bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspectos Bionômicos de Spodoptera eridania (Cramer): Uma Praga em Expansão na Cultura da Soja na Região do Cerrado Brasileiro
Authors: Sardinha de Souza Bruno Henrique , Neves Costa Eduardo , Gonçalves da Silva Anderson , Boiça Júnior Arlindo Leal
Published: August 2014

A soja, Glycine max (L.) Merril, é uma das culturas de maior importância econômica para o Brasil, considerada uma commodity nacional devido à sua alta produtividade e participação nas exportações no mercado internacional. Dentre os insetos-pragas que causam danos para essa cultura, nos últimos anos agrícolas têm merecido destaque as lagartas de Spodoptera eridania (Cramer), as quais podem se alimentar tanto de folhas quanto das vagens das plantas de soja, causando prejuízos econômicos para os sojicultores, principalmente nas áreas do Cerrado localizadas na região Centro-Oeste do país. O objetivo da presente revisão é disponibilizar informações sobre os aspectos bionômicos de S. eridania, a fim de dar subsídios para futuras pesquisas sobre o manejo dessa praga.Bionomic Aspects of Spodoptera eridania (Cramer): A Pest in Expansion on Soybean Crop in the Region of Brazilian CerradoAbstract. Soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merril, represents one of the major economically important crops to Brazil, and is considered a national commodity because of its high yield and participation in international trade exportations. Among the insect pests that cause damage to this crop, Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) larvae highlighted in the last agricultural seasons by feeding on leaves and pods of soybean plants, and hence causing economical losses to soybean growers, especially in the Cerrado areas located in the Midwest region of the country. We aimed with this review to provide information about bionomical aspects of S. eridania in order to give subsides for further researches on the management of this pest.
Abelhas sem ferrão (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Meliponini) da Estação Ecológica de Água Limpa, Cataguases-MG, Brasil.
Authors: Werneck Hugo de Azevedo , Faria-Mucci Georgina Maria
Published: August 2014

Resumo. No presente estudo realizou-se um levantamento de ninhos de abelhas Meliponini na Estação Ecológica de Água Limpa (EEAL), no município de Cataguases, Minas Gerais. Foram encontrados 21 ninhos pertencentes a nove espécies: Friesella schrottkyi (Friese), Melipona bicolor Lepeletier, Plebeia sp. 1, Plebeia sp. 2, Tetragona clavipes (Fabricius), Tetragona quadrangula (Fabricius), Tetragonisca angustula (Latreille), Trigona hyalinata (Lepeletier), Trigona spinipes (Fabricius). Vinte dos 21 ninhos foram encontrados em substrato arbóreo. A fauna de Meliponini observada na EEAL é representada por um baixo número de espécies. Embora a vegetação local tenha potencial para oferecer substratos para nidificação e recursos florais, a baixa riqueza de espécies pode estar relacionada com o fato da EEAL ser um remanescente florestal isolado.

Stingless Bees of the Estação Ecológica de Água Limpa, Cataguases-MG, Brazil

Abstract. This study carried out a survey of nests of stingless bees present in the Estação Ecológica de Água Limpa (EEAL) in the municipality of Cataguases, Minas Gerais. We found twenty-one nests belonging to nine species: Friesella schrottkyi (Friese), Melipona bicolor Lepeletier, Plebeia sp. 1, Plebeia sp. 2, Tetragona clavipes (Fabricius), Tetragona quadrangula (Fabricius), Tetragonisca angustula (Latreille), Trigona hyalinata (Lepeletier), Trigona spinipes (Fabricius). Twenty of the 21 nests were found in arboreal substrate. The fauna of stingless bees observed in EEAL is represented by a low number of species. Although the local vegetation has the potential to provide substrates for nesting and floral resources, the low species richness may be related to the fact that the EEAL is an isolated forest remnant.
Lista dos exemplares-tipo de Heteroptera (Insecta) da Coleção Costa Lima, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Authors: De Almeida Magaly Dolsan , Rodrigues Juliana Mourão dos Santos , Moreira Felipe Ferraz Figueiredo , Jurberg José
Published: August 2014

A Coleção Costa Lima do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz não recebe material novo para depósito, mas é extremamente diversificada e historicamente importante. Ela reúne um total de sessenta e seis holótipos, setenta e nove parátipos e nove síntipos da subordem Heteroptera, representando as famílias Cimicidae, Miridae, Polyctenidae, Reduviidae e Tingidae. Este relevante material é aqui compilado e apresentado pela primeira vez.List of the Type-Specimens of Heteroptera (Insecta: Hemiptera) in the Costa Lima Collection, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract. The Costa Lima Collection of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute does not receive new material to be deposited, but is extremely diversified and historically important. It gathers a total of sixty-six holotypes, seventy-nine paratypes and nine syntypes of the suborder Heteroptera, representing the families Cimicidae, Miridae, Polyctenidae, Reduviidae, and Tingidae. This relevant material is herein compiled and presented for the first time.
Current knowledge about the social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in the state of Piauí, Brazil
Authors: Rocha Agda Alves da , Silveira Orlando Tobias
Published: August 2014

New records of social wasps in the State of Piauí are presented, contributing to an increased knowledge of this group in this poorly studied region. This study documents new occurrence records for 12 social wasp species and extends their distribution.

