Molecular analysis of Panton-Valentine Leucocidin (pvl) gene among MRSA and MSSA isolates.

The present study was conducted in order to determine the frequency of pvl gene among the pathogenic and healthy population isolates of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). For this purpose, nasal swab samples were collected from the healthy individuals (to be used as controls, all the samples were collected irrespective of the sex and age factors), the pathogenic samples were collected from different patients suffering from skin &soft tissue infections caused by S. aureus (to be used as test samples).Both of these population samples were analyzed for the presence of pvl gene. S.aureus were identified through conventional microbiological identification procedures. In the case of normal samples, 70 nasal swabs were collected and only 33 (47%) proved to be S. aureus while 20 pathogenic samples were collected and all (100%) were cleared as S. aureus. For further distribution of samples into MRSA and MSSA, antibiotic susceptibility pattern was checked by using the standard protocols of Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Two antibiotic discs Oxacillin (OX: 1ug) and cefoxitin (FOX: 30ug) were used. Among healthy population, MRSA was found to be 79% (n=26) and MSSA were present as 21% (n= 7). Among pathogenic strains 100% MRSA was detected where n= 20. Detection of pvl gene among the MRSA and MSSA isolates was done by using the uniplex PCR followed by gel electrophoresis. MRSA and MSSA of normal healthy population carried 49% and 7% pvl gene respectively. While, pathogenic MRSA samples carried 46% pvl gene among them. Potentially alarming percentage of pvl gene is present among the normal healthy individuals which indicates a future threat and a major health concern.

Protective and Curative Effects of Ethanol extract of Tinospora Cordifolia on Gentamicin-induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats.

Gentamicin induced acute tubular necrosis (ATN) in intrinsic variety of acute renal failure (ARF) results from oxidative stress leading to cellular lipid peroxidation. Tinospora cordifolia (Tc), locally named as 'Guluncha' is an herbal plant with medicinal value possess antioxidant property as well as significant scavenging activity in different extracts and easily available in Bangladesh. This prospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. This study was conducted to assess the effect of ethanol extract of Tc on gentamicin induced renal damage in rats in the department of Pharmacology, BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2014 to June 2014. For this purpose, sixty rats were divided into six equal groups. Gentamicin (80mg/kg/day, 7 days) was administered and nephrotoxicity was evaluated biochemically by estimating elevated levels of serum creatinine and serum urea. Extant of lipid peroxidation was assessed by estimating renal cortical malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The ethanol extract of Tc (200mg/kg/day) was administered with gentamicin concurrently and also consecutively to detect preventive and curative effects respectively. Statistically significant amelioration in the biochemical parameters both in serum and renal tissue suggested that active compound or compounds extracted from Tinospora cordifolia have both protective and curative effects against nephrotoxicity, though responsible active ingredient, accurate mechanism or safety profile was not confirmed by this study.

Applications of metallic nanomaterials for the treatment of water.

Water scarcity is not a novel issue. It has already affected almost every continent in this blue planet. It is driven by two primary sources: increasing demand for fresh water due to the increase in population and overexhaustion of the available freshwater resources. During the past decade, stress has been given to extract fresh, clean and safe potable elixir of life from the bountiful stores of sea water by exploiting various technologies. As nanomaterials are providing promising solutions to almost all our problems, they are again being accessed in order to combat the problem of global freshwater scarcity. Desalination methods have marvellously improved under the impact of nanomaterials. Different metallic nanomaterials are being used to serve this purpose; for example, silver, iron, zinc, titanium dioxide in addition to natural and synthetically derived polymeric bionanomaterials. In the present paper, a brief account of all the metallic nanomaterials which are being used for treatment of water has been provided by thorough investigation on the research done till now. It strives to throw light on various materials and methods which are based on the exploitation of nanotechnology for the treatment of water.

Regional variations in human papillomavirus prevalence across time in NHANES (2003-2014).

