From U Manitoba: Asbestos-related pleural disease

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22617814

Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2012 May 19. [Epub ahead of print]

Asbestos-related pleural disease.

Myers R.

Source

Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Canada.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

Asbestos exposure is the cause of significant pleural disease - both benign and malignant. Although there is increased awareness, individuals continue to be exposed, and we will continue to see its sequelae for years to come because of the delay between exposure and disease manifestation. Asbestos-related pleural disease includes pleural plaques, diffuse pleural thickening, benign asbestos-related pleural effusions (BAPEs), and malignant pleuralmesothelioma (MPM).

RECENT FINDINGS:

Several recent studies are highlighted throughout this review, including a comparative analysis of diagnostic imaging modalities for identifying and characterizing pleural plaques, the effect of pleural plaques on lung volumes and flows, and how pain is a relatively common feature in patients with pleural plaques. Advances in the treatment of MPM are limited, but a recent publication highlights the increased morbidity associated with surgical debulking procedures and questions the benefit of these procedures.

SUMMARY:

Asbestos-related pleural disease will continue to present a significant burden of illness. Recent publications have suggested potential treatment benefit and point to areas that would require further investigation.

Survey: U.S. Military Academies-"86% of female & 42% of male cadets & midshipmen were sexually victimized"

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22585112

J Interpers Violence. 2012 May 14. [Epub ahead of print]

Unsafe in the Camouflage Tower: Sexual Victimization and Perceptions of Military Academy Leadership.

Snyder JA, Fisher BS, Scherer HL, Daigle LE.

Abstract

Few studies have examined sexual victimization among cadets and midshipmen at the three U.S. Military Academies. Self-report data from the 2005 Service Academy Sexual Assault Survey of Cadets and Midshipmen (n = 5,220) were used to examine the extent of unwanted sexual attention, sexual harassment, unwanted sexual contact, sexual coercion, and rape within the last academic year and their effects on cadets' and midshipmen's perceptions of their leadership's morality and intolerance for sexual victimization. About 60% of cadets and midshipmen experienced at least one type of sexual victimization and 25% reported that they had experienced polyvictimization (e.g., two or more types). Eighty-six percent of female and 42% of male cadets and midshipmen were sexually victimized. Those who were sexually victimized had significantly more negative views of their leadership's morality and intolerance for sexual victimization than nonvictims. Cadets and midshipmen who reported experiencing polyvictimization were more likely to perceive leadership as less moral and more tolerant of sexual victimization than those experiencing a single type. This pattern also was observed for gender-specific models; both male and female victims reported more negative perceptions of leadership. Implications concerning the effects of sexual victimization on military leadership are discussed.

Gym surfaces: reservoirs for Staphylococcus aureus. Apparently not MRSA though.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22622513

Am J Infect Control. 2012 May 21. [Epub ahead of print]

Are gym surfaces reservoirs for Staphylococcus aureus? A point prevalence survey.

Markley JD, Edmond MB, Major Y, Bearman G, Stevens MP.

Source

Department of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA.

Abstract

We sought to identify staphylococcal contamination of gymnasium surfaces. Various environmental surfaces were cultured at a university fitness center. Ten out of 99 samples yielded Staphylococcus aureus, all of which were methicillin-susceptible. Gym surfaces may be colonized with staphylococci and could play a role in community transmission of staphylococcal species.

From Massey U-New Zealand: Preventing a Cardiovascular Disease Epidemic among Indigenous Populations through Lifestyle Changes

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22624079

Int J Prev Med. 2012 Apr;3(4):230-40.

Preventing a Cardiovascular Disease Epidemic among Indigenous Populations through Lifestyle Changes.

Stoner L, Stoner KR, Young JM, Fryer S.

Source

School of Sport and Exercise, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the driving force behind the discrepancy in life expectancy between indigenous and non-indigenous groups in many countries. Preceding CVD many indigenous groups exhibit a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors, including overweight-obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. In turn, modifiable lifestyle risk factors contribute to the development of this cluster of cardiometabolic conditions. Modifiable lifestyle risk factors include, but are not limited to, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, excessive alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking. Notably, these metabolic and lifestyle risk factors are relatively simple to monitor and track. The current review will look at modifiable cardiometabolic (overweight-obesity, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure) and lifestyle (physical inactivity, poor nutrition, risky alcohol behavior, and cigarette smoking) risk factors among indigenous populations from Australia (Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders), New Zealand (Māori) and the United States (Native Americans). Discussion will focus on the causal relationship between modifiable lifestyle risk factors and cardiometabolic outcomes, as well as, simple measurements for tracking these risk factors.

