Regression of the inflammatory microenvironment of the peritoneal cavity in women with endometriosis by GnRHa treatment.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) on the peritoneal fluid microenvironment in women with endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN Peritoneal fluid was collected from 85 women with severe endometriosis (rAFS stage III and IV) during laparoscopic surgery during the proliferative phase. Prior to surgery clinical data were collected. The concentrations of specific markers for endometriosis in the peritoneal fluid were determined using an ELISA and a comparison between peritoneal fluid markers in women using GnRHa and no hormonal treatment was performed using a non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS The study included peritoneal fluid from 39 patients who had been administered GnRHa (Zoladex(®)) in the three months prior to surgery and 46 from women with no hormonal treatment in this period. Concentrations of IL-8, PAPP-A, glycodelin-A and midkine were significantly reduced in the GnRHa treatment group compared to women receiving no hormonal treatment. RANTES, MCP-1, ENA-78, TNF-α, OPG, IP-10 and defensin showed no significant change between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS GnRHa mediate a significant regression in the inflammatory nature of the peritoneal microenvironment in women with endometriosis.

Effectiveness of the Call in Beach Volleyball Attacking Play

In beach volleyball the setter has the opportunity to give her or his hitter a “call”. The call intends that the setter suggests to her or his partner where to place the attack in the opponent’s court. The effectiveness of a call is still unknown. We investigated the women’s and men’s Swiss National Beach Volleyball Championships in 2011 and analyzed 2185 attacks. We found large differences between female and male players. While men called in only 38.4% of attacks, women used calls in 85.5% of attacks. If the male players followed a given call, 63% of the attacks were successful. The success rate of attacks without any call was 55.8% and 47.6% when the call was ignored. These differences were not significant (χ2(2) = 4.55, p = 0.103). In women’s beach volleyball, the rate of successful attacks was 61.5% when a call was followed, 35% for attacks without a call, and 42.6% when a call was ignored. The differences were highly significant (χ2(2) = 23.42, p < 0.0005). Taking into account the findings of the present study, we suggested that the call was effective in women’s beach volleyball, while its effect in men’s game was unclear. Considering the quality of calls we indicate that there is a significant potential to increase the effectiveness of a call.

Hormonal and Clinical Predictors for Post-egg Retrieval Pain in Women Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology Procedures

OBJECTIVES The intensity of post-egg retrieval pain is underestimated, with few studies examining post-procedural pain and predictors to identify women at risk for severe pain. We evaluated the influence of pre-procedural hormonal levels, ovarian factors, as well as mechanical temporal summation (mTS) as predictors for post-egg retrieval pain in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS Eighteen women scheduled for ultrasound-guided egg retrieval under standardized anesthesia and post-procedural analgesia were enrolled. Pre-procedural mTS, questionnaires, clinical data related to anesthesia and the procedure itself, post-procedural pain scores and pain medication for breakthrough pain were recorded. Statistical analysis included Pearson product moment correlations, Mann-Whitney U tests and multiple linear regressions. RESULTS Average peak post-egg retrieval pain during the first 24 hours was 5.0±1.6 on an NRS scale (0=no pain, 10=worst pain imaginable). Peak post-egg retrieval pain was correlated with basal antimullerian hormone (AMH) (r=0.549, P=0.018), pre-procedural peak estradiol (r=0.582, P=0.011), total number of follicles (r=0.517, P=0.028) and number of retrieved eggs (r=0.510, P=0.031). Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) (n=4) was associated with higher basal AMH (P=0.004), higher peak pain scores (P=0.049), but not with peak estradiol (P=0.13). The mTS did not correlate with peak post-procedural pain (r=0.266, P=0.286), or peak estradiol level (r=0.090, P=0.899). DISCUSSION Peak post-egg retrieval pain intensity was higher than anticipated. Our results suggest that post-egg retrieval pain can be predicted by baseline AMH, high peak estradiol, and OHSS. Further studies to evaluate intra- and post-procedural pain in this population are needed, as well as clinical trials to assess post-procedural analgesia in women presenting with high hormonal levels.

