Exponent

About: Exponent is a company organization based out in Menlo Park, California, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Risk assessment. The organization has 1589 authors who have published 2680 publications receiving 88140 citations.

Rectal Mucosal Proliferation and Risk of Colorectal Adenomas: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract: Although rectal mucosal labeling index is thought to be a useful surrogate biomarker for colorectal cancer, the ability of the index to predict future neoplasia is unclear. We obtained rectal mucosal biopsies from 333 participants of a randomized controlled chemoprevention trial of calcium supplementation to determine whether labeling index was correlated with concurrent or future colorectal neoplasms. Labeling index was measured using proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry. Adenomas were enumerated at the time of the biopsies (cross-sectional) and 3 years later (prospective). We used logistic regression to test for an association of adenoma occurrence with overall labeling index, the mean proliferative height, and labeling index in the upper 40% of colon crypts. In the cross-sectional analysis, we found indications that higher proliferation was associated with an increase in the prevalence of adenomas. The overall adjusted odds ratios (OR) (95% confidence interval) were 1.14 (0.90-1.45) per % crypt labeling index, OR 1.08 (0.99-1.19) for upper crypt proliferation, and OR 1.07 (1.03-1.12) for proliferative height. In contrast, individuals with higher labeling index at baseline were actually less likely to have adenomas in the prospective analyses: OR 0.80 (0.62-1.02) per % crypt labeling index, OR 0.86 (0.73-1.00) for upper crypt index, and OR 0.97 (0.93-1.01) for proliferative height. Proliferative index does not predict future colorectal neoplasia, although it may be weakly associated with the presence of current adenomas. These results have important implications for the design of future intervention studies. Although it may be attractive to include the measurement of intermediate markers in large controlled trials, until we have more confidence in their performance, we should rely on better proven and more reliable intermediates, such as adenomas.

Complications and hardware removal after open reduction and internal fixation of humeral fractures.

Abstract: Background:The purpose of this study was to review internal fixation of humerus fractures using a large national database and assess the incidence of implant removal procedures based on patient characteristics.Methods:The 2007 Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to identify two different sets of pa

Process safety in the classroom: The current state of chemical engineering programs at US universities

Abstract: The role of process safety in the undergraduate and graduate curriculum is a critical component of preparing chemical engineers for their future careers. In 2011, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) amended the requirements for Chemical, Biochemical, Biomolecular, and similarly named Engineering Programs. The change added a clause, indicating that the curriculum of said programs should not only include the engineering application of chemistry, physics, and/or biology to the design, analysis and control of processes, but also the hazards associated with those processes. Departments were then compelled to adjust their curricula to meet the new requirement which would go into effect during the 2012–2013 Accreditation evaluations. Herein, we present findings related to the major milestones and challenges associated with updating the chemical engineering curriculum to include process safety components at both the undergraduate and graduate level. First, a survey of publicly available information regarding curriculum requirements, course syllabi, and program developments at US universities will be discussed. Next, insights from evaluating the challenges associated with adding new content to an already overloaded curriculum will be discussed. Lastly, recommendations for continued improvement in the process safety education provided to undergraduate and graduate students will be presented. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2015