Breast density measurements with ultrasound tomography: A comparison with film and digital mammography

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134902/1/mp2057.pd

New genetic loci link adipose and insulin biology to body fat distribution.

Body fat distribution is a heritable trait and a well-established predictor of adverse metabolic outcomes, independent of overall adiposity. To increase our understanding of the genetic basis of body fat distribution and its molecular links to cardiometabolic traits, here we conduct genome-wide association meta-analyses of traits related to waist and hip circumferences in up to 224,459 individuals. We identify 49 loci (33 new) associated with waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for body mass index (BMI), and an additional 19 loci newly associated with related waist and hip circumference measures (P < 5 × 10(-8)). In total, 20 of the 49 waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for BMI loci show significant sexual dimorphism, 19 of which display a stronger effect in women. The identified loci were enriched for genes expressed in adipose tissue and for putative regulatory elements in adipocytes. Pathway analyses implicated adipogenesis, angiogenesis, transcriptional regulation and insulin resistance as processes affecting fat distribution, providing insight into potential pathophysiological mechanisms

Challenges and service needs of undocumented Mexican undergraduate students : students' voices and administrators' perspectives

Undocumented students as an identified student population at United States institutions of higher education tend to be a "hidden" group of students. Since 2001, when individual states began passing measures to provide undocumented students with in-state tuition benefits, the undocumented college student population across the United States has sharply increased. Because little empirical research has been conducted on this student population, the needs of undocumented students in higher education are not well known. This qualitative study identified the challenges faced by undocumented Mexican undergraduate students and their need for services after matriculation to a selective four-year institution of higher education. The study also explored the perceptions held by university administrators and the extent to which they understood the challenges and service needs of the undocumented student population. Based on the interview data collected from both undocumented students and university administrators, identified challenges of undocumented college students included: (a) struggling to succeed, (b) feeling the pressure of being a role model, (c) coping with frustration and uncertainty, (d) managing life as a "hidden" member of society, (e) missing out on opportunities, (f) perceptions of self as compared to other students, and (g) complications faced in utilizing campus services. Additionally, three service needs were identified, the need for: (a) accessible information, (b) designated personnel, and (c) legal services. The findings also revealed that university administrators, for the most part, knew very little about the undocumented student population on their campus. The examination of all the data led to a set of recommendations that identified ways in which higher education institutions could better serve this group of students. This study is one of the few studies in existence that has examined the experiences of undocumented students in higher education. Furthermore, no studies have been conducted on the perceptions that university administrators have about the challenges and service needs of the undocumented college students. Thus, this study expands the knowledge about what is known about undocumented students' experiences on a college campus and the extent to which university administrators understand the population.Educational Administratio

Oncologists\u27 Use of Patient Educational Materials about Cancer and Fertility Preservation

Background: This study sought to determine the prevalence of distribution of fertility preservation (FP) materials, source of the materials, and providers\u27 perceived relevance of the materials among a sample of US oncologists. Methods: A 53-item survey was administered via mail and the Web to a stratified sample of oncologists from the American Medical Association Masterfile. This study represents a subset of results, reporting on three survey items. Results: Among the 511 oncologists (32% response rate), only 13.5% (n = 69) reported ‘always or often’ giving their patients educational materials about FP. Among those who reported ever distributing materials, 39.5% used American Cancer Society materials, 11.0% used Fertile Hope, 6.4% used Lance Armstrong Foundation, and 11.8% used ‘other’. Among those who provided materials, only 27.4% believe the FP materials they provide are ‘relevant to patient\u27s specific cancer diagnosis’. Conclusion: There is need to improve oncologists\u27 distribution of FP educational materials to patients with cancer. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Oncologists\u27 Use of Patient Educational Materials about Cancer and Fertility Preservation

Background: This study sought to determine the prevalence of distribution of fertility preservation (FP) materials, source of the materials, and providers\u27 perceived relevance of the materials among a sample of US oncologists. Methods: A 53-item survey was administered via mail and the Web to a stratified sample of oncologists from the American Medical Association Masterfile. This study represents a subset of results, reporting on three survey items. Results: Among the 511 oncologists (32% response rate), only 13.5% (n = 69) reported ‘always or often’ giving their patients educational materials about FP. Among those who reported ever distributing materials, 39.5% used American Cancer Society materials, 11.0% used Fertile Hope, 6.4% used Lance Armstrong Foundation, and 11.8% used ‘other’. Among those who provided materials, only 27.4% believe the FP materials they provide are ‘relevant to patient\u27s specific cancer diagnosis’. Conclusion: There is need to improve oncologists\u27 distribution of FP educational materials to patients with cancer. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd