MedWorm: University of Wisconsin

Breathalyzer Device Identifies Glucose Metabolism Problems Accurately

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0100

According to a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Metabolism, a "breathalyzer"-like technology, currently under development at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, may help diagnose diseases in the future. The study shows a simple, but sensitive technique, that can identify normal and disease-state glucose metabolism by a fast analysis of exhaled air or blood. Several diseases, including infections, diabetes, and cancer, change the body's metabolism in different ways... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Early Signs Of Disease Detected By Metabolic 'Breathalyzer'

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

The future of disease diagnosis may lie in a "breathalyzer"-like technology currently under development at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. New research published online in February in the peer-reviewed journal Metabolism demonstrates a simple but sensitive method that can distinguish normal and disease-state glucose metabolism by a quick assay of blood or exhaled air. Many diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and infections, alter the body's metabolism in distinctive ways... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

In Bone Repair, The Smallest Tools Could Give The Biggest Results

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

When William Murphy works with some of the most powerful tools in biology, he thinks about making tools that can fit together. These constructions sound a bit like socket wrenches, which can be assembled to turn a half-inch nut in tight quarters, or to loosen a rusted-tight one-inch bolt using a very persuasive lever. The tools used by Murphy, an associate professor of biomedical engineering and orthopedics and rehabilitation at University of Wisconsin-Madison, however, are proteins, which are vastly more flexible than socket wrenches - and roughly 100 million times smaller... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Metabolic 'breathalyzer' reveals early signs of disease

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Wisconsin-Madison) The future of disease diagnosis may lie in a "breathalyzer" - like technology currently under development at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Smallest tools could give biggest results in bone repair

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Wisconsin-Madison) When William Murphy works with some of the most powerful tools in biology, he thinks about making tools that can fit together. These constructions sound a bit like socket wrenches, which can be assembled to turn a half-inch nut in tight quarters, or to loosen a rusted-tight one-inch bolt using a very persuasive lever. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Does A Lab-Measured Compassionate Brain Fare Well In Real Life?

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0100

A new series of studies is being launched by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, exploring insight knowledge on how laboratory measures of moral qualities, such as compassion, relate to real-life behavior. Founder of the UW's Center for Investigating Healthy Minds (CIHM), Dr. Richard J. Davidson at the Waisman Center, was awarded a three-year, $1.7 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation for developing laboratory and real life measures of moral qualities, such as compassion and selflessness... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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George W. Stocking Jr. Glimpses into My Own Black Box: An Exercise in Self‐ Deconstruction. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 2010. 232 pp. $24.95 (Paper). ISBN‐13: 978‐029924984‐7.

Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:27:25 +0100

(Source: Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences)

Reversible Acetylation of a Critical Enzyme Regulates Glycolysis♦ [Papers of the Week]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

♦ See referenced article, J. Biol. Chem. 2012, 287, 3850–3858 Proteomic studies have suggested that acetylation is a common post-translational modification that regulates enzymes involved in metabolism. In this Paper of the Week, a team led by John M. Denu at the University of Wisconsin in Madison showed that phosphoglycerate mutase-1 (PGAM1), a protein critical for glycolysis, was negatively regulated by Sirt1, an NAD+-dependent protein deacetylase. Sirt1 belongs to the sirtuin family of proteins, which are implicated as regulators in metabolic diseases and the aging process. Denu and colleagues demonstrated that Sirt1 protein expression rose dramatically when glucose was restricted, which led to the deacetylation of lysine residues on the C-terminal end of PGAM1, a portion of the pro...

Factors Affecting Clinician Educator Encouragement of Routine HIV Testing Among Trainees

Journal of General Internal Medicine — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:15:12 +0100

CONCLUSIONS Clinician educators have a special role in the dissemination of the CDC recommendations as they impact the knowledge and attitudes of newly practicing physicians. Despite awareness of CDC recommendations, many CEs do not recommend universal HIV testing to trainees. Interventions that improve faculty knowledge of HIV testing recommendations and address barriers in resident clinics may enhance adoption of routine HIV testing. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ResearchPages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s11606-012-1985-9Authors Gail V. Berkenblit, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 601 North Caroline St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USAJames M. Sosman, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Hea...

Replicability of structural models of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in a community sample of postpartum African American women with low socioeconomic status

Archives of Women's Mental Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:14:20 +0100

Abstract The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is increasingly used in public health and social service programs serving postpartum women of racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds at risk for depression. However, we know little about its factor structure across groups of women with implications for measuring symptom levels in research. This study evaluated the underlying structure of the EPDS using a confirmatory factor analyses model comparison approach of five factor models from the literature in a purposive community sample of 169 postpartum African American women of low socioeconomic status. Participants were identified through an exhaustive review of local health department program files dated August 2006 to August 2010 in a Midweste...

A Few Minutes With Sharon Chappy

AORN Journal — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:56:37 +0100

I am currently the graduate program director and assistant dean in the College of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Before going back to school to obtain my master's degree in nursing and my doctorate, I was a perioperative staff nurse and manager for more than 10 years. After I started teaching in 1993, I continued to work as a perioperative nurse during summer months and school breaks. That connection to practice made me a better and more respected educator. Perioperative nursing is my passion, and I have influenced many students to go on to become perioperative nurses. I am an avid researcher and writer, and I won the AORN Journal Writers Contest Award for research twice (2005 and 2007). I have chaired two AORN national committees: the Scholarship Board (2005-2006) and the...

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The impact of hepatitis C virus donor and recipient status on long‐term kidney transplant outcomes: University of Wisconsin experience

Clinical Transplantation — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Singh N, Neidlinger N, Djamali A, Leverson G, Voss B, Sollinger HW, Pirsch JD. The impact of hepatitis C virus donor and recipient status on long‐term kidney transplant outcomes: University of Wisconsin experience.  Clin Transplant 2012 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01583.x.  © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract: The survival benefit of transplanting hepatitis C (HCV)‐positive donor kidneys into HCV‐positive recipients remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of HCV‐status of the donor (D) kidney on the long‐term outcomes in kidney transplant recipients (R). We evaluated 2169 consecutive recipients of deceased‐donor kidney transplants performed between 1991 and 2007. The following HCV cohorts were identified: D−/R− (n = 1897),...

Liver cold preservation induce lung surfactant changes and acute lung injury in rat liver transplantation.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Prolonged CPT could induce or inhibit the expression of LSs at the compensation or decompensation stage, and some antioxidants (e.g., PDTC) may reverse the pathological process partially. PMID: 22294838 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

Improving Quality of Care in Substance Abuse Treatment Using Five key Process Improvement Principles

The Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:51:31 +0100

Abstract Process and quality improvement techniques have been successfully applied in health care arenas, but efforts to institute these strategies in alcohol and drug treatment are underdeveloped. The Network for the Improvement of Addiction Treatment (NIATx) teaches participating substance abuse treatment agencies to use process improvement strategies to increase client access to, and retention in, treatment. NIATx recommends five principles to promote organizational change: (1) understand and involve the customer, (2) fix key problems, (3) pick a powerful change leader, (4) get ideas from outside the organization, and (5) use rapid cycle testing. Using case studies, supplemented with cross-agency analyses of interview data, this paper profiles participating NIATx treatm...

Environmental parameters influence non-viral transfection of human mesenchymal stem cells for tissue engineering applications

Cell and Tissue Research — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:12:35 +0100

Abstract Non-viral transfection is a promising technique that could be used to increase the therapeutic potential of stem cells. The purpose of this study was to explore practical culture parameters of relevance in potential human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) clinical and tissue engineering applications, including type of polycationic transfection reagent, N/P ratio and dose of polycation/pDNA polyplexes, cell passage number, cell density and cell proliferation. The non-viral transfection efficiency was significantly influenced by N/P ratio, polyplex dose, cell density and cell passage number. hMSC culture conditions that inhibited cell division also decreased transfection efficiency, suggesting that strategies to promote hMSC proliferation may be useful to enhance transfe...

Validation of the “Perrier” Parathyroid Adenoma Location Nomenclature

World Journal of Surgery — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:55:28 +0100

Conclusions The “Perrier” nomenclature is reproducible. The most common adenoma locations were B and E in our study, similar to the initial studies. Nevertheless, there is a wide range of preoperative predicting accuracy based on the imaging studies obtained and the interpreter’s experience. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00268-011-1412-0Authors Haggi Mazeh, Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, K3/705 Clinical Science Center, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USASamantha J. Stoll, Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, K3/705 Clinical Science Center, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USAJessica B. Robbins, Department of Radiology, University of Wiscon...

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Outcomes of obese versus non-obese subjects undergoing robotic-assisted hysterectomy: a multi-institutional study

Journal of Robotic Surgery — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:59:21 +0100

Abstract The goal of our study was to determine whether there was a difference in operative outcomes in obese versus non-obese subjects undergoing robotic-assisted hysterectomies of varying levels of difficulty. Secondarily, we sought to analyze the published outcomes between robotic-assisted hysterectomy and total laparoscopic hysterectomy in obese women at each of these levels of difficulty. This was a multi-institutional retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing robotic-assisted hysterectomy by five gynecologic oncologists at four geographically separate locations from April 2003 to March 2008. The cohort was stratified into obese vs. non-obese groups, and defined surgical outcomes compared between groups, then further divided into three subgroups based on c...

Researchers find gene critical to sense of smell in fruit fly

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Wisconsin-Madison) UW-Madison researchers have discovered that a gene called distal-less is critical to the fly's ability to receive, process and respond to smells. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Photon beam audits for radiation therapy clinics: a pilot mailed dosemeter study in Turkey

Radiation Protection Dosimetry — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A thermoluminescent dosemeter (TLD) mailed dose audit programme was performed at five radiotherapy clinics in Turkey. The intercomparison was organised by the University of Wisconsin Radiation Calibration Laboratory (UWRCL), which was responsible for the technical aspects of the study including reference irradiations, distribution, collection and evaluation. The purpose of these audits was to perform an independent dosimetry check of the radiation beams using TLDs sent by mail. Acrylic holders, each with five TLD chips inside and instructions for their irradiation to specified absorbed dose to water of 2 Gy, were mailed to all participating clinics. TLD irradiations were performed with a 6 MV linear accelerator and 60Co photon beams. The deviations from the TL readings of UWRCL were calcul...

