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Students are an important stakeholder in an educational institute. Students' performance plays a vital role in producing excellent graduate students who will be the future viable leaders and skilled manpower for the industry and the society. The College Community Web portal is an AI-based book listing and student community-based web application. Basically, it assists in solving the problems that are faced by students in their educational journey. Fresher students face difficulties to get new books and notes whereas seniors may come across difficulties to sell books and notes. This app will also help faculty to analyze the attendance of each student and give them behavioural feedback, analyze the results of students and give feedback results also. The application also contains a doubt-solving session according to the area of interest where students post their doubts and people help to solve their problems and provide appropriate solutions. The feedback from the application is useful in improving the efficiency of the teaching learning process.

Atom-optics kicked rotor represents an experimentally reliable version of the paradigmatic quantum kicked rotor system. In this system, a periodic sequence of kicks are imparted to the cold atomic cloud. After a short initial diffusive phase the cloud settles down to a stationary state due to the onset of dynamical localization. In this paper, to explore the interplay between localized and diffusive phases, we experimentally implement a modification to this system in which the sign of the kick sequence is flipped after every M kicks. This is achieved in our experiment by allowing free evolution for half the Talbot time after every M kicks. Depending on the value of M, this modified system displays a combination of enhanced diffusion followed by asymptotic localization. This is explained as resulting from two competing processes-localization induced by standard kicked rotor type kicks, and diffusion induced by the half Talbot time evolution. The experimental and numerical simulations agree with one another. The evolving states display localized but nonexponential wave function profiles. This provides another route to quantum control in the kicked rotor class of systems.

Objective. To evaluate the association between preprocedural hypertension and the risk of prolonged bleeding following image-guided core needle breast biopsy in nonpregnant/nonlactating women. Methods. A single institution-based, retrospective cohort study of 400 women who underwent image-guided core needle breast biopsy was conducted. Males and pregnant and lactating women were excluded. Preprocedural systolic or diastolic blood pressure greater than 140 or 90 mm of Hg, respectively, was defined as hypertension. Prolonged bleeding was defined >15 minutes of local, manual pressure required to achieve hemostasis following the biopsy. Severe bleeding complications defined as clinical significant hematoma formation, prolonged bleeding requiring an ER visit, hospitalization, or surgical intervention were also recorded. Results. The difference in the mean time for which manual pressure was held after biopsy for patients with and without preprocedural hypertension was not statistically significant (13 ± 7 vs. 13 ± 8 minutes, respectively, P = 0.856). There was no difference in the number of patients requiring manual postoperative pressure >15 minutes between those with preprocedural hypertension and the normotensive patients (13% vs. 12%, respectively, P = 0.765). Bivariate analysis demonstrated statistically significant association between prolonged bleeding and current antithrombotic or antiplatelet medication use ( P = 0.010), the use of stereotactic guidance ( P = 0.019), and a tethered vacuum-assisted device ( P = 0.045). The use of a tethered vacuum-assisted biopsy device was the only variable associated with prolonged bleeding in the multivariate model ( P = 0.044). Conclusion. Preprocedural hypertension is not a risk factor for prolonged bleeding following image-guided core needle breast biopsies in nonpregnant/nonlactating women.

The rivers in Mumbai are highly polluted with plastic waste and these rivers end up in the Arabian Sea, which brings all this waste back to the land during high tides. This garbage keeps piling up on land and it is difficult to manage this waste. Plastic waste causes harm to wildlife, environment, and human beings. Therefore. it is decided to design a rectangular suspended sea bin with the non-return flaps, facing the waves. The floating garbage that is flowing along the waves will enter the cage through the flaps and thus get trapped. The waves will thus progress without any hinderance due to the cage openings on the rear side. A comprehensive study is done with the weight, center of gravity and metacentric height of a rectangular coastal sea bin (CSB) for different materials. Aluminum is considered as an ideal material for the case study as it is durable, light- weight and non-corrosive. A simulated 3D CSB model with the scale ratio of 1:12.5 is also prepared.•Plastic waste causes harm to wildlife, environment, and human beings•A rectangular cage type rectangular coastal see bin (CSB) is designed with the non-return flaps, facing the waves for plastic collection•A simulated 3D CSB model with the scale ratio of 1:12.5 is also prepared., Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract

Introduction: Sars-Cov-2 infection has been found to present differently in many patients. Patients have been found to have different degrees of response, likely having to do with variable levels of inflammation within the body. Patients who have recovered from the initial infection can develop long-term symptomatology and chronic conditions. Today, we will describe a unique case of a middle aged-healthy man who developed complications of ANCA-associated vasculitis after recovering from a mild COVID-19 infection. Case: A 51-year-old Hispanic male with no previous past medical history presented to the ED with productive sputum and hemoptysis. The patient had previously tested positive for COVID-19 one month prior, but did not require hospitalization. Physical exam findings were significant for diffuse, bilateral lower extremity palpable purpura. Initial workup was significant for CT Chest findings of diffuse patchy consolidations throughout both lungs with cavitary lesions. Additionally, the patient was found to have an acute kidney injury, with Cr 5.80 and GFR less than 10. UA revealed many red blood cells, +1 protein. Nephrology was consulted, started the patient on hemodialysis, and began workup for suspected acute glomerulonephritis (GN). Pulmonology was consulted and began workup for pulmonary renal syndrome in the setting of acute kidney injury with pulmonary disease.Infectious workup results included;a now negative COVID-19, negative Tuberculosis PCR, Respiratory culture revealing yeast. Additional workup revealed;CRP of greater than 200, D-Dimer of 6.41, Fibrinogen of 561. Notably, the patient had decreased complement C3 and C4 levels, negative Anti-GBM antibody, negative Anti-streptolysin O, positive ANCA assay, positive Proteinase antibody, and mildly positive Myeloperoxidase antibody.The patient was subsequently scheduled for renal biopsy to obtain a definitive diagnosis, but this was delayed due to increased INR. The patient's respiratory status worsened during hemodialysis. CTA at that time revealed markedly increased pulmonary infiltrates. The decision was made to intubate the patient, upon which active frank red bleeding arising from the trachea was noted. Shortly after intubation, the patient continued to hemorrhage and sustained 2 cardiac arrests;unfortunately, the patient expired. Discussion: This case is significant because it highlights a unique complication of COVID-19 leading to a possible ANCA-associated vasculitis. Much is to be learned from the Novel Sars-COV-2 virus and suspected complications and this case highlights the importance of keeping a broad differential when treating patients who have recovered from initial infection.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the outcomes of hospitalized patients in a multicenter, international coronavirus disease 2019 registry. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study including coronavirus disease 2019 patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection between February 15, 2020, and November 30, 2020, according to age and type of organ support therapies. SETTING: About 168 hospitals in 16 countries within the Society of Critical Care Medicine's Discovery Viral Infection and Respiratory Illness University Study coronavirus disease 2019 registry. PATIENTS: Adult hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 patients who did and did not require various types and combinations of organ support (mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, vasopressors, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Primary outcome was hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were discharge home with or without assistance and hospital length of stay. Risk-adjusted variation in hospital mortality for patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation was assessed by using multilevel models with hospitals as a random effect, adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, sex, and comorbidities. Among 20,608 patients with coronavirus disease 2019, the mean (± sd) age was 60.5 (±17), 11,1887 (54.3%) were men, 8,745 (42.4%) were admitted to the ICU, and 3,906 (19%) died in the hospital. Hospital mortality was 8.2% for patients receiving no organ support (n = 15,001). The most common organ support therapy was invasive mechanical ventilation (n = 5,005; 24.3%), with a hospital mortality of 49.8%. Mortality ranged from 40.8% among patients receiving only invasive mechanical ventilation (n =1,749) to 71.6% for patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation, vasoactive drugs, and new renal replacement therapy (n = 655). Mortality was 39% for patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (n = 389). Rates of discharge home ranged from 73.5% for patients who did not require organ support therapies to 29.8% for patients who only received invasive mechanical ventilation, and 8.8% for invasive mechanical ventilation, vasoactive drugs, and renal replacement; 10.8% of patients older than 74 years who received invasive mechanical ventilation were discharged home. Median hospital length of stay for patients on mechanical ventilation was 17.1 days (9.7-28 d). Adjusted interhospital variation in mortality among patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation was large (median odds ratio 1.69). CONCLUSIONS: Coronavirus disease 2019 prognosis varies by age and level of organ support. Interhospital variation in mortality of mechanically ventilated patients was not explained by patient characteristics and requires further evaluation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04323787.