Predictors of weight stability in women and men: The aerobic center longitudinal study, 1987--1995

It is estimated that more than half the U.S. adult population is overweight or obese as classified by a body mass index of 25.0–29.9 or ≥30 kg/m 2, respectively. Since the current treatment approaches for long-term maintenance of weight loss are lacking, the National Institutes of Health state that an effective approach may be to focus on weight gain prevention. There is a limited body of literature describing how adults maintain a stable weight as they age. It is hypothesized that weight stability is the result of a balance between energy consumption and energy expenditure as influenced by diet, lifestyle, behavior, genetics and environment. The purpose of this research was to examine the dietary intake and behaviors, lifestyle habits, and risk factors for weight change that predict weight stability in a cohort of 2101 men and 389 women aged 20 to 8 7 years in the Aerobic Center Longitudinal Study regardless of body weight at baseline. At baseline, participants completed a maximal exercise treadmill test to determine cardiorespiratory fitness, a medical history questionnaire, which included self-reported measures of weight, dietary behaviors, lifestyle habits, and risk factors for weight change, a three-day diet record, and a mail-back version of the medical history questionnaire in 1990 or 1995. All analyses were performed separately for men and women. Results from multivariate regression analyses indicated that the strongest predictor of follow-up weight for men and women was previous weight, accounting for 87.0% and 81.9% of the variance, respectively. Age, length of follow-up and eating habits were also significant predictors of follow-up weight in men, though these variables only explained 3% of the variance. For women, length of follow-up and currently being on a diet were significantly associated with follow-up weight but these variables explained only an additional 2% of the variance. Understanding the factors that influence weight change has tremendous public health importance for developing effective methods to prevent weight gain. Since current weight was the strongest predictor of previous weight, preventing initial weight gain by maintaining a stable weight may be the most effective method to combat the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity. ^

Na 1 Nachlass Max Horkheimer, 58 - Korrespondenzen u.a. mit Betty Drury (p. I 27, 186-333)

5 Briefe zwischen Konrad Wittwer und Max Horkheimer, 1936, 1938, 1939; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Joseph Wohl, 18.08.1934; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Hedwig Wollenberger, 25.02.1941; 2 Briefe zwischen Richard Wolf und Max Horkheimer, 22.10.1938, 07.11.1938; 2 Briefe zwischen Martha Wolfenstein und Max Horkheimer, 11.10.1937, 19.10.1937; 1 Brief von Clemy Wolff an Leo Löwenthal, 05.03.1941; 2 Briefe zwischen Ilse Wolff und Max Horkheimer, 29.08.1937, 03.09.1937; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Howard Woolston, 25.03.1941; 1 Einladung von der Women's Conference, 1935; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an die Women's Conference, 15.03.1935; 1 Brief von der World Foundation an Max Horkheimer, 26.11.1937; 2 Briefe vom World Jewish Congress an Max Horkheimer, 1942, 1945; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Francis Henry Russel, 28.09.1942; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Dr. Opie, 28.09.1942; 1 Brief der Württembergische Hypothekenbank an Max Horkheimer, 24.12.1930; 12 Briefe zwischen Rösle Wuestholz und Max Horkheimer, 1935-1937, 1939; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Frida Wunderlich, 22.11.1937; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an die Yale University Library, 22.12.1938; 2 Briefe zwischen Owen D. Young und Max Horkheimer, 22.04.1940, April 1940; 3 Briefe zwischen Hans Zeisel und Max Horkheimer, 21.07.1941, 1941, 1944; 2 Briefe zwischen der Zentrale Hilfsstelle für deutsche Flüchtlingskinder Prag und Max Horkheimer, 01.03.1938, 25.04.1938; 6 Briefe zwischen Gregory Zilboorg und Max Horkheimer, 1939; 16 Briefe und Beilage an Max Horkheimer und F. Pollock von Edgar Zilsel, 1939-1942; 1 Brief vom Social Science Research Counsil an Edgar Zilsel, 01.04.1940; 1 Brief von The Rockefeller Foundation an Edgar Zilsel, 20.06.1939; 9 Briefe und Beilage von Max Horkheimer und F. Pollock an Edgar Zilsel, 1939-1942 sowie Briefwechsel mit Betty Drury; 10 Briefe zwischen The Rockefeller Foundation und Max Horkheimer, 1939-1940; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Edgar Zilsel, 20.06.1939; 12 Briefe zwischen Betty Drury und F. Pollock, 1939-1940; 7 Briefe zwischen Alexander Zinnemann und Max Horkheimer, 1936;

