Sexual Orientation Differences in the Relationship Between Victimization and Hazardous Drinking Among Women in the National Alcohol Survey

This study examined relationships between past experiences of victimization (sexual abuse and physical abuse in childhood, sexual abuse and physical abuse in adulthood, and lifetime victimization) and hazardous drinking among sexual minority women compared to exclusively heterosexual women. Data were from 11,169 women responding to sexual identity and sexual behavior questions from three National Alcohol Survey waves: 2000 (n = 3,880), 2005 (n = 3,464), and 2010 (n = 3,825). A hazardous drinking index was constructed from five dichotomous variables (5+ drinking in the past year, drinking two or more drinks daily, drinking to intoxication in the past year, two or more lifetime dependence symptoms, and two or more lifetime drinking-related negative consequences). Exclusively heterosexual women were compared with three groups of sexual minority women: lesbian, bisexual, and women who identified as heterosexual but reported same-sex partners. Each of the sexual minority groups reported significantly higher rates of lifetime victimization (59.1% lesbians, 76% bisexuals, and 64.4% heterosexual women reporting same-sex partners) than exclusively heterosexual women (42.3%). Odds for hazardous drinking among sexual minority women were attenuated when measures of victimization were included in the regression models. Sexual minority groups had significantly higher odds of hazardous drinking, even after controlling for demographic and victimization variables: lesbian (OR [sub]adj[sub] = 2.0, CI = 1.1–3.9, p \u3c .01; bisexual (OR [sub]adj[sub] = 1.8, CI = 1.0–3.3, p \u3c .05; heterosexual with same-sex partners (ORadj = 2.7; CI = 1.7–4.3, p \u3c .001). Higher rates of victimization likely contribute to, but do not fully explain, higher rates of hazardous drinking among sexual minority women. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)

Propagation and amplification of tide at the Bransfield and Gerlache Straits, northwestern Antarctic Peninsula

The propagation and amplification of the tide at the Gerlache and Bransfield Straits, northwestern side of the Antarctic Peninsula, was studied by analysis of thirteen series of direct sea level measurements. Harmonic analysis was performed to obtain the amplitudes and phases of the M_2, S_2, O_1 and K_1 tidal constituents. Based on the computed harmonic constants, cotidal and corange charts of these main constituents were prepared. The M_2 cotidal lines are parallel to the coast and show predominantly southeastward propagation, except at the western side of the Trinity Peninsula, where the M_2 wave pivots to enter the Bransfield Strait from the Weddell Sea and turns southwestward. M_2 amplitudes present a southwestward decrease. S_2 cotidal lines are normal to the Antarctic Peninsula coast and show southwestward propagation. S_2 corange lines increase eastward from the Gerlache Strait to the Antarctic Strait. O_1 and K_1 cotidal lines are also normal to the Antarctic Peninsula coast. Diurnal amplitudes are alike in the study area except at the northwestern side of the Antarctic Strait where they present a maximum gradient. Amplitudes of the main tidal constituents are higher in the northwestern Weddell Sea than at the northwestern side of the peninsula. This fact explains the maximum tidal amplitudes observed at the Antarctic Strait in comparison to the Bransfield Strait

V-V Bond-Length Fluctuations in Vox

We report a significantly stronger suppression of the phonon contribution to the thermal conductivity in VOx than can be accounted for by disorder of the 16 % atomic vacancies present in VO. Since the transition from localized to itinerant electronic behavior is first-order and has been shown to be characterized by bond-length fluctuations in several transition-metal oxides with the perovskite structure, we propose that cooperative V-V bond-length fluctuations play a role in VO similar to the M-O bond-length fluctuations in the perovskites. This model is able to account for the strong suppression of the thermal conductivity, the existence of a pseudogap confirmed by thermoelectric power, an anomalously large Debye-Waller factor, the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility, and the inability to order atomic vacancies in VO.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figure

Objective nebuliser adherence data as “proof” of adherence in the management of Cystic Fibrosis : a qualitative interview study

Purpose: Low adherence to medication via nebulisers is linked to poor clinical outcomes for people with Cystic Fibrosis (PWCF). Advances in technology allow electronic monitoring of nebuliser usage and feedback of objective adherence data to PWCF and clinical teams caring for them. CFHealthHub is a new intervention that collects and displays objective adherence data in easy-to-read formats with the aim of improving nebuliser adherence and health. There is little understanding of how objective adherence data is perceived by PWCF and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Patients and Methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 22 PWCF and 31 HCPs who had used the CFHealthHub intervention. Results: Objective adherence data was welcomed by the majority of PWCF in the sample, and HCP delivering the intervention, because the data allowed PWCF to reflect on patterns of adherence or non-adherence. Ease of use and characteristics of data display were important, particularly the use of a “traffic light” system to allow PWCF to easily see if they were meeting their adherence targets. For PWCF objective adherence data was used as “proof to self”, offering reassurance to high adherers, and a wake-up call to those with lower levels of adherence. It could also provide ‘proof to others’ where PWCF had higher levels of adherence than HCP or family members believed. The data could sometimes change HCP perceptions of PWCF’s identities as poor adherers. Where adherence was not high, data was used to facilitate honest discussions between PWCF and HCPs about how to increase adherence. HCPs perceived that it was important to use the data positively to motivate, rather than criticise, PWCF. Conclusion: Objective nebuliser adherence data in CFHealthHub can offer proof of adherence to PWCF and HCPs. It is important to use it constructively to facilitate discussions on how to improve adherence

How to tie dangerous surgical knots: easily. Can we avoid this?

