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Positive Predictor (positive + predictor)
Kinds of Positive Predictor Selected AbstractsThe role of weight for age and disease stage in poor psychomotor outcome of HIV-infected children in Kilifi, KenyaDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 12 2009AMINA ABUBAKAR PHD Aim, We aimed to investigate the contribution of disease stage and weight for age to the variability in psychomotor outcome observed among children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Method, This cross-sectional study involved 48 Kenyan children (20 females, 28 males) aged 6 to 35 months (mean 19.9mo SD 8.9) exposed prenatally to HIV. Two subgroups of HIV-exposed children were seen: those who were HIV-infected and those who were uninfected. The reference population was composed of 319 children (159 females, 160 males) aged 6,35 months, (mean age = 19 months, SD=8.43) randomly selected from the community. Disease stage varied from stage 1 to stage 3, reflecting progression from primary HIV infection to advanced HIV infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome. A locally developed and validated measure, the Kilifi Developmental Inventory, was used to assess psychomotor development. Result, Using age-corrected psychomotor scores, a significant main effect of HIV status was observed (F(2,38.01)=7.89, p<0.001). Children in the HIV-infected group had lower mean psychomotor scores than the HIV-exposed children and the reference group. In the HIV-infected group, disease stage was a negative predictor and weight for age a positive predictor of psychomotor outcome. Interpretation, Weight for age and disease stage provide viable, easily measurable benchmarks to specify when frequent developmental monitoring and psychomotor rehabilitation are required. Nutritional intervention and other measures aimed at slowing disease progression may delay the onset and severity of psychomotor impairment in the paediatric HIV population in Africa. [source] First-Person Shooters and the Third-Person EffectHUMAN COMMUNICATION RESEARCH, Issue 2 2008Erica Scharrer A sample of 118 U.S. 6th and 7th graders was used to examine early adolescents' views of whether video games negatively influence themselves, others of the same age, and younger others. Six specific games ranging in rating from E for Everyone to M for Mature were listed for the early adolescents to respond to, with questions asked about both potential influence and whether young people should be allowed to play the games. Results support a third-person perception that grew as the rating of the game became more restrictive and as the "other" group in question became younger. The presence of rules set by parents about video game use was a positive predictor of perceptions of influence on self and others. Résumé Les jeux de tir à la première personne et l,effet de troisième personne Grâce à un échantillon de 118 élèves américains de 6e et 7e années (11-13 ans), cet article explore les opinions des jeunes adolescents quant à l'influence négative des jeux vidéo sur eux-mêmes, sur d,autres personnes du même âge et sur des enfants plus jeunes. Les jeunes adolescents devaient réagir à six jeux spécifiques, classés de E (Everyone, pour tous) à M (Mature, adulte), répondant à des questions portant sur leur influence possible et sur le droit que devraient ou non avoir les jeunes de jouer à ces jeux. Les résultats soutiennent une perception de la troisième personne qui augmentait plus le classement du jeu devenait contraignant et plus le groupe « autre » en question rajeunissait. La présence de règles établies par les parents à propos de l'usage des jeux vidéo était une variable explicative positive des perceptions de l'influence sur soi et les autres. Abstract Ego-Shooter und der Third-Person-Effekt Mit einer Stichprobe von 118 US-amerikanischen 6. und 7. Klässlern wurde die Einschätzung Jugendlicher dazu untersucht, dass Videospiele sie selbst, Gleichaltrige oder Jüngere negativ beeinflussen können. Bezug nehmend auf eine Liste mit sechs spezifischen Spielen (bewertet als J für Jedermann bis E für Erwachsene) sollten die Jugendlichen Fragen zum möglichen Einfluss und die Frage, ob jungen Leuten erlaubt werden sollte, diese Spiele zu spielen, beantworten. Die Befunde stützen die Annahmen einer Third-Person-Wahrnehmung, welche zunahm, wenn die Bewertung des Spiels restriktiver und die Gruppe der anderen jünger wurde. Das Vorhandensein von elterlichen Regeln zu Videospielen war ein positiver Prädiktor für die Wahrnehmung des Einflusses auf einen selbst und auf andere. Resumen La Persona que Dispara Primero y el Efecto de la Tercera Persona Una muestra de 118 estudiantes Norteamericanos de sexto y séptimo grado fue usada para examinar la visión que los adolescentes jóvenes tienen sobre los video-juegos y si los video-juegos influyen negativamente sobre ellos mismos, sobre otros de su misma edad, y sobre otros niños más jóvenes. Seis juegos específicos variando en su clasificación de E, para Todos, a M, para Maduros, fueron enlistados para que los adolescentes jóvenes respondieran a las preguntas sobre la influencia potencial y si debería permitírsele a la gente joven jugar estos juegos. Los resultados apoyaron la percepción de la tercera persona, la cual creció a medida que la