Na 1 Nachlass Max Horkheimer, 1 - Korrespondenzen u.a. mit Franz Alexander (p. I 1, 1-205)

1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Abel, 16.03.1936; 3 Briefe zwischen Hubert Abrahamsohn und Max Horkheimer, 1935-1936, 21.12.1936; 2 Briefe zwischen Emanuel Adler und Max Horkheimer, 12.04.1946, 26.04.1946; 2 Briefe zwischen Max Adler und Max Horkheimer, 16.03.1935, 29.03.1935; 1 Brief von Eva Ahamson an Max Horkheimer, 01.11.1944; 2 Briefe der Aircraft Warning Service Brentwood an Max Horkheimer, Mai 1942; 6 Briefe zwischen Librairie Félix Alcan und Max Horkheimer, 1935, 18.12.1935; 11 Briefe zwischen Franz Alexander und Max Horkheimer, 1938-1940; 2 Briefe zwischen der American Historical Review New York und Max Horkheimer, 01.04.1941, 07.04.1941; 1 Brief von Paul Reiwald an Max Horkheimer, 18.10.1940; 2 Briefe zwischen Helen Manice Alexander und Max Horkheimer, 1936; 2 Briefe zwischen Bernardine Allen und Max Horkheimer, 17.06.1938, 24.06.1938; 1 Brief der Alumni Federation of Columbia University an Max Horkheimer, 21.07.1942; 1 Brief der American Friends Service Comittee an Max Horkheimer, 10.12.1940; 3 Briefe zwischen der American Academy of Political and Social Science Philadelphia und Max Horkheimer, 1939,1940, 16.01.1939; 1 Brief der American Automobile Association Washington an Max Horkheimer, 22.03.1938; 1 Brief der American Association for the Advancement of Science Washington an Max Horkheimer, 16.08.1937; 2 Briefe von Max Horkheimer an den American Consulate General Berlin, 1939; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an den American Consulate General Havana, 03.03.1941; 4 Briefe von Max Horkheimer an den American Consul London, 1939-1941; 2 Briefe von Max Horkheimer an den American Consulate General Stuttgart, 1939-1941; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an den American Consul Zürich, 1939; 1 Brief von Friedrich Pollock an den American Council of Learned Society, Washington, 27.06.1941; 2 Briefe von Max Horkheimer an die American Friends of German Freedom New York, 1941; 4 Briefe der American Historical Association Washington an Max Horkheimer, 1937-1938; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an den American Red Cross Westwood Office, 21.06.1943; 18 Briefe zwschen der American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals New York und Max Horkheimer, 1936-1941; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an die American Women's Volunteer Service Pacific Palisades, 27.07.1942; 23 Briefe zwischen Eugene Anderson und Max Horkheimer, 1937-1941; 2 Briefe zwischen Norah Andreae und Max Horkheimer, 27.10.1944, 09.09.1946; 1 Brief von Rosa Nebel-Schenk, 04.03.1946; 1 Brief von der National Catholic Welfare Conference, 14.08.1944; 12 Briefe zwischen Werner Andreae und Max Horkheimer, 1945-1954; 1 Brief von Julius Marx an Werner Andreae, 10.05.1946, 11.05.1950; 2 Briefe von Josef Messinger an Werner Andreae, 23.10.1946, ohne Datum; 3 Briefe zwischen dem Advokatenbüro Hodler und Max Horkheimer, 1946, 09.05.1946;

Na 1 Nachlass Max Horkheimer, 4 - Korrespondenzen u.a. mit Richard Bach (p. I 2, 131-358)

