Niagara County Community College

About: Niagara County Community College is a education organization based out in Sanborn, New York, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Fandom. The organization has 60 authors who have published 93 publications receiving 3060 citations.

The enigmatic epidemiology of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Abstract: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has a unique and complex etiology that is not completely understood. Although NPC is rare in most populations, it is a leading form of cancer in a few well-defined populations, including natives of southern China, Southeast Asia, the Arctic, and the Middle East/North Africa. The distinctive racial/ethnic and geographic distribution of NPC worldwide suggests that both environmental factors and genetic traits contribute to its development. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding the epidemiology of NPC and to propose new avenues of research that could help illuminate the causes and ultimately the prevention of this remarkable disease. Well-established risk factors for NPC include elevated antibody titers against the Epstein-Barr virus, consumption of salt-preserved fish, a family history of NPC, and certain human leukocyte antigen class I genotypes. Consumption of other preserved foods, tobacco smoking, and a history of chronic respiratory tract conditions may be associated with elevated NPC risk, whereas consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and other human leukocyte antigen genotypes may be associated with decreased risk. Evidence for a causal role of various inhalants, herbal medicines, and occupational exposures is inconsistent. Other than dietary modification, no concrete preventive measures for NPC exist. Given the unresolved gaps in understanding of NPC, there is a clear need for large-scale, population-based molecular epidemiologic studies to elucidate how environmental, viral, and genetic factors interact in both the development and the prevention of this disease.

Academics, Self-Esteem, and Race: A Look at the Underlying Assumptions of the Disidentification Hypothesis:

Abstract: Theorists have argued that global self-esteem should be related to performance in academics. However, studies have reported lower academic achievement among African American students than among White students but have failed to find lower global self-esteem among African American students. Steele has attempted to explain this paradox by proposing that African American children detach their self-esteem from academic outcomes, thus protecting them from failure. The present study tested empirical hypotheses derived from Steele's theoretical framework. Data were taken from a nationally representative longitudinal study of American students. Analyses revealed a pattern of weakening correlations between self-esteem and academic outcomes from 8th to 10th grade for African American students particularly African American male students, whereas the correlations for White students remained stable or increased. These results show general support for Steele's model in the context of a nationally representative sample.

Factors associated with one-year retention in a community college

Abstract: This study sought to evaluate preenrollment variables as predictors of one-year retention of first-time students in a community college. The purpose was to use information that is typically available when a student begins his or her college program and determine if this information can help identify students who are more likely to drop out within their first year. Based on a logistic regression model to select predictors of retention, the lower the high school GPA, the greater the chance the student will drop out. Over and above this, additional risk is associated with the age range 20–24, attending part-time, and being an ethnic minority other than Asian. When all or some of these are operating, it may be necessary to enhance these students' chances with special programs or services.

Health-related information needs in a large and diverse sample of adult cancer survivors: implications for cancer care.

Abstract: Background This study describes the information needs of adult cancer survivors, identifies sociodemographic, health, and healthcare-related factors associated with information needs, and examines the relationship between information needs and survivors’ perceived mental and physical health.

Lifetime Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Risk in a Multiethnic Population: The San Francisco Bay Area Breast Cancer Study

Abstract: Considerable epidemiological data have accumulated in support of a lower risk of breast cancer among physically active women. Few studies, however, have examined the relation with lifetime physical activity from all sources, and moderate activity in particular. We conducted a population-based case-control study of breast cancer in Latinas, African Americans, and whites aged 35-79 years to assess the association with lifetime histories of moderate and vigorous physical activity, including recreational activity, walking, bicycling, household and outdoor chores, and occupation. Patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 1995 and 1998 were identified through the cancer registry in the San Francisco Bay area, and a random sample of women without breast cancer was identified through random-digit dialing. A structured questionnaire administered in-person was completed by 403 premenopausal cases and 483 controls and 847 postmenopausal cases and 1065 controls. Summing activities from all sources over an individual's lifetime, we found reduced breast cancer risk in both pre- and postmenopausal women with the highest versus lowest tertile of average lifetime activity (premenopausal: multivariate adjusted odds ratio = 0.74, 95% confidence interval = 0.52-1.05; postmenopausal: odds ratio = 0.81, 95% confidence interval = 0.64-1.02), with similar reductions in the three racial/ethnic groups. In premenopausal women, risk reductions were similar for different types of activities, whereas in postmenopausal women, they were limited to occupational activity. Considering the intensity of activities, risk reductions were similar for moderate and vigorous activities. Because few of the currently known risk factors for breast cancer are modifiable, these results underline the public health importance of promoting physically active lifestyles.