Gaming addiction, definition, and measurement: a large-scale empirical study

Aims: Although the general public appears to have embraced the term 'video game addiction', the scientific debate as to whether 'gaming addiction' can actually be considered an addiction similar to substance addictions of DSM-IV is still unsettled. To date, research on gaming addiction has focused on problematic behavior from the gaming activity itself and there has been little empirical research related to pathological personality patterns that usually are associated with substance addictions. Therefore, the current study examined how excessive gaming and ‘problematic gaming behavior’ are related to personality patterns associated with addiction by means of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 MMPI-2). Design, setting, and participants: A large-scale survey study among 1,004 adolescent boys (age-range 11-18 years; M =14.18, SD=1.36; response rate 96.17%). Measurements: Problematic gaming behavior, physical game-related symptoms, gaming behavior and three MMPI-2 subscales measuring personality patterns usually associated with substance addiction (MAC-R, APS, AAS) were assessed. Findings: Results showed that problematic gaming and physical game-related symptoms were positively related to all three substance abuse subscales of the MMPI-2. Conclusions: Problematic gaming should be clearly distinguished from excessive gaming. In short, excessive gaming merely indicates enthusiasm for some although it may be psychopathological for others

The psychology of in-play betting: a brief overview

Most people reading this will be aware that in-play betting (also known as 'live action' betting or 'in-running' betting) refers to the wagering on an event that has started but not yet finished. Here, gamblers have the option to continue to bet once an event has started, and adapt their bets depending on how the event is progressing (e.g., on a sporting event such as a football or cricket match)

A thematic analysis of sports bettors’ perceptions of sports betting marketing strategies in the UK

In the UK and other countries in the world, the volume of gambling advertisements is increasing, as is the popularity of online sports betting. While there is increasing research examining the content of such advertising, there is little research examining what gamblers themselves think about such advertising. Consequently, the aim of the present study was to firstly, explore the attitudes and opinions of sports bettors in response to marketing techniques used by the gambling industry and secondly, explore the perceived impact advertising has on their sports betting behavior. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 19 UK sports bettors aged between 21 and 32 years old. Thematic analysis (TA) was used to analyze the transcripts. The analysis identified three main themes: (i) “temptation to gamble,” (ii) “promotion characteristics of gambling,” and (iii) “regulating gambling advertising.” Each theme consisted of two or three subthemes that illustrated the underlying factors that were perceived to be important aspects that contributed to the opinions and attitudes towards the advertising. Findings indicate that specific inducements including enhanced odds and “request-a-bet” promotions were perceived to increase feelings of control and reduce feelings of risk, in some cases resulting in the placing of impulsive bets. According to the participants, social media marketing was found to be intrusive and the frequency of gambling advertising contributed to the normalization of betting. The present study highlights the need for further research into the efficacy of current advertising regulations in the UK, with the end goal of minimizing gambling-related harm

Atrial Fibrillation in Eight New World Camelids.

BackgroundThere is limited information on the incidence of clinical signs, concurrent illness and treatment options for atrial fibrillation (AF) in New World Camelids (NWC).ObjectiveDescribe clinical signs and outcome of AF in NWC.AnimalsEight New World Camelids admitted with AF.MethodsA retrospective observational study of camelids diagnosed with AF based on characteristic findings on electrocardiogram (ECG).ResultsAll animals had an irregularly irregular heart rhythm detected on physical examination and 4 cases had obtunded mentation on admission. Three camelids were diagnosed with AF secondary to oleander intoxication, 3 animals had underlying cardiovascular disease, 1 was diagnosed with lone AF and 1 had AF diagnosed on examination for a urethral obstruction. Five of eight animals survived to discharge and nonsurvivors consisted of animals which died or were euthanized as a result of cardiovascular disease (2/8) or extra-cardiac disease unrelated to the AF (1/8).Conclusions and clinical importanceAtrial fibrillation occurs in NWC in association with cardiovascular disease, extra-cardiac disease or as lone AF. Amiodarone and transthoracic cardioversion were attempted in one llama with lone AF, but were unsuccessful. Atrial fibrillation was recorded in 0.1% of admissions

