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Theory of mind (ToM) has been argued to be a multidimensional construct, with ToM inferences depending on distinct processes across affective and cognitive ToM tasks and across first-order cognitive and second-order cognitive ToM tasks. Behavioural evidence for a multidimensional account has primarily depended on dissociations identified via analysis of variance, a statistical approach insufficient for assessing dimensionality. Instead, state-trace analysis (STA) is a more appropriate statistical technique to uncover dimensionality. The current study first applied STA to two summary datasets that had previously identified key dissociations between cognitive and affective ToM; these reanalyses did not support a multidimensional account of ToM. Next, STA was applied to a more detailed dataset to reveal whether ToM is based on multiple processes in a sample of 115 older adults aged 60–85 years (M = 68.5, SD = 5.92, 61.7% female) with higher or lower emotion perception ability. Participants made ToM judgements about different social exchanges (e.g., sarcasm or lying). STA results supported a multidimensional account of ToM across first-order cognitive, second-order cognitive, and affective ToM subdomains. These results lay a more rigorous foundation for subsequent studies to further examine the dimensionality of ToM and to apply formal modelling, progressing the field's understanding and measurement of the cognitive processes driving ToM judgements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was determined whether cognitive impairment is associated with time taken to complete the electronic rapid fitness assessment (eRFA). We hypothesized that taking more time to complete the eRFA will indicate worsened cognitive function. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients who presented to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Geriatrics Service for preoperative evaluation and completed the eRFA as a part of their preoperative assessment from February 2015 to December 2020. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini‐Cog©, which is a screening test for cognitive function status. Patients in this study underwent elective surgery and had a hospital length of stay ≥1 day. Time to complete the eRFA was automatically recorded by a web‐based tool; assistance with eRFA completion was self‐reported by the patient. In total, 2599 patients were included, of which 2387 had available Mini‐Cog© scores. Results: Overall, 50% of surveys were completed without assistance, 37% were completed with assistance, and 13% were completed by somebody else; Mini‐Cog© scores were lower, corresponding to worsened cognitive function status, in patients requiring assistance (median score respectively, 5 vs. 4 vs. 3; p‐value <0.0001; rates of cognitive impairment 7.5%, 22%, and 38%). Among patients who completed the questionnaire independently, greater cognitive impairment was associated with longer time to complete the eRFA (change in score per 5 min = −0.09; 95% CI −0.14, −0.03; p = 0.002). Conclusions: We found evidence that requirement for assistance in completing web‐based questionnaires, and time taken to complete a questionnaire, predict which patients benefit from more comprehensive cognitive function assessments. Future studies should further validate this finding in a more diverse population and establish optimal clinical pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retrospective studies using adult self-report data have demonstrated that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase risk of violence perpetration and victimization. However, research examining the associations between adolescent reports of ACE and school violence involvement is sparse. The present study examines the relationship between adolescent reported ACE and multiple types of on-campus violence (bringing a weapon to campus, being threatened with a weapon, bullying, fighting, vandalism) for boys and girls as well as the risk of membership in victim, perpetrator, and victim–perpetrator groups. The analytic sample was comprised of ninth graders who participated in the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey (n ~ 37,000). Multinomial logistic regression models calculated the risk of membership for victim only, perpetrator only, and victim–perpetrator subgroups, relative to no violence involvement, for students with ACE as compared with those with no ACE. Separate logistic regression models assessed the association between cumulative ACE and school-based violence, adjusting for age, ethnicity, family structure, poverty status, internalizing symptoms, and school district size. Nearly 30% of students were exposed to at least one ACE. Students with ACE represent 19% of no violence, 38% of victim only, 40% of perpetrator only, and 63% of victim–perpetrator groups. There was a strong, graded relationship between ACE and the probability of school-based victimization: physical bullying for boys but not girls, being threatened with a weapon, and theft or property destruction (p s <.001) and perpetration: bullying and bringing a weapon to campus (p s <.001), with boys especially vulnerable to the negative effects of cumulative ACE. We recommend that schools systematically screen for ACE, particularly among younger adolescents involved in victimization and perpetration, and develop the infrastructure to increase access to trauma-informed intervention services. Future research priorities and implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Neurobehavioral consequences of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure are well documented; however, the role of age or sex in these effects has not been studied. The current study examined