Radon, From the Ground into Our Schools: Parent/Guardian Awareness of Radon Levels in Vermont Schools

Introduction. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Ex- posure to radon in schools may be harmful to schoolchildren, faculty, and staff, but there is currently no legislation mandating testing or mitigation of radon levels in Vermont schools. Objectives. The goal of our study was to assess Vermont parents’ awareness of radon’s harmful effects, as well as awareness of and support for testing and mitigation of radon levels in their children’s schools. Methods. We distributed paper and online surveys to Vermont parents of children grades K-12. 126 surveys were received and quantitatively analyzed. We held a focus group of two Vermont parents to gather qualitative data. Results. Most surveyed parents demonstrated general knowledge of radon, but only 51% believed that radon affects the lungs. 8% were confident that their children’s schools had informed them about radon levels. 91.2% believe their children’s schools should take action to address elevated radon levels and 87% would support mandated mitigation. There is some concern and lack of knowledge about the financial implications of radon mitigation. Conclusions. Most Vermont parents of children grades K-12 are unaware that radon is a lung carcinogen and do not know their children’s school’s radon levels or mitigation status. However, most are in favor of legislation that would require testing and dis- closure of schools’ high radon levels. Educating parents about school radon levels and their association with lung cancer could be a foundation for community support of legislation that mandates testing and mitigation of radon in Vermont schools.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1252/thumbnail.jp

The clinical and behavioral cardiometabolic risk of children and young people on mental health inpatient units: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: Serious mental illness is associated with physical health comorbidities, however most research has focused on adults. We aimed to synthesise existing literature on clinical and behavioral cardiometabolic risk factors of young people on mental health inpatient units. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted, using electronic searches of PsycINFO, EMBASE, AMED, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Ovid MEDLINE. Eligible studies included child/adolescent mental health inpatient units for 25) was 32.4% (95% CI 26.1%–39.5%; n = 2789), and who were obese (BMI > 30) was 15.5% (95% CI 4.5%–41.6%; n = 2612). Pooled prevalence rates for tobacco use was 51.5% (95% CI 32.2–70.2; N = 804,018). Early signs of metabolic risk were observed; elevated blood cholesterol, presence of physical health conditions, and behavioral risk factors (e.g. physical inactivity). Conclusions: This review highlights the vulnerability of young people admitted to inpatient units and emphasises the opportunity to efficiently monitor, treat and intervene to target physical and mental health

Stress Identification and Management in COTS Family Shelter Residents

Introduction. Previous studies have demonstrated that the homeless population experience higher stress levels than the general population. The goal of our study was to identify potential sources of stress for families staying with COTS, the largest service provider for the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in Vermont, and also to gauge potential interest in evidence-based stress-reduction strategies. Methods. Interviews were conducted with seven adult representatives of seven different families (of fourteen eligible) currently residing at the family shelters managed by COTS, in fall 2016. Questions included a mix of short answer items and open ended prompts. Responses that yielded quantifiable data were compiled while responses that were open-ended were qualitatively analyzed to extract core themes. Results. 6 out of 7 residents indicated they were at least as stressed while living at COTS as when they were homeless, and 5 out of 7 were receptive to some form of stress reduction. Common stressors included health, finances, lack of privacy, children and employment status. Discussion. Residents at the family shelters come from a variety of cultural and experiential backgrounds. The composition of COTS\u27 inhabitants and their needs are in dynamic flux. Accordingly, our conclusions may not translate into the future. Our observations underscore a need and a desire for stress-reduction intervention. Thus, we recommend COTS pilot both a weekly mediation class and weekly yoga class. We also suggest the organization provide nutritional information sheets to residents and explore implementing a car share program.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1243/thumbnail.jp

Assessing Health Concerns & Obstacles to Diesel Exposure Reduction in Vermont Diesel Vehicle Operators

