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Papers by Cristina RIVERO FERNANDEZ

Education in the Knowledge Society (EKS)

Partiendo de un enfoque sobre las relaciones entre las tecnologías digitales como herramientas de... more Partiendo de un enfoque sobre las relaciones entre las tecnologías digitales como herramientas de mediación, se analiza el papel de un caso concreto, los portafolios electrónicos, para la mejora de competencias transversales en el ámbito universitario. Los resultados indican que se obtienen mejoras, como mínimo desde la percepción de los propios estudiantes, en algunas dimensiones ligadas a la capacidad para seleccionar y organizar información, así como a la planificación del aprendizaje.

Estudios De Teoria Literaria Revista Digital Artes Letras Y Humanidades, Feb 13, 2015

In Itinere, Jul 10, 2012

The aim of this paper is to design a map on the academic criticism devoted to the villancicos wri... more The aim of this paper is to design a map on the academic criticism devoted to the villancicos written by Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz.

gases invernadero en la atmósfera se ha ido incrementando a una tasa sin precedentes en la histor... more gases invernadero en la atmósfera se ha ido incrementando a una tasa sin precedentes en la historia de la Tierra. Hechos tales como el aumento de las temperaturas, disminución de los glaciares, cambios en los patrones pluviales, incrementos en la intensidad de las tormentas y aumento del nivel del mar confirman día a día la variación del clima de la Tierra. Los factores causantes del cambio climático son las emisiones de gases invernadero procedentes de la actividad humana, en concreto la utilización de los combustibles fósiles, la deforestación y la actividad agraria. Si en las próximas décadas no somos capaces de reducir las emisiones de los gases invernadero (GHG) por debajo de los niveles actuales, entonces el calentamiento global y el nivel del mar aumentarán durante los siglos venideros. Esto resultará en impactos más severos para la salud humana, los ecosistemas naturales y la economía en si misma. El riesgo de que el cambio climático endurezca los impactos hace que sea urgente el compromiso de tomar medidas significativas encaminadas a reducir las emisiones de GHG durante las próximas décadas. La política económica y la política medioambiental deben actuar conjuntamente en la consecución de este objetivo. Este artículo pretende presentar, de forma sintética, la realidad actual del cambio climático, algunas de las políticas económicas que pueden prevenirlo o ralentizarlo y la importancia de los costes que de éstas se derivan. INTRODUCCIÓN Actualmente, existen diversas perspectivas dentro del debate del cambio climático. Por un lado, están los que afirman que todavía se sabe poco sobre el calentamiento global y que existen tantas incertidumbres que los costes de una

Nómadas. Revista Crítica de Ciencias Sociales y Jurídicas, 2015

is st ti in na a G Ga ar rc cí ía a F Fe er rn ná án nd de ez z

The Scientific World Journal, 2014

We have analyzed the relation of prevalence rates in Spanish regions with a series of human, envi... more We have analyzed the relation of prevalence rates in Spanish regions with a series of human, environmental, and ecological factors. We find that the variability in migraine rates found between Spanish regions may be explained by interregional differences in the percentage of daily smokers, percentage of alcohol consumers, percentage of population presenting physical and/or psychological life-limiting conditions, percentage of population engaging in physical exercise, minimum absolute temperatures per year, number of days under 0°C per year, and altitude.

Reumatología Clínica (English Edition), 2011

Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis, with a more aggressive course in young males. Oro... more Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis, with a more aggressive course in young males. Orogenital ulcers, uveitis and cutaneous lesions are the most frequent manifestations. We analyzed the effects of adalimumab on six patients with BD pretreated with inmunosupressive therapy, two of whom had received infliximab. We observed a good clinical response in all patients. To date, after a mean follow-up of 26.8 months, patients continue receiving adalimumab, with good clinical control, no adverse effects have been reported with adalimumab.