clasificación del juego se convirtió en más restrictiva y que el grupo en cuestión fuera más joven. La presencia de reglas puestas por los padres sobre el uso de video-juegos fue un vaticinador positivo de las percepciones de influencia sobre uno mismo y sobre otros. ZhaiYao Yo yak [source] Religious Fundamentalism as a Predictor of Prejudice: A Two-Component ModelJOURNAL FOR THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF RELIGION, Issue 4 2002Brian Laythe The present study aims to determine whether the empirical relationship between religious fundamentalism and prejudice can be accounted for in terms of the mutually opposing effects of Christian orthodoxy and right-wing authoritarianism using multiple regression. Three separate samples (total n = 320) completed measures of religious fundamentalism, right-wing authoritarianism, Christian orthodoxy, ethnic prejudice, and homosexual prejudice. Consistent with previous research, fundamentalism (1) was essentially unrelated to ethnic prejudice when considered alone; (2) was positively related to ethnic prejudice when orthodoxy was statistically controlled; and (3) was negatively related to ethnic prejudice when authoritarianism was statistically controlled. Finally, when both authoritarianism and orthodoxy were controlled simultaneously, fundamentalism was again unrelated to prejudice, whereas orthodoxy was negatively related and authoritarianism positively related. In contrast, fundamentalism was a significant positive predictor of prejudice against gays and lesbians irrespective of whether authoritarianism and/or orthodoxy were statistically controlled. [source] Determinants of Incomplete Left Ventricular Mass Regression Following Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic StenosisJOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 4 2005Naoji Hanayama M.D. In this prospective study, we identified the predictors of Abn-LVMI. Methods: Between 1990 and 2000, 529 patients undergoing AVR for AS had clinical and hemodynamic data collected prospectively. Preoperative and annual postoperative transthoracic echos were employed to assess left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and hemodynamics. Abn-LVMI was defined as the 75th percentile of the lowest postoperative LVMI (>128 mg/m2, n = 133). All other patients were included in the normal regression group (N-LVMI). Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the predictors of Abn-LVMI. Results: Preoperative hypertension, diabetes, coronary disease, valve size, mean postoperative gradients, effective orifice area, and patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM, indexed EOA <0.60 cm2/m2) did not predict Abn-LVMI. By logistic regression the most important positive predictor of Abn-LVMI was the extent of preoperative LVMI, with an odds ratio of 37.5 (p < 0.0001). Survival (93.4 ± 1.8% vs 94.8 ± 2.3%, p = 0.90) and freedom from NYHA III,IV (75.0 ± 3.7% vs 76.6 ± 5.3%, p = 0.60) were similar for both groups at 7 years. Conclusions: Measures of valve hemodynamics were not important predictors of incomplete regression of hypertrophy. The extent of preoperative hypertrophy was the most important predictor, suggesting that earlier surgical intervention may reduce the extent of hypertrophy postoperatively. Furthermore, the significance of LV hypertrophy to long-term survival must be reassessed, in the absence of scientific evidence. [source] Behavioral and self-reported aggression as a function of domain-specific self-esteemAGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR, Issue 1 2006Gregory D. Webster Abstract On the basis of a domain-specific theory of self-esteem, it was hypothesized that functionally distinct domains of self-esteem would predict aggression differentially. Participants completed self-report measures of self-perceived superiority, mate value, social inclusion, and global self-esteem, as well as of aggression. Self-assessed mate value emerged as a reliable, positive predictor, and social inclusion as a reliable inverse predictor, of self-reported hostility and aggression. In a subsequent laboratory experiment, in which participants had an opportunity to aggress against the source of positive or negative feedback about a personal essay that they had written, mate value again predicted increased aggression, whereas global self-esteem predicted decreased aggression. These main effects were moderated by the feedback manipulation, such that their respective simple effects were only present among participants that received negative feedback. Aggr. Behav. 