the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, sex, and age on neurobehavioral functioning in children. Methods Subjects were 407 youth with prenatal alcohol exposure ( n = 192) and controls ( n = 215). Two age groups (child [5 to 7 years] or adolescent [10 to 16 years]) and both sexes were included. All subjects completed standardized neuropsychological testing, and caregivers completed parent-report measures of psychopathology and adaptive behavior. Neuropsychological functioning, psychopathology, and adaptive behavior were analyzed with separate 2 (exposure history) × 2 (sex) × 2 (age) multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs). Significant effects were followed by univariate analyses. Results No 3-way or 2-way interactions were significant. The main effect of group was significant in all 3 MANOVAs, with the control group performing better than the alcohol-exposed group on all measures. The main effect of age was significant for neuropsychological performance and adaptive functioning across exposure groups with younger children performing better than older children on 3 measures (language, communication, socialization). Older children performed better than younger children on a different language measure. The main effect of sex was significant for neuropsychological performance and psychopathology; across exposure groups, males had stronger language and visual spatial scores and fewer somatic complaints than females. Conclusions Prenatal alcohol exposure resulted in impaired neuropsychological and behavioral functioning. Although adolescents with prenatal alcohol exposure may perform more poorly than younger exposed children, the same was true for nonexposed children. Thus, these cross-sectional data indicate that the developmental trajectory for neuropsychological and behavioral performance is not altered by prenatal alcohol exposure, but rather, deficits are consistent across the 2 age groups tested. Similarly, observed sex differences on specific measures were consistent across the groups and do not support sexually dimorphic effects in these domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Patient-rated outcome measures (PROMs) are important for driving treatment decisions and determining treatment effectiveness. However, athletic trainers (ATs) rarely use them; understanding why may facilitate strategies for collection of these outcomes. Objective: To identify the benefits of and barriers to using PROMs in athletic training. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Web-based survey. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 1469 randomly sampled ATs (age = 36.8 ± 9.8 years; 48% female) working in the college/university, 2-year institution, secondary school, clinic, hospital, or industrial/occupational setting. Intervention(s): An e-mail was sent to ATs inviting them to complete a survey regarding the use, benefits, and barriers of PROMs. Athletic trainers who indicated they used PROMs (ATPRs) completed 65 questions about the benefits of and barriers to their use. Athletic trainers who indicated no use of PROMs (AT-NONs) completed 21 questions about barriers of use. Main Outcome Measure(s): Dependent variables were the endorsements for the benefits of and barriers to the use of PROMs. Results: A total of 458 ATs initiated the survey and 421 (AT-PR = 26%, AT-NON = 74%) completed it (response rate = 28.7%). The most frequently endorsed benefits by AT-PRs were enhancing communication with patients (90%) and other health care professionals (80%), directing patient care (87%), and increasing examination efficiency (80%). The most frequently endorsed barriers by AT-PRs were that PROMs are time consuming (44%), difficult (36%), and confusing (31%) for patients and time consuming for clinicians to score and interpret (29%). The most frequently endorsed problems by ATNONs were that PROMs are time consuming for clinicians to score and interpret (31%), time consuming (46%) and irrelevant to patients (28%), and lacking a support structure for clinicians (29%). Conclusions: These results suggest that, although benefits to using PROMs exist, there are also barriers. Barriers are similar for AT-PRs and AT-NONs. Strategies to decrease barriers and facilitate the use of PROMs warrant investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors related to treatment attendance for patients seeking gender-affirming voice therapy (GAVT). Method: We completed retrospective chart reviews of 50 patients (43 transgender women, three transgender men, four nonbinary patients; aged 18-67 years, M = 34.92 years, SD = 12.32 years) referred for GAVT at a Midwest outpatient center from 2016 to 2021. Data extraction included patient demographics, therapy visit specifics (e.g., number of sessions attended, treatment completion status, and in-person vs. virtual visits) and treatment timing (in relation to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic), and psychosocial and socioeconomic information. Results: There was no impact of treatment-timing relative to the onset of the pandemic on any attendance measure; however, patients were 1.9 times more likely to complete therapy with each virtual telehealth session attended. Individual factors of outside social support and hormone replacement therapy were positively related to the number of therapy sessions attended, whereas insurance provider and employment status were related to therapy completion. Conclusions: Telehealth attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic was positively associated with GAVT completion. Future research should investigate psychosocial and socioeconomic factors to understand how to identify patients at risk for poor treatment adherence and facilitate access to clinical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:Knowledge-related barriers to safely implement early rehabilitation programs in intensive care units (ICUs) may be overcome via targeted education. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive educational session on short-term knowledge of clinical decision-making for safe rehabilitation of patients in ICUs. Method:A case-based teaching approach, drawing from published safety recommendations for initiation of rehabilitation in ICUs, was used with a multidisciplinary audience. An audience response system was incorporated to promote interaction and evaluate knowledge before vs. after the educational session. Results:Up to 175 audience members, of 271 in attendance (129 (48%) physical therapists, 51 (19%) occupational therapists, 31 (11%) nursing, 14 (5%) physician, 46 (17%) other), completed both the pre- and post-test questions for each of the six unique patient cases. In four of six patient cases, there was a significant (p< 0.001) increase in identifying the correct answer regarding initiation of rehabilitation activities. This learning effect was similar irrespective of participants’ years of experience and clinical discipline. Conclusions:An interactive, case-based, educational session may be effective for increasing short-term knowledge, and identifying knowledge gaps, regarding clinical decision-making for safe rehabilitation of patients in ICUs.Implications for RehabilitationLack of knowledge regarding the safety considerations for early rehabilitation of ICU patients is a barrier to implementing early rehabilitation.Interactive educational formats, such as the use of audience response systems, offer a new method of teaching and instantly assessing learning of clinically important information.In a small study, we have shown that an interactive, case-based educational format may be used to effectively teach clinical decision-making for the safe rehabilitation of ICU patients to a diverse audience of clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To determine pre- and post-dosing effects of prenatal methadone compared to buprenorphine on fetal wellbeing. Design A secondary analysis of data derived from the Maternal Opioid Treatment: Human Experimental Research ( MOTHER) study, a double-blind, double-dummy, randomized clinical trial. Setting Six United States sites and one European site that provided comprehensive opioid-dependence treatment to pregnant women. Participants Eighty-one of the 131 opioid-dependent pregnant women completing the MOTHER clinical trial, assessed between 31 and 33 weeks of gestation. Measurements Two fetal assessments were conducted, once before and once after study medication dosing. Measures included mean fetal heart rate ( FHR), number of FHR accelerations, FHR reactivity in the fetal non-stress test ( NST) and biophysical profile ( BPP) score. Findings Significant group differences were found for number of FHR accelerations, non-reactive NST and BPP scores (all Ps < 0.05). There were no significant group differences before time of dosing. Significant decreases (all Ps < 0.05) occurred from pre- to post-dose assessment for mean FHR, FHR accelerations, reactive NST and fetal movement. The decrease in accelerations and reactive NST were significant only for fetuses in the methadone group, and this resulted in a significantly lower likelihood of a reactive NST compared to fetuses in the buprenorphine group. Conclusion Buprenorphine compared with methadone appears to result in less suppression of mean fetal heart rate, fetal heart rate reactivity and the biophysical profile score after medication dosing and these findings provide support for the relative safety of buprenorphine when fetal indices are considered as part of the complete risk-benefit ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Fruit and vegetable (F/V) intake assessment tools that are valid, reliable, brief, and easy to administer and code are vital to the field of public health nutrition. Objective: To evaluate three short F/V intake screeners (ie, a 2-item serving tool, a 2-item cup tool, and a 16-item F/V intake screener) among adults using multiple 24-hour dietary recalls (24-hour recalls) as the reference instrument and evaluate test–retest reliability of the screeners across a 2- to 3-week time period. Design: Validity and reliability study. Participants/setting: Two hundred forty-four adults for the validity study and 335 adults for test–retest reliability. Statistical analyses performed: Median values for F/V intakes were calculated for the screeners and 24-hour recalls. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare screeners with the 24-hour recalls. Deattenuated Pearson correlations were reported for validity and intraclass correlation coefficient used for reliability. Results: The estimated median daily servings/cups of F/V for the 2-item serving screener was lower, for the 2-item cup screener was equivalent for men but higher for women, and for the 16-item F/V intake screener were about the same when compared with 24-hour recall values. The deattenuated correlations comparing the 24-hour recalls with the screeners were positive but weak for the 2-item serving screener, and were positive and moderate in strength for the 2-item cup and 16-item F/V intake screeners. The test–retest intraclass correlation coefficients were all positive and fairly strong for all of the screeners. Conclusions: Although dietary screeners offer a more cost-effective, less burdensome way to obtain gross estimates to rank individuals with regard to F/V intake, these methods are not recommended for assessing precise intake levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recent updates in qualitative data-analysis software have provided the qualitative researcher in professional communication with powerful tools to assist in the research process. In this tutorial, we provide a brief overview of what software choices are available and discuss features of NVivo, one prominent choice. We then use our experiences with the software to discuss how it enhances three specific dimensions of our research: efficiency, multiplicity, and transparency. We end with a compilation of best practices for using the software. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

BACKGROUND: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals have been shown to have broad effects on development, but their mutagenic actions that can lead to cancer have been less clearly demonstrated. Physiological levels of estrogen have been shown to stimulate DNA damage in breast epithelial cells through mechanisms mediated by estrogen-receptor alpha (ERa). Benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and propylparaben (PP) are xenoestrogens found in the urine of >96% of U.S. population. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effect of BP-3 and PP on estrogen receptor–dependent transactivation and DNA damage at concentrations relevant to exposures in humans. METHODS: In human breast epithelial cells, DNA damage following treatment with 17β-estradiol (E[sub 2]), BP-3, and PP was determined by immunostaining with antibodies against γ-H2AX and 53BP1. Estrogenic responses were determined using luciferase reporter assays and gene expression. Formation of R-loops was determined with DNA: RNA hybrid-specific S9.6 antibody. Short-term exposure to the chemicals was also studied in ovariectomized mice. Immunostaining of mouse mammary epithelium was performed to quantify R-loops and DNA damage in vivo. RESULTS: Concentrations of 1µM and 5µM BP-3 or PP increased DNA damage similar to that of E2 treatment in a ERα-dependent manner. However, BP-3 and PP had limited transactivation of target genes at 1µM and 5µM concentrations. BP-3 and PP exposure caused R-loop formation in a normal human breast epithelial cell line when ERa was introduced. R-loops and DNA damage were also detected in mammary epithelial cells of mice treated with BP-3 and PP. CONCLUSIONS: Acute exposure to xenoestrogens (PP and BP-3) in mice induce DNA damage mediated by formation of ERα-dependent R-loops at concentrations 10-fold lower than those required for transactivation. Exposure to these xenoestrogens may cause deleterious estrogenic responses, such as DNA damage, in susceptible individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simulation study that used 3,000 computer-generated event streams with known behavior rates, interval durations, and session durations was conducted to test whether the main and interaction effects of true rate and interval duration affect the error level of uncorrected and Poisson-transformed (i.e., corrected) count as estimated by partial-interval recording. For both count estimates, shorter intervals and lower true rates resulted in less error than longer intervals and higher rates. For all conditions tested, Poisson-corrected estimates were more accurate than uncorrected estimates. Therefore, using Poisson-corrected estimates and short intervals are recommended when partial-interval recording is used to estimate counts. Generality of results might be restricted to events that are about 1-s long. A URL was provided to aid in the computation of corrected counts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Consumption of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (Am ED) has been associated with a variety of risks beyond that observed with alcohol alone. Consumers of Am ED beverages are more likely to engage in heavy episodic (binge) drinking. This study was to investigate whether the consumption of high caffeine energy drink mixers with alcohol would increase the desire to drink alcohol compared to the same amount of alcohol alone using a double-blind, within-subjects, placebo-controlled study design. Methods Participants ( n = 26) of equal gender who were social drinkers attended 6 double-blind dose administration sessions that involved consumption of alcohol and energy drinks, alone and in combination. On each test day, participants received 1 of 6 possible doses: (i) 1.21 ml/kg vodka + 3.63 ml/kg decaffeinated soft drink, (ii) 1.21 ml/kg vodka + 3.63 ml/kg energy drink, (iii) 1.21 ml/kg vodka + 6.05 ml/kg energy drink, (iv) 3.63 ml/kg decaffeinated soft drink, (v) 3.63 ml/kg energy drink, and (vi) 6.05 ml/kg energy drink. Following dose administration, participants repeatedly completed self-reported ratings on the Desire-for-Drug questionnaire and provided breath alcohol readings. Results Alcohol alone increased the subjective ratings of 'desire for more alcohol' compared to placebo doses. Energy drink mixers with the alcohol increased desire for more alcohol ratings beyond that observed with alcohol alone. Conclusions This study provides laboratory evidence that Am ED beverages lead to greater desire to drink alcohol versus the same amount of alcohol consumed alone. The findings are consistent with results from animal studies indicating that caffeine increases the rewarding and reinforcing properties of alcohol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on research on changes in muscle power, fatigue and recovery changes seen in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I hockey players during a competitive season. Researchers evaluated 20 players who performed a repeated sprint test. They found that mean power was significantly higher in the preseason, that athletes were unable to maintain power during sprint work in the postseason and that the degree at which athletes fatigued and recovered between sprints did not change between pre and post season testing.

Background. Patient-reported signs and symptoms are often the first indication of clinically relevant lymphedema. Objective. The purpose of this study was to develop and assess the diagnostic accuracy of a screening questionnaire to detect lower-extremity lymphedema (LEL) among normal-weight women and women with obesity. Design. This was a cross-sectional survey study. Methods. The authors reviewed existing questionnaires assessing upper- extremity lymphedema (UEL) for potential questions and worked with content experts to generate new items. A draft questionnaire with 59 items was reviewed by 5 physicians and 5 physical therapists who specialized in lymphedema management and 5 female patients with clinically confirmed secondary LEL. A revised questionnaire with 45 items was administered by mail to 186 women with clinically confirmed LEL (n=ll6) or UEL (n=70). A total of 99 women (53-2% of 186) completed the mailed survey, and 28 women with lymphedema who were recruited directly in a lymphedema clinic waiting area also completed the survey. A parsimonious subset of items that best discriminated patients with and without LEL was identified using chi-square tests and logistic regression. Sensitivity and specificity for detecting LEL and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+, LR-) were estimated for the entire sample and for subsamples defined by obesity (body mass index ≥30 versus <30 kg/ m2), which may confound the accurate diagnosis of LEL. Results. Questionnaires were completed by 127 women (LEL group, n=88; UEL group, n=39). A sum of 13 items (score range=0-52) was the most discriminating. Using a cutoff score of ≥ 5 points, the sensitivity and specificity for detecting LEL among all participants were 95.5% and 86.5%, respectively (LR+=7.1, LR-=0.05), and 94.8% and 76.5%, respectively (LR+ =4.0, LR- =0.07), for participants who were obese. Limitations. By enumerating a sample with a high prevalence of LEL, a spectrum bias may have been introduced, which may have affected the accuracy of the screening questionnaire. Conclusions. The brief, 13-item self-report questionnaire is a sensitive and specific tool for detecting clinically relevant LEL among women, including those with a body mass index of ≥ 30 kg/m2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There has been a dramatic rise in the consumption of alcohol mixed with energy drinks ( Am EDs) in social drinkers. It has been suggested that Am ED beverages might lead individuals to drink greater quantities of alcohol. This experiment was designed to investigate whether the consumption of Am EDs would alter alcohol priming (i.e., increasing ratings of wanting another drink) compared with alcohol alone. Methods Participants ( n = 80) of equal gender attended 1 session where they were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 4 doses (0.91 ml/kg vodka, 1.82 ml/kg energy drink, 0.91 ml/kg vodka mixed with 1.82 ml/kg energy drink [ Am ED], or a placebo beverage). Alcohol-induced priming of the motivation to drink was assessed by self-reported ratings on the Desire for Drug questionnaire. Results The priming dose of alcohol increased the subjective ratings of 'desire' for more alcohol, consistent with previous research that small doses of alcohol can increase the motivation to drink. Furthermore, higher desire ratings over time were observed with Am EDs compared with alcohol alone. Finally, ratings of liking the drink were similar for the alcohol and Am ED conditions. Conclusions An energy drink may elicit increased alcohol priming. This study provides laboratory evidence that Am ED beverages may lead to greater motivation to drink versus the same amount of alcohol consumed alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The clinical outcomes of patients receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT) and treated with direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) for the management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) were compared. Methods. A retrospective evaluation of clinical outcomes of patients receiving RRT with a presumed diagnosis of HIT treated with lepirudin, argatroban, or bivalirudin was conducted. Inpatients at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center from January 1, 1995, through March 1, 2008, were included if they were receiving either continuous or intermittent RRT and argatroban, bivalirudin, or lepirudin; were exposed to heparin within the preceding 100 days (including a heparin-treated pulmonary artery catheter) or had a documented heparin allergy; and had at least one of following: (1) an absolute platelet count of <150,000 cells/µL, (2) a decline in platelets of >50% from baseline before exposure to heparin, or (3) a documented diagnosis of thrombocytopenia. The primary outcome assessed was a triple composite endpoint of thrombosis, hemorrhage, and inhospital mortality. A secondary assessment compared the pharmacodynamic relationship between activated partial thromboplastin time and the triple composite. Results. For the primary endpoint, there was no statistically significant difference observed among DTIs. In patients receiving RRT, a lack of a previous heparin allergy, the degree of International Normalized Ratio elevation, and lower serum albumin were significantly correlated with increased morbidity and the occurrence of the composite endpoint. Conclusion. No differences in adverse events or other clinical outcomes were observed in this retrospective evaluation of DTI use in patients receiving RRT with presumed HIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study to evaluate the role of occupation in the prevalence, management and control of cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension among U.S. workers. Data of 6928 workers aged 20 or older from 40 occupational groups was analyzed. The study concluded that protective service workers may benefit the most from worksite hypertension management programs. The findings confirm that an individual's occupation affects their health.

