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Preparing students for ethical situations they will face in practice should be incorporated into nursing curricula, especially programs with a Christian focus. Linking ethical concepts with tenets from Scripture can increase students' confidence in their ability to respond through a biblical worldview to ethical dilemmas in nursing practice. Specific assignments can be geared to help students think critically about the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (Code) and biblical responses to ethical situations. Sample assignments are presented for the nine provisions of the Code.

Suicide, as the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 24 years, is substantially more frequent in non-metropolitan/rural counties, where college/university students may be at particular risk; however, little is known about risk and protective factors and prevention strategies specific to this population. The current integrated review was completed to explore such factors and evidence-based interventions. A systematic literature search was performed, guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement and using computerized databases, for studies published from 2008 to 2021; nine met inclusion criteria. Data were classified into subgroups, which included risk and protective factors for suicidality, stressors and risk factors for psychological distress, and barriers to psychological help-seeking. Key findings included depression as a risk factor, religiosity as a protective factor, decreased social support as a stressor, and various barriers to help-seeking. No evidence-based interventions for this population have been identified in the literature. Research is needed to explore evidence-based interventions for rural college/university students. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60 (9), 15–23.]

In early intervention (EI) and other pediatric health care settings, providers communicate health information to caregivers of children with disabilities. Although more than 21 million American parents have inadequate health literacy skills, understanding of health literacy practices used in communication by EI providers or pediatric providers typically working in an EI setting is limited. This scoping review examined the understanding of providers’ health literacy. No studies reported on research with EI providers in an EI setting. This scoping review yielded studies that were primarily published in the nursing literature. Results indicate providers have low health literacy knowledge and understanding and infrequent use of health literacy practices, such as plain language and the teach-back method.

Foreign body giant cell (FBGC) reaction to silicone material in the lymph nodes of patients with silicone breast implants has been documented in the literature, with a number of case reports dating back to 1978. Many of these case reports describe histologic features of silicone lymphadenopathy in regional lymph nodes from patients with multiple sets of different types of implants, including single lumen smooth surface gel, single lumen textured surface gel, single lumen with polyethylene terephthalate patch, single lumen with polyurethane coating, and double lumen smooth surface. Only one other case report described a patient with highly-cohesive breast implants and silicone granulomas of the skin. In this article, we describe a patient with a clinical presentation of systemic sarcoidosis following highly cohesive breast implant placement. Histopathologic analysis and Confocal Laser Raman Microprobe (CLRM) examination were used to confirm the presence of silicone in the axillary lymph node and capsular tissues. This is the first report where chemical spectroscopic mapping has been used to establish and identify the coexistence of Schaumann bodies, consisting of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate minerals, together with silicone implant material.

More than one in four parents in the United States of America (USA) have low health literacy, which is associated with reduced health equity and negatively impacts child health outcomes. Early intervention (EI) programs are optimally placed to build the health literacy capacity of caregivers, which could improve health equity. The health literacy of interdisciplinary EI providers has not previously been measured. This study used the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) with EI providers (n = 10) to investigate evidence based on response (cognitive) processes. Narratives from cognitive interviews gave reasons for HLQ score choices, and concordance and discordance between HLQ item intent descriptions and narrative data were assessed using thematic analysis. Results found scales with highest concordance for Scales 3, 6, and 9 (each 96%, n = 24). Concordance was lowest on Scale 5 (88%, n = 22), although still strong with only 12% discordance. Three themes reflecting discordance were identified: (1) Differences between Australian and USA culture/health systems, (2) Healthcare provider perspective, and (3) Participants with no health problems to manage. Results show strong concordance between EI providers&rsquo, narrative responses and item intents. Study results contribute validity evidence for the use of HLQ data to inform interventions that build health literacy capacity of EI providers to then empower and build the health literacy of EI parents.

Participation is often considered a primary goal of traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation, but little is known about the influence of driving on participation after TBI. The objective of this study was to examine the independent contribution of driving status to participation at 5 years post TBI, after controlling for demographic, psychosocial, and functional factors. Participants ( N = 2,456) were community-dwelling individuals with moderate to severe TBI, age 18 to 65 at time of injury, and enrolled in the TBI Model Systems (TBIMS) National Database (NDB). Hierarchical linear regressions for the dependent variable of participation at 5 years post TBI were performed. Findings showed that driving was a highly significant independent predictor of participation and was a stronger relative predictor of participation than FIM® Cognitive, FIM® Motor, and depression. The independent contribution of driving to participation suggests the need to develop evidenced-based occupational therapy assessments and interventions that facilitate safe engagement in the occupation of driving to address the long-term goal of improved participation.