The following report illustrates a case of a 36-year-old Caucasian male with intravenous drug use (IVDU) induced septic thrombophlebitis presenting with recurrent unilateral pneumothoraces from septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) without the presence of obvious right-sided valvular vegetation in infective endocarditis (IE), defined as tricuspid or pulmonary valve lesions. Pneumothorax (PTX) has been observed as a rare complication of SPE and is commonly associated with infective right-sided IE, IVDU, and intravascular indwelling catheters. However, this case is novel as it is the very rare documented case of recurrent, unilateral, spontaneous right PTX refractory to multiple chest tube placements in such a setting. Therefore, the absence of detectable right-sided valvular vegetation in IE does not obviate the risk of SPE-induced PTX in IVDU and further expands the realm of infectious and pulmonary consequences of SPE and IVDU.

The efficacy of over the counter probiotics has been an area of scientific debate. While the benefits of probiotics are heavily disputed, probiotics are considered generally safe. We present a case of a liver cirrhosis patient, who presented with hepatic encephalopathy. The patient was taking daily probiotics and receiving weekly therapeutic paracentesis. His workup revealed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Despite starting the patient on empiric ceftriaxone and vancomycin, the patient's leukocytosis did not improve. The paracentesis fluid and blood cultures grew Lactobacillus gasseri. Antibiotics were switched to piperacillin/tazobactam, after which the patient improved clinically. The case highlights the importance of vigilance in using probiotics, especially in liver cirrhosis patients. Also, patients with Lactobacillus-associated SBP may not improve with empiric antibiotic treatment of cephalosporins.

The SARS-CoV-2 infection has been found to present with different degrees of response and variable levels of inflammation. Patients who have recovered from the initial infection can develop long-term symptomatology. We present a unique case of a middle aged-healthy man who developed complications of ANCA-associated vasculitis after recovering from a mild COVID-19 infection. A previously healthy 53-year-old male presented with hemoptysis and acute renal failure. One month prior, the patient tested positive for COVID-19; not requiring hospitalization. Physical exam findings included bilateral lower extremity petechiae. CT Chest showed bilateral diffuse patchy lung consolidations with cavitary lesions with urinalysis revealing erythrocytes, +1 protein. Hemodialysis and workup for pulmonary-renal syndromes were initiated. Infectious workup results included: negative COVID-19, negative MTB-PCR, respiratory culture revealing yeast. Additional workup revealed; elevated CRP, D-Dimer, and Fibrinogen. Notably, the patient had; decreased C3 and C4 levels; negative Anti-GBM antibody; negative Anti-streptolysin-O; and positive ANCA assay, Proteinase antibody, and mildly positive Myeloperoxidase antibody. Worsening coagulopathy and atrophic kidneys delayed renal biopsy for definitive diagnosis. The patient's respiratory status acutely worsened during hemodialysis with imaging showing markedly increased pulmonary infiltrates. Upon urgent intubation, active frank red bleeding was noted, and the patient sustained 2 cardiac arrests with eventual expiration. Much is to be learned from the Novel SARS-CoV-2 virus and suspected complications. This case highlights a unique complication of COVID-19 leading to a possible AAV and the importance of keeping a broad differential when treating patients who have recovered from the initial infection.

