Modelling distributions of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus using climate, host density and interspecies competition.

Florida faces the challenge of repeated introduction and autochthonous transmission of arboviruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Empirically-based predictive models of the spatial distribution of these species would aid surveillance and vector control efforts. To predict the occurrence and abundance of these species, we fit a mixed-effects zero-inflated negative binomial regression to a mosquito surveillance dataset with records from more than 200,000 trap days, representative of 53% of the land area and ranging from 2004 to 2018 in Florida.

Implementing and Evaluating a Mentor Training to Improve Support for Early-Career Scholars in Tobacco Regulatory Science.

Introduction: To implement and evaluate a blended online and in-person training to help mentors of early-career researchers appreciate the complexities of Tobacco Regulatory Science (TRS), refine TRS mentoring skills, and become acquainted with resources for providing effective guidance to TRS mentees.

Methods: TRS mentors engaged in a two-part pilot test of the training program. Authors evaluated both the online and in-person training using retrospective pre-post evaluations, which measure learning at the conclusion of a training program, and post-program focus groups.

Quality Assessment of Tumor Size Data Collection for Pancreatic and Breast Cancer in SEER.

Background And Objectives: In 2017, the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program piloted a reactive quality audit plan (r-QAP) to analyze Collaborative Stage (CS) tumor size in breast and pancreatic cancer. Preevaluation objectives were to establish procedures and analytic scope for SEER quality audits, cutoffs for data completeness/accuracy, and key decision checkpoints.

Methods: Tumor size data between 2004-2014 were selected from SEER registries for pancreatic and breast cancers, and initially assessed by site and registry for completeness.

Mentoring for Success in Tobacco Regulatory Science: A Qualitative Study.

Objectives: Our study explores the experiences of early career and senior scientists regarding mentorship and career trajectories in tobacco regulatory science (TRS).

Methods: We conducted 22 phone interviews with early career and senior tobacco regulatory scientists from July 2015 to January 2016. All interviews were conducted using a structured interview guide and analyzed using a thematic approach by 2 independent coders.

Defining Tobacco Regulatory Science Competencies.

Introduction: In 2013, the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration funded a network of 14 Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science (TCORS) with a mission that included research and training. A cross-TCORS Panel was established to define tobacco regulatory science (TRS) competencies to help harmonize and guide their emerging educational programs. The purpose of this paper is to describe the Panel's work to develop core TRS domains and competencies.

Comparison of risedronate to alendronate and calcitonin for early reduction of nonvertebral fracture risk: results from a managed care administrative claims database.

Objective: Recent randomized clinical trials have shown that risedronate reduces the risk of nonvertebral fractures and clinical vertebral fractures within 6 months of initiating treatment. The objective of the current study was to determine whether this early antifracture effect could be demonstrated in nonvertebral fractures for risedronate and other osteoporosis therapies in an observational administrative claims database.

Methods: A proprietary administrative claims database was used to identify managed care members who received a new prescription for risedronate, alendronate, or nasal calcitonin from July 1, 2000, to December 31, 2001.

Examination of resource use and clinical interventions associated with chronic kidney disease in a managed care population.

Background: The management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is multifaceted, including monitoring, early diagnosis, and treatment of comorbidities such as diabetes, hypoalbuminemia, and anemia, and initiating timely procedures in preparation for dialysis such as vascular access placement. Presumably, optimal care provided to patients during the predialysis phase will produce a significant impact on morbidity and mortality outcomes.

Objective: A retrospective analysis was conducted to assess specific factors that may be associated with optimal quality of care for CKD patients during the predialysis phase.

Exploring the methodological challenges of investigating comparison groups with different underlying characteristics: a case study.

Objective: To examine challenges in forming accurate conclusions from claims data when comparing different patient groups, and to stress the need to adjust for confounding variables through application of statistical methods.

Methods: Patients who were 60 or older and began amlodipine or felodipine in 1997 or 1998 were identified from a proprietary managed care claims database. Patients had 6 months of medical and outpatient pharmacy benefits coverage before and after initiating therapy.

Health care resource utilization and the impact of anemia management in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Background: Limited information exists on resource utilization patterns and overall patient management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) before the initiation of dialysis therapy.

Methods: A retrospective claims analysis from January 1997 to December 1999 was conducted using a managed care database on 1,936 incident dialysis patients, examining the 12 months preceding dialysis initiation to evaluate whether managed care patients with CKD are receiving expected interventions and appropriate management of CKD.

Results: Mean age was 66.