INTRODUCTION: The consequences of low human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in Census regions with higher incidence of cervical cancer may contribute to continued disparities. Our purpose was to evaluate regional variations in HPV prevalence across time. METHODS: Repeated cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2003-2014 were examined. Participants included females 14 to 34 years old who provided adequate vaginal samples for HPV DNA typing (N = 6387). Region of residence and HPV vaccination status associations with HPV prevalence were examined using chi-square and multivariable logistic regression. HPV types were grouped according to vaccine-type HPV (types 6, 11, 16, 18) and risk (high or low-risk). Time and vaccination status were included in subsequent models for post-licensure survey cycles (2007-2014) to assess their effects on observed associations. RESULTS: No decreases in vaccine-type HPV prevalence were found between the prevaccine cycles (2003-2006) and early post-licensure cycles (2007-2010, p > 0.05). Vaccine-type HPV prevalence decreased in late post-licensure years (2011-2014) compared to prevaccine years (2003-2006, p = 0.001). The highest prevalence of vaccine-type HPV occurred in the South (8.6%) and Midwest (8.6%), followed by the West (4.8%), and the Northeast (3.5%) in late post-licensure years. Lower odds of vaccine-type HPV across time in post-licensure survey cycles were found to be attributable to time, and more strongly to HPV vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: There were regional variations in vaccine-type HPV prevalence between prevaccine and post-licensure years. These decreases appeared to be at least partially attributable to HPV vaccination. Programs are needed to address geographical disparities in HPV vaccination.

Evaluation of the nutrient profile of Trachyspermum ammi L. seed under the influence of nanoparticles during germination.

Trachyspermum ammi L. commonly known as Ajwain is an annual herb belonging to the family Apiaceae. It is enormously grown in Egypt, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India as well as European region. Seeds of Ajwain were highly administered by traditional healers and usually employed for different ailments. Nanomaterials are known to have plant growth promoting effects, which could find applications in agriculture. In this study, the nanoparticles (NPs) showed the potential to enhance the primary metabolites when administered during germination. Therefore, nanoparticles elicitation can be used to increase the productivity, nutritional values and metabolite contents in Trachyspermum ammi L. This study aimed to provide new insight of the potential growth promoting effects of the nanoparticles () on plant system. Different concentrations of two nanoparticles, that is, iron pyrite (FeS2) and molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) at three different concentrations of 25ug/ml, 50ug/ml and 75ug/ml were tested on the seeds of Trachyspermum ammi L. The data indicated that nanoparticles enhanced the seedling growth as greener leafs and increased lengths of epicotyl and hypocotyls were seen. These nanoparticles also showed the potential to increase the contents of primary metabolites during germination and the total soluble protein content in seed was increased in nanoparticles-treated seeds as compared to control. The total protein profiling by SDS-PAGE indicated significant differences in number and molecular weights of protein bands upon exposure to nanoparticles.

Melatonin abrogates nonylphenol-induced testicular dysfunction in Wistar rats.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals present in the environment can bring about hormonal imbalance and be potentially harmful to the human health. Alkylphenols are omnipresent in the environment as they are constituents of several products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous melatonin treatment on nonylphenol (NP)-induced oxidative stress and testicular toxicity in Wistar rats using biochemical and histopathological parameters. The oxidative stress biomarkers, activities of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and histopathological evaluation were performed in testicular tissues. NP caused elevated TBARS levels and marked alteration of both nonenzymatic and enzymatic biomarkers. Furthermore, severe histopathological alterations were observed in the testis of NP-exposed animals as compared with that of the control rats. Melatonin supplementation ameliorated the alterations in these biochemical and histopathological variables in rats. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that melatonin through its antioxidant activity effectively protected against the NP-induced testicular toxicity.

Maternal and infant outcomes among women vaccinated against pertussis during pregnancy.

Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination is recommended for all women during each pregnancy to prevent pertussis in young infants. However, data on the safety of this protective measure are limited and conflicting. To assess maternal and infant outcomes associated with administration of this vaccine during pregnancy, we reviewed medical records of 1,759 women who delivered a singleton infant at a southeast Texas public hospital between November 1, 2012 and June 30, 2014. After excluding women who had inadequate prenatal care or who delivered at <27 weeks gestation, we used multivariable logistic regression analyses to compare 13 outcomes between those who did and did not receive the Tdap vaccine. We examined 6 maternal outcomes (chorioamnionitis, postpartum endometritis, preterm delivery, preterm premature rupture of membranes, induced labor, and mode of delivery) and 7 infant outcomes (low birth weight, very low birth weight, small for gestational age, 5-minute Apgar score, birth defects, and neonatal intensive care unit admission). Maternal Tdap vaccination was associated with decreased odds of cesarean delivery. No associations between maternal Tdap vaccination and infant outcomes were observed. This study demonstrates that Tdap vaccination during pregnancy does not increase the risk of adverse outcomes.