00:1,11, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The Effects of Interactive News Presentation on Perceived User Satisfaction of Online Community NewspapersJOURNAL OF COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION, Issue 4 2009Deborah S. Chung Using a statewide, Web-based survey, this study examines the associations between online community news audiences' uses of interactive features offered in various news presentations and the perceived satisfaction of community news sites. In addition, the study aims to identify associations between different types of interactive news presentation styles and levels of satisfaction. Results indicate that use of interactive features is positively associated with perceived satisfaction with the exception of forums and Q&A features. Results also reveal that customization features, such as content submissions, letter-to-the-editor, and e-mail byline links, are the sole significant positive predictor of perceived satisfaction toward community news sites. [source] Predictors for squamous re-epithelialization of Barrett's esophagus after endoscopic biopsyJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2007Yuji Amano Abstract Background and Aim:, Acid suppressive therapy has been reported to regress Barrett's esophagus. However, it is still controversial as to whether all Barrett's esophagus patients respond to this therapy. The factors that might facilitate newly developed squamous re-epithelialization after biopsy excision of Barrett's mucosa were evaluated to identity individuals who may favorably respond to the regression therapy. Methods:, Two hundred and forty-seven biopsy sites from 185 patients with Barrett's esophagus were examined by endoscopy to investigate possible squamous re-epithelialization of Barrett's mucosa after endoscopic biopsy. Before endoscopic examination, all participants were requested to answer questionnaires concerning sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits and drugs usage. The mucin phenotype, Cdx2 expression, cyclooxygenase-2 expression, cellular proliferation and apoptosis of Barrett's mucosa were immunohistochemically investigated in the biopsy samples taken from Barrett's esophagus. The influence of these factors on the newly developed squamous re-epithelialization of Barrett's mucosa after endoscopic biopsy excision was evaluated. Results:, By multivariate analysis, the independent factors that favored squamous re-epithelialization were the gastric mucin predominant phenotype of Barrett's mucosa and the absence of Cdx2 protein expression. In Barrett's mucosa with the gastric predominant mucin phenotype, proton pump inhibitor administration, the absence of reflux esophagitis and a low proliferating cell nuclear antigen index were found to be independent predictors for squamous re-epithelialization. Conclusions:, The absence of the intestinal predominant mucin phenotype was a positive predictor for newly developed squamous re-epithelialization at the site of biopsy of Barrett's mucosa. Only Barrett's esophagus with the gastric predominant mucin phenotype may predict a favorable response to acid suppressive therapy. [source] Pregnancy Acceptance, Parenting Stress, and Toddler Attachment in Low-Income Black FamiliesJOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY, Issue 1 2007Jean M. Ispa Questionnaire items tapping feelings about pregnancy were administered to 173 young, low-income primiparous Black mothers who either were pregnant or had delivered within the past year. A factor analysis indicated that 11 items together measured mothers' acceptance of the pregnancies that resulted in the births of their first children. Links to mothers' later parenting stress, warmth, and their toddlers' attachment security were explored. Pregnancy acceptance was a negative predictor of one aspect of maternal parenting stress (distress resulting from feelings that parenting is burdensome) and a positive predictor of toddler attachment security. It did not, however, predict another aspect of parenting stress (feelings that interactions with children are not enjoyable) or maternal warmth. [source] Genetic characteristics of hepatitis B virus genotypes as a factor for interferon-induced HBeAg clearanceJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 8 2007Jinlin Hou Abstract The factors determining the responsiveness of different hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes to interferon treatment are not fully understood. We investigated the relationship between HBV genetic characteristics and the outcome of short (16 weeks) or prolonged (32 weeks) treatment with standard interferon-alpha in a prospectively followed cohort of 103 patients across Europe with HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B. INNO-LiPA assays and HBV DNA sequencing were used to determine HBV genotypes, mutations in the core promoter and precore/core regions. After 16-weeks interferon-alpha treatment, the rate of HBeAg clearance was higher in genotype A versus all other genotypes (P,=,0.014), or genotype D alone (P,=,0.05). The HBV genome analysis revealed that: (i) after 16-weeks treatment, an HBV subpopulation with core promoter mutations emerged or increased (P,<,0.001) only in genotype A; (ii) the core gene of genotype A has the lowest number of amino acid variations in comparison with genotypes B, C, or D. Logistic regression analysis identified genotype A as a positive predictor of short (16 weeks) treatment response (P,=,0.001; odds ratio 6.19, 95 confidence interval 1.94,19.8), having a greater impact than baseline HBV DNA or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. In contrast, the response to prolonged interferon-alpha treatment was not different between HBV genotypes. These results suggest that HBV genotype A responds earlier to interferon treatment than other genotypes, which is associated with its molecular characteristics. The optimal duration of interferon-based therapies in chronic hepatitis B may vary between different HBV genotypes. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1055,1063, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Reading for different goals: the interplay of EFL college students' multiple goals, reading strategy use and reading comprehensionJOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN READING, Issue 2 2008Tung-hsien He This study explored the effects of achievement goals on English as a foreign language (EFL) college students' reading strategy use and reading comprehension from the perspective of multiple goals. Fifty-seven participants verbalised their thoughts while reading an English expository essay. They also completed assessments on their reading goal profiles and reading proficiency. The results of stimulated recall indicated that participants with profiles characterised by strong mastery and strong performance goals used intra-sentential, inter-paragraph, intra-paragraph and monitoring/evaluating strategies significantly more frequently than did their counterparts. In contrast, participants with profiles characterised by strong mastery but weak performance goals utilised these strategies more often than those participants with weak mastery but strong performance goals. The strong-mastery,strong-performance goal profile served as a significant, positive predictor for degrees of reading comprehension. In line with these findings, suggestions for EFL reading pedagogy are provided. [source] Using Achievement Goal Theory to Assess an Elementary Physical Education Running ProgramJOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 6 2004Ping Xiang ABSTRACT: Using Achievement Goal Theory as a theoretical framework, this study examined an elementary physical education running program called Roadrunners and assessed relationships among achievement goals, perceived motivational climate, and student achievement behavior. Roadrunners promotes cardiovascular health, physical active lifestyles, and mastery behaviors such as persistence and effort. Students were required to run/walk once a week during the school year in their regularly scheduled physical education classes. Participants included 116 fourth graders (67 boys, 49 girls), who participated in Roadrunners since kindergarten. Near the end of spring semester, students completed a 36-item questionnaire assessing achievement goals and perceived motivational climate of Roadrunners. Student persistence/effort was assessed by the number of run/walk laps over the year-long program. Performance was measured by a timed, one-mile run. Results revealed the mastery goal related positively to student persistence/effort for Roadrunners and to their one-mile run performance. Interaction between the mastery goal and perception of a mastery-focused climate emerged as a positive predictor of student one-mile run performance. Results provided additional empirical support for mastery goals and perceptions of a mastery-focused climate as beneficial to student motivation and learning. [source] The association of HLA-DR13 with lower graft survival rates in hepatitis B and primary sclerosing cholangitis caucasian patients receiving a liver transplantLIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 4 2006Yasuro Futagawa We investigated an association of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR13 to graft survival in liver transplantation among Caucasian recipients. 28,708 deceased liver transplants performed between January 1990 and December 2002 in the United States as reported to the United Network for Organ Sharing registry were utilized to compare survival rates. We utilized Caucasian adult patients (>20 years) by Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazard analyses. HLA-DR13-negative hepatitis B virus (HBV) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) recipients yielded significantly lower graft survival rates than those of DR13-negative patients (P = 0.002, P = 0.015, respectively). This negative association was still significant after adjusting potential confounding factors. The Cox test demonstrated that HLA-DR13-positive groups have a significantly higher hazard ratio in PSC (1.40; P = 0.029; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.90) and HBV patients (1.78; P = 0.032; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-3.02). In conclusion, our data suggest that HLA-DR13 is a strong, positive predictor of increased risk for graft loss in HBV and PSC liver transplant recipients. Further study is needed to test the hypothesis that DR13-related immune responses may play a role in mediating graft loss in HBV and PSC liver transplantations. Liver Transpl 12:600,604, 2006. © 2006 AASLD. [source] Uses of proton pump inhibitors and serum potassium levels,PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 9 2009Jen-Tzer Gau MD Abstract Purpose Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) may suppress adrenal cortical steroid synthesis and release, thereby leading to electrolyte disturbances. Both hyponatremia and hyperkalemia in the setting of PPI therapy have been documented in case reports. The objective of this study was to examine the association between serum potassium (K+) level and PPI use. Methods A retrospective data analysis of hospitalized adults aged ,65 years during 2006, including PPI users (N,=,257) and PPI non-users (N,=,388), was conducted. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between PPI use and serum K+ level. Results PPI users [mean age (SD):79.7 (8.0) years; 70% female] had significantly higher serum K+ levels than PPI non-users [80.2 (8.8) years; 64% female] on admission [4.13 (0.62) vs. 3.97 (0.57) mmol/L; p,<,0.001]. The linear regression model revealed that ,2 defined daily dose (DDD) units of PPI use were a significantly positive contributor to serum K+ levels (p,=,0.021) after adjusting for age, serum creatinine levels, sex, history of diabetes, and uses of the following drugs: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker, , blocker, diuretics, spironolactone, K+ supplement, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, atypical antipsychotics, and narcotics. However, multiple logistic regression model revealed that high dose PPI therapy was not associated with an increased risk for hyperkalemia occurrence (p,=,0.762). Conclusion Higher serum K+ levels were observed among PPI users when compared to PPI non-users. High daily dose PPI therapy may be an independent positive predictor of serum potassium levels. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Anxiety, cortisol, and attachment predict plasma oxytocinPSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Mattie Tops Abstract Oxytocin and attachment seem to interact in suppressing subjective anxiety and physiological stress responses. In this study we investigated the relationships between individual differences in trait attachment scores, state and trait anxiety, plasma cortisol, and plasma oxytocin levels in healthy premenopausal women. Attachment proved to be a strong positive predictor of oxytocin levels, which were also positively predicted by cortisol levels and state and trait anxiety. The relationship between oxytocin and state anxiety was modulated by attachment scores. The present results may help interpreting seeming contradictions in the recent literature on oxytocin, attachment, and stress in humans, by suggesting that context effects determine which relationships are found in different studies: anxiolytic effects of oxytocin in a context of partner support versus stress- or cortisol-induced oxytocin responses in a context of distress or increased cortisol. [source] Kidney Injury Molecule-1 is an Early Noninvasive Indicator for Donor Brain Death-Induced Injury Prior to Kidney TransplantationAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 8 2009W. N. Nijboer With more marginal deceased donors affecting graft viability, there is a need for specific parameters to assess kidney graft quality at the time of organ procurement in the deceased donor. Recently, kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1) was described as an early biomarker of renal proximal tubular damage. We assessed Kim-1 in a small animal brain death model as an early and noninvasive marker for donor-derived injury related to brain death and its sequelae, with subsequent confirmation in human donors. In rat kidney, real-time PCR revealed a 46-fold Kim-1 gene upregulation after 4 h of brain death. In situ hybridization showed proximal tubular Kim-1 localization, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Also, Luminex assay showed a 6.6-fold Kim-1 rise in urine after 4 h of brain death. In human donors, 2.5-fold kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) gene upregulation and 2-fold higher urine levels were found in donation after brain death (DBD) donors compared to living kidney donors. Multiple regression analysis showed that urinary KIM-1 at brain death diagnosis was a positive predictor of recipient serum creatinine, 14 days (p < 0.001) and 1 year (p < 0.05) after kidney transplantation. In conclusion, we think that Kim-1 is a promising novel marker for the early, organ specific and noninvasive detection of brain death-induced donor kidney damage. [source] The effectiveness of an educational programme for nursing students on developing competence in the provision of spiritual careJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 20 2008René Van Leeuwen Aim., To determine the effects of a course for nursing students on developing competence in spiritual care and the factors that might influence the effects. Background., Studies suggest that role preparation in nursing for spiritual care is poor. For the assessment of competence, few or no explicit competency framework or assessment tools seemed to be used. Design., Quasi-experimental crossover design (pre,post-test). Method., The subjects were students from Christian nursing schools in the Netherlands (n = 97). The intervention consisted of a course in spiritual care. Competencies were measured with an assessment tool, the Spiritual Care Competence Scale. Data were analysed by t -test procedures (paired-samples t -test). At T1 vignettes were added to assess the quality of the students' own analyses. These data were analysed by a Mann,Whitney test. Regression analyses were performed on the influence of student characteristics on the subscales of the assessment tool. Results., Ninety-seven students participated in this study. Analysis showed statistically significant changes in scores on three subscales of the Spiritual Care Competence Scale between groups (T1) and over time for the whole cohort of students on all subscales (T2). Clinical placement