From Mayo-Scottsdale: CT scan findings do not predict long-term mortality after pulmonary embolism

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22623547

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2012 Jun;198(6):1346-52.

CT Findings and Long-Term Mortality After Pulmonary Embolism.

Morris MF, Gardner BA, Gotway MB, Thomsen KM, Harmsen WS, Araoz PA.

Source

Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Scottsdale, AZ.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The utility of CT findings in predicting long-term mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is unknown. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively determine whether three CT findings-increased embolic burden, interventricular septal bowing toward the left ventricle, and right ventricle-to-left ventricle (RV/LV) diameter ratio greater than 1-are independent predictors of long-term all-cause mortality after acute PE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A total of 1105 patients (47% female; mean age, 63 ± 16 years) with CT scans positive for PE from January 1, 1997, to December 31, 2002, were included. Scans were independently interpreted by two observers, with a third independent observer reviewing discrepant cases. CT findings and clinical information were compared with all-cause mortality using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS:

The median duration of survival was 6.2 years following acute PE, with estimated 10-year survival of 37.4%. CT-derived embolic burden was associated with a very small decrease in long-term all-cause mortality in both univariate (hazard ratio [HR], 0.97; p < 0.001) and multivariate (HR, 0.97; p < 0.001) analyses. Interventricular septal bowing and RV/LV diameter ratio were not significantly associated with long-term all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSION:

CT findings are not predictive of decreased long-term survival after acute PE.

"... employers are not dropping their group premium plans and telling employees to shop for individual coverage on the exchanges"

http://westfaironline.com/23255/changes-exchanges-in-health-care/

Changes, exchanges in health care

by John Golden

"A top private attorney in national health care law and policy expects the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down a key provision of the federal health care reform bill that requires individuals to obtain health insurance coverage."

"Taylor and Russell J. Carpentieri, managing director and co-founder of Opus Advisory Group L.L.C., a benefits consulting firm in Purchase with more than 300 clients, said employers are not dropping their group premium plans and telling employees to shop for individual coverage on the exchanges.“Employers are unwilling to vacate the employer-sponsored marketplace,” Carpentieri said. “They say, we’re really committed to the market.”"

Who'd a' thought it? Bilingual is heart-healthy!

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22573670

J Neurosci. 2012 May 9;32(19):6485-9.

How reading in a second language protects your heart.

Wu YJ, Thierry G.

Source

School of Psychology and Economic and Social Research Council Centre for Research on Bilingualism in Theory and Practice, Bangor University, LL57 2AS Bangor, United Kingdom.

Abstract

Reading words in a second language spontaneously activates native language translations in the human bilingual mind. Here, we show that the emotional valence of a word presented in English constrains unconscious access to its Chinese translation. We asked native speakers of Chinese fluent with English to indicate whether or not pairs of English words were related in meaning while monitoring their brain electrical activity. Unbeknownst to the participants, some of the word pairs hid a sound repetition if translated into Chinese. Remarkably, English words with a negative valence such as "violence" did not automatically activate their Chinese translation, even though we observed the expected sound repetition priming effect for positive and neutral words, such as "holiday" and "theory." These findings show that emotion conveyed by words determines language activation in bilinguals, where potentially disturbing stimuli trigger inhibitory mechanisms that block access to the native language.

Memorial Day: More than a sale

http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/

"Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service. In observance of the holiday, many people visit cemeteries and memorials, and volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at national cemeteries. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time."

From Duke: Ethical approaches to genotype-driven research recruitment

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22622788

Hum Genet. 2012 May 24. [Epub ahead of print]

Recommendations for ethical approaches to genotype-driven research recruitment.

Beskow LM, Fullerton SM, Namey EE, Nelson DK, Davis AM, Wilfond BS.

Source

Duke Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, Duke University, 240 North Building, Campus Box 90141, Durham, NC, 27708, USA, laura.beskow@duke.edu.