Radial intrastromal femtosecond laser incisions for myopia correction

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:50:58 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00417-011-1915-2Authors Zhen-Yong Zhang, Department of Ophthalmology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai Chinese Traditional Medicine University, Shanghai, ChinaMatthew R. Hoffman, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USAXing-Ru Zhang, Department of Ophthalmology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai Chinese Traditional Medicine University, Shanghai, China Journal Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental OphthalmologyOnline ISSN 1435-702XPrint ISSN 0721-832X (Source: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology)

Stenting for stroke prevention becoming safer in high-risk patients

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Wisconsin-Madison) Placing a stent in a key artery in the neck is safer than ever in patients ineligible for the standard surgical treatment of carotid artery disease, according to a new study published online today in the Journal of Vascular Surgery. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Postoperative Visual Acuity in Patients With Fuchs Dystrophy Undergoing Descemet Membrane-Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty: Correlation With the Severity of Histologic Changes [Clinical Sciences]

Archives of Opthalmology — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Our analysis fails to show an inverse relationship between the severity of histologic changes of the Descemet membrane and the best-corrected VA of at least 20/40 after DSAEK for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy. However, in a subset of patients with Fuchs dystrophy who develop a laminated Descemet membrane without embedded guttae, the visual recovery after DSAEK is less than expected. The laminated architecture of Descemet membrane without embedded guttae may facilitate separation between the membrane layers and, thus, incomplete removal of the recipient's Descemet membrane during DSAEK, which may then limit the postoperative visual outcome. (Source: Archives of Opthalmology)

Preservation Solutions for Static Cold Storage of Kidney Allografts: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

American Journal of Transplantation — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Static cold storage is the most prevalent method for renal allograft preservation. Several solutions have been designed to counteract the detrimental effects of cold ischemia and reperfusion. The aim of this study was to appraise the evidence for the currently available preservation solutions. We performed a systematic literature search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the Transplant Library and trial registries. Inclusion criteria specified any comparative, prospective study for deceased donor renal allografts. Studies were assessed for methodological quality. The primary outcome was delayed graft function (DGF). Fifteen trials with a total of 3584 kidneys were included. Eurocollins was associated with a higher risk of DGF than University of Wisconsin solution (UW) in two rand...

Aging-Related Degeneration Can Be Caused By Defects Of Energy Metabolism In Tissue Stem Cells

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Aging-related tissue degeneration can be caused by mitochondrial dysfunction in tissue stem cells. The research group of Professor Anu Suomalainen Wartiovaara at the University of Helsinki, with their collaborators in Max Planck Institute for Biology of Aging, Karolinska Institutet and University of Wisconsin, reported on the 3rd January in Cell Metabolism their results on mechanisms of aging-associated degeneration. Stem cells are called the spare parts for tissues, as they maintain and repair tissues during life... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

High-Resolution Manometry of Pharyngeal Swallow Pressure Events Associated with Effortful Swallow and the Mendelsohn Maneuver

Dysphagia — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:58:33 +0100

Abstract Effortful swallow and the Mendelsohn maneuver are two common strategies to improve disordered swallowing. We used high-resolution manometry (HRM) to quantify the effects of these maneuvers on pressure and timing characteristics. Fourteen normal subjects swallowed multiple, 5-ml water boluses using three techniques: normal swallow, effortful swallow, and the Mendelsohn maneuver. Maximum pressure, rate, duration, area integral, and line integral were determined for the velopharynx and tongue base. Minimum pressure, duration of pressure-related change, duration of nadir pressure, maximum preopening and postclosure pressure, area integral, and line integral were recorded for the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). Area and line integrals of the velopharyngeal pressure c...

Number of First-Contact Access Components Required to Improve Preventive Service Receipt in Primary Care Homes

Journal of General Internal Medicine — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:56:44 +0100

CONCLUSIONS Having an increasing number of first-access components in a primary care office may improve preventive services receipt, and more components may be required for those services requiring greater provider contact (e.g., prostate exam) versus those that require less (e.g., mammography). In primary care redesign, the largest gains in preventive services receipt likely will come with redesign of multiple components simultaneously. While our study is a necessary step towards broadly understanding the relationship between first-contact access and preventive service receipt, other important questions remain. Certain components may drive greater improvements in the receipt of different services, and the effect of some of these components may depend on individual patient...

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James F. Crow: His Life in Public Service [Perspectives]

Genetics — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The readers of this journal may well be aware of Professor Crow’s scientific achievements and his role as the editor of Perspectives. In addition, for many thousands of students at the University of Wisconsin over many generations, James F. Crow was one of the most memorable teachers at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. What is less known is his major role in public service where he served as chair of many important committees for the National Academy of Sciences, the National Institutes of Health, the National Institutes of Justice as well as various international programs. In all of these efforts, Professor Crow has left a lasting impact. (Source: Genetics)

Five year colorectal cancer outcomes in a large negative CT colonography screening cohort

European Radiology — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 06:37:54 +0100

Conclusions Clinically presenting colorectal adenocarcinoma is rare in the 5 years following negative screening CTC, suggesting that current strategies, including non-reporting of diminutive lesions, are appropriate. Key Points • CT colonography (CTC) screening is increasingly used to identify potential colorectal cancer. • Clinically presenting cancers are rare for 5 years following negative CTC screening. • The practice of setting a 6 mm polyp size threshold seems safe. • An interval of 5 years for routine CTC screening is appropriate. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory GastrointestinalPages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00330-011-2365-2Authors David H. Kim, Department of Radiology, University of Wisc...

Phase I trial of tremelimumab in combination with short-term androgen deprivation in patients with PSA-recurrent prostate cancer

Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:41:51 +0100

We report here the results of a phase I trial evaluating a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CTLA-4, CP-675,206 (tremelimumab), in combination with androgen deprivation using an antiandrogen. Eligible patients were those with PSA-recurrent prostate cancer after primary surgery and/or radiation therapy, not previously treated with androgen deprivation, and without radiographic evidence of metastatic disease. Subjects were treated in two cycles, 3 months apart, in which they received bicalutamide 150 mg daily days 1–28 and tremelimumab on day 29. The primary endpoint of the trial was safety. Secondary endpoints included measures of PSA kinetics and identification of a maximum tolerated dose. Eleven patients were enrolled and completed at least 1 year of follow-up...

Breast Radiation Correlates with Side of Parathyroid Adenoma

World Journal of Surgery — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 07:10:26 +0100

Conclusions The present study demonstrates that, similar to prior head and neck radiation, prior breast irradiation correlates with the development of parathyroid disease. Specifically, there is a strong correlation between the side of the radiation therapy and the side of a subsequent parathyroid adenoma. Breast irradiation should therefore be considered a risk factor for the development of parathyroid adenomas. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00268-011-1394-yAuthors Monica L. Woll, Department of Surgery, Section of Endocrine Surgery, H4/750 Clinical Science Center, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USAHaggi Mazeh, Department of Surgery, Section of Endocrine Surgery, H4/750 Clinical Science Center, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, US...

Interdependencies of aortic arch secondary flow patterns, geometry, and age analysed by 4-dimensional phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging at 3 Tesla

European Radiology — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 07:08:08 +0100

Conclusion Substantially different secondary flow patterns can be observed in the normal thoracic aorta. Age and the AAo diameter were the parameters correlating best with presence and amount of vortices. Findings underline the importance of age- and geometry-matched control groups for haemodynamic studies. Key Points • Secondary blood flow patterns (helices, vortices) are commonly observed in the aorta • Secondary flow patterns predominantly depend on patient age and aortic diameter • Geometric factors show a lesser impact on blood flow patterns than age and diameter • Future analyses of flow patterns should incorporate age- and diameter dependencies Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Magnetic ResonancePages ...

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Comparison of Preserved Vascular Allografts Using Glycerol and University of Wisconsin Solution in a Goat Carotid Artery Transplantation Model

Karger Publishers — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Eur Surg Res 2012;48:64–72 (DOI:10.1159/000334170) (Source: Karger Publishers)

Discharge Summaries Play Key Role in Keeping Nursing Home Patients Safe

NurseZone.com Nursing News — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:51:37 +0100

December 27, 2011 - Researchers at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health say that sending thorough and timely reports to nursing homes when a patient is discharged from the hospital could help promote patient safety during the early days after a hospitalization. (Source: NurseZone.com Nursing News)

Candidate Biographical Information and Election Statements

AORN Journal — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:50:27 +0100

Rosemarie T. Schroeder, BSN, RN, CNOR, is the director of perioperative services at St Joseph's Hospital, Ministry Health Care, Marshfield, Wisconsin. She earned her bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. (Source: AORN Journal)

Does the Final Intraoperative PTH Level Really Have to Fall into the Normal Range to Signify Cure?

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:52:26 +0100

Conclusions Allowing the IOPTH to fall by 50% by 15 min, regardless of whether the IOPTH falls into the normal range, results in a high success rate when performed by experienced surgeons. This helps reduce intraoperative time used waiting for additional parathyroid hormone levels and the risks associated with unnecessary bilateral neck exploration. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Endocrine TumorsPages 1-6DOI 10.1245/s10434-011-2192-3Authors Alexandra E. Reiher, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USASarah Schaefer, Department of Surgery, Section of Endocrine Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USAHerbert Chen, Department of Surgery, Section of Endocrine Surgery, University of Wiscons...