Atualização do Conhecimento Sobre Vespas Sociais (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) no Estado do Piauí, BrasilResumo. São apresentados novos registros da fauna de vespas sociais em localidades do Piauí, contribuindo para o aumento do conhecimento desse grupo de organismos na região. Este estudo registra a ocorrência de 12 novos registros de vespas sociais, ampliando suas distribuições.
Fruit & Veg: G is for Grapes…
Authors: Hammond Paula , Lillie Stephen
Published: August 2014

This month, we continue our extended adventure around the alphabetical fruits and vegetables of the world, by taking a look at the many delicious varieties of grape.
Please stop meddling
Authors: Jones Julia
Published: August 2014

Childminder numbers and the places they offer children are falling, which might, in turn, lead to rising prices, but is the government doing enough to halt the decline?
A conflict of interests
Authors: Sowerby Jennifer
Published: August 2014

Most children go through a phase where they show interest in, or actively engage in, some form of rough and tumble play. Rather than ban it, with agreed rules it can prove beneficial.
The use of immunosuppressive agents in the management of recalcitrant lower limb ulcers
Authors: Millen A. , Coulston J. , Brennan J. , Kennedy T.
Published: August 2014

Objective:

Lower limb ulcers that are resistant to standard forms of treatment place a significant burden on both patients and health services. There is no widely agreed definition of a recalcitrant ulcer but failure to heal following 6–12 months of focused treatment would identify a small group of patients with highly resistant ulceration. We describe a series of patients with recalcitrant ulceration for which immunosuppressive agents have been used.

Methods:

This is a case series of 13 patients who underwent immunomodulation therapy for lower limb ulcers at a tertiary referral university hospital. Regimens of immunomodulation used mainly ciclosporin and/or cyclophosphamide, with concurrent antibiotic therapy. Case notes and computer systems were analysed by two reviewers. A patient was deemed to have a success if their ulcer fully healed while on immunomodulation therapy.

Results:

Over a period of eight years, from 2004–2012, 13 patients underwent immunomodulation therapy. Among these patients there were 18 ulcerated limbs. Ulcer healing occurred in 10 limbs out of 18 (55.6%) and full healing occurred in six patients (46.2%). Ulcers were present for a median of five years (range 2–40 years), with a median diameter of 7.5cm (range 4–18cm) before treatment.

Conclusion:

Treatment of truly recalcitrant ulceration can be very frustrating for both the patient and physician, with poor success from more standard forms of treatment. We report experience with immunomodulation therapy that suggests there may be benefit from using this treatment in a subset of patients with this debilitating disease.
Nutrition and dignity: caring for people with dementia
Authors: Murphy Jane , Holmes Joanne
Published: August 2014

With dementia rates predicted to rise in care homes, Jane Murphy and Joanne Holmes discuss the key strategies to improve nutrition and dignity for those living with this condition and examine the role of the care-giver
Learning is a lifelong process
Authors: Duke Tony
Published: August 2014

Taking part in a variety of activities is something that is important, regardless of a person's age. Tony Duke looks at how being active and continuing to learn new things can have many benefits for people living in care homes
The Contours of Conversion to Catholicism in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Mullen Lincoln A.
Published: August 2014

The chronological and theological contours of conversion to Catholicism in the nineteenth-century United States evidence three waves. Beginning with John Thayer’s 1783 conversion from Congregationalism and continuing through the 1830s, conversions were scattered, and often from Reformed Protestantism. The 1840s through 1860s, the critical period for Catholic conversion, included converts from American Episcopalianism, riven by the Oxford movement, and from Transcendentalist and liberal Christian reformers dissatisfied with reform’s theological underpinnings. These converts became the agents of a new movement to convert Protestants. From 1870 through the early twentieth century, missionary priests, especially members of the Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle (Paulists), won thousands of converts, making conversion to Catholicism a viable choice for many more Americans.
“Jane will be useful, and because useful, happy”: An Elite New England Family Confronts Conversion in the 1850s
Authors: Bartram Erin
Published: August 2014

