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The Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) is a widely used measure in developmental science that assesses adults’ current states of mind regarding early attachment-related experiences with their primary caregivers. The standard system for coding the AAI recommends classifying individuals categorically as having an autonomous, dismissing, preoccupied, or unresolved attachment state of mind. However, previous factor and taxometric analyses suggest that: (a) adults’ attachment states of mind are captured by two weakly correlated factors reflecting adults’ dismissing and preoccupied states of mind and (b) individual differences on these factors are continuously rather than categorically distributed. The current study revisited these suggestions about the latent structure of AAI scales by leveraging individual participant data from 40 studies (N = 3,218), with a particular focus on the controversial observation from prior factor analytic work that indicators of preoccupied states of mind and indicators of unresolved states of mind about loss and trauma loaded on a common factor. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that: (a) a 2-factor model with weakly correlated dismissing and preoccupied factors and (b) a 3-factor model that further distinguished unresolved from preoccupied states of mind were both compatible with the data. The preoccupied and unresolved factors in the 3-factor model were highly correlated. Taxometric analyses suggested that individual differences in dismissing, preoccupied, and unresolved states of mind were more consistent with a continuous than a categorical model. The importance of additional tests of predictive validity of the various models is emphasized.
Serotonin receptors blockade is the major basis for the action of atypical antipsychotic drugs. Genetic factors affecting the density and/or function of serotonergic receptors, transporters and enzymes may therefore affect antipsychotic response. This exploratory study investigates the effect of ten polymorphisms from HTR1A, HTR1D, HTR2A, HTR3A, HTR3B, HTR4, HTR6, SLC6A4, TPH1, TPH2 genes on antipsychotic response in a sample of 289 patients with DSM-diagnosis of schizophrenia. Clinical Response was assessed using Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Response was determined as 20% reduction improvement of BPRS compared to baseline. Selection of the biological relevant interactions, regardless the phenotype was performed using different statistics strategies regardless the phenotype to investigate epistasis within the serotonin system. the test for relevant interaction selection showed that 5HT4 and 5HT6 can be in epistatic relationship. the single locus analysis of these two receptor polymorphisms showed no significant results and the logistic regression model incorporating both genes, the clinical and demographic variables was not significant. Even this result is not significant, this strategy aimed to investigate the epistatic effect among genes could be useful for finding relevant biological interaction among genetic variants. Furthermore we are currently analyzing the methylation level of HTR2A in responders and non-responders, this epigenetic analysis will be very valuable in adding more information to the classic pharmacogenetic studies.
The existing literature on chronic pain points to the effects anxiety sensitivity, pain hypervigilance, and pain catastrophizing on pain-related fear; however, the nature of the relationships remains unclear. The three dispositional factors may affect one another in the prediction of pain adjustment outcomes. The addition of one disposition may increase the association between another disposition and outcomes, a consequence known as suppressor effects in statistical terms.
Objective
This study examined the possible statistical suppressor effects of anxiety sensitivity, pain hypervigilance and pain catastrophizing in predicting pain-related fear and adjustment outcomes (disability and depression).
Methods
Chinese patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (n = 401) completed a battery of assessments on pain intensity, depression, anxiety sensitivity, pain vigilance, pain catastrophizing, and pain-related fear. Multiple regression analyses assessed the mediating/moderating role of pain hypervigilance. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to evaluate suppression effects.
Results
Our results evidenced pain hypervigilance mediated the effects of anxiety sensitivity (Model 1: Sobel z = 4.86) and pain catastrophizing (Model 3: Sobel z = 5.08) on pain-related fear. Net suppression effect of pain catastrophizing on anxiety sensitivity was found in SEM where both anxiety sensitivity and pain catastrophizing were included in the same full model to predict disability (Model 9: CFI = 0.95) and depression (Model 10: CFI = 0.93) (all P < 0.001) (see Figs. 3 and 4, Figs. 1 and 2).
Conclusions
Our findings evidenced that pain hypervigilance mediated the relationship of two dispositional factors, pain catastrophic cognition and anxiety sensitivity, with pain-related fear. The net suppression effects of pain catastrophizing suggest that anxiety sensitivity enhanced the effect of pain catastrophic cognition on pain hypervigilance.
