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Objective: This study sought to assess the body mass index (BMI)-alcohol relationship among a US national sample of college students. Design: Secondary data analysis using the Fall 2011 National College Health Assessment (NCHA). Setting: A total of 44 US higher education institutions. Methods: Participants included a national sample of college students (N?=?27,774). BMI, frequency of alcohol consumption and binge drinking were measured based on responses to items in the NCHA. T-tests and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified differences in BMI based on drinking status and sex. Results: Drinkers exhibited significantly lower BMIs than non-drinkers, t(26,968)?=?5.55, p?

Concentric standing waves have been spatially imaged in the near-field regime within the optical aperture of a vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) using a scanning near-field optical microscope. Using the microscope’s near-field collection mode and subsequent detection via a spectrometer it has been possible to design an experiment to determine the spatial location of multiple lasing modes in addition to concentric standing waves. At low injection current above threshold the standing waves influence and modulate the optical emission from multiple transverse modes. These results are discussed in relation to cavity and aperture effects, and pattern formation in VCSELs. Surface defects arising in the aperture are also seen to affect the optical output and are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jill M Krapf, 1, 2 Leia Mitchell, 2 Michelle A Holton, 3 Andrew T Goldstein 1, 2 1The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA; 2The Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders, Washington, DC, USA; 3Department of Emergency Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA, USACorrespondence: Andrew T GoldsteinThe Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders, 3 Washington Circle NW, Suite 205, Washington, DC 20037, USATel +1 202- 887-0568Email obstetrics@yahoo.comAbstract: Vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, inflammatory dermatosis that may lead to scarring of the vulva and sexual dysfunction. LS affects women of all ages and often goes unrecognized and underreported. Uncertainty continues to exist around its pathogenesis, histologic diagnosis, and treatment. However, there have been great advances in our understanding of autoimmunogenic targets in disease formation and progression. In addition, there has been recent investigation of potential non-steroid-based treatments, including platelet-rich plasma therapy and energy-based modalities such as the fractional CO 2 laser, photodynamic therapy, and high intensity focused ultrasound. Refinement of surgical techniques for restoring vulvar anatomy and treating clitoral phimosis, introital stenosis, and vulvar granuloma fissuratum is leading to improved patient outcomes. This review summarizes current perspectives on the pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnosis, and treatment for vulvar lichen sclerosus.Keywords: lichen sclerosus, clitoral phimosis, vulvar granuloma fissuratum, corticosteroids, fractional CO 2 laser, lysis of vulvar adhesions

BACKGROUND: Employees commonly report feeling stressed at work. OBJECTIVE: Examine how employees cope with work and personal stress, whether their coping strategies are adaptive (protective to health) or maladaptive (detrimental to health), and if the manner in which employees cope with stress influences perceived stress management. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a random sample of 2,500 full-time university non-student employees (i.e. faculty, salaried professionals, and hourly non-professionals) were surveyed on health related behaviors including stress and coping. Approximately 1,277 completed the survey (51%). Hierarchical logistic regression was used to assess the ability of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies to predict self-reported stress management, while controlling for multiple demographic variables. RESULTS: Over half of employees surveyed reported effective stress management. Most frequently used adaptive coping strategies were communication with friend/family member and exercise, while most frequently used maladaptive coping strategies were drinking alcohol and eating more than usual. Both adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies made significant (p < 0.05) contributions to predicting employee's perceived stress management. Only adaptive coping strategies (B = 0.265) predicted whether someonewould self-identify as effectively managing stress. Use of maladaptive coping strategies decreased likelihood of self-reporting effective stress management. CONCLUSIONS: Actual coping strategies employed may influence employees' perceived stress management. Adaptive coping strategies may be more influential than maladaptive coping strategies on perceived stress management. Results illustrate themes for effective workplace stress management programs. Stress management programs focused on increasing use of adaptive coping may have a greater impact on employee stress management than those focused on decreasing use of maladaptive coping. Coping is not only a reaction to stressful experiences but also a consequence of coping resources. Thereby increasing the availability of resources in the workplace tofacilitate the use of adaptive coping strategies is necessary for successful stress management and, ultimately, healthier employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]