24 Briefe zwischen Richard Bach und Max Horkheimer, 1938-1940; 2 Briefe zwischen Alfred Chalk und Max Horkheimer, 17.10.1939, 14.11.1939; 3 Briefe von Morduch Lexandrowitsch und der American Consulate General, 1939; 4 Briefe von der American Consulate General und Max Horkheimer, 1938-1939; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an das Amtstgericht Berlin, 15.03.1939; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Stiedry, 05.12.1938; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an den Collector of Custom, 26.10.1938; 2 Briefe zwischen Josef Maier und Carson Alexandrowitsch, 28.06.1938, 29.06.1938; 1 Brief von Margarete Baruch an Alice Maier, 11.04.1938; 1 Brief von Emanuel List an Carson Alexandrowitsch, 23.02.1938; 1 Abschrift des Briefes von der Metropolitan Opera Association New York an Morduch Lexandrowitsch, 22.02.1938; 1 Brief von Jacques Barzun an Max Horkheimer, 09.07.1947; 4 Briefe zwischen K. Baschwitz und Max Horkheimer, 1938-1946; 2 Briefe zwischen E. Bauer und Max Horkheimer, 08.04.1935, 27.05.1935; 4 Briefe zwischen Fritz Bauer und Max Horkheimer, 1937-1938; 2 Briefe zwischen Lina Bauer und Max Horkheimer, 20.07.1942, 16,08,1942; 4 Briefe zwsichen Rudolf Bauer und Max Horkheimer, 1937; 15 Briefe zwischen Gertrud Bauer und Max Horkheimer, 1938-1941; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an den Collector of Customs, 15.03.1940; 2 Briefe zwischen I. Hannah Davidson vom Jewish Community Center San Francisco und Max Horkheimer, 19.09.1938, 29.09.1938; 2 Briefe zwsichen I. Bauer und Max Horkheimer, 25.09.1938, 29.09.1938; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Klopfer, 27.09.1938; 3 Briefe zwischen Y.M.H.A. - Y.W.H.A The Jewish Center of Saint Louis und Max Horkheimer, 19.09.1938, 1938; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Julius Rosenberg, 17.09.1938; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an das Jwish Center Salt Lake City, Utah, 07.09.1938; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an das Jewish Community Center San Fransisco, 07.09.1938; 3 Briefe zwischen dem New York Section of the National Council of Jewish Women und Max Horkheimer, 07.04.1938, 1938; 2 Briefe zwischen Baum und Max Horkheimer, 12.03.1946, 25.05.1946; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Charles A. Beard , 12.12.1934; 1 Brief von Charles A. Beard an C. A. Beard; 5 Briefe von Friedrich Pollock an Charles A. Beard, 1940-1941; 5 Briefe zwischen Lilo Beck und Max Horkheimer, 1940-1941; 7 Briefe zwischen Maximilian Beck und Max Horkheimer, 1939-1940; 1 Brief von Paul Tillich an Max Horkheimer , 01.10.1940; 1 Brief von dem Emergency Committee in Aid of Displaced Foreign Scholars New York an Max Horkheimer, 19.04.1940; 5 Briefe zwischen Konrad Bekker und Max Horkheimer, 1936-1939; 2 Briefe von Max Horkheimer an Ludwig Bendix, 1921, 1937; 1 Brief von Peter Bendmann an Max Horkheimer; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Ruth Benedict, 30.07.1937; 1 Brief von Eric Russel Bentley an Max Horkheimer, 30.01.1945; 1 Brief von George Berg an Max Horkheimer, 12.07.1945; 2 Briefe zwischen Egon Bergel und Max Horkheimer, 18.08.1938, 22.08.1938; 1 Brief von Marie Jahoda an Max Horkheimer, 14.07.1928; 1 Brief von Theodor W. Adorno an Kurt Bergel, 09.09.1939; 15 Briefe zwischen Klaus Berger und Max Horkheimer, 1936-1943; 1 Brief von Frederick Pollock an Philip M. Hayden von der Columbia University New York, 05.03.1942; 1 Brief von Hans Venedey an Max Horkheimer, 05.03.1938; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Ida Berger-Chevant, 18.02.1939;

