Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S S Cox

Publications and source records attributed to S S Cox.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

The BeLPT: algorithms and implications.

BACKGROUND: The beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) is used to identify persons with beryllium sensitization. The variability of laboratory results and lack of a "gold standard" have led to questions about the test's performance. Fortunately, a recently published study has credibly estimated standard epidemiologic parameters for the BeLPT. METHODS: Information from this recent study was used to assess the performance of two common algorithms for BeLPT testing. Standard epidemiologic parameters were determined for two common algorithms and then compared. RESULTS: One of the two algorithms was more sensitive than the other (86% vs. 66%). The specificity of both algorithms (99.8% or greater) was high. At an estimated 2% prevalence, the positive predictive value of both algorithms for beryllium sensitization remained high (90% or higher). CONCLUSIONS: A priori characterization of the testing algorithm under consideration can enhance public health decision-making.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2001

Measuring concentrations of volatile organic compounds in vinyl flooring.

The initial solid-phase concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a key parameter influencing the emission characteristics of many indoor materials. Solid-phase measurements are typically made using solvent extraction or thermal headspace analysis. The high temperatures and chemical solvents associated with these methods can modify the physical structure of polymeric materials and, consequently, affect mass transfer characteristics. To measure solid-phase concentrations under conditions resembling those in which the material would be installed in an indoor environment, a new technique was developed for measuring VOC concentrations in vinyl flooring (VF) and similar materials. A 0.09-m2 section of new VF was punched randomly to produce -200 0.78-cm2 disks. The disks were milled to a powder at -140 degrees C to simultaneously homogenize the material and reduce the diffusion path length without loss of VOCs. VOCs were extracted from the VF particles at room temperature by fluidized-bed desorption (FBD) and by direct thermal desorption (DTD) at elevated temperatures. The VOCs in the extraction gas from FBD and DTD were collected on sorbent tubes and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Seven VOCs emitted by VF were quantified. Concentration measurements by FBD ranged from 5.1 microg/g VF for n-hexadecane to 130 microg/g VF for phenol. Concentrations measured by DTD were higher than concentrations measured by FBD. Differences between FBD and DTD results may be explained using free-volume and dual-mobility sorption theory, but further research is necessary to more completely characterize the complex nature of a diffusant in a polymer matrix.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed1986

rpe, a cis-acting element from the strA region of the Haemophilus influenzae chromosome that makes plasmid establishment independent of recombination.

Plasmids that share homology with the Haemophilus influenzae chromosome transform wild-type cells more efficiently than they transform recombination-defective mutants. A 5.2-kilobase-pair chromosomal fragment containing the strA gene of H. influenzae was found to promote efficient plasmid establishment in recombination-defective mutants. A cis-acting element in the insert, called rpe for rec-less plasmid establishment, promoted plasmid transformation in rec-1 and rec-2 mutants without suppressing the recombination defects of these strains. The rpe locus increased plasmid transformation in wild-type cells without interfering with the pathway of plasmid establishment that is dependent on recombination functions.

Chromosome Mapping↗
PubMed1984

Nitrogen fixation and nitrogenase activities in members of the family Rhodospirillaceae.

Strains of all 18 species of the family Rhodospirillaceae (nonsulfur photosynthetic bacteria) were studied for their comparative nitrogen-fixing abilities. All species, with the exception of Rhodocyclus purpureus, were capable of growth with N2 as the sole nitrogen source under photosynthetic (anaerobic) conditions. Most rapid growth on N2 was observed in strains of Rhodopseudomonas capsulata. Within the genus Rhodopseudomonas, the species R. capsulata, R. sphaeroides, R. viridis, R. gelatinosa, and R. blastica consistently showed the highest in vivo nitrogenase rates (with the acetylene reduction technique); nitrogenase rates in other species of Rhodopseudomonas and in most species of Rhodospirillum were notably lower. Chemotrophic (dark microaerobic) nitrogen fixation occurred in all species with the exception of one strain of Rhodospirillum fulvum; oxygen requirements for dark N2 fixation varied considerably among species and even within strains of the same species. We conclude that the capacity to fix molecular nitrogen is virtually universal among members of the Rhodospirillaceae but that the efficacy of the process varies considerably among species.

