Having a child who is suffering with chronic pain can profoundly impact a parent’s life. Reciprocally, parent cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses to their child’s chronic pain can influence the child pain experience. We developed the Parent Risk and Impact Screening Measure (PRISM) to assess parent physical and emotional functioning, behavioral responses to child pain, and impact on daily life due to their child’s chronic pain. In an effort to validate this screening tool, we examined the PRISM in relation to existing measures of parent distress, parent behavior, and child functioning. The 30-item PRISM was administered via RedCAP survey to 112 parents of children with persistent pain presenting to a multidisciplinary pain clinic at Boston Children’s Hospital. Parents also completed the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29), Bath Adolescent Pain Questionnaire-Parental Impact Questionnaire (BAQ-PIQ), Adult Responses to Children’s Symptoms (ARCS), and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Children completed the Functional Disability Inventory (FDI), Fear of Pain Questionnaire (FOPQ), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). Parents were predominantly mothers (84%), married (74%), and college- educated (70%). Their children (ages 8-18) were predominantly female (88%) and endorsed daily pain (84%; Mean=6/10). PRISM total scores were strongly correlated with parent general symptoms of depression, anxiety, fatigue, social restrictions, and pain interference (PROMIS-29; r=0.47, 0.54, 0.59, 0.57, 0.38). PRISM total scores were also highly associated with parent pain-specific domains including self-blame and helplessness (BAP-PIQ; r=0.62), parent behavior (BAP-PIQ; r=0.54), and protective responses (ARCS; r=0.59). For child outcomes, higher PRISM scores correlated with more disability (FDI; r=0.49), higher fear of pain (FOPQ; r=0.53), and lower functioning within emotional, social, and psychosocial domains (PedsQL; r=0.36, 0.34, 0.48). Altogether the PRISM tool appears to be a brief and clinically important means of screening parent distress and behaviors associated with child pain-related dysfunction. Future work will include item level analysis with the goal of reducing the length of this screening tool.

Le travail présenté dans ce manuscrit porte sur la recherche de nouveaux membres de la famille des dioxygénases α-cétoglutarate et fer dépendantes (α-KAO) et leur application en synthèse organique. Dans un premier, ce travail a consisté à chercher de nouvelles enzymes selon une approche génomique basée sur l’homologie de séquence et le partage d’un motif InterPro. Deux criblages haut débit avec 79 et 127 enzymes candidates ont ensuite été effectués sur des panels constitués respectivement de 23 et 36 substrats, structurellement plus ou moins proches des substrats métaboliques. Huit nouvelles α-KAO ont ainsi pu être découvertes. Parmi ces huit nouvelles α-KAO, quatre ont été étudiées plus en détail. Après optimisation des conditions de réaction pour chaque enzyme, des montées en échelle ont été réalisées pour caractériser les produits formés. A partir de ces quatre enzymes, la (3S)-3-hydroxy-L-lysine, un dérivé cyclisé de la (4R)-4-hydroxy-L-lysine, (3S)-3-hydroxy-L-ornithine et un dérivé de la (3S)-3-hydroxy-L-arginine ont pu être produits. Nous avons proposé une synthèse biocatalytique de mono et dihydroxydiamines en couplant une ou deux α-KAO avec une décarboxylase. Les (2S)-1,5-diamino-2-pentanol, 1,5-diamino-3-pentanol, (2S)-1,4-diamino-2-butanol et (2S,3S)-1,5-diamino-2,3-pentanediol ont ainsi été obtenus avec de bonnes conversions. / The work described in this manuscript deals with the search of new members of the α-ketoglutarate and Iron-dependent dioxygenases family (α-KAO) and their applications in organic synthesis. The first part of this work presents the search of new enzymes through a genomic approach based on sequence homology and InterPro motif sharing. Two high-throughput screenings with 79 and 127 candidate enzymes have been performed on 23 and 36 substrates more or less structurally close to known metabolic substrates. 8 new α-KAOs have been discovered. Among these new enzymes, four were studied in more details. After optimization of the enzymatic reaction conditions for each enzyme, scale-up allowed to obtain compounds for isolation and characterization. With these four enzymes, (3S)-3-hydroxy-L-lysine, (4R)-4-hydroxy-L-lysine as its cyclic derivative, (3S)-3-hydroxy-L-ornithine and a derivative of (3S)-3-hydroxy-L-arginine were produced. Two of the new α-KAO were combined in a cascade process to afford the (3R,4R)-3,4-dihydroxy-L-lysine as its cyclic derivative. We proposed a biocatalytic synthesis of mono and hydroxydiamines by coupling one or two α-KAO with a decarboxylase enzyme. (2S)-1,5-diamino-2-pentanol, 1,5-diamino-3-pentanol, (2S)-1,4-diamino-2-butanol and (2S,3S)-1,5-diamino-2,3-pentanediol were obtained with good overall conversions.