Na 1 Nachlass Max Horkheimer, 38 - Korrespondenzen u.a. mit Arthur E. Nadel (p. I 19, 1-102)

40 Briefe zwischen Arthur E. Nadel und Max Horkheimer, 1934-1939; 1 Brief von Arthur E. Nadel an Armin Hodler, 02.02.1939; 18 Briefe zwischen Otto Nathan und Max Horkheimer, 1934-1940; 1 Brief von Friedrich Pollock an Paul Tillich, 12.11.1938; 5 Briefe zwischen dem National Council of Jewish Women New York Section und Max Horkheimer, 1937-1939; 1 Brief vom National Council of Parent Education Poughkeepsie, New York an Max Horkheimer, 17.06.1940; 1 Brief vom National Research Council Washington an Max Horkheimer, 15.02.1941; 2 Briefe zwischen dem National Roster of Scientific and Specialized Personnel Washington und Max Horkheimer, 1940; 2 Briefe zwischen Lisel Nädele und Max Horkheimer, 11.12.1939, 22.01.1940; 1 Brief von Benjamin Nathaniel Nelson an Max Horkheimer, 20.04.1938 sowie Briefwechsel mit der C.R.B. Educational Foundation, New York; 2 Briefe zwischen der C.R.B. Educational Foundation, New York und Max Horkheimer, 16.12.1937; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Neumann, 08.07.1934; 3 Briefe und Beilage zwischen Fritz Neumark, Jenny Neumark und Max Horkheimer, 08.08.1939 sowie Briefwechsel mit Otto Strauß; 2 Briefe zwischen Otto Strauß vom Selfhelp for German Emigree New York und Max Horkheimer, 01.08.1939, 04.08.1939;

Na 1 Nachlass Max Horkheimer, 45 - Korrespondenzen u.a. mit der Familie Rabinowitsch, Friedrich Pollock und Franz Neumann (p. I 21, A, 1-218)

37 Briefe zwischen Fritz Rabinowitsch, Gregor Rabinowitsch, Fred Roberts und Max Horkheimer, 1936-1943; 14 Briefe und Beilagen zwischen Finley Parker, Benjamin Parker und dem American General Consulat, 1937-1939; 4 Brief zwischen dem National Council of Jewish Women New York und Max Horkheimer, 1937; 31 Briefe und Beilagen zwischen Finley Parker, Benjamin Parker und Max Horkheimer, 1937-1939; 7 Briefe zwischen Franz L. Neumann und Finley Parker, Benjamin Parker, 09.10.1937, 1937; 2 Briefe zwischen dem American Conulat, General und dem National Council of Jewish Women, 27.07.1937, 16.08.1937; 1 Brief von Finley und Benjamin Parker an Gregor Rabinowitsch, 22.10.1937; 3 Briefe von Max Horkheimer an das United States Consulate Berlin, 1937; 1 Brief von Finley und Benjamin Parker an Hans-Heinrich Schulz, 21.09.1937; 1 Brief von Finley und Benjamin Parker an Eberhard Roethe, 21.09.1937; 6 Briefe zwischen Friedrich Pollock und Max Horkheimer, 1937-1943; 2 Briefe zwischen dem Schweizerischer Buchhändlerverein und Max Horkheimer, 31.07.1937, 10.09.1937; 2 Briefe zwischen Robert Hilb und Max Horkheimer, 07.09.1937; 2 Briefe zwischen Franz Neumann und Max Horkheimer, 29.08.1937, 31.08.1937; 11 Briefe zwischen Alexander Farquharson und Max Horkheimer, 1937; 1 Brief von Girsberger an Max Horkheimer, 29.08.1937; 1 Brief von Abner J. Rubien an Max Horkheimer, 29.07.1937; 1 Brief von Brill an Max Horkheimer, 29.07.1937; 2 Briefe zwischen Otto Nathan und Max Horkheimer, 28.07.1937, 25.04.1939; 5 Briefe zwischen dem Germany Emergency Committee London und Max Horkheimer, 1937; 2 Briefe von der National City Bank New York an das American Consul, New York, 1937; 1 Brief von John G. Jenkins an Paul F. Lazarsfeld, 05.04.1937; 3 Briefe zwischen Frank H. Bowles und Max Horkheimer, 23.03.1937, 1937;

