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Drawing on Kelly's ( 1955 (See CR17)) personal construct theory, which suggests that human constructs typically contain their opposites. This study proposed that people facing death threat might be prompted to concern their existence, therefore pay more attentions on themselves. Two studies were conducted to explore the effects of death threat on self-focus. Study one analyzed data of six mortality salience experiments by using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) text analysis program. Study two was a case study analyzing a cancer patient's writings. Both studies found that people use more first-person singular pronouns when reminded of their mortality. The results indicated that death threat increases self-focus., Author(s): Chih-Long Yen [sup.1] , Chung-Ping Cheng [sup.2] , Chin-Lan Huang [sup.3] , Yi-Cheng Lin [sup.4] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.411804.8, 0000 0004 0532 2834, Department of Counseling and I/O Psychology, [...]

This correlational study investigated the link between authoritarian attitudes, psychosocial trauma, and attachment insecurity in the context of a significant community and personal threat - the recent economic crisis in Greece. The study utilised a large community sample and five self-report measures - Right-Wing Authoritarianism Scale-S, Social Group Attachment Scale, Relationship Questionnaire, Perceived Cohesion Scale, and Impact of Events Scale-R. It was hypothesised that authoritarianism would be independently linked with insecurity in two types of bond (person-to-person and person-to-state) via the experience of post-traumatic stress and perceptions of social cohesion. Structural Equation Modelling indices suggested that the model had a very good fit., Author(s): Antigonos Sochos [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.15034.33, 0000 0000 9882 7057, Department of Psychology, University of Bedfordshire, , LU1 3JU, Luton, UK The Greek Economic Crisis and the Rise [...]

Expressive writing is an effective way to facilitate the emotional recovery from a stressor, but little is known about how adopting a first-person versus third-person perspective while writing affects the disclosure and experience of emotion. The purpose of this study was to empirically examine whether using first-person versus third-person pronouns when describing a stressor leads to differences in the amounts of emotion words used and change in emotion from before the writing to after. Participants (N = 148) were randomly assigned to write about a stressor using either first-person pronouns or third-person pronouns. The content of these writing samples was analyzed via computer text analyses (i.e., anxiety, sadness, and anger words), and participants completed measures of the subjective experience of emotion both before and after the writing task (i.e., change in fear, sadness, and hostility). Path analysis indicated that adopting a third-person perspective led to lower use of anxiety words but heightened use of sadness words compared to the first-person writing perspective. Moreover, participants in the third-person writing condition experienced greater post-writing sadness than did participants in the first-person writing condition. These results suggest that manipulating pronoun use can have a clinical application to help individuals express and experience their emotions more fully., Author(s): Alleana Micaela M. Fuentes [sup.1] , Jeffrey H. Kahn [sup.1] , Daniel G. Lannin [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.257310.2, 0000 0004 1936 8825, Department of Psychology, Illinois State University, [...]

Expressive writing was proposed to facilitate cognitive processing and disinhibition of emotions in people confronted with traumatic events. Contrary to the findings found in the general population, recent meta-analyses failed to support its effect in cancer. Given the discrepancy in evidence concerning the effect of expressive writing experiment for the cancer population, this paper endeavored to reexamine the cancer literature on expressive writing focusing on assessment of threats to construct validity. A systematic search was performed in the PubMed and PsycINFO databases up to September 2018. Studies were limited to randomized controlled trials in the cancer population published in English language with written disclosure as the only source of treatment effect. Construct validity was assessed with respect to all four study features - persons, settings, treatments and outcomes. Threats to construct validity arising in the primary research include underrepresentation of the newly diagnosed cancer patients, debatable study design concerning manipulation at the home setting, the use of factual writing as attention control and study operation of treatment reflecting more than one construct, as well as missing outcomes central to the construct of interest. This review highlights the need for both primary research and research synthesis to attend to construct validity when design or evaluate experiments., Author(s): Mei Bai [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.266757.7, 0000000114809378, University of Missouri-St. Louis, , 1 University Blvd., 63121, St. Louis, MO, USA Background Although social support (Caplan 1974; Coates et [...]