The article discusses research regarding rural grocery storeowners' perceptions of their communities, their business practices, and factors that influence their sustainability and the ability to support healthy food choices in Nebraska as of 2016. According to the article, storeowners reported on strategies that they employ to remain competitive by focusing on customer service and product quality. The public health aspects of obesity in America are examined, along with small U.S. stores.

Background: Many women have heavy menstrual bleeding during perimenopause that may interfere with overall quality of life and contribute to sexual dysfunction. We aimed to determine whether sexual function in women improves after endometrial ablation for heavy menstrual periods. Methods: Validated surveys (Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI], Female Sexual Distress Scale [FSDS], and Short-Form Health Survey [SF-12]) were administered to 136 women before and after endometrial ablation from August 2008 through June 2013. Scores at baseline and 6 months after surgery were compared using the paired t test. Results: A total of 97 women completed the FSFI and FSDS surveys at baseline and 6 months after ablation. Mean full-scale FSFI score increased from 26.5 to 28.8 ( p < .001), with improvement in 5 of 6 FSFI domains. Mean FSDS score decreased from 13.6 to 9.7 ( p < .001), showing decreased personal distress regarding sexual function. In assessing quality of life, SF-12 scores improved for global physical function ( p < .001) and mental function ( p = .002). Conclusions: Female sexual function improved and personal distress associated with sexual function decreased after endometrial ablation for heavy menstrual cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of the present study was to determine whether selective inflammatory cytokine concentrations within cerebrospinal fluid are useful markers for the differential diagnosis of aseptic and bacterial meningitis within neurosurgical patients.Design: Prospective, open-label, observational, cohort study.Setting: Neurosurgical ICU, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.Patients: Thirty-two consecutive neurosurgical patients who had postoperative fever following external ventricular drain insertion for the treatment of brain injury underwent serial cerebrospinal fluid cytokine analysis pre and post fever to determine the value of such markers in ascertaining the differential diagnosis of meningitis.Intervention: Cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected on the day of fever onset, as well as on day 2 and 4 pre and post fever development. Tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, transforming growth factor-β, and procalcitonin were subsequently analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis techniques.Measurement and Main Results: Inflammatory marker levels were compared among febrile aseptic, bacterial, and nonmeningitis patients to determine cerebrospinal fluid inflammatory changes over time. Significant increases in cerebrospinal fluid tumor necrosis factor -α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8 levels were observed within patients with bacterial meningitis at fever onset, which was not evident in aseptic or nonmeningitis patients. Furthermore, significant increases in cerebrospinal fluid tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8 levels were detected as early as 4 days prior to fever onset within patients with bacterial meningitis when compared with both aseptic and nonmeningitis groups. Interestingly, procalcitonin was only significantly increased in patients with bacterial meningitis on the fourth day post fever.Conclusion: The present study suggests that raised cerebrospinal fluid tumor necrosis factor -α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-8 in a temporal manner may indicate early bacterial meningitis development in neurosurgical patients, enabling earlier diagnostic certainty and improved patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines a survey to asses the effectiveness of Cooking Matters for Adults (CMA), a cooking-based nutrition education program for low-income adults. The need for the development of common metrics to advance cooking-based nutrition education programs was mentioned. The components of the survey include dietary patterns, sociodemographics and psychometrics. It was found that the CMA Survey may be useful for similar nutrition-based programs.

