iwamoto, Shuichi Morizane, Katsuya Hikita, Akihisa Yao, Kuniyasu Muraoka, Masashi Honda, Tadahiro Isoyama, Takehiro Sejima, Atsushi Takenaka Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research

Bookings open for CQRS training
CQRS will be capable of calculating achievement and payments on quality services delivered by GP practices and services commissioned locally from GP practices that go beyond the scope of the GP contract. Phase one training for GP practices and CCGs will take place over a three week period, starting from 25 February 2013 and will introduce what CQRS is and what it does. Further training information can be found here.
Source: NHS Networks - February 5, 2013 Category: UK Health Authors: Maria Axford Source Type: news

2013/14 NHS standard contract
The contract is for use by commissioners when commissioning healthcare services (other than those commissioned under primary care contracts) and is adaptable for use for a broad range of services and delivery models. It reflects the requirements set out in Everyone Counts: Planning for Patients 2013/14. National variation documents will be issued to vary the existing standard contracts that expire after 31 March 2013. For the first time, the standard contract is being issued online to make contracting and the contract management process easier. The eContract Portal will launch on 4 February 2013 with access to The Learning...
Source: NHS Networks - February 5, 2013 Category: UK Health Authors: Maria Axford Source Type: news

Whole exome sequencing, international cooperation powers diagnosis of new genetic disease
Source: Baylor College of Medicine News - February 5, 2013 Category: Universities & Medical Training Source Type: news

Sports injuries in physical education teacher education students
Sports injuries could be highly detrimental to the career of a physical education teacher education (PETE) student. To enable the development of future sports injury prevention programs, sports injuries in 128 first‐year academic bachelor PETE students were registered prospectively during one academic year. Common risk factors for sports injuries, taken from the literature, were also evaluated by means of logistic regression analysis. We found an incidence rate of 1.91 and an injury risk of 0.85, which is higher than generally found in a sports‐active population. Most injuries involved the lower extremities, were acute...
Source: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports - February 5, 2013 Category: Sports Medicine Authors: L. Goossens, R. Verrelst, G. Cardon, D. De Clercq Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Childhood socioeconomic factors and perinatal characteristics influence development of rheumatoid arthritis in adulthood
Conclusions RA was associated with low childhood SES sustained into adulthood, with cumulative effects across multiple measures, suggesting the importance of other unmeasured factors linking SES and RA.
Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases - February 5, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Parks, C. G., D'Aloisio, A. A., DeRoo, L. A., Huiber, K., Rider, L. G., Miller, F. W., Sandler, D. P. Tags: Immunology (including allergy), Connective tissue disease, Degenerative joint disease, Musculoskeletal syndromes, Rheumatoid arthritis, Epidemiology Clinical and epidemiological research Source Type: research

When Trying Hard Isn't Natural: Women's Belonging With and Motivation for Male-Dominated STEM Fields As a Function of Effort Expenditure Concerns
Feeling like one exerts more effort than others may influence women’s feelings of belonging with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and impede their motivation. In Study 1, women STEM graduate students perceived they exerted more effort than peers to succeed. For women, but not men, this effort expenditure perception predicted a decreased sense of belonging, which in turn decreased motivation. Study 2 tested whether the male-dominated status of a field triggers such effort expectations. We created a fictional "eco-psychology" graduate program, which when depicted as male-dominated resulted in women exp...
Source: Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin - February 5, 2013 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Smith, J. L., Lewis, K. L., Hawthorne, L., Hodges, S. D. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Recovering from childhood sexual abuse: a theoretical framework for practice and research
This study elicited experiences of recovery from CSA in male and female survivors who have/have not utilized mental health services. The tangible end‐point was to propose a theoretical model of personally meaningful recovery. This is a qualitative study, which utilized semi‐structured individual interviews following the critical incident technique. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to identify recurrent themes. A total 22 adult survivors of CSA. Main themes identified were: The Affected Self, Factors Hindering Recovery, Factors Enhancing Recovery, The Hurdles of Recovery and the R...
Source: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing - February 5, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Z. Chouliara, T. Karatzias, A. Gullone Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Mental illness training on the Internet for nurse aides: a replication study
Accessible summary Research shows that Internet training for direct care workers in long‐term care facilities is effective, but little is known about how it works in a non‐research setting, and if an available training programme would continue to be used. Three facilities trained all their direct care workers in a replication study with the same training programme. Trainees showed very positive effects after the training, showing improved self‐confidence and knowledge about mental illness. Users rated the programme highly, and they indicated that the training would improve the quality of their resident care. Supervis...
Source: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing - February 5, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: A. B. Irvine, M. B. Billow, E. McMahon, M. G. Eberhage, J. R. Seeley, M. Bourgeois Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

