The Effects of Tobacco Policy on Tobacco Treatment in Psychiatric Institutions

Introduction: Tobacco use among those with mental illnesses is substantially higher than the general population. To avoid tobacco related comorbidities, tobacco policies are an important aspect for control of tobacco use, exposure, and to support tobacco treatment. Aim: To conduct a systematic literature review of tobacco treatment policies in psychiatric institutions and examine the knowledge, availability of resources, and perceived barriers for treating tobacco use among managers. Method: There were two main parts used to examine tobacco treatment policies in psychiatric facilities. First, a review of the literature summarized the effect of different tobacco-free policies on tobacco treatment delivery in psychiatric facilities. Second, a cross-sectional survey was used to determine the knowledge, availability of resources, and perceived barriers to tobacco treatment among managers in a psychiatric facility; and compare the responses of clinician and non-clinician managers. Results: Some studies found insufficient knowledge about smoking cessation interventions and the introduction of smoke-free policies in all studies was associated with increases in tobacco treatment being offered to patients in various psychiatric settings. Some of the respondents seemed to have a misperception regarding the provision of a tobacco treatment program and lacked knowledge about the availability of resources for treating tobacco dependence. In addition, a majority of respondents demonstrated poor knowledge about tobacco-related signage and written material for tobacco use policies. Discussion: The public health implications of restricting tobacco use in and around a psychiatric hospital are to decrease the risk of second-hand smoking, increase patient adherence, and reduce tobacco use among those with mental illness. Conclusion: The importance of promoting policies to reduce tobacco use, exposure, and supporting tobacco treatment is vital to the health and well-being for mentally ill individuals

Introduction to Social Media: Culture, Identity, and Inclusion Minitrack

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Impaired Function of Antibodies to Pneumococcal Surface Protein A but not to Capsular Polysaccharide in Mexican American Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The goal of the study was to determine baseline protective titers of antibodies to Streptococcus pneumoniae surface protein A (PspA) and capsular polysaccharide in individuals with and individuals without type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 561 individuals (131 individuals with diabetes and 491 without) were screened for antibodies to PspA using a standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A subset of participants with antibodies to PspA were retested using a WHO ELISA to determine titers of antibodies to capsular polysaccharide (CPS) (serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, and 23F). Functional activity of antibodies was measured by assessing their ability to enhance complement (C3) deposition on pneumococci and promote killing of opsonized pneumococci. Titers of antibodies to protein antigens (PspA) were significantly lower in individuals with diabetes than controls without diabetes (P = 0.01), and antibodies showed a significantly reduced complement deposition ability (P = 0.02). Both antibody titers and complement deposition were negatively associated with hyperglycemia. Conversely, titers of antibodies to capsular polysaccharides were either comparable between the two groups or were significantly higher in individuals with diabetes, as was observed for CPS 14 (P = 0.05). The plasma specimens from individuals with diabetes also demonstrated a higher opsonophagocytic index against CPS serotype 14. Although we demonstrate comparable protective titers of antibodies to CPS in individuals with and individuals without diabetes, those with diabetes had lower PspA titers and poor opsonic activity strongly associated with hyperglycemia. These results suggest a link between diabetes and impairment of antibody response.CCTS 1U54RR023417-01National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD) MD000170 P20Centers for Clinical and Translational Science from the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)Cellular and Molecular Biolog

Perceptions of African American Male College Students With Technical Majors on the Successful Pursuit of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Careers

Perceptions of African American Male College Students With Technical Majors on the Successful Pursuit of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Careers. Theodore Sharper, Jr., 2014: Applied Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler School of Education. ERIC Descriptors: STEM Education, African American Achievement, Black Studies, Engineering, Higher Education This qualitative study examines the lived experiences of current African American male college students in order to determine motivators of persistence during the pursuit of undergraduate STEM degrees. African American males are noticeably underrepresented in technical fields like engineering, computer science, and mathematics. The need for America to maintain a global competitive advantage and dramatic changes in national demographics have created a sense of urgency regarding the recruitment of African American males into STEM degree programs (Palmer, Davis, Moore, & Hilton, 2010). To this end, research is required to further understand the experiences of current African American male STEM students to potentially increase participation in college STEM programs. Contributors to success for African American males pursuing STEM degrees include (a) sound pre-college academic preparation, (b) maintaining high self-efficacy and outcome expectations, and (c) the establishment of reliable academic and social support structures on college campuses and at home. Pertinent data was collected to capture the perceptions and experiences of African American male learners. The findings were used in conjunction with the reviewed literature and the theoretical framework based on the constructs of Social Cognition Career Theory (SCCT) to formulate a grounded theory regarding determinants of persistence and success. Based on the data, the emergent theory may assist educators in increasing the participation of African American males in college STEM programs