BMJ open diabetes research & care, 2014

To estimate the prevalence of, and factors associated with, dilated eye examination guideline com... more To estimate the prevalence of, and factors associated with, dilated eye examination guideline compliance among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), but without diabetic retinopathy. Utilizing the computerized billing records database, we identified patients with International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 diagnoses of DM, but without any ocular diagnoses. The available medical records of patients in 2007-2008 were reviewed for demographic and ocular information, including visits through 2010 (n=200). Patients were considered guideline compliant if they returned at least every 15 months for screening. Participant street addresses were assigned latitude and longitude coordinates to assess their neighborhood socioeconomic status (using the 2000 US census data), distance to the screening facility, and public transportation access. Patients not compliant, based on the medical record review, were contacted by phone or mail and asked to complete a follow-up survey to determine if scr...

Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2013

Microphysiological systems provide a tool to simulate normal and pathological function of organs ... more Microphysiological systems provide a tool to simulate normal and pathological function of organs for prolonged periods. These systems must incorporate the key functions of the individual organs and enable interactions among the corresponding microphysiological units. The relative size of diff erent microphysiological organs and their fl ow rates are scaled in proportion to in vivo values. We have developed a microphysiological three-dimensional engineered human skeletal muscle system connected to a circulatory system that consists of a tissueengineered blood vessel as part of a high-pressure arterial system. The engineered human skeletal muscle tissue reproduces key mechanical behaviors of skeletal muscle in vivo. Pulsatile fl ow is produced using a novel computer-controlled magnetically activated ferrogel. The system is versatile and the muscle unit can be integrated with other organ systems. Periodic monitoring of biomechanical function provides a noninvasive assessment of the health of the tissue and a way to measure the response to drugs and toxins.

Spanish Economic Review, 2006

It is well known that young cohorts experience higher unemployment rates than their adult counter... more It is well known that young cohorts experience higher unemployment rates than their adult counterparts. However, it is less well known that more educated young cohorts may face higher unemployment rates than less educated ones. This seems to be the evidence in some OECD countries such as Spain and Italy. We use data on the Spanish labour market and estimate a duration model for young unemployed people. University graduates' lack of job experience may explain this puzzling observation.

Preventing Chronic Disease, 2012

The objective of this study was to examine and compare 3 key health behaviors associated with chr... more The objective of this study was to examine and compare 3 key health behaviors associated with chronic disease (ie, risky drinking, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle). We used data from the National Health Interview Survey from 1997 through 2010 to calculate the prevalence of these behaviors among older Americans and rank each state, and we analyzed overall trends in prevalence for each behavior over the 14 years. Older adults residing in Arkansas and Montana had the worst chronic disease risk profile compared with other states. These findings indicate the need for improved or increased targeted interventions in these states. Objective Risky drinking, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle are key health behaviors associated with chronic disease and increased illness and death in older adults (1). Excessive drinking is associated with cancers of the liver, head and neck, colorectum, pancreas, and breast, as well as cardiovascular disease and diabetes (2). Smoking is associated with cancer and poor cardiovascular outcomes (1). Cardiovascular disease and cancer risk are increased by sedentary behavior (1). The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and trends of these 3 health behaviors among older Americans and rank them at the state level to determine the best allocation of public health resources. Methods Data were obtained from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), an annual, cross-sectional, multistage probability household survey of the noninstitutionalized civilian US population, from 1997 through 2010. Eligibility criteria were adults aged 65 or older (N = 79,973; representing 34,632,575 people). NHIS questions regarding the 3 variables are available online (3). Smoker was defined as "current smoker" (4). Risky drinking was defined as current drinkers having 10 or more drinks per week in men and 7 or more drinks per week in women, or having 5 or more drinks on 1 occasion, 1 or more times per year for men and women (4). Physical activity level was defined as compliance with the Healthy People 2010 goal of moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day on 5 or more days per week or vigorous physical activity for at least 20 minutes per day on 3 or more days per week (5). NHIS data were pooled and analyses were conducted using SAS version 9.2 (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, North Carolina), adjusting for sample weights and design effects (3). We calculated prevalence, standard errors (SEs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and ranked states according to the prevalence of each risk factor indicator. We analyzed trends by using weighted linear regression of prevalence on year. Weight was generated with the inverse of the variance of prevalence. Some states were missing values because they did not meet the criteria for stable estimate analysis in all study years (6).