OBJECTIVE: The pilot study was intended to test the feasibility of a multiple-component lifestyle intervention targeting African American adults in a weight control and cardiometabolic risk reduction program on diet, activity, and stress, using community-engagement principles. METHODS: Applying mixed qualitative and quantitative measures, the intervention had a two-part sequential study design consisting of 12 weekly small group sessions that provided individual and group counseling in nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness, while incorporating focus group and interactive techniques to learn about barriers and acceptable practices for this population. The program was implemented at an African-American church in Nashville, Tennessee. RESULTS: Thirty-four participants (aged 56.1 ± 11 years, body mass index (BMI) 36.7 ± 6.6 kg/m(2)) completed the intervention. Lifestyle changes after the 12 weekly sessions showed some positive trends including reduced sodium intake (from 2725.3 ± 326.5 to 2132 ± 330, mg/day, P = 0.008), increased walking steps (from 4392.1 ± 497.2 to 4895.3 ± 497.9, steps/day, not significant), and slightly decreased Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores (from 13.7 ± 1.4 to 12.4 ± 1.5, not significant). Body fat % among male participants decreased significantly (from 33.8 ± 2.6 to 28 ± 2.6, %, P = 0.043). Among cardiometabolic risk biomarkers, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) decreased significantly (from 6.6 ± 0.2 to 6.1 ± 0.2, %, P < 0.001). The baseline PSS score was positively associated with baseline adiposity levels (e.g., weight, β = 2.4, P = 0.006). Twenty-one participants took part in focus groups during the program to identify barriers to healthy lifestyle changes. Primary barriers reported were price, time for preparing healthy meals, unfamiliarity with mindfulness activities, their health condition, and daily schedule available for physical activities. CONCLUSIONS: This church-based pilot intervention was proven feasible by showing modest progress in reducing adiposity and decreasing HbA1c levels. The focus group and interactive methods facilitated program direction. Future full-scale studies are warranted to identify key strategies that provide more personalized approaches and supportive environments to sustain a healthy lifestyle among these at risk minorities with limited resources.

This study examined the factors that predict recommended screening compliance to cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers in low-income African American women. It also examined obstacles to screenings by geographic region and screening status. As a part of the Meharry Community Networks Program (CNP) needs assessment, a 123-item community survey was administered to assess demographic characteristics, health care access and utilization, and screening practices for various cancers in low-income African Americans. For this study, only African American women 40 years and older (n = 308) were selected from the Meharry CNP community survey database. There were several predictors to recommended screening such as being employed and having health insurance (P < 0.05). Additionally, the obstacles to screening posed a similar level of difficulty for participants from different geographic areas. Sociodemographic differences and obstacles of screening need to be addressed in educational interventions aimed at improving cancer screenings.

Objective: Minority groups constitute one of the nation’s highest cancer risk groups. Historically, these groups have not been adequately informed about cancer, its prevention and/or treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine participants’ receipt of cancer screening and to explore perceptions of barriers to and facilitators of cancer screening. Methods: A two-part study design consisting of a survey and focus group was conducted among African Americans residents of neighborhoods geographically defined as low-income areas of Chattanooga, Memphis, and Nashville in the state of Tennessee. The survey was administered to 1071 participants, and 12 focus groups were conducted with a total of 112 participants, with both sets of participants being residents of similarly defined underserved communities served by the community health centers. Results: Overall, 51% of surveyed respondents were females; the majority (75%) had a yearly income of less than $25,000; and 67% reported 12 years of education or less. Most surveyed respondents had a family history of cancer. More than 30% and 64% of male respondents over 50 years old did not receive prostate cancer and colorectal cancer screening, respectively; 58% of women 50 years and older were not screened for colorectal cancer; 28% of women over 40 years old did not receive breast cancer screening. Barriers to cancer screening included: lack of information about cancer screening and treatments, cost of cancer treatment and fear. The need for more information about cancer and cancer treatment, as well as the involvement of churches to increase cancer screening awareness was identified as facilitators. Conclusion: This study provides information into the structural and psychological barriers in cancer screening. It describes the self-reported prevalence/frequency of screening among men and women in our target population, and the associated facilitators to screening.

We report the design and construction of a simple, easy to machine high-temperature oven for generating an atomic beam in laser cooling experiments. This design eliminates the problem of thermal isolation of the oven region from the rest of the vacuum system without using a glass or ceramic thermal break. This design simplifies the construction and operation of high-temperature ovens for elements having low vapor pressure. We demonstrate the functionality of such a source for Strontium (Sr) atoms. We generate a high flux of Sr atoms for use in laser cooling and trapping experiments. The optimization of the design of the metal thermal break is done using a finite element analysis., 5 pages,6 figures

We conducted a retrospective study of adult inpatients and outpatients with a positivePatients (N=1,763), of mean age 68.0 years and body mass index (BMI) 30.4 kg/m2, were more likely to be women (51.3%) and were predominately white (89.3%). Resistance to imipenem or meropenem (14.0%) on univariable analysis was associated with several variables of interest. Non-white race (odds ratio [OR] =1.67; P=0.009), respiratory cultures (OR=1.95; P=0.003), recent institutional transfer (OR=2.50; P0.0001), vasopressor use (OR=1.98; P=0.001), central line placement (OR=1.55; P=0.036), and peripherally inserted central catheter placement (OR=1.74; P=0.002) remained significant predictors of carbapenem resistance in multivariable modeling.Demographic and traditional risk factors, as well as respiratory cultures, were predictive of carbapenem resistance and may guide initial antibiotic treatment. Use of "last resort" antibiotics for