Abstract

Recruiting research participants based on genetic information generated about them in a prior study is a potentially powerful way to study the functional significance of human genetic variation. However, it also presents significant ethical challenges that, to date, have received only minimal consideration. We convened a multi-disciplinary workshop to discuss key issues relevant to the conduct and oversight of genotype-driven recruitment and to translate those considerations into practical policy recommendations. Workshop participants were invited from around the US, and included genomic researchers and study coordinators, research participants, clinicians, bioethics scholars, experts in human research protections, and government representatives. Discussion was directed by experienced facilitators and informed by empirical data collected in a national survey of IRB chairs and in-depth interviews with research participants in studies where genotype-driven recontact occurred. A high degree of consensus was attained on the resulting seven recommendations, which cover informed consent disclosures and choices, the process for how and by whom participants are recontacted, the disclosure of individual genetic research results, and the importance of tailoring approaches based on specific contextual factors. These recommendations are intended to represent a balanced approach-protecting research participants, yet avoiding overly restrictive policies that hinder advancement on important scientific questions.

Lack of sleep, BMI, and work-related injury: "a substantial, but at least partially preventable, risk"

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22621351

Chronobiol Int. 2012 Jun;29(5):556-64.

Independent Effects of Sleep Duration and Body Mass Index on the Risk of a Work-Related Injury: Evidence From the US National Health Interview Survey (2004-2010).

Lombardi DA, Wirtz A, Willetts JL, Folkard S.

Source

Center for Injury Epidemiology, Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton, Massachusetts , USA.

Abstract

Fatigue has been linked to adverse safety outcomes, and poor quality or decreased sleep has been associated with obesity (higher body mass index, BMI). Additionally, higher BMI is related to an increased risk for injury; however, it is unclear whether BMI modifies the effect of short sleep or has an independent effect on work-related injury risk. To answer this question, the authors examined the risk of a work-related injury as a function of total daily sleep time and BMI using the US National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The NHIS is an in-person household survey using a multistage, stratified, clustered sample design representing the US civilian population. Data were pooled for the 7-yr survey period from 2004 to 2010 for 101 891 "employed" adult subjects (51.7%; 41.1 ± yrs of age [mean ± SEM]) with data on both sleep and BMI. Weighted annualized work-related injury rates were estimated across a priori defined categories of BMI: healthy weight (BMI: <25), overweight (BMI: 25-29.99), and obese (BMI: ≥30) and also categories of usual daily sleep duration: <6, 6-6.99, 7-7.99, 8-8.99, and ≥9 h. To account for the complex sampling design, including stratification, clustering, and unequal weighting, weighted multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the risk of a work-related injury. The initial model examined the interaction among daily sleep duration and BMI, controlling for weekly working hours, age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, type of pay, industry, and occupation. No significant interaction was found between usual daily sleep duration and BMI (p = .72); thus, the interaction term of the final logistic model included these two variables as independent predictors of injury, along with the aforementioned covariates. Statistically significant covariates (p ≤ .05) included age, sex, weekly work hours, occupation, and if the worker was paid hourly. The lowest categories of usual sleep duration (<6 and 6-6.9 h) showed significantly (p ≤ .05) elevated injury risks than the referent category (7-8 h sleep), whereas sleeping >7-8 h did not significantly elevate risk. The adjusted injury risk odds ratio (OR) for a worker with a usual daily sleep of <6 h was 1.86 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37-2.52), and for 6-6.9 h it was 1.46 (95% CI: 1.18-1.80). With regards to BMI, the adjusted injury risk OR comparing workers who were obese (BMI: ≥30) to healthy weight workers (BMI: <25) was 1.34 (95% CI: 1.09-1.66), whereas the risk in comparing overweight workers (BMI: 25-29.99) to healthy weight risk was elevated, but not statistically significant (OR = 1.08; 95% CI: .88-1.33). These results from a large representative sample of US workers suggest increase in work-related injury risk for reduced sleep regardless of worker's body mass. However, being an overweight worker also increases work-injury risk regardless of usual daily sleep duration. The independent additive risk of these factors on work-related injury suggests a substantial, but at least partially preventable, risk. (Author correspondence: david.lombardi@libertymutual.com ).

From Time: Are Cesarean Sections Contributing to Childhood Obesity? Answer: Await other prospective peer-reviewed studies (HT: SD)

http://healthland.time.com/2012/05/24/are-cesarean-sections-contributing-to-childhood-obesity/

Are Cesarean Sections Contributing to Childhood Obesity?

A new study finds that babies born by c-section are twice as likely to be obese by age 3 as those delivered vaginally.