Nómadas. Revista Crítica de Ciencias Sociales y Jurídicas, 2013

is st ti in na a G Ga ar rc cí ía a F Fe er rn ná án nd de ez z

Nómadas. Revista Crítica de Ciencias Sociales y Jurídicas, 2013

is st ti in na a G Ga ar rc cí ía a F Fe er rn ná án nd de ez z

Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, 2012

Objectives-Describe the health status and risk indicator trends in a representative sample of US ... more Objectives-Describe the health status and risk indicator trends in a representative sample of US healthcare workers aged 45+ years. Methods-Using pooled data from the 1997-2009 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), logistic regression analyses were performed to determine if age-group specific morbidity risks differed within occupational subgroups of the healthcare workforce (N=6,509). Health and morbidity trends were examined via complex survey adjusted and weighted Chi-square tests. Results-Rates of functional limitation and hypertension increased among diagnosing/assessing healthcare workers. The prevalence of hearing impairment, cancer, and hypertension was 2-3x greater in health diagnosing/assessing workers 60+ years versus younger workers. Healthcare service workers were up to 19x more likely to be obese, compared to workers who diagnose/assess health. Conclusions-Healthier workplaces and targeted interventions are needed to optimize the ability to meet healthcare demands of this aging workforce.

Investigative Opthalmology & Visual Science, 2013

PURPOSE. To evaluate whether veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression hav... more PURPOSE. To evaluate whether veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression have differences in dry eye symptoms and signs compared to a population without these conditions. METHODS. Male patients aged ‡50 years with normal eyelid, conjunctival, and corneal anatomy were recruited from the Miami Veterans Affairs Eye Clinic (N ¼ 248). We compared dry eye symptoms (determined by the Dry Eye Questionnaire 5 [DEQ5] score) to tear film indicators obtained by clinical examination (i.e., tear osmolarity, corneal staining, tear breakup time, Schirmer's, meibomian gland quality, orifice plugging, lid vascularity) between patients with PTSD or depression and those without these conditions. Student's t-tests, v 2 analyses, and linear and logistic regressions were used to assess differences between the groups. RESULTS. DEQ5 scores were higher in the PTSD (mean ¼ 13.4; standard error [SE] ¼ 1.1; n ¼ 22) and depression (mean ¼ 12.0; SE ¼ 0.8; n ¼ 40) groups compared to the group without these conditions (mean ¼ 9.8; SE ¼ 0.4; n ¼ 186; P < 0.01 and P ¼ 0.02, respectively). More patients in the PTSD and depression groups had severe dry eye symptoms, defined as a DEQ5 score ‡ 12 (77% and 63% vs. 41%; P < 0.01 and P ¼ 0.02, respectively). No significant differences in tear film indicators were found among the three groups. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that a PTSD diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] ¼ 4.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] ¼ 1.10-15.14) and use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (OR ¼ 2.66; 95% CI ¼ 1.01-7.00) were significantly associated with severe symptoms. CONCLUSIONS. Patients with PTSD have ocular surface symptoms that are not solely explained by tear indicators. Identifying underlying conditions associated with ocular discomfort is essential to better understand the mechanisms behind ocular pain in dry eye syndrome.

