Publishing Nutrition Research: A Review of Epidemiologic Methods

The use of epidemiologic research designs and analytical methods is common in dietetics research. Food and nutrition professionals who seek to perform evidence-based practice or participate in research design, analysis, and communication need skills in the essentials of epidemiology. This is one of a series of monographs on research methodology that addresses these needs and supports the goals of the Board of Editors of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association to further enhance competency and skills. This monograph focuses on statistical approaches for univariate analyses used with the primary observational study designs associated with epidemiology. Tables illustrating the presentation and interpretation of these results are included.     

Incremental versus maximum bite advancement during twin-block therapy: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of incremental and maximum bite advancement during treatment of Class II Division 1 malocclusion with the Twin-block appliance in the permanent dentition. It was performed at 3 district general hospitals in the United Kingdom with 4 operators. Two hundred three patients, 10-14 years old, were randomized. Control patients had the initial bite taken edge-to-edge for appliance construction with a standard Twin-block. Experimental patients had 2 mm initial bite advancement and subsequent 2 mm advancements at 6 weekly intervals with a Twin-block appliance incorporating advancement screws. Data were collected at the start and the finish of Twin-block treatment. The use of incremental advancement of the Twin-block did not confer any advantages in terms of process and outcome of the treatment. However, patient compliance was influenced by operator and patient age. The duration of treatment was influenced by operator and initial overjet. Incremental bite advancement produced no advantages over maximum advancement.     

Perceptions of intimidation in the psychiatric educational environment in Edmonton, Alberta.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the perceptions of intimidation in the psychiatric educational environment in Edmonton, Alberta. METHODS: We distributed a 7-point modified Likert scale questionnaire that included questions with respect to intimidation perceptions and experience in psychiatry during a 1-week period to all student interns on psychiatry rotations, residents, and teaching faculty in the 5 teaching hospitals in Edmonton. RESULTS: A total of 92 individuals responded, with response rates of 81% for faculty, 82% for residents, and 84% for students. Response rates did not differ among sites. While there were differences between site and group with respect to comparing the perceived intimidation in psychiatry with other specialties, respondents did not view psychiatry as worse than other specialties. Although, overall, women perceived intimidation as more prevalent at their sites than did men, the overall means reflect sites that are relatively free from intimidation. Faculty and student interns within sites, except for the university hospital, tended to disagree on management's approach to perceived intimidation. All groups, however, reported little personal experience and felt their sites had little tolerance for intimidators. CONCLUSIONS: Reported perceptions and personal experiences of intimidation within the psychiatric learning environment in Edmonton are low.