ObjectiveSecure knots are essential in all areas of surgical, medical and veterinary practice. Our hypothesis was that technique of formation of each layer of a surgical knot was important to its security.DesignEqual numbers of knots were tied, by each of three groups, using three techniques, for each of four suture materials; a standard flat reef knot (FRK), knots tied under tension (TK) and knots laid without appropriate hand crossing (NHCK). Each knot technique was performed reproducibly, and tested by distraction with increasing force, till each material broke or the knot separated completely.SettingTemporary knot tying laboratory.MaterialsThe suture materials were, 2/0 polyglactin 910 (Vicryl), 3/0 polydioxanone, 4/0 poliglecaprone 25 (Monocryl) and 1 nylon (Ethilon).ParticipantsThree groups comprised, a senior surgeon, a resident surgeon and three medical students.Outcome measuresProportion of each knot type that slipped, degree of slippage and length of suture held in loop secured by each knot type.Results20% of FRK tied with all suture materials slipped; all knots tied with the other two techniques, with all materials, slipped, TK (100%) and NHCK (100%). The quantitative degree of slip was significantly less for FRK (mean 6.3%–, 95% CI 2.2% to 10.4%) than for TK (mean 312%, 95% CI 280.0% to 344.0%) and NHCK (mean 113.0%, –95% CI 94.3% to 131.0%).The mean length of suture in loops held within (FRK mean 25.1 mm 95% CI 24.2 to 26.0 mm) was significantly greater than mean lengths held by the other techniques (TK mean 17.0 mm, 95% CI 16.3 to 17.7 mm), (NHCK mean 16.3 mm, 95% CI 15.9 to 16.7 mm). The latter two types of knot may have tightened more than anticipated, in comparison to FRK, with potential undue tissue tension.ConclusionMeticulous technique of knot tying is essential for secure knots, appropriate tissue tension and the security of anastomoses and haemostasis effected.</jats:sec

Managing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a qualitative interview study with women and healthcare professionals

To explore the experiences of women who have had ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and healthcare professionals who care for them. Background Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a side effect of fertility treatment. Little research exists internationally that explores the experiences of women who have had this condition, or the healthcare professionals who manage it. Design Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Methods Eighteen interviews with women who had experienced ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (n = 10) and healthcare professionals (n = 8) in six UK fertility centres. Framework analysis was used. This paper is reported following COREQ guidelines. Results Women described a range of symptoms and severity, sometimes experiencing worrying physical health problems such as abdominal swelling and shortness of breath. The combination of the symptoms, and their management, on delaying future fertility treatment could cause emotional distress. Healthcare professionals at different centres described variation in practice, which generally involved ‘active monitoring’ until symptoms became severe, when women would be hospitalised. Women expressed feeling ‘left in limbo’ while waiting for symptoms to improve or worsen, and described a lack of control during this waiting period. Healthcare professionals felt they provided adequate information about ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and its management. This, however, did not align with women's perceptions that information, including potential delays to their fertility treatment, was missing. There was similar mismatch between women's and healthcare professionals' views of decision-making about fertility treatment following ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, including women's concerns about having to make rushed, unplanned decisions about their fertility treatment when they did not feel adequately informed to do so. Conclusion Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and its management can have a significant physical and emotional impact on women, and influence their fertility treatment. Improvements could be made to the information women receive about this condition, its management and its implications for wider fertility treatment. Implications for the profession and/or patient care Nurses have the skills and knowledge to support women through the physical and emotional stresses of fertility treatment. Therefore, they are well placed to provide specialist information and support for OHSS and ensure women are fully informed about all aspects of the condition, including how its management might delay fertility treatment

Estudio de la marea en el borde de la barrera Larsen, Mar de Weddell noroccidental

El objetivo de este trabajo es el estudio de la marea en el borde de la barrera Larsen (latitud: 64° 54' 14" S, longitud: 60° 02' 36" W) en el mar de Weddell noroccidental, Antártida. Los niveles del mar se registraron con un sensor de presión y mediante nivelación geométrica (mira y nivel). El coeficiente de determinación de los niveles del mar obtenidos con ambas técnicas es de 0.96. Se presentan las constantes armónicas de las componentes de marea más energéticas. Se realiza un análisis comparativo entre las constantes calculadas y las que surgen de modelos mareológicos globales y se discute la propagación de la marea en el mar de Weddell noroccidental. Se tipificó el régimen de marea cuantitativamente mediante el coeficiente de Courtier resultando un régimen mixto preponderantemente semidiurno. Los niveles del mar registrados en esta zona de la Antártida son inéditos debido a que el sitio de mediciones fue inaccesible durante muchos años.The objective of this paper is the study of the tide at the Larsen iceshelf boundary (latitude: 64° 54' 14" S, longitude: 60° 02' 36" W), Northwestern Weddell Sea, Antarctica. Sea levels were recorded using pressure sensor and geometric leveling (sight and level). The determination coefficient from sea level gathered with both methods is 0.96. Harmonic constants of the most energetic tidal constituents are presented. A comparative analysis between calculated harmonic constants and those obtained from tidal global models is made and tidal propagation in the Northwestern Weddell Sea is discussed. Tidal regimen is quantified by means of the Courtier coefficient and a preponderantly semidiurnal mixed tide is obtained. Sea levels gathered in this zone of the Antarctica are completely new because the place where the measurements were made was inaccessible for a large period of years.Asociación Argentina de Geofísicos y Geodesta