Circulation, 2011

Background—Up to 5% of the population may have a brain aneurysm. If the brain aneurysm ruptures, ... more Background—Up to 5% of the population may have a brain aneurysm. If the brain aneurysm ruptures, there is >50% mortality, and more than one third of survivors are dependent. Brain aneurysms detected before rupture can be treated to prevent rupture, or ruptured aneurysms can be treated to prevent rerupture. Endovascular coiling of brain aneurysms is the treatment of choice for some aneurysms; however, up to one quarter of aneurysms may recur. The coiled aneurysms that do not recur are characterized by inflammatory intra-aneurysmal tissue healing; therefore, we studied the biology of this process, specifically the role of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), a cytokine known for tissue healing.Methods and Results—We created coils with a 50:50 poly-dl-lactic glycolic acid (PLGA) coating that released MCP-1 at 3 different doses (100 μg/mL, 1 mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL) and performed a dose-response study for effect on intra-aneurysmal tissue healing in a murine carotid aneurysm model. We...

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2011

Saccharomycescerevisiae antizyme (AZ) resembles mammalian AZ in its mode of synthesis by translat... more Saccharomycescerevisiae antizyme (AZ) resembles mammalian AZ in its mode of synthesis by translational frameshifting and its ability to inhibit and facilitate the degradation of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). Despite many studies on the interaction of AZ and ODC, the ODC: AZ complex has not been purified from any source and thus clear information about the stoichiometry of the complex is still lacking. In this study we have studied the yeast antizyme protein and the ODC: AZ complex. The far UV CD spectrum of the full-length antizyme shows that the yeast protein consists of 51% β-sheet, 19% α-helix, and 24% coils. Surface plasmon resonance analyses show that the association constant (K A) between yeast AZ and yeast ODC is 6× 10 7 (M −1). Using purified His-tagged AZ as a binding partner, we have purified the ODC:AZ inhibitory complex. The isolated complex has no ODC activity. The molecular weight of the complex is 90 kDa, which indicates a one to one stoichiometric binding of AZ and ODC in vitro. Comparison of the circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the two individual proteins and of the ODC: AZ complex shows a change in the secondary structure in the complex.

Archives of Dermatology, 2012

student stated, was "because it is not as scary as other cancers," such as breast and lung cancer... more student stated, was "because it is not as scary as other cancers," such as breast and lung cancer, which were described as widely publicized. Other reasons included confusion about sunscreen, lack of understanding of the risks of skin cancer, lack of realization that it could happen to them, lack of awareness of skin cancer, unwillingness to deal with the issue, and the belief that prevention efforts might not pay off. One student noted that "people have the perception that they can fix their skin later because companies sell products for age reversal, so people think they can fix the problem later and not worry about it now." To make the risks of skin cancer seem "real," students recommended media campaigns featuring celebrity spokespersons telling real-life stories about skin cancer. As one student noted, "they put [breast cancer] in the movies, on big billboards, or in a big race; there's nothing like that for skin cancer." Another student pointed out that "celebrities have causes, but I don't think anyone's tackled skin cancer in particular." Students also recommended graphic depictions of illness, with media campaigns using pictures of the devastating physical outcomes of skin cancer to increase people's awareness. The use of both narratives and "fear" appeals may be ideas worth pursuing, given that research shows that those strategies can be persuasive. 5,6 Students suggested that patients may be more influenced by face-to-face communication with physicians than by media campaigns. They also recommended that primary care providers discuss skin cancer risks and sun-protection behaviors as part of routine history taking with all patients; this is preferable to relying on dermatologists, who are specialists and therefore not the best source of initial screenings and/or warnings. In general, patients seek dermatology care only after discovering a skin problem rather than on a routine basis, starting in childhood, and therefore miss the opportunity for early education on sun protection and skin cancer risks. Hence, by highlighting skin cancer risks and prevention strategies in the medical curriculum and by training our students to include skin cancer discussion as part of their routine patient history taking, dermatologists, with the assistance of primary care physicians, may dramatically expand patient education. Comment. The results of this study suggest that welleducated medical students do not understand the importance of preventive behaviors and level of skin cancer risk. Therefore, new strategies to persuasively communicate information and warnings about skin cancer are needed to diminish the rise of this highly preventable disease.