Disclosure of interest
The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
A body of evidence has accrued supporting the Fear-Avoidance Model (FAM) of chronic pain which postulated the mediating role of pain-related fear in the relationships between pain catastrophizing and pain anxiety in affecting pain-related outcomes. Yet, relatively little data points to the extent to which the FAM be extended to understand chronic pain in Chinese population and its impact on quality of life (QoL).
Objective
This study explored the relationships between FAM components and their effects on QoL in a Chinese sample.
Methods
A total of 401 Chinese patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain completed measures of three core FAM components (pain catastrophizing, pain-related fear, and pain anxiety) and QoL. Cross-sectional structural equation modeling (SEM) assessed the goodness of fit of the FAM for two QoL outcomes, Physical (Model 1) and Mental (Model 2). In both models, pain catastrophizing was hypothesized to underpin pain-related fear, thereby influencing pain anxiety and subsequently QoL outcomes.
Results
Results of SEM evidenced adequate data-model fit (CFI30.90) for the two models tested (Model 1: CFI = 0.93; Model 2: CFI = 0.94). Specifically, pain catastrophizing significantly predicted pain-related fear (Model 1: stdb = 0.90; Model 2: stdb = 0.91), which in turn significantly predicted pain anxiety (Model 1: stdb = 0.92; Model 2: stdb = 0.929) and QoL outcomes in a negative direction (Model 1: stdb = −0.391; Model 2: stdb = −0.651) (all P < 0.001) (Table 1, Fig. 1).
Conclusion
Our data substantiated the existing FAM literature and offered evidence for the cross-cultural validity of the FAM in the Chinese population with chronic pain.
Disclosure of interest
The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Shared patient–clinician decision-making is central to choosing between medical treatments. Decision support tools can have an important role to play in these decisions. We developed a decision support tool for deciding between nonsurgical treatment and surgical total knee replacement for patients with severe knee osteoarthritis. The tool aims to provide likely outcomes of alternative treatments based on predictive models using patient-specific characteristics. To make those models relevant to patients with knee osteoarthritis and their clinicians, we involved patients, family members, patient advocates, clinicians, and researchers as stakeholders in creating the models.
Methods:
Stakeholders were recruited through local arthritis research, advocacy, and clinical organizations. After being provided with brief methodological education sessions, stakeholder views were solicited through quarterly patient or clinician stakeholder panel meetings and incorporated into all aspects of the project.
Results:
Participating in each aspect of the research from determining the outcomes of interest to providing input on the design of the user interface displaying outcome predications, 86% (12/14) of stakeholders remained engaged throughout the project. Stakeholder engagement ensured that the prediction models that form the basis of the Knee Osteoarthritis Mathematical Equipoise Tool and its user interface were relevant for patient–clinician shared decision-making.
Conclusions:
Methodological research has the opportunity to benefit from stakeholder engagement by ensuring that the perspectives of those most impacted by the results are involved in study design and conduct. While additional planning and investments in maintaining stakeholder knowledge and trust may be needed, they are offset by the valuable insights gained.
The Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) is an open access telescope dedicated to studying the low-frequency (80–300 MHz) southern sky. Since beginning operations in mid-2013, the MWA has opened a new observational window in the southern hemisphere enabling many science areas. The driving science objectives of the original design were to observe 21 cm radiation from the Epoch of Reionisation (EoR), explore the radio time domain, perform Galactic and extragalactic surveys, and monitor solar, heliospheric, and ionospheric phenomena. All together
$60+$
programs recorded 20 000 h producing 146 papers to date. In 2016, the telescope underwent a major upgrade resulting in alternating compact and extended configurations. Other upgrades, including digital back-ends and a rapid-response triggering system, have been developed since the original array was commissioned. In this paper, we review the major results from the prior operation of the MWA and then discuss the new science paths enabled by the improved capabilities. We group these science opportunities by the four original science themes but also include ideas for directions outside these categories.