showed as a negative predictor for three subscales of the Spiritual Care Competence Scale. Experience in spiritual care and a holistic vision of nursing both showed as positive predictors on certain competencies. A statistically significant difference was observed between groups in the student analysis of a vignette with explicit spiritual content. Conclusions., The outcomes raise questions about the content of education in spiritual care, the measurement of competencies and the factors that influence competency development. Relevance to clinical practice., The results provide nurse educators with insight into the effects of education in spiritual care on students' competencies and help them consider a systematic place for spiritual care within the nursing curriculum. [source] Structural Antecedents to Knowledge and Participation: Extending the Knowledge Gap Concept to ParticipationJOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION, Issue 2 2007Jaeho Cho This paper investigates relationships between community characteristics and levels of knowledge and participation examined at both the individual and the community levels. This research extends the knowledge gap concept to a parallel phenomenon, the participation gap. Results from the Social Capital Benchmark Survey 2000 showed that community density, education, and cohesion were significant positive predictors of knowledge but less consistent predictors of participation at the individual level. At the community level, relationships were even stronger, though cohesion was associated with higher mean levels of participation and reduced participation gaps, whereas population density was associated with lower levels of participation and increased gaps. [source] Pretreatment assessment and predictors of hepatitis C virus treatment in US veterans coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C virusJOURNAL OF VIRAL HEPATITIS, Issue 12 2006L. I. Backus Summary., The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cares for many human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus (HIV/HCV)-coinfected patients. VA treatment recommendations indicate that all HIV/HCV-coinfected patients undergo evaluation for HCV treatment and list pretreatment assessment tests. We compared clinical practice with these recommendations. We identified 377 HIV/HCV-coinfected veterans who began HCV therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin and 4135 HIV/HCV-coinfected veterans who did not but were in VA care at the same facilities during the same period. We compared laboratory and clinical characteristics of the two groups and estimated multivariate logistic regression models of receipt of HCV treatment. Overall, patients had high rates of receipt of tests necessary for HCV pretreatment assessment. Patients starting HCV treatment had higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lower creatinine, higher CD4 counts and lower HIV viral loads than patients not starting HCV treatment. In the multivariate model, positive predictors of starting HCV treatment included being non-Hispanic whites, having higher ALTs, lower creatinines, higher HCV viral loads, higher CD4 counts, undetectable HIV viral loads and receiving HIV antiretrovirals. A history of chronic mental illness and a history of hard drug use were negative predictors. Most HIV/HCV-coinfected patients received the necessary HCV pretreatment assessments, although rates of screening for hepatitis A and B immunity can be improved. Having well-controlled HIV disease is by far the most important modifiable factor affecting the receipt of HCV treatment. More research is needed to determine if the observed racial differences in starting HCV treatment reflect biological differences, provider behaviour or patient preference. [source] Identifying risk for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation: Implications for surveillance studies and new adjuvant therapiesLIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 7 2008Edie Y. Chan The recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of mortality for patients transplanted with HCC. There currently exists no standard method for identifying those patients with a high risk for recurrence. Identification of factors leading to recurrence is necessary to develop an efficient surveillance protocol and address new potential adjuvant therapies. We conducted a retrospective review of 834 consecutive liver transplants from 1/1/1996 to 12/31/2005 (mean follow-up 1303 ± 1069 days) at one institution and 352 consecutive transplants from 1/2/2002 to 12/31/2005 (mean follow-up 836 ± 402 days) at a second institution. The test cohort comprised patients identified with HCC in their explanted livers from 1/1/2001 to 12/31/2005 at the first institution. Explant pathology and donor and recipient characteristics were reviewed to determine factors associated with HCC recurrence. These predictors were validated in the remaining liver transplant recipients. The test cohort had 116 patients with findings of HCC in their explanted livers. Twelve patients developed recurrent HCC. Stepwise logistic regression identified 4 independent significant explant factors predictive of recurrence. Size of one tumor (>4.5 cm), macroinvasion, and bilobar tumor were positive predictors of recurrence, whereas the presence of only well-differentiated HCC was a negative predictor. Designating each significant factor with points in relation to its odds ratio, a Predicting Cancer Recurrence Score (PCRS) with results ranging from ,3 to 6 was developed that accurately determined risk of recurrence. These findings were then applied to the two validation cohorts, which confirmed the high predictive value of this model. In conclusion, patients transplanted for HCC with a PCRS of ,0 have a low risk of recurrence. Patients with a PCRS of 1 or 2 have a moderate risk of recurrence, and those with a PCRS of ,3 have a high risk for recurrence. Liver Transpl 14:956,965, 2008. © 2008 AASLD. [source] Personality traits and fear response to print advertisements: Theory and an empirical studyPSYCHOLOGY & MARKETING, Issue 11 2004John C. Mowen This study investigates the hypothesis that different personality traits influence fear responses to advertising appeals for two types of driver safety behavior. An experiment was conducted in which personality traits taken from the 3M model of motivation and personality (Mowen, 2000) were employed to predict fear responses to advertisements that targeted either aggressive driving or inattentive driving. For the aggressive-driving ad, introversion and need to protect and enhance body resources positively predicted fear response. For the inattentive-driving ad, introversion and need to protect and enhance body resources were again positive predictors of fear, but so also were emotional instability and agreeableness, whereas competitiveness, need for arousal, and the need for material resources were negative predictors. It is not clear why more traits predicted fear for inattentive driving than for aggressive driving. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Predictors of Perceived Susceptibility to Sport-Related Injury among Competitive Runners: The Role of Previous Experience, Neuroticism, and Passion for RunningAPPLIED PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 4 2009Yannick Stephan Whether individuals take steps to protect themselves against sport-related injury may depend on their perceived susceptibility to injury (Williams-Avery & MacKinnon, 1996). However, little is known about the determinants of perceived susceptibility to sport-related injury. The purpose of the present study is to identify the relations of previous experiences with injury, neuroticism, and passion with perceived susceptibility to sport-related injury among competitive runners. One hundred and seventy competitive runners reported the number of injuries sustained during the last year and completed the neuroticism scale of the NEO-PIR and the Passion Scale. Separate regression analysis revealed that previous experiences with injury, neuroticism, and obsessive passion were significant positive predictors of perceived susceptibility, whereas harmonious passion was significantly and negatively related to perceived susceptibility. When considered simultaneously, previous experiences, neuroticism, and obsessive passion explained unique variance in perceived susceptibility to sport-related injury. This study revealed that perceived susceptibility to sport-related injury is dependent on several distinct variables. Thus, to be effective, injury preventive actions aimed at runners' behaviour modification need to take into account that runners' perceived susceptibility to sport has multiple predictors. L'adoption par les individus de comportements de prévention de la blessure en sport est liée à leur vulnérabilité perçue à celle-ci (Williams-Avery & MacKinnon, 1996). Cependant, aucune étude ne s'est intéressée aux déterminants de cette dimension dans le contexte sportif. L'objectif de cette étude était d'identifier les relations entre les expériences passées avec une ou plusieurs blessures, le névrosisme, et la passion pour l'activité et la vulnérabilité perçue à la blessure chez des coureurs à pied. 170 coureurs compétitifs ont reporté le nombre de blessures contractées lors de la saison précédente, et ont répondu à l'échelle de névrosisme du NEO-PIR, et à l'échelle de passion en sport. Des analyses de régression séparées révèlent une contribution positive des expériences passées avec la blessure, du névrosisme, et de la passion obsessionnelle sur la vulnérabilité perçue, alors que la passion harmonieuse contribue négativement à cette dimension. Une analyse de régression multiple intégrant l'ensemble des prédicteurs révèle un lien significatif et positif entre les expériences passées, le névrosisme, la passion obsessionnelle et la vulnérabilité perçue à la blessure. Cette étude confirme que la perception de vulnérabilité est dépendante de dimensions variées et distinctes. Les actions de prévention de la blessure axées sur les changements de perception de vulnérabilitéà la blessure à des fins de modification des comportements doivent prendre en considération les prédicteurs de cette dimension afin d'être efficaces. [source] Patterns of Richness and Abundance in a Tropical African Leaf-litter Herpetofauna,BIOTROPICA, Issue 3 2001James R. Vonesh ABSTRACT I compared species richness and habitat correlates of leaf-litter herpetofaunal abundance in undisturbed and selectively logged forests, and an abandoned pine plantation in Kibale National Park, Uganda. I sampled 