Delineating psychological and biomedical profiles in a heterogeneous fibromyalgia population using cluster analysis

Clinical Rheumatology — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 06:33:50 +0100

Abstract The heterogeneity of patients meeting American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for a diagnosis of fibromyalgia (FM) challenges our ability to understand the underlying pathogenesis and to optimize treatment of this enigmatic disorder. Our goal was to discern clinically relevant subgroups across multiple psychological and biomedical domains to better characterize the phenomenology of FM. Women meeting 1990 ACR criteria for FM (N = 107) underwent psychological (childhood trauma, mood, anxiety, and stress) and biomedical (neuroendocrine, immune, and metabolic) testing. Cluster analysis identified four distinct subgroups. Subgroups I, II, and III exhibited profiles that included high psychological distress. Subgroup I was further distinguished by a history o...

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The effect of pentobarbital sodium and propofol anesthesia on multifocal electroretinograms in rhesus macaques

Documenta Ophthalmologica — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:45:39 +0100

Abstract We compared the suitability of pentobarbital sodium (PB) and propofol (PF) anesthetics for multifocal electroretinograms (mfERGs) in rhesus macaques. mfERGs were collected from 4 ocularly normal rhesus macaques. All animals were pre-anesthetized with intramuscular ketamine (10–15 mg/kg). Intravenous PB induction/maintenance levels were 15 mg/kg/2–10 mg/kg and for PF, 2–5 mg/kg/6–24 mg/kg/h. There were 3 testing sessions with PB anesthesia and 5–7 testing sessions with PF anesthesia. All PB sessions were carried out before PF. First-order (K1) and second-order (first slice) kernels (K2.1) response density amplitude (RDA), implicit time (IT), and root mean square signal-to-noise ratios (RMS SNR) of the low-frequency (LFC) and high-f...

Compared With Those Who Continue To Smoke, Quitters Are Both Happier And More Satisfied With Their Health

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Life without cigarettes is not all doom and gloom. In fact, successful quitters are more satisfied with their lives and feel healthier, both one year and three years afterwards, than those who continue to smoke. That's according to new research by Dr. Megan Piper, from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in the US, and her team. Their work, which looks at whether quitting smoking can improve psychological well-being, is published online in Springer's journal Annals of Behavioral Medicine. There is no doubt that giving up smoking improves health and saves lives... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Heterogeneous vascular responses to hypoxic forearm exercise in young and older adults

European Journal of Applied Physiology — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:45:05 +0100

Abstract We aimed to assess age-related differences in compensatory hypoxic vasodilation during moderate-to-high dynamic exercise at absolute workloads. We hypothesized healthy older adults (n = 12, 61 ± 1 years) would exhibit impaired hypoxic vasodilation at a moderate absolute workload, and this effect would be exaggerated at a higher workload when compared to young adults (n = 17, 27 ± 2 years). Forearm blood flow (FBF) was measured with Doppler ultrasound. Dynamic forearm exercise (20 contractions/min) was completed at two absolute workloads (8 and 12 kg) under normoxic (0.21 FiO2, ~98% SpO2) and isocapnic hypoxic (~0.10 FiO2, 80% SpO2) conditions performed in random order. FBF was normalized as forearm vascula...

US government urges scientists to censor findings on new strain of bird flu

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:11:00 +0100

Scientists warn that redacting information from new research on H5N1 virus could hinder the discovery of a vaccineMoves by the US government to restrict the publication of papers describing potentially dangerous new strains of bird flu could do more harm than good by hampering progress towards a vaccine, scientists warn.The US biosecurity watchdog has asked two leading scientific journals, Science and Nature, to remove sensitive details from the papers amid fears the research might fall into the hands of bioterrorists. But scientists involved in the research discussed their experiments at public conferences earlier this year, leading some experts to doubt whether redacting the papers will have much effect."There is a cause for concern, but to restrict publication now is shutting the stable...

When it comes to bird flu, nature is the greatest bioterrorist

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:48:53 +0100

I hope that fear of terrorism will not lead to the suppression of valuable research about engineering the H5N1 virusA few months ago, Dutch virologist Ron Fouchier made what he hoped would be a low-key announcement at a conference on influenza in Malta. After a series of painstaking experiments, Fouchier announced he had achieved the holy grail of influenza research: engineering the H5N1 bird flu virus so that it could pass easily between mammals. The "airborne" virus had been created, Fouchier explained, not by using sophisticated, lab-based genetic technology but by the relatively low-tech method of passaging H5N1 repeatedly through ferrets.The significance of the discovery was not lost on the assembled delegates. If ferrets could be infected this way, then so could humans. Fouchier had ...

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When it comes to bird flu, nature is the greatest bioterrorist | Mark Honigsbaum

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:48:53 +0100

New study reexamines math gender gap

Physics Today News Picks — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Science: Two researchers have conducted a new study in which they debunk several commonly held myths about gender and math performance. Among the myths they address is the speculation put forth by Lawrence Summers when he was president of Harvard University that males may have greater variability in intellectual mathematical abilities than females. Janet Mertz of the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Jonathan Kane of the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater analyzed internationally standardized math test scores from 86 countries. They concluded that cultural factors are most likely causing the discrepancy in gender performance, and that increasing the number of female role models benefits everybody. "Scientific and mathematical progress relies on the best people doing their bes...

US asks scientific journals to censor bird flu studies

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 04:41:00 +0100

US requests scientific journals publish redacted versions of studies on a version of bird flu that could spread to humansThe US government has asked the scientific journals Nature and Science to censor data on a laboratory-made version of bird flu that could spread more easily to humans, fearing it could be used as a potential weapon. The US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity asked the two journals to publish redacted versions of studies by two research groups that created forms of the H5N1 avian flu that could easily jump between ferrets - typically considered a sign the virus could spread quickly among humans. The journals are objecting to the request, saying it would restrict access to information that might advance the cause of public health. The request was a first for th...

New Era for Stool Screening Tests: Fecal Immunochemical Tests, DNA, and Beyond

Current Colorectal Cancer Reports — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:45:27 +0100

This article reviews the most important literature published on colorectal cancer screening with FIT, fecal DNA, and other stool-based molecular markers. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Prevention and Early Detection (N Arber, Section Editor)Pages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s11888-011-0111-4Authors Jennifer M. Weiss, Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Wisconsin Medical School H6/516 Clinical Science Center, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792-5124, USAPatrick R. Pfau, Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Wisconsin Medical School H6/516 Clinical Science Center, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792-5124, USA Journal Current Colorectal Cancer ReportsOnline ISSN 1556-3804Print ISSN 1556-3790 (Source: Current Colorectal Cancer Reports)

The Necessity and Reliability of Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Testing in Patients with Mild Hyperparathyroidism and PTH Levels in the Normal Range: Reply

World Journal of Surgery — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:53:44 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00268-011-1372-4Authors Amal Alhefdhi, Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, H4/722 CSC 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USAHerbert Chen, Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, H4/722 CSC 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USA Journal World Journal of SurgeryOnline ISSN 1432-2323Print ISSN 0364-2313 (Source: World Journal of Surgery)

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Novel antivirals inhibit early steps in HPV infection.

Antiviral Research — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Huang HS, Pyeon D, Pearce SM, Lank SM, Griffin LM, Ahlquist P, Lambert PF Abstract The future incidence of cervical cancer is forecast to decline because of the remarkably effective prophylactic vaccines against human papillomaviruses. However, lack of access to these expensive vaccines in the developing countries where cervical cancer is most frequent, and the restricted genotypes these vaccines protect against, will limit their impact. Clearly, there is still a need for identifying other modalities for preventing HPV infections. Ready access to effective, inexpensive antivirals represents one potentially valuable approach to the prevention of genital HPV infections. We developed a well-validated high throughput screening (HTS) assay for identifying compounds that inhibit...

Re: Complications of Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Renal Surgery: Single-Center Ten-Year Experience

The Journal of Urology — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

N. W. Moore, S. Y. Nakada, S. P. Hedican and T. D. Moon Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin (Source: The Journal of Urology)

James F. Crow and the Art of Teaching and Mentoring [Perspectives]

Genetics — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

To honor James F. Crow on the occasion of his 95th birthday, GENETICS has commissioned a series of Perspectives and Reviews. For GENETICS to publish the honorifics is fitting, as from their birth Crow and GENETICS have been paired. Crow was scheduled to be born in January 1916, the same month that the first issue of GENETICS was scheduled to appear, and in the many years that Crow has made major contributions to the conceptual foundations of modern genetics, GENETICS has chronicled his and other major advances in the field. The commissioned Perspectives and Reviews summarize and celebrate Professor Crow’s contributions as a research scientist, administrator, colleague, community supporter, international leader, teacher, and mentor. In science, Professor Crow was the international lea...

Stopping smoking DOESN¿T make you more stressed, say successful quitters

the Mail online | Health — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:30:23 +0100

Former-smokers say they cope with stress just as well after they've managed to quit the habit, according to a study from the University of Wisconsin. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Mothers Of Tiny Babies Suffer, Too

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:00:00 +0100

Babies born at very low birth weights struggle in their early years and a new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers suggests that their mothers do, too. The study of families enrolled in the Newborn Lung Project found that by the time the children reached age 5, their mothers suffered much worse health than mothers of normal birth-weight children. "We found that caring for a baby born very low birth weight can have negative downstream effects for maternal health,'' says study leader Dr... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Life After Cigarettes

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Compared with those who continue to smoke, quitters are both happier and more satisfied with their health. Life without cigarettes is not all doom and gloom. In fact, successful quitters are more satisfied with their lives and feel healthier, both one year and three years afterwards, than those who continue to smoke. That's according to new research by Dr. Megan Piper, from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in the US, and her team... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Life after cigarettes: Compared with those who continue to smoke, quitters are both happier and more satisfied with their health

ScienceDaily Headlines — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:08:08 +0100

Life without cigarettes is not all doom and gloom. In fact, successful quitters are more satisfied with their lives and feel healthier, both one year and three years afterwards, than those who continue to smoke. That's according to new research by Dr. Megan Piper, from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in the US, and her team. Their work looks at whether quitting smoking can improve psychological well-being. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Life after cigarettes

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Springer) Life without cigarettes is not all doom and gloom. In fact, successful quitters are more satisfied with their lives and feel healthier, both one year and three years afterward, than those who continue to smoke. That's according to new research by Dr. Megan Piper, from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in the US, and her team. Their work is published online in Springer's journal Annals of Behavioral Medicine. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

UWM Partners With CareConscious To Deliver TCARE To Family Caregivers

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

CareConscious, a North Carolina-based start-up company, has completed a license agreement with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Research Foundation to bring care management tools to family caregivers across the country through a highly customizable Internet program. CareConscious will integrate the TCARE system developed at UWM with the CareConscious Web-based platform for family caregivers that educates, supports and encourages healthy family caregiving and proactive senior care planning though all stages of life... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Health-related quality of life of mothers of very low birth weight children at the age of five: results from the newborn lung project statewide cohort study

Quality of Life Research — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:08:10 +0100

Conclusions Caring for a VLBW child is negatively associated with the HRQoL of mothers; this relationship might be, in part, explained by maternal stress. Addressing maternal stress may be an important way to improve long-term HRQoL. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-12DOI 10.1007/s11136-011-0069-3Authors Whitney P. Witt, Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 610 North Walnut Street, Office 503, Madison, WI 53726, USAKristin Litzelman, Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 610 North Walnut Street, Office 554, Madison, WI 53726, USAHilary A. Spear, College of Nursing, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USALauren E. ...