Abstrakt Utbildning i dag ställer höga krav på läsförmågan. Skolans uppdrag är att säkerhetsställa att eleverna lär sig att läsa. Ett sätt att följa elevers läsförmåga är att använda sig av screeningtest och kartläggningsmaterial i kombination med att följa upp och arbeta med resultaten. Tidig identifiering är av största vikt så att skolan sätter in rätt resurser i tid. Speciallärare och specialpedagoger spelar en stor roll i detta arbete.  Syftet med vår undersökning är att se vilka screening- och kartläggningsmaterial i läsning som används i svensk grundskola samt att se hur resultaten från dessa följs upp. Frågeställningarna som vi söker svar på är: Vilka screeningtest och kartläggningsmaterial inom läsning används i Sveriges grundskolor? Hur följer skolan upp resultaten? samt Hur vill speciallärare och specialpedagoger arbeta med kartläggning och uppföljning? En enkätundersökning  skickades ut till alla Sveriges grundskolor, specifikt riktade till speciallärare och specialpedagoger. Resultatet, utifrån respondenternas svar, visar vilka screeningtest som används ute på skolorna, hur resultaten följs upp samt hur speciallärare och specialpedagoger önskar följa upp resultaten.

A variable screening method is introduced to reduce the computational cost caused by the curse of dimension of high dimensional problem in RBDO. The screening method considers the output variance of the constraint functions and uses test-of-hypothesis to filter necessary variables. Also, the method is applicable to implicit functions as well as explicit functions. Suitable number of samples to obtain consistent test result is calculated. 3 examples are demonstrated with detailed variable screening procedure and RBDO result.

Cancer screening is useful for improving survival rates and treatment outcomes, which is why there are screening recommendations for the most prevalent types of cancer. Despite gains in the reduction of cancer-related mortality rate worldwide in the past few years, the Haitian community continues to experience high mortality rates due to cancer. The prevalence of prostate cancer in the Haitian population is among the highest worldwide at 767 per 100,000, with a mortality rate of 403 per 100,000. One of the causes may be the low prostate cancer screening rate in the Haitian community; however, no studies have been focused on an association between demographic factors within this community and the low prostate cancer screening rate. This study's purpose was to address this gap through a cross-sectional quantitative design using the health belief model as a theoretical framework and a convenience sample of 282 Haitian males. The rate of prostate cancer screening among Haitian immigrants living in Brooklyn was examined based on the demographic variables of age, income, and education. Participants' perceptions regarding prostate cancer screening were also evaluated based on the same variables. Loglinear, and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis. Although education was found to be the strongest and only significant predictor variable for prostate cancer screening participation within the target population, no conclusion could be drawn regarding the effect of the select variables on the participants' perceptions on prostate cancer screening. The implications for this study include increased knowledge for public health promotion initiatives and for those in the Haitian community working to reduce the morbidity and mortality rates due to prostate cancer.

Veterans are at increased risk for developing mental illnesses because of separation from families, distressing experiences in the military, and previous injury to the brain. Approximately 30% of U.S. veterans returning from war suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The incidence of acute PTSD is reduced when victims are aware of the condition and its associated factors. Through education and screening, the project bridged the gap between deployment of military veterans and treatment of PTSD in this population by addressing whether screening veterans and providing an educational process affected veterans' early PTSD recognition and treatment. The project study addressed the impact of staff education on identifying undiagnosed PTSD among veterans at the project site. The project was guided by the adult learning theory that was applied to fit the self-efficacy model. Data collection included screening of 99 veterans by clinic staff members using the PTSD checklist. Staff members also completed pretests and posttests before and after the education program. Results indicated that staff members demonstrated increased knowledge of the PTSD from pretest (50%) to posttest (93%). Of the veterans screened in the project, 30(30%) tested positive for PTSD and were referred to psychiatrists for treatment and medication to ameliorate the symptoms. Findings may be used to encourage implementation of PTSD screening and education in health care organizations ensuring positive social change by veterans suffering from PTSD and the care they need early in the progression of PTSD development.