The aim of this work is to offer an exam of the PERMA-Profiler's psychometric proprieties in an Italian context, with particular attention to convergent validity measured through one of the most used instruments for assessing psychological well-being, the Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale (Ryff in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 57(6), 1069, 1989 (See CR50), Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 83(1), 10-28, 2014 (See CR51); Italian version by Ruini et al. in Rivista di psichiatria, 38(3), 117-130, 2003 (See CR48)). Italian version of PERMA-Profiler appears to have good psychometric qualities, and its factorial structure is consistent with the original one (Butler & Kern in International Journal of Wellbeing, 6(3), 1-48, 2016 (See CR2)), in line with Seligman's PERMA model (Seligman 2011 (See CR56)). Although the dimension of Ryff's Autonomy subscale shows low correlation indices with PERMA subscales, the two Overall dimensions (Overall PERMA and Ryff's Psychological Well-Being total) show a good relation (r = .81). This data tends to favor the idea that the PERMA-Profiler is an instrument capable of measuring well-being, in a certainly more streamlined way (23-items vs 84-items), from a eudaimonic point of view (Ryff in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 83(1), 10-28, 2014 (See CR51)), and, with its attention to aspects related to positive emotions and happiness (factors Positive emotions and Engagement, and Happiness single-item) the instrument appears to be trans-theoretical, by also offering a hedonic and subjective vision of well-being., Author(s): Barbara Giangrasso [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.8404.8, 0000 0004 1757 2304, Department of Health Sciences, Psychology and Psychiatry Unit, University of Florence, , via di San Salvi, 12, 50100, [...]

: Objective: To undertake a census of the healthfulness of food venues providing lunch or dinner meals in a rural Australian setting and compare healthfulness by remoteness, using two measurement tools. Methods: A census of the rural local government area food venues was undertaken using two validated tools: the Healthfulness Rating Classification System (HRCS) and the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey (NEMS‐R). Data were collected covering an area of 3,438 square kilometres in Victoria, Australia, with a population of >21,000. Healthfulness by remoteness was described and variability between tools was explored. Results: Data were collected from all 95 eligible food venues. Both tools classified the food venues as relatively unhealthy. The mean HRCS score was ‐2.9 (unhealthy) and the mean NEMS‐R score was 10.8 (SD 7.0; possible range ‐27 to 64). There were no significant differences in healthiness of venues by remoteness (as measured by the Modified Monash Model), although the outer‐rural region had lower scores. Conclusions: This census of a rural food retail environment showed low access to healthy menu options along with minimal provision of nutrition information and promotion of healthy food in food venues. This environment has the potential to affect the dietary intake of more than 21,000 rural‐dwelling Australians and action to improve rural food environments is desperately needed. Implications for public health: If unhealthful rural food environments are not addressed, inequalities in the diet‐related disease burden for rural Australians will continue to persist. This study shows that interventions are needed for independent venues that could be targeted by researchers, local health promotion officers, community nutritionists or community education programs., Unhealthy diets, particularly those with an excessive intake of over‐processed foods and low intake of fruits and vegetables,[sup.1] have been acknowledged as a major driver of global increases in preventable [...]