By ALICE PARK | @aliceparkny | May 24, 2012

"The study involved 1,255 children born in the Boston area between 1999 and 2002, whose mothers agreed to provide their prenatal and gestational weight information, as well as height and weight measurements for their babies at birth and then until they reached 3 years old.

About 23% of the babies were born by c-section. Of these children, 15.7% were obese by age 3, compared with 7.5% of children born vaginally."

Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2012/05/24/are-cesarean-sections-contributing-to-childhood-obesity/#ixzz1vtOjNtFm

From U Edinburgh: Stroke: physical fitness, exercise, and fatigue

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22550615

Stroke Res Treat. 2012;2012:632531. Epub 2012 Mar 14.

Stroke: physical fitness, exercise, and fatigue.

Mead G, Bernhardt J, Kwakkel G.

Source

School of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, The University of Edinburgh, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK.

"If we could put exercise into a drug, it would be one of the most effective medications to prevent vascular disease and treat patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases including stroke. Exercise reduces the risk of diabetes and hypertension and improves lipid profiles. There is good evidence that exercise reduces the risk of a first-ever stroke [1]. There is now an increasing body of evidence that suggests that exercise after stroke has a number of benefits and may help address common post-stroke problems including fatigue [2]."

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22619719

J Aging Res. 2012;2012:676042. Epub 2012 Apr 26.

New Strategies to Fight against Sarcopenia at Old Age.

Meynial-Denis D, Guérin O, Schneider SM, Volkert D, Sieber CC.

Source

INRA, UMR 1019, Human Nutrition Unit, Research Center of Human Nutrition (CRNH Auvergne), 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.

"Aging is associated with a progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, a process called sarcopenia. The most evident metabolic explanation for muscle decline in elderly people is an imbalance between protein synthesis and breakdown rates, but other causes, such as neurodegenerative processes, reduction in anabolic hormone production or sensitivity (e.g., insulin, growth, and sex hormones) and in capacity to respond to anabolic stimuli (e.g., amino acids, exercise), dysregulation of cytokine secretion, modifications in the response to inflammatory events, inadequate nutritional intake and sedentary lifestyle, are involved. The sequelae of sarcopenia often contribute to frailty, decreased independence, and subsequently increased health care costs." 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22623382

J Nutr. 2012 May 23. [Epub ahead of print]

Obesity-Related Eating Behaviors Are Associated with Low Physical Activity and Poor Diet Quality in Spain.

Mesas AE, Guallar-Castillón P, León-Muñoz LM, Graciani A, López-García E, Gutiérrez-Fisac JL, Banegas JR, Rodríguez-Artalejo F.

Source

Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid/IdiPAZ-CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.

Abstract

This study examined the association of obesity-related eating behaviors (OREB) with physical activity, sedentariness, and diet quality. Data were taken from a cross-sectional study in 10,791 persons representative of the Spanish population who were ≥18 y of age in 2008-2010. The following self-reported information was collected on 12 OREB: not planning how much to eat before sitting down, not deciding the amount of food on the plate, skipping breakfast, eating precooked/canned food or snacks bought at vending machines or at fast-food restaurants, not choosing low-energy foods, not removing visible fat from meat or skin from chicken, eating while watching television or seated on a sofa or an armchair, and taking a short time for meals. Analyses were performed with linear or logistic regression, as appropriate, and adjusted for the main confounders. In comparison to participants with ≤1 OREB, those with ≥5 OREB performed less physical activity [β: -2.61 (95% CI: -4.44, -0.78 metabolic equivalent hours/wk); P-trend < 0.001] and spent more time watching television [β: 2.17 (95% CI: 1.39, 2.95 h/wk); P-trend < 0.001]; furthermore, they had greater total energy intake [β: 162.7 (95% CI: 114.3, 211.0 kcal/d); P-trend < 0.001] and were less likely to follow a Mediterranean diet [OR: 0.55 (95% CI: 0.41, 0.73); P-trend < 0.001]. In conclusion, the association between OREB and obesity is biologically plausible because OREB are associated with energy intake and poor accordance with the Mediterranean diet. Studies on the association between OREB and obesity should control for the confounding effect of physical activity and sedentariness.

From Monash U-Bendigo: Celebrating another decade of progress in rural health

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22620481

Aust J Rural Health. 2012 Jun;20(3):156-63. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1584.2012.01276.x.