The purpose of this study was to review the literature on English Language Learners and written expression curriculum-based measurement. In recent years, there has been little research completed in the area of curriculum based measurement for writing for English Language Learners. A systematic review of the literature was conducted and all available literature on the use of written expression curriculum-based measurement since 2006 was identified and reviewed. Given the increasing diversity in our schools, particularly non-native English speakers, this review focused on studies including this group. There were differences in some of the technical features such as sample durations, writing tasks, and scoring procedures within the schools they were conducted in. Remaining gaps in the literature are discussed in addition to future directions and limitations.

The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine to what extent the 4 M-PULSE scale scores (interpersonal difficulties, unprofessional conduct, discharge of weapon, and inappropriate use of weapon) account for variance in the MMPI-2RF (aggression and antisocial) subscales scores. Archival data was provided by a private business that conducts these screenings for multiple law enforcement organizations (local and state). Law enforcement candidates (N = 127) were evaluated by a private business during the prehiring psychological screening process using the M-PULSE and MMPI-2RF to assess their risk factors for employment as law enforcement officers. Using Social Learning theory as the basis, the scores from the 2 measures were provided for regression analysis to determine what effect the M-PULSE factors had on the MMPI-2RF factors. This research did not find any significant effect on either MMPI-2RF factor by the 4 M-PULSE factors. This study adds to the growing body of knowledge of law enforcement psychological screening processes and how different measures provide critical information on personality, aggression, and risk factors that should be considered for individuals seeking employment in a law enforcement position. This study has implications for positive social change by increasing understanding of how current psychological screening processes determine suitability of candidates and help to ensure that individuals who would put the public and law enforcement organizations at higher risk should be screened out prior to completion of any law enforcement training.

Colorectal cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Early screening provides the best prospects for preventing the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. Nurses have the duty to promote health and prevent diseases. However, low rates of colorectal cancer screening continue to be reported, especially among African Americans who continue to suffer disproportionately from the disease. There is a need for a culturally-sensitive clinical practice guideline that nurses can use to educate patients appropriately on colorectal cancer. The practice focused question for this project was designed to explore whether a culturally-sensitive clinical practice guideline to increase colorectal cancer screening among African Americans could be developed using best practices. The health belief model informed the background, development, and implementation of this project. Evidence from peer-reviewed nursing literature was synthesized in a literature review matrix and then used to develop a clinical practice guideline to increase colorectal cancer screening. It is anticipated that this guideline will improve nursing practice by equipping nurses with the knowledge and skill to provide culturally-sensitive education on colorectal cancer and screening. Through the patient education and enhanced nursing practice stipulated in the clinical practice guideline, health care providers may work to eliminate disparities in colorectal cancer screening among African Americans.

Despite the evidence that colorectal cancer screening is effective in reducing the incidence of and mortality from colorectal cancer, racial and ethnic disparities in colorectal cancer screening persist in the United States. African-born immigrants in the United States have lower colorectal cancer screening rates than native-born Americans. The purpose of this quantitative, retrospective, cross-sectional study was to examine how family income, health insurance status, language of interview, length of stay in the United States, perceived health status, level of education, and having a usual place for medical care affect colorectal cancer screening among African-born immigrants in the United States. The immigrant health services utilization model provided the framework for the study. Secondary data collected in 2010, 2013, and 2015 through the National Health Interview Survey from 349 African-born immigrants age 40 years and above were analyzed using logistic regression and a chi-square test of independence. A stratified multistage sampling procedure was used to select the sample for the study. Results showed a significant association between colorectal cancer screening and health insurance status, length of stay in the United States, perceived health status, and having a usual place for medical care. However, no association was found between colorectal cancer screening and family income, education level, and interview language. Findings may be used to impact positive social change and guide policy decisions on colorectal cancer preventive interventions targeting African-born immigrants living in the United States.