Obesity Risk Knowledge, Weight Misperception, and Diet and Health-Related Attitudes among Women Intending to Become Pregnant.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate obesity risk knowledge, weight misperception, and diet and health-related attitudes among women intending to become pregnant compared to those not intending to become pregnant. DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of health behaviors, including obesity risk knowledge, weight misperception, and diet and health-related attitudes among women (aged 16 to 40 years) attending reproductive health clinics in southeast Texas. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and chart review. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between pregnancy intention and obesity risk knowledge, weight misperception, and health-related attitudes after adjusting for age, race, income, and gravidity. RESULTS: Overall, 1,726 women completed the survey, of which 1,420 responded to a question on pregnancy intention. Of these, 126 stated they were intending to become pregnant. Obesity risk knowledge (adjusted odds ratio=1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74 to 1.77) and weight misperception (adjusted odds ratio=1.17; 95% CI 0.75 to 1.83) did not differ between women intending and not intending to become pregnant. In addition, diet and health-related attitudes did not differ between these two groups (P>0.05 for all). Among women intending to become pregnant, 51% had low obesity risk knowledge and 31% misperceived their body weight. Further, 76% of these women felt confused about what constitutes a healthy diet, although 47% believed that their current diet was healthy and saw no reason to change their current eating patterns. While weight misperception did not differ significantly between the two groups, overweight women intending to become pregnant were more likely to misperceive their weight than obese women intending to become pregnant (71% vs 10%; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for improved preconception counseling, especially for women intending to become pregnant, regarding the risks associated with being overweight or obese, misperception of body weight, and negative diet and health-related attitudes.

Prevalence of Food Addiction Among Low-Income Reproductive-Aged Women.

BACKGROUND: Hyperpalatable foods (i.e., high in salt, sugar, or fat) have been shown to have addictive properties that may contribute to overeating. Prior studies conducted on food addiction behaviors are mostly based on white and middle-aged women. Data are not available, however, on reproductive-aged women from other races/ethnicities or low-income women. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of food addiction among multiethnic women of low socioeconomic status. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of health behaviors, including food addiction according to the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) between July 2010 and February 2011 among 18- to 40-year-old low-income women attending reproductive-health clinics (N = 1,067). RESULTS: Overall, 2.8% of women surveyed met the diagnosis of food addiction. The prevalence of food addiction did not differ by age group, race/ethnicity, education, income, or body mass index categories, tobacco and alcohol use, or physical activity. However, it did differ by level of depression (p < 0.01). The YFAS symptom count score significantly differed by race/ethnicity (p < 0.01) with black women having higher scores than Hispanic women. Racial differences were also observed among some of the YFAS symptoms. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated a low prevalence of food addiction among low-income, reproductive-aged women. Racial differences were observed in the YFAS symptom count score, but not in the overall prevalence of food addition. Additionally, women with food addiction had higher levels of depression than women without food addiction.

Correlates of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Completion Among Adolescent Girl Initiators.

OBJECTIVE: To examine correlates of vaccine series completion among young adolescent US girls who initiated the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. METHODS: We analyzed National Immunization Survey-Teens 2012 provider-verified data to examine correlates of HPV vaccine completion among 13- to 17-year-old girls who initiated HPV vaccine in 2012 (N = 4548). RESULTS: The weighted vaccine series completion rate among 13- to 17-year-old girl initiators was 66.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 64.0-69.3). Adolescent girls who were older, residents of the Northeast (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.36; 95% CI, 1.07-1.73), and had provider-verified seasonal influenza vaccination in the past year (aPR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.32-2.11) and provider recommendation (aPR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.10-1.77) were more likely to complete the 3-dose vaccine series. CONCLUSIONS: Parents of younger adolescent girls need to be educated about the importance of completing the 3-dose HPV vaccine series. Provider recommendation for the vaccine would also facilitate series completion.

