Smoking Characteristics and Psychiatric Comorbidities of Pregnant Smokers: An Analysis of Quit4Baby Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Text messaging or short message service (SMS) programs have been shown to be effective in helping adult smokers quit smoking (Abroms et al., 2014). However, to our knowledge, no prior research has examined psychiatric comorbidities associated with smoking in the text messaging context. The risk of smoking has been shown to increase as a function of the number of psychiatric illnesses with which a person is diagnosed (Aubin, Rollema, Svensson, & Winterer, 2012). The current study examined this association and other correlates of smoking-psychiatric comorbidity in a sample of U.S. pregnant smokers enrolled in Quit4Baby, a smoking cessation text messaging program for pregnant smokers that was adapted from Text2Quit. Method: Pregnant women enrolled in Text4baby and who were current smokers or recent quitter (N=505) were enrolled in a Quit4Baby efficacy study. Those under the age of 14, not pregnant, without a cell phone for personal use, and not currently smoking were ineligible. Participants were surveyed at baseline, and self-report measures of psychiatric conditions and smoking outcomes were assessed. Results: Consistent with previous studies, the number of comorbid diagnoses was significantly associated with heavy (\u3e20 cigarettes/day) smoking. Moreover, among current smokers, there was a significant difference between groups on number of cigarettes smoked by number of psychiatric comorbidities as determined by one-way ANOVA (F(3, 503) = 7.789, p= Conclusions: The current findings of increased rates of mental disorders among smokers and nicotine-dependent smokers in the pregnant women population are supported by this study. The intention to stop smoking should be proactively supported among these comorbid pregnant smokers. Upon the conclusion of the Quit4Baby randomized controlled trial, the effectiveness of text messaging interventions on psychiatric comorbid pregnant smokers will be examined

Quit4baby: Results From a Pilot Test of a Mobile Smoking Cessation Program for Pregnant Women

Background: Text messaging programs have been shown to be effective in helping adult smokers quit smoking. This study describes the results of a pilot test of Quit4baby, a smoking cessation text messaging program for pregnant smokers that was adapted from Text2quit. Objective: The study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of Quit4baby for women currently enrolled in Text4baby, a perinatal health text messaging program. Methods: Pregnant women enrolled in Text4baby and who were current smokers or had quit within the last 4 weeks (N=20) were enrolled in Quit4baby. Those under age 18, not pregnant, not current smokers, those using nicotine replacement therapy and those not interested in participating were ineligible. Participants were surveyed at baseline and at 2 and 4 weeks post-enrollment. Results: Most participants responded to the program favorably. Highly rated aspects included the content of the program, skills taught within the program, and encouragement and social support provided by the program. Participants reported that the program was helpful in quitting, that the program gave good ideas on quitting, and that they would recommend the program to a friend. Suggestions for improvement included increasing the message dose and making the quitpal more interactive. Conclusions: The pilot test provides support for the feasibility and acceptability of Quit4baby. Future studies are needed to assess whether Quit4baby is effective for pregnancy smoking cessation

An ecotoxicological study of a population of the white footed mouse ( Peromyscus leucopus ) inhabiting a polychlorinated biphenyls-contaminated area

White footed mice ( Peromyscus leucopus ) inhabiting an area surrounding a pond (Tyler) contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and metals (Cadmium, Zinc, Copper) had whole body burdens of 0.42–4.17 ppm PCBs (mean 2.3 ppm) and animals from a comparison non-polluted site (WCC) had no detectable PCBs. Males and females caught at the polluted site in the winter months were not significantly different in body weight or length when compared to WCC animals, but Tyler animals had significantly increased relative liver, kidney, spleen and adrenal weights. In the summer months, mostly males were caught at both Tyler and WCC sites. Tyler males were significantly lighter than WCC males, and had a significantly increased relative liver weight when compared to the males from the WCC site. In addition, the adult Tyler males had significantly lower relative testis weights. At Tyler there was a significantly smaller proportion of juveniles and subadults in the population than at WCC. Polychlorinated biphenyls levels in the adult Tyler males were significantly positively correlated with relative liver weight, but there were no significant correlations with any of the other structures measured. These results suggest that at the polluted site there is inhibition of reproduction and changes in liver, spleen, adrenal, and testis function.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/48073/1/244_2005_Article_BF01056098.pd