Objectives To explore strategies to improve type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) self-management among low-income and minority groups. Methods Focus groups centered on T2DM self-care behaviors were conducted using convenient sample of patients with T2DM (N = 17), caregivers (N = 5) and healthcare providers (N = 15). Results Patients and caregivers perceived strategies included improving patient-provider communication, providers' accessibility and compassion, and flexible clinic hours. Strategies identified by providers were realistic patient's expectations, family support, and community resources. Conclusions To our knowledge, this study is the first to elicit strategies to improve T2DM self-management through a joint meeting of patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Study findings could help inform future efforts to assist patients better manage their T2DM.

Big Data is used to capture, curate, manage, and process within a tolerable elapsed time. A tremendous amount of data about individuals — demographic information, Internet activity, energy usage, communication patterns, and social interactions, to mention a few-are being collected by various organizations such as national statistical agencies, survey organizations, medical centers, and Web and social networking companies. However, there are certain issues associated with Big Data. In this paper, we aim to discuss issues associated with Big Data. In order to realize the use of Big Data, various applications along with their issues and challenges are discussed. In particular, we focus on privacy issues in Big Data.

Studies have shown an increased risk of breast cancer associated with diabetes which may be due to differences in mammography use among women who have diabetes compared with women who do not have diabetes. Baseline data was used from the Southern Community Cohort Study – a prospective cohort study conducted primarily among low-income persons in the southeastern United States – to examine the association between diabetes and mammography use. In-person interviews collected information on diabetes and mammography use from 14,665 white and 30,846 black women aged 40–79 years between 2002 and 2009. After adjustment for potential confounding, white women with diabetes were no more likely (odds ratio [OR] 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85–1.06) to undergo mammography within the past 12 months than white women without diabetes. Nor was there an association between diabetes and mammography use among black women (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.93–1.07). An increase in mammography use was seen within one year following diabetes diagnosis, more so among white than black women, but this was offset by decreases thereafter. Although there was some evidence of an increase in mammography use within one year of diabetes diagnosis, these results suggest that mammography use is not related to diabetes.

Human biospecimens are an invaluable resource for addressing cancers and other chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of an educational intervention on biospecimen knowledge and attitudes. The participants consisted of 112 African Americans, 18 years and older, and who had not provided biospecimens for any health-related research in the past. A total of 55 participants received the educational brochure, and 57 received the educational video. The main outcomes of the study were knowledge and attitudes for biospecimen donation. This information was collected pre- and post-intervention. The average knowledge scores increased (p

5-fluorouracial (5-FU) is an antimetabolite chemotherapy drug. 5-FU has many adverse effects like any other chemotherapy agent as it has effects not only on cancer cells, but healthy cell as well. Serious side effects which are uncommon (occurring in about 1% of patients) and will be the focus of this paper are cardiac effects, hyperammonemia or encephalopathy and neurologic effects. There are many other side effects associated with 5-FU. In this paper we will discuss the rare side effects and alternatives on what to do if they occur during treatment based on case reports.

Objectives. We examined how National Cancer Institute–funded Community Network Programs (CNPs) operationalized principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR). Methods. We reviewed the literature and extant CBPR measurement tools. On the basis of that review, we developed a 27-item questionnaire for CNPs to self-assess their operationalization of 9 CBPR principles. Our team comprised representatives of 9 of the National Cancer Institute's 25 CNPs. Results. Of the 25 CNPs, 22 (88%) completed the questionnaire. Most scored well on CBPR principles of recognizing community as a unit of identity, building on community strengths, facilitating colearning, embracing iterative processes in developing community capacity, and achieving a balance between data generation and intervention. CNPs varied in the extent to which they employed CBPR principles of addressing determinants of health, sharing power among partners, engaging the community in research dissemination, and striving for sustainability. Conclusions. Although the development of assessment tools in this field is in its infancy, our findings suggest that fidelity to CBPR processes can be assessed in a variety of settings.

