CW and Q-switched performance of a diode end-pumped Yb:YAG laser

Using an end-pumped technology developed at LLNL we have demonstrated a YB:YAG laser capable of delivering up to 150 W of CW power and 100 W of Q-switched power

The Influence of Neighborhood Poverty on Blood Glucose Levels: Findings from the Community Initiative to Eliminate Stroke (CITIES) program

Objectives: To examine the relationship between both individual and neighborhood level characteristics and non-fasting blood glucose levels.Study design: This study used a cross sectional design using data from the Community Initiative to Eliminate Stroke Program in NC (2004-2008). A total of 12,809 adults nested within 550 census block groups from two adjacent urban counties were included in the analysis.Methods: Participants completed a cardiovascular risk factor assessment with self-reported demographics, stroke-risk behaviors, and biometric measurements. Neighborhood level characteristics were based upon census data. Three multilevel models were constructed for data analysis.Results: Mean blood glucose level of this sample population was 103.61mg/dL. The unconditional model 1 suggested a variation in mean blood glucose levels among the neighborhoods (t00=13.39; P Conclusions: The findings provide evidence that neighborhood disadvantage is a significant predictor of neighborhood and individual level blood glucose levels. One approach to diabetes prevention could be for policymakers to address the problems associated with environmental determinants of health

Performance of a diode-end-pumped Yb:YAG laser

Using an end-pumped technology developed at LLNL we have demonstrated a Yb:YAG laser capable of delivering up to 434 W of CW power and 280 W of Q-switched power. In addition, we have frequency doubled the output to 515 nm using a dual crystal scheme to produce 76 W at 10 kHz in a 30 ns pulse length

Neighborhood Disadvantage and Variations in Blood Pressure

Purpose: To examine the extent to which neighborhood disadvantage accounts for variation in blood pressure. Methods: Demographic, biometric, and self-reported data from 19 261 health screenings were used. Addresses of participants were geocoded and located within census block groups (n= 14 510, 75.3%). Three hierarchical linear models were formulated to identify individual and census block group risk factors for hypertension. Neighborhood-level deprivation was determined using the Townsend Deprivation Index. Results: Of the 14 510 participants, 24% had a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of = 140 mmHg, and 15% had a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of = 90 mmHg, indicating hypertension. At the neighborhood level, significant variation in average SBP and DBP across census block groups (P P P= .009). Discussion: The findings highlight the role of individual and neighborhood characteristics on blood pressure, specifically SBP. Modifying neighborhood contexts may help reduce environmental risks of hypertension. Translation to Health Education Practice: Educating officials about health risks for residents associated with neighborhood resources is essential in changing policies and reallocating resources

The Influence of Neighborhood Poverty on Blood Glucose Levels: Findings from the Community Initiative to Eliminate Stroke (CITIES) program

Objectives:  To examine the relationship between both individual and neighborhood level characteristics and non-fasting blood glucose levels.Study design: This study used a cross sectional design using data from the Community Initiative to Eliminate Stroke Program in NC (2004-2008).  A total of 12,809 adults nested within 550 census block groups from two adjacent urban counties were included in the analysis.Methods:   Participants completed a cardiovascular risk factor assessment with self-reported demographics, stroke-risk behaviors, and biometric measurements.  Neighborhood level characteristics were based upon census data.  Three multilevel models were constructed for data analysis.Results:  Mean blood glucose level of this sample population was 103.61mg/dL.  The unconditional model 1 suggested a variation in mean blood glucose levels among the neighborhoods (τ00 = 13.39; P < .001).  Both models 2 and 3 suggested that the neighborhood composite deprivation index had a significant prediction on each neighborhood’s mean blood glucose level (¡01= .69; P < 0.001,¡01= .36; P = .004).  Model 3 also suggested that across all the neighborhoods, on average, after controlling for individual level risk factors, deprivation remained a significant predictor of blood glucose levels.Conclusions:  The findings provide evidence that neighborhood disadvantage is a significant predictor of neighborhood and individual level blood glucose levels.  One approach to diabetes prevention could be for policymakers to address the problems associated with environmental determinants of health

Predictors of Congruency between Self-reported Hypertension Status and Measured Blood Pressure in the Stroke Belt