When Jane Minot Sedgwick II converted to Catholicism in 1853, at the height of U.S. anti-Catholic sentiment, her family members were generally accepting, despite being New England Unitarians with a dim view of Catholicism. They accepted her conversion because they thought it would provide Jane with the emotional stability to become a settled, useful woman. Throughout Jane’s childhood, the family had emphasized usefulness, rooted in Unitarian theology, as life’s central goal, and a goal Jane herself came to see as primary. Yet she and her family members struggled to understand the relationship between usefulness and happiness as Jane sought usefulness and craved happiness. Family members fretted over the impetuous, independent behavior Jane exhibited during her search for usefulness, but also hoped she would find emotional stability, unlike the other members of her family who had developed mental illness. After studying Catholicism for ten years, Jane decided to convert, and her family members marked the difference in her emotional state. Now that she had achieved a measure of spiritual and emotional happiness, they argued, she would be able to live the settled, useful life of an elite woman.
“Whatever they considered would be most conductive to His glory”: The Religious Conversion of Thomas Fortune Ryan
Authors: Jacobe Stephanie A.T.
Published: August 2014

Born in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley in 1851, Thomas Fortune Ryan left home in his teens for Baltimore, Maryland, where, with the assistance of his uncle, he met his future father-in-law, John S. Barry. Ryan, who worked for Barry, became involved with his family and adopted the Barry’s religion, Catholicism, which would become the bedrock of Thomas’s life. The highly-devotional form of Catholicism that the Barry family introduced to Ryan provided grounding for him since as a child he had lost both his parents and seen his home in Virginia destroyed by the Civil War. Ryan and his first wife, Ida, who was John Barry’s oldest daughter, were potentially two of the Catholic Church’s most significant lay patrons in the early twentieth century, funding nearly one hundred schools, hospitals, churches, and seminaries during their lifetimes, including one of their best-known works of philanthropy, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Richmond, Virginia.
Catholic Like Me: The Conversions of John Howard Griffin
Authors: Poché Justin D.
Published: August 2014

John Howard Griffin’s Black Like Me became an instant lightning rod for Americans on all sides of the emerging Civil Rights Movement. While much work has been done to analyze the critical strengths and limitations of the book, few have examined Griffin’s life and work from the perspective of his conversion to and ongoing engagement with Catholic institutional and intellectual traditions. Griffin’s conversion remains vital to understanding his career-defining experiment. Drawing on personal writings from Griffin’s spiritual journal and published reflections, this article foregrounds his religious views, particularly his embrace of Catholic monasticism, as a critique of modern American life. Griffin’s pursuit of the monastic ideal, and its demand for self-conversion through experience of the “other,” attempted a profound reprimand of Southern racism. Through subsequent and authentic engagement with black voices, Griffin ultimately rejected the efficacy of such moral appeals as Americans came to terms with the structural depths of racial oppression.
Knowledge Acquisition and Diffusion in Small-Firm Clusters in Zimbabwe: A Complexity Theory Approach
Authors: Muponda Godfrey
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this study was to establish the reasons behind the apparent success of small firms located in geographical clusters. The study proposes that small firms located in geographical clusters are collectively more efficient than other firms due to their ability to constantly acquire and share knowledge. The study took a Complexity Theory approach and modelled the cluster as a graph, wherein the nature and strength of the inter-firm relationships were represented by three measures of cohesion: 1) the clustering coefficient; 2) the average path length; and 3) the average vertex degree of the graph. It was concluded that the cluster had “small-world” characteristics which enabled both tacit and codified knowledge to be generated and shared, resulting in the collective efficiency of the firms.
Child Work and Schooling in Butajira and its Vicinity: Beliefs And Practices
Authors: Zeleke Seleshi , Hambisa Mitiku
Published: August 2014

Although some studies show that work keeps young people away from school, others suggest that income from work covers school expenses and makes schooling possible. The major purpose of this study was to examine child work and schooling in the Ethiopian context. The study focused on factors that push children to enter the world of work early in their lives, working children’s school profiles and effectiveness of the combination of work and schooling. We gathered data using questionnaire, interview, and focus group discussion from a sample of 103 child workers, 24 parents and 8 key informants. Results from both quantitative and qualitative data revealed that although poverty is the major factor that pushes children to enter the world of work early in their lives, family size and existing child rearing practices of the community also play significant roles. While one-half of the child workers were not attending school at the time of data collection, the combination of work and schooling was unfortunately not effective. Besides, relative to their male counterparts, female child workers were more likely to have no schooling.
The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Fisheries Management Systems in Kenya: The Case of Lake Victoria
Authors: Mokua Millicent A. , Makindi Samuel M. , Esilaba Moses
Published: August 2014

Fisheries management costs are widely becoming issues used to choose among policy objectives. We provide simple calculations by drawing on the experience from Lake Victoria fisheries. The study applied cost- benefit analysis based on the transaction costs among four systems of individual transferable quotas, taxation, licensing and community-based management. The objective of the study was to identify a feasible policy combination for the management of Lake Victoria fisheries. It was hypothesized that the combination of community-based management and individual transferable quotas provide a feasible management framework for the fishery. The analysis provides evidence that transaction costs are lower in community=based management. The advantages of individual transferable quotas are also considerable. But, it is concluded that although community management is more cost-effective, their potential for the fishery are not obvious given the prevailing socio-economic conditions along the shores of Lake Victoria. The nature of Lake Victoria fishery is also not appropriate for the introduction of individual transferable quotas. Co-management system is therefore recommended.
Contraceptive Use Among HIV-Infected Women Attending Treatment and Care at Yirgalem Hospital, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Demissie Bekele , Tolossa Degefa
Published: August 2014