If They Do Call You a Nurse, It Is Always a “Male Nurse”: Experiences of Men in the Nursing Profession
Conclusion.Findings are discussed in relation to recruitment and retention issues with implications for education, practice, and management.
Source: Nursing Forum - February 5, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Dale Rajacich, Deborah Kane, Courtney Williston, Sheila Cameron Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Nursing Students' Clinical Judgment Regarding Rapid Response: The Influence of a Clinical Simulation Education Intervention
ConclusionsThe findings demonstrate that clinical simulation is effective in improving students' knowledge and clinical judgment, specifically concerning rapid response systems.
Source: Nursing Forum - February 5, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Pamela L. Lindsey, Sheryl Jenkins Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Sleep Disturbance in Nursing Personnel Working Shifts
ConclusionOur results suggest that demographics, working characteristics, and family structure are associated with sleep disturbance between shifts in nursing personnel. The modification of shift schedules according to individual needs and preferences is necessary for the reduction of sleeping problems.
Source: Nursing Forum - February 5, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Anna Korompeli, Tzavara Chara, Lemonidou Chrysoula, Panayota Sourtzi Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Chief Nursing Officers' Perceptions of the Doctorate of Nursing Practice Degree
ConclusionsPracticing CNOs in the acute care setting do perceive the DNP as an appropriate degree option for nurse executive roles at aggregate, system, and organizational levels.
Source: Nursing Forum - February 5, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Michelle L. Swanson, Marietta P. Stanton Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Concept Analysis of Professional Socialization in Nursing
ConclusionProfessional socialization is a complex process with four critical attributes: learning, interaction, development, and adaptation. Comprehensive educational programs, competent role models, and the provision of adequate field experiences were found to be the antecedents of these attributes. They have either positive or negative consequences for the professional development of nurses. These findings not only add to the body of knowledge, but also serve as an important impetus for further theory development and research in nursing.
Source: Nursing Forum - February 5, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Mohammadreza Dinmohammadi, Hamid Peyrovi, Neda Mehrdad Tags: Concept Analysis Source Type: research

Web-based Intervention to Promote Physical Activity by Sedentary Older Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial
Conclusions: These results suggest that an online PA program has the potential to positively impact the physical activity of sedentary older adult participants. More research is needed to replicate the study results, which were based on self-report measures. Research is also needed on intervention effects with older populations.
Source: Journal of Medical Internet Research - February 5, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: A. Blair IrvineVicky A. GelattJohn R. SeeleyPamela MacfarlaneJeff M. Gau Source Type: research

Reflex control could improve walking after incomplete spinal injuries
(NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) A training regimen to adjust the body's motor reflexes may help improve mobility for some people with incomplete spinal cord injuries, according to a study supported by the National Institutes of Health.
Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science - February 5, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news

Planning ahead with children with life-limiting conditions and their families: development, implementation and evaluation of 'My Choices'
Conclusion: The My Choices booklets were revised in light of findings, have been endorsed by Together for Short Lives, and are free to download in English and Welsh for use by parents and young people globally. More work needs to be done to support families who are not yet receptive to planning ahead. Professionals would benefit from more training in person-centred approaches to future planning and additional communications skills to increase confidence and ability to engage with families to deliver sensitive palliative care planning.
Source: BMC Palliative Care - Latest articles - February 5, 2013 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Jane NoyesRichard HastingsMary LewisRichard HainVirginia BennettLucie HobsonLlinos Haf Spencer Source Type: research

Proteomics Reveals Intersexual Differences in the Rat Brain Hippocampus
In this study, we investigated the intersexual differences in protein expression of hippocampi using the two‐dimensional electrophoresis analysis. In all, 33 differentially expressed proteins were characterized by matrix‐assisted laser desorption and ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and validated by Western‐blotting analysis. In line with Western‐blotting validation, the proteomic identification revealed the overexpression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in female rats' hippocampi, and the overexpression of both creatine kinase B‐type and DRP‐2 in male rats' hippocampi. The intersexual differe...
Source: The Anatomical Record Part A: Discoveries in Molecular, Cellular, and Evolutionary Biology - February 5, 2013 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Juan Yang, Li‐Li Hu, Li‐Ying Liu, Lin‐Yu Zhao, Ni Hou, Lei Ni, Zong‐Fang Li, Ai‐Ying Wang, Tu‐Sheng Song, Chen Huang Tags: Full Length Article Source Type: research

Stroke damage in mice overcome by training that 'rewires' brain centers
(Johns Hopkins Medicine) Johns Hopkins researchers have found that mice can recover from physically debilitating strokes that damage the primary motor cortex, the region of the brain that controls most movement in the body, if the rodents are quickly subjected to physical conditioning that rapidly "rewires" a different part of the brain to take over lost function.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - February 5, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news