Celebrating another decade of progress in rural health: What is the current state of play?

Humphreys JS, Gregory G.

Source

School of Rural Health, Monash University, Bendigo, Victoria Centre of Research Excellence in Rural and Remote Primary Health Care Executive Director, National Rural Health Alliance, Deakin West, ACT, Australia.

Abstract

The Australian Journal of Rural Health is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary. Following a review of the first decade of rural health published by the authors in 2002, this article outlines and reviews the range of policies that have impacted upon rural health in Australia since then. During the past decade there has been a raft of new policies and programs designed to bring about improved rural health outcomes, and some progress has been made. However, a number of significant barriers to overcoming the rural-urban health differential remain. Special consideration will continue to be needed to rural affairs generally and to health system reform and rural health in particular.

"...to regulate everything from a single center, in a uniform manner, governments are lost, drowned in details..."

http://www.west86th.bgc.bard.edu/articles/the-administration-of-things.html

The Administration of Things: A Genealogy

May 21, 2012
Ben Kafka

This article traces the history of the radical idea of an “administration of things” from its origins in utopian socialism to the present.1

"“By trying to regulate everything, and to regulate everything from a single center, in a uniform manner, governments are lost, drowned in details.”13 The more the state tried to accomplish, the more paperwork it produced, and the more paperwork it produced, the more it “drowned in details.” In other words, the state was limited by the very medium of communication on which it relied. It would thus have to make a choice—a political choice—about priorities."

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22617499

J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2012 May 21. [Epub ahead of print]

Adiposity and Physical Activity Are Not Related to Academic Achievement in School-Aged Children.

Leblanc MM, Martin CK, Han H, Newton R Jr, Sothern M, Webber LS, Davis AB, Williamson DA.

Source

From the *Department of Psychology, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA; †Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Baton Rouge, LA; ‡Division of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA; §Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the hypotheses that in elementary school students: (1) adiposity and academic achievement are negatively correlated and (2) physical activity and academic achievement are positively correlated.

METHODS:

Participants were 1963 children in fourth to sixth grades. Adiposity was assessed by calculating body mass index (BMI) percentile and percent body fat and academic achievement with statewide standardized tests in 4 content areas. Socioeconomic status and age were control variables. A subset of participants (n = 261) wore an accelerometer for 3 days to provide objective measurement of physical activity. In addition, the association between weight status and academic achievement was examined by comparing children who could be classified as "extremely obese" and the rest of the sample, as well as comparing children who could be classified as normal weight, overweight, or obese. Extreme obesity was defined as ≥ 1.2 times the 95th percentile.

RESULTS:

The results indicated that there were no significant associations between adiposity or physical activity and achievement in students. No academic achievement differences were found between children with BMI percentiles within the extreme obesity range and those who did not fall within the extreme obesity classification. In addition, no academic achievement differences were found for children with BMI percentiles within the normal weight, overweight, or obese ranges.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results do not support the hypotheses that increased adiposity is associated with decreased academic achievement or that greater physical activity is related to improved achievement. However, these results are limited by methodological weaknesses, especially the use of cross-sectional data.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22619085

Diabetes Care. 2012 May 22. [Epub ahead of print]

Look Who's (Not) Talking: Diabetes patients' willingness to discuss self-care with physicians.

Beverly EA, Ganda OP, Ritholz MD, Lee Y, Brooks KM, Lewis-Schroeder NF, Hirose M, Weinger K.

Source

Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, Massachusetts.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

Nearly one-half of diabetes patients have glycated hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) levels above recommended targets. Effective physician-patient communication improves glycemia and diabetes self-care; however, communication gaps may exist that prevent patients from discussing self-care problems with treatment providers.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We assessed diabetes patients' (n = 316, 85% white, 51% female, 71% type 2 diabetes, 59 ± 11 years old, 16 ± 3 years education, 19 ± 13 diabetes duration, and HbA(1c) = 7.9 ± 1.4%) HbA(1c), frequency of self-care, diabetes-related distress, depressive and anxiety symptoms, coping styles, diabetes quality of life, and self-care communication in the treatment relationship. Multivariate logistic regression models examined the main and interaction effects of health and psychosocial factors associated with patients' reluctance to discuss self-care.