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Pancreatic Neoplasms in Pregnancy: Diagnosis, Complications, and Management

Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:47:34 +0100

Conclusion When these tumors occur during pregnancy, they present a diagnostic and treatment dilemma, with variation in treatment based on gestational age and patient preference. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s11605-011-1797-yAuthors Casey A. Boyd, Departments of Surgery and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, JSA 6.312, Galveston, TX 77555-0542, USAJaime Benarroch-Gampel, Departments of Surgery and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, JSA 6.312, Galveston, TX 77555-0542, USAGokhan Kilic, Departments of Surgery and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, JSA 6.312, Galveston...

Scram1 is a modifier of spinal cord resistance for astrocytoma on mouse Chr 5

Mammalian Genome — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:44:24 +0100

Abstract Tumor location can profoundly affect morbidity and patient prognosis, even for the same tumor type. Very little is known about whether tumor location is determined stochastically or whether genetic risk factors can affect where tumors arise within an organ system. We have taken advantage of the Nf1−/+;Trp53−/+cis mouse model of astrocytoma/glioblastoma to map genetic loci affecting whether astrocytomas are found in the spinal cord. We identify a locus on distal Chr 5, termed Scram1 for spinal cord resistance to astrocytoma modifier 1, with a LOD score of 5.0 and a genome-wide significance of P < 0.004. Mice heterozygous for C57BL/6J×129S4/SvJae at this locus show less astrocytoma in the spinal cord compared to 129S4/SvJae homozygous mice, although ...

Seeking A More Accurate Reading Of Memory

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

The witness points out the criminal in a police lineup. She swears she'd remember that face forever. Then DNA evidence shows she's got the wrong guy. It happens so frequently that many courts are looking with extreme skepticism at eyewitness testimony. Is there a way to get a more accurate reading of memory? A new study says yes. "Eye movements are drawn quickly to remembered objects," says Deborah Hannula, assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, who conducted the study with Carol L. Baym and Neal J. Cohen of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and David E... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Integrating theory and practice to increase scientific workforce diversity: a framework for career development in graduate research training.

CBE Life Sciences Education — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:36:02 +0100

Authors: Byars-Winston A, Gutierrez B, Topp S, Carnes M Abstract Few, if any, educational interventions intended to increase underrepresented minority (URM) graduate students in biological and behavioral sciences are informed by theory and research on career persistence. Training and Education to Advance Minority Scholars in Science (TEAM-Science) is a program funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with the twin goals of increasing the number of URM students entering and completing a PhD in BBS and increasing the number of these students who pursue academic careers. A framework for career development in graduate research training is proposed using social cognitive career theory. Based on this framework, TEAM-Science has f...

Specificity of unenhanced CT for non-invasive diagnosis of hepatic steatosis: implications for the investigation of the natural history of incidental steatosis

European Radiology — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 06:33:54 +0100

Conclusions Unenhanced CT liver attenuation alone is highly specific for moderate to severe hepatic steatosis, allowing for confident non-invasive identification of large retrospective/prospective cohorts for natural history evaluation of incidental non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Low sensitivity, however, precludes effective population screening at this threshold. Key Points • Unenhanced CT liver attenuation is highly specific for diagnosing moderate/severe hepatic steatosis. • Unenhanced CT can identify large cohorts for epidemiological studies of incidental steatosis. • Unenhanced CT is not, however, effective for population screening for hepatic steatosis. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory GastrointestinalPages 1...

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Cytoskeletal drugs prevent posterior capsular opacification in human lens capsule in vitro

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:27:43 +0100

Conclusion H-7 and LAT-B dose-dependently inhibited PCO formation in the cultured human lens capsular bags, suggesting that cytoskeletal drugs might prevent PCO formation after surgery in the human eye. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Basic SciencePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00417-011-1869-4Authors Jeyalakshmi Sureshkumar, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Dr. G. Venkataswamy Eye Research Institute, No.1, Anna Nagar, Madurai, 625020 Tamil Nadu, IndiaAravind Haripriya, Cataract Clinic, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, IndiaVeerappan Muthukkaruppan, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Dr. G. Venkataswamy Eye Research Institute, No.1, Anna Nagar, Madurai, 625020 Tamil Nadu, IndiaPaul L. Kaufman, Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA...

Retinopathy in old persons with and without diabetes mellitus: the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility—Reykjavik Study (AGES-R)

Diabetologia — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 06:47:41 +0100

Conclusions/interpretation Over three-quarters (78%) of retinopathy cases were found in persons without diabetes and a strong association between microalbuminuria and non-diabetic retinopathy was found. These results may have implications for patient management of the aged. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ArticlePages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s00125-011-2395-yAuthors E. Gunnlaugsdottir, University Eye Department, Landspitalinn, 101 Reykjavik, IcelandS. Halldorsdottir, Icelandic Heart Association, Kopavogur, IcelandR. Klein, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USAG. Eiriksdottir, Icelandic Heart Association, Kopavogur, IcelandB. E. Klein, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences...

Relationship between femtosecond laser parameters and quality of the corneal stromal bed surface

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:28:29 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00417-011-1879-2Authors Zhen-Yong Zhang, Department of Ophthalmology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai Chinese Traditional Medicine University, Shanghai, ChinaMatthew R. Hoffman, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA Journal Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental OphthalmologyOnline ISSN 1435-702XPrint ISSN 0721-832X (Source: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology)

Carbon monoxide induces hypothermia tolerance in Kupffer cells and attenuates liver ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Liver Transplantation — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, the pretreatment of donors with CO ameliorates LT‐associated I/R injury with increased hepatic HSP70 expression, particularly in the KC population. Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD. (Source: Liver Transplantation)

Relationship Between Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and the Stimulus of Fibrogenesis in an Experimental Model: Comparison Among Different Preservation Solutions

Transplantation Proceedings — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: In this experimental model of early reperfusion injury, preservation changes related to higher levels of renin, which suggest its role in fibrogenesis. FBP was associated with lower renin levels than other solutions including UW. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)

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Prolonged Cold Ischemic Times and Less Donor-Recipient Histocompatibility Accelerate Graft Vascular Disease

Transplantation Proceedings — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Longer cold ischemic preservation time and less donor-recipient histocompatibility were associated with more advanced GVD in a rat heterotopic transplantation model, especially when there were multiple MHC mismatches as in ACI-Lewis allografts, but also occurred when there were differences in multiple non-MHC antigens as in the Lewis-F344 allografts. There was a lesser effect of longer cold ischemic time on GVD in the Lewis-Lewis syngeneic (isograft) group, suggesting that greater histocompatibility can mitigate the adverse effects of longer ischemic times. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)

[Effect of ischemic postconditioning on oxidative stress and structural tissue changes in intestinal warm ischemic and autotransplantation models.]

Magyar Sebeszet — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: IPO significantly attenuated intestinal oxidative stress and morphological damages in warm and cold I/R models. PMID: 22169343 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Magyar Sebeszet)

2012 C. elegans Development, Cell Biology, and Gene Expression Meeting

WormBase — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:48:35 +0100

The next C. elegans Development, Cell Biology, and Gene Expression Meeting will be held on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, June 7-10. Keynote Speakers will include Julie Ahringer, David Greenstein, Ken Kemphues, Craig Mello, Karen Oegema, Shai Shaham and Anne Villeneuve. Organizers: E. Jane Hubbard, Jeremy Nance, Martha Soto. http://www.union.wisc.edu/celegans/index2012.html (Source: WormBase)

MDCT for suspected appendicitis in the elderly: diagnostic performance and patient outcome

Emergency Radiology — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:43:31 +0100

Abstract Elderly adults are at increased risk for complications related to both delayed diagnosis of appendicitis and to unnecessary appendectomy. We assessed the diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT) in a consecutive elderly cohort with clinically suspected appendicitis. CT findings and clinical outcomes were analyzed for 262 consecutive adult patients age 65 and older (mean 75.6 ± 7.5 years; range 65–94; M/F 111:151) referred for clinically suspected appendicitis at a single medical center between January 2000 and December 2009. The overall prevalence of proven acute appendicitis in this elderly cohort with clinically suspected appendicitis was 16.8% (44/262). CT sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for acute appendicitis were 100% (44/44), 99....