Education in the Knowledge Society (EKS)

Partiendo de un enfoque sobre las relaciones entre las tecnologías digitales como herramientas de... more Partiendo de un enfoque sobre las relaciones entre las tecnologías digitales como herramientas de mediación, se analiza el papel de un caso concreto, los portafolios electrónicos, para la mejora de competencias transversales en el ámbito universitario. Los resultados indican que se obtienen mejoras, como mínimo desde la percepción de los propios estudiantes, en algunas dimensiones ligadas a la capacidad para seleccionar y organizar información, así como a la planificación del aprendizaje.

Estudios De Teoria Literaria Revista Digital Artes Letras Y Humanidades, Feb 13, 2015

In Itinere, Jul 10, 2012

The aim of this paper is to design a map on the academic criticism devoted to the villancicos wri... more The aim of this paper is to design a map on the academic criticism devoted to the villancicos written by Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz.

gases invernadero en la atmósfera se ha ido incrementando a una tasa sin precedentes en la histor... more gases invernadero en la atmósfera se ha ido incrementando a una tasa sin precedentes en la historia de la Tierra. Hechos tales como el aumento de las temperaturas, disminución de los glaciares, cambios en los patrones pluviales, incrementos en la intensidad de las tormentas y aumento del nivel del mar confirman día a día la variación del clima de la Tierra. Los factores causantes del cambio climático son las emisiones de gases invernadero procedentes de la actividad humana, en concreto la utilización de los combustibles fósiles, la deforestación y la actividad agraria. Si en las próximas décadas no somos capaces de reducir las emisiones de los gases invernadero (GHG) por debajo de los niveles actuales, entonces el calentamiento global y el nivel del mar aumentarán durante los siglos venideros. Esto resultará en impactos más severos para la salud humana, los ecosistemas naturales y la economía en si misma. El riesgo de que el cambio climático endurezca los impactos hace que sea urgente el compromiso de tomar medidas significativas encaminadas a reducir las emisiones de GHG durante las próximas décadas. La política económica y la política medioambiental deben actuar conjuntamente en la consecución de este objetivo. Este artículo pretende presentar, de forma sintética, la realidad actual del cambio climático, algunas de las políticas económicas que pueden prevenirlo o ralentizarlo y la importancia de los costes que de éstas se derivan. INTRODUCCIÓN Actualmente, existen diversas perspectivas dentro del debate del cambio climático. Por un lado, están los que afirman que todavía se sabe poco sobre el calentamiento global y que existen tantas incertidumbres que los costes de una

Nómadas. Revista Crítica de Ciencias Sociales y Jurídicas, 2015

is st ti in na a G Ga ar rc cí ía a F Fe er rn ná án nd de ez z

The Scientific World Journal, 2014

We have analyzed the relation of prevalence rates in Spanish regions with a series of human, envi... more We have analyzed the relation of prevalence rates in Spanish regions with a series of human, environmental, and ecological factors. We find that the variability in migraine rates found between Spanish regions may be explained by interregional differences in the percentage of daily smokers, percentage of alcohol consumers, percentage of population presenting physical and/or psychological life-limiting conditions, percentage of population engaging in physical exercise, minimum absolute temperatures per year, number of days under 0°C per year, and altitude.

Reumatología Clínica (English Edition), 2011

Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis, with a more aggressive course in young males. Oro... more Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis, with a more aggressive course in young males. Orogenital ulcers, uveitis and cutaneous lesions are the most frequent manifestations. We analyzed the effects of adalimumab on six patients with BD pretreated with inmunosupressive therapy, two of whom had received infliximab. We observed a good clinical response in all patients. To date, after a mean follow-up of 26.8 months, patients continue receiving adalimumab, with good clinical control, no adverse effects have been reported with adalimumab.