Despite political endorsement for integration of family planning and HIV-AIDS prevention and control services in Ethiopia, little is known about family planning use; patterns of methods used and associated factors among women with HIV infection. A facility-based cross-sectional study was undertaken among 380 women with HIV infection and receiving follow-up care at Yirgalem Hospital ART Centre in Southern Ethiopia in 2011. The prevalence of contraceptive use was 62.1 per cent, and male condom (90.7 per cent) was the most commonly used method of contraception followed by injectables (26.3 per cent). Among the respondent women (26.7 per cent), dual method use was identified and injectables were the most commonly used contraceptive method combined with male condom. Having regular sexual partner and age of the last child showed significant association with contraceptive use. The family planning use and method preference of these ART clients have implications for preventing vertical and heterosexual transmission of HIV, indicating the need to strengthen integration of reproductive health and HIV services for appropriate counselling and delivery of services.
Adverse childhood events: Incarceration of household members and health-related quality of life in adulthood
Authors: Gjelsvik Annie , Dumont Dora M. , Nunn Amy , Rosen David L.
Published: August 2014

Background . Incarceration of a household member has been associated with adverse outcomes for child well-being. Methods . We assessed the association between childhood exposure to the incarceration of a household member and adult health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in the 2009/2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System controlling for age, race/ethnicity, education, and additional adverse childhood experiences. Results . Adults who lived in childhood with an incarcerated household member had higher risk of poor HRQOL compared with adults who had not (adjusted relative risk [ARR] 1.18; 95% CI 1.07, 1.31). Among Black adults the association was strongest with the physical health component of HRQOL (ARR 1.58 [95% CI 1.18, 2.12]); among White adults, the association was strongest with the mental health component of HRQOL (ARR 1.29, [95% CI 1.07–1.54]). Conclusions . Living with an incarcerated household member during childhood is associated with higher risk of poor HRQOL during adulthood, suggesting that the collateral damages of incarceration for children are long-term.
HIV Testing and Engagement in Care among Highly Vulnerable Female Sex Workers: Implications for Treatment as Prevention Models
Authors: Surratt Hilary L. , O’Grady Catherine L. , Kurtz Steven P. , Buttram Mance E. , Levi-Minzi Maria A.
Published: August 2014

Background . Although emerging Treatment as Prevention models can be effective in reducing HIV incidence among high-risk populations, many HIV infected individuals remain undiagnosed or fail to engage in HIV care. Methods . This study examined the factors associated with HIV testing and care among a population of substance using female sex workers. Results . Recent HIV testing was associated with higher education level, having a regular health care provider or clinic, recent crack use, and higher sexual risk behaviors; HIV treatment utilization was associated with higher levels of social support, having a regular health care provider or clinic, housing stability and insurance coverage. Qualitative data revealed HIV-related stigma, denial, social isolation, and substance use as barriers to HIV testing and treatment; social support and accessibility of services were key enablers. Conclusions . Improving HIV testing and linkage to treatment among female sex workers will require structural initiatives to reduce stigma and increase service seeking support.
Promoting Chinese-Speaking Primary Care Physicians’ Communication with Immigrant Patients about Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Cluster Randomized Trial Design
Authors: Wang Judy Huei-yu , Liang Wenchi , Ma Grace X. , Gehan Edmund , Wang Haoying Echo , Ji Cheng-Shuang , Tu Shin-Ping , Vernon Sally W. , Mandelblatt Jeanne S.
Published: August 2014

Chinese Americans underutilize colorectal cancer screening. This study evaluated a physician-based intervention guided by social cognitive theory (SCT) to inform future research involving minority physicians and patients. Twenty-five Chinese-speaking primary care physicians were randomized into intervention or usual care arms. The intervention included two 45-minute in-office training sessions paired with a dual-language communication guide detailing strategies in addressing Chinese patients’ screening barriers. Physicians’ feedback on the intervention, their performance data during training, and pre-post intervention survey data were collected and analyzed. Most physicians (~85%) liked the intervention materials but ~84% spent less than 20 minutes reading the guide and only 46% found the length of time for in-office training acceptable. Despite this, the intervention increased physicians’ perceived communication self-efficacy with patients (p<.01). This study demonstrated the feasibility of enrolling and intervening with minority physicians. Time constraints in primary care practice should be considered in the design and implementation of interventions.
Trust in Health Care Providers: Factors Predicting Trust among Homeless Veterans over Time
Authors: van den Berk-Clark Carissa , McGuire James
Published: August 2014