A theory-based online health behavior intervention for new university students: study protocol
DiscussionThe findings will provide evidence on the effectiveness of online interventions as well as the potential for intervening during significant life transitions, such as the move from school to university. If successful, the intervention could be employed at other universities to promote healthy behaviors among new undergraduates.Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials, ISRCTN67684181.
Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles - February 5, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tracy EptonPaul NormanPaschal SheeranPeter HarrisThomas WebbFabio CiravegnaAlan BrennanPetra MeierSteven JuliousDeclan NaughtonAndrea PetrocziAba-Sah DadzieJen Kruger Source Type: research

Learner differences and learning outcomes in an introductory biochemistry class: Attitude toward images, visual cognitive skills, and learning approach
This study reports the development of a scale to assess students' attitude toward biochemical images, particularly their willingness and ability to use the images to support their learning. In addition, because it is argued that images are central in the communication of biochemical concepts, we investigated three “learner differences” which might impact learning outcomes in this kind of classroom environment: attitude toward images, visual cognitive skills, and learning approach. Overall, the students reported a positive attitude toward the images, the majority agreeing that they liked images and considered them usefu...
Source: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education - February 5, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Rachel E. Milner Tags: Article Source Type: research

Investigation of the human disease osteogenesis imperfecta: A research‐based introduction to concepts and skills in biomolecular analysis
Abstract A blended approach encompassing problem‐based learning (PBL) and structured inquiry was used in this laboratory exercise based on the congenital disease Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), to introduce commonly used techniques in biomolecular analysis within a clinical context. During a series of PBL sessions students were presented with several scenarios involving a 2 year old child, who had experienced numerous fractures. Key learning goals related to both the theory and practical aspects of the course, covering biomolecular analysis and functional genomics, were identified in successive PBL sessions. The laboratory...
Source: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education - February 5, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Karen Mate, Alistair Sim, Judith Weidenhofer, Liz Milward, Judith Scott Tags: Laboratory Exercise Source Type: research

The role of professional identity in graduate school success for under‐represented minority students
We examined the relationship between sense of professional identity and academic success among under‐represented minority graduate students in a biomedical doctoral program. We found that a sense of professional identity is related to science success among under‐represented minority students, but not for non‐underrepresented minority students. Sense of professional identity appears to be linked to the use of mentors and to development as a scientist and member of the professional community, rather than someone who simply performs laboratory experiments. © 2013 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2013
Source: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education - February 5, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Chu Kim‐Prieto, H. Liesel Copeland, Rodney Hopson, Toya Simmons, Michael J. Leibowitz Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Gee, what an amazing protein!
Source: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education - February 5, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Indira Rajagopal Tags: The Lighter Side Source Type: research

Associations between cadmium exposure and neurocognitive test scores in a cross-sectional study of US adults
Conclusions: These results suggest that higher cumulative cadmium exposure in adults may be related to subtly decreased performance in tasks requiring attention and perception, particularly among those adults whose cadmium exposure is primarily though diet (no smoking or work based cadmium exposure). This association was observed among exposure levels that have been considered to be without adverse effects and these levels are common in U.S. adults. Thus further research into the potential neurocognitive effects of cadmium exposure is warranted. Because cumulative cadmium exposure may mediate some of the effects of age and...
Source: Environmental Health - February 5, 2013 Category: Environmental Health Authors: Timothy CiesielskiDavid BellingerJoel SchwartzRuss HauserRobert Wright Source Type: research

Depression pathogenesis and treatment: what can we learn from blood mRNA expression?
Alterations in several biological systems, including the neuroendocrine and immune systems, have been consistently demonstrated in patients with major depressive disorder. These alterations have been predominantly studied using easily accessible systems such as blood and saliva. In recent years there has been an increasing body of evidence supporting the use of peripheral blood gene expression to investigate the pathogenesis of depression, and to identify relevant biomarkers. In this paper we review the current literature on gene expression alterations in depression, focusing in particular on three important and interlinke...
Source: BMC Medicine - February 5, 2013 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Nilay HepgulAnnamaria CattaneoPatricia ZunszainCarmine Pariante Source Type: research

Patient safety and quality improvement education: a cross-sectional study of medical students' preferences and attitudes
Conclusions: Teaching of patient safety and quality improvement to medical students will be best received if it is integrated into clinical education rather than solely taught in pre-clinical lectures or through independent computer modules. Students recognize that these topics are important to their careers as future physicians regardless of intended specialty.
Source: BMC Medical Education - February 5, 2013 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Claire TeiglandRachel BlasiakLindsay WilsonRachel HinesKaren MeyerhoffAnthony Viera Source Type: research

