NASA Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports

20040050838 Uniformed Services Univ. of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
My Body, My Weight: Body Perception Among African American and Caucasian First-Graders and Their Parents
Davis, Dawnavan S.; Oct. 2, 2003; 123 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations
Report No.(s): AD-A421189; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A06, Hardcopy
Research suggests that body dissatisfaction can develop by first-grade and girls tend to be less satisfied with their bodies
compared to boys. However, no studies have examined the effects of race and gender and parental factors on body image
among firstgraders. Fifty-eight child/parent dyads participated in the current study. Children were given a silhouette measure
to assess body image. The FRS, EDI, White/Black Racial Identity Scales, and AAAS were administered to parents. There was
no main effect for race on child body ideal, F(1,53)= .43, p= .52, and body satisfaction, F(1,53)= 2. 20, p=. 14. No main effect
emerged for gender on child body ideal, F(1,53)= 1.86, p= .18, or body satisfaction, F(1,53)= . 37, p= .55. Only a few
significant correlations emerged between child body image and parental factors. Other factors such as mass media and peer
group may be more salient in influencing body image among young children.
DTIC
Africa; Body Weight; Children; Psychology; Races (Anthropology)
20040050839 Uniformed Services Univ. of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
Neuro-Immune Mechanisms in Response to Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Infection
Schoneboom, Bruce A.; Jan. 2000; 153 pp.; In English
Report No.(s): AD-A421190; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A08, Hardcopy
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEE) is an emerging pathogen with epizootics and epidemics occurring in the
Western Hemisphere. Recent outbreaks in South America have caused significant morbidity and mortality among domesticated
livestock and surrounding human communities. VEE pathogenesis is characterized by infection of the central nervous system
(CNS) where the virus targets neurons, resulting in significant neurodegeneration. VEE encephalitis can result in profound
neurological deficits or even death. Because of the devastating nature of this disease and the lack of interventional therapies,
it is important to understand the intricate details of VEE neuropathogenesis in order to identify targets for treatment to effect
a cure. Inflammation has recently been implicated as a component of neurodegeneration. Inflammation in the CNS in response
to acute infections is a protective mechanism that attempts to contain and clear neuro-invasive pathogens, however this
upregulation of proinflammatory genes may be deleterious to surrounding neurons. The combined effects of direct infection
and inflammation may be additive or synergistic in the amount of injury sustained in the CNS. Glial cells are of particular
importance in the CNS immune response. These resident cells of the CNS have intimate associations with neurons and regulate
the CNS milieu. One type of glial cell is the astrocyte. Astrocytes are found in vast numbers in the CNS and have essential
functional roles in maintaining a healthy environment for neurons. Further, astrocytes play a role in the pro-inflammatory
innate immune response. To identify the role of astrocytes in VEE infection, I characterized astrocyte susceptibility to VEE
infection using an in vitro culture system and have further described their pro-inflammatory responses following VEE
infection.
DTIC
Central Nervous System; Encephalitis; Epidemiology; Immunity; Infectious Diseases; Physiological Responses; Viruses
20040050840 Uniformed Services Univ. of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
A Description of the Management Characteristics of Anesthesia Care Delivery in Small, Medium, Large, Teaching and
Non-Teaching Hospitals in the U.S. Navy
Wiggins, Alton R.; Oct. 1998; 104 pp.; In English
Report No.(s): AD-A421192; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A06, Hardcopy
The purpose of this study is to describe the management characteristics of anesthesia care delivery by Certified Registered
Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and anesthesiologists in small, medium, large, teaching, and nonteaching hospitals in the USA
Navy. The study describes the relationship between the management characteristics and practice patterns of anesthesia
providers in U. S. Naval Hospitals in the Continental USA (CONUS) and Outside Continental USA (OCONUS). No data has
been found in the literature to describe the management characteristics and practice patterns of Navy CRNAs and
anesthesiologists in the delivery of anesthesia. The research instrument was a 45-item questionnaire developed by the author,
along with two other Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists researchers, mailed to the Chief CRNAs at 20 CONUS and 9
OCONUS naval hospitals where anesthesia services are currently provided. The questionnaire provided data on demographics,
practice patterns, provider responsibilities, and management and personnel characteristics of anesthesia care delivery in U. S.
Naval Hospitals. Descriptive data from 23 of 29 Departments of Anesthesia (79%) were analyzed and data reported on
management and practice characteristics of anesthesia care by military CRNAs and anesthesiologists Navy wide. The data
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