We examined whether a combination of predisposing, enabling, need, and primary care experience variables would predict trust in medical health care providers for homeless veterans over 18 months. Linear mixed model analysis indicated that, among these variables, race, social support, service-connected disability status, and satisfaction and continuity with providers predicted trust in provider over time. Trust in providers improved during the initial stages of the relationship between patient and provider and then declined to slightly below baseline levels over time. Further research is needed to determine generalizability and effects of provider trust on patient health care status over longer periods of time.
“The Stress Will Kill You”: Prisoner Reentry as Experienced by Family Members and the Urgent Need for Support Services
Authors: Grieb Suzanne M. Dolwick , Crawford Amelia , Fields Julie , Smith Horace , Harris Richard , Matson Pamela
Published: August 2014

The role of incarceration and community reentry after incarceration has been studied extensively for individual and community health; however, little attention has been given to the experiences of individuals who provide support to those in reentry. Through a community-academic partnership, seven focus groups were conducted with 39 individuals supporting a family member in reentry in the summer of 2012. The primary objectives of the focus groups were to explore community experiences and perspectives regarding providing support during a family member’s reentry from a period of incarceration and any desired support for themselves during this time. Five themes emerged under a metatheme of stress, indicating that family members experience acute stress as a result of family reentry that adds to the chronic stress they already endure. Programs that acknowledge the difficult role of family members as supporters during an individual’s reentry and provide support to them are desperately needed.
Medicare Eligibility Age, Health Disparities, and Medicare Reform
Authors: Yang Zhou , Huang Cheng , Phillips Victoria
Published: August 2014

Medicare eligibility age is a major focus of health policy discussions about how to tackle increasing health care costs and reduce the national debt. Raising the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 67 would presumably reduce the cost of Medicare, but the opponents caution it could exacerbate health disparities by race and/or income. We compared the mortality rate, hospitalization rate, and annual Medicare expenditures of current White and Black Medicare beneficiaries at age 65–66 years using the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. We found Blacks have higher health care demand reimbursed by Medicare than Whites at these ages. To raise the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 67 would likely have more negative health and economic effects among Blacks than among Whites, and would likely exacerbate health disparities by race. We suggest great caution when considering this policy option.
Family Gym: A Model to Promote Physical Activity for Families with Young Children
Authors: Castaneda-Sceppa Carmen , Hoffman Jessica A. , Thomas Jordan , DuBois Matthew , Agrawal Tara , Griffin Daphne , Bhaumik Urmi , Healey Christine Locke , Dickerson Deborah , Nethersole Shari , Wirth Catherine
Published: August 2014

This report describes Family Gym, a family-centered model that (1) provides free access to physical activity for low-income families in the inner city; (2) targets young children (3–8 years) and their families; (3) engages families together in physical activity; and (4) stimulates social interaction among families.
Structural Vulnerability and Problem Drinking among Latino Migrant Day Laborers in the San Francisco Bay Area
Authors: Worby Paula A. , Organista Kurt C. , Kral Alex H. , Quesada James , Arreola Sonya , Khoury Sahar
Published: August 2014

Latino migrant day laborers (LMDLs) live under challenging conditions in the San Francisco Bay Area. This study explored day laborer alcohol use guided by a structural vulnerability framework, specifically problem vs . non-problem drinking as perceived by LMDLs and how they cope with or try to avoid problem drinking given their broader environment. The study utilized ethnographic methods including in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews with 51 LMDLs. Findings revealed the considerable challenge of avoiding problem drinking given socio-environmental factors that influence drinking: impoverished living and working conditions, prolonged separation from home and family, lack of work authorization, consequent distress and negative mood states, and peer pressure to drink. While participants shared strategies to avoid problem drinking, the success of individual-level efforts is limited given the harsh structural environmental factors that define day laborers’ daily lives. Discussed are implications for prevention and intervention strategies at the individual, community, national and international levels.
Gendered Inequalities within Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme: Are Poor Women Being Penalized with a Late Renewal Policy?
Authors: Dixon Jenna , Luginaah Isaac N. , Mkandawire Paul
Published: August 2014

This article addresses the implications of the mandatory delay in coverage for individuals residing in the Upper West Region (UWR) of Ghana who have dropped out of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) but later attempt to reenroll. Using data collected in 2011 in Ghana’s UWR, we use a negative log-log model (n=1,584) to compare those who remain enrolled in the scheme with those who have dropped out. Women with unreliable incomes, who reported being food-insecure and those living with young children were more likely to drop out (OR range: 1.22–1.79, p<.05). Men, in contrast, were 50% more likely to drop out of the NHIS for being unsatisfied with services provided (OR range: 1.25–1.62, p<.01). Contrary to the original mandate of the NHIS, our study reveals clear gender differences in the factors contributing to dropouts, pointing to a bias in the impact of the block-out policy that is penalizing women for being poor.
Contraceptive Implant Knowledge and Practices of Providers Serving an Urban, Low-Income Community
Authors: Collier Charlene H. , Rosenthal Marjorie , Harris Kenn , Lucas Georgina , Stanwood Nancy L.
Published: August 2014

