Use of Optical Motion Capture for the Analysis of Normative Upper Body Kinematics during Functional Upper Limb Tasks: A Systematic Review

Publication date: Available online 23 February 2018
Source:Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology
Author(s): Aïda M. Valevicius, Peter Y. Jun, Jacqueline S. Hebert, Albert H. Vette
Quantifying three-dimensional upper body kinematics can be a valuable method for assessing upper limb function. Considering that kinematic model characteristics, performed tasks, and reported outcomes are not consistently standardized and exhibit significant variability across studies, the purpose of this review was to evaluate the literature investigating upper body kinematics in non-disabled individuals via optical motion capture. Specific objectives were to report on the kinematic model characteristics, performed functional tasks, and kinematic outcomes, and to assess whether kinematic protocols were assessed for validity and reliability. Five databases were searched. Studies using anatomical and/or cluster marker sets, along with optical motion capture, and presenting normative data on upper body kinematics were eligible for review. Information extracted included model characteristics, performed functional tasks, kinematic outcomes, and validity or reliability testing. 804 publication records were screened and 20 reviewed based on the selection criteria. Thirteen studies described their kinematic protocols adequately for reproducibility, and 8 studies followed International Society of Biomechanics standards for quantifying upper body kinematics. Six studies assessed their protocols for validity or reliability. While a substantial number of studies have adequately reported their protocols, more systematic work is needed to evaluate the validity and reliability of existing protocols.



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Impacts of using a head-worn display on gait performance during level walking and obstacle crossing

Publication date: Available online 23 February 2018
Source:Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology
Author(s): Sunwook Kim, Maury A. Nussbaum, Sophia Ulman
Use of a head-worn display (HWD) may affect gait performance and increase slip and trip risks, though there is a lack of information on such effects. This study investigated how different display technologies (monocular and binocular HWDs, and a paper list) and visual information presentation modes affect gait performance. Twelve gender-balanced participants completed walking and obstacle crossing trials on a linear walking track under all experimental conditions and a baseline control (without using a technology). During these trials, information relevant to a simulated light assembly task was provided, as representative of a potential occupational application. Gait performance was assessed based on minimum foot clearance (MFC), required coefficient of friction, foot placement locations around the obstacle, and/or walking/obstacle crossing speed. Use of a HWD had no substantial effects on level walking performance. A more conservative/cautious obstacle crossing strategy was, however, observed with HWD use, including a decrease (∼3%) in obstacle crossing speed (compared to the baseline). Gender-specific foot control strategies (lead foot MFC) were also observed that depended on the specific display technology and information modes. Foot placements around the obstacle were not influenced by use of the binocular HWD, yet a conservative strategy was observed with the monocular HWD.



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Commentary on “The Implications of Non-compliance for Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)”

Publication date: Available online 23 February 2018
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): Klaas H.J. Ultee, Hence J.M. Verhagen




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Explanted Vascular and Endovascular Graft Analysis: Where Do We Stand and What Should We Do?

Publication date: Available online 23 February 2018
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): Anne Lejay, Benjamin Colvard, Louis Magnus, Delphine Dion, Yannick Georg, Julie Papillon, Fabien Thaveau, Bernard Geny, Lee Swanström, Fréderic Heim, Nabil Chakfé
Objective/BackgroundSince the late 1950s, major advances in vascular surgical practice have been closely associated with the introduction of novel vascular implants. These devices have been constructed from a variety of materials and have been designed to be implanted in several different ways. Despite a rigorous regulatory process, regular failures continue to be observed. A systematic review of the literature and of the Geprovas registry was performed in order to improve understanding of the failures.MethodsA systematic review was performed via a search of the MEDLINE and Embase databases. Full text, English, German, or French language studies without any chronological limit were included. The reference lists of included studies, as well as the first 20 related items, were scanned for other potentially relevant studies.ResultsData extraction allowed the evaluation of 184 publications; 72 publications met the inclusion criteria. Only 12 publications reported sufficient data for structural, histopathological, and epidemiological analysis. However, explant analysis allowed the understanding of degenerative phenomena: "warp knitted" replaced "weft knitted" polyethylene terephthalate grafts, decreasing the risk of dilatation or rupture; inter-nodal distance was modified in order to improve polytetrafluoroethylene graft incorporation capacities; and index of saturation, endograft fabric/stent interactions, and stent fatigue phenomena have been extensively studied in an attempt to improve endovascular device durability.ConclusionA general lack of depth of reporting of explants remains. Dedicated systematic explant analysis programs are the key to improving the performance of future generations of devices.



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Ten Year Mortality in Different Peripheral Arterial Disease Stages: A Population Based Observational Study on Outcome

Publication date: Available online 23 February 2018
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): Fredrik Sartipy, Birgitta Sigvant, Fredrik Lundin, Eric Wahlberg
ObjectiveThe aim was to determine long-term mortality rates and the underlying cause of death for subjects with different peripheral arterial disease (PAD) stages in a population based setting.MethodsA randomly selected population sample of 5080 subjects was enrolled in the study in 2004–2005. Participants completed health state questionnaires and underwent ankle brachial index (ABI) measurements for classification into PAD severity stages and reference subjects. A follow-up was conducted by the end of 2015 using data from Swedish governmental national registers for cause of death, which was then compared with PAD stage determined at baseline in 2005.ResultsThe 10 year all cause mortality was 27% for reference cases, 56% for asymptomatic PAD (APAD), 63% for intermittent claudication (IC), and 75% for severe limb ischaemia (SLI). Among all PAD subjects, cardiovascular (CV) causes were the most common main cause of death (45%) and a CV event was present as either the main or one of the three most common contributing causes of death in 64% of the cases. The age adjusted hazard ratios for a main cause of death by a CV event were 1.9 (95% CI 1.5–2.3) for APAD, 2.6 (95% CI 2.1–3.4) for IC, and 3.5 (95% CI 2.3–5.2) for SLI.ConclusionPAD subjects, including the APAD subjects, are still at high risk of CV death. The mortality risks are more than doubled in symptomatic PAD patients compared with reference subjects and increase by severity of PAD stage. Awareness and improved risk reduction management of PAD are still warranted.



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An Individualised Strategy and Long-Term Outcomes of Endovascular Treatment of Budd–Chiari Syndrome Complicated by Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis

Publication date: Available online 23 February 2018
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): P.-X. Ding, X. He, X.-W. Han, Y. Zhang, Y. Wu, X.-X. Liang, C. Liu
ObjectivesThe aim was to evaluate individualised treatment and long-term outcomes of endovascular treatment of Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) complicated by inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis.MethodsBetween April 2005 and December 2015, 108 consecutive patients with BCS complicated by IVC thrombosis underwent endovascular treatment. According to the type, size, extent, and degree of organisation of the thrombus, agitation thrombolysis (n = 7), agitation thrombolysis combined with retrieval stent filter (n = 5), pre-dilation (n = 32), retrieval stent filter (n = 56), or direct large balloon dilation (n = 8) was performed. Peri- and post-operative follow-up data were recorded.ResultsThe endovascular treatment was technically successful in 107 of the 108 patients (99.1%). The incidence of thrombosis related complications was 7.4% (8/108). Major and minor complications occurred in four patients. The mean follow-up duration was 61.7 ± 39.3 months (range 3–140 months). The cumulative 1, 2, 5, and 10 year primary patency rates were 91%, 88%, 79%, and 79%, respectively, and the cumulative 1, 2, 5, and 10 year secondary patency rates were 100%, 100%, 97%, and 97%, respectively. The cumulative 1, 5, and 10 year survival rates were 95%, 86%, and 81%, respectively. Serum albumin and total bilirubin values were independent predictors of survival.ConclusionsFor patients with BCS complicated by IVC thrombosis, an individualised endovascular treatment strategy based on the type, size, extent, and degree of organisation of the thrombus is associated with long-term patency of the IVC and favourable survival and complication rates.