A focused ethnographic study of women in recovery from alcohol abuse

Alcohol abuse and its related problems are among the most pervasive health and social concerns in the United States (U.S.) today. Women are especially vulnerable to the physical and social devastation of alcohol abuse. Yet, although there is extensive research about alcohol drinking patterns, treatment strategies, and early recovery, there is little information about the factors that facilitate successfully sustained abstinence in women. The purpose of this study was to examine and describe the common factors to successful recovery from alcohol abuse among women and to place these factors within both the context of their social networks and the larger social environment. This study draws from the population of New Mexico, where alcohol-related deaths are the highest of any state in the U.S. and the leading cause of death for individuals under the age of 65 years. The study was a focused ethnography of women who had successfully maintained long-term recovery from alcohol abuse. As an ethnographic study, data collection included participant observation, in-depth interviews with 21 women, and the collection of historical and current culturally relevant data. A purposive sampling plan was used to maximize the selection of participants who had used traditional and non-traditional approaches to recovery. As such, the analysis of the success narratives revealed two distinct findings: the first that women used several different trajectories to achieve long-term recovery. Three trajectory typologies were identified from the success narratives and labeled, A.A. as ceremony, A.A. as grounding, and Recovery as self-management. ^ However, within each of these trajectories, variations in successful recovery were seen. The second major finding was that all women articulated an overarching theme of connections as an indispensable aspect of sustained recovery. The success narratives demonstrated the powerful role that connections played in their long-term recovery and the analysis distinguished two unifying concepts of connections—those that focused beyond self (spirituality, social support, and pets) and those that focused toward self (self-nurturance, agency, and identity). This discussion will focus on the implications for clinical practice related to both women who are still actively abusing alcohol and for those who are successfully maintaining long-term recovery. ^

Fast food influences among Hispanic women

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fast food influences such as restaurant frequency and restaurant choice among Hispanic women residing in Houston Texas. We also evaluated associations between BMI and frequency of fast food consumption. Methods: Data was obtained from the BOUNCE program and baseline data was evaluated from mothers enrolled in the study. Descriptive analysis and Fisher's exact test were conducted to evaluate patterns among fast food selection. Results: Nearly 88 percent of women were classified as overweight or obese, the population was predominately immigrants from Mexico with language preference of Spanish. Factors most influencing restaurant choice included quality of food, restaurant atmosphere, and healthy food availability. No associations were found between BMI and frequency of fast foods, however data show a slight association between duration in the U.S and increase in fast food frequency. Conclusion: Though statics are not statistically significant results demonstrate a possible trend in regards to length of stay and frequency eating out. This should be further explored. ^

Determining the association between nativity status and mammography utilization among women in the United States using 2000 and 2005 NHIS data

Objective. To determine the association between nativity status and mammography utilization among women in the U.S. and assess whether demographic variables, socioeconomic factors healthcare access, breast cancer risk factors and acculturation variables were predictors in the relationship between nativity status and mammography in the past two years. ^ Methods. The NHIS collects demographic and health information using face-to-face interviews among a representative sample of the U.S. population and a cancer control module assessing screening behaviors is included every five years. Descriptive statistics were used to report demographic characteristics of women aged 40 and older who have received a mammogram in the last 2 years from 2000 and 2005. We used chi square analyses to determine statistically significant differences by mammography screening for each covariate. Logistic regression was used to determine whether demographic characteristics, socioeconomic characteristics, healthcare access, breast cancer risk factors and acculturation variables among foreign-born Hispanics affected the relationship between nativity status and mammography use in the past 2 years. ^ Results. In 2000, the crude model between nativity and mammography was significant but results were not significant after adjusting for health insurance, access and reported health status. Significant results were also reported for years in U.S. and mammography among foreign-born born women. In 2005, the crude model was also significant but results were not significant after adjusting for demographic factors. Furthermore, there was a significant finding between citizenship and mammography in the past 2 years. ^ Conclusions. Our study contributes to the literature as one of the first national-based studies assessing mammography in the past two years based on nativity status. Based on our findings, health insurance and access to care is an important predictor in mammography utilization among foreign-born women. For those with health care access, physician recommendation should further be assessed to determine whether women are made aware of mammography as a means to detect breast cancer at an early stage and further reduce the risk of mortality from the breast cancer.^

