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Biomedical subjects

J Rea

Publications and source records attributed to J Rea.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

401(k) plan asset allocation, account balances, and loan activity.

The Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and the Investment Company Institute (ICI) have been collaborating for the past two years to collect data on participants in 401(k) plans. This effort, known as the EBRI/ICI Participant-Directed Retirement Plan Data Collection Project, has obtained data for 401(k) plan participants from certain of EBRI and ICI sponsors and members serving as plan recordkeepers and administrators. The report includes 1996 information on 6.6 million active participants in 27,762 plans holding nearly $246 billion in assets. The data include demographic information, annual contributions, plan balances, asset allocation, and loans, and are currently the most comprehensive source of information on individual plan participants. In 1996, the first year for which data are ready for analysis, the EBRI/ICI database appears to be broadly representative of the universe of 401(k) plans. Key findings include: for all participants, 44.0 percent of the total plan balance is invested in equity funds, 19.1 percent in employer stock, 15.1 percent in guaranteed investment contracts (GICs), 7.8 percent in balanced funds, 6.8 percent in bond funds, 5.4 percent in money funds, 0.8 percent in other stable value funds, and 1.0 percent in other or unidentified investments. This allocation implies that over two-thirds of plan balances are invested directly or indirectly in equity securities. Asset allocation varies with age. For instance, on average, individuals in their twenties invested 76.8 percent of assets in equities and only 22.1 percent in fixed-income investments. By comparison, individuals in their sixties invested 53.2 percent of their assets in equities and 45.9 percent of assets in fixed-income investments. Investment options offered by 401(k) plans appear to influence asset allocation. For example, the addition of company stock substantially reduces the allocation to equity funds and the addition of GICs lowers allocations to bond and money funds. Employer contributions in the form of company stock affect participant allocation behavior. Participants in plans in which employer contributions are made in company stock appear to decrease allocations to equity funds and to increase the allocation of company stock in self-directed balances. The average account balance (net of plan loans) for all participants is $37,323. The balances, however, represent only amounts with current employers and do not include amounts remaining in the plans of prior employers. Nor do the balances indicate what savings would be in a "mature" 401(k) plan program. The average balances of older workers with long tenure at one employer indicate that a mature 401(k) plan program will produce substantial account balances. For example, individuals in their sixties with at least 30 years of tenure have average account balances in excess of $156,000; those in their fifties have balances in excess of $117,000.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1997

The effects of panresistant bacteria in cystic fibrosis patients on lung transplant outcome.

The number of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients undergoing lung transplant continues to rise as long term survival improves. One major contraindication to this potentially life-saving intervention is infection with multi-drug-resistant bacteria. We undertook this retrospective study in 66 transplanted patients over 6 yr to determine the influence of panresistant bacteria on transplant outcome. The in vitro antibiotic susceptibility pattern of respiratory tract bacteria obtained pre- and/or intraoperatively was used to categorize patients into panresistant (n = 27) (Burkholderia cepacia, n = 6, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, n = 21) or sensitive (n = 39) groups. Postoperative ventilator days, hospital length of stay, and antibiotic days were similar for both groups (p > 0.2). The incidence of bacterial bronchitis (28% and 33%, respectively) and pneumonia (28% and 38%, respectively) did not differ between these groups (p > 0.2) at 6 mo. Likewise, one-year (81% and 83%, respectively) survival was similar for both groups (p > 0.2). As expected, panresistant B. cepacia patients had a lower 1-yr survival (50% versus 90%, p < 0.05) and had a higher mortality attributable to B. cepacia (50% versus 0%, p < 0.01) compared with panresistant P. aeruginosa patients. Our results indicate that CF patients infected with panresistant P. aeruginosa have similar transplant outcomes as patients with sensitive bacteria and should not be excluded from lung transplant based solely on this criterion.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Training the clinician-manager. Assessing the reality.

Occupational medicine residents at the University of Arizona have been introduced to administrative skills and issues as part of residency training since 1983. A questionnaire survey of 17 program graduates was conducted to assess effectiveness of training and applicability of skills to present job position. Seventeen of the graduates surveyed (100%) returned a completed questionnaire. Graduates rated the extent to which certain training activities improved administrative skills, such as community-based rotations, a 1-month administration rotation, chief resident responsibilities, committee work, program or clinic administration, and residency training overall. Although ratings overall were low, we believe this stems from the need for training that residents discover on the job. The survey emphasized the importance of administrative training during the residency years and underscored the need for renewed training efforts on our part.

Arizona↗
PubMed1994

Nonlinear approaches for separation of slow and fast phase nystagmus signals.