Powder X-ray diffraction patterns for three forms of MIL-53(Al), a metal organic framework (MOF) compound with breathing characteristics, were investigated using the Rietveld refinement method. These three samples are referred to as the MIL-53(Al)as-syn (the as synthesized sample), orthorhombic, Pnma, a = 17.064(2) Å, b = 6.6069(9) Å, c = 12.1636(13) Å, V = 1371.3(2) Å3, Z = 4), MIL-53(Al)LT-H (low-temperature hydrated phase, monoclinic P21/c, a = 19.4993(8) Å, b = 15.2347(6) Å, c = 6.5687(3) Å, β = 104.219(4) °, V = 1891.55(10) Å3, Z = 8), and MIL-53(Al)HT-D (high-temperature dehydrated phase, Imma, a = 6.6324(5) Å, b = 16.736(2) Å, c = 12.840(2), V = 1425.2(2) Å3, Z = 4). The crystal structures of the “as-syn” sample and the HT-D sample are confirmed to be the commonly adopted ones. However, the structure of the MIL-53(Al)LT-H phase is confirmed to be monoclinic with a space group of P21/c instead of the commonly accepted space group Cc, resulting in a cell volume double in size. The structure has two slightly different types of channel. The pore volumes and pore surface area were estimated to be 0.11766 (8) cm3/g and 1461.3(10) m2/g for MIL-53(Al)HT-D (high-temperature dehydrated phase), and 0.08628 (5) cm3/g and 1401.6 (10) m2/g for MIL-53(Al)as-syn phases, respectively. The powder patterns for the MIL-53(Al)as-syn and MIL-53(Al)HT-D phases are reported in this paper.
To enhance enrollment into randomized clinical trials (RCTs), we proposed electronic health record-based clinical decision support for patient–clinician shared decision-making about care and RCT enrollment, based on “mathematical equipoise.”
Objectives:
As an example, we created the Knee Osteoarthritis Mathematical Equipoise Tool (KOMET) to determine the presence of patient-specific equipoise between treatments for the choice between total knee replacement (TKR) and nonsurgical treatment of advanced knee osteoarthritis.
Methods:
With input from patients and clinicians about important pain and physical function treatment outcomes, we created a database from non-RCT sources of knee osteoarthritis outcomes. We then developed multivariable linear regression models that predict 1-year individual-patient knee pain and physical function outcomes for TKR and for nonsurgical treatment. These predictions allowed detecting mathematical equipoise between these two options for patients eligible for TKR. Decision support software was developed to graphically illustrate, for a given patient, the degree of overlap of pain and functional outcomes between the treatments and was pilot tested for usability, responsiveness, and as support for shared decision-making.
Results:
The KOMET predictive regression model for knee pain had four patient-specific variables, and an r2 value of 0.32, and the model for physical functioning included six patient-specific variables, and an r2 of 0.34. These models were incorporated into prototype KOMET decision support software and pilot tested in clinics, and were generally well received.
Conclusions:
Use of predictive models and mathematical equipoise may help discern patient-specific equipoise to support shared decision-making for selecting between alternative treatments and considering enrollment into an RCT.
A series of double-perovskite oxides, Sr2RNbO6 (R = Sm, Gd, Dy, Ho, Y, Tm, and Lu) were prepared and their crystal structure and powder diffraction reference patterns were determined using the Rietveld analysis technique. The crystal structure of each of the Sr2RNbO6 phase is reported in this paper. The R = Gd, Ho, and Lu samples were studied using synchrotron radiation, while R = Sm, Dy, Y, and Tm samples were studied using laboratory X-ray diffraction. Members of Sr2RNbO6 are monoclinic with a space group of P21/n and are isostructural with each other. Following the trend of “lanthanide contraction”, from R = Sm to Lu, the lattice parameters “a” of these compounds decreases from 5.84672(10) to 5.78100(3) Å, b from 5.93192(13) to 5.80977(3) Å, c from 8.3142(2) to 8.18957(5) Å, and V decreases from 288.355(11) to 275.057(2) Å3. In this double-perovskite series, the R3+ and Nb5+ ions are structurally ordered. The average Nb–O bond length is nearly constant, while the average R–O bond length decreases with the decreasing ionic radius of R3+. Powder diffraction patterns for these compounds have been submitted to the Powder Diffraction File (PDF).