Culture Media↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Is there a shortage of dental hygienists?

Dental hygiene faculty from the Ohio State University, working under a grant from the Ohio Dental Association, surveyed licensed dentists and dental hygienists in Ohio in order to determine work-related concerns and possible solutions to perceived shortages of hygienists. There were 585 respondents from those selected through stratified systematic sampling based on state dental district for a 69% rate of dentist return and a 73% rate of hygienist return. The joint surveys assessed attitudes and documented experiences in several categories: practice background, opinion about hygiene employment shortage, compensation, aspects of hygiene satisfaction, reasons for ever terminating hygiene practice and future conditions persuading a return to hygiene practice. This article, the first in a series, presents findings from the survey of dentists relative to a perceived shortage of clinical dental hygienists. Forty-eight percent of dentist respondents believe that there is a shortage, while 52% are either not sure or believe there is no shortage. Those sensing a shortage have either tried to find a hygienist and could not believe there is a smaller pool to choose from, or have heard that colleagues have been unable to find a hygienist. Solutions to the shortage focus on better recruitment of qualified students, encouraging reentry of non-practicing hygienists, and promoting retention of hygienists in existing practices. Less frequently, dentists suggest starting new hygiene programs or training hygienists by preceptorship.

Dental Hygienists↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Selection of dental hygiene as a career: associate degree students compared with baccalaureate students.

One of the most significant issues in the dental hygiene profession is the recruitment of qualified applicants. Throughout the decade of the 80s, a dramatic decline in enrollment has occurred in dental hygiene programs across the nation. According to recent demographic reports, there are fewer individuals in the age group where dental hygiene students are traditionally recruited and no significant change is expected. Therefore, in order to maintain and improve the pool of students preparing for a career in dental hygiene, it is critical that an attempt be made to understand the forces which lead students to choose the health care profession. A study was conducted using baccalaureate alumni and three classes in the baccalaureate degree dental hygiene program at The Ohio State University in order to determine why they had chosen the career of dental hygiene. This study was subsequently expanded to include students enrolled in eight associate degree dental hygiene programs in Ohio. The results from the survey indicate that career decisions are made at varying points in the educational process. Dentists and dental hygienists account for half of the influence in the decision process with high school guidance counselors having negligible influence. Nearly all respondents chose working with people as the top career benefit. Those findings point to the importance of involving dental and dental hygiene professionals in the recruitment process and the necessity to provide appropriate information to others who may provide career counseling.

Career Choice↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Relationships between dental hygienists' career attitudes and their retention of practice. Part II. From the results of the Ohio Dentist and Dental Hygiene Surveys.

This article utilizes findings from the Ohio Dental Hygiene Survey and Ohio Dentist Survey to uncover what specific dental hygiene attitudes exist relative to employment and what factors have led to job termination and to re-entry. Ohio dental hygiene employees are most satisfied with patient relationships, co-worker relationships, and flexible working hours. The dental hygienists are least satisfied with fringe benefits, financial growth, and career creativity. Salary, benefits, nor career longevity were significant factors in determining satisfaction. Dental hygienists who were not working when surveyed, said they would consider returning to practice if a better salary were available, if they could find part-time work, if there were a good wage scale with benefits, or if their own financial need changed. Thirty-six percent of the non-practitioners said they would not ever consider returning to practice due to working conditions, establishment of a new career, or inadequate compensation. Dentist employers stated that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their dental hygienists' patient care and contribution to the practice.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

An analysis of dental hygienist remuneration. Part III. From the results of the Ohio Dentist and Dental Hygiene Surveys.

The Division of Dental Hygiene of Ohio State University, working under a grant from the Ohio Dental Association, completed research defining the practice of dental hygiene in Ohio utilizing data gathered in the summer of 1991. This portion of the research focuses on the salaries and benefits earned by practicing Ohio dental hygienists. It also presents the salary and benefit levels which Ohio dentists believe to be reasonable for dental hygienist employees. The largest number of dental hygienists work 27 hours per week and are paid a straight salary averaging $15.86 per hour. The largest number of dentists believe that experienced, full-time dental hygienists should receive higher salaries and more benefits than part-time hygienists. They feel that $16-$21 per hour is a reasonable salary, and they most often provide reduced dental fees as a benefit.

Data Collection↗