The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of an educational intervention on prostate cancer screening behavior and knowledge. Participants were 104 African American men, 45 years and older, who had not been screened for prostate cancer with a prostate-specific antigen and/or digital rectal exam within the past year. All participants received an intervention delivered by trained lay community educators using a prostate cancer educational brochure developed in collaboration with the community, with structured interviews preintervention and 3 months postintervention. The main study outcomes included prostate-specific antigen screening rates during the 3-month interval and knowledge, barriers to screenings, and decisional conflict around screening. Compared with the 46 men who did not get screened, the 58 participants who got screened were more likely to have greater than a high school education, annual household incomes ≥$25,000, and a family history of non–prostate cancer ( p < .05). Average knowledge scores increased, and barriers to screening scores decreased, from preintervention to postintervention only for participants who had been screened ( p < .05). The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of an academic institution collaborating with the African American community to develop a successful prostate cancer educational intervention, an approach that can be expanded to other cancers and other chronic diseases.

This study examined demographic and lifestyle factors that influenced decisions and obstacles to being screened for colorectal cancer in low-income African Americans in three urban Tennessee cities. As part of the Meharry Community Networks Program (CNP) needs assessment, a 123-item community survey was administered to assess demographic characteristics, health care access and utilization, and screening practices for various cancers in low-income African Americans. For this study, only African Americans 50 years and older (n=460) were selected from the Meharry CNP community survey database. There were several predictors of colorectal cancer screening such as being married and having health insurance (P.05). Additionally, there were associations between obstacles to screening and geographic region such as transportation and health insurance (P.05). Educational interventions aimed at improving colorectal cancer knowledge and screening rates should incorporate information about obstacles and predictors to screening.

Community-based participatory methods have emerged as a response to conventional approaches that have historically failed to make notable improvement in health status or reduce chronic disease among marginalized populations. The social-ecological model provides a framework to develop and implement strategies directed to affecting multiple levels (societal, community, organizational, and individual) of influence on health status. A systems approach can facilitate the identification of the complex interrelationships of factors at all levels that contribute to health disparities by making use of the unique knowledge, expertise, and resources of community partners. Community engagement in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of health initiatives builds community capacity to create sustainable changes at all levels to achieve and maintain optimal health for those who bear the greatest burden of disease.

Introduction: Smoking is among the leading causes of premature mortality and preventable death in the United States. Although smoking contributes to the probability of developing chronic illness, little is known about the relationship between quitting smoking and the presence of chronic illness. The present study investigated the association between diagnoses of one or more chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol) and smoking status (former or current smoker). Methods: The data analyzed were a subset of questions from a 155-item telephone-administered community survey that assessed smoking status, demographic characteristics, and presence of chronic disease. The study sample consisted of 3,802 randomly selected participants. Results: Participants with diabetes were more likely to report being former smokers, after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, whereas having hypertension or high cholesterol was not associated signifi cantly with smoking status. The likelihood of being a former smoker did not increase as number of diagnosed chronic diseases increased. Participants who were women, older (aged 65+), or single were signifi cantly less likely to be former smokers. Participants with at least a college degree, those with incomes of US$50,000+, and those who were underweight or obese were more likely to be former smokers. Discussion: These fi ndings were inconsistent with research that has suggested that having a chronic illness or experiencing a serious medical event increases the odds of smoking cessation. Supporting prior research, we found that being male, having a higher income, and being obese were associated with greater likelihood of being a former smoker.