Mass-mortality events of marine species can disturb the structure of communities. While identifying the causes of mass-mortality events is crucial for implementing recovery strategies, monitoring is challenging in remote locations. Black-lip pearl oysters (Pinctada margaritifera) are farmed for producing black pearls within remote atolls of French Polynesia. Previous mass-mortality events have resulted in the collapse of oysters and other species; however, the causes and conditions that favour recovery are unclear. We investigated the potential for oyster population recovery 5 years after a mortality event at Takaroa Atoll (Tuamotu Archipelago). Temperature, food availability (total chlorophyll-a), growth and reproduction were monitored. Growth was also simulated using a Dynamic Energy Budget model. Despite favourable conditions, reduced growth and reproduction signalled an energetic deficit. The model overpredicted growth, and supported the hypotheses that individuals are unable to profit from the phytoplankton available and maintenance costs are high in Takaroa, ultimately explaining their poor physiological condition.

Title I of the Americans With Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination in employment; however, 26 years later, employment rates for persons with disabilities hover at 34%. This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions to increase employment for people with various disabilities. Forty-six articles met the inclusion criteria for evidence-based interventions. The majority of studies assessed interventions for persons with mental health disabilities. Strong evidence was found for ongoing support and work-related social skills training prior to and during competitive employment for persons with mental health disabilities. Moderate evidence supported simulation and use of assistive technology, especially apps for cueing and peer support to increase work participation for persons with intellectual disabilities, neurological/cognitive disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder. Many of the strategies to increase work participation were appropriate for occupational therapy intervention. Suggestions were made for research, specifically looking at more rigorous evaluation of strategies in the long term.

Importance: Matching the demographics of health professionals and patient populations increases access to quality care. However, a consensus has not been reached regarding the most effective strategies for recruitment and retention of diverse practitioners. Objective: To answer the question “What are the perceived challenges to and facilitators of the recruitment and retention of occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) and students of color?” Design: A qualitative interpretive, constructionist design was used. Purposive recruitment that used convenience sampling was conducted at the 2017 American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference & Expo and via the National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus Facebook group. Data were collected online from three focus groups and four interviews. Setting: Online through social media. Participants: The total sample included 5 OTPs and 7 students; 91.7% identified as African-American or Black. Outcomes and Measures: Inductive analysis was used to interpret the open-ended questions. After transcription, each interview or focus group transcript was reviewed with Colaizzi’s seven-step method of data analysis. Results: Five themes were identified: (1) lack of representation in and knowledge about occupational therapy, (2) feeling like an outsider, (3) need for financial support, (4) individualized mentor–mentee relationships, and (5) connections with national organizations specifically for people of color. Conclusions and Relevance: This study identified experiences of OTPs and students of color and how identified barriers can be addressed. Implications for the profession include purposive recruitment, professional development for faculty, provision of mentoring, and financial support. Future research should focus on creation and evaluation of evidence-based strategies for the recruitment and retention of students of color in occupational therapy. What This Article Adds: This study provided voices of OTPs and students of color regarding challenges and facilitators experienced in the profession. With an accurate understanding of experiences of people of color, effective strategies can be developed to foster their successful transition into the occupational therapy workforce.

Importance: Transition and integration reentry services continue to grow in carceral settings; however, related provision of occupational therapy is limited. Objective: To examine the implementation fidelity of an occupational therapy–administered interprofessional reentry program initiated in an urban jail. Design: Retrospective, mixed quantitative and qualitative design. Setting: Community-based reentry services provided prerelease in a Midwestern urban jail and postrelease in the local St. Louis community. Participants: Occupational therapy practitioners tracking process measures for identifying reentry project feasibility. Intervention: Provision of recruitment, assessment, and skilled occupational therapy services with people held in a short-term jail facility and follow-up during community reentry. Outcome and Measures: Detailed logs were analyzed to describe attendance at and duration of sessions. We coded barriers to and facilitators of implementation from weekly team meeting notes and logs using social–ecological categories. Results: Findings indicate that it was feasible to implement prerelease jail-based services (N = 63) because of jail operations and community partnerships (facilitators) and to overcome institutional policies and environmental limitations (barriers). Full 8-wk prerelease programming was completed by 38% (n = 24) of participants, and 52% (n = 33) participated less than 8 wk. All who completed the full prerelease program and transitioned to the community (n = 15) initiated postrelease occupational therapy services. Conclusions and Relevance: The iterative feedback provided by process evaluation supported the feasibility of implementing the jail-based Occupational Therapy Transition and Integration Services program. What This Article Adds: This process evaluation provides evidence that implementation of an occupational therapy–based transition program in an urban jail is feasible.

