Prospective study on the clinical course and outcomes in transfusion-related acute lung injury*.

Objective: Transfusion-related acute lung injury is the leading cause of transfusion-related mortality. A prospective study using electronic surveillance was conducted at two academic medical centers in the United States with the objective to define the clinical course and outcomes in transfusion-related acute lung injury cases.

Design: Prospective case study with controls.

Health, community, and spirituality: evaluation of a multicultural faith-based diabetes prevention program.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate Fine, Fit, and Fabulous (FFF), a faith-based diabetes prevention program for black and Latino congregants at churches in low-income New York City neighborhoods. FFF includes nutrition education and fitness activities while incorporating Bible-based teachings that encourage healthy lifestyles.

Methods: FFF is a 12-week, bilingual program developed by the Bronx Health REACH coalition, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded Center of Excellence for the Elimination of Disparities.

Dietary patterns in Blacks and Hispanics with diagnosed diabetes in New York City's South Bronx.

Background: An understanding of dietary patterns in diverse populations may guide the development of food-based, rather than nutrient-based, recommendations.

Objective: We identified and determined predictors of dietary patterns in low-income black and Hispanic adults with diagnosed diabetes.

Design: A food-frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake in 235 adults living in the South Bronx, New York City, NY.

Survey of transfusion policies at US and Canadian children's hospitals in 2008 and 2009.

Background: Previous surveys have reported variation in transfusion practice or policies in specific pediatric populations. Our objective was to determine the current transfusion policies in US and Canadian children's hospitals for both neonatal and pediatric general populations.

Study Design And Methods: US and Canadian blood bank (BB) personnel at children's hospitals that provide blood products between the dates of October 2008 and January 2009 were surveyed.

Stirring up the mud: using a community-based participatory approach to address health disparities through a faith-based initiative.

This case study provides a mid-course assessment of the Bronx Health REACH faith-based initiative four years into its implementation. The study uses qualitative methods to identify lessons learned and to reflect on the benefits and challenges of using a community-based participatory approach for the development and evaluation of a faith-based program designed to address health disparities. Key findings concern the role of pastoral leadership, the importance of providing a religious context for health promotion and health equality messages, the challenges of creating a bilingual/bi-cultural program, and the need to provide management support to the lay program coordinators.