50 randomly located 25 m2 litter plots in each area during the wet and dry seasons in 1997. Ten anuran, five lizard, and three snake species were captured in plots over the study. Assemblage composition was most similar at logged and unlogged sites. The logged forest herpetofauna had higher species richness and abundance than the unlogged forest, but diversity was greater in the unlogged forest due to greater evenness. In contrast, the pine plantation site had the highest richness, abundance, and evenness of the three study sites, but species composition was distinct from the other areas. Herpetofaunal densities were significantly lower in all three areas during the dry season than in the wet season. During the dry season, soil moisture, litter mass, topography, shrub cover, and number of fallen logs were significant positive predictors of herpetofaunal presence in litter plots, but only soil moisture was significant in the wet season. The interaction of moisture and topography appears to be important in determining seasonal patterns of litter herpetofaunal distribution. Comparison of litter herpetofaunal studies across the tropics have shown that mid-elevation faunas generally support fewer species than lowland faunas. Compared with other tropical mid-elevation litter faunas, Kibale supports an intermediate number of species, but at lower densities than observed at any other mid-elevation site reported in the literature. [source] Factors Associated With Positive D-dimer Results in Patients Evaluated for Pulmonary EmbolismACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 6 2010Christopher Kabrhel MD Abstract Objectives:, Available D-dimer assays have low specificity and may increase radiographic testing for pulmonary embolism (PE). To help clinicians better target testing, this study sought to quantify the effect of risk factors for a positive quantitative D-dimer in patients evaluated for PE. Methods:, This was a prospective, multicenter, observational study. Emergency department (ED) patients evaluated for PE with a quantitative D-dimer were eligible for inclusion. The main outcome of interest was a positive D-dimer. Odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined by multivariable logistic regression. Adjusted estimates of relative risk were also calculated. Results:, A total of 4,346 patients had D-dimer testing, of whom 2,930 (67%) were women. A total of 2,500 (57%) were white, 1,474 (34%) were black or African American, 238 (6%) were Hispanic, and 144 (3%) were of other race or ethnicity. The mean (±SD) age was 48 (±17) years. Overall, 1,903 (44%) D-dimers were positive. Model fit was adequate (c-statistic = 0.739, Hosmer and Lemeshow p-value = 0.13). Significant positive predictors of D-dimer positive included female sex; increasing age; black (vs. white) race; cocaine use; general, limb, or neurologic immobility; hemoptysis; hemodialysis; active malignancy; rheumatoid arthritis; lupus; sickle cell disease; prior venous thromboembolism (VTE; not under treatment); pregnancy and postpartum state; and abdominal, chest, orthopedic, or other surgery. Warfarin use was protective. In contrast, several variables known to be associated with PE were not associated with positive D-dimer results: body mass index (BMI), estrogen use, family history of PE, (inactive) malignancy, thrombophilia, trauma within 4 weeks, travel, and prior VTE (under treatment). Conclusions:, Many factors are associated with a positive D-dimer test. The effect of these factors on the usefulness of the test should be considered prior to ordering a D-dimer. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:589,597 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine [source] Overweight/obesity and factors associated with body mass index during adolescence: the VYRONAS studyACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 3 2009Constantinos Mihas Abstract Aim: To describe overweight and obese adolescents and to determine any correlations between an adolescent's body mass index (BMI) with personal (age, gender), lifestyle (sedentary/sport activities, smoking status) and parental (smoking status, BMI, number of cars) characteristics. Methods: Cross-sectional data on weight, height and various characteristics from 2008 Greek adolescents (12- to 17-year olds, 50.85% boys), measured in 2005,2007, were used. Results: Almost 1 in 5 (19.2%) boys and 1 in 7 (13.2%) girls 12,17 years of age were overweight while 4.4% of the boys and 1.7% of the girls were obese. The adolescents' age, mother's smoking status, father's and mother's BMI predicted boys' and girls' BMI (b = 0.551, 0.203, 0.110, 0.495 for boys, b = 0.233, 0.187, 0.180, 0.531 for girls, respectively, p , 0.05). Univariate analysis revealed that television watching/using personal computer/playing video games and playtime were not correlated with BMI, while an inverse association of exercising for , 5 h/week and BMI was found in both boys and girls (b =,1.098, ,0.528, p = 0.005, 0.004 respectively). Conclusion: The results of our study underline the high prevalence of obesity during adolescence in Greece. Age and parental unhealthy behaviour (increased BMI and maternal smoking status) were positive predictors of increased BMI of adolescents in both genders. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||