Implementing a Community Bipolar Screening Questionnaire in VT

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates the number of adults with a diagnosed mental disorder is nearly 1 in 5, this equates to about 43 million Americans. The national shortage of psychiatrists has hit Vermont particularly hard. There has been both a lack of funding and a lack of psychiatrists. For example there is often a waiting line for acute level 1 beds at the Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital since it opened after the flooding of the state hospital in 2011. In light of the shortage of resources and psychiatrists in Vermont it is important to maximize the limited time that family practitioners have with patients with mental illness. With regards to diagnosing bipolar spectrum disorder the best method is using the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) which is a 17 question survey and practical for an outpatient setting. A study examining the validity of the MDQ found that it provided good sensitivity (0.73, 95% [CI]=0.65–0.81) without sacrificing specificity (0.90, 95% CI=0.84–0.96). Another study was conducted in a community setting and it was found that the MDQ had a sensitivity of 0.28 and a specificity of 0.97. The MDQ has been proven to be effective in a psychiatric outpatient setting and been proven to be less effective or limited in the outpatient setting. However we must weigh the risks and benefits. In a setting like Vermont, with restricted resources, limited inpatient beds, lack of psychiatrists and a population of individuals with undiagnosed bipolar spectrum disorder the MDQ can prove to be more useful than harmful and can aid in identifying patients who potentially have bipolar spectrum disorder.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/fmclerk/1319/thumbnail.jp

Nutrition Education in Vermont Public Schools

Introduction. Despite positive changes, childhood obesity and food insecurity remain prevalent across the country. Vermont is not immune to these issues. We set out to: research the level of nutrition education Vermont elementary schools provide their students, understand teacher perceptions of these programs, and recommend ways to fill identified gaps. Methods. Our study is a cross-sectional survey of Vermont educators around nutrition education. The survey consisted of 17 questions, used LimeSurvey, and included demographic and nutrition education questions. The survey was distributed statewide through newsletters and list-servers. Results. 64 responses met inclusion criteria. Vermont elementary school (K-6) teachers report a mean satisfaction score of 2.51 out of 5.0 for their schools\u27 current nutrition education programs. School nurses reported a score of 2.5 out of 5.0. Highest satisfaction scores included school administrators and health and wellness coordinators (3.3 out of 5.0). When comparing teachers to non-classroom educators (administrators and nutrition educators) data showed a significant difference between high satisfaction (3-5) and low satisfaction (1-2); (Fischer p = 0.009). Overall, Vermont elementary school teachers report a high level of knowledge about nutrition, (4.1/5.0), but a lower level of understanding in their students (2.5/5.0). Conclusions. Given teacher perceptions regarding current school nutrition education programs, development and implementation of a state-wide nutrition education curriculum with dedicated teaching time may be warranted. Programs recommended by the CDC include Eat Well & Get Moving and Planet Health, designed by the Harvard School of Public Health. These could be adapted as a framework for Vermont.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1244/thumbnail.jp

Probing the reactivity of o-phthalaldehydic acid/methyl ester: synthesis of N-isoindolinones and 3-arylaminophthalides

A new method for the synthesis of N-substituted isoindolinones and 3-arylaminophthalides was developed through aza-Wittig/cyclisation. The reaction of o-phthalaldehydic acid methyl ester with benzylic, aromatic and aliphatic azides gave N-isoindolinones whereas reaction of o-phthalaldehydic acid with the aromatic azides gave 3-arylaminophthalides