Rajitha Kota

Cyberbullying, Depression, and Problem Alcohol Use in Female College Students: A Multisite Study

Abstract Cyberbullying and its effects have been studied largely in middle and high school students, but less is known about cyberbullying in college students. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between involvement in cyberbullying and depression or problem alcohol use among college females. Two hundred and sixty-five female students from four colleges completed online surveys assessing involvement in cyberbullying behaviors. Participants also completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depressive symptoms and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) to assess problem drinking. Logistic regression tested associations between involvement in cyberbullying and either depression or problem drinking. Results indicated that 27% of participants had experienced cyberbullying in college; 17.4% of all participants met the criteria for depression (PHQ-9 score ≥10), and 37.5% met the criteria for problem drinking (AUDIT score ≥8). Participants with any involvement ...Cyberbullying and its effects have been studied largely in middle and high school students, but less is known about cyberbullying in college students. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between involvement in cyberbullying and depression or problem alcohol use among college females. Two hundred and sixty-five female students from four colleges completed online surveys assessing involvement in cyberbullying behaviors. Participants also completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depressive symptoms and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) to assess problem drinking. Logistic regression tested associations between involvement in cyberbullying and either depression or problem drinking. Results indicated that 27% of participants had experienced cyberbullying in college; 17.4% of all participants met the criteria for depression (PHQ-9 score ≥10), and 37.5% met the criteria for problem drinking (AUDIT score ≥8). Participants with any involvement in cyberbullying had increased odds of depression. Those involved in cyberbullying as bullies had increased odds of both depression and problem alcohol use. Bully/victims had increased odds of depression. The four most common cyberbullying behaviors were also associated with increased odds for depression, with the highest odds among those who had experienced unwanted sexual advances online or via text message. Findings indicate that future longitudinal study of cyberbullying and its effects into late adolescence and young adulthood could contribute to the prevention of associated comorbidities in this population.

Optimization of a Chemiluminescent Dot-Blot Immunoassay for Detection of Potato Viruses

Vegetative propagation of potato leads to virus accumulation, resulting in significant yield losses and reduced quality. Virus identification is critical for developing disease management strategies and measuring seed lot health. The most widely used method of virus diagnosis in seed potatoes is a post-harvest test, for which the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is often used. ELISA was previously modified by substituting microtiter plates with membranes to develop a more flexible and inexpensive assay. We optimized a dot-blot immunoassay with viral proteins bound to a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane and detection of the proteins with alkaline phosphatase-labeled antibodies and a chemiluminescence reagent. The assay was tested for detection of viruses of seven genera. We have also altered the assay by spotting an antibody array onto a PVDF membrane and tested it for its potential uses as a diagnostic tool for Potato virus Y, Hosta virus X, and Potato leafroll virus.ResumenLa propagación vegetativa de la papa conduce a la acumulación de virus, lo que resulta en pérdidas significativas de rendimiento y reducción en la calidad. La identificación de virus es crítica para desarrollar estrategias de manejo de enfermedades y medir la sanidad de un lote de semilla. El método más ampliamente usado para el diagnóstico de virus en papa-semilla es una prueba de postcosecha, para la cual frecuentemente se utiliza el ensayo de enzimas conjugadas (ELISA). La ELISA fue modificada previamente mediante la substitución de las placas de microtitulación por membranas para desarrollar un ensayo más flexible y barato. Nosotros optimizamos un inmunoensayo de gota con proteínas virales ligadas a una membrana de fluor-polivinildeno (PVDF) y detección de las proteínas con anticuerpos etiquetados con fosfatasa alcalina y un reactivo quimioluminiscente. El ensayo se probó para la detección de virus de siete géneros. También alteramos el ensayo mediante la localización de una colección de anticuerpos en una membrana PVDF y se probó para sus usos potenciales como una herramienta de diagnóstico para el virus Y de la papa, el virus X de Hosta (Agavaceae), y el virus del enrollamiento de la hoja de papa.

PEARLs of Wisdom: Impact of a New Block Conference on Pediatrics Resident Attendance, Satisfaction, and Learning.

BACKGROUND Resident attendance and participation at didactic conferences is often limited owing to time demands. In 2010, University of Wisconsin-Madison pediatrics residency eliminated all noon conferences and implemented a new block format, PEARL (Pediatric Education and Active Resident Learning). OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess whether changes in a conference structure improved resident attendance, distractibility, satisfaction, perception of clinical relevance, and connection. METHODS Pediatrics residents were surveyed to compare experiences in 2 different conference structures: a traditional noon conference and an interactive case-based PEARL conference. Pediatrics residents from the 2008-2010 classes were surveyed about noon conference experiences and 2009-2011 classes were surveyed about PEARL conference experiences. RESULTS Participants included 32 residents in the 2010 presurvey and 36 in the 2011 postsurvey. All measures of attendance, distractibility, and satisfaction showed positive changes. For example, the average proportion of conferences attended was 73% with noon conferences and 98% with PEARL (P  =  .001). However, measures of perceived clinical relevance and resident participation did not change significantly. For example, on average 47% of residents reported contributing comments in a noon conference, whereas 56% of residents reported contributing in a block conference (P  =  .199). CONCLUSIONS PEARL conference significantly improved resident attendance, lowered distractibility, and improved resident satisfaction. However, these structural changes did not lead to changes in perceived clinical relevance of information learned or resident participation. Further content changes or faculty teaching strategies should be considered.

Cyberbullying and Mental Health

Cyberbullying is a serious public health problem that can have significant mental health effects on victims and perpetrators. Children and adolescents involved in cyberbullying have been shown to experience higher levels of depression and anxiety and even increased suicidal ideation compared with those who are not involved. Participation in cyberbullying can be associated with various risk factors and personality traits. Most large-scale interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of cyberbullying have had limited levels of success. However, there are many strategies for parents, teachers, and clinicians to implement with children and adolescents to address cyberbullying and to openly discuss safe Internet use.