Grammar-Based Geodesics in Semantic Networks

A geodesic is the shortest path between two vertices in a connected network. The geodesic is the kernel of various network metrics including radius, diameter, eccentricity, closeness, and betweenness. These metrics are the foundation of much network research and thus, have been studied extensively in the domain of single-relational networks (both in their directed and undirected forms). However, geodesics for single-relational networks do not translate directly to multi-relational, or semantic networks, where vertices are connected to one another by any number of edge labels. Here, a more sophisticated method for calculating a geodesic is necessary. This article presents a technique for calculating geodesics in semantic networks with a focus on semantic networks represented according to the Resource Description Framework (RDF). In this framework, a discrete "walker" utilizes an abstract path description called a grammar to determine which paths to include in its geodesic calculation. The grammar-based model forms a general framework for studying geodesic metrics in semantic networks.Comment: First draft written in 200

Lake Mead cover enhancement project

Ninety-three wildlife agencies were surveyed for information on their attempts to improve fish habitat. In addition, an annotated bibliography including over 100 summaries was completed on: 1. largemouth bass cover requirements and preferences, 2. use and effectiveness of artificial cover, 3. aquatic plant introduction and species requirements for germination and establishment, 4. terrestrial plant introduction and species requirements for germination and establishment, and 5. nutrient exchange between sediment, aquatic plants, and water. A reconnaissance of existing terrestrial and aquatic vegetation was completed in June 1986 including the production of a video tape of the Nevada shoreline of Lake Mead. Cover of terrestrial and aquatic vegetation at thirty selected coves was measured in August 1986. Soil and lake sediment samples from these coves were analyzed for texture, organic matter content, cation exchange capacity, total nitrogen, and total phosphorous. Electrical conductivity and pH was determined for selected, samples. Water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, and light transmittance were also recorded at each site. Eleven coves were observed seasonally for changes in aquatic and terrestrial vegetation. Submerged Christmas trees were observed for fish utilization from June 1986 to April 1987. Berkley Fish Habitat Modules were observed for fish use from June to October 1986. Conclusions and management recommendations are presented

Introduction and enhancement of vegetative cover at Lake Mead

Studies done by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and the Arizona Fish and Game between 1978 and 1981 indicate that inadequate cover may be limiting the production and survival of largemouth bass at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LMNRA). As a result of these studies, NDOW initiated a contract in 1986 with the Lake Mead Research Center (LMRC) to investigate means of improving habitat for game fish by introducing natural and/or artificial cover. During Phase I (1986-1987) of this contract, the shoreline of Lake Mead was surveyed for aquatic and terrestrial plant growth. Also during this time, submerged Christmas trees and Berkley Fish Habitat Modules were evaluated for their effectiveness in providing cover. Christmas trees appeared to provide cover for juvenile bluegill, a largemouth bass prey species. However, submerged trees lost their structure in about three years. Berkley Habitat Modules did not appear to be an effective form of cover. The National Park Service (NPS) asked that the introduction of artificial forms of cover not be continued until research was completed on the use of native plant material. Methods for aquatic and terrestrial plant introductions were determined during Phase II (1987-1988) of this contract. Other agencies and individuals involved in revegetation of reservoir inundation zones were contacted, and the literature was reviewed for plant material collecting procedures, planting guidelines, and site maintenance. A Plant Introduction Manual was compiled based on this information and was approved by the National Park Service for use in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. During the winter, dormant cuttings were taken of two woody species, Goodding\u27s Willow and seepwillow baccharis (Salix gooddingii and Baccharis glutinosa) to be planted in the spring of 1988. In addition, collections were made of three emergent species (Typha angustifolia, Scirpus robustus, and Phragmites australis). Plant material was transported to the Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) nursery where it was rooted and placed on pots for planting in May 1988. Sago pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus) tubers were introduced into small study plots in the spring of 1987. More tubers became established and were healthier in fertilized plots than in unfertilized plots. During Phase III (1988-1989) of this study, plant material was introduced into one cove in the lower basin and two coves in the upper basin of Lake Mead in April and May of 1988. Unpredicted low lake levels resulted in the loss of many plants. Survival rates of rooted material, however, were better than those of direct cuttings of woody plants. Site selection, particularly the soils of the site, appears to play a large part in survival. Seepwillow baccharis had the highest survival rates. In addition, greenhouse studies indicate that emergent plant tubers have some tolerance to dessication. Twelve hundred sago pondweed tubers were planted in April 1988 in one cove in the upper basin, and 1,200 tubers were planted in a cove in the lower basin. Tubers had 100 percent germination success and provided 70 percent cover for fish by July 1988. Approximately 10,000 sago pondweed tubers were planted in April 1989 in Waterbarge Cove in the lower basin. Tubers were planted in water depths ranging from very shallow to 12-15 meters deep. Germination and establishment of tubers were very good in depths less than 7 meters; however, little or no germination of tubers was noted at depths greater than 7 meters. A one-acre area of shoreline was hydroseeded in October 1988. Germination and establishment of seedlings was highest where soil moisture was between 20 and 30 percent. However, many seedlings were lost when water levels began to rise in January 1989