Preconception Mental Health Predicts Pregnancy Complications and Adverse Birth Outcomes: A National Population-Based Study

Maternal and Child Health Journal — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:20:03 +0100

Abstract Pregnancy complications and poor birth outcomes can affect the survival and long-term health of children. The preconception period represents an opportunity to intervene and improve outcomes; however little is known about women’s mental health prior to pregnancy as a predictor of such outcomes. We sought to determine if and to what extent women’s preconception mental health status impacted subsequent pregnancy complications, non-live birth, and birth weight using a nationally representative, population-based sample. We used pooled 1996–2006 data from the nationally-representative Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Poor preconception mental health was defined as women’s global mental health rating of “fair” or “poor” before conception. Logistic...

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Cost and Threshold Analysis of an HIV/STI/Hepatitis Prevention Intervention for Young Men Leaving Prison: Project START

AIDS and Behavior — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:58:43 +0100

The objectives of this study were to: (a) estimate the costs of providing a single-session HIV prevention intervention and a multi-session intervention, and (b) estimate the number of HIV transmissions that would need to be prevented for the intervention to be cost-saving or cost-effective (threshold analysis). Project START was evaluated with 522 young men aged 18–29 years released from eight prisons located in California, Mississippi, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. Cost data were collected prospectively. Costs per participant were 689 for the single-session comparison intervention, and ranged from1,823 to 1,836 for the Project START multi-session intervention. From the incremental threshold analysis, the multi-session intervention would be cost-effective if it prevented one HI...

New insights into mechanism of Eustachian tube ventilation based on cine computed tomography images

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:48:42 +0100

Abstract There is debate concerning the mechanism of Eustachian tube (ET) ventilation. While a mechanism of complete opening has been advocated previously, sequential contraction of the levator veli palatini and medial pterygoid muscles followed by the tensor veli palatini and lateral pterygoid muscles may produce a transient sequential opening mechanism, allowing an air bolus to traverse the ET. This may explain confusion surrounding sonotubometry reports that not every swallow leads to sound passage in normal subjects. We hypothesize that the ET may not need to open completely when ventilating the middle ear; rather, a discrete air bolus can pass through it. Five normal and five disordered subjects underwent low-radiation dose cine computed tomography (CT) scans of the E...

Ancient environment found to drive marine biodiversity

EurekAlert! - Biology — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Wisconsin-Madison) Much of our knowledge about past life has come from the fossil record -- but how accurately does that reflect the true history and drivers of biodiversity on Earth? (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)

Racial discrimination and substance use: longitudinal associations and identity moderators

Journal of Behavioral Medicine — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:43:25 +0100

Abstract Current research indicates that racial discrimination is pervasive in the lives of African Americans. Although there are a variety of ways in which discrimination may contribute to health, one potentially important pathway is through its impact on substance use. Addressing the paucity of longitudinal research on this topic, the present study examined the influence of teacher discrimination on changes in substance use over time among African American adolescents and considered three dimensions of racial identity as moderators of this association (centrality, private regard, and public regard). Latent variable SEM analyses indicated that, on average, levels of discrimination were associated with increases in substance use across the high school years. However, publi...

Psychopaths' Brains Show Differences In Structure And Function

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Images of prisoners' brains show important differences between those who are diagnosed as psychopaths and those who aren't, according to a new study led by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers. The results could help explain the callous and impulsive anti-social behavior exhibited by some psychopaths. The study showed that psychopaths have reduced connections between the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), the part of the brain responsible for sentiments such as empathy and guilt, and the amygdala, which mediates fear and anxiety. Two types of brain images were collected... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Psychopaths' brains show differences in structure and function

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Wisconsin-Madison) Images of prisoners' brains show important differences between those who are diagnosed as psychopaths and those who aren't, according to a new study led by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Maternal Morbidities: A Statewide Study of Labor and Delivery Hospitalizations in Wisconsin

Maternal and Child Health Journal — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:10:13 +0100

We examined racial/ethnic disparities in maternal morbidities (MM) and the number of MM during labor and delivery among hospital discharges in Wisconsin. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of hospital discharge data for 206,428 pregnant women aged 13–53 years using 2005–2007 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Dataset (HCUP-SID) for Wisconsin. After adjustments for covariates, MM (preterm labor, antepartum and postpartum hemorrhage, hypertension in pregnancy, gestational diabetes, membrane-related disorders, infections and 3rd and 4th perineal lacerations) were examined using logistic regression models, and number of MM (0, 1, 2, >2 MM) were examined using multivariable ordered logistic regressions with partial proportional odds models. Afr...

Hydrogen peroxide provides clues to immunity, wound healing and tumor biology

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Wisconsin-Madison) University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers now have discovered the molecular sensor that detects wound-induced hydrogen peroxide and orchestrates the marshaling of neutrophils and other immune cells, or leukocytes, including those that affect tumors. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Sleep quality and asthma control and quality of life in non-severe and severe asthma

Sleep and Breathing — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 07:36:34 +0100

Conclusions These results suggest that poor sleep quality is associated with poor asthma control and quality of life among asthmatics and cannot be explained by comorbid GERD and nighttime asthma disturbances. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s11325-011-0616-8Authors Faith S. Luyster, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA, USAMihaela Teodorescu, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison, WI, USAEugene Bleecker, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USAWilliam Busse, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison, WI, USAWilliam Calhoun, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USAMario Castro, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis,...

The Eye Of The Fly: Researchers Discover Possible Key To Degenerative Nerve Diseases

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0100

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and collaborators have discovered a powerful new protein in the eye of the fruit fly that may shed light on blinding diseases and other sensory problems in humans. Reporting in the Nov. 16, 2011, issue of Neuron, the scientists note that similar but yet- to-be-identified proteins in the eye and brain could help explain age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, as well as Huntington's, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and prion diseases... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Allogenic Serum Improves Cold Preservation of Osteochondral Allografts.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the addition of 10% allogenic serum to University of Wisconsin solution enhances viability of osteochondral tissue samples. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of allogenic serum-supplemented University of Wisconsin solution is expected to prolong the duration of osteochondral allograft storage and result in higher-quality grafts. PMID: 22095130 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research)

Researchers Discover Possible Key to Degenerative Nerve Diseases

Diabetes News from dLife.com — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:01:14 +0100

November 16, 2011 (University of Wisconsin-Madison) — Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and collaborators have discovered a powerful new protein in the eye of the fruit fly that may shed light on blinding diseases and other sensory problems in humans. read more (Source: Diabetes News from dLife.com)

A Prebaccalaureate PhD Option: Shaping The Future of Research-Focused Doctoral Education.

The Journal of Nursing Education — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Nehls N, Barber G Abstract The future of PhD education in nursing is at a crossroads. Our current practice of primarily enrolling post-master's students with years of clinical experience is not producing an adequate number of graduates who are able to make significant and sustained contributions to nursing research. Therefore, it is timely to consider educational innovations that encourage a different population of students to consider doctoral research training. A prebaccalaureate or early-entry option to the PhD in nursing is a means toward this end. At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a select group of prenursing students and students beginning the nursing major are offered an early admission to PhD education. A key component of the Early Entry PhD Option is immedia...

House Science Committee Considers Role of STEM Professionals in K-12

Public Policy Reports — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:26:38 +0100

As part of an ongoing look at the state of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in the United States, the House Science Subcommittee on Research and Education held a hearing to examine the potential for STEM professionals to improve K-12 education. “It is easiest to attract students to STEM careers when they are inspired by the best and brightest teachers, mentors, and professionals,” said Ranking Member Dan Lipinski (D-IL). “This is especially true at the K-12 level, where researchers can play a unique role in improving STEM education by volunteering, serving as mentors to students, and by becoming STEM teachers themselves.” “STEM professionals bring unique knowledge and skills to the teaching profession that traditional underg...

Land Use and Wetland Spatial Position Jointly Determine Amphibian Parasite Communities

EcoHealth — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 06:44:07 +0100

Abstract Land use change is one of the most commonly cited contributing factors to infectious disease emergence, yet the mechanisms responsible for such changes and the spatial scales at which they operate are rarely identified. The distributions of parasites with complex life cycles depend on interactions between multiple host species, suggesting the net effects of land use on infection patterns may be difficult to predict a priori. Here, we used an information-theoretic approach to evaluate the importance of land use and spatial scale (local, watershed, and regional) in determining the presence and abundance of multi-host trematodes of amphibians. Among 40 wetlands and 160 hosts sampled, trematode abundance, species richness, and the presence and abundance of pathogenic ...

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A Simulation Study to Improve Performance in the Preparation and Delivery of Antineoplastic Medications at a Community Hospital

Journal of Medical Systems — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:45:37 +0100

Abstract In this paper, we introduce a simulation study to improve the antineoplastic medication preparation and delivery performance at a pharmacy department in a large community hospital. The goal of this work is to help pharmacy reduce patients’ average waiting time when receiving chemotherapy. This will be achieved by simulating and analyzing the preparation and delivery procedures to identify process bottlenecks, carry out what-if analysis, predict the impact of improvement effort, and provide recommendations to hospital leadership. Using the simulation model, we discover that by introducing early preparation for the returning patients and dedicating an infusion staff member for medication delivery, patients’ waiting time for antineoplastic medications can be redu...

A new satellite RNA is associated with natural infections of cucumber mosaic virus in succulent snap bean

Archives of Virology — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:13:46 +0100

Abstract Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was consistently recovered from symptomatic snap bean plants during surveys conducted in 2007 and 2008 in central Wisconsin. A large proportion of these CMV-infected plants contained a single-stranded linear RNA molecule consisting of 339 nucleotides and sharing 90–94% sequence identity with other satellite (sat) RNAs of CMV. Comparison of this satRNA sequence with currently available CMV satRNA sequences suggests this to be a novel satRNA. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Annotated Sequence RecordPages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s00705-011-1154-1Authors Shahideh Nouri, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USABryce W. Falk, Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USAR...