In this paper, the melting of stainless steel 316L using Computational Fluid Dynamics to observe the melt pool characteristics is studied. The simulation model allows the observation of the molten pool flow during the selective laser melting process due to Marangoni's effect and recoil pressure. Furthermore, different parameters are tested to show their effects on the melt pool and track formation. Different laser powers, as well as scanning speeds, were used to study the effects they have on the melt pool characteristics. The results were used to determine the relationships between these factors and the melt pool characteristics.
We present observations of 50 deg2 of the Mopra carbon monoxide (CO) survey of the Southern Galactic Plane, covering Galactic longitudes l = 300–350° and latitudes |b| ⩽ 0.5°. These data have been taken at 0.6 arcmin spatial resolution and 0.1 km s−1spectral resolution, providing an unprecedented view of the molecular clouds and gas of the Southern Galactic Plane in the 109–115 GHz J = 1–0 transitions of 12CO, 13CO, C18O, and C17O.
We present a series of velocity-integrated maps, spectra, and position-velocity plots that illustrate Galactic arm structures and trace masses on the order of ~106 M⊙ deg−2, and include a preliminary catalogue of C18O clumps located between l = 330–340°. Together with the information about the noise statistics of the survey, these data can be retrieved from the Mopra CO website and the PASA data store.
The aim of the study was to assess the effect on rectal consistency, of introducing a micro-enema in the preparation of patients receiving radiotherapy treatment of urinary bladder cancer.
Materials and methods
The treatment cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images from patients receiving radiotherapy for bladder cancer were retrospectively assessed. CBCT datasets from nine patients treated without rectal preparation (97 CBCT), and 13 patients (134 CBCT) treated following micro-enema use before planning and treatment were evaluated. CBCT were compared with the planning computed tomography for rectal status, rectal diameter and presence of gas.
Results
Reproducibility of an empty rectum was achieved in 70% of treatment fractions delivered using an enema protocol compared with 33% of fractions delivered without preparation. In total, 10% of fractions were delivered with the presence of faeces or faeces and gas, compared with 46% of fractions for the non-intervention group. Enemas did not affect the proportion of fractions delivered with gas, however, where gas was present, 65% of CBCT fractions had <5% gas for patients using enemas compared with 32% without.
Findings
The use of a micro-enema before planning scan and each fraction was well tolerated and proved effective in managing and reducing inter-fraction variations in rectal volume and contents.
As the consciousness of energy saving and carbon reduction and comfortable environment is paid increasing attention to, the common objective of various countries with decreasing energy is to develop and popularize high efficiency and low running noise blowers. This study uses CFD to calculate the flow field and performance of a blower and compare with the experimental measurement. The characteristic curve of blower shows that the simulated and experimental values are close to each other, the difference between the values is only 0.4%. This analysis result proofs the CFD package is a highly reliable tool for the future blower design improvement. In addition, this study discusses the noise distribution of blower flow field, the periodic pressure output value calculated by CFD is used in the sound source input of sound pressure field, so as to simulate and analyze the aerodynamic noise reading of the flow field around the blower. The result shows that the simulated value of flow field around the fan has as high as 80.5 dB(A) ∼ 81.5 dB(A) noise level and is agree with measurement (82 dB(A)). The noise level is low but has a sharp noise. According to the numerical results, designer of the blower modify the tongue geometry and remove the sharp noise.