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders and vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) degradation contribute to the loss of orientation and balance, typically causing the illusion of motion. VOR degradation may be caused by illnesses or common prescription medications, and this degradation may have serious repercussions in affecting one's ability to walk, maintain balance, or track moving objects. The two current VOR analysis techniques are applied to nystagmus signals (recordings of eye position during standardized tests) to isolate the two neuronal pathways used. These techniques are only partially successful because the VOR signal is passed through several filtering layers, to isolate the nystagmus signal, leaving it severely altered. In this paper, several alternate approaches are introduced: nonlinear robust ordering procedures, mathematical morphology, and wavelet filtering techniques are demonstrated. All approaches were as successful as the current techniques in isolating data from one neuronal pathway. Techniques for each of the three were also developed which would identify data from the second neuronal pathway as well. The nonlinear approach, which works using raw position data, bypasses layers of filtering. A robust technique is used to identify the points at which the data changes from that due to one neuronal pathway to the other, and the end result is obtained by concatenating the respective segments. The other two approaches work with velocity data obtained by differentiation, and because they are applied to non-original data, their results may be open to the possibility of error. Additionally, the two most recent approaches in the literature (using order statistic filters and fuzzy logic) have been implemented for a comparison of results.

Humans↗
PubMed1991

Introducing management skills and issues in preventive medicine residency programs: a survey.

A questionnaire survey of 60 accredited preventive medicine residency programs was conducted to determine the percentage of programs in which management training is undertaken and to identify the nature of such training. Forty eight of the 60 programs (80%) returned a completed questionnaire. Forty three of the 48 programs responding (90%) state that the teaching of management skills is a defined goal of their program. Ninety percent introduce management skills in the practicum year in an administration rotation or by providing opportunities to practice management skills in other rotations. Thirty five (73%) of responding programs present didactic sessions containing a focus on management issues, and academic year courses contain a focus on management skills or issues in 46 (96%). Considering the need for management training in preventive medicine careers, we are encouraged by these figures. However, although this survey determined the extent to which management training is undertaken and the reported content thereof, it did not attempt to evaluate the depth or effectiveness of this training. Therefore, we must continue to emphasize a longitudinal and multidimensional approach to management training during the residency years.

Curriculum↗
PubMed1989

A program of management training for residents.

To help prepare residents in preventive medicine and occupational medicine for their future management roles, the University of Arizona College of Medicine incorporated administrative training into many aspects of its residency programs, beginning in 1983. Training focuses on seven skill areas seen as needed to meet the management demands of the physicians' future specialties. The authors discuss the career choices of University of Arizona graduates and advocate long-term administrative training for all specialties.

Career Choice↗
PubMed1989

Mexico, maquiladoras, and occupational medicine training.

Industrialization and its concomitant social and environmental effects in developing countries are considered in this paper. Mexico offers one example of economic progress achieved through the promotion of industrial growth. Recognising the need for trained experts with global experience in occupational health, the University of Arizona (UA) has begun a programme to train occupational and preventive medicine residents in international aspects of occupational health in the nearby industrialized border regions of Mexico. By using the maquiladora (assembly plant) industries and the resources of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social with the State of Sonora, residents observe existing problems in occupational safety and health in addition to adding to their understanding of the need for worldwide cooperation for research and reform in this field.

Arizona↗
PubMed1989

Use of cyproterone acetate to lower circulating corticosterone and its effects on lymphocytes in domestic fowl.

Chickens were given daily injections of cyproterone acetate (CA) and the effects on plasma corticosterone, bodyweight, weights of the adrenals and lymphoid organs, numbers of circulating peripheral blood lymphocytes and their proliferation in the presence of lectins, concanavalin A (Con A) and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), were investigated. Five daily doses of 10 or 30 mg CA kg-1 bodyweight each week over a three-week period caused a decrease in weight gain and a reduction in the relative weights of the bursa and thymus but not the spleen. There was a small decrease in the adrenals after treatment with 10 mg CA kg-1. When daily injections of CA were given over a seven-day period doses of 6 and 10 mg CA kg-1 bodyweight caused a significant (P less than 0.05) decrease in plasma corticosterone concentration after four days. However, after eight daily injections of CA a single injection of corticotrophin (10 iu ACTH kg-1) increased circulating corticosterone indicating CA had not completely blocked adrenal synthesis. CA had no effect on numbers of circulating peripheral blood lymphocytes or their ability to proliferate in the presence of Con A or PHA. The results indicate that CA is effective in lowering circulating corticosterone in the fowl but this did not affect the numbers or responsiveness of peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1988

Effect of increased circulating corticosterone in the immature fowl on the blastogenic responses of peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Plasma corticosterone concentrations were increased by giving chickens implants containing corticosterone and the effects on lymphocyte numbers and lymphocyte responses to the mitogens, phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (con A), were measured. Raising plasma corticosterone caused a dose-related decrease in numbers of circulating lymphocytes. Blastogenic responses of lymphocytes in whole blood to PHA and con A were reduced and stimulation indices were decreased in those birds with raised circulating corticosterone. When the initial corticosterone-induced lymphocytopenia was taken into account it was evident that corticosterone depressed the responsiveness of the lymphocytes to PHA but not to con A. Additions of corticosterone to cultures of whole blood showed that PHA stimulation was more sensitive than con A stimulation to the inhibitory effects of corticosterone.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Management roles for physicians: training residents for the reality.

