Photonovels: An Innovative Approach to Address Health Disparities and Sustainability

Medically underserved and underrepresented communities have high rates of health disparities. In the greater Tampa Bay area, communities of color are disproportionately affected by chronic diseases such as cancer. In response to these concerns and as part of a lay health advisory program being implemented by the Center for Equal Health, a University of South Florida/H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute partnership, our group created a photonovel, an educational tool which explains topics using a graphic novel style. The photonovel was designed to educate community members about prostate cancer and was compared to standard cancer educational materials currently used for cancer outreach. We found that our photonovel served as an effective health education tool to address cancer health disparities in medically underserved and underrepresented populations in Tampa Bay.     

Investigation of the peripheral inflammation (neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio) in two neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system

Neurological Sciences - Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD) are the neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Cognitive impairment...     

Survivor dragon boating: a vehicle to reclaim and enhance life after treatment for breast cancer

The authors investigated the psychosocial impact of dragon boat participation on women who have been treated for breast cancer. Open-ended qualitative interviews were completed by 10 new members recruited from two breast cancer survivor dragon boat teams. Our findings indicate that the women's experience of survivor dragon boating surpassed their expectations and offered them hope and increased strength and the ability to regain control of their lives. Key themes emerging from the in-depth interviews that encapsulate the experiences of women in their first season of dragon boating follow: awakening of the self, common bond, regaining control, being uplifted, and transcending the fear of death. The interview data support the emerging hypothesis that dragon boating is a vehicle for improving women's wellness and post-treatment quality of life.     

Habitual tea drinking and bone mineral density in postmenopausal Turkish women: investigation of prevalence of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Turkey (IPPOT Study)

AIM: In this epidemiological report, we assessed the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis (OP) in postmenopausal Turkish women and the relationship between body mass index (BMI), and some nutritional factors (habitual tea, coffee, tobacco, and milk product consumption) with OP. METHODS: This multicenter study was done in postmenopausal women residing in five big cities, in four different regions of Turkey between August and November 2005. An inclusion criterion was being in the postmenopausal period for at least 12 months. A semi-structured questionnaire was completed by face-to-face interview, consisting of closed- and open-ended questions about demographic characteristics, nutritional status, and habits with two or more choices as possible responses. Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements were performed with a MetriScan Densitometer (Alara Inc., CA, USA). RESULTS: Seven hundred twenty-four women were included in the study. The mean age was 57.6 +/- 9.6 years, and mean age at natural menopause was 46.4 +/- 5.6 years. Of the participants, 51% were illiterate. According to WHO classification; 42.5% were normal in terms of BMD, 27.2% had osteopenia, and 30.2% had OP. Women with high education levels had better T-scores (p = 0.019). Increase in BMI also had a positive effect on T-scores (p < 0.0001). A linear correlation was found between age (r= -0.386, p < 0.0001), BMI (r = -0.175, p < 0.0001), and education (r = -0.317, p < 0.0001), with T-scores. The T-scores of women who consumed tea on a regular basis were found to be higher than non-consumers (-1.51 +/- 1.68 vs. -1.09 +/- 1.66; p = 0.070) [when smokers, those who received hormonal therapy (HT), and those > 65 years were excluded]. CONCLUSION: OP was determined in 1/3 of the women. Advanced age (> 65) and being illiterate were negative factors, while high education levels, being overweight, and being treated with HT had a positive effects on BMD. Habitual tea drinking also may have a positive effect on BMD. However, tea drinking was not found to be a statistically significant factor in the present study.     

Retinoschisis: splitting hairs on retinal splitting

Retinoschisis can be found in the fovea or the retinal periphery, either of which may be present in isolation, or in conjunction with each other. Foveal schisis may be congenital, acquired, or secondary to an associated ocular pathology such as optic pit, glaucoma, or pathological myopia. The visual acuity is dependent on the cause of the schisis and appropriate treatment is variable based on likelihood for progression and visual impact. There are many useful considerations and tools for evaluation and monitoring that can be used to determine the aetiology and prognosis of these retinal findings. Retinoschisis is a diagnosis of exclusion, and pathology must be ruled out to accurately make the diagnosis. A review of two cases and following discussion summarises the various types, manifestations, presentations, and complications of retinoschisis and their evaluation, management, and appropriate monitoring or treatment. These cases lead a dialogue on the presentation and aetiology of retinoschisis, important considerations for differential diagnoses, and appropriate management.     

Effects of rofecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, on endothelial dysfunction, lipid peroxidation, and hepatocyte morphology in rats with sepsis-induced liver damage

Background

Sepsis remains a difficult problem for clinicians, with its systemic effects and high morbidity and mortality rates. The roles of oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and lipid peroxidation in sepsis-induced organ damage are being investigated.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibition on tissue lipid peroxidation, endothelial dysfunction, and hepatic cell morphology in a rat model of sepsis.

Methods

Thirty rats with sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture were divided equally into 3 groups: treatment group (rofecoxib 1 mg/kg PO), control group (saline 1 mL PO), and sham group (sham surgery only). All the rats were sacrificed 1 day after sepsis induction. The livers were removed using a median laparotomy for histopathologic and biochemical analysis.

Results

Histomorphologic hepatic damage and lipid peroxidation were significantly reduced in the rofecoxib treatment group compared with the control group (P < 0.05 and P = 0.001, respectively). Endothelial nitric oxide synthase and inducible nitric oxide synthase staining of liver samples was statistically significantly reduced in the treatment group compared with the control group (both, P < 0.001). The hepatic nitric oxide level and malonyldialdehyde activity decreased significantly (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively) in the rofecoxib group compared with the control group. Hepatic myeloperoxidase activity was similar between the treatment and control groups.

Conclusion

Further investigation of selective COX-2 inhibition as an alternate therapeutic choice for sepsis-induced hepatic damage should be considered.     

Accumulation and localization of macrophage phenotypes with human intervertebral disc degeneration

Background Context

Chronic inflammation is an important component of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, but there is limited knowledge about the identity and source of inflammatory cells involved with the degenerative processes. Macrophages can exhibit multiple phenotypes and are known inflammatory regulators in many tissues, but their phenotypes have not been characterized in IVD degeneration.