Background Fifty percent of patients with typical diarrhea-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (D+HUS) require kidney replacement therapy (KRT). In these patients, dehydration worsens disease prognosis. We evaluated dialysis requirement, presence of seizures, and mortality rate among patients diagnosed with D+HUS treated with volume expansion (VE) versus fluid restriction (FR). Methods Thirty-five patients with D+HUS were enrolled; 16 received VE and 19 were historical patients who received conventional FR. Results Upon admission or during treatment, neither group presented evidence of fluid overload. The VE group received higher volumes of saline (VE 27 ml/kg [10-30] over a 3-h period vs. FR 0 ml), had higher urine output after 12 h (VE vs. FR: OR 6.2 [1.2-41.6], P = 0.03), and required less dialysis (VE 2 [12.5%, CI 95% 0-29] vs. FR 9 [47.4%, CI 95% 24-70], P = 0.035). The VE group had an absolute risk reduction of 0.34 (CI 95% 0.07-0.63); hence, three patients treated with VE were required to avoid one KRT. VE also corrected initial hyponatremia and maintained serum sodium within normal ranges. No statistical differences were observed regarding number of patients with seizures (P = 0.08) or mortality (P = 1.0). Conclusions VE markedly reduces the number of patients requiring KRT and keeps serum sodium within a normal range. We propose to initially hydrate every patient with D+HUS and without signs of fluid overload, with 10 ml/kg/h 0.9% saline solution IV, over a 3-h period. Afterwards, if urine output is [greater than or equal to] 0.5 ml/kg/h, it is recommended to not dialyze and continue IV hydration schedule with isotonic (D5) saline solution, according to their needs., Author(s): Pablo Bonany [sup.1] , Manuel D. Bilkis [sup.2] , Guillermo Iglesias [sup.1] , Amalia Braun [sup.1] , Juliana Tello [sup.1] , Viviana Ratto [sup.3] , Ana Vargas [sup.4] , [...]

This paper describes the development and construct validation of the Romantic Sympathetic Magic Scale (RSMS). The scale measures individual differences in directing attachment behavior toward inanimate objects associated with one's partner. We offer a theoretical basis for such behavior in the concept of sympathetic magic and test the motivational and cognitive factors involved in this tendency. Finally, we differentiate romantic sympathetic magic from similar concepts. Three studies (N = 851) showed that RSMS is related to increased experientiality as well as to motivation to increase closeness to one's partner. The RSMS is related to, but substantially different from, paranormal beliefs, anthropomorphism for gadgets, and an overall attachment to inanimate objects. The distinctive feature of romantic sympathetic magic is that it applies specifically to objects associated with people's loved ones and its function is to facilitate a perceived connection with them. This research contributes to our understanding of the correspondence between personal relationships and emotional connection to inanimate objects., Author(s): Aleksandra Niemyjska [sup.1], Michal Parzuchowski [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.433893.6, 0000 0001 2184 0541, Faculty in Sopot, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, , Warszawa, Poland [Displayed Quote]The [...]

The concept of meaningful work has recently received increased attention in philosophy and other disciplines. However, the impact of the increasing robotization of the workplace on meaningful work has received very little attention so far. Doing work that is meaningful leads to higher job satisfaction and increased worker well-being, and some argue for a right to access to meaningful work. In this paper, we therefore address the impact of robotization on meaningful work. We do so by identifying five key aspects of meaningful work: pursuing a purpose, social relationships, exercising skills and self-development, self-esteem and recognition, and autonomy. For each aspect, we analyze how the introduction of robots into the workplace may diminish or enhance the meaningfulness of work. We also identify a few ethical issues that emerge from our analysis. We conclude that robotization of the workplace can have both significant negative and positive effects on meaningful work. Our findings about ways in which robotization of the workplace can be a threat or opportunity for meaningful work can serve as the basis for ethical arguments for how to-and how not to-implement robots into workplaces., Author(s): Jilles Smids [sup.1], Sven Nyholm [sup.2], Hannah Berkers [sup.3] Author Affiliations: (1) Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences, Philosophy & Ethics, , De Zaale, Atlas 9.331, Eindhoven, The [...]