BACKGROUND: Veterans with disabilities, especially those with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) have difficulty obtaining and maintaining competitive employment.OBJECTIVE: To determine if there are significant differences in employment between veterans with and without disability, between veterans with a disability and nonveterans with a disability, and to investigate the association of veteran status and disability with employment. METHODS: Chi square analyses were conducted on data obtained from the 2010 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to determine if significant differences in employment occurred between veterans with disabilities, veterans without disabilities and nonveterans with disabilities. Multivariate regression analyses were used to determine how veteran status and disability are associated with employment.RESULTS: Significant differences in employment were found between veterans with and without a disability; however, no significant differences existed in employment between veterans and nonveterans with a disability. Multivariate analysis showed that veteran status (aOR=1.80), having any disability (aOR=7.29), social disability (aOR=3.47) or a cognitive disability (aOR=3.16) were associated with not being employed.CONCLUSIONS: Veterans with disabilities are more likely not to be employed than veteran populations without disabilities. Veterans; however have unique disabilities, different than nonveterans with disabilities, that need to be addressed, such as social and cognitive disabilities resulting from TBI and PTSD. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of employment programs and policies designed to address the unique issues faced by veterans with disabilities. Language: en

To determine if there are significant differences in patient-centered communication and access to care experienced by veterans with disabilities compared to veterans without disabilities and nonveterans with disabilities and what variables contribute to the likelihood of poor patient-centered communication and access to care.χ(2) analyses were used to determine differences in patient-centered communication and access to care. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify variables contributing to poor patient-centered care.Veterans with disabilities were significantly less likely to say that a physician listened to their concerns, explained care so they understood, treated them with respect, spent enough time with them, and were less likely to get necessary care or experience a delay in getting care than veterans without disabilities. No significant differences were found when comparing patient-centered communication between veterans and nonveterans with disabilities. Veteran status protects against poor patient-centered care, whereas disability status increases the likelihood of poor patient-centered care.Health care providers should consider the unique strengths and limitations presented by veterans with disabilities in their patient-centered communication. Future research in partnership with veterans with and without disabilities is needed to determine effective strategies to improve patient-centered communication and health care access.

This study compared emergency preparedness of people with activity limitations, with limitations who use specialized equipment, and with mental health conditions with that of people without these disabilities. Results of chi-square analysis and logistic regression analysis showed that people with activity limitations and/or mental health conditions were significantly less prepared for emergencies than people who used specialized equipment or persons without disabilities. Having an activity limitation and/or severe mental health conditions, and being non-white, uncoupled, female, and below the poverty line increases the likelihood of not being prepared. Suggestions for increasing preparedness related to training and policy development were discussed.

The abundance of consumers and the availability of resources are often linked, and birds are known to track food resources at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. This study describes the seasonal influx of nectar-feeding birds during flowering in a 51-ha stand of Aloe ferox in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, over 5 years (2008–09 and 2011–13). Bimonthly point counts of birds were conducted before (April–May), during (June–July) and after (August) flowering, which occurs during the austral winter. The abundance of nectar-feeding birds increased significantly during flowering each year, whereas monthly abundances of non-nectarivores were unrelated to flowering. Models fitted to bird count-data revealed a significant interaction between feeding guild (nectarivorous versus non-nectarivorous species) and the percentage of flowering A. ferox over the 5 years of the study, confirming that these guilds responded differently to flowering events. Malachite Sunbirds (Nectarina famosa), which are specialist nectarivores, responded consistently to flowering of A. ferox each year, despite the low sugar concentrations of A. ferox nectar. The arrival of nectar-feeding birds en masse during flowering, and the number of bird species (16) observed feeding on A. ferox nectar, suggest that this plant is an important source of nutrition for birds at a time when other food resources are likely to be scarce.