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Prevalence and Severity of Off-centering During Diagnostic CT: Observations from 57,621 CT scans of the Chest, Abdomen, and/or Pelvis

Publication date: Available online 23 February 2018
Source:Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology
Author(s): Oladunni O. Akin-Akintayo, Lauren F. Alexander, Rebecca Neill, Elizabeth A. Krupinksi, Xiangyang Tang, Pardeep K. Mittal, William C. Small, Courtney C. Moreno
Off-centering in the computed tomography (CT) gantry impacts radiation dose due to 1) magnification effects in the topogram with use of topogram-based tube current and tube voltage modulation software and 2) malalignment with the x-ray beam shape with use of a bow-tie filter. We retrospectively determined the distances between patient centroid and gantry isocenter during CT imaging of the chest, abdomen, and/or pelvis, and examined differences based on patient gender, scan region, patient position, and gantry aperture. A water phantom and an anthropomorphic phantom were imaged in the centered position in the CT gantry and at several off-centered positions. Additionally, data from 57,621 adult chest, abdomen, and/or pelvic CT acquisitions were evaluated. Data were analyzed with an analysis of variance using the centroid-to-isocenter data as the dependent variable and the other parameters as independent variables. The majority of patient acquisitions (83.7% (48271/57621)) were performed with the patient′s centroid positioned below isocenter (mean 1.7cm below isocenter (SD 1.8cm); range 12.1cm below to 7.8cm above isocenter). Off-centering in the x-axis was less severe (mean 0.01cm left of isocenter (SD 1.6cm)). Distance between centroid and isocenter in the y-axis did not differ as a function of gender but did differ based on scan region, patient position, and gantry aperture.



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Neural control of parental behaviors

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 49
Author(s): Johannes Kohl, Catherine Dulac
Parenting is a multicomponent social behavior that is essential for the survival of offspring in many species. Despite extensive characterization of individual brain areas involved in parental care, we do not fully understand how discrete aspects of this behavior are orchestrated at the neural circuit level. Recent progress in identifying genetically specified neuronal populations critical for parenting, and the use of genetic and viral tools for circuit-cracking now allow us to deconstruct the underlying circuitry and, thus, to elucidate how different aspects of parental care are controlled. Here we review the latest advances, outline possible organizational principles of parental circuits and discuss future challenges.



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Early toxicity and health-related quality of life results of high-dose-rate brachytherapy as monotherapy for low and intermediate-risk prostate cancer

Publication date: Available online 23 February 2018
Source:Brachytherapy
Author(s): Marc Gaudet, Mathieu Pharand-Charbonneau, Marie-Pierre Desrosiers, Debbie Wright, Alain Haddad
PurposeTo determine the acute toxicity and effect on health-related quality of life of a two-fraction regimen of high-dose-rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy.Methods and materialsPatients with low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer were treated with HDR brachytherapy as monotherapy in two implants of 13.5 Gy spaced 7–14 days apart. Patients completed International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Expanded Prostate Index Composite (EPIC) questionnaires at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, 20, and 24 months after brachytherapy. Proportion of patients in each IPSS category (mild = 0–7, moderate = 8–18, severe = 19+) was evaluated at each of the intervals above. Paired t tests with baseline values were done for IPSS and EPIC scores.ResultsThirty patients were accrued to the study. Median prostate-specific antigen was 8,7 (range 4.1–17.5). T stages were T1c = 65%, T2a = 21%, and T2b = 14%. Twenty-seven percent of patients had a Gleason score of 6 and 73% had a Gleason score of 7. IPSS categories at baseline, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were mild (81%, 43%, 58%, 62%, 76%, 64%), moderate (19%, 32%, 29%, 30%, 20%, 29%), and severe (0%, 25%, 13%, 7%, 4%, 6%), respectively. There was a significant decrease in EPIC sexual summary scores at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of 0 points (p < 0.001), 17 points (p = 0.01), 18 points (p = 0.02), and 17 points (p = 0.01), respectively.ConclusionsThis is the first report of this cohort of patients treated with two-fraction HDR monotherapy. This regimen shows rates of toxicity and health-related quality of life that appear acceptable as compared to other treatment modalities. These results are also comparable with other reports with similar treatment regimens.



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Treatment of benign thyroid nodules by high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) at different acoustic powers: a study on in-silico phantom

Abstract

Background

The non-surgical therapies of benign thyroid nodules are gaining momentum due to the possibility to reduce the nodule's volume and avoid surgery. As the last technique introduced, high intensity focused ultrasound allows the thermal tissue treatment by directing energy inside the targeted nodule with no invasive instruments. In the present study we applied the Food and Drug Administration high intensity focused ultrasound simulator to in-silico phantom to evaluate the effects obtained by different acoustic powers.

Methods

The simulated layers were water and thyroid tissue. The source was a spherically curved circular transducer with radius r   = 2.3 cm generating a continuous wave beam at a frequency of 3 MHz. The focal distance was 6.5 cm. The sequence included a pulse (8 s) with acoustic power at different value from 5 to 50 W, and a cooling-off interval (32 s).

Results

The use of acoustic power of 5 W allowed to achieve the threshold of temperature for coagulative necrosis (55 °C) at 1 s. The simulation with 50 W showed that temperature was significantly higher (above 300 °C) at 1 s and is maintained at high levels for a long interval.

Conclusion

Since 2016, we treated patients according to the present experience, and a significant reduction of nodule's volume was observed with good patent's comfort and no complications (unpublished data). Also, no anesthesia was practiced. We feel that the present data could contribute to develop a high intensity focused ultrasound therapy of benign thyroid nodules free from potential complications.

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The effect of vitamin D supplementation on thyroid autoantibody levels in the treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis: a systematic review and a meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose

Although observational studies suggested that vitamin D plays a role in autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), intervention trials yielded inconsistent findings. We therefore conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of Vitamin D on decreasing autoantibodies in patients with AIT.

Method

We identified all studies that assessed the changes of TPO-Ab and Tg-Ab in patients with AIT under the treatment of vitamin D from PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP Database.

Results

Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this systematic review representing a total of 344 patients with AIT. The results showed that Vitamin D supplementation significantly dropped TPO-Ab titers [three studies, random effects standardized mean difference (SMD): −1.11, 95% CI −1.52 to −0.70, P < 0.01] at six months, but not at no more than 3 months [random effects SMD: −0.12, 95% CI: −0.69 to 0.44, P = 0.67]. As compared with control group, participants who received vitamin D supplementation demonstrated significantly lower Tg-Ab [random effects SMD: −0.55, 95% CI: −1.05 to −0.04, P = 0.033]. In addition, no serious adverse effect was reported.

Conclusions

The current evidence suggests that vitamin D supplementation could decrease serum TPO-Ab and Tg-Ab titers of patients with AIT in the short-term (about six months). More high quality studies are needed to further confirm the effects, especially the long-term effects of Vitamin D supplementation on thyroid autoantibodies levels in the treatment of AIT.

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Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in males with type 2 diabetes recently treated with SGLT2 inhibitors—overlooked and overwhelming? A retrospective case series

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How to get rid of a hard pimple

This article discusses how to get rid of hard pimples. It also looks at different kinds of pimples, their causes, and how to prevent them.

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Aspergillose pulmonaire invasive