Background and Objectives: Diesel vehicle idling reduction is an important national environmental and legislative issue. Exposure to diesel exhaust is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, including: • Lung & esophageal cancer • Asthma • Cardiovascular disease • Neurotoxicity • Decreased sperm count & testosterone deficiency Drivers of diesel vehicles have specifically been shown to have increased incidence and death from lung cancer. Diesel engines emit a number of known hazardous chemicals, including carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, sulfur dioxide, benzene, formaldehyde, and acrolein, into the air supply. While public health efforts to reduce diesel idling in Vermont and elsewhere have identified employers’ significant financial incentives in fuel conservation, perhaps there is also a role for appealing to drivers themselves: the people who are incurring the most direct exposure. It is unknown, however, whether Vermont diesel vehicle operators are aware of the health effects of diesel exhaust – or, more significantly, whether they are concerned about it. In order to identify potential targets for future interventions to reduce diesel idling in Vermont, this study aims to probe the following: • Have Vermont drivers been educated about exhaust exposure? • Are they concerned about potential health effects of diesel? • Are they satisfied with their understanding of the health impact of diesel fuel? • What are their health concerns, more generally? • What resources for health information do they respect? • What are their specific obstacles to idling reduction?https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1046/thumbnail.jp

Hypertension Education and the Burlington Housing Authority

Background: • 2/3 seniors are hypertensive (\u3e140/90 mm Hg) • Hypertension is the most common risk factor for premature heart disease and stroke • Non-modifiable risk factors: race, age, sex, diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia • Modifiable risk factors: smoking, obesity, and excessive alcohol • Clinical trials show that lifestylemodification and medications can reduce the incidence of adverse outcomes associated with hypertension • Patient education is a high priorityhttps://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1026/thumbnail.jp

Temporal Changes in Ebola Transmission in Sierra Leone and Implications for Control Requirements: a Real-time Modelling Study.

BACKGROUND: Between August and November 2014, the incidence of Ebola virus disease (EVD) rose dramatically in several districts of Sierra Leone. As a result, the number of cases exceeded the capacity of Ebola holding and treatment centres. During December, additional beds were introduced, and incidence declined in many areas. We aimed to measure patterns of transmission in different regions, and evaluate whether bed capacity is now sufficient to meet future demand. METHODS: We used a mathematical model of EVD infection to estimate how the extent of transmission in the nine worst affected districts of Sierra Leone changed between 10th August 2014 and 18th January 2015. Using the model, we forecast the number of cases that could occur until the end of March 2015, and compared bed requirements with expected future capacity. RESULTS: We found that the reproduction number, R, defined as the average number of secondary cases generated by a typical infectious individual, declined between August and December in all districts. We estimated that R was near the crucial control threshold value of 1 in December. We further estimated that bed capacity has lagged behind demand between August and December for most districts, but as a consequence of the decline in transmission, control measures caught up with the epidemic in early 2015. CONCLUSIONS: EVD incidence has exhibited substantial temporal and geographical variation in Sierra Leone, but our results suggest that the epidemic may have now peaked in Sierra Leone, and that current bed capacity appears to be sufficient to keep the epidemic under-control in most districts

The LawWorks Law School Pro Bono and Clinic Survey 2014

A survey of UK law schools use of clinical legal education and pro bono services

Receptor specificity of subtype H1 influenza A viruses isolated from swine and humans in the United States

The evolution of classical swine influenza viruses receptor specificity preceding the emergence of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus was analyzed in glycan microarrays. Classical swine influenza viruses from the α, β, and γ antigenic clusters isolated between 1945 and 2009 revealed a binding profile very similar to that of 2009 pandemic H1N1 viruses, with selectivity for α2-6-linked sialosides and very limited binding to α2-3 sialosides. Despite considerable genetic divergence, the ‘human-like’ H1N1 viruses circulating in swine retained strong binding preference for α2-6 sialylated glycans. Interspecies transmission of H1N1 influenza viruses from swine to humans or from humans to swine has not driven selection of viruses with distinct novel receptor binding specificities. Classical swine and human seasonal H1N1 influenza viruses have conserved specificity for similar α2-6-sialoside receptors in spite of long term circulation in separate hosts, suggesting that humans and swine impose analogous selection pressures on the evolution of receptor binding function