Quit4baby: Results from a pilot test of a mobile smoking cessation program for pregnant women

Background: Text messaging (short message service, SMS) programs have been shown to be effective in helping adult smokers quit smoking. This study describes the results of a pilot test of Quit4baby, a smoking cessation text messaging program for pregnant smokers that was adapted from Text2quit. Objective: The study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of Quit4baby for women currently enrolled in Text4baby, a perinatal health text messaging program. Methods: Pregnant women enrolled in Text4baby and who were current smokers or had quit within the last 4 weeks (n=20) were enrolled in Quit4baby. Those under the age of 18, not pregnant, not current smokers, those using nicotine replacement therapy, and those not interested in participating were ineligible. Participants were surveyed at baseline and at 2 and 4 weeks postenrollment. Results: Most participants responded to the program favorably. Highly rated aspects included the content of the program, skills taught within the program, and encouragement and social support provided by the program. Participants reported that the program was helpful in quitting, that the program gave good ideas on quitting, and that they would recommend the program to a friend. Suggestions for improvement included increasing the message dose and making the quitpal more interactive. Conclusions: This pilot test provides support for the feasibility and acceptability of Quit4baby. Future studies are needed to assess whether Quit4baby is effective for smoking cessation during pregnancy

Red swamp crayfish ecology in Lake Mead

Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) were trapped in Flamingo Wash, an urban wash of Las Vegas, during four periods of 1988. Life history and reproductive success were determined. The trapped crayfish were marked and released into a study cove in Lake Mead as part of an experimental stocking program. Retrap data from the study cove were used to determine life history, habitat preferences, and movement patterns of the stocked crayfish. In addition, a literature search was done on red swamp crayfish ecology, including food preferences, life history, habitat preferences and fish predation

Design and implementation of the START (STem cells for ARDS Treatment) trial, a phase 1/2 trial of human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells for the treatment of moderate-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome

Background: Despite advances in supportive care, moderate-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high mortality rates, and novel therapies to treat this condition are needed. Compelling pre-clinical data from mouse, rat, sheep and ex vivo perfused human lung models support the use of human mesenchymal stem (stromal) cells (MSCs) as a novel intravenous therapy for the early treatment of ARDS. Methods: This article describes the study design and challenges encountered during the implementation and phase 1 component of the START (STem cells for ARDS Treatment) trial, a phase 1/2 trial of bone marrow-derived human MSCs for moderate-severe ARDS. A trial enrolling 69 subjects is planned (9 subjects in phase 1, 60 subjects in phase 2 treated with MSCs or placebo in a 2:1 ratio). Results: This report describes study design features that are unique to a phase 1 trial in critically ill subjects and the specific challenges of implementation of a cell-based therapy trial in the ICU. Conclusions: Experience gained during the design and implementation of the START study will be useful to investigators planning future phase 1 clinical trials based in the ICU, as well as trials of cell-based therapy for other acute illnesses. Trial registration Clinical Trials Registration: NCT01775774 and NCT02097641

Identifying the needs of brain tumor patients and their caregivers

The purpose of this study is to identify the needs of brain tumor patients and their caregivers to provide improved health services to these populations. Two different questionnaires were designed for patients and caregivers. Both questionnaires contained questions pertaining to three realms: disease symptoms/treatment, health care provider, daily living/finances. The caregivers’ questionnaires contained an additional domain on emotional needs. Each question was evaluated for the degree of importance and satisfaction. Exploratory analyses determined whether baseline characteristics affect responder importance or satisfaction. Also, areas of high agreement/disagreement in satisfaction between the participating patient-caregiver pairs were identified. Questions for which >50% of the patients and caregivers thought were “very important” but >30% were dissatisfied include: understanding the cause of brain tumors, dealing with patients’ lower energy, identifying healthful foods and activities for patients, telephone access to health care providers, information on medical insurance coverage, and support from their employer. In the emotional realm, caregivers identified 9 out of 10 items as important but need further improvement. Areas of high disagreement in satisfaction between participating patient-caregiver pairs include: getting help with household chores (P value = 0.006) and finding time for personal needs (P value < 0.001). This study provides insights into areas to improve services for brain tumor patients and their caregivers. The caregivers’ highest amount of burden is placed on their emotional needs, emphasizing the importance of providing appropriate medical and psychosocial support for caregivers to cope with emotional difficulties they face during the patients’ treatment process