Background Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a multisystemic disease. In a nationwide study, we characterized the incidence, clinical course, and prognosis of HUS caused by Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains with emphasis on risk factors, disease severity, and long-term outcome. Methods The data on pediatric HUS patients from 2000 to 2016 were collected from the medical records. STEC isolates from fecal cultures of HUS and non-HUS patients were collected from the same time period and characterized by whole genome sequencing analysis. Results Fifty-eight out of 262 culture-positive cases developed verified (n = 58, 22%) STEC-HUS. Another 29 cases had probable STEC-HUS, the annual incidence of STEC-HUS being 0.5 per 100,000 children. Eleven different serogroups were detected, O157 being the most common (n = 37, 66%). Age under 3 years (OR 2.4), stx2 (OR 9.7), and stx2a (OR 16.6) were found to be risk factors for HUS. Fifty-five patients (63%) needed dialysis. Twenty-nine patients (33%) developed major neurological symptoms. Complete renal recovery was observed in 57 patients after a median 4.0 years of follow-up. Age under 3 years, leukocyte count over 20 x 10.sup.9/L, and need for dialysis were predictive factors for poor renal outcome. Conclusions Age under 3 years, stx2, and stx2a were risk factors for HUS in STEC-positive children. However, serogroup or stx types did not predict the renal outcome or major CNS symptoms., Author(s): Elisa Ylinen [sup.1] , Saara Salmenlinna [sup.2] , Jani Halkilahti [sup.2] , Timo Jahnukainen [sup.1] , Linda Korhonen [sup.3] [sup.4] , Tiia Virkkala [sup.1] , Ruska Rimhanen-Finne [sup.2] , [...]

Exercise training positively impacts mental health, yet remains untested in older adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We conducted a randomized controlled pilot trial to test the feasibility and acceptability of exercise training in older veterans with PTSD. Fifty-four veterans [greater than or equal to] 60 years, with a DSM-V diagnosis of PTSD, were randomized to supervised exercise (n = 36) or wait-list (WL; n = 18). Primary outcomes included recruitment rates, attendance, satisfaction, and retention. Secondary outcomes included changes in PTSD symptoms, depression, health-related quality of life, and sleep quality; assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. There were no adverse events. Attrition was minimal (14%), and adherence to the exercise intervention was high (82%). Clinically significant improvements in PTSD and related conditions were observed following exercise (Cohen's d = 0.36-0.81). Exercise training is safe and acceptable in older adults with PTSD, may improve PTSD symptoms, and broadly impacts PTSD-related conditions. Future definitive trials are warranted., Author(s): Katherine S. Hall [sup.1] [sup.2] , Miriam C. Morey [sup.1] [sup.2] , Hayden B. Bosworth [sup.2] [sup.3] , Jean C. Beckham [sup.4] [sup.5] , Michelle M. Pebole [sup.1] , [...]

Maternal trauma has been linked with problematic parenting, including both harsh and permissive behaviors. However, little is known about mechanisms accounting for this association. The current study examined the potential impact of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotion regulation on dysfunctional parenting behaviors in a sample of community mothers. We hypothesized a mediation model wherein PTSD would be associated with dysfunctional parenting (i.e., lax and overreactive behaviors) indirectly through deficits in maternal emotion regulation. Seventy-eight community mothers of 18- to 36-month-old children were administered the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) and 19 mothers met criteria for PTSD. Mothers also completed self-report measures of difficulties with emotion regulation and maternal laxness and overreactivity in parenting. Results revealed that emotion dysregulation fully mediated relations between PTSD status and lax (but not overreactive) parenting behaviors. Compared to mothers without PTSD, those with PTSD reported greater lax parenting behaviors indirectly through greater emotion dysregulation. Mothers with PTSD may struggle to parent assertively when trauma symptoms interfere with emotion regulation abilities. The current study highlights the need to design interventions focused on helping trauma-exposed mothers manage distress, ultimately aiming to enhance parenting effectiveness and improve child outcomes., Author(s): Shaina A. Kumar [sup.1], Molly R. Franz [sup.1], Rebecca L. Brock [sup.1], David DiLillo [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.24434.35, 0000 0004 1937 0060, Psychology Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, , [...]

Listeriosis is a severe, mainly foodborne, human infection associated with higher casefatality and hospitalization rates than other bacterial gastrointestinal pathogens (1). The causative agent, Listeria monocytogenes, occurs ubiquitously in the [...]

