Browsing by Subject "gender"
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Item Cardiovascular Fitness and Lung Function of Adult Men and Women in the United States: NHANES 1999-2002.(2008-12-01) Jackson, HannahThere is a distinct disparity between adult males and females in lung function and cardiovascular fitness in the United States. This study utilizes a nationally representative sample in order to determine predictors of lung function between men and women. Simple means analysis, logistic and linear regressions were utilized in order to determine predictors of lung function between genders. Continuous analyses of lung function reveal that sex and BMI are the most important predictors of VO2 max. However, analyses of clinical cut-points of cardiovascular fitness indicate that gender was not a significant predictor.Item Descriptive Study of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Tarrant County, Texas from 1998 to 2000(2001-12-01) McGrath, Christine J.; Rene, Antonio; Jones, Bobby; Sandhu, RaghbirMcGrath, Christine J., Descriptive Study of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Tarrant County, Texas from 1998 to 2000. Master of Public Health, Epidemiology track, December 2001, 21 p.p., 3 tables, 1 illustration, references, 14 titles. Incidence rates of STDs in Tarrant County, Texas from 1998 to 2000 were assessed and compared with the rates in Texas and the United States, focusing on similarities and differences in gender, age and race/ethnicity. Data were obtained from the Tarrant County Public Health Department, the Texas Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The rates for gonorrhea and syphilis in Tarrant County were significantly higher than rates in Texas and the United States. The largest disparity was found among Blacks, followed by Hispanics and then Whites, with those ages 15 to 24 years at the greatest risk. To increase awareness and reduce the burden of STDs, prevention programs need to be developed.Item Differences in the Rates of Cardiovasular Surgical Procedures in Men and Women with Coronary Heart Disease in the State of Texas(2003-02-01) Moreland, Matthew C.; Muriel Marshall; Doug A. MainsMoreland, Mathew, Differences in the rates of cardiovascular surgical procedures between men and women with coronary heart disease in the state of Texas. University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, February 2003, 19pp., 3 tables, references, 23 titles. Data for the Texas Health Care Information Council was analyzed to identify the difference in the rates of invasive cardiovascular procedures performed on men and women among 411 Texas hospitals with the diagnosis of coronary heart disease in 1999. In all, 150,361 cases were compared for differences between gender, race, age and type of invasive cardiovascular procedure using chi-square test. Frequencies were tabulated for age, race and gender. Invasive cardiac procedures were differentiated by type: coronary angiography and coronary revascularization. Between the ages of 45 and 79 women were more likely to have angiography performed than men in the same age group. However, young (30-44) and elderly (80+) men were more likely to receive angiographic procedures when presenting with the same symptoms as women. Also, men of all ages and races were more likely to receive revascularization procedures (PTCA, CABG) than women when presenting with coronary heart disease symptomology. Additionally, men between the ages of 35 and 49 received twice the number of revascularization procedures than women. These findings identified patterns of treatment with defined differences between gender which may be attributed to external factors versus a true gender bias.Item Documentation of Preventive Medicine Practices in a University-Based Primary Care Clinic System: A Pilot Study(2001-05-01) Benavides, John Paul; Benavides, John Paul; Rene, Antonio A.; Marshall, Muriel A.Benavides, John P., Rene, Antonio A., Marshall Muriel A., Singh, Karan P. Documentation of Preventive Medicine Practices in a University-Based Primary Care Clinic System: A Pilot Study. The Significance of tracking preventive services is important when one considers the changing mortality patterns over the past century. Preventable sources of morbidity and mortality, highlighted by smoking and unhealthy nutritional and physical activity patterns, has resulted in over 700,000 deaths a year and provide examples for the need to optimize the delivery of primary prevention. The purpose of this study was to determine the delivery of preventive services in an osteopathic medicine-based university primary care system. Five family practice clinics affiliated with a university-based health science center participated. These clinics serve as ambulatory practice sites for faculty osteopathic physicians, physician assistants, and medical students. There were over 30,000 outpatient visits last year to the five family practice clinics. Differences in Preventive Flow Sheet documentation rates among the different clinics was noted. Female preventive flow sheet documentation was the most commonly performed, but cardiovascular risk assessment was the least documented. Females were also observed to have more preventive service documentation concerning