Factors associated with the steep increase in late-midlife stroke occurrence among US men.

Background: Data on recent stroke prevalence rates among middle-aged men in the United States indicate that men aged 55 to 64 years are 3 times more likely than men aged 45 to 54 years to have experienced a stroke. We aimed to determine potential risk factors that may contribute to this steep increase in late midlife stroke occurrence.

Methods: We analyzed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999 to 2004 data sets, assessing stroke prevalence, predictors of stroke occurrence, and vascular risk factors in men across their midlife years.

Patterns of complementary and alternative medicine use among United States stroke survivors.

Background: Americans are increasingly searching for complementary and alternative remedies. Some data suggest that persons who use Complementary and Alternative medicine (CAM) are at a higher risk for interactions with prescription medications. We assessed CAM use among American stroke survivors as little is known about CAM in this population.

A midlife stroke surge among women in the United States.

Background: We assessed sex differences in stroke prevalence among individuals of midlife age (35 to 64 years) in the United States and determined factors predicting stroke.

Methods: Data from 1999 to 2004 (n = 17,061) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationally representative sample of US adults, were used to assess sex differences in stroke prevalence and to identify independent predictors of stroke occurrence among middle-aged individuals.

Results: Women aged 45 to 54 years had significantly higher odds of having experienced a stroke vs men of the same age (odds ratio [OR] 2.

Predictors of clinical outcome in children undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation for acute and chronic liver disease.

The current United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) policy is to allocate liver grafts to pediatric patients with chronic liver disease based on the pediatric end-stage liver disease (PELD) scoring system, while children with fulminant hepatic failure may be urgently listed as Status 1a. The objective of this study was to identify pre-transplant variables that influence patient and graft survival in those children undergoing LTx (liver transplantion) for FHF (fulminant hepatic failure) compared to those patients transplanted for extrahepatic biliary atresia (EHBA), a chronic form of liver disease. The UNOS Liver Transplant Registry was examined for pediatric liver transplants performed for FHF and EHBA from 1987 to 2002.

Analysis of federal support for postgraduate general dentistry.

We compared the funding granted by the federal government between 1985 and 1997 to stimulate the growth of AEGD and GPR programs across HRSA regions, states, and populations. Information regarding the number, size, and location of programs available during the time period of 1985 to 1997 was collected. During this period, although the number of programs remained constant, the composition of the programs changed, with AEGD programs increasing by 113 percent and GPR programs decreasing by 13 percent.

Views of practicing dentists regarding a mandatory fifth year of training.

As part of a U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration-funded evaluation of the impact of federal funding on postgraduate general dentistry programs, a random sample of 6,725 dentists graduating in 1989, 1993, and 1997 were surveyed regarding practice patterns, advanced training, populations served, services provided, and their position on a mandatory fifth year of training.

Gender differences in career and practice patterns of PGD-trained dentists.

This study compares differences by gender in the practice patterns and professional activities of general dentists, specialists, and dentists with Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) or General Practice Residency (GPR) training. The UCLA School of Dentistry surveyed a random sample of 6,725 dentists graduating from dental school in 1989, 1993, and 1997 as part of an evaluation of the impact of federal funding on postgraduate general dentist (PGD) programs. The survey asked about current practice, services referred and provided, and professional activities.

PGD training and its impact on general dentist practice patterns.

This study compares the practice patterns of general dentists with and without formal advanced training in AGED or GPR programs. The UCLA School of Dentistry surveyed a random selection of dentists from graduating years 1989, 1993, and 1997 as part of a Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA)-supported evaluation of the impact of federal funding on postgraduate general dentistry (PGD) programs. Using a sample drawn by the American Dental Association (ADA), 6,725 dentists were surveyed about their practice, advanced training, patients served, and services provided.

Characteristics of civilian postdoctoral general dentistry programs.

U.S. civilian (non-VA/non-military) Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) and General Practice Residency (GPR) programs were identified (n=208) and surveyed.

Military and VA general dentistry training: a national resource.

In 1999, HRSA contracted with the UCLA School of Dentistry to evaluate the postgraduate general dentistry (PDG) training programs. The purpose of this article is to compare the program characteristics of the PGD training programs sponsored by the Armed Services (military) and VA. Surveys mailed to sixty-six VA and forty-two military program directors in fall 2000 sought information regarding the infrastructure of the program, the program emphasis, resident preparation prior to entering the program, and a description of patients served and types of services provided.