Barbara Bruemmer

Bio: Barbara Bruemmer is an academic researcher from University of Washington. The author has contributed to research in topics: Transplantation & Research design. The author has an hindex of 23, co-authored 35 publications receiving 2096 citations. Previous affiliations of Barbara Bruemmer include Northwestern University & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

An Introduction to Qualitative Research for Food and Nutrition Professionals

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to define qualitative research, explain its design, explore its congruence with quantitative research, and provide examples of its applications in dietetics. Also, methods to ensure validity, reliability, and relevance are addressed. Readers will gain increased knowledge about qualitative research and greater competency in evaluating this type of research. The hope is that food and nutrition professionals will be inspired to conduct and publish qualitative research, adding to the body of peer-reviewed dietetics-related qualitative publications. This type of research must be methodically planned and implemented with attention to validity, reliability, and relevance. This rigorous approach boosts the probability that the research will add to the scientific literature and qualify for publication.

An Introduction to Qualitative Research for Food and Nutrition Professionals

Abstract: This article defines qualitative research as applied in the field of dietetics to increase knowledge and competency in evaluating this type of research. The authors explain the design of qualitative studies, explore congruence with quantitative research, and provide examples of applications in dietetics, stressing the importance of ensuring validity and reliability of qualitative measures. The article aims to help food and nutrition professionals add to the body of peer-reviewed, dietetics-related qualitative publications.

Predictors of Oral Mucositis in Patients Receiving Hematopoietic Cell Transplants for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Abstract: Purpose Oral mucositis is a nearly universal and often severe complication following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The objective of this study was to evaluate factors predicting oral mucositis severity among 133 patients undergoing allogeneic HCT for chronic myelogenous leukemia. Patients and Methods All patients were transplanted between 1992 and 1999, were ≥ 18 years of age, received either cyclophosphamide/total-body irradiation (TBI) or busulfan/cyclophosphamide conditioning regimens, and received four doses of methotrexate for graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis post-transplant. Oral mucositis was measured by a trained examiner every 2 to 3 days using the Oral Mucositis Index (OMI). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of mean OMI during days 6 to 12, 1 to 18, and the maximum OMI score between days 1 to 18. Results TBI containing conditioning regimens, body mass index ≥ 25, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677 TT genotype were found to be predictive...

Nutrient Intake in Relation to Bladder Cancer among Middle-aged Men and Women

Abstract: This population-based case-control study examined the association between selected nutrients, foods, and diet behaviors and bladder cancer. Bladder cancer cases (n = 262) were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program cancer registry for western Washington, and controls (n = 405) were identified through random digit dialing. Cases were diagnosed between January 1987 and June 1990, and eligible subjects were Caucasian, aged 45-65 years, and residents of King, Pierce, or Snohomish counties. Subjects completed a self-administered, 71-item food frequency questionnaire and a structured telephone interview. Analyses were conducted by logistic regression analysis and included adjustment for age, sex, smoking (current, former, never), and county. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals for highest versus lowest level of intake were examined. An inverse association was found between the risk of bladder cancer and dietary retinol (odds ratio (OR) across quartiles: 1.00, 1.09, 0.97, and 0.52; 95% CI 0.29-0.97; trend p value = 0.03) and dietary vitamin C (OR across quartiles: 1.00, 0.96, 0.67, and 0.50; 95% CI 0.28-0.88; trend p value = 0.009), adjusted for calories. The use of multivitamin supplements daily over the 10-year period ending 2 years before diagnosis versus no use was associated with a decreased risk of bladder cancer (OR = 0.39; 95% CI 0.24-0.63) as was use of supplemental vitamin C (OR for > 502 mg/day over the 10 years vs. none = 0.40; 95% CI 0.21-0.76). Increased intake of fruit was associated with a decreased risk of bladder cancer (OR across quartiles: 1.00, 1.24, 0.72, and 0.53; 95% CI 0.30-0.93; trend p value = 0.01, adjusted for calories), while increased use of fried foods was associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer (OR across quartiles: 1.00, 1.51, 1.81, and 2.24; 95% CI 1.25-4.03; trend p value = 0.006). This study provides modest evidence that certain nutrients, foods, and supplementation may affect the incidence of bladder cancer.