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of an expressive writing intervention on quality of life (QoL) among mainland Chinese breast cancer patients. A total of 118 Chinese breast cancer patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups: a cancer-facts writing condition (CTL group), an emotional disclosure writing condition (EMO group), a self-regulation writing condition (SR group), or a neutral control condition with no writing tasks (CON group). QoL was assessed by FACT-B at baseline, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. A repeated measure analysis of variance revealed significant effects of time (F = 13.9, P < 0.001, [eta].sup.2 = 0.20) and the time x group interaction (F = 3.5, P < 0.01, [eta].sup.2 = 0.08) on QoL. Residualized change models showed that the CTL, EMO and SR groups reported higher levels of QoL than the CON group at the 6-month follow-up. The EMO group had a higher level of QoL than the SR group. The CTL group had higher level of physical well-being compared to the SR group. Mainland Chinese breast cancer patients shortly after diagnosis benefit from expressive writing. They benefited more from cancer-facts and emotional disclosure compared to self-regulation. The study indicated that the impact of expressive writing may differ due to stage of cancer survivorship, social, and cultural context., Author(s): Li-li Ji [sup.1] , Qian Lu [sup.2] [sup.3] , Li-juan Wang [sup.4] , Xiang-lian Sun [sup.4] , Hui-dong Wang [sup.4] , Bing-xue Han [sup.5] , Yu-feng Ma [sup.5] , [...]

Significant research has focused on intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization among women Veterans, yet much less is known about women Veterans' IPV perpetration. Although military sexual trauma (MST) is a predictor of IPV victimization, military sexual assault (MSA), a component of MST, may predict especially adverse consequences for women Veterans. This study examined the unique effects of MSA on IPV victimization of, and perpetration by, women Veterans, and investigated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and prior IPV victimization as potential mediators of IPV perpetration. Participants included 187 women Veterans drawn from a larger web-based survey. We assessed the two components of MST (MSA and harassment) at Time 1 (T1), PTSD symptoms at Time 2 (T2), IPV victimization at T2 and Time 3 (T3), and IPV perpetration at T3. MSA predicted multiple subtypes of IPV victimization and perpetration, whereas harassment predicted neither. Those who reported MSA were more likely to experience T3 psychological and sexual IPV victimization, with PTSD symptoms significantly mediating this path. MSA was also directly related to T3 psychological IPV perpetration and indirectly related to physical and sexual IPV perpetration through PTSD symptoms. MSA was directly related to T2 PTSD symptoms while T2 IPV victimization was directly related to T3 IPV perpetration. These findings underscore that women Veterans' IPV perpetration may be in response to their own IPV victimization through self-defense and/or due to their PTSD symptoms. Results support prevention, screening, and treatment for IPV victimization and PTSD symptoms to lower risk of future IPV revictimization and perpetration., Author(s): Galina A. Portnoy [sup.1] [sup.2] , Mark R. Relyea [sup.1] [sup.2] , Amy E. Street [sup.3] [sup.4] , Sally G. Haskell [sup.1] [sup.2] , Katherine M. Iverson [sup.3] [sup.4] [...]

The first aim of the study was to develop a theory-based multidimensional measure of contribution, as currently known measures address the single dimension - contribution to the community. Eighteen adolescents from Lithuania (50% girls) aged 15 to 17 participated in focus groups as the corresponding population to consult about the concept of contribution. Following the Grounded Theory Approach, the 15-item Three-Dimensional Contribution Scale (3DCON), was developed. The face validity was established in the process of the scale development. The second aim of the study was to evaluate the psychometric quality of the newly developed scale. Participants (community sample) filled the questionnaire two times (N = 1422; 54.1% girls; M.sub.age = 16.35, SD.sub.age = 1.13 at Time 1 and N = 786; 53.1% girls; M.sub.age = 17.63, SD.sub.age = 0.72 at Time 2). The internal consistency analysis revealed an excellent reliability of the scale. The CFA results confirmed the structural validity of the three-dimensional contribution model. Multigroup (gender and age) and longitudinal measurement invariance demonstrated the robustness of the three-factor structure. The results support the reliability and validity of the Three-dimensional Contribution Scale (3DCON) for assessing contribution to self, family, and community as defined in the model of Positive Youth Development., Author(s): Inga TruskauskaitÄ-KunevicienÄ [sup.1], Goda KaniusonytÄ [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.5259.b, 0000 0001 1009 8986, Mykolas Romeris University, , Ateities str. 20, 08303, Vinius, Lithuania The Conceptual View of Contribution [...]