Title I of the Americans With Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination in employment; however, 26 years later, employment rates for persons with disabilities hover at 34%. This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions to increase employment for people with various disabilities. Forty-six articles met the inclusion criteria for evidence-based interventions. The majority of studies assessed interventions for persons with mental health disabilities. Strong evidence was found for ongoing support and work-related social skills training prior to and during competitive employment for persons with mental health disabilities. Moderate evidence supported simulation and use of assistive technology, especially apps for cueing and peer support to increase work participation for persons with intellectual disabilities, neurological/cognitive disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder. Many of the strategies to increase work participation were appropriate for occupational therapy intervention. Suggestions were made for research, specifically looking at more rigorous evaluation of strategies in the long term.

Date Presented 04/04/19 Occupation-based, holistic re-entry programming is critical for successful transitions of individuals who are incarcerated. This study explores the fidelity of comprehensive OT services for incarcerated individuals transitioning to community life. Using a mixed-methods process evaluation, this study navigates the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of justice-based OT. Primary Author and Speaker: Erica Skinner Additional Authors and Speakers: Lisa Jaegers Contributing Authors: Karen Barney, Diane Smith, Brittany Conners, Christine Hayes

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between age and satisfaction with patient–physician communication. Data were obtained from the 2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Guided by the Communication Predicament Model, chi square analyses were run to examine the relationship of age and satisfaction with physician–patient communication for persons in general and those in fair to poor health. Regression analyses were run to determine whether older age (65+) increases the likelihood of experiencing communication issues of the physician listening to the older adult's medical concerns, explaining treatment so that the patient understood, treating the patient with respect and spending enough time with the patient. A significant relationship was found between age and dissatisfaction with physician communication. Persons who are 65 and older are 1.35–1.71 times as likely to perceive problems with physician communication. Other factors that increased the likelihood of perceived communication ...

Although most individuals continue to use and trust their health care professional for health information, they are increasingly bombarded with health information from other sources such as the Internet, television,andfamilyorfriends.Itisimportanttounderstand where variances in the use and trust of health information by various demographic factors occur, in order to monitor these sources to make sure that information provided is accurate and understandable. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to use data from the Annenberg National Health Communication Survey (ANHCS) to determine the relationship of demographic variables of age, race/ethnicity, educational level, gender, income level, and health status to use and trust of health information sources (health provider, television, Internet, and family or friends). Data were also analyzed to determine how these demographic variables increase or decrease the likelihood of using the various sources for health information. Results from the analysis showed that significant differences occur in use of health information when examined by demographic variables. Suggestions were made on how to make these health information sources more user-friendly and caution was expressed regarding the accuracy of sources.

Many clients have difficulty understanding health information, which may lead to less use of preventive services, greater use of hospital emergency services, poor physical and mental health, and an increased risk of death. Therefore, the objective of this article is to present a review of the accessibility of a rehabilitation center and an independent living facility with regard to navigation of the facility, understandability of written and oral communication, use of technology, and implementation of policies and procedures within these facilities. Findings from the reviews identified areas for improvement for both facilities in navigation as well as written and oral communication. Recommendations to the facilities are discussed for revision of signage and written and oral communication. Implications for occupational therapy practitioners, including establishment of best practices for health literacy and providing consultation for other health care professions, are highlighted. Possible future research is explored regarding evaluation of the effectiveness of the intervention.

This study examined the impact of participation in a wellness assignment on healthy habit changes in pre-professional undergraduate students. Participants consisted of 58 students enrolled in an undergraduate occupational science health and wellness course. Students were given an assignment to alter three to five habits that would improve their wellness over the semester, and follow-up surveys tracked their adherence to the changes. The assignment and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed using social cognitive and self-determination theories. Students believed that participation in the assignment increased (1) their own wellness status, (2) their understanding of how to impact their own wellness, and (3) their ability to understand client and therapist perspectives on making habit changes. The outcomes suggest that using the principles of social cognitive and self-determination theories appears to support the success of and adherence to healthy habit changes. Implications for occupational therapy educators and practitioners in the use of these theoretical models to support behavior changes are discussed.

