Low-dose radiation use in diagnostic imaging and cancer therapy settings.

Current methods of radiation safety are characterized by age-old hypotheses that claim low doses of radiation, such as those received in diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment, increase the risk of cancer. The linear no-threshold hypothesis dates back to 70 years and has not been scientifically validated, yet it remains the driving force behind current regulatory policies concerning radiation exposure. The linear no-threshold hypothesis has birthed the "as low as reasonably achievable" concept that is commonly practiced in medical professions to limit radiation exposure.

Examining the Relationship Between Individual Characteristics, Community-Level Traits, Multidimensional Empowerment, and Maternal Health Care Utilization in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Introduction The Islamic Republic of Pakistan's maternal mortality ratio is particularly high, and the nation ranks 126 out of 149 countries on the Human Development Report-Gender Inequality Index. This is because Pakistani women have low levels of empowerment, make limited economic contributions, and underutilization of maternal health care. The aim of this study is to create a multidimensional index of women's empowerment and assess the association between this index and maternal health care utilization in Pakistan, controlling for individual characteristics and community-level traits.

Adverse Reactions to Transfusion of Blood Products and Best Practices for Prevention.

Transfusion, a common practice in critical care, is not without complication. Acute adverse reactions to transfusion occur within 24 hours and include acute hemolytic transfusion reaction, febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reaction, allergic and anaphylactic reactions, and transfusion-related acute lung injury, transfusion-related infection or sepsis, and transfusion-associated circulatory overload. Delayed transfusion adverse reactions develop 48 hours or more after transfusion and include erythrocyte and platelet alloimmunization, delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions, posttransfusion purpura, transfusion-related immunomodulation, transfusion-associated graft versus host disease, and, with long-term transfusion, iron overload.

Automated Literature Searches for Longitudinal Tracking of Cancer Research Training Program Graduates.

A key outcome measure of cancer research training programs is the number of cancer-related peer-reviewed publications after training. Because program graduates do not routinely report their publications, staff must periodically conduct electronic literature searches on each graduate. The purpose of this study is to compare findings of an innovative computer-based automated search program versus repeated manual literature searches to identify post-training peer-reviewed publications.

Associates of Neonatal, Infant and Child Mortality in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan: A Multilevel Analysis Using the 2012-2013 Demographic and Health Surveys.

Objectives Pakistan is one of five nations contributing to half of the world's child mortality and holds under-five mortality rates which are nearly double global targets. Reasons for this shortfall include civil conflicts, political uncertainty, low education, poverty, rural-urban disparities, and limited health care access. The aim of this study was to explore associations between individual characteristics, community factors, and child mortality in Pakistan.

Depression in Racial and Ethnic Minorities: the Impact of Nativity and Discrimination.

This research examines factors associated with lifetime major depressive disorder in racial and ethnic minorities residing in the USA, with an emphasis on the impact of nativity, discrimination, and health lifestyle behaviors. The Healthy Migrant Effect and Health Lifestyle Theory were used to inform the design of this project. The use of these frameworks not only provides insightful results but also expands their application in mental health disparities research.

Individual and Area Level Factors Associated with Prenatal, Delivery, and Postnatal Care in Pakistan.

This research examines individual and area level factors associated with maternal health care utilization in Pakistan. The 2012-2013 Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys data was used to model five outcomes: prenatal care within the first trimester, four plus prenatal visits, birth attendance by a skilled attendant, birth in a medical facility, and receipt of postnatal care. Less than half of births were to mothers receiving prenatal care in the first trimester, and approximately 57 % had trained personnel at delivery.

Generalized anxiety disorder in racial and ethnic minorities: a case of nativity and contextual factors.

Background: Minorities comprise more than one third of the U.S., and research on the correlates and causes of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses have yielded mixed results in minority groups necessitating an understanding of causes and correlates of health.

Gout-related inpatient utilization: a study of predictors of outcomes and time trends.

Background: To assess inpatient healthcare burden of gout in the USA after an Emergency Department (ED) visit and the predictors of gout-related hospitalizations.

Method: We used the 2009, 2010 and 2012 US National ED Sample (NEDS) data to examine the time trends in inpatient visits with gout as the primary diagnosis. We used the 2012 NEDS data to assess multivariable-adjusted predictors of length of hospital stay, discharge to home (versus other) and total charges for gout-related inpatient visits.

Panic attacks in minority Americans: the effects of alcohol abuse, tobacco smoking, and discrimination.

Background: Lifetime prevalence of panic attacks is estimated at 22.7%, and research on the correlates and causes of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses have yielded mixed results in minority groups. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between panic attacks, minority status, and nativity by focusing on the effects of health lifestyle behaviors and discrimination.

Review of common occupational hazards and safety concerns for nuclear medicine technologists.

The purpose of this article is to address common occupational hazards and safety concerns of nuclear medicine technologists. There are many possible occupational hazards, but this review is intended to concentrate on common hazards and safety concerns. These include radiation safety issues and concerns about the possibility of developing latent diseases, such as eye cataracts or cancer; pregnant workers and radiation safety issues; biohazard concerns associated with patient body fluids; possible low-back pain from moving heavy equipment and performing patient transfers; and possible repetitive trauma disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, from computer work.

Responsiveness of the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) in infants born preterm.

Purpose: The responsiveness of the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) was examined in infants born preterm. Infant variables predictive of changes in TIMP scores were also identified.

Methods: Twenty-five infants born View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Use of blood products and factor concentrates for coagulation therapy.

Therapy of coagulation disorders has evolved from early use of fresh whole blood and plasma, to sophisticated recombinant factor concentrates. Although current testing protocols and viral inactivation methods ensure that transfusion of components is safer than ever, the potential for new threats continually exists, e.g.