The use of complementary and alternative medicine among california adults with and without cancer.

This article examines the extent and correlates of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among a population-based sample of California adults that is highly diverse in terms of sociodemographic characteristics and health status. As a follow-up to a state-wide health survey of 55,428 people, 9187 respondents were interviewed by phone regarding their use of 11 different types of CAM providers, special diets, dietary supplements, mind-body interventions, self-prayer and support groups. The sample included all participants in the initial survey who reported a diagnosis of cancer, all the non-white respondents, as well as a random sample of all the white respondents. The relation of CAM use to the respondents' demographic characteristics and health status is assessed. CAM use among Californians is generally high, and the demographic factors associated with high rates of CAM use are the same in California as have been found in other studies. Those reporting a diagnosis of cancer and those who report other chronic health problems indicate a similar level of visits to CAM providers. However, those with cancer are less likely to report using special diets, and more likely to report using support groups and prayer. Health status, gender, ethnicity and education have an independent impact upon CAM use among those who are healthy as well as those who report suffering from chronic health problems, although the precise relation varies by the type of CAM used

Extracts of tamarillo, horned melon, and raspberries, but not extract of pear, inhibit human blood platelet aggregation: Investigating the underlying factors for their differential mechanisms

Fruit extracts may be cardioprotective via favorable modulation of platelet-blood vessel interaction. We here show that sugar-free extracts of tamarillo, horned melon (kiwano), and raspberry in a dose-dependent manner inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma. In contrast, pear extract had no such effect. Furthermore, analysisof untargeted metabolites revealed the presence of platelet inhibitory components such as benzoic acid, caffeic acid, and gallic acid in the sugar-free extracts of tamarillo, raspberry, and kiwano, but not in pear extract. All these three fruit extracts inhibited the platelet production of TxB2 and the release of platelet factor 4. In conclusion, our work suggests that tamarillo, raspberry, and kiwano inhibit platelet aggregation partly due to the high levels of anti-platelet compounds such as benzoic, caffeic, and gallic acids

Acute effects of oral mesna administration on the full amino acid profile and 3-methylhistidine: secondary results from the CYLOB dose-finding study

Plasma total cysteine (tCys) is strongly associated with fat mass in humans. Mesna lowers plasma tCys in a dose-dependent manner, but it is not known whether it interferes with metabolism of other amino acids or protein. In this Phase-1 study, we show that a single dose of mesna administered at 400, 800, 1200 or 1600 mg to 6–7 individuals per dose only slightly affects amino acid profiles, with increases in plasma valine across dose levels. There were no effects of mesna on 3-methylhistidine, a marker of protein breakdown

A Midpoint Process Evaluation of the Los Angeles Basin Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health Across the US (REACH US) Disparities Center, 2007-2009

BACKGROUND: Racial/ethnic minority groups have higher risks for disease resulting from obesity. COMMUNITY CONTEXT: The University of California, Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health partnered with community organizations to disseminate culturally targeted physical activity and nutrition-based interventions in worksites. METHODS: We conducted community dialogues with people from 59 government and nonprofit health and social service agencies to develop wellness strategies for implementation in worksites. Strategies included structured group exercise breaks and serving healthy refreshments at organizational functions. During the first 2 years, we subcontracted with 6 community-based organizations (primary partners) who disseminated these wellness strategies to 29 organizations within their own professional networks (secondary worksites) through peer modeling and social support. We analyzed data from the first 2 years of the project to evaluate our dissemination approach. OUTCOME: Primary partners had difficulty recruiting organizations in their professional network as secondary partners to adopt wellness strategies. Within their own organizations, primary partners reported significant increases in implementation in 2 of the 6 core organizational strategies for promoting physical activity and healthy eating. Twelve secondary worksites that completed organizational assessments on 2 occasions reported significant increases in implementation in 4 of the 6 core organizational strategies. INTERPRETATION: Dissemination of organizational wellness strategies by trained community organizations through their existing networks (train-the-trainer) was only marginally successful. Therefore, we discontinued this dissemination approach and focused on recruiting leaders of organizational networks

Peer navigation improves diagnostic follow-up after breast cancer screening among Korean American women: results of a randomized trial