Production of latex agglutination reagents for pneumococcal serotyping
Background: The current 'gold standard' for serotyping pneumococci is the Quellung test. This technique is laborious and requires a certain level of training to correctly perform. Commercial pneumococcal latex agglutination serotyping reagents are available, but these are expensive. In-house production of latex agglutination reagents can be a cost-effective alternative to using commercially available reagents. This paper describes a method for the production, and quality control (QC) of latex reagents, including problem solving recommendations, for pneumococcal serotyping. Results: Here we describe a method for the product...
Source: BMC Research Notes - February 5, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Belinda OrtikaMaha HabibEileen DunneBarbara PorterCatherine Satzke Source Type: research

A randomized trial to evaluate the effectiveness of an individual, education-based safe transport program for drivers aged 75 years and older
DiscussionThis randomised trial is powered to provide an objective assessment of the efficacy of an individually tailored education and alternative transportation program to promote safety of older drivers but maintain mobility. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12612000543886.
Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles - February 5, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Lisa KeayKristy CoxonJulie BrownElizabeth ClarkeSoufiane BoufousAnita BundySerigne LoRebecca Ivers Source Type: research

Intervention effects on physical activity: the HEIA study - a cluster randomized controlled trial
Conclusions: A comprehensive but feasible, multi-component school-based intervention can affect physical activity patterns in adolescents by increasing overall physical activity. This intervention effect seemed to be more profound in girls than boys, low-active adolescents compared to high-active adolescents, participants with normal weight compared to the overweight, and for participants with parents of middle education level as opposed to those with high and low education levels, respectively. An implementation of the HEIA intervention components in the school system may have a beneficial effect on public health by incre...
Source: BioMed Central - February 4, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: May GrydelandIngunn Holden BerghMona BjellandNanna LienLene Frost AndersenYngvar OmmundsenKnut-Inge KleppSigmund Alfred Anderssen Source Type: research

Rwanda: Parents Should Open Up to Their Children About Sex Education
[New Times]THE head teacher of Groupe Scolaire (GS) Nsinda in Rwamagana district has been suspended following reports that 26 of his students were found to be pregnant.
Source: AllAfrica News: Pregnancy and Childbirth - February 4, 2013 Category: OBGYN Source Type: news

School shooter behaviors identified
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Feb. 4 (UPI) -- A U.S. advocate for safe and secure schools says there is no foolproof system for identifying potentially dangerous students, but there can be warning signs.
Source: Health News - UPI.com - February 4, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Essential reading: NY Times on the dark side of Adderall and other prescription stimulants
A superb piece in this Sunday’s New York Times tells in gripping and heartbreaking detail how casual prescribing of Adderall and other stimulant drugs can lead to catastrophe. The article is structured like a Greek tragedy, with the reader — like the victim’s family — seeing where the narrative is leading but powerless to do anything to derail it. The author, Alan Schwarz, lets us in on what to expect from the beginning: The story of Richard Fee, an athletic, personal college class president and aspiring medical student, highlights widespread failing in the system through which five million Americans take ...
Source: The Poison Review - February 4, 2013 Category: Toxicology Authors: Leon Tags: Medical adder all ADHD alan schwarz attention deficit hyperactivity disorder new york times vyvanse Source Type: news

Trends and risk factors of hyperglycemia and diabetes among Kuwaiti adults: National Nutrition Surveillance Data from 2002 to 2009
Conclusion: Continued monitoring of blood glucose is needed to see if negative trends observed in 2008--2009 endure and further research of contributing factors is required for development of targeted intervention strategies.
Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles - February 4, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Faruk AhmedCarol WaslienMona Al-SumaiePrasanna PrakashAhmad Allafi Source Type: research

Students Spread Awareness of California’s Eugenic History
A group of California high school students have started a petition asking that textbook standards and curricula be changed to include the state’s history of sterilization and eugenics. read more
Source: Psychology Today Sex Center - February 4, 2013 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Jessica Cussins Tags: Education Ethics and Morality Law and Crime Sex aspiration attorney general bill lockyer California California Board of Education california high school change curriculum educational reform eras eugenics eugenics movement for Source Type: news

Never 'too old' for a lifetime of learning
SECOND OPINION:According to an African proverb, the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago: the second-best time is today. This neatly describes the best approach to tackle a common challenge of later life, the pernicious perception of being “too old” for certain activities, whether leisure, romance or education.
Source: The Irish Times - Health - February 4, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

King County looks to business leaders to spread news of health reform
King County is looking to business leaders for help in educating the region’s 180,000 uninsured people about access to health care coverage through the federal Affordable Care Act. King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the countywide effort Monday, calling on leaders from the labor, health care, education and other industries to lead outreach efforts. The county estimates 180,000 people will be eligible for subsidized insurance or Medicaid starting in 2014. Enrollment in the state’s…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines - February 4, 2013 Category: Pharmaceuticals Authors: Valerie Bauman Source Type: research