Contraceptive implants are highly effective but infrequently used by low-income women, who are at high risk of unintended pregnancy. Provider factors that may affect implant acceptance merit further exploration. We surveyed 66 clinicians serving an urban, low-income community from adult primary care, women’s health, and adolescent practices. We assessed implant education, knowledge, perceptions of accessibility and cost, and patient selection practices. Education about implants varied from 15% in adult primary care to 30% in adolescent practice and 75% in women’s health. Among women’s health providers, 54% were trained to insert implants. Despite having eligible candidates, some providers were unlikely to recommend implants to patients who are nulliparous (8%), teens (22%), depressed (24%) or obese (22%). Forty-one percent of providers reported insertion wait-times of at least three weeks. Among low-income women, deficits in provider education, restrictive practice patterns, and long insertion wait times may affect contraceptive implant use.
End-Of-Life Treatment Preference among Low-Income Older Adults: A Race/Ethnicity Comparison Study
Authors: Ko Eunjeong , Lee Jaehoon
Published: August 2014

Introduction . Racial/ethnic minority older adults in low-income status might be at a greater risk than others of developing chronic illness. We sought to examine the effects of race/ethnicity on end-of-life (EOL) treatment preference among low-income older adults. Methods . A cross-sectional study surveyed 256 low-income older adults (90 Whites, 82 Hispanics, 84 Blacks) in a California city. Results . Hierarchical multiple regression results showed that participants with greater religiosity ( p < .01) or more frequent doctors’ visits ( p < .05) had greater preference for life-sustaining treatments during the final phase of life. Conversely, those with greater comfort about death ( p < .01) or a belief that life and death are predestined ( p < .05) preferred life-sustaining treatments less often. Race/ethnicity had no significant relationship with EOL treatment preference after accounting for other factors. Conclusion . Race/ethnicity encompasses multiple life contexts. Understanding the influences of both cultural beliefs and individual circumstances on EOL treatment preference is imperative.
The Development of the DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Interview-Fidelity Instrument (CFI-FI): A Pilot Study
Authors: Aggarwal Neil Krishan , Glass Andrew , Tirado Amilcar , Boiler Marit , Nicasio Andel , Alegría Margarita , Wall Melanie , Lewis-Fernández Roberto
Published: August 2014

This paper reports on the development of the Cultural Formulation Interview-Fidelity Instrument (CFI-FI) which assesses clinician fidelity to the DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI). The CFI consists of a manualized set of standard questions that can precede every psychiatric evaluation. It is based on the DSM-IV Outline for Cultural Formulation, the cross-cultural assessment with the most evidence in psychiatric training. Using the New York sample of the DSM-5 CFI field trial, two independent raters created and finalized items for the CFI-FI based on six audio-taped and transcribed interviews. The raters then used the final CFI-FI to rate the remaining 23 interviews. Inter-rater reliability ranged from .73 to 1 for adherence items and .52 to 1 for competence items. The development of the CFI-FI can help researchers and administrators determine whether the CFI has been implemented with fidelity, permitting future intervention research.
Exploring Protective Factors among Homeless Youth: The Role of Natural Mentors
Authors: Dang Michelle T. , Conger Katherine J. , Breslau Joshua , Miller Elizabeth
Published: August 2014

This study explored the presence and characteristics of natural mentors among 197 homeless youth and the association between natural mentoring relationships and youth functioning. Few studies have explored protective factors in the lives of homeless youth and how these may buffer against poor health outcomes. Relationships with natural mentors have been shown to have protective effects on adolescent functioning among the general adolescent population, and, thus, warrant further investigation with homeless youth. Results from this study revealed that 73.6% of homeless youth have natural mentoring relationships, split between kin and non-kin relationships. Having a natural mentor was associated with higher satisfaction with social support and fewer risky sexual behaviors. Findings suggest that natural mentors may play a protective role in the lives of homeless youth and should be considered an important source of social support that may enhance youth resilience.
Unmet medical care and sexual health counseling needs—: a cross-sectional study among university students in Uganda
Authors: Kyagaba Emmanuel , Asamoah Benedict Oppong , Emmelin Maria , Agardh Anette
Published: August 2014

In 2010, unmet medical care and sexual health counseling needs were assessed among students at a Ugandan University. Unmet medical care need was associated with poor mental health, experience of sexual coercion, and poor self-rated health. Unmet sexual health counseling need was significantly associated with being female, coming from an urban area, low social participation, poor mental health status, experience of sexual coercion, poor self-rated health, inconsistent condom use, and having multiple sexual partners. Gender differences, poor mental health, sexual coercion, poor self-rated health, and risky sexual behavior must be considered when designing intervention models to reduce unmet health care needs among young people in this setting.
Health Outcomes and Retention in Care Following Release from Prison for Patients of an Urban Post-incarceration Transitions Clinic
Authors: Fox Aaron D. , Anderson Matthew R. , Bartlett Gary , Valverde John , Starrels Joanna L. , Cunningham Chinazo O.
Published: August 2014