BMJ open diabetes research & care, 2014

To estimate the prevalence of, and factors associated with, dilated eye examination guideline com... more To estimate the prevalence of, and factors associated with, dilated eye examination guideline compliance among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), but without diabetic retinopathy. Utilizing the computerized billing records database, we identified patients with International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 diagnoses of DM, but without any ocular diagnoses. The available medical records of patients in 2007-2008 were reviewed for demographic and ocular information, including visits through 2010 (n=200). Patients were considered guideline compliant if they returned at least every 15 months for screening. Participant street addresses were assigned latitude and longitude coordinates to assess their neighborhood socioeconomic status (using the 2000 US census data), distance to the screening facility, and public transportation access. Patients not compliant, based on the medical record review, were contacted by phone or mail and asked to complete a follow-up survey to determine if scr...

Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2013

Microphysiological systems provide a tool to simulate normal and pathological function of organs ... more Microphysiological systems provide a tool to simulate normal and pathological function of organs for prolonged periods. These systems must incorporate the key functions of the individual organs and enable interactions among the corresponding microphysiological units. The relative size of diff erent microphysiological organs and their fl ow rates are scaled in proportion to in vivo values. We have developed a microphysiological three-dimensional engineered human skeletal muscle system connected to a circulatory system that consists of a tissueengineered blood vessel as part of a high-pressure arterial system. The engineered human skeletal muscle tissue reproduces key mechanical behaviors of skeletal muscle in vivo. Pulsatile fl ow is produced using a novel computer-controlled magnetically activated ferrogel. The system is versatile and the muscle unit can be integrated with other organ systems. Periodic monitoring of biomechanical function provides a noninvasive assessment of the health of the tissue and a way to measure the response to drugs and toxins.

Spanish Economic Review, 2006

It is well known that young cohorts experience higher unemployment rates than their adult counter... more It is well known that young cohorts experience higher unemployment rates than their adult counterparts. However, it is less well known that more educated young cohorts may face higher unemployment rates than less educated ones. This seems to be the evidence in some OECD countries such as Spain and Italy. We use data on the Spanish labour market and estimate a duration model for young unemployed people. University graduates' lack of job experience may explain this puzzling observation.

Preventing Chronic Disease, 2012

The objective of this study was to examine and compare 3 key health behaviors associated with chr... more The objective of this study was to examine and compare 3 key health behaviors associated with chronic disease (ie, risky drinking, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle). We used data from the National Health Interview Survey from 1997 through 2010 to calculate the prevalence of these behaviors among older Americans and rank each state, and we analyzed overall trends in prevalence for each behavior over the 14 years. Older adults residing in Arkansas and Montana had the worst chronic disease risk profile compared with other states. These findings indicate the need for improved or increased targeted interventions in these states. Objective Risky drinking, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle are key health behaviors associated with chronic disease and increased illness and death in older adults (1). Excessive drinking is associated with cancers of the liver, head and neck, colorectum, pancreas, and breast, as well as cardiovascular disease and diabetes (2). Smoking is associated with cancer and poor cardiovascular outcomes (1). Cardiovascular disease and cancer risk are increased by sedentary behavior (1). The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and trends of these 3 health behaviors among older Americans and rank them at the state level to determine the best allocation of public health resources. Methods Data were obtained from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), an annual, cross-sectional, multistage probability household survey of the noninstitutionalized civilian US population, from 1997 through 2010. Eligibility criteria were adults aged 65 or older (N = 79,973; representing 34,632,575 people). NHIS questions regarding the 3 variables are available online (3). Smoker was defined as "current smoker" (4). Risky drinking was defined as current drinkers having 10 or more drinks per week in men and 7 or more drinks per week in women, or having 5 or more drinks on 1 occasion, 1 or more times per year for men and women (4). Physical activity level was defined as compliance with the Healthy People 2010 goal of moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day on 5 or more days per week or vigorous physical activity for at least 20 minutes per day on 3 or more days per week (5). NHIS data were pooled and analyses were conducted using SAS version 9.2 (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, North Carolina), adjusting for sample weights and design effects (3). We calculated prevalence, standard errors (SEs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and ranked states according to the prevalence of each risk factor indicator. We analyzed trends by using weighted linear regression of prevalence on year. Weight was generated with the inverse of the variance of prevalence. Some states were missing values because they did not meet the criteria for stable estimate analysis in all study years (6).