Acute aerobic exercise may increase cognitive processing speed among tasks demanding a substantial degree of executive function. Few studies have investigated executive function after acute exercise in older adults across various exercise intensities. Healthy females 60-75 years of age (n = 11) who were not on medications completed 20-min exercise sessions at a moderate (50%VO2max) exercise intensity and a vigorous (75%VO2max) exercise intensity. Modified flanker tasks (reaction times) and d2 tests of sustained and selective attention (components of executive function) were completed before, immediately after, and 30-min post-exercise. Results indicated that older adult females had improved scores on the modified flanker task reaction times (RTT, RTI, RTC) and d2 tests immediately after both moderate and vigorous intensity aerobic exercise. Some of these effects were maintained 30 min post-exercise. These findings suggest that an acute bout of exercise, regardless of intensity, can improve performance on tests of executive function in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Paravalvular aortic regurgitation (PAR) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is well acknowledged. Despite improvements, echocardiographic measurement of PAR largely remains qualitative. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) directly quantifies AR with accuracy and reproducibility. We compared CMR and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) analysis of pre-operative and post-operative aortic regurgitation in patients undergoing both TAVI and surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). Methods: Eighty-seven patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI (56 patients) or AVR were recruited. CMR (1.5 T) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were carried out pre-operatively and a median of 6 days post-operatively. The CMR protocol included regurgitant aortic flows using through-plane phase-contrast velocity. None/ trivial, mild, moderate and severe AR by CMR was defined as ≤8%, 9-20%, 21-39%, >40% regurgitant fractions respectively. Results: Pre- and post-operative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was similar. Post-procedure aortic regurgitant fraction using CMR was higher in the TAVI group (TAVI 16 ± 13% vs. AVR 4 ± 4%, p < 0.01). Comparing CMR to TTE, 27 of 56 (48%) TAVI patients had PAR which was at least one grade more severe on CMR than TTE (Z = −4.56, p <0.001). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the difference in PAR grade between TTE and CMR in the TAVI group (Z = −4.49, p < 0.001). Conclusion: When compared to CMR based quantitative analysis, TTE underestimated the degree of paravalvular aortic regurgitation. This underestimation may in part explain the findings of increased mortality associated with mild or greater AR by TTE in the PARTNER trial. Paravalvular aortic regurgitation post TAVI assessed as mild by TTE may in fact be more severe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Disease registries enable priority setting and batching of clinical tasks, such as reaching out to patients who have missed a routine laboratory test. Building disease registries requires collaboration among professionals in medicine, population science, and information technology. Specialty care addresses many complex, uncommon conditions, and these conditions are diverse. The cost to build and maintain traditional registries for many diverse, complex, low-frequency conditions is prohibitive. Objective: To develop and to test the Specialty Miniregistries platform, a collaborative interface designed to streamline the medical specialist's contributions to the science and management of population health. Design: We used accessible technology to develop a platform that would generate miniregistries (small, routinely updated datasets) for surveillance, to identify patients who were missing expected utilization, and to influence clinicians and others to change practices to improve care. The platform was composed of staff, technology, and structured collaborations, organized into a workflow. The platform was tested in five medical specialty departments. Main Outcome Measure: Proof of concept. Results: The platform enabled medical specialists to rapidly and effectively communicate clinical questions, knowledge of disease, clinical workflows, and improvement opportunities. Their knowledge was used to build and to deploy the miniregistries. Each miniregistry required 1 to 2 hours of collaboration by a medical specialist. Turnaround was 1 to 14 days. Conclusions: The Specialty Miniregistries platform is useful for low-volume questions that often occur in specialty care, and it requires low levels of investment. The efficient organization of information workers to support accountable care is an emerging question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Urinary podocyte excretion (podocyturia) may function as a more specific marker of ongoing glomerular damage. This study sought to analyze the relationship between proteinuria and