An Integrated Model of Safer Sex Practices among African-American Gay and Bisexual Men

Models of safer sex enable researchers to identify specific constructs that can be used to promote health behavior and are more effective than interventions without a theoretical base. This study tested basic and modified forms of the Theory of Reasoned Action and Information Motivation Behavioral Skills models among 151 African American gay/bisexual men. Gay socialization was added to an integrated model to see if this minority-specific contextual variable would improve the model. Self-efficacy was tested as an independent variable and a mediating variable. The results suggest that an integrated model of safer sex practices should include benefits/barriers to condom use, social norm perceptions, sexual assertiveness, and self-efficacy (as a mediating variable). Gay socialization did not improve the model statistically but may influence safer sex behavior conceptually and pragmatically

Testing the Health Belief Model among African-American Gay/Bisexual Men with Self-Efficacy and Minority-Specific Contextual Variables

This study used structural equation modeling to test variations of the Health Belief Model in predicting safer sex intentions among 151 African-American gay/bisexual men. Acculturation and gay socialization were included to see if minority-specific contextual variables improved the model fit. Perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, and cues to action did not improve the model. Including self-efficacy as a mediating variable improved the model and overall prediction of safer sex intentions. Although acculturation and gay socialization were not statistically significant additions to the model, there are conceptual and practical reasons why these variables may influence safer sex intentions among African-American gay/bisexual men

Effect of Catheter Ablation on Progression of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/90181/1/j.1540-8167.2011.02137.x.pd

Utility of Atrial and Ventricular Cycle Length Variability in Determining the Mechanism of Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/72411/1/j.1540-8167.2007.00860.x.pd

Randomized Comparison of Cavotricuspid Isthmus Ablation for Atrial Flutter Using an Open Irrigation‐Tip versus a Large‐Tip Radiofrequency Ablation Catheter

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/86825/1/j.1540-8167.2011.02045.x.pd

Mapping and Ablation of Frequent Post-Infarction Premature Ventricular Complexes

Mapping of Post-Infarction PVCs .  Introduction: Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) occur frequently in patients with heart disease. The sites of origin of PVCs in patients with prior myocardial infarction and the response to catheter ablation have not been systematically assessed. Methods and Results: In 28 consecutive patients (24 men, age 60 ± 10, ejection fraction [EF] 0.37 ± 0.14) with remote myocardial infarction referred for catheter ablation of symptomatic refractory PVCs, the PVCs were mapped by activation mapping or pace mapping using an irrigated-tip catheter in conjunction with an electroanatomic mapping system. The site of origin (SOO) was classified as being within low-voltage (scar) tissue (amplitude ≤1.5 mV) or tissue with preserved voltage (>1.5 mV). The SOO was confined to endocardial scar tissue in 24/28 patients (86%). The SOO was outside of scar in 3 patients and could not be identified in 1 patient. At the SOO, local endocardial activation preceded the PVC by 46 ± 19 ms, and the electrogram amplitude during sinus rhythm was 0.48 ± 0.34 mV. The PVCs were effectively ablated in 25/28 patients (89%), resulting in a decrease in PVC burden on a 24-hour Holter monitor from 15.6 ± 12.3% to 2.4 ± 4.2% (P < 0.001). The SOO most often was confined to scar tissue located in the left ventricular septum and the papillary muscles. Conclusion: Similar to post-infarction ventricular tachycardia, PVCs after remote myocardial infarction most often originate within scar tissue. Catheter ablation of these PVCs has a high-success rate. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 1002-1008, September 2010)Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/79266/1/j.1540-8167.2010.01771.x.pd

Anticoagulant Therapy and Risk of Cerebrovascular Events After Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/90264/1/j.1540-8167.2011.02141.x.pd

Time‐ and Frequency‐Domain Characteristics of Atrial Electrograms During Sinus Rhythm and Atrial Fibrillation

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/87064/1/j.1540-8167.2011.02022.x.pd

Complex Electrograms Within the Coronary Sinus: Time- and Frequency-Domain Characteristics, Effects of Antral Pulmonary Vein Isolation, and Relationship to Clinical Outcome in Patients with Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/73243/1/j.1540-8167.2008.01175.x.pd