Performance-linked visual feedback slows response times during a sustained attention task.

In the present study, we tested a visual feedback triggering system based on real-time tracking of response time (RT) in a sustained attention task. In our task, at certain points, brief visual feedback epochs were presented without interrupting the task itself. When these feedback epochs were performance-linked-meaning that they were triggered because participants were responding more quickly than usual-RTs were slowed after the presentation of feedback. However, visual feedback epochs displayed at predetermined times that were independent of participants' performance did not slow RTs. Results from a second experiment support the idea that this is not simply a return to baseline that would have occurred had the feedback not been presented, but instead suggest that the feedback itself was effective in altering participants' responses. In a third experiment, we replicated this result across with both written word feedback and visual symbolic feedback, as well as in cases where the participant was explicitly told that the feedback was linked to their performance. All together, these data provide insight into potential mechanisms for detecting and disrupting lapses in sustained attention without interrupting a continuous task.

Expanding the Capacity of Primary Care to Treat Co-morbidities in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

We examined barriers and facilitators to expanding primary care's capacity to manage conditions associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We conducted semi-structured interviews with specialists, primary care providers (PCPs), primary care staff, and parents of children with ASD, discussing health/behavior problems encountered, co-management, and patient/family experience. Participants endorsed primary care as the right place for ASD-associated conditions. Specialists advising PCPs, in lieu of referrals, efficiently uses their expertise. PCPs' ability to manage ASD-associated conditions hinged on how behavioral aspects of ASD affected care delivery. Practices lacked ASD-specific policies but made individual-level accommodations and broader improvements benefitting children with ASD. Enhancing access to specialty expertise, particularly around ASD-associated behaviors, and building on current quality improvements appear important to expanding primary care.

Smoking Sleuths: a pilot tobacco prevention elective for medical school students.

BACKGROUND: Smoking Sleuths is an experiential learning curriculum that was developed and taught to elementary through high school aged children by medical students. METHODS: A total of 14 first- and 4th-year medical students from 2 medical schools participated in the tobacco service learning elective. RESULTS: Medical students trained Adolescent Tobacco Education Leaders who provided tobacco education to peers and members of the public. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking Sleuths provides opportunities for medical students to learn counseling and health education skills across many disciplines. The elective may have a broader audience in schools of allied health, nursing, dentistry, education, and public health.

Use of artificial tanning products among young adults.

BACKGROUND: Neither the prevalence of sunless tanner use nor its impact on sunburning and tanning bed use has been evaluated in the United States. OBJECTIVE: We surveyed young adults in greater Boston to measure use of artificial tanning products, as well as recent history of sunburns and tanning bed use. METHODS: In July 2004, 448 individuals 18 to 30 years of age completed a brief questionnaire at universities, shopping venues, and parks. RESULTS: Twenty-two percent of respondents used sunless tanning lotions in the preceding 12 months, and another 22% had not used them but would consider doing so in the coming year. Sunless tanning users were more likely to be female, younger, and more likely to report being severe burners. Both users and potential users were more likely to have sunburned during the summer and to have used tanning beds than those who neither used nor intended to use sunless tanning lotions, even after controlling for skin type. LIMITATIONS: The study was based on a non-randomly selected sample in one city and was cross-sectional in nature. CONCLUSION: Our study raises the possibility that sunless tanning products do not decrease rates of sunburning or use of tanning beds. While safe alternatives to ultraviolet exposure are desirable, the potential risks of widely endorsing artificial tanning products must be considered.