This article investigated the factorial and discriminant validity of the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) as well as its longitudinal measurement invariance in Korean samples. The samples consisted of mostly young adults. Confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling were used for data analysis. The results generally supported the 3-dimensional factor structure of the scale, with some cross-loadings. Factor correlations were found to be modest, and the 3 dimensions of the scale showed differential patterns of association with external variables. Full measurement invariance was supported across four time points in a period of about 14 months. These results support the validity and longitudinal invariance of the 3 dimensions of the MHC-SF in Korea., Author(s): Mohsen Joshanloo [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.412091.f, 0000 0001 0669 3109, Department of Psychology, Keimyung University, , 1095 Dalgubeol Boulevard, Dalseo-Gu, 42601, Daegu, South Korea Introduction The Mental Health [...]

Colombia is a South American nation that has captured the imagination of the world. It is a land of beautiful colonial cities and towns, famous for coffee production, rich emerald mines, and the literature of Jose Asuncion Silva and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Colombia's beauty and rich literary history, however, are often overshadowed by the memory of Pablo Escobar, a notorious drug lord, and numerous deadly guerilla groups. Their roles in the international drug trade made Colombia the top producer and exporter of cocaine, which resulted in terrorism and violence that left the country one of the world's most dangerous. (1) In this article, I will explore how violence in Colombia has perpetuated the theme of hopelessness in the nation's literature beginning in the mid-twentieth century. I will show this in three parts. Firstly, I will trace the history of violence in Colombia through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and show that a literary genre of violence was absent in the nation until 1946, when the period known as 'la Violencia' commenced. Secondly, I will explore how hopelessness resulted from violence in Colombia beginning in the period of 'la Violencia.' Thirdly, I will show how violence is depicted as an evil that traps the protagonists of the contemporary Colombian novels La Virgen de Los Sicarios and Satanas in a state of hopelessness due to their powerlessness to truly change themselves because of the frustrated society in which they live., Violence in Colombia in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Since independence, violence has been a constant companion to Colombians. It was only in the second half of the twentieth century, [...]

BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers face an elevated lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer. Oral contraceptives have been shown to significantly decrease the risk of ovarian cancer by approximately 50% in this high-risk population. Changes in contraceptive formulations and patterns of use over time have introduced lower hormonal dosages, different steroid types and non-oral routes of administration. Specifically, there has been a considerable shift in patterns of contraceptive use and the increase in the uptake of non-oral, long-acting, reversible contraception (e.g., intrauterine devices, implants, injections) has corresponded to a decline in oral contraceptive pill use. Whether or not these other methods confer a protective effect against ovarian cancer in the general population is not clear. To our knowledge, there have been no such studies conducted among BRCA mutation carriers. Furthermore, the impact of these changes on the risk of developing ovarian cancer is not known. In this article, we will review the existing epidemiologic evidence regarding the role of contraceptives and the risk of ovarian cancer with a focus on women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. We will discuss recent findings and gaps in the knowledge while extrapolating from studies conducted among women from the noncarrier population. Keywords: BRCA, Ovarian cancer, Contraception, Intrauterine device, Case-control, Author(s): Yue Yin Xia[sup.1,2] and Joanne Kotsopoulos[sup.1,3] Background The BRCA1 and BRCA2 tumour suppressor genes encode nuclear protein products that maintain genome integrity through various roles, including DNA repair, cell-cycle [...]