Association between mother-child sexual communication and HPV vaccine uptake.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between mother-child communication about sex, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and contraception/condoms and HPV vaccine uptake by gender. METHODS: Women (n = 1372) with ≥ 1 child aged 9-17 years receiving care in reproductive health clinics in Southeast Texas were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire between September 2011 and October 2013. RESULTS: The majority of mothers with ≥ 1 eligible daughter (n = 886) reported having talked about 'sex' (77.7%), 'STDs' (76.6%) and 'contraception' (73.2%) with their daughters. The respective figures for mothers with ≥ 1 son (n = 836) were 68.8%, 69.0% and 65.3%. Mothers who discussed sex, STDs, or contraception with their daughters compared to those who did not were more likely to report that their daughter initiated (≥ 1 dose) HPV vaccination after adjusting for confounders (all p < .05). Similarly, mother-son discussions about STDs or condoms, but not sex, were associated with HPV vaccine initiation for their sons compared to those who did not discuss these topics. These associations were not significant with regard to HPV vaccine completion (3 doses) for neither daughters nor sons. CONCLUSION: Mother-child communication on STDs and contraception/condoms is associated with HPV vaccine initiation, but not completion, among both daughters and sons.

Association of frequent use of food labels with weight loss behaviors among low-income reproductive-age women.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether frequent use of food labels is associated with weight loss behaviors among low-income reproductive-age women. METHODS: A self-administered survey of 1245 women aged 16 to 40 years assessed the frequency of food label use and weight loss behaviors during the past 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between frequent use of food labels and weight loss behaviors after adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: Overall, 10.4% to 19.6% of women frequently used food labels to obtain information on different sections (ingredient list, nutrient claims, nutrition panel, serving size, or health claims), dietary components (calories, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium/salt, fiber, sugar, vitamins, or minerals), and food products (desserts, snacks, frozen dinners, cereals, salad dressings, table spreads, or raw/processed meat). Women who used food labels frequently were more likely to engage in healthy weight loss behaviors compared to those who used them infrequently or did not use them at all. For example, the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of "began to exercise/exercised more" for the 3 categories of food label use mentioned above were 2.24 and 1.65-3.04; 2.52 and 1.90-3.32; and 1.85 and 1.36-2.52, respectively. The odds of healthy weight loss behaviors were 2 to 4 times higher when food labels were used frequently to seek information on calories and nutrients such as total fat, saturated fat, or cholesterol. However, frequent food label users were also more likely to practice a few unhealthy weight loss behaviors, such as taking diet pills, medicines, herbs, or supplements without a prescription. CONCLUSIONS: Frequent use of food labels was associated with increased healthy weight loss behaviors among reproductive-age women, which can be incorporated into obesity preventive strategies with distinct awareness regarding unhealthy weight loss behaviors.

Patient characteristics associated with pregnancy ambivalence.

BACKGROUND: The objective of our study was to determine demographic characteristics, health and sexual behaviors, and psychological health associated with pregnancy ambivalence. We used a cross-sectional design for our study. METHODS: A self-administered cross-sectional survey was conducted among nonpregnant women 16-40 years old from southeast Texas from July 2010 to August 2011. The survey included questions pertaining to demographics, pregnancy intentions, health behaviors, sexual behaviors, violence exposure, pregnancy coercion, and psychological behaviors. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine differences between ambivalent and nonambivalent females. RESULTS: Of the 1,388 women included in this analysis, 529 (38%) were ambivalent toward pregnancy. Ambivalent women were younger (p=0.03), had fewer children living at home (p<0.01), and were less likely to have been previously pregnant (p=0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that ambivalent women were more likely to smoke (p<0.01), sleep poorly (p=0.02), have had more sexual partners in the past month (p<0.01) and in their lifetime (p=0.01), not used contraception at last sex (p=0.01), be a victim of violence (p=0.01), and have experienced pregnancy coercion (p<0.01). In addition, these women exhibited higher scores on scales measuring depressive symptoms (p=0.01) and perceived stress (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Women ambivalent toward pregnancy are not only less likely to use contraception but also more likely to have unhealthy behaviors and psychological risk factors. As this combination of characteristics may put a future pregnancy and child at risk, awareness about the possible consequences of pregnancy ambivalence needs to increase among the public and medical community. Providers need to focus efforts on screening for this patient population and preventive education through contraceptive counseling.

