Intimate partner violence exposure, salivary cortisol, and childhood asthma

ObjectivesNeuroendocrine alterations may help explain health differences between intimate partner violence (IPV) exposed children and non-exposed children. We sought to determine the feasibility of having families, recruited at a child asthma visit, collect at home and return via mail child salivary samples, and whether socio-demographic variables were associated with sample return. For those returning samples, we examined whether past-year IPV exposure was associated with total cortisol output (AUC) and the magnitude of the cortisol awakening response (CAR), and whether these cortisol values were associated with asthma control.MethodsFifty-five families with an asthmatic child of any age were recruited from 2 pediatric asthma clinics. At the time of the visit, parents completed a survey packet which included a modified version of the Conflict Tactics Scale to assess IPV. Parents were given supplies to collect 3 child salivary cortisol samples (awakening, 30-min after awakening, bedtime) at home on a typical day, and return them via mail. Medical records also were abstracted.ResultsFifty-three percent (n = 29) returned child salivary samples. Families who returned samples typically returned them within 2 weeks, most commonly before we made a reminder call. Parental male sex was associated (p = .06) with increased rate of return at the trend level. In multivariable models, a 1-unit increase in IPV was significantly associated with a .93 SD increase in root-transformed total cortisol output (AUC) (un-standardized beta = 2.5; SE .59; p = .001). The odds of uncontrolled asthma were marginally higher for every nmol/l increase in CAR (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.0, 1.1; p = .06).ConclusionsThis study provides support for the feasibility of obtaining a moderate return of salivary specimens from a convenience sample. Findings that IPV was associated with elevated total cortisol output and uncontrolled asthma was marginally associated with cortisol awakening response suggest that future studies should investigate whether cortisol mediates the IPV-child asthma relationship.     

A real-time biomechanical feedback system for training rowers

A system was developed that quantifies rowing mechanics while an athlete trains on a rowing ergometer. The system consists of a Concept II rowing ergometer instrumented with a load cell and a series of potentiometers, a data acquisition computer and custom software. Kinematic and kinetic rowing data are displayed in the form of a two-dimensional stick figure animation, overlaid with kinematic and kinetic profiles. The software allows data to be saved and later replayed. Static and dynamic error analyses were performed to determine the accuracy and limitations of the system. Static measurements compared joint locations predicted by the RowTrainer system with values measured directly. Average static joint position errors ranged from 2 mm to −25 mm, with a typical joint location error being 10 mm. Using three-dimensional motion analysis, both dynamic and static error analyses were conducted. Average dynamic joint errors ranged from ±1 mm to −44 mm, with typical errors on the order of ±10 mm. Errors in joint positions resulted in average knee and hip joint angle errors of 9.6° and 5.8°, respectively. Additionally, the average handle horizontal velocity error during the drive phase was −1.8%.     

A Clinical Librarian Embedded in Medical Education: Patient-Centered Encounters for Preclinical Medical Students

Adding patient encounters and simulation to the preclinical years of medical school is becoming increasingly popular. This article describes the creation of active learning opportunities by a clinical librarian that are aimed at training preclinical students through the use of simulated patient scenarios. Scenarios for second-year students walk them through the evidence-based resources needed in clinical years and beyond through a standardized patient encounter. Scenarios for first-year students involve role-play of cases where the patient and physician bring contrasting ideas to the outpatient interaction. All scenarios are carried out under the guidance of a clinician and librarian.     

Actualizing multicultural counselingcompetencies: A multifaceted course approach

This article responds to the need for specificcourse activities that may facilitate theacquisition of multicultural counselingcompetence. Sue et al.'s (1992) tripartiteframework is used to discuss how multiculturalcounseling competencies may be actualizedthrough the following course components: (a)ice-breaker name activity, (b) class discussionof multicultural experiences, (c) ethnicsharing, (d) action plan, (e) ethnic literaturereview, (f) cultural awareness presentation,(g) multicultural legacy, (h) triad model roleplay, and (i) small-group research project.Several guidelines are suggested to assistinstructors in implementing components.Finally, trainees' reactions to coursecomponents are provided to illustrate courseeffectiveness.     

Motivating Young Native American Students to Pursue STEM Learning Through a Culturally Relevant Science Program

Journal of Science Education and Technology - Data indicate that females and ethnic/race minority groups are underrepresented in the science and engineering workforce calling for innovative...