Background Ineffective patient-physician communication has been shown to result in poorer health outcomes for various vulnerable populations. However, little research has been done on patient-physician communication issues as perceived by persons with disabilities. The purposes of this study are to determine if there is a relationship between disability and patient-physician communication and how disability affects the likelihood of effective patient-physician communication. The research questions for this study are: (1) Is there a significant difference in patient-physician communication for persons with disabilities compared to persons without disabilities? (2) Does having a disability influence the likelihood of ineffective patient-physician communication? Methods Data were obtained from the 2006 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Chi-square analyses were performed to determine if there a significant difference in patient-physician communication for persons with disabilities compared with persons without disabilities. A series of logistic regression analyses were conducted examining the likelihood of ineffective patient-physician communication with the independent variable of disability status. Results Those with a disability are significantly more likely than persons without a disability to perceive that the physician does not listen to them, does not explain treatment so that they understand, does not treat them with respect, does not spend enough time with them, and does not involve them in treatment decisions. Regression analyses further revealed that persons with a disability are from 1.36 to 1.78 times as likely to perceive inadequate patient-physician communication. Conclusions This study revealed that persons with disabilities are at increased risk of experiencing ineffective patient-physician communication, compromising current health status and increasing the possibility of secondary health conditions. Several suggestions were made with regard to incorporation of “disability literacy” mechanisms such as physician training, health facility environmental assessment, and use of technologies such as telehealth and e-health. Further research in partnership with the disability community is needed to determine the effectiveness of these methods in improving patient-physician communication.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the current perceptions of college students in regard to the emergency management of bioterrorism. Design: University students enrolled in Community Health courses were recruited to participate in a paper or online survey to determine their perceptions regarding likelihood of a bioterrorist attack, preparedness of the university, and preparedness of the students. Participants: Of the 309 students recruited, 265 (85.9 percent) participated in the survey. Interventions: Data from the surveys were entered into an SPSS dataset for analysis. Main outcome measure: Perceived preparedness of the university for a bioterrorism emergency. Results: Students perceived that there was a low likelihood of a bioterrorist attack at the university. Only 17.6 percent of the students felt that the university was prepared for a large-scale emergency and only 24.1 percent felt that the students were prepared. One third of the students did not know that the university had policies in place for a bioterrorist attack and 88.3 percent did not know where to go for information in the event of a bioterrorist attack. Only 9.2 percent had visited the campus emergency planning Web site. Conclusions: Effort must be made by universities to determine the appropriate amount of education to the students regarding emergency preparedness based on the cost-benefit to the university and the student body. Suggestions from students included a mandatory workshop for incoming freshman, involvement of campus emergency planning with student organizations, and increased marketing of the campus emergency Web site.

This article explores domestic violence against women with disabilities from an occupational justice perspective. Domestic violence against these women warrants special attention because they are abused at rates equal to or greater than women without disabilities and they experience disability‐specific forms of abuse. The discussion adds to the body of knowledge of domestic violence by analyzing the occupational imbalance, marginalization, deprivation and alienation that women with disabilities experience as instances of occupational injustice that ultimately undermine health. Domestic violence against women with disabilities is also posited as an appropriate issue to examine from this perspective because of the layered injustices experienced. Finally, empowerment is proposed as a strategy to address the issues identified.

Background The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between disability, gender and access to health care, especially for women with disabilities compared to women without disabilities and men with disabilities. Methods Data from the 2006 NHIS were examined using chi square, linear regression, and logistic analysis to determine the relationship between health care access, severity of disability, and gender. Responses regarding functional limitations from adults aged 18 and over or their proxies were used to determine placement for analysis. The dependent variable was access to health care. The independent variables were disability and gender. Results Women with disabilities had less access to health care than women without disabilities and men with disabilities. Disability and gender were predictive of lack of access to health care. Those who are disabled are 2.26 to 3.78 times more likely to not to have access to health care, and women were 1.26 times more likely not to have access to health care. Conclusion Health care professionals should advocate for more parity in health care access, removal of barriers and policies to provide needed funding for health care.