Background: Few studies have comprehensively investigated the validity of self-reported hypertension (HTN) and assessed predictors of HTN status in the stroke belt. This study evaluates validity self-reporting as a tool to screen large study populations and determine predictors of congruency between self-reported HTN and clinical measures. Methods: Community Initiative to Eliminate Stroke project (n = 16,598) was conducted in two counties of North Carolina in 2004 to 2007, which included collection of self-reported data and clinical data of stroke-related risk factors. Congruency between self-reported HTN status and clinical measures was based on epidemiological parameters of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. McNemar’s test and Kappa agreement levels assessed differences in congruency, while odds ratios and logistic regression determined significant predictors of congruency. Results: Sensitivity of self-reported HTN was low (33.3%), but specificity was high (89.5%). Prevalence of self-reported HTN was 16.15%. Kappa agreement between self-report and clinical measures for blood pressure was fair (k = 0.25). Females, whites, and young adults were most likely to be positively congruent, whereas individuals in high risk categories for total blood cholesterol, low density lipoproteins, triglycerides, and diabetes were least likely to accurately capture their HTN status. Conclusion: Self-report HTN information should be used with caution as an epidemiological investigation tool

Ethnic and Racial Differences of Baseline Stroke Knowledge in a “Stroke Belt” Community

Acute stroke is often a treatable condition; however, intervention is time dependent and typically should ensue within 3 hr from onset of symptoms. The ability of individuals to understand stroke risk factors to reduce individual risk and to recognize warning signs and symptoms of stroke as signals to initiate medical care is paramount to decreasing stroke-related morbidity and mortality. This descriptive study presents ethnic and racial differences of baseline stroke knowledge among residents (n = 1,904) of two North Carolina counties situated in the Stroke Belt. Findings suggest a global stroke knowledge deficit that is more pronounced among Hispanics. Future community stroke education campaigns need to consider various educational mediums and outlets to ensure inclusion of persons at highest risk for stroke. Suggestions are provided for possible content of future stroke knowledge and prevention campaign

Predictors of Uncontrolled Hypertension in the Stroke Belt

Inadequate control of high systolic blood pressure in older adults has been largely attributable to poor control of overall hypertension (HTN). The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) guidelines emphasize the importance of controlling isolated systolic HTN in older adults. The study examined demographics, self-reported health information, and clinical measures as predictors of uncontrolled HTN among individuals taking antihypertensive medications. The Community Initiative to Eliminate Stroke, a stroke risk factor screening and prevention project, collected data in two North Carolina counties. Statistical modeling of predictors included odds ratios (ORs) and logistic regression analyses. Of the 2663 participants, 43.5% and 22.8% had uncontrolled systolic and diastolic HTN, respectively. African Americans were more likely to have uncontrolled systolic (60%) or diastolic HTN (70.9%) compared with whites (40% and 29.1%, respectively). Participants 55 years and older were more likely to have uncontrolled systolic HTN compared with younger individuals. Regression analyses showed that race (OR, 1.239; P=.00), age (OR, 1.683; P=.00), and nonadherence with medications (OR, 2.593; P=.00) were significant predictors of uncontrolled systolic HTN. Future interventions should focus on improving management of isolated systolic HTN in older adults and African Americans to increase overall control of HTN

Does providing nutrition information at vending machines reduce calories per item sold?

In 2010, the United States (US) enacted a restaurant menu labeling law. The law also applied to vending machine companies selling food. Research suggested that providing nutrition information on menus in restaurants might reduce the number of calories purchased. We tested the effect of providing nutrition information and 'healthy' designations to consumers where vending machines were located in college residence halls. We conducted our study at one university in Southeast US (October-November 2012). We randomly assigned 18 vending machines locations (residence halls) to an intervention or control group. For the intervention we posted nutrition information, interpretive signage, and sent a promotional email to residents of the hall. For the control group we did nothing. We tracked sales over 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after we introduced the intervention. Our intervention did not change what the residents bought. We recommend additional research about providing nutrition information where vending machines are located, including testing formats used to present information

Factors Related to the Number of Fast Food Meals Obtained by College Meal Plan Students

Objectives: This study tested whether days on campus, financial access through a meal plan, and health consciousness were associated with number of meals that college students obtained from fast food restaurants. Participants and Methods: In April 2013, all students currently enrolled in a meal plan were invited to participate in an online survey (N= 1,246). Students were asked to report the total number of meals eaten in the past week and where they obtained them. Results: Negative binomial regression was used, and it was found that the number of meals obtained from fast food restaurants was positively associated with financial access and negatively associated with health consciousness. An association between days on campus and the number of meals obtained from fast food restaurants was not found. Conclusions: Increasing levels of health consciousness and reducing access to fast food restaurants through flex plans may reduce college students’ consumption of fast food