Impact of patient weight on non-relapse mortality after marrow transplantation.

Abstract: We hypothesized that severely overweight patients were at an increased risk of transplant-related toxicity and that this might be reflected in increased mortality soon after transplant. All patients transplanted between January 1985 and January 1992 were included in the analysis; data were complete for 2238 (1662 adults, 576 children ( > 18 years). Since we were interested primarily in acute post-transplant toxicity, survival through day 150 was the primary end-point analyzed. Children and adults were analyzed separately since the decision to transplant or not to transplant may differ between the two populations. Log rank statistics and multivariable Cox regression analyses showed that adults at 95% to > 145% of ideal body weight (BW) experienced comparable non-relapse mortality and survival. In contrast, survival among patients at 85-95% or 145% categories vs. 95-145% category showed P values of 0.22, < 0.01 and 0.66, respectively). The observed weight effect was not explainable in terms of the composition of the lower weight categories in regards to nine other known or suspected risk factors. In addition to weight, patient age, diagnosis, type of transplant, year of transplant, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis and GVHD grades II-IV were also significantly associated with outcome. Thus, the present analysis shows that underweight patients are at an increased risk of death in the early period after transplant.

Tea catechins and polyphenols: health effects, metabolism, and antioxidant functions.

Abstract: Increasing interest in the health benefits of tea has led to the inclusion of tea extracts in dietary supplements and functional foods. However, epidemiologic evidence regarding the effects of tea consumption on cancer and cardiovascular disease risk is conflicting. While tea contains a number of bioactive chemicals, it is particularly rich in catechins, of which epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant. Catechins and their derivatives are thought to contribute to the beneficial effects ascribed to tea. Tea catechins and polyphenols are effective scavengers of reactive oxygen species in vitro and may also function indirectly as antioxidants through their effects on transcription factors and enzyme activities. The fact that catechins are rapidly and extensively metabolized emphasizes the importance of demonstrating their antioxidant activity in vivo. In humans, modest transient increases in plasma antioxidant capacity have been demonstrated following the consumption of tea and green tea catechins. The effects of tea and green tea catechins on biomarkers of oxidative stress, especially oxidative DNA damage, appear very promising in animal models, but data on biomarkers of in vivo oxidative stress in humans are limited. Larger human studies examining the effects of tea and tea catechin intake on biomarkers of oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA are needed.

eMedicine

Abstract: eMedicine创建于1996年，由近万名临床医师作为作者或编辑参与此临床医学知识库的建设，其中编辑均是来自美国哈佛、耶鲁、斯坦福、芝加哥、德克萨斯、加州大学等各分校医学院的教授或副教授。

Tomatoes, Tomato-Based Products, Lycopene, and Cancer: Review of the Epidemiologic Literature

Abstract: The epidemiologic literature in the English language regarding intake of tomatoes and tomato-based products and blood lycopene (a compound derived predominantly from tomatoes) level in relation to the risk of various cancers was reviewed. Among 72 studies identified, 57 reported inverse associations between tomato intake or blood lycopene level and the risk of cancer at a defined anatomic site; 35 of these inverse associations were statistically significant. No study indicated that higher tomato consumption or blood lycopene level statistically significantly increased the risk of cancer at any of the investigated sites. About half of the relative risks for comparisons of high with low intakes or levels for tomatoes or lycopene were approximately 0.6 or lower. The evidence for a benefit was strongest for cancers of the prostate, lung, and stomach. Data were also suggestive of a benefit for cancers of the pancreas, colon and rectum, esophagus, oral cavity, breast, and cervix. Because the data are from observational studies, a cause-effect relationship cannot be established definitively. However, the consistency of the results across numerous studies in diverse populations, for case-control and prospective studies, and for dietary-based and blood-based investigations argues against bias or confounding as the explanation for these findings. Lycopene may account for or contribute to these benefits, but this possibility is not yet proven and requires further study. Numerous other potentially beneficial compounds are present in tomatoes, and, conceivably, complex interactions among multiple components may contribute to the anticancer properties of tomatoes. The consistently lower risk of cancer for a variety of anatomic sites that is associated with higher consumption of tomatoes and tomato-based products adds further support for current dietary recommendations to increase fruit and vegetable consumption.