The relationship between the employment status of women with disabilities and the incidence of physical and sexual abuse in the United States was examined.Data from the 2005 Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were analyzed using descriptive analysis and proportional analysis to determine the significance of the relationship between the experience of abuse and employment status for women with disabilities. Due to the large sample size, effect size was examined through Cohen's h. Logistic regression analysis was also used to examine the risk of unemployment for women with disabilities who are abused.Women with disabilities who have been abused have higher levels of unemployment than women without disabilities who have not been abused. In addition, women with disabilities who have been abused have higher levels of unemployment than women without disabilities who have not been abused. Finally, experiencing physical and sexual abuse increases the risk of unemployment for women with disabilities.Unemployment increases the disadvantage for an already vulnerable population and potentially prevents women with disabilities from being able to break the cycle of violence they are experiencing. Recommendations are discussed with regard to intervention by rehabilitation professionals to assist women with disabilities who experience abuse.

Research on women with disabilities has found that the most common perpetrators of violence were current or former intimate partners (Young et al. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 78, S34–S38, 1997; Riddington, Beating the “odds”: Violence and Women with Disabilities (Position Paper 2). 1989). This article examines intimate partner sexual and physical abuse experienced by women with disabilities compared to women without disabilities and men with and without disabilities through chi square analysis and regression analysis using data from the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Results show that women with disabilities experienced almost twice the rate of all forms of abuse compared to the other populations. Variables increasing the likelihood of abuse include being female, disabled, not employed, uncoupled and younger age. Implications for future research, screening and intervention for rehabilitation professionals are discussed.

Background Studies show that stroke survivors typically have lower life satisfaction than persons who have not been diagnosed with stroke. Objective To determine if significant differences in life satisfaction exist between stroke survivors with and without functional limitations and whether specific functional limitations, as well as participation in outpatient rehabilitation affect the odds of reported life satisfaction for stroke survivors. Method Chi square analysis was used to examine data from the 2013 BRFSS to determine the relationship of functional limitations as well as participation in rehabilitation services to life satisfaction for stroke survivors. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine what variables increased the odds of reported poor life satisfaction. Results Stroke survivors experiencing difficulty with cognition, depression and IADLs showed significantly lower life satisfaction than those who did not experience these functional limitations. Survivors exhibiting activity limitations had almost twice the odds of reporting poor life satisfaction and those experiencing limitations in cognition and IADLs had 2.88 times and 1.81 times the odds as others without these limitations of reporting poor life satisfaction, respectively. Participation in outpatient rehabilitation reduced the odds of reporting of poor life satisfaction by approximately one half. Conclusions Rehabilitation focused on addressing these functional limitations would increase life satisfaction for persons diagnosed with stroke. Future research on specific types of cognitive and daily living limitations would assist policy makers and referral sources in making appropriate referrals to rehabilitation.

An integrated approach, involving the use of a number of analytical techniques, was used to study polymer coating network development during photopolymerization of a series of fast reacting, low modulus coating formulations containing urethane/acrylate oligomers and acrylic comonomers. Real-time UV rheology measurements, to assess the development of viscoelastic properties, and real-time FTIR, to assess the disappearance of acrylic groups, were used to study the early stages of the photocuring reaction up to the gel point. These results showed that the development of the cross-linked network and the rate at which acrylate double bonds reacted were not necessarily directly proportional as might be expected and were dependent upon the structures of the urethane/acrylate oligomer and comonomers comprising a particular coating. Samples of partially polymerized coatings were also prepared having degrees of acrylate conversion ranging from ∼50% through full conversion. Analysis of the amount of extractable mate...

EphB4 is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is expressed on epithelial cells during fetal life. It is also expressed on some venous endothelial cells. We conducted a study of six men with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) that had metastasized to the cervical lymph nodes. Our goal was to determine if EphB4 is aberrantly expressed in cases of HNSCC and to determine if there is a qualitative difference between the expression of EphB4 on primary and metastatic tumors and its expression on normal mucosa adjacent to primary tumors. From each patient, we obtained specimens of the primary tumor, the nodal metastasis, and the adjacent normal mucosa, and we performed immunocytochemistry on each. We observed EphB4 expression in all primary and metastatic tumors and no expression in the normal tissue. In each of the six patients, expression was greater in the metastatic tumor than in the primary tumor. We conclude that EphB4 is a novel target in the treatment of HNSCC.