Program Development and Evaluation: Logic Model

Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:59:45 +0100

Provides templates for creating a logic model for program development, implementation and evaluation. -- University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension (Source: Rural web sites and other tools via the Rural Assistance Center)

Society of Skeletal Radiology 2011 Annual Meeting

Skeletal Radiology — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:50:15 +0100

Abstract Peer-reviewed abstracts presented at the 2011 Society of Skeletal Radiology (SSR) Annual Meeting were reviewed again following oral presentation. Topics representing new concepts, new or novel imaging techniques, and instructive case series involving the musculoskeletal system, felt to be of potential interest to investigators and practicing clinicians, have been highlighted in this compilation and analysis. ePoster highlights have also been submitted. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Meeting ReportPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00256-011-1307-zAuthors Laura W. Bancroft, Department of Radiology, Florida Hospital, 601 E. Rollins, Orlando, FL 32803, USAKen L. Schreibman, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Clinical Science Center (E3/311), 600 Highland Avenue, Ma...

Saul Roseman: His many contributions to biochemistry over eight decades [Retrospectives]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Saul Roseman (born 1921) was the Ralph S. O'Connor Professor of Biology, Emeritus, at The Johns Hopkins University. He died of congestive heart failure on July 2, 2011 at the age of 90.pnas;108/45/18219/UNFIG01F1unfig01Saul Roseman.Roseman was born in Brooklyn and received his bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the City College of New York (CCNY) in 1941, one of a remarkable number of scientists of his generation to receive their science training at CCNY. He began graduate training in Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin only to have it interrupted by service in the infantry in Europe in World War II, also... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

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Adjuvant therapy for HER2+ breast cancer: practice, perception, and toxicity

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:12:16 +0100

Abstract Multiple adjuvant regimens are used for HER2+ breast cancer, but experience in routine practice is not reported. We evaluated whether oncologists’ perceptions of these regimens matches clinical experience. We surveyed Wisconsin medical oncologists throughout the state regarding factors impacting selection of TCH (docetaxel, carboplatin, and trastuzumab) or anthracycline-based therapy. We also reviewed 200 cases of HER2+ breast cancer treated at the University of Wisconsin and the Marshfield Clinic and collected data on patient and tumor characteristics, chemotherapy regimen, and toxicities. Two-thirds of surveyed oncologists prefer anthracycline-based therapy, particularly for node-positive cancers. However, TCH was preferred for early-stage (T1a-bN0) tumors. Ha...

Monkey mothers found to be key to sons' reproductive success

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Wisconsin-Madison) In a study of wild primates, reported Nov. 7, 2011, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison anthropologist Karen B. Strier describes a monkey society where equality and tolerance rule and where sexually mature males, still living at home, seem to get helpful access to mates by the presence of their mothers and other maternal kin. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Perioperative outcomes of surgical procedures for symptomatic fundoplication failure: a retrospective case–control study

Surgical Endoscopy — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 05:43:51 +0100

Conclusion Compared to primary antireflux surgery, revisional operations are associated with longer mean operating times, increased length of hospital stay, and increased morbidity. Despite this fact, the majority of patients are satisfied with the outcomes of revisional surgery for failed fundoplication, and symptomatic outcomes are good. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00464-011-1961-1Authors Sandeepa Musunuru, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, K4/728 Clinical Science Center, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USAJon C. Gould, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9200 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA Journal Surgical EndoscopyOnline ISSN 1432-2218Print ISS...

Secret To A Long, Healthy Life: Bike To The Store

NPR Health and Science — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:39:00 +0100

Even if people used bikes to run short errands than half the time, it could save more than 1,100 lives a year in 11 Midwestern cities, thanks to reduced air pollution and improved health. That's the word from scientists at the University of Wisconsin, who figured people would bike 4 months out of the year.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us (Source: NPR Health and Science)

Increased Use of Bikes for Commuting Offers Economic, Health Benefits

Diabetes News from dLife.com — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:27:15 +0100

November 2, 2011 (University of Wisconsin-Madison) — Cutting out short auto trips and replacing them with mass transit and active transport would yield major health benefits, according to a study just published in the scientific journal Environmental Health Perspectives. read more (Source: Diabetes News from dLife.com)

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Increased use of bikes for commuting offers economic, health benefits

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Wisconsin-Madison) Cutting out short auto trips and replacing them with mass transit and active transport would yield major health benefits, according to a study just published in the scientific journal Environmental Health Perspectives. The biggest health benefit was due to replacing half of the short trips with bicycle trips during the warmest six months of the year, saving about $3.8 billion per year from avoided mortality and reduced health care costs for conditions like obesity and heart disease. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

An Effective Method to Release Human Islets From Surrounding Acinar Cells With Agitation in High Osmolality Solution

Transplantation Proceedings — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The embedded islets deteriorated the efficacy of islet purification. Gentle agitation of embedded islets in high osmolality (500 mOsm/kg/H2O, 15 minutes) could release islets from surrounded exocrine tissue. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)

Production of Islet Cell Sheets Using Cryopreserved Islet Cells

Transplantation Proceedings — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The present data indicated that dispersed islet cells, which were appropriately frozen and thawed, represent another viable cells source to create functional islet sheets for tissue engineering and potential clinical applications. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)

Pancreas Preservation for Pancreas and Islet Transplantation: A Minireview

Transplantation Proceedings — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Pancreas preservation by cold storage using University of Wisconsin solution was the mainstay method used for pancreas transplantation during the past 2 decades. Other solutions, such as HTK, Celsior, and SCOT 15, could not demonstrate any advantage for short preservation periods. But the advent of clinical islet transplantation and the larger use of controlled non–heart-beating donors have prompted the transplantation community to develop methods for increasing pancreas graft quality while preventing ischemic reperfusion damages. Oxygenation by 1- or 2-layer methods during pancreas preservation, as well as the use of perfluorocarbons, might increase the islet yield. Based on the former methods, there is a renewed interest in machine perfusion and oxygenation in pancreas preser...

Liver Preservation with SCOT 15 Solution Decreases Posttransplantation Cholestasis Compared with University of Wisconsin Solution: A Retrospective Study

Transplantation Proceedings — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The main effect of cold storage of human liver using SCOT 15 compared with UW solution was to decrease cholestasis following transplantation. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)

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Hypothermic Machine Perfusion of the Liver: Is It More Complex than for the Kidney?

Transplantation Proceedings — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In this in vivo model, liver HMP with subsequent transplantation was feasible. However, we did not demonstrate an advantage of HMP, using perfusion conditions shown to be effective for the kidney, over SCS. Despite similar immediate graft function, TNF-α generation, and endothelial cell dysfunction were more pronounced after HMP. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)

Presumed and Actual Concentrations of Reduced Glutathione in Preservation Solutions

Transplantation Proceedings — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Reduced glutathione (GSH), an important radical scavenger, has been added to various organ preservation solutions. Because GSH oxidizes into oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and only GSH has scavenging capacity, only GSH in the solution at the time of clinical use is relevant. The concentrations of GSH (GSHconc) and GSSGconc were determined in 2 static preservation solutions—University of Wisconsin (UW) and Celsior—and in 1 machine preservation solution—Kidney Preservation Solution 1 (KPS-1). We determined the half-life (T1/2) of freshly added GSH. The GSHconc in UW and KPS-1 was 0.006 ± 0.0018 mmol/L and 0.13 ± 0.30 mmol/L, respectively. The GSHconc in Celsior was 2.7 ± 0.17 mmol/L. The manufacturers of these solutions reported 3 mmol/L GSH. GSSGconc in UW, KPS-1, and Celsio...

An antibiotic effect minus resistance

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee) Ching-Hong Yang, a microbiologist at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, has developed a compound that shuts off the "valve" in a pathogen's DNA that allows it to invade and infect, blocking infection without the threat of antibiotic resistance. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Addition of simvastatin to cold storage solution prevents endothelial dysfunction in explanted rat livers

Hepatology — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:Our results open the rationale to evaluate the beneficial effects of a vasoprotective preservation solution on human livers procurement for transplantation. (HEPATOLOGY 2011.) (Source: Hepatology)

Re: Primary Tumor Response to Targeted Agents in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

The Journal of Urology — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

E. J. Abel, S. H. Culp, N. M. Tannir, S. F. Matin, P. Tamboli, E. Jonasch and C. G. Wood Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin (Source: The Journal of Urology)

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More People 'High-Risk' With Change to New CVD Risk ScoreMore People 'High-Risk' With Change to New CVD Risk Score

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 03:40:41 +0100

Cardiologists at the University of Wisconsin have voiced concerns that the latest guidelines on primary prevention may lead to vast increases in the number of people defined as high risk because of changes to the risk scores recommended. Heartwire (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Many more people "high-risk" with change to new CVD risk score

theHeart.org — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:45:24 +0100

First-time-in-human study of GSK923295, a novel antimitotic inhibitor of centromere-associated protein E (CENP-E), in patients with refractory cancer

Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:59:43 +0100

Conclusions The novel CENP-E inhibitor, GSK923295, had dose-proportional pharmacokinetics and a low number of grade 3 or 4 adverse events. The observed incidence of myelosuppression and neuropathy was low. Further investigations may provide a more complete understanding of the potential for GSK923295 as an antiproliferative agent. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00280-011-1756-zAuthors Vincent Chung, City of Hope Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Durate, CA 91010, USAElisabeth I. Heath, Karmanos Cancer Center, Detroit, MI, USAWilliam R. Schelman, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USABrendan M. Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC, USALyndon C. Kirby, GlaxoSmithKline, Research T...

Cross sections of the (36)Ar(d,α)(34m)Cl, (40)Ar(d,α)(38)Cl, and (40)Ar(d,p)(41)Ar nuclear reactions below 8.4MeV.

