Ranking sires using genetic selection indices based on financial investment methods versus lifetime net merit.

Current USDA selection indices such as lifetime net merit (NM$) estimate lifetime profit differences, which are accurately approximated by a linear combination of 13 traits. In these indices, every animal gets credit for 2.78 lactations of the traits expressed per lactation, such as fat and protein, independent of its productive life (PL).

Assessing readability formula differences with written health information materials: application, results, and recommendations.

Background: Readability formulas are often used to guide the development and evaluation of literacy-sensitive written health information. However, readability formula results may vary considerably as a result of differences in software processing algorithms and how each formula is applied. These variations complicate interpretations of reading grade level estimates, particularly without a uniform guideline for applying and interpreting readability formulas.

Variations in the probability of depression screening at community-based physician practice visits.

Background: Despite depression screening being a US Preventive Services Task Force-recommended practice in primary care, little is known about the degree to which it is performed and the factors associated with its conduct.

Method: Using a nationally representative sample (National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey) of adult, community-based physician practice visits during the survey years 2005 to 2007 (total = 55,143; representing approximately 1.7 billion visits nationally), we estimated the probability of depression screening and variation by visit characteristics.

Communicating non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug risks: verbal counseling, written medicine information, and patients' risk awareness.

Objective: To assess potential associations among physician counseling, pharmacist counseling, written medicine information (WMI) and patient awareness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) risks.

Methods: Three-hundred and eighty-two older, white and African American patients prescribed NSAIDs were surveyed regarding their NSAID risk awareness defined as an index score ranging from zero to four correctly identified risks (i.e.

Relationship of depression screening and physician office visit duration in a national sample.

Objective: Although depression screening in primary care is recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, it may increase the duration of primary care physician visits that are often at or exceeding capacity.

Using single-item health literacy screening questions to identify patients who read written nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine information provided at pharmacies.

Our goal was to assess the relationships between single-item health literacy screening questions and reading prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) written medicine information (WMI) provided at pharmacies. The health literacy of 382 patients from primary care physician practices in Alabama was estimated using validated health literacy screening questions related to understanding written medical information (SQ1); confidence in completing medical forms alone (SQ2); and need for assistance in reading hospital materials (SQ3). Reading WMI was measured by a "Yes" response to the question, "Often the drug store gives you written information such as pamphlets or handouts along with your prescription.

The role of health literacy and written medicine information in nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug risk awareness.

Background: Despite widespread use of prescription nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), patients are commonly unaware of their risks. Pharmacies regularly distribute written medicine information (WMI) describing the risks and benefits of NSAID therapy at the time of dispensing.

Objective: To clarify the relationship among common sociodemographic factors, education, health literacy, reading of WMI routinely distributed at pharmacies, and NSAID risk awareness.