To test an intervention to increase adherence to diagnostic follow-up tests among Asian American women. Korean American women who were referred for a diagnostic follow-up test (mainly diagnostic mammograms) and who had missed their follow-up appointment were eligible to participate in the study. Women from two clinics (n = 176) were randomly allocated to a usual care control arm or a peer navigator intervention arm. A 20-min telephone survey was administered to women in both study arms six months after they were identified to assess demographic and socio-economic characteristics and the primary outcome, self-reported completion of the recommended follow-up exam. Among women who completed the survey at six-month follow-up, self-reported completion of follow-up procedures was 97% in the intervention arm and 67% in the control arm (p < 0.001). Based on an intent-to-treat analysis of all women who were randomized and an assumption of no completion of follow-up exam for women with missing outcome data, self-reported completion of follow-up was 61% in the intervention arm and 46% in the usual care control arm (p < 0.069). Our results suggest that a peer navigator intervention to assist Korean American women to obtain follow-up diagnostic tests after an abnormal breast cancer screening test is efficacious

Factors influencing unsafe behaviors and accidents on construction sites: A review

Objective. Construction is a hazardous occupation due to the unique nature of activities involved and the repetitiveness of several field behaviors. The aim of this methodological and theoretical review is to explore the empirical factors influencing unsafe behaviors and accidents on construction sites. Methods. In this work, results and findings from 56 related previous studies were investigated. These studies were categorized based on their design, type, methods of data collection, analytical methods, variables, and key findings. A qualitative content analysis procedure was used to extract variables, themes, and factors. In addition, all studies were reviewed to determine the quality rating and to evaluate the strength of provided evidence. Results. The content analysis identified 8 main categories: (a) society, (b) organization, (c) project management, (d) supervision, (e) contractor, (f) site condition, (g) work group, and (h) individual characteristics. The review highlighted the importance of more distal factors, e.g., society and organization, and project management, that may contribute to reducing the likelihood of unsafe behaviors and accidents through the promotion of site condition and individual features (as proximal factors). Conclusion. Further research is necessary to provide a better understanding of the links between unsafe behavior theories and empirical findings, challenge theoretical assumptions, develop new applied theories, and make stronger recommendations

Primary choriocarcinoma of the renal pelvis presenting as intracerebral hemorrhage: a case report and review of the literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>A choriocarcinoma is a malignant neoplasm normally arising in the gestational trophoblast, gonads and, less frequently, the retroperitoneum, mediastinum and pineal gland. Primary choriocarcinomas of the renal pelvis are extremely rare.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report a case of primary choriocarcinoma of the renal pelvis in a 38-year-old Greek woman of reproductive age, presenting with a sudden development of intracerebral hemorrhage due to metastatic lesions. The diagnosis was established with a renal biopsy, along with an elevated serum level of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin. An extensive diagnostic work up confirmed the origin of the choriocarcinoma to be the renal pelvis.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Extragonadal choriocarcinomas are rare neoplasms that require extensive laboratory and imaging studies to exclude a gonadal origin. Moreover, this is the first case of severe intracerebral hemorrhage as the initial presentation of primary choriocarcinoma of the renal pelvis. Nonetheless, choriocarcinomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of women of reproductive age.</p

Conducting Health Research in Korean American Churches: Perspectives from Church Leaders

Korean Americans experience many challenges to obtaining adequate health care coverage and access to needed services. Because a large proportion of Korean Americans attend churches on a regular basis, churches may be a promising venue where health programs can be delivered. In order to gain an in-depth understanding of Korean American churches with respect to conducting future health intervention research, we conducted exploratory interviews and focus groups with 58 leaders from 23 Korean American churches and three community organizations. From these interviews and focus groups, we found that Korean churches and church leaders seek to meet a variety of social and health needs of their congregation and their surrounding community. Several leaders have stated that assisting with social and medical needs of their members is an important component of their current ministry. They described profound health needs of their congregations and have suggested various ways in which the university can partner with the local churches to help address these needs through research. Additionally, they described various resources churches can provide to researchers such as: their personal assistance, church volunteer base, church facility, and church network and contacts. Our findings suggest that Korean churches have a high potential to serve an important role in the health of Korean Americans. On the basis of the promising results of the present study, we are planning to conduct a cross sectional survey of Korean church leaders and members in Los Angeles County to substantiate our findings in a larger representative sample