Publication date: Available online 23 February 2018
Source:Revue des Maladies Respiratoires
Author(s): E. Blanchard, F. Gabriel, C. Jeanne-Leroyer, V. Servant, P.-Y. Dumas
IntroductionL'aspergillose pulmonaire invasive (API) est responsable d'une morbimortalité importante chez différents profils de patients. Le diagnostic doit être le plus précoce possible afin d'instaurer rapidement un traitement antifongique adapté.État des connaissancesL'API est classiquement une pathologie du patient neutropénique. Cependant, les patients transplantés d'organe solide, sous immunosuppresseurs ou hospitalisés en réanimation sont également à risque. Le diagnostic est évoqué sur un faisceau d'arguments associant le terrain, les signes clinicobiologiques et des lésions souvent évocatrices au scanner thoracique. La stratégie de diagnostic microbiologique doit être adaptée au profil de patient considéré. Les méthodes conventionnelles avec culture, identification d'espèce et test de sensibilité aux antifongiques restent le standard mais la rapidité de mise en place du traitement a surtout été améliorée par l'utilisation de biomarqueurs tels que l'antigène galactomannane dans le sérum ou dans le lavage bronchoalvéolaire.PerspectivesL'épidémiologie de l'API sera probablement encore amenée à changer avec l'utilisation plus large des prophylaxies antifongiques et l'arrivée de thérapies ciblées. D'autres outils microbiologiques (PCR, biomarqueurs) sont en cours d'évaluation.ConclusionsL'API doit être évoquée chez un grand nombre de profils de patients. Son pronostic reste sombre malgré les progrès réalisés dans le diagnostic microbiologique et la prise en charge thérapeutique.IntroductionInvasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients. Early recognition and diagnosis have become a major focus in improving the management and outcomes of this life-threatening disease.BackgroundIPA typically occurs during a period of severe and prolonged neutropenia. However, solid organ transplant recipients, patients under immunosuppressive therapy or hospitalized in intensive care units are also at risk. The diagnosis is suspected in the presence of a combination of clinical, biological and CT scan evidence. The microbiological diagnostic strategy should be adapted to the patient's profile. Conventional methods with culture and species identification remain the standard but early diagnosis has been improved by the use of biomarkers such as galactomannan antigen in serum or in bronchoalveolar lavage.OutlookThe epidemiology of IPA should change with the increased use of antifungal prophylactic regimens and the arrival of targeted therapies. Other microbiological tools, such as PCR and other biomarkers, are currently being assessed.ConclusionsIPA must be considered in a wide range of patients. Its prognosis remains poor despite progress in the microbiological diagnosis and therapeutic management.



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Health-related quality of life in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: Association between the PedsQL and KIDSCREEN instruments and comparison with their normative samples

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 75
Author(s): Priscila Caçola, Michael Killian
Background and aimsOne of the major concerns for Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) are the mental and physical consequences of the condition, especially as they relate to quality of life factors. Here, we examined health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with DCD, determined the association between two standardized parent reports, and compared HRQOL of our sample with DCD with the normative sample of each assessment for typically developing (TD) children and a sample of children with chronic health conditions.Methods and proceduresParents of children with reported DCD with ages between 6 and 12 completed the PedsQL and KIDSCREEN instruments through an online survey. The PedsQL measures HRQOL in the Physical, Emotional, Social, Academic, and Psychosocial Functioning domains, while the KIDSCREEN assesses HRQOL in Physical and Psychological Well-Being, Autonomy & Parents, Peers & Social Support, and School Environment.Outcomes and resultsPearson's correlation analyses showed low to moderate correlations between dimensions of the assessments, with the exception of the KIDSCREEN Autonomy & Parents. T-test analyses showed that the group with DCD showed significantly lower scores than the normative samples on the PedsQL and KIDSCREEN, and the PedsQL scores were significantly lower than those of a sample of children experiencing chronic illness.Conclusions and implicationsScores on both instruments state that DCD likely represents a serious problem for children, and add to the body of evidence supporting the notion that children with DCD have lower overall HRQOL. We urge professionals to address or refer these children to services that can help improve children's quality of life and prevent future health problems.



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Rituximab for Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis or Microscopic Polyangiitis: A Review of the Clinical effectiveness, Cost-effectiveness, and Guidelines [Internet].