alcohol use, abuse, and addiction.Item Function and Regulation of the Natural Killer Cell Receptor 2B4 (CD244)(2005-05-01) Vaidya, Swapnil V.; Porunelloor A. Mathew; Richard Easom; Hriday DasThe purpose of these studies was to investigate two issues related to the natural killer (NK) cell receptor, 2B4 (CD244) – its in vivo function and transcriptional regulation. In previous in vitro studies, ligation of 2B4 with a monoclonal antibody enhanced the cytotoxicity of NK and CD8 T cells against various tumor cell lines, indicating that 2B4 is an activating receptor. To study the role of 2B4 in vivo, 2B4 deficient (2B4-/-) mice were used. The initial characterization of the 2B4-/- mice indicate a thymic developmental defect with an increase in the immature CD4-/CD8- population in the thyme of female but not male mice. NK cells from the 2B4-/- mice were impaired in activation by IL-2 as compared to wild type NK cells. These results suggest a role of 2B4 in lymphoid development. The in vivo role of 2B4 in tumor rejection was studied in a mouse tumor model in which melanoma cells were injected intravenously and pulmonary metastases enumerated 14 days later. The murine melanoma cell line, B16, was stably transfected with CD48, the counter-receptor for 2B4. Using CD48+ and CD48- B16 cells in tumor experiments indicated that 2B4 functioned as an inhibitory receptor. In addition, a gender-specific role of 2B4 in the rejection of B16 melanoma cells was discovered. 2B4-/- male mice cleared B16 cells more efficiently than wild type male mice, while female 2B4-/- mice were impaired in controlling tumor growth as compared to wild type female mice. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate a complex role for NK cells in the mechanism of this gender effect. Several studies have shown that the expression of 2B4 is upregulated during viral infections and under certain cytokine stimulation. Previously, it has been shown activator protein-1 (AP-1) plays an important role in the transcription of the 2B4 gene. In this study an Ets transcription factor was shown to upregulate the transcription of the gene. This element functions in an AP-1 dependent manner. Stimulation of surface 2B4 down-regulates its own expression by decreasing the activity of the Ets element in the 2B4 promoter. These studies identify a role of 2B4 in lymphoid development and tumor rejection in vivo. The gender-specific defect in 2B4 knock-out mice implicates its role in lupus. The transcriptional studies provide insights into the regulation of 2B4 gene.Item Internal Validation Study of Promega's Powerplex Y System(2004-08-01) Donovan, Erin W.; Joseph Warren; John Planz; Arthur EisenbergThe expectations of this validation study and results obtained are similar. For the sensitivity study, Promega documents the optimal amount of DNA to be added to the PCR reaction 500pg to lng, (11) which is consistent with the results of this validation study. For the mixture study of male and female DNA Promega claims up to a concentration [greater than] 100X female DNA compared to male DNA is acceptable with no effects. This was the case in the validation study, which had a proportion of 1:50 with no effect. The substrate study showed leather to inhibit the PowerPlex Y System which has been see to happen in other DNA testing (11). The environmental study test showed humidity effects the results of the PowerPlex Y system. Also this frequently has been in other DNA testing due to the humidity causing DNA degradation, which results in a partial profile or no results for that sample. The results obtained from this internal validation study can be compared to other validation studies for Y chromosome specific STR multiplex systems. For example the paper “Validation and casework application a Y Chromosome specific STR multiple” written by Mechthild Prinz is comparable to that of this validation study performed (3). The Y-STR multiplex tested only four loci versus the PowerPlex Y System which tests twelve. The studies addressed in each of the validation studies consist of mixture, sensitivity, environmental, and substrate. For the male-female mixture study, the female DNA had no effect on the results up to 1:4000 ratios. These results are similar to the Powerplex Y System because no effect on the ability to obtain a full profile with a mixed sample of female and male DNA was observed. The sensitivity for the multiplex system showed allelic drop out at 125ph of DNA and optimal amount of DNA at 1-2ng. The PowerPlex Y System showed allelic drop out at 250ph and optimal amount of DNA to be 500pg-1ng. The environmental studies were similar because both showed allelic drop out for the humidity conditions. The multiplex with four loci did not use leather as a substrate, the other substrates were similar in both validation studies and reported similar results. Validation studies are frequently needed in order to validate a technique to be used in a forensic laboratory. Forensic cases are frequently under scrutiny by the judicial system. The questions due not lie in the science behind DNA testing but rather the process by which a laboratory performs the DNA test. In order to reduce the amount of questions validation studies are performed and interpretation guidelines