Improving neurocognitive outcomes following treatment for brain metastases have become increasingly important. We propose that a brief telephone-based neurocognitive assessment may improve follow-up cognitive assessments in this palliative population. Aim: To prospectively assess the feasibility and reliability of a telephone based brief neurocognitive assessment compared to the same tests delivered face-to-face. Methods: Brain metastases patients to be treated with whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) were assessed using a brief validated neurocognitive battery at baseline, at 1 month and 3 months following WBRT (in person and over the phone). The primary outcome was feasibility and inter-procedural (in person versus telephone) reliability. The secondary objective was to evaluate the change in neurocognitive function before and after WBRT. Results: Out of 39 patients enrolled, 82% of patients completed the baseline in-person and telephone neurocognitive assessments. However, at 1 month, only 41% of enrolled patients completed the in-person and telephone cognitive assessments and at 3 months, only 10% of patients completed them. Results pertaining to reliability and change in neurocognitive function will be updated. Conclusion: The pre-defined definition of feasibility (at least 80% completion for face to face and telephone neurocognitive assessments) was met at baseline. However, a large proportion of participants did not complete either telephone or in person neurocognitive follow-up at 1 month and at 3 months post-WBRT. Attrition remained a challenge for neurocognitive testing in this population even when a telephone-based brief assessment was used.
Introduction: Use of diagnostic imaging in the emergency department (ED) has significantly increased over time. The decision to use a certain type of imaging, if any at all, is not always clear. Accordingly, concerns of appropriateness are justified. A starting point to assess imaging appropriateness is to measure variation in its use. It has been suggested that where large variation exists, there may be inappropriate use. Methods: We retrospectively studied consecutive ED visits at North York General Hospital between April 1, 2009 and March 31, 2013 (n = 316,251), and developed a two-level hierarchical logistic regression model to quantify inter-physician variation in imaging use (high-cost imaging: computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), nuclear medicine; low-cost: plain radiography, ultrasound) in the ED after adjusting for patient-, visit- and physician-level factors. Results: Plain radiography or ultrasound examinations were performed during 36.3% of ED visits; CT, MR, or nuclear medicine examinations were performed during 10.6% of ED visits; 4.1% of ED visits had both high- and low-cost imaging. After adjusting for patient-, visit- and physician-specific factors, only 2.4% and 2.2% of the variation regarding whether or not an ED visit resulted in at least one high-cost and low-cost imaging test, respectively, was attributable to individual physician practice patterns. Physicians who had a tendency to obtain more low-cost imaging also obtained more high-cost imaging, and those who obtained less low-cost imaging also obtained less high-cost imaging. Conclusion: Only a small portion of the variation in imaging use was attributed to differences in ED physician ordering patterns, however, these findings may still help promote discussion among clinicians, and improve imaging utilization.
We previously reported an association between 5HTTLPR genotype and
outcome following cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) in child anxiety
(Cohort 1). Children homozygous for the low-expression short-allele
showed more positive outcomes. Other similar studies have produced mixed
results, with most reporting no association between genotype and CBT
outcome.
Aims
To replicate the association between 5HTTLPR and CBT outcome in child
anxiety from the Genes for Treatment study (GxT Cohort 2,
n = 829).
Method
Logistic and linear mixed effects models were used to examine the
relationship between 5HTTLPR and CBT outcomes. Mega-analyses using both
cohorts were performed.
Results
There was no significant effect of 5HTTLPR on CBT outcomes in Cohort 2.
Mega-analyses identified a significant association between 5HTTLPR and
remission from all anxiety disorders at follow-up (odds ratio 0.45,
P = 0.014), but not primary anxiety disorder
outcomes.
Conclusions
The association between 5HTTLPR genotype and CBT outcome did not
replicate. Short-allele homozygotes showed more positive treatment
outcomes, but with small, non-significant effects. Future studies would
benefit from utilising whole genome approaches and large, homogenous
samples.
During the early stage of an epidemic, timely and reliable estimation of the severity of infections are important for predicting the impact that the influenza viruses will have in the population. We obtained age-specific deaths and hospitalizations for patients with laboratory-confirmed H1N1pdm09 infections from June 2009 to December 2009 in Hong Kong. We retrospectively obtained the real-time estimates of the hospitalization fatality risk (HFR), using crude estimation or allowing for right-censoring for final status in some patients. Models accounting for right-censoring performed better than models without adjustments. The risk of deaths in hospitalized patients with confirmed H1N1pdm09 increased with age. Reliable estimates of the HFR could be obtained before the peak of the first wave of H1N1pdm09 in young and middle-aged adults but after the peak in the elderly. In the next influenza pandemic, timely estimation of the HFR will contribute to risk assessment and disease control.