To successfully manage their health care, individuals must be able to understand relevant written and verbal communication, navigate the complex health system, and have the skills and abilities to perform health care tasks. Conceptual models have been proposed and utilized to research and develop effective strategies to address barriers to health literacy and improve health outcomes. However, these models, in most cases, do not consider the full spectrum of individual factors, the complexity of environmental demands, and the specific components of the tasks necessary in order for individuals to successfully maintain health in the broadest sense. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to propose the utilization of an occupational therapy model, the Person–Environment–Occupational Performance (PEOP) model, which considers the interaction of intrinsic person skills, facilitators, and barriers provided by the environment, and the occupations (skills and tasks to manage health) and ability of the pe...

Background In 2011, about 1.8 million or 8 percent of the 22.2 million veterans were women in the US. The unemployment rate for female veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan rose to 13.5%, above the 8.4% for non-veteran adult women. Objective To examine data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), from 2004-2011 to determine the relationship between employment and veteran status, disability and gender. Methods Chi square analysis was used to determine if significant differences existed between the employment rate of female veterans with disabilities and female veterans without disabilities, female non-veterans with disabilities and male veterans with disabilities. Binomial logistic regression analysis was used to determine how veteran status, disability and gender affected the likelihood of not being employed. Results Significant differences were found in employment rate between female veterans with disabilities and female veterans without disabilities, but not when compared to female non-veterans with disabilities or male veterans with disabilities. Disability was the strongest factor increasing the likelihood of not being employed, though veteran status and female gender were also predictive. Conclusions Female veterans with disabilities experience low levels of employment. Policies and programs are needed to address the unique needs of these veterans.

OBJECTIVE To determine if disability is a significant factor in increasing the likelihood of experiencing stress regarding the ability to pay for housing and healthy food. PARTICIPANTS 24.6% (n=16206) of 65,960 adults who responded to the social context optional module of 2009-2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System identified themselves as having a disability. Adults with disabilities reported that they experienced significantly more stress about having money to pay for housing and healthy food than adults without disabilities. METHODS This research was a quantitative study using a publicly available dataset. A series of logistic regressions were performed to determine the extent that disability affected the likelihood of stress about having enough money for housing and healthy food. RESULTS Employed persons with a disability are 1.6 times and 1.9 times as likely as persons without a disability to experience stress about not having enough money to pay for housing and healthy food, respectively. Persons not employed with a disability are 1.56 times and 1.83 times as likely to experience stress about not having enough money to pay for housing and healthy food, respectively. For persons with a disability, being female, in poor health, without a health plan and having a lower income were also significant. Education and employment were not significant predictors of experiencing stress regarding money for food or housing. CONCLUSIONS Having a disability is more predictive of experiencing stress about having enough money for housing and healthy food than employment, though variables such as low income and having a health plan, dependent on employment are significant. Therefore, strategies and policy recommendations to reduce stress by increasing employment and income for persons with disabilities were presented.

Date Presented 4/7/2016 People with physical and mental disabilities are significantly less prepared for emergencies than persons without disabilities. Occupational therapy practitioners have an important role in reducing this disparity through training and advocacy for participation at the community level. Primary Author and Speaker: Diane Smith

Fingerprint identification information obtained from an oscillating plasma glow discharge detector for gas chromatogyaphy is improved by changing the cell pressure, applied volume, and electrode spacing. Changes in the discharge operating conditions produce changes in the analyte peak responses. The relative magnitudes of the analyte current and frequency peak responses also change with respect to each other under different discharge conditions. Unique fingerprints or patterns of responses are created for each analyte by changing the discharge operating conditions. The detector responses toward nine organic compounds, representing six different functional groups, were recorded under 56 different combinations of difficile conditions. The ratios of the frequency-to-current peak responses (heights and areas) for three of the 56 sets of conditions investigated provide enough information to distinguish between the nine compounds. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis, multivariate exploratory techniques, are used to observe natural clustering in the data

We reviewed 22 articles on children and youth published in 2011 in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy and organized the articles by level of research and research type according to a framework adapted from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF; World Health Organization, 2007). The largest percentage of articles described intervention effectiveness studies classified as Level III or IV. The bulk focused on the Body Function/Body Structure construct of the ICF, but as a whole the studies addressed all the constructs except Biomedical Molecular/Cellular. Rigor remains a concern, although laudable efforts have been made to increase strength of the evidence. Longitudinal, efficacy, and qualitative studies, as well as studies examining adolescents and the transition to adulthood, were absent from articles in this review and are important areas for future investigation. Several studies explicitly addressed intervention fidelity, an imperative in evidence-based research needed to move the profession toward the Centennial Vision.

