Perinatal periods of risk: analytic preparation and phase 1 analytic methods for investigating feto-infant mortality.

The Perinatal Periods of Risk (PPOR) methods provide the necessary framework and tools for large urban communities to investigate feto-infant mortality problems. Adapted from the Periods of Risk model developed by Dr. Brian McCarthy, the six-stage PPOR approach includes epidemiologic methods to be used in conjunction with community planning processes.

Perinatal periods of risk: phase 2 analytic methods for further investigating feto-infant mortality.

The perinatal periods of risk (PPOR) methods provide a framework and tools to guide large urban communities in investigating their feto-infant mortality problem. The PPOR methods have 11 defined steps divided into three analytic parts: (1) Analytic Preparation; (2) Phase 1 Analysis-identifying the opportunity gaps or populations and risk periods with largest excess mortality; and (3) Phase 2 Analyses-investigating these opportunity gaps. This article focuses on the Phase 2 analytic methods, which systematically investigate the opportunity gaps to discover which risk and preventive factors are likely to have the largest effect on improving a community's feto-infant mortality rate and to provide additional information to better direct community prevention planning.

Bone mineral density-affecting genes in Africans.

Background: We have recently reported the role of environmental exposure in the ethnic diversity of bone mineral density (BMD). Potential genetic difference has not been adequately assessed.

Purpose: To determine allele frequencies of BMD-affecting genes and their association with BMD in Africans.

Bone mineral density of recent African immigrants in the United States.

Background: Racial/ethnic difference in bone mineral density (BMD) exists. The underlying mechanism is unclear and needs investigation.

Purpose: To determine BMD and its relation to environmental exposure in recent African immigrants.

The effect of soy protein isolate on bone metabolism.

Objective: This double-blind, 15-month pilot study was designed to investigate the effect of soy protein isolate with varying concentrations of isoflavones on early postmenopausal bone loss and lipids.

Design: A total of 65 women, with a mean age of 55 years and 7.5 years since menopause, were randomized to one of three groups; soy protein with 96 mg isoflavones/day, soy with 52 mg isoflavones/day, or soy without isoflavones (< 4 mg isoflavones/day).

Long-term follow-up of primary glaucoma surgery with Ahmed glaucoma valve implant versus trabeculectomy.

Purpose: To compare the long-term results of trabeculectomy and Ahmed glaucoma valve implant in the initial surgical management of primary open- and closed-angle glaucoma.

Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Methods: One eye each of consecutive patients with primary glaucoma and without prior intraocular surgery was randomized to receive either trabeculectomy or the Ahmed implant.

Protein intake: effects on bone mineral density and the rate of bone loss in elderly women.

Background: The role of dietary protein in bone metabolism is controversial.

Objective: We investigated the associations of dietary protein intake with baseline bone mineral density (BMD) and the rate of bone loss over 3 y in postmenopausal elderly women.

Design: Women aged 65-77 y (n = 489) were enrolled in an osteoporosis intervention trial.

Seasonal changes in calciotropic hormones, bone markers, and bone mineral density in elderly women.

Seasonal variation of serum vitamin D metabolites, PTH, bone turnover markers, and bone mineral density (BMD), adjusted for confounding variables, was studied in a cross-sectional population of 251 ambulatory elderly women aged 65-77 yr. A significant (P < 0.05) seasonal change was observed in serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), bone resorption marker (urine N-telopeptide), and BMD of the spine, total body, and mid-radius.

THE DETERMINATION OF GENETIC COVARIANCES AND PREDICTION OF EVOLUTIONARY TRAJECTORIES BASED ON A GENETIC CORRELATION MATRIX.

There is much interest in measuring selection, quantifying evolutionary constraints, and predicting evolutionary trajectories in natural populations. For these studies, genetic (co)variances among fitness traits play a central role. We explore the conditions that determine the sign of genetic covariances and demonstrate a critical role of selection in shaping genetic covariances.