podocyturia in cancer patients treated with antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. Methods: Thirty-seven patients treated with anti-VEGF medications were analyzed in a single-institution, cross-sectional study. Podocyte cultures were performed on random urine collections (50-100 ml), and podocytes were identified by positive podocin staining. The corresponding urine samples were analyzed for protein and creatinine (Cr) measurements. Results: Proteinuria ≥0.5 g/g Cr was found in 30% of the patients (median, 0.12; interquartile range, 0.04-0.86), and 62% had podocyturia. There was a significant difference in the amount of podocyturia between patients with proteinuria ≥0.5 g/g Cr and those with a value <0.5 g/g Cr (median podocyturia, 1.08 cells/mg Cr, range, 0-14.55 vs. 0.03 cells/mg Cr, range, 0-1.64, respectively; p < 0.001). A statistically significant correlation was observed between the cumulative dose of bevacizumab and both proteinuria (r = 0.48, p = 0.004) and podocyturia (r = 0.34, p = 0.045) as well as between proteinuria and podocyturia (r = 0.63, p < 0.001), suggesting that these are mechanistically related. Discussion: Ongoing podocyte loss may be mechanistically related to the onset and severity of proteinuria in patients treated with anti-VEGF agents. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: In the United States, data from federally funded genomics studies are stored in national databases, which may be accessible to anyone online (public release) or only to qualified researchers (restricted release). The availability of such data exposes participants to privacy risk and limits the ability to withdraw from research. This exposure is especially challenging for pediatric participants, who are enrolled in studies with parental permission. The current study examines genomic research participants'attitudes to explore differences in data sharing (DS) preferences between parents of pediatric patients and adult patients. METHODS: A total of 113 parents of pediatric patients and 196 adult participants from 6 genomics studies were randomly assigned to 3 experimental consent forms. Participants were invited to a follow-up structured interview exploring DS preferences, study understanding, and attitudes. Descriptive analyses and regression models were built on responses. RESULTS: Most parents (73.5%) and adult participants (90.3%) ultimately consented to broad public release. However, parents were significantly more restrictive in their data release decisions, not because of understanding or perceived benefits of participation but rather autonomy and control. Parents want to be more involved in the decision about DS and are significantly more concerned than adult participants about unknown future risks. CONCLUSIONS: Parents have the same altruistic motivations and grasp of genomics studies as adult participants. However, they are more concerned about future risks to their child, which probably motivates them to choose more restrictive DS options, but only when such options are made available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To evaluate associations between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and comorbid psychiatric disorders using research-identified incident cases of ADHD and population-based controls. Methods: Subjects included a birth cohort of all children born 1976-1982 remaining in Rochester, MN after age five ( n = 5,718). Among them we identified 379 ADHD incident cases and 758 age-gender matched non-ADHD controls, passively followed to age 19 years. All psychiatric diagnoses were identified and abstracted, but only those confirmed by qualified medical professionals were included in the analysis. For each psychiatric disorder, cumulative incidence rates for subjects with and without ADHD were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Corresponding hazard ratios (HR) were estimated using Cox models adjusted for gender and mother's age and education at the subject's birth. The association between ADHD and the likelihood of having an internalizing or externalizing disorder was summarized by estimating odds ratios (OR). Results: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was associated with a significantly increased risk of adjustment disorders (HR = 3.88), conduct/oppositional defiant disorder (HR = 9.54), mood disorders (HR = 3.67), anxiety disorders (HR = 2.94), tic disorders (HR = 6.53), eating disorders (HR = 5.68), personality disorders (HR = 5.80), and substance-related disorders (HR = 4.03). When psychiatric comorbidities were classified on the internalization-externalization dimension, ADHD was strongly associated with coexisting internalizing/externalizing (OR = 10.6), or externalizing-only (OR = 10.0) disorders. Conclusion: This population-based study confirms that children with ADHD are at significantly increased risk for a wide range of psychiatric disorders. Besides treating the ADHD, clinicians should identify and provide appropriate treatment for psychiatric comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]