Nómadas. Revista Crítica de Ciencias Sociales y Jurídicas, 2013

is st ti in na a G Ga ar rc cí ía a F Fe er rn ná án nd de ez z

Nómadas. Revista Crítica de Ciencias Sociales y Jurídicas, 2013

is st ti in na a G Ga ar rc cí ía a F Fe er rn ná án nd de ez z

Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, 2012

Objectives-Describe the health status and risk indicator trends in a representative sample of US ... more Objectives-Describe the health status and risk indicator trends in a representative sample of US healthcare workers aged 45+ years. Methods-Using pooled data from the 1997-2009 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), logistic regression analyses were performed to determine if age-group specific morbidity risks differed within occupational subgroups of the healthcare workforce (N=6,509). Health and morbidity trends were examined via complex survey adjusted and weighted Chi-square tests. Results-Rates of functional limitation and hypertension increased among diagnosing/assessing healthcare workers. The prevalence of hearing impairment, cancer, and hypertension was 2-3x greater in health diagnosing/assessing workers 60+ years versus younger workers. Healthcare service workers were up to 19x more likely to be obese, compared to workers who diagnose/assess health. Conclusions-Healthier workplaces and targeted interventions are needed to optimize the ability to meet healthcare demands of this aging workforce.

Investigative Opthalmology & Visual Science, 2013

PURPOSE. To evaluate whether veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression hav... more PURPOSE. To evaluate whether veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression have differences in dry eye symptoms and signs compared to a population without these conditions. METHODS. Male patients aged ‡50 years with normal eyelid, conjunctival, and corneal anatomy were recruited from the Miami Veterans Affairs Eye Clinic (N ¼ 248). We compared dry eye symptoms (determined by the Dry Eye Questionnaire 5 [DEQ5] score) to tear film indicators obtained by clinical examination (i.e., tear osmolarity, corneal staining, tear breakup time, Schirmer's, meibomian gland quality, orifice plugging, lid vascularity) between patients with PTSD or depression and those without these conditions. Student's t-tests, v 2 analyses, and linear and logistic regressions were used to assess differences between the groups. RESULTS. DEQ5 scores were higher in the PTSD (mean ¼ 13.4; standard error [SE] ¼ 1.1; n ¼ 22) and depression (mean ¼ 12.0; SE ¼ 0.8; n ¼ 40) groups compared to the group without these conditions (mean ¼ 9.8; SE ¼ 0.4; n ¼ 186; P < 0.01 and P ¼ 0.02, respectively). More patients in the PTSD and depression groups had severe dry eye symptoms, defined as a DEQ5 score ‡ 12 (77% and 63% vs. 41%; P < 0.01 and P ¼ 0.02, respectively). No significant differences in tear film indicators were found among the three groups. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that a PTSD diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] ¼ 4.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] ¼ 1.10-15.14) and use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (OR ¼ 2.66; 95% CI ¼ 1.01-7.00) were significantly associated with severe symptoms. CONCLUSIONS. Patients with PTSD have ocular surface symptoms that are not solely explained by tear indicators. Identifying underlying conditions associated with ocular discomfort is essential to better understand the mechanisms behind ocular pain in dry eye syndrome.

Circulation, 2011

Background—Up to 5% of the population may have a brain aneurysm. If the brain aneurysm ruptures, ... more Background—Up to 5% of the population may have a brain aneurysm. If the brain aneurysm ruptures, there is >50% mortality, and more than one third of survivors are dependent. Brain aneurysms detected before rupture can be treated to prevent rupture, or ruptured aneurysms can be treated to prevent rerupture. Endovascular coiling of brain aneurysms is the treatment of choice for some aneurysms; however, up to one quarter of aneurysms may recur. The coiled aneurysms that do not recur are characterized by inflammatory intra-aneurysmal tissue healing; therefore, we studied the biology of this process, specifically the role of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), a cytokine known for tissue healing.Methods and Results—We created coils with a 50:50 poly-dl-lactic glycolic acid (PLGA) coating that released MCP-1 at 3 different doses (100 μg/mL, 1 mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL) and performed a dose-response study for effect on intra-aneurysmal tissue healing in a murine carotid aneurysm model. We...

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2011

Saccharomycescerevisiae antizyme (AZ) resembles mammalian AZ in its mode of synthesis by translat... more Saccharomycescerevisiae antizyme (AZ) resembles mammalian AZ in its mode of synthesis by translational frameshifting and its ability to inhibit and facilitate the degradation of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). Despite many studies on the interaction of AZ and ODC, the ODC: AZ complex has not been purified from any source and thus clear information about the stoichiometry of the complex is still lacking. In this study we have studied the yeast antizyme protein and the ODC: AZ complex. The far UV CD spectrum of the full-length antizyme shows that the yeast protein consists of 51% β-sheet, 19% α-helix, and 24% coils. Surface plasmon resonance analyses show that the association constant (K A) between yeast AZ and yeast ODC is 6× 10 7 (M −1). Using purified His-tagged AZ as a binding partner, we have purified the ODC:AZ inhibitory complex. The isolated complex has no ODC activity. The molecular weight of the complex is 90 kDa, which indicates a one to one stoichiometric binding of AZ and ODC in vitro. Comparison of the circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the two individual proteins and of the ODC: AZ complex shows a change in the secondary structure in the complex.

Archives of Dermatology, 2012

student stated, was "because it is not as scary as other cancers," such as breast and lung cancer... more student stated, was "because it is not as scary as other cancers," such as breast and lung cancer, which were described as widely publicized. Other reasons included confusion about sunscreen, lack of understanding of the risks of skin cancer, lack of realization that it could happen to them, lack of awareness of skin cancer, unwillingness to deal with the issue, and the belief that prevention efforts might not pay off. One student noted that "people have the perception that they can fix their skin later because companies sell products for age reversal, so people think they can fix the problem later and not worry about it now." To make the risks of skin cancer seem "real," students recommended media campaigns featuring celebrity spokespersons telling real-life stories about skin cancer. As one student noted, "they put [breast cancer] in the movies, on big billboards, or in a big race; there's nothing like that for skin cancer." Another student pointed out that "celebrities have causes, but I don't think anyone's tackled skin cancer in particular." Students also recommended graphic depictions of illness, with media campaigns using pictures of the devastating physical outcomes of skin cancer to increase people's awareness. The use of both narratives and "fear" appeals may be ideas worth pursuing, given that research shows that those strategies can be persuasive. 5,6 Students suggested that patients may be more influenced by face-to-face communication with physicians than by media campaigns. They also recommended that primary care providers discuss skin cancer risks and sun-protection behaviors as part of routine history taking with all patients; this is preferable to relying on dermatologists, who are specialists and therefore not the best source of initial screenings and/or warnings. In general, patients seek dermatology care only after discovering a skin problem rather than on a routine basis, starting in childhood, and therefore miss the opportunity for early education on sun protection and skin cancer risks. Hence, by highlighting skin cancer risks and prevention strategies in the medical curriculum and by training our students to include skin cancer discussion as part of their routine patient history taking, dermatologists, with the assistance of primary care physicians, may dramatically expand patient education. Comment. The results of this study suggest that welleducated medical students do not understand the importance of preventive behaviors and level of skin cancer risk. Therefore, new strategies to persuasively communicate information and warnings about skin cancer are needed to diminish the rise of this highly preventable disease.