Improving cardioprotection during cardiac bypass surgery

Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and according to the World Health Organisation the number of patients with IHD will reach 19 million by 2020 if current trends continue. While coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery remains the treatment of choice for the severest form of the disease, the detrimental effects of peri-operative myocardial injury particularly in the form of myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) accounts for significant levels of morbidity and mortality particularly in high-risk patients. The past four decades have seen advances in cardioprotective strategies especially within the disciplines of cardioplegia and anaesthesia. Despite this, improvements in patient survival have been limited. Researchers and clinicians alike have called for novel ways of protecting the heart, directing their attention to cellular and mitochondrial pathways which may hold the key to improving survival. This thesis covers a fascinating exploration into the cardioprotective effects brought about by the inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) using cyclosporin A (CsA), as well as the role of remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) in limiting the extent of myocardial injury in the setting of complex cardiac bypass surgery. In summary, this thesis examines both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for protecting the heart in the setting of cardiac surgery. Despite decades of advancement in research within this field, the consequences of ischaemia-reperfusion injury remain ever-present. As a result, it is hoped that the research in this thesis will make a positive contribution to the body of evidence currently available for the benefit of patients with IHD

Combined endoscopic and laparoscopic approach for palliative resection of metastatic melanoma of the stomach

BACKGROUND: Metastatic tumours of the stomach present a clinical dilemma for the surgeon. Palliative surgical resection can alleviate symptoms and prolong survival in selected patients. However, previous studies have used open methods of surgical resection with potentially high morbidity and mortality. We describe the use of laparoscopic wedge resection of the stomach for palliative resection of metastatic melanoma to highlight the benefits of this technique. CASE PRESENTATION: A 58 year old male was investigated for iron deficiency anaemia while under treatment for pulmonary metastatic malignant melanoma. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a 5 cm diameter ulcer on the anterior wall of the stomach, biopsies from the ulcer confirmed metastatic melanoma. Laparoscopic wedge resection of the stomach lesion was performed without complication. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic approach has many benefits and is useful for the palliative resection of rare tumours of the stomach in order to preserve the quality of life. Its use should be considered in selected patients

Sports betting advertising: a systematic review of content analysis studies

A systematic review of empirical studies that used quantitative, qualitative, or a mixed-methods approach to content analysis sports betting advertising was conducted. Study attributes were examined including the main findings, key themes, research design, focus of analysis, type of interpretation, use of theory, media type, inter-coder reliability measures, and recommendations for future studies. The findings showed that the studies (N=15) were all published relatively recently (since 2012), predominantly focused on the content of television advertisements, and there was a general lack of reporting on inter-coder reliability. The narratives most commonly identified within sports betting advertisements were friendship and humour. Advertisements were found to be embedded into professional sports games, and this type of advertising occurred more frequently when compared to commercial advertising during televised sporting events. In order to enhance the sports betting advertising literature, researchers need to ensure that they are meeting scientific standards, especially when it comes to reliability measures. Such studies can add to an understanding of how sports betting advertisements are presented to the public and infer what the potential impact of the availability and exposure of these advertisements may be

Gamification for health promotion: systematic review of behaviour change techniques in smartphone apps

Funding from the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Economic and Social Research Council, Medical, Research Council and the National Institute for Health Research, under the auspices of the UK Clinical Research Collaboration, is gratefully acknowledged

Acute presentation of a solitary caecal diverticulum: a case report

which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Introduction: Solitary caecal diverticulitis is a rare cause of abdominal pain in Caucasian patients. The condition is often misdiagnosed and only correctly identified on exploration for suspected acute appendicitis. Our aim is to improve awareness of this condition amongst surgical trainees to ensure that its first encounter is not in the operating theatre. We review the role of pre-operative radiological imaging in this condition and the wide and controversial management options are als