Chronic health conditions are overrepresented among prisoners who often face barriers to medical care following release. Transitions clinics seek to provide timely access to medical care following release. This retrospective cohort study investigated care delivery and health outcomes for recently released prisoners receiving care at the Bronx Transitions Clinic. Among 135 recently released prisoners, median time from release to initial medical visit was 10 days (IQ Range: 5–31). Six-month retention in care was high for HIV-infection (86%), but lower for opioid dependence (33%), hypertension (45%) and diabetes (43%). At six months, 54% of HIV-patients had a suppressed viral load, but fewer buprenorphine-treated patients reduced opioid use (19%), and fewer hypertensive and diabetic patients reached respective blood pressure (35%) and hemoglobin A1c (14%) goals. Access to medical care is necessary but not sufficient to control chronic health conditions. Additional interventions are necessary for formerly incarcerated people to achieve optimal health outcomes.
Barriers to HIV Testing in Black Immigrants to the U.S.
Authors: Ojikutu Bisola , Nnaji Chioma , Sithole-Berk Juliet , Bogart Laura M. , Gona Philimon
Published: August 2014

Background . Late HIV testing is common among immigrants from sub Saharan Africa and the Caribbean. Since 2010, HIV testing is no longer a required component of immigrant screening examinations or mandatory for immigrants seeking long term residence in the US. Thus, barriers to HIV testing must be addressed. Methods . Five hundred and fifty-five (555) immigrants completed a barriers-to-HIV testing scale. Univariate and multivariate linear regression were performed to examine predictors of barriers. Results . In multivariate analysis, primary language other than English (β=2.9, p=.04), lower education (β=5.8, p=.03), low income [= below $20K/year] (β=4.6, p=.01), no regular provider (β=5.2, p=.002) and recent immigration (β=5.7, p=.0008) were independently associated with greater barriers. Barriers due to health care access, privacy, fatalism, and anticipated stigma were greater for recent versus longer term immigrants. Discussion . Immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean face significant barriers to HIV testing. Interventions to improve access and timely entry into care are needed.
The Impact of Obesity on Medication Use and Expenditures among Nonelderly Adults with Asthma
Authors: Sarpong Eric M.
Published: August 2014

Obesity contributes substantially to health resource use and costs. This study examines the impact of obesity on medication use and expenditures among nonelderly adults with asthma using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Obese classes II/III individuals were more likely to have current asthma, seek treatment for asthma, use more medications, and have higher medication and health care expenditures compared with normal weight individuals. Multivariate results indicate that if obese classes II/III were normal weight the probability of asthma treatment would decrease by 8.0 percentage points. Conditional on any asthma treatment, if obese classes II/III were normal weight the mean number of total prescribed medications would decrease by 19.42 fills, and expected expenditures on total prescribed medications and health care would decrease by $1,738.68 and $3,682.58, respectively. These results suggest that, all else equal, reduction in body weight may help reduce health resource use and expenditures for nonelderly adults with asthma.
The Pattern of Association between U.S. Economic Indicators and Infant Mortality Rates at the State Level
Authors: Kershenbaum Anne , Price Joshua , Nagle Nicholas N. , Erwin Paul Campbell
Published: August 2014

This cross-sectional ecological study examines the pattern of association of state income and income inequality (measured by Gini coefficient) with state infant mortality rates (IMRs) in the U.S. Scatter plots and correlation coefficients were used to examine bivariate associations and bubble plots to examine three-way relationships. Infant mortality rate was positively associated with Gini (R=0.397, p=.004) and negatively with income (R=–0.482, p <.001). However using Black and White IMRs, the associations with Gini were non-significant, but with income remained significant. The bubble plot of Gini versus White IMR (income represented by bubble size) showed increasing IMR as Gini increases and income decreases, except for a subgroup of high-gini, high-income states with low IMRs. State income appears to be a stronger and more consistent predictor of U.S. IMRs for both Black and White races and can explain the pattern of association of White IMR with state Gini coefficient.
Are Female College Students Who are Diagnosed with Depression at Greater Risk of Experiencing Sexual Violence on College Campus?
Authors: Hossain Mian B. , Memiah Peter , Adeyinka Adeyemi
Published: August 2014

We examined the association between depression and sexual violence among 18–24 year-old female college students using National College Health Assessment survey. Data were collected from a nationally representative sample of 10,541 female students on 33 college campuses. Results showed that female students who were reportedly ever diagnosed with depression were 1.56 times more likely than those who had never been diagnosed with depression to have experienced sexual violence. Female students who had one or more sexual partners currently were found 3.17 times more likely than those who had no sexual partner to have experienced sexual violence; similarly, female students who engaged in binge drinking in the previous two weeks were found about two times more likely than their counterparts to have experienced sexual violence. Depression is a public health issue and must be addressed sooner rather than later in order to reduce and prevent sexual violence on college campuses.
Definition and Management of Hypertension among Haitian Immigrants: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sanon Marie-Anne , Mohammed Selina A. , McCullagh Marjorie C.
Published: August 2014