An oscillating plasma glow discharge detector for gas chromatography can be used to help identity an analyte by combining the current and oscillation frequency signals. Five homologs each of the n-alkanes, 1-alkenes, 1-alkynes, 2-ketones, and aldehydes were studied. Although triplicate determinations had some scatter due to noise, they showed clustering that allows several of these compounds to be distinguished from the others by using a two-dimmensional plot of the ratios of frequency peak area to current peak area and frequency peak height to current peak height

Background People with disabilities may be disproportionately at risk of injury or death in emergency situations due to physical, cognitive, and socioeconomic factors. These factors individually or in combination have the potential to affect response to emergencies before, during, or after the incident. This study examines general emergency preparedness of persons with disabilities compared to those without disabilities. Methods The 2006-2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System of 6 states included 188,288 self-reported respondents with disabilities who were surveyed regarding their general emergency preparedness. Chi square analysis examined the relationship of general preparedness variables with disability status. Logistic regression analysis examined how various demographic variables affected the likelihood of being unprepared for an emergency. Results Persons with disabilities were significantly more likely to state that they were not prepared at all for an emergency. They were also less likely to have a 3-day supply of water, a working battery-operated radio, and a working flashlight and to evacuate an emergency situation. Persons with a disability are 1.22 times more likely to be unprepared for an emergency. For those with a disability, being female, nonwhite, with less education, less income, and uncoupled and living in an urban area increase the likelihood of being unprepared for an emergency. Conclusion Increased effort must be made to empower persons with disabilities to become involved in their own emergency preparedness. Efforts are being made by several government and nongovernmental organizations to assist in this effort though most have not addressed specific needs of vulnerable populations within the disability community. Strategies for emergency preparedness must be considerate of these high risk populations. Finally, mechanisms must be developed to connect persons within the disability community to the information necessary on emergency preparedness through methods such as telehealth.

This research sought to identify the perceptions of individuals with disabilities regarding employment, how prepared they felt for the workforce, and what the limiting factors that affected employment were.Students from a local center for independent living's College for Living classes completed 60 surveys containing yes-no and Likert scale questions during their regularly scheduled class time.Sixty-seven percent of individuals would like to attend a course to improve their skills. 82% of individuals who had participated in employment programs felt they had the necessary skills to work while 35.3% of those who did not attend employment programs felt they had the necessary skills. Transportation and disability status were the mostly frequently mentioned limiting factors to employment.Generally, individuals who had either participated in an employment program were less likely to report barriers to their participation in employment than those who had never attended an employment program.

EphB4 is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is expressed on epithelial cells during fetal life. It is also expressed on some venous endothelial cells. We conducted a study of six men with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) that had metastasized to the cervical lymph nodes. Our goal was to determine if EphB4 is aberrantly expressed in cases of HNSCC and to determine if there is a qualitative difference between the expression of EphB4 on primary and metastatic tumors and its expression on normal mucosa adjacent to primary tumors. From each patient, we obtained specimens of the primary tumor, the nodal metastasis, and the adjacent normal mucosa, and we performed immunocytochemistry on each. We observed EphB4 expression in all primary and metastatic tumors and no expression in the normal tissue. In each of the six patients, expression was greater in the metastatic tumor than in the primary tumor. We conclude that EphB4 is a novel target in the treatment of HNSCC.

Magnesium(II) and calcium(II) in hard water are separated by ion chromatography and detected spectrophotometrically after a post-column reaction with arsenazo-I at pH 10. No sample dilution or pretreatment is needed, and the separation is complete in 3 min. Linear calibration plots are obtained in the 2–400 mg l−1 range. Many actual water samples from a variety of geographical locations were analysed and the results were compared with those obtained by EDTA titration. The advantages of the chromatographic method over titration are summarized.

The relationship between serum and brain concentrations of histidine and methionine were detewrmined in rats fed graded levels of protein, histidine and methionine. In each case, changes in tissue levels of the two amino acids were inversely proportional. In protein-deficient rats, histidine increases rapidly in brain and serum while methionine decreases. Glycine and methionine supplementation of protein-deficient diets lessen increases in histidine concentrations while glycine supplementation increases growth of depleted rats placed on normal diets. These findings implicate the pathway for one-carbon metabolism in the large increases seen in histidine levels in protein deficiency.