Applied Radiation and Isotopes — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Engle JW, Severin GW, Barnhart TE, Knutson LD, Nickles RJ Abstract We have measured the cross section for production of the medically interesting isotope (34m)Cl, along with (38)Cl and (41)Ar, using deuteron bombardments of (36)Ar and (40)Ar below 8.4MeV. ALICE/ASH analytical codes were employed to determine the shape of nuclear excitation functions, and experiments were performed using the University of Wisconsin tandem electrostatic accelerator to irradiate thin targets of argon gas. PMID: 22041299 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Applied Radiation and Isotopes)

University of Wisconsin Program Tries to Provide Rural Doctors

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 06:00:00 +0100

Green Bay Press-Gazette, (WI) article reports that rural doctors are disappearing at alarming rates, but a University of Wisconsin-Madison program is trying to make a dent. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

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Making Heart Cells---Billions of Them

WSJ.com: Health — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 03:28:31 +0100

Cellular Dynamics International uses a stem-cell technology discovered by University of Wisconsin researcher James Thomson to mass-produce human cells for drug development and testing and for research into diseases. (Source: WSJ.com: Health)

Researchers Discover New Gene that Encodes for Diabetes Resistance, as...

PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:36:15 +0100

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a gene that may be responsible for determining an individual's susceptibility to both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as reported by...(PRWeb October 10, 2011)Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/Diabetes/Resistance-Gene/prweb8864046.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals)

Is Focused Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy Appropriate for Patients With Familial Primary Hyperparathyroidism?

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 05:46:10 +0100

Conclusions The vast majority of patients who underwent a MIP were surgically cured. Although recurrence rates remain higher in the familial hyperparathyroidism group, these data suggest that this alone should not be a contraindication to MIP. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Endocrine TumorsPages 1-5DOI 10.1245/s10434-011-2092-6Authors Ruth S. Prichard, University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit, Sydney, AustraliaChristine J. O’Neill, University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit, Sydney, AustraliaJennifer J. Oucharek, University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit, Sydney, AustraliaRebecca S. Sippel, Department of Surgery, Section of Endocrine Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USALeigh W. Delbridge, University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit, Sy...

Colorectal cancer desmoplastic reaction up-regulates collagen synthesis and restricts cancer cell invasion

Cell and Tissue Research — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:05:59 +0100

In this study, we analyzed desmoplasia in vivo in human colorectal carcinoma tissue, detecting an up-regulation of collagen I, collagen IV and collagen V in human colorectal cancer desmoplastic reaction. These components were then analyzed in vitro co-cultivating colorectal cancer cells (Caco-2 and HCT116) and fibroblasts utilizing various co-culture techniques. Our findings demonstrate that direct cell-cell contact between fibroblasts and colorectal cancer cells evokes an increase in ECM density, composed of unorganized collagens (I, III, IV and V) and proteoglycans (biglycan, fibromodulin, perlecan and versican). The desmoplastic collagen fibers were thick, with an altered orientation, as well as deposited as bundles. This increased ECM density inhibited the migration and invasion o...

Wake-Sleep Patterns Affect Brain Synapses During Adolescence

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 +0100

An ongoing lack of sleep during adolescence could lead to more than dragging, foggy teens, a University of Wisconsin-Madison study suggests. Researchers have found that short-term sleep restriction in adolescent mice prevented the balanced growth and depletion of brain synapses, connections between nerve cells where communication occurs. "One possible implication of our study is that if you lose too much sleep during adolescence, especially chronically, there may be lasting consequences in terms of the wiring of the brain," says Dr... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Sleep-deprived teenagers may risk long-term damage to wiring of the brain

the Mail online | Health — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 07:54:36 +0100

Teenagers who don't get enough shut-eye could suffer negative effects for the rest of their lives, say scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Teaching Biology for a Sustainable Future

Eye on Education — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 07:44:53 +0100

This report also states the need to prepare future biologists to work collaboratively "to address complex and increasingly interdisciplinary problems." Many of these problems, such as those caused by climate change, the lack of a sustainable food supply, or reliance on nonrenewable energies, stem from years of shortsighted practices that will negatively affect future generations' quality of life. Sustainable solutions must take into account environmental, economic, and social implications, says David Hassenzahl, founding dean and professor at Chatham University's School of Sustainability and the Environment in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He stresses the need for a holistic picture, saying, "Sustainability means treating as coequals environment, economics, and social justice and avoiding foc...

Diabetes Susceptibility Gene Identified: Tomosyn-2 Regulates Insulin Secretion

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0100

A group of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has pinpointed a gene that confers diabetes susceptibility in obese mice. Published in the open-access journal PLoS Genetics, this study also shows that its protein tomosyn-2 acts as a brake on insulin secretion from the pancreas. "It's too early for us to know how relevant this gene will be to human diabetes," says Alan Attie, who leads the group, "but the concept of negative regulation is one of the most interesting things to come out of this study and that very likely applies to humans... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

If you don't snooze, do you lose?

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Wisconsin-Madison) An ongoing lack of sleep during adolescence could lead to more than dragging, foggy teens, a University of Wisconsin-Madison study suggests. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Tomosyn-2 The Diabetes Susceptibility Gene - It Regulates Insulin Secretion

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 18:00:00 +0100

In a study published in the open-access journal PLoS Genetics on October 6th, a research team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has identified a gene called tomosyn-2 that confers diabetes susceptibility in obese mice and acts as an inhibitor on insulin secretion from the pancreas. Alan Attie, lead author of the study, comments: "It's too early for us to know how relevant this gene will be to human diabetes but the concept of negative regulation is one of the most interesting things to come out of this study and that very likely applies to humans... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Decade of Effort Yields Diabetes Susceptibility Gene

Diabetes News from dLife.com — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:31:43 +0100

October 3, 2011 (University of Wisconsin-Madison) Ten years of meticulous mouse breeding, screening and record-keeping have finally paid off for Alan Attie and his lab members. The University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers' efforts, published today (Oct. 6) at in the journal PLoS Genetics, pinpointed a gene that confers diabetes susceptibility in obese mice. read more (Source: Diabetes News from dLife.com)

Decade Of Effort Yields Diabetes Susceptibility Gene

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Ten years of meticulous mouse breeding, screening, and record-keeping have finally paid off for Alan Attie and his lab members. The University of Wisconsin Madison researchers' efforts, published Oct. 6 in the journal PLoS Genetics, pinpointed a gene that confers diabetes susceptibility in obese mice. They also showed that the protein coded by the gene, called tomosyn-2, acts as a brake on insulin secretion from the pancreas... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Update in Medical Education 2010–2011

Journal of General Internal Medicine — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 05:46:39 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ReviewsPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s11606-011-1902-7Authors Kathel Dunn, National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bldg 38, 2N-19, Bethesda, MD 20894, USAKenneth Locke, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, CanadaShobhina G. Chheda, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USACarol K. Bates, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USAReena Karani, Departments of Medical Education, Geriatrics and Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Manhattan, NY, USA Journal Journal of General Internal MedicineOnline ISSN 1525-1497Print ISSN 0884-8734 (Source: Journal of General Internal Medicine)

Didactic CME and practice change: don’t throw that baby out quite yet

Advances in Health Sciences Education — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 05:45:32 +0100

Abstract Skepticism exists regarding the role of continuing medical education (CME) in improving physician performance. The harshest criticism has been reserved for didactic CME. Reviews of the scientific literature on the effectiveness of CME conclude that formal or didactic modes of education have little or no impact on clinical practice. This has led some to argue that didactic CME is a highly questionable use of organizational and financial resources, and a cause of lost opportunities for physicians to engage in meaningful learning. The authors’ current program of research has forced them to reconsider the received wisdom regarding the relationship between didactic modes of education and learning, and the role frank dissemination can play in bringing about practice c...

More insight into the secret life of the American teen

UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:20:00 +0100

Andrew Fuligni and his colleagues want to understand the secret life of the American teenager. Their research has examined whether stress in the teen years affects kids' health as adults (it does), whether teens maintain their religious ties and beliefs as adults (they do) and if ethnic minority–based stigmatization affects how they perform in school (it does). Now the researchers are looking at another big-ticket item for teens: arguments. Specifically, they're examining how arguments with friends at school may spill over and cause arguments at home, along with the reverse — how verbal fights at home affect things at school. Reporting in the September–October edition of the journal Child Development, the researchers found that adolescents experienced more a...

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Growing Up In Bad Neighborhoods Has A Devastating Impact

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Growing up in a poor neighborhood significantly reduces the chances that a child will graduate from high school, according to a study published in the October issue of the American Sociological Review. And, the longer a child lives in that kind of neighborhood, the more harmful the impact. The study, by University of Michigan sociologists Geoffrey Wodtke and David Harding and University of Wisconsin-Madison sociologist Felix Elwert, is the first to capture the cumulative impact of growing up in America's most disadvantaged neighborhoods on a key educational outcome high school graduation... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Evidence, Values, Guidelines and Rational Decision-making

Journal of General Internal Medicine — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 05:50:13 +0100

Abstract Medical decision-making involves choices, which can lead to benefits or to harms. Most benefits and harms may or may not occur, and can be minor or major when they do. Medical research, especially randomized controlled trials, provides estimates of chance of occurrence and magnitude of event. Because there is no universally accepted method for weighing harms against benefits, and because the ethical principle of autonomy mandates informed choice by patient, medical decision-making is inherently an individualized process. It follows that the practice of aiming for universal implementation of standardized guidelines is irrational and unethical. Irrational because the possibility of benefits is implicitly valued more than the possibility of comparable harms, and unet...

Can Facebook help find young alcoholics?

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:46:17 +0100

College students who post drunken pictures of themselves on Facebook are more likely to be problem drinkers. So says a study by medical researchers in Wisconsin and Washington which may surprise few people. Megan Moreno, M.D., of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, led the study, which found a link between “displayed alcohol use” on sites like Facebook and actual underage alcohol-related problems. Moreno’s study included undergraduates between 18 and 20 years old at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, and the University of Washington in Seattle... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

It’s Not Vitamin A, It’s Not Beta Carotene…

Al Sears, MD Natural Remedies — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:01:09 +0100

First, Elmer McCollum couldn’t get a job. He had a doctorate from Yale, but couldn’t find work in his field. It was only after a long time searching all over the Midwest (he was from Kansas) that he even got hired. The University of Wisconsin took him on as an instructor. But he had to switch his field of study because that was the only way he could get a position. Then, the school wanted him to look at the diets of grain-fed cows to find out why they were dying or giving birth to malformed calves. After all, grain contained everything that chemists, physiologists, and medical men considered essential... even thought it was obviously not enough to sustain the cattle’s lives. But McCollum felt the cows weren’t getting enough nutrition from grain. He had to go against convention...