Deployed military women: A second look at gender-specific infections

This descriptive, cross-sectional study addressed the relationship between variables of deployed military women and prevalence of gender-specific infections. The analysis of secondary data will look at the last deployment experience of 880 randomly selected U.S. military women who completed a mailed questionnaire (Deployed Female Health Practice Questionnaire (FHPQ)) in June 1998. The questionnaire contained 191 items with 80 data elements and one page for the subject's written comments. The broad categories of the questionnaire included: health practices, health promotion, disease prevention and treatment, reproduction, lifestyle management, military characteristics and demographics. The research questions are: (1) What is the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STD), urinary tract infections (UTI) and vaginal infections (VI) related to demographic data, military characteristics, behavioral risk factors and health practices of military women during their last deployment? and (2) What are the differences between STD, UTI and VI related to the demographic data, military characteristics, behavioral risk factors and health practices of military women during their last deployment. The results showed that (1) STDs were found to be significantly associated with age and rank but not location of deployment or military branch; (2) UTI were found to be significantly associated with intrauterine device (IUD) use, prior UTI and type of items used for menses management, but not education or age; and (3) VI were significantly associated with age, rank and deployment location but not ethnicity or education. Although quantitative research exploring hygiene needs of deployed women continues, qualitative studies may uncover further “hidden” issues of importance. It cannot be said that the military has not made proactive changes for women, however, continued efforts to hone these changes are still encouraged. Mandatory debriefings of “seasoned” deployed women soldiers and their experiences would benefit leadership and newly deployed female soldiers with valuable “lessons learned.” Tailored hygiene education material, prevention education classes, easy access website with self-care algorithms, pre-deployment physicals, revision of military protocols for health care providers related to screening, diagnosing and treatment of gender-specific infections and process changes in military supply network of hygiene items for women are offered as recommendations. ^

Sexual initiation of U.S. Latino and Colombian high school students: Toward a new theory of adolescent sexuality and implications for sexual health prevention and promotion

The general research question for this dissertation was: do the data on adolescent sexual experiences and sexual initiation support the explicit or implicit adolescent sexuality theories informing the sexual health interventions currently designed for youth? To respond to this inquiry, three different studies were conducted. The first study included a conceptual and historical analysis of the notion of adolescence introduced by Stanley Hall, the development of an alternative model based on a positive view of adolescent sexuality, and the rationale for introducing to adolescent sexual health prevention programs the new definitions of sexual health and the social determinants of health approach. The second one was a quantitative study aimed at surveying not only adolescents' risky sexual behaviors but also sexual experiences associated with desire/pleasure which have been systematically neglected when investigating the sexual and reproductive health of the youth. This study was conducted with a representative sample of the adolescents attending public high schools in the State of Caldas in the Republic of Colombia. The third study was a qualitative analysis of 22 interviews conducted with male and female U.S. Latino adolescents on the reasons for having had or having not had vaginal sex. The more relevant results were: most current adolescent sexual health prevention programs are still framed in a negative approach to adolescent sexuality developed a century ago by Stanley Hall and Sigmund Freud which do not accept the adolescent sexual experience and propose its sublimation. In contrast, the Colombian study indicates that, although there are gender differences, adolescence is for males and females a normal period of sexual initiation not limited to coital activity, in which sexual desire/pleasure is strongly associated with sexual behavior. By the same token, the study about the reasons for having had or not had initiated heterosexual intercourse indicated that curiosity, sexual desire/pleasure, and love are basic motivations for deciding to have vaginal sexual intercourse for the first time and that during adolescence, young women and men reach the cognitive development necessary for taking conscious decisions about their sexual acts. The findings underline the importance of asking pertinent questions about desire/pleasure when studying adolescent sexuality and adopting an evidence-based approach to sexual health interventions.^