are developed from those validation studies. Interpretation guidelines are written to direct and assist an analyst in making a final interpretation of each individual sample. The guidelines consist of the control, which must be run alongside each sample with the excepted results of each of the controls. The guidelines include types of identification for a sample such as no result, inconclusive, exclusive, and not excluded. Also DNA quantification information is included along with internal lane standard and allelic ladder guidelines. Interpretations of mixtures are included, which explains peak height ratios and how to determine a mixed sample. A calculation section is included to address the appropriate calculations to be used with the system to analyze the results. Interpretation guidelines will be pronounced based on this validation study for the University of North Texas Health Science DNA Identity laboratory.Item Obesity and Risk of Stroke in NHANES I Follow Up Study(2002-12-01) Soman, Ashwini; Umed Ajani; Antonio Rene; Karan SinghSoman, Ashwini, Obesity and risk of stroke in NHANES-I follow-up study, Masters of Public Health (Epidemiology), December 2002. 79pp., 20 tables, 3 illustrations, bibliography, 46 titles. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the US. Role of obesity as an independent risk factor has been relatively well established for coronary heart diseases but not for stroke. Purpose of this study was to assess long-term risk of stroke due to obesity measured at baseline. The research was conducted using First National Nutritional Health and Examination Survey and its follow ups. Overall, increased risk of stroke was observed in obese individuals (BMI [greater than] 30 kg/m2). Similar association was observed in different subgroups of race, gender, those with or without diabetes and cardiovascular disease.Item Potential Predictors of Hypertension Among Children in Fort Worth, Texas: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiologic Study(2002-05-01) Egbuchunam, Christie U.; Bayona, Manuel; Urrutia-Rojas, Ximena; Wilkinson, GreggEgbuchunam, Christie U., Potential Predictors of Hypertension Among Children in Fort Worth, Texas; A Cross-Sectional Epidemiologic Study. Master of Public Health (Epidemiology), May, 2002, 110 pp., 15 tables, 2 illustrations, bibliography, 84 titles. Most studies have identified obesity, gender and age as major factors that influence blood pressure increase in children. The objective of this study was to assess factors that may either directly influence hypertension in children, or interact with obesity, age and gender. A cross-sectional study was carried out to identify and assess the crude and multiple logistic regression adjusted associations between selected variables and hypertension. Obesity and Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) were importantly associated with hypertension. Reduced playing time, and excessive television watching or playing of video games were also associated with hypertension; especially among those who were obese or had AN. Hispanic and African American children had higher likelihood of hypertension than Caucasian children.Item Prevalence of Hand, Finger, and Wrist Musculoskeletal Problems in Keyboard Instrumentalists: The University of North Text Musician Health Survey(2000-05-01) Pak, Chong H.; Sally Blakley; Antonio Rene; John LicciardonePak, Chong H., Prevalence of Hand, Finger, and Wrist Musculoskeletal Problems in Keyboard Instrumentalists: the University of North Texas Musician Health Survey. Master of Public Health, May, 2000, 52 pp., 7 tables, references, 69 titles. Data were derived from the University of North Texas Musician Health Survey, involving keyboard instrumentalists. 455 keyboard instrumentalists were selected and musician type, daily playing time, gender, and age were examined as possible risk factors for musculoskeletal problems of the hand, finger, and wrist. Age was found to be a significant risk factor when all levels of pain were considered. Gender was found to be a significant risk factor for all levels of pain as well as severe pain. Musician type and daily playing time did not show statistical differences.Item Prevalence of Obesity and Associated Factors for Diabetes in United States - 2005(2007-04-01) Tomer, Vikas; Sejong Bae; Karan Singh; Raghbir SandhuTomer, Vikas, Prevalence of obesity and associated factors for diabetes in United States –2005, Master of Public Health (Biostatistics), May 2007, 27 pp, 9 tables. Diabetes is one of the major public health problems in the United States. The purpose of this research is to explore whether there is a relationship between obesity and diabetes and to understand the effects of some other associated factors on diabetes in the United States in the year 2005. The data studied is from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2005. A univariate analysis for frequency distribution was used to evaluate and edit the data. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association of diabetes and the variables through crude and adjusted odd ratio. The result of the study showed significant association between diabetes and obesity and the associated factors among US adults. The prevalence of diabetes has been found to be highest among African Americans followed by Hispanics and Others. Our results indicate that being an obese non-Hispanic black with low income level over the age of 65 years is indicative of being at the highest risk for diabetes. Therefore, for preventive measures to decrease the risk of being overweight and obesity healthy eating habits and regular exercise are recommended. As, income level increases, there is a significant decrease in the diabetes population. The strongest predictor of all appears to be obesity followed by age. Age, gender, income level, race and BMI all had significant effect on diabetes.Item Trends in Magnesium Intake among Hispanic Adults, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2014(MDPI, 2019-11-22) Liu, Jialiang; Huang, Yuhan; Dai, Qi; Fulda, Kimberly G.; Chen, Shande; Tao, Meng-HuaThis study aimed at examining trends in magnesium intake among U.S. Hispanic adults stratified by gender, Hispanic origins, age, and poverty income ratio (PIR) level. Data on 9304 Hispanic adults aged ≥20 years from eight National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles (1999-2014) were included in this study. For each cycle, survey-weighted mean dietary and total magnesium intakes were estimated. The prevalence of dietary and total magnesium intake below the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) was further estimated stratified by gender and age groups. Linear regression was used to test trend. Over the survey cycles, both dietary and total magnesium intakes were significantly increased among Hispanic adults. In the study period, magnesium intake tended to be lower in females, adults in other Hispanic-origin group, those aged ≥65 years old, and those with a PIR <1.0. The prevalence of magnesium intake inadequacy decreased among Hispanic adults; however, more than 70% of Hispanic males and females continued to have magnesium intake below the RDA in 2013-2014. From 1999/2000 to 2013/2014, despite several improvements in magnesium intake having been identified, additional findings showed insufficient intake in Hispanic males and females, suggesting the need to improve magnesium intake through diet and dietary supplementation for U.S. Hispanics.Item δ-2 Opioid receptor plasticity and GM-1(2005-05-01) Davis, Shavsa; Caffrey, James; Mallet, Robert T.; Singh, Meharvanδ-2 Opioid receptor plasticity and GM-1. Shavsha Davis, Masters of Science (Biomedical Sciences), May 2005, 56 pp, 3 tables, 10 figures. The native cardiac enkephalin, methionine-enkephalin-arginine-phenylalanine (MEAP) altered vagally induced bradycardia when introduced into the sinoatrial (SA) node by microdialysis. The responses to MEAP were bimodal in character with lower doses enhancing bradycardia while higher doses suppressed bradycardia. The opposing vagotonic and vagolytic effects were mediated respectively by δ-1 and δ-2-subtypes of the same δ-opioid receptor. The opposing responses were blocked by sub-type specific antagonists. When the mixed agonist, MEAP was evaluated after treatment with the monosialosyl ganglioside, GM-1, the δ-1-mediated vagotonic response was enhanced and the δ-2 mediated vagolytic response independent of a coincident increase in competing the δ-1-mediated vagotonic activity. The selective δ-2-agonist deltorphin was introduced into the SA node by microdialysis to evaluate initial δ-2-vagolytic responses. The right vagus nerve was stimulated and the expected decline in heart rate was significantly attenuated by deltorphin. GM-1 was then perfused into the nodal interstitium for one hour without a significant change in vagal transmission. Following GM-1, deltorphin was reintroduced and a clear attenuation of the deltorphin’s vagolytic response was observed. Similar results were obtained in time controls when GM-1 was omitted. In both cases the δ-1 selective antagonist 7-benzylidenaltrexone (BNTX) failed to restore the vagolytic response when added afterward. However when added to the time controls early in the protocol, BNTX completely prevented the loss in the vagolytic response. When both the intial deltorphin and GM-1 were omitted the vagolytic response was significantly improved. In summary, the initial study with the mixed agonist, MEAP suggested that GM-1 reduced the δ-2-vagolytic response. This was confirmed when the relatively selective δ-2-agonist, deltorphin, was substituted for MEAP. Subsequent protocols suggested that deltorphin and GM-1 produced qualitatively similar losses in the vagolytic response that were not restored by subsequent δ-1-receptor blockade. Thus, the attenuation of the δ-2 response was not due to the addition of completing δ-1-mediated vagotonic activity. The elimination of the deltorphin mediated attrition of the δ-2 response by the BNTX indicated that the declining response was mediated by δ-1-receptors. Thus GM-1, deltorphin, and time all interact to modify subsequent δ-2-mediated vagolytic responses. The specific contribution of deltorphin in this process was mediated by the activation of δ-1-receptors. Whether deltorphin has intrinsic δ-1 activity or causes the release of an endogenous δ-1 agonist is unclear. The specific mechanism by which the δ-1 and δ-2 opioid receptors interact likewise remains to be determined.