RESULTS

Patients reported positive relationships with their doctors and valued honest communication; however, 30% of patients were reluctant to discuss self-care. Reluctant patients reported less frequent self-care (P = 0.05), lower diabetes quality of life (P = 0.002), and more diabetes-related distress (P = 0.001), depressive symptoms (P < 0.001), and anxiety symptoms (P = 0.001). Patients who reported elevated depressive symptoms, although not necessarily major depression, were more likely to be reluctant to discuss self-care (odds ratio [OR] 1.66 for 10-point change in t score; P < 0.001), whereas patients who were older (OR 0.78 for 10-year change; P = 0.05) and those who used more self-controlled coping styles (OR 0.78 for 10-point change; P = 0.007) were less likely to be reluctant.

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness of elevated depressive symptoms is important in clinical practice given that these patients may be more reluctant to discuss self-care. Interventions and evidence-based approaches are needed to improve both depressive symptoms and physician-patient communication about self-care.

Zombie allusions: They just keep on coming.

http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2012/05/british-columbia-zombies/

Prepared for Zombies? Then British Columbia Thinks You’re Ready for Anything

• By Brad Moon
• Email Author
 
• May 23, 2012 |  
• 2:00 am 

"The Emergency Info BC website has been transformed into a zombie survival guide, which has accomplished the difficult feat of getting the message of preparedness into the news before there’s an actual disaster. Just getting the clicks on the website by making news outlets take notice is step one, but then comes the task of getting visitors to do more than just glance at it. To that end, the Emergency Info BC website is infused with humor (For example, “Day Two: What’s For Dinner? Hopefully Not My Brain”) and scattered with zombie references, a calculated risk but one that’s likely worth it if it keeps the material light enough for people to actually read through in detail. In the US, The Centers for Disease Control tried a similar tactic last year with a zombie pandemic survival graphic novella (you can download it here).
If you follow the guide and prepare yourself and your family to survive a zombie apocalypse, then by default you’re set for virtually anything. Although, I’ve been scanning the site for a while now and I haven’t found anything specifically on fighting zombies. For that, you’ll need to turn to public sources like our friend Roger Ma, the zombie combat specialist. Or, as Jonathan pointed out when writing about the CDC novella, make sure you add a shotgun to your list."

From U Utah: Respiratory cytology in the era of molecular diagnostics

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22619130

Diagn Cytopathol. 2012 Jun;40(6):556-63. doi: 10.1002/dc.22858.

Respiratory cytology in the era of molecular diagnostics: A review.

Witt BL, Wallander ML, Layfield LJ, Hirschowitz S.

Source

Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine and ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Abstract

Carcinoma of the lungs remains one of the primary causes of cancer mortality in the United States and represents a significant diagnostic challenge. Current diagnostic protocols depend substantially on cytology as an initial diagnostic modality. Pulmonary cytology can be diagnostically challenging with false positive and false negative diagnoses being relatively frequent. False positive diagnoses remain a significant problem for the cytologist with benign conditions including reactive atypia of type II pneumocytes, reactive bronchial respiratory epithelium, basal cell hyperplasia, and reactive metaplastic squamous cells being potentially misinterpreted as carcinoma. False negative diagnoses also occur usually attributable to sampling. Traditionally, cytopathologists were expected to recognize carcinoma when present and subdivide it into small cell or nonsmall cell varieties. With the advent of targeted therapy, expectations now include separation of adenocarcinoma from squamous cell carcinoma. Additionally, molecular testing for EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements is now required as an accompaniment to morphologic diagnosis. This review summarizes the morphologic appearances of the common and diagnostically important carcinomas of the lung and discusses diagnostic pitfalls responsible for false positive and false negative diagnoses. Molecular testing for selection of targeted therapy is also reviewed.

Northern Illinois U study-People's views on income tax are "morally charged." Don't think we needed a study for that.

NIU sociologist Jeffrey Kidder leads new study that finds everyday tax talk is ‘morally charged’

"“We propose that everyday tax talk among the middle class is not simply about economics or free markets. Tax talk is morally charged,” NIU sociologist Jeffrey Kiddersaid.

“In this study, we demonstrate how people associate the income tax with a violation of the moral principle that hard work should be rewarded,” he added. “Our research has implications for how policymakers should frame fiscal issues. Because people intertwine fiscal issues with morality, approaches to tax policy that only emphasize economic benefits for the working and middle classes do not resonate with everyday understandings about what taxes mean to people.”"