Hypertension is a major health concern among Haitian immigrants, one of the largest Caribbean immigrant groups in the United States. Yet, little is known about how Hatian immigrants define and manage hypertension. For this qualitative study, face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 Haitian immigrants in Miami Dade County, Florida. Results indicated that most Haitian immigrants used the Haitian Creole word tansyon to represent hypertension. Tansyon was considered as either a normal condition of the human body or a maladi (illness). Both traditional biomedical and alternative approaches were used to manage hypertension. The findings show that how Haitian immigrants defined hypertension shaped their beliefs about its occurrence and the resulting management strategies used. Those who believed tansyon was a normal body condition did not take any management measures. Awareness and understanding of Haitian immigrants’ beliefs about and approaches to hypertension management can enhance culturally sensitive care and improve health outcomes.
Affecting African American Men’s Prostate Cancer Screening Decision-making through a Mobile Tablet-Mediated Intervention
Authors: Sultan Dawood H. , Rivers Brian M. , Osongo Ben O. , Wilson Danyell S. , Schenck April , Carvajal Rodrigo , Rivers Desiree , Roetzheim Richard , Green B. Lee
Published: August 2014

African American men experience a 60% higher incidence of prostate cancer and are more than twice as likely to die from it than White men. Evidence is insufficient to conclude that definitively screening for prostate cancer reduces the likelihood of morbidity or death. Patients are encouraged to discuss screening alternatives with health care providers for informed decision-making (IDM). The extent of IDM in clinical or community setting is not known. This study uses data from a community-based, computer-mediated, IDM intervention that targeted 152 African American aged 40 to 70. Pretest-posttest differences in means for prostate cancer knowledge, screening decisional conflict, and screening decisional self-efficacy were examined by two-tailed t -tests. Overall, the intervention significantly improved respondents’ prostate cancer knowledge (p<.0001), significantly improved decisional self-efficacy (p<.0001) and significantly reduced decisional conflict (p<.0001). Specifically, the intervention significantly promoted IDM among men who reported more education, being married, having financial resources, and younger age.
Opting to Opt-In: Policy Choice, Program Expectations and Results in West Virginia’s Medicaid Reform Initiative
Authors: Walsh Michael , Plein L. Christopher , Fitzgerald M. Paula , Gurley-Calvez Tami , Pellillo Adam
Published: August 2014

Following the passage of the Federal Deficit Reduction Act in 2005, a few states, including West Virginia, redesigned their Medicaid programs to emphasize personal responsibility and consumer-driven health decisions. The West Virginia program was implemented in 2006 and was subsequently abandoned in 2010 due to changes in Federal laws and continuing criticism by advocacy groups whose expectations for enrollment in a wellness-based plan were not met. Using the results of a survey of the West Virginia members, the authors explore the public policy and implementation factors of this program. We argue that initial policy design relied on existing implementation mechanisms, while it needed specific tactics to address the novelty of the choice members were facing. With the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the West Virginia results provide valuable insights for future health reform policy implementation, especially as they relate to consumer-directed health decision-making and the role of intermediaries who can play a role in assisting consumers in their choices.
“The Whole North Is Not Abolitionized”: Slavery’s Slow Death in New Jersey, 1830–1860
Authors: Gigantino James J.
Published: August 2014

This article explores how white and black New Jerseyans understood slavery and abolition in their state in the 1830s and 1840s. It examines how the emergence of an active abolition society, fervor over the presence of fugitive slaves, and the increasingly degraded relationship between the North and the South over slavery spurred a localized debate in New Jersey over slavery’s continuation. However, even with active abolitionist pressure and a population that increasingly eyed slavery and the South with suspicion, abolitionists never convinced the general population to support immediate black freedom. When New Jersey legislators finally abolished slavery in 1846, they did so grudgingly and under yet another graduated system. Instead of freeing all bound blacks, the legislature abolished the legal term “slave” and reclassified all former slaves as “apprentices for life.” New Jerseyans therefore displayed a remarkable ability to resist immediate abolition, which illustrates that slavery survived far longer and more powerfully in the North than previously imagined. More importantly, New Jerseyans did not disown their past relationships with slavery, but instead used them to inform their dealings with the institution in the 1840s and their relationship with the South in an increasingly divided nation. These past relationships then had a tangible impact on the sectional crisis as New Jersey and southern politicians shared an understanding of slavery and an astute knowledge of the various forms of unfreedom associated with it.
Myth-Making and Myth-Breaking in the Historiography on John Dickinson
Authors: Calvert Jane E.
Published: August 2014

John Dickinson cannot be understood by focusing narrowly on his actions at the time of independence. Neither can his thought be deduced from the few of his writings that have been reprinted in modern editions. But this fascinating, complex, and unique figure left an extensive written record