Background Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a leading cause of acute kidney injury in children. Although international guidelines emphasize comprehensive evaluation and treatment with eculizumab, access to diagnostic and therapeutic facilities is limited in most developing countries. The burden of Shiga toxin-associated HUS in India is unclear; school-going children show high prevalence of anti-factor H (FH) antibodies. The aim of the consensus meeting was to formulate guidelines for the diagnosis and management of HUS in children, specific to the needs of the country. Methods Four workgroups performed literature review and graded research studies addressing (i) investigations, biopsy, genetics, and differential diagnosis; (ii) Shiga toxin, pneumococcal, and infection-associated HUS; (iii) atypical HUS; and (iv) complement blockade. Consensus statements developed by the workgroups were discussed during a consensus meeting in March 2017. Results An algorithm for classification and evaluation was developed. The management of Shiga toxin-associated HUS is supportive; prompt plasma exchanges (PEX) is the chief therapy in patients with atypical HUS. Experts recommend that patients with anti-FH-associated HUS be managed with a combination of PEX and immunosuppressive medications. Indications for eculizumab include incomplete remission with plasma therapy, life-threatening features, complications of PEX or vascular access, inherited defects in complement regulation, and recurrence of HUS in allografts. Priorities for capacity building in regional and national laboratories are highlighted. Conclusions Limited diagnostic capabilities and lack of access to eculizumab prevent the implementation of international guidelines for HUS in most developing countries. We propose practice guidelines for India, which will perhaps be applicable to other developing countries., Author(s): Arvind Bagga [sup.1] , Priyanka Khandelwal [sup.1] , Kirtisudha Mishra [sup.2] , Ranjeet Thergaonkar [sup.3] , Anil Vasudevan [sup.4] , Jyoti Sharma [sup.5] , Saroj Kumar Patnaik [sup.6] , [...]

Due to successful public health campaigns, breast cancer has successfully transformed from a highly stigmatized illness to a philanthropically supported disease in the United States. However, Chinese American breast cancer survivors continue to experience high levels of self-stigma and associated negative mental health outcomes. In the present study, we examined the relations between self-stigma and depressive symptoms, and further tested individual difference variables such as ambivalence over emotional expression and intrusive thoughts that may exacerbate the harmful effects of self-stigma among this population. One hundred and twelve foreign-born Chinese breast cancer survivors living in the United States completed questionnaires measuring self-stigma, depressive symptoms, AEE, and intrusive thoughts. We found significant AEE x self-stigma and intrusive-thought x self-stigma interaction effects in predicting depressive symptoms. Specifically, the relationships between self-stigma and depressive symptoms were exacerbated among individuals with high levels of AEE and intrusive thoughts. Self-stigma represents a significant predictor of depressive symptoms among Chinese breast cancer survivors, and particularly so for individuals with higher levels of AEE and intrusive thoughts. The findings suggest that for interventions designed to reduce the negative mental health outcomes associated with self-stigma, targeting risk factors such as AEE and intrusive thoughts might be promising., Author(s): William Tsai [sup.1] , Qian Lu [sup.2] [sup.3] Author Affiliations: (Aff1) 0000 0004 1936 8753, grid.137628.9, Department of Applied Psychology, New York University, , New York, USA (Aff2) 0000 [...]

The central aim of the study was to examine the relationship between primary school teachers' life goals and life satisfaction using the self-determination theory (Deci and Ryan 2000 (See CR21)) and the flow theory (Csikszentmihalyi 1975 (See CR13)) as a framework. A study was conducted to test whether the relationship between intrinsic life goals and teachers' life satisfaction is mediated by two serially posited mediators, the satisfaction of each basic psychological need (competence, autonomy and relatedness) and the experience of flow at work. A total of 480 primary school teachers (17 years of work experience on average) from different regions of Croatia participated in the study. The results, obtained by structural equation modeling, showed that only the need for competence and flow at work significantly mediate between intrinsic life goals and life satisfaction ([beta] = .04, p < .001). The needs for autonomy and relatedness were not significant mediators when used as serial mediators. Thus, the study provides evidence that the positive relationship between life goals and life satisfaction is partly due to the increased satisfaction of the need for competence and more frequent flow experience at work. Also, the indirect effect of extrinsic goals on life satisfaction ([beta] = -.024, p < .01) through autonomy and flow work was tested and found to be significant., Author(s): Diana Olcar [sup.1] , Majda Rijavec [sup.1] , Tajana Ljubin Golub [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (Aff1) 0000 0001 0657 4636, grid.4808.4, Faculty of Teacher Education, University of Zagreb, , Savska [...]

Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is the offending agent in post-diarrhea-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and acute kidney failure, with thrombi occluding the renal microvasculature. Endothelial dysfunction has been recognized as the trigger event in the development of microangiopathic processes. Glomerular endothelial cells are susceptible to the toxic effects of Stxs that, via nuclear factor kappa B (NF-[kappa]B) activation, induce the expression of genes encoding for adhesion molecules and chemokines, culminating in leukocyte adhesion and platelet thrombus formation on the activated endothelium. Complement activation via the alternative pathway has been seen in patients during the acute phase of STEC-associated HUS. Experimental evidence has highlighted the role of complement proteins in driving glomerular endothelium toward a thrombogenic phenotype. At the glomerular level, podocytes are also an important target of Stx-induced complement activation. Glomerular injury as a consequence of podocyte dysfunction and loss is thus a mechanism that might affect long-term renal outcomes in the disease. New approaches to targeting the complement system may be useful therapeutic options for patients with STEC-HUS., Author(s): Carlamaria Zoja [sup.1] , Simona Buelli [sup.1] , Marina Morigi [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (Aff1) 0000000106678902, grid.4527.4, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, IRCCS - Istituto [...]

The tripartite model of mental well-being regards well-being as a three-dimensional concept encompassing correlated yet distinct dimensions of hedonic, psychological, and social well-being. This study used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) to evaluate this model in an Iranian sample (N = 1435). It was found that the model was generally consistent with the data, although a few variables did not have strong loadings on their target factors. The ESEM model provided improved fit compared with the CFA model. The results illustrate the methodological advantages of ESEM over traditional CFA in this line of research., Author(s): Mohsen Joshanloo [sup.1] , Shirin Niknam [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (Aff1) 0000 0001 0669 3109, grid.412091.f, Department of Psychology, Keimyung University, , 1095 Dalgubeol Boulevard, Dalseo-Gu, 42601, Daegu, South Korea [...]

Background This study aims to identify epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients and report our experience with eculizumab treatment during an outbreak of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in Istanbul in 2015. Methods Thirty-two children (21 females, median age 3.25 years) were included in this study. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data, and treatment details were retrospectively collected. Renal outcomes were assessed at last follow-up visit. To assess the effect of eculizumab on prognosis of STEC-HUS, subgroup analysis was performed on patients who required dialysis. Results A high number of cases occurred within a certain region of Istanbul. Stool samples were cultured from 21 patients (65%), and enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC; n = 7) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC; n = 3) strains were detected. Rates of dialysis treatment, neurological manifestations, and death were 59%, 25%, and 3%, respectively. Mean follow-up duration was 8.6 ± 2.6 months (range 3-12 months). None of the patients (n = 25) was on dialysis at the final visit. The complete renal recovery rate was 54%. Nine patients were treated with eculizumab. At final follow-up visit, no differences in estimated glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria level, or hypertension incidence were observed between patients treated with eculizumab and those not treated with eculizumab. Conclusions An outbreak of EAEC occurred in a specific region of Istanbul. Livestock markets were suspected as the source. Evidence for beneficial effects of eculizumab on renal outcome was not clear in this cohort., Author(s): Ayse Agbas [sup.1] , Nilüfer Göknar [sup.2] , Nurver Akinci [sup.3] , Zeynep Yürük Yildirim [sup.4] , Mehmet Tasdemir [sup.5] , Meryem Benzer [sup.6] , Ibrahim Gökçe [sup.7] , [...]