It is Not Vitamin A, It is Not Beta Carotene…

Al Sears, MD Natural Remedies — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:01:09 +0100

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Adrenaline and Dopamine in Porcine Livers After Cold Preservation With University of Wisconsin Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate, Prolactin-Modified Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate Solutions

Transplantation Proceedings — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Catecholamines are present in the liver after 30 minute of perfusion and 12 hours of cold storage. The increased levels after 12 hours of preservation may be due to their release from intracellular spaces (as a controlled process or as a result of necrosis). It may play a crucial role in reperfusion injury, which, in turn, may explain the mechanism of no-reflow phenomenon. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)

Evaluation of Cysteine Effect on Redox Potential of Porcine Liver Preserved by Simple Hypothermia

Transplantation Proceedings — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Addition of cys to the HTK solution positively influenced the total pool of free radical scavengers in a liver undergoing 12-hour ischemia in the simple hypothermia, which was reflected in the elevated redox enzyme activity possibly due to cys participation in GSH synthesis. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)

Evaluation of Apoptosis in the Liver Preserved by Simple Hypothermia Using Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate and Prolactin-Modified Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate Solution

Transplantation Proceedings — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: PRL improved the preservation properties of HTK for porcine livers by maintaining a high apoptosis level. It may stabilize cell membranes thus reducing the oncotic necrosis, promoting increased apoptosis during simple hypothermia. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)

Comments on corneal intrastromal tissue modeling with the femtosecond laser

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 05:51:19 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00417-011-1826-2Authors Zhen-Yong Zhang, Department of Ophthalmology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai Chinese Traditional Medicine University, No. 164, Lanxi Road, Shanghai, 200062 ChinaMatthew R. Hoffman, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA Journal Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental OphthalmologyOnline ISSN 1435-702XPrint ISSN 0721-832X (Source: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology)

Experience with a "tech-check-tech" program in an academic medical center.

American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 18:44:53 +0100

Conclusion Through the implementation of a TCT program at a university hospital, specially trained pharmacy technicians safely and efficiently checked unit dose medication carts filled by other technicians. The program reduced interruptions in the pharmacists' daily workflow and allowed pharmacists to spend more time on patient care activities. PMID: 21930640 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP)

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Libraries rethink digitization effort after authors sue

News from STM — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:42:53 +0100

September 23, 2011. The University of Michigan suspended its orphan works digitization project in response to the copyright infringement lawsuit filed against it and four other universities, including Cornell. The lawsuit, filed Sept. 12, claims that Google and the five universities — Cornell, the University of Michigan, Indiana University, the University of Wisconsin and the University of California — have digitized about seven million books illegally. The majority of the contested texts are known as “orphan works” — books that are still subject to copyright but whose copyright holders are unknown or cannot be located. http://bit.ly/qfOEoD (Source: News from STM)

Comparison of conjunctival autograft transplantation and amniotic membrane transplantation for pterygium: a meta-analysis

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:45:39 +0100

Conclusions Available trials indicate that CAT has lower recurrence risk compared to AMT for primary pterygium treatment, as well as lower risk of unacceptable appearance risk. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory CorneaPages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00417-011-1820-8Authors Meiyan Li, Department of Ophthalmology, EYE & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, No. 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031 ChinaMin Zhu, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, No. 138 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032 ChinaYongfu Yu, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, No. 138 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032 ChinaLan Gong, Department of Ophthalmology, EYE & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, No. 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031 ChinaNaiqin...

Oral Calcitonin Tablet Is Safe And Effective For Osteoporosis: Phase III Data Presented At 2011 ASBMR Show

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Tarsa Therapeutics has presented positive safety and efficacy data from its Phase III ORACAL trial of OSTORA™, the company's oral recombinant salmon calcitonin tablet in development for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. These data were presented at the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research 2011 Annual Meeting by ORACAL investigator Neil Binkley, MD, who is an Associate Professor of Endocrinology and Geriatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison, Wisconsin... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

A comprehensive, longitudinal description of the in-hospital and post-discharge clinical, laboratory, and neurohormonal course of patients with heart failure who die or are re-hospitalized within 90 days: analysis from the EVEREST trial

Heart Failure Reviews — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 05:46:43 +0100

The objectives of this study were to describe the baseline, in-hospital, and post-discharge clinical, laboratory, and neurohormonal profiles of patients hospitalized for worsening heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (EF) who die or are re-admitted for cardiovascular (CV) causes within 90 days of initial hospitalization. Retrospective analysis of 4,133 patients hospitalized for worsening heart failure with EF ≤40% in the Efficacy of Vasopressin Antagonism in Heart Failure: Outcome Study with Tolvaptan (EVEREST) trial, which randomized patients to tolvaptan or placebo, both in addition to standard therapy. Clinical and laboratory parameters were obtained within 48 h of admission, during hospitalization, and post-discharge weeks 1, 4, 8, and every 8 weeks thereafter...

Donation after cardiac death lung transplantation outcomes.

Current Opinion in Organ Transplantation — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:12:55 +0100

Authors: Wigfield CH, Love RB Abstract PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Lung transplantation is now a well established treatment option for several end-stage respiratory diseases. Survival after lung transplantation has significantly improved over the last decade. The primary limitation to increased utilization of lung transplantation remains donor scarcity. Suitable allografts have been procured from donors after determination of neurologic death and from donors after determination of cardiac death (DDCD or DCD). Historically, the first human lung transplantation performed, utilized an allograft procured after cardiovascular death, also referred to as nonheart-beating donor.The experience at University of Wisconsin in 1993 reintroduced DCD lung transplantation with the first successful clinical...

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£300,000 for new study into the origin of AIDS

University of Bristol news — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:00:00 +0100

£300,000 has been awarded to the Universities of Bristol and Cambridge, along with a further £1.5million to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, for a joint research project to investigate why the HIV virus only emerged in the 1970s despite entering the human population many decades earlier. (Source: University of Bristol news)

Sustainability, Health and Precautionary Perspectives on Lawn Pesticides, and Alternatives

EcoHealth — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 05:51:10 +0100

This article considers health concerns associated with lawn pesticide use and potential policy actions to address those concerns. We first briefly present the generations of pesticide technology, and then apply a sustainability lens to consider the dissipative use of persistent compounds. We enumerate uncertainties in available science and gaps in toxicity testing of pesticides, along with potential for exposure and evidence of harm from lawn pesticide exposure. We consider how a precautionary approach complements a sustainability perspective and detailed scientific findings, and then briefly present practical approaches to reducing use of lawn pesticides. Finally, we highlight factors pivotal for successful policy to limit lawn pesticide use. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory...

Positron emission tomography imaging of CD105 expression with 89Zr-Df-TRC105

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 05:45:16 +0100

Conclusion We report here the first successful PET imaging of CD105 expression with 89Zr as the radiolabel. Rapid, persistent, CD105-specific uptake of 89Zr-Df-TRC105 in the 4T1 tumor was observed. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s00259-011-1930-xAuthors Hao Hong, Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USAGregory W. Severin, Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USAYunan Yang, Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USAJonathan W. Engle, Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USAYin Zhang, Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USATodd E. Ba...

Patient awareness of the risks of central venous catheters in the outpatient setting

American Journal of Infection Control — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Bloodstream infection remains the most common life-threatening complication of central venous access. Central venous catheters (CVCs) are the most frequent cause of nosocomial bloodstream infection with 250,000 to 500,000 episodes occurring in the United States annually. In the last several years, widespread implementation of evidence-based interventions to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in the intensive care unit has been undertaken with commensurate reduction in CLABSI rates. Nonetheless, CLABSI remains one of the most important life-threatening complications of central venous access. Patient education regarding CVC insertion and risk of CLABSI has been recommended, as outlined in the 2011 Patient Safety goals from the Joint Commission. However, data on pa...

City Counties Ranked Healthier Than Rural!

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 06:00:00 +0100

CBS News article tells of a report published by the University of Wisconsin that ranks more than 3,000 counties nationwide against others in their states, and found that 48 percent of the healthiest counties were urban or suburban, while 84 percent of the unhealthiest counties were rural. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

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Provider Characteristics, Clinical-Work Processes and Their Relationship to Discharge Summary Quality for Sub-Acute Care Patients

Journal of General Internal Medicine — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 05:56:41 +0100

CONCLUSION Critical component omissions in discharge summaries were common, and were associated with delayed document creation and less experienced providers. More research is needed to understand the impact of discharge documentation quality on patient/system outcomes. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ResearchPages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s11606-011-1860-0Authors Amy J.H. Kind, Department of Medicine, Geriatrics Division, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USACarolyn T. Thorpe, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USAJustin A. Sattin, Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USAStacy E...

Rural U.S. Areas Less Healthy than Cities-Study

RWJF News Digest - Public Health — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conventional wisdom might suggest living in the country would be healthier than the city, but that is often not the case, according to a study comparing relative health across cities, suburbs and rural areas. Editor's Note: The County Health Rankings project, mentioned in this article, is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation through the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)

Vegetable Gardens Are Booming in a Fallow Economy

RWJF News Digest - Public Health — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

As the economy continues to stagnate in towns and cities across the country, here in eastern Kentucky it is causing things to sprout. Editor's Note: The County Health Rankings project, mentioned in this article, is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation through the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)

City Counties Ranked Healthier than Rural

RWJF News Digest - Public Health — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Many people think of the city lifestyle as unhealthy, associating it with noise, pollution, crime, dense populations, a fast pace, and high stress levels. But, reports CBS News correspondent Elaine Quijano, a new study seems to dispel those notions. Editor's Note: The County Health Rankings project, mentioned in this article, is a funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation through the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)