Background: HIV affects virtually all organ systems in the body. Pulmonary disease is one of the most frequent complications of HIV infection. It is found in mostly married, young and middle aged, urban poor with male preponderance and heterosexual and blood transfusion being the commonest source of infection. Prompt diagnosis and early management may hasten the clinical recovery and reduce the risk and severity of toxic drug effects. Moreover knowledge regarding the incidence and early manifestations may help in developing strategies regarding prophylactic therapy of various infections of respiratory system. Aim of this study was to find the Incidence, occurrence and pattern of respiratory infections in HIV infected patients, use of various drugs used and response of therapy in respiratory infections and to study impact of HAART in PLHA with respiratory infection. Methods: Fifty HIV infected patients showing clinical evidence of respiratory system involvement and admitted in our hospital from May 2014 to November 2015 were studied in present study. Clinical history was noted and detailed physical examination, laboratory evaluation and specialized tests were carried out in all patients looking especially for presence of associated opportunistic infections in other systems. Results: Cough and dyspnea were the prominent respiratory symptoms and commonest sign was consolidation (42%) and effusion (24%) or no respiratory signs (26%).Tuberculosis (66%) followed by bacterial pneumonia (24%) including recurrent bacterial pneumonia (6%), PCP (8%) and fungal infection (2%), were the commonest respiratory manifestations. Commonest organisms isolated in bacterial pneumonia were Streptococcus Pneumonia, Staph aureus and Klebsiella . Incidence of pulmonary TB was 66%. PCP was found in 8% of cases. HAART combination of lamivudine, stavudine and nevirapine were found efficacious, safe and well tolerated when combined with other antibiotics and/or AKT. Conclusions: Heterosexual exposure (70%) and blood borne infection (18%) were commonest route of infection. Fever and weight loss was commonest presenting constitutional symptoms and all patients either belonged to B or C category.

This study examined demographic and lifestyle factors that influenced decisions and obstacles to being screened for breast cancer in low-income African Americans in three urban Tennessee cities. As part of the Meharry Community Networks Program (CNP) needs assessment, a 123-item community survey was administered to assess demographic characteristics, health care access and utilization, and screening practices for various cancers in low-income African Americans. For this study, only African American women 40 years and older (n = 334) were selected from the Meharry CNP community survey database. There were several predictors of breast cancer screening such as marital status and having health insurance (P < .05). Additionally, there were associations between obstacles to screening and geographic region such as transportation and not having enough information about screenings (P < .05). Educational interventions aimed at improving breast cancer knowledge and screening rates should incorporate information about obstacles and predictors to screening.

Biomarkers of selenium are necessary for assessing selenium status in humans, since soil variation hinders estimation of selenium intake from foods. In this study, we measured the concentration of plasma selenium, selenoprotein P (SEPP1), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX3) activity and their interindividual differences in 383 low-income blacks and whites selected from a stratified random sample of adults aged 40-79 years, who were participating in a long-term cohort study in the southeastern United States (US). We assessed the utility of these biomarkers to determine differences in selenium status and their association with demographic, socio-economic, dietary, and other indicators. Dietary selenium intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire designed for the cohort, matched with region-specific food selenium content, and compared with the US Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) set at 55 µg/day. We found that SEPP1, a sensitive biomarker of selenium nutritional status, was significantly lower among blacks than whites (mean 4.4 ± 1.1 vs. 4.7 ± 1.0 mg/L, p = 0.006), with blacks less than half as likely to have highest vs. lowest quartile SEPP1 concentration (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.4, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.2-0.8). The trend in a similar direction was observed for plasma selenium among blacks and whites, (mean 115 ± 15.1 vs. 118 ± 17.7 µg/L, p = 0.08), while GPX3 activity did not differ between blacks and whites (136 ± 33.3 vs. 132 ± 33.5 U/L, p = 0.320). Levels of the three biomarkers were not correlated with estimated dietary selenium intake, except for SEPP1 among 10% of participants with the lowest selenium intake (≤ 57 µg/day). The findings suggest that SEPP1 may be an effective biomarker of selenium status and disease risk in adults and that low selenium status may disproportionately affect black and white cohort participants.

The relationship of moods and social context to energy and nutrient intakes was examined to ascertain if these variables interact or function independently. The subjects were 78 predominantly white, obese women participating in weight-loss studies. Mean age was 36.7 (SD=7.6) and mean Body Mass Index was 32.1 (SD=3.6). Subjects completed 2-week baseline food diaries recording everything they ate, including moods and people present during the meals. Meals eaten in positive and negative moods were significantly larger than meals eaten in a neutral mood. Meals eaten with other people were significantly larger than meals eaten alone. There were no significant moods by social context interactions for total energy intake. Moods and social context functioned additively to increase the risk of over-eating. Macro nutrient analysis revealed only a main effect for social context. Percentage of calories from fat and protein were greater, whereas the percentage of carbohydrate was less in social context meals compared to meals eaten alone. Clinicians should conduct a functional analysis to assess exposure to the frequency and types of risky situations. Teaching people to cope more effectively with social situations and moods may increase the efficacy of weight loss and maintenance programs.