Provider recommendation mediates the relationship between parental human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine awareness and HPV vaccine initiation and completion among 13- to 17-year-old U.S. adolescent children.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between parental human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and HPV vaccine initiation/completion based on 13- to 17-year-old US adolescent children and to explore whether these associations were mediated by provider recommendation. METHODS: We used publicly available National Immunization Survey-Teen 2011 data (11 236 adolescent girls and 12 328 boys). RESULTS: Weighted logistic regression analysis showed that parental HPV awareness and provider recommendation predicted HPV vaccine initiation and completion separately among both girls and boys, after adjusting for demographic and health care use variables. When provider recommendation and parental HPV awareness were entered in the model simultaneously, only provider recommendation was independently associated with HPV vaccine initiation and completion, demonstrating a mediation effect of provider recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies are needed to better understand why physicians may not provide a recommendation for the HPV vaccine as well as to identify strategies to improve providers' ability to effectively communicate their recommendations.

Level of nutrition knowledge and its association with weight loss behaviors among low-income reproductive-age women.

To examine influence of nutrition knowledge on weight loss behaviors among low-income reproductive-age women. We conducted a self-administered cross-sectional survey of health behaviors including socio-demographic characteristics, nutrition knowledge, and weight loss behaviors of 16-40 year old women (n = 1,057) attending reproductive health clinics located in Southeast Texas between July 2010 and February 2011. Multiple linear regression and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify correlates of nutrition knowledge and examine its association with various weight loss behaviors after adjusting for confounders. The mean nutrition knowledge score was low (5.7 ± 2.8) (possible score 0-15). It was significantly lower among African American women than whites (P < .001). Obese women (P = .002), women with high school enrollment/diploma (P = .030), and some college hours/degree (P < .001) had higher nutrition knowledge scores than their counterparts. The higher score of nutrition knowledge was significantly associated with higher odds of engaging in healthy weight loss behaviors: eating less food [odds ratio (OR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-1.18], switching to foods with fewer calories (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.16), exercising (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.16), eating more fruits/vegetables/salads (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.06-1.17) and less sugar/candy/sweets (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.15). However, it was not associated with unhealthy weight loss behaviors, such as using laxatives/diuretics or inducing vomiting. Nutrition knowledge is low among reproductive-age women. An increase in nutrition knowledge may promote healthy weight loss behaviors.

Effect of the decision-making process in the family on HPV vaccination rates among adolescents 9-17 years of age.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake among adolescents aged 9-17 years and the decision-making process used by families in determining whether to vaccinate their children against HPV. A cross-sectional sample of women with at least one child aged 9-17 years (n = 1256) was recruited from 3 reproductive health clinics in Southeast Texas during 2011-2013. Self-administered survey included questions about the HPV vaccination decision-making process, HPV vaccine uptake (initiation and 3-dose series completion), and demographics. Among mothers with at least one 9 to 17-year-old daughter (n = 783), 40% independently decided whether or not to vaccinate their daughter against HPV, 22% involved their husbands/partners, and 31% their daughters. Only 7% of respondents reported other formats in the decision-making (husband/partner alone or daughter alone). Similarly, for women with at least one eligible son (n = 759), 39% decided alone, 30% with their husbands/partners, 24% with their sons, and 7% reported other formats. Among mothers with a daughter, those who made the decision independently were more likely to report that their daughters had initiated the HPV vaccine series (30%) compared with women who included their husbands/partners (10%) or daughters (20%) in the decision process or stated other types (18%) of decision making (P < 0.001). The respective figures for the completion of the entire series among daughters were 16%, 6%, 11%, and 11% (P = 0.012). Among mothers with a son, a similar scenario was observed for vaccine initiation (17%, 4%, 10%, and 0%, respectively) (P < 0.001) and completion (7%, 1%, 4%, and 0%, respectively) (P = 0.003). These associations remained significant after adjusting for confounder variables. Awareness programs to increase HPV vaccine uptake should include both parents and children, as all have an important role in deciding whether or not children will be vaccinated.