The University of Arizona has incorporated administrative training into general preventive medicine residency and occupational medicine residency training programs to provide preparation at the most appropriate time for future management roles for physicians. Training parallels future specialty choices and focuses on computer skills, fiscal control, budgeting, personnel management, political or regulatory process, program development, and planning and organization. Throughout the 2-year training period, residents are in a position to acquire management skills through course work, selected rotations, special projects, and a concentrated 1-month rotation in administration. Practical application is exercised in management settings within the department and in the community. A longitudinal training approach is advocated for similar programs and for other specialties to ensure successful management of health care with physicians as an integral component.

Administrative Personnel↗
PubMed1985

Effects of continuous treatment with synthetic ACTH1-24 or corticosterone on immature Gallus domesticus.

Immature chickens were implanted with osmotic pumps filled with ACTH1-24 or pellets consisting of mixtures of cholesterol with corticosterone (0, 10, 20 or 40% by weight). Continuous infusion of ACTH1-24 (2.2 micrograms/hr:120 micrograms/kg body wt/day) caused increases in plasma concentrations of corticosterone, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and uric acid during the first week, and a reduction in weight gain, an increase in the relative weights of the adrenals and liver, and a decrease in the weights of the bursa and spleen. Treatment with pellets containing corticosterone caused dose-related increases in the plasma concentrations of corticosterone, glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol, an increase in liver size, and a decrease in the size of the bursa and spleen. Thus the effects of ACTH1-24 are probably almost entirely mediated by corticosterone. During the second week of treatment with ACTH or corticosterone the plasma corticosterone concentration was lower than during the first week. Replacing corticosterone implants at Day 7 did not cause plasma corticosterone concentration to return to that observed in the first week suggesting increased removal of the hormone from the circulation. This response resembles the stress-induced change in circulating corticosterone and may be part of the process of adaptation.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1984

Effect of Iodide, methimazole, and thyroxine on thyroidal accumulation of radioiodide in immature domestic fowl.

Accumulation of radioiodide by the thyroids of individual domestic fowl was measured with the technique described by T. F. Davison, J. G. Rowell, and J. Rea, [1981) J. Endocrinol. 89, 371-378). Radioiodide uptake was markedly decreased in birds given an excess of iodide in the drinking water (60 mg KI/liter) or injections of thyroxine (T4: 5 X 50 micrograms T4/kg body wt), in agreement with published findings. Treatment with a goitrogen (250 mg methimazole/liter drinking water) decreased 125I uptake for at least 8 days but thereafter uptake increased and this was accompanied by gross thyroidal enlargement. The results indicate that the thyroid partly compensates for goitrogenic inhibition.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Morton's interdigital neuroma. Indications for treatment by local injections versus surgery.

A retrospective study of 67 patients in whom Morton's neuroma had been diagnosed showed that 78% were women. The average age was 58 years (range, 19-85 years). Pain in the forefoot, which worsened with walking, was relieved by removal of shoes. The presence of local interdigital tenderness led to the diagnosis. Modification of shoes was helpful in two patients. The other 65 patients received a series of interdigital Xylocaine-steroid injections at one- to three-week intervals, which immediately relieved the pain in 30% of the patients and gave partial relief in 50%. At a two-year follow-up examination, 80% of the patients indicated complete relief of pain or had only slight pain. Surgical excision was indicated in those who failed to respond to the injections. Of 11 patients, surgical excision successfully relieved pain in four, effected partial relief in four, and failed in three. As a result of this retrospective study of patients with Morton's neuroma, the authors recommend therapeutic injections prior to surgery.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Effects of dietary corticosterone on the growth and metabolism of immature Gallus domesticus.

Four-week-old chicks were fed on diets containing corticosterone (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) for 9 days. Food intake, weight gain, plasma concentrations of corticosterone and other constituents, some organ weights, and adrenal cholesterol concentration were measured. Plasma corticosterone concentration was increased (P less than 0.05) by dietary corticosterone, particularly at the two highest rates of inclusion. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, protein, and uric acid in the plasma increased (P less than 0.05) with increasing concentrations of dietary corticosterone. Growth rate and relative weight of the cloacal bursa declined (P less than 0.05), while the relative weight of the liver increased (P less than 0.01), with increasing dietary corticosterone; relative weights of the spleen and adrenals were not significantly affected, nor was the adrenal concentration of cholesterol. Abdominal fat was increased sixfold by the two highest corticosterone concentrations.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Effects of dietary corticosterone on peripheral blood lymphocyte and granulocyte populations in immature domestic fowl.

Four-week-old chickens were fed on diets containing 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg corticosterone per kg for eight days. Packed cell volume (PCV), the numbers of granulocytes (G) and lymphocytes (L), the G:L ratio and plasma corticosterone concentration were measured. Plasma corticosterone concentration was increased by dietary corticosterone from day 2 onwards. The number of lymphocytes was increased by serial bleeding but dietary corticosterone depressed the response and caused a dose-related lymphocytopenia from day 1. There was a dose related increase in granulocytes from day 4 and a dose-related increase in G:L ratio from day 1. A dose-related increase in PCV was evident only on days 2 and 4. Correlation coefficients showed little evidence of relationships between plasma corticosterone concentrations and the recorded blood variables.

Animal Feed↗