Correlates of human papillomavirus vaccine series completion among young adult female initiators.

Incomplete human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a public health concern. The objective of this study was to examine the correlates of vaccine series completion among 18-26 year old US women using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data. Using BRFSS data collected during 2008-2010, we conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine the correlates of HPV vaccine completion among HPV vaccine initiators. Among 656 women (18-26 years old) who initiated the HPV vaccine, the overall weighted vaccine series completion rate was 60.7%. It was 32.9%, 65.3%, and 69.9% in 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively. Black and Hispanic women were less likely to complete the series compared with white women. Higher income, having a college degree and completion of the study in a more recent year were associated with higher completion rates. Thus, the reasons for HPV series non-completion may be multifactorial. Interventions targeting 18-26 year old female vaccine initiators with low income and education, and minority backgrounds may improve HPV vaccine series completion.

Nutritional and weight management behaviors in low-income women trying to conceive.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nutritional habits and weight management strategies of women trying to conceive as compared with women not trying to conceive. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey of health behaviors including nutritional habits and weight management strategies of women aged 16-40 years who were low income, racially diverse, (n=1,711), and attending reproductive health clinics. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between pregnancy intention and various health behaviors after adjusting for demographic variables, gravidity, and obesity status. RESULTS: A total of 8.9% (n=153) of the participants stated they were trying to get pregnant. Women trying to conceive were more likely than those not trying to have participated in a number of unhealthy weight loss practices in the past year. These included taking diet pills, supplements, or herbs (13.5% compared with 8.8%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-3.49), using laxatives or diuretics or inducing vomiting (7.7% compared with 3.0%; adjusted OR 2.70, CI 1.23-5.91), and fasting for 24 hours (10.7% compared with 5.5%; adjusted OR 2.15, CI 1.03-4.51). There were no significant differences between the two groups in amount of exercise, current smoking status, or current alcohol consumption Furthermore, fruit, green salad and other vegetables, and intake of soda and fast food were unrelated to pregnancy intention. CONCLUSION: This study highlights that women trying to conceive are more likely to participate in unhealthy and potentially dangerous weight loss practices than women not trying to conceive. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Association of prescription drug misuse with risky motor vehicle behaviors among low-income young women.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between prescription drug misuse and risky motor vehicle behaviors among 16-24-year-old women. METHODS: A survey was conducted on misuse of 4 classes of prescription drugs (pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives) and past-month risky motor vehicle behaviors among these women during 2008-2010. RESULTS: Overall, 47.7% (1408/2952) of women reported risky motor vehicle behavior(s) in the past month. Misuse of 1 or more of the 4 classes was 30.1% (lifetime), 15.0% (past year), and 6.7% (past month). Misuse of 1 or more of these prescription drug classes was associated with risky motor vehicle behaviors in their lifetime (odds ratio [OR]: 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.54-2.18), past year (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.80-2.83), and past month (OR: 2.70, 95% CI: 1.94-3.78). CONCLUSIONS: The current finding that misuse of 1 or more of the 4 prescription drug classes, irrespective of when this last occurred, is associated with risky motor vehicle behaviors may help formulate awareness programs.

Geographic variation in human papillomavirus vaccination uptake among young adult women in the United States during 2008-2010.

Very little is known about geographic variation in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake among young adult women in the US. To investigate this, we analyzed data from 12 US states collected through the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System between 2008 and 2010. Among 2632 young adult women (18-26 years old) who responded to HPV vaccine uptake questions, weighted vaccine initiation and completion rates were: 28.0% and 17.0% overall, 14.0% and 6.6% in the South, 28.7% and 19.3% in the Midwest/West, and 37.2% and 23.1% in the Northeast (P<0.001), respectively. Log-binomial regression analysis showed that women living in the South were less likely to initiate (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60-0.83) or complete (aPR 0.61, 95% CI, 0.53-0.71) the HPV vaccine series compared to women living in the Northeast. Interventions programs to improve HPV vaccine uptake in the Southern states are warranted.