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) belong to a group of rare autoimmune diseases called anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration leading to necrosis of the blood vessels. ,

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Development and psychometric evaluation of a new measure to assess pregaming motives in Spanish-speaking young adults

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 81
Author(s): Angelina Pilatti, Jennifer P. Read
AimsThe present study was divided into two different stages that sought to develop (Stage 1) and validate (Stage 2) the Argentinean-version of the Pregaming Motives Questionnaire (PMQ-Arg), a new, ecologically valid measure to assess pregaming (i.e., the consumption of alcohol prior to attending a social/sporting event where alcohol may or may not be available) motives among Spanish-speaking youth. Method: Two separate samples of Argentinian young adults (all last-year pregamers) were recruited by disseminating an invitation through online social networks and e-mail listings.ResultsIn Stage 1, a total of 635 participants answered an open-ended question about their reasons for pregaming. In Stage 2 (n=361), exploratory factor analysis was conducted with the preliminary set of high-quality, high-frequency pregaming motives that were obtained in Stage 1, yielding a final 23-item measure that was grouped in four factors: (i) Intoxication and Fun, (ii) Gathering and Social Enhancement, (iii) Going with the Flow, and (iv) Beverage Preference. Despite some broad similarities with measures that were developed with U.S. young adults, the present results indicated that the narrow content of some items of the PMQ-Arg were somewhat unique, possibly reflecting cultural differences between the United States and Argentina. The findings supported the adequate reliability, discriminant validity, convergent validity, and criterion-related validity of PMQ-Arg scores.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the PMQ-Arg meets the psychometric requirements of validity and reliability for its use to assess reasons for pregaming among Spanish-speaking youth.



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Smoking behaviour and sensations during the pre-quit period of an exercise-aided smoking cessation intervention

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 81
Author(s): Stefanie De Jesus, Harry Prapavessis
IntroductionPrevious research has shown reductions in cigarette consumption during the pre-quit period of exercise-aided smoking cessation interventions. Smoking topography and sensation patterns during this period is unknown and may provide valuable insight into compensation and cessation readiness.MethodsFemale smokers (N = 236, M age = 43, M cigarettes/day = 17.0) enrolled in an exercise-aided smoking cessation intervention self-reported daily cigarette use and cigarette sensory experiences. Breath carbon monoxide and smoking topography data were collected during the period leading up to the targeted quit date (i.e., baseline, week 1, and week 3), which was set for week 4.ResultsRepeated measures ANOVAs revealed that cigarette consumption (p < 0.001, eta = 0.32), carbon monoxide (p < 0.001, eta = 0.14), puff duration (p = 0.01, eta = 0.05), smoking satisfaction (p < 0.001, eta = 0.34), psychological reward (p < 0.001, eta = 0.43), enjoyment of respiratory tract sensations (p < 0.001, eta = 0.29), and craving (p < 0.001, eta = 0.39) decreased, whereas average puff flow (p = 0.01, eta = 0.05) increased.ConclusionsThis is the first study to establish that regular exercise during the pre-quit period served as a conduit for facilitating behavioral and sensory harm reduction with cigarettes. Furthermore, the pattern of change observed between cigarette consumption and smoking topography does not support compensation. These findings imply that female smokers who exercise prior to a quit attempt are in a favourable state to achieve cessation.



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Perceived vulnerability moderates the relations between the use of protective behavioral strategies and alcohol use and consequences among high-risk young adults

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 81
Author(s): Tracey A. Garcia, Anne M. Fairlie, Dana M. Litt, Katja A. Waldron, Melissa A. Lewis
Drinking protective behavioral strategies (PBS) have been associated with reductions in alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences in young adults. PBS subscales, Limiting/Stopping (LS), Manner of Drinking (MOD), and Serious Harm Reduction (SHR), have been examined in the literature; LS, MOD, and SHR have mixed support as protective factors. Understanding moderators between PBS and alcohol use and related consequences is an important development in PBS research in order to delineate when and for whom PBS use is effective in reducing harm from alcohol use. Perceptions of vulnerability to negative consequences, included in health-risk models, may be one such moderator. The current study examined whether two types of perceived vulnerability (perceived vulnerability when drinking; perceived vulnerability in uncomfortable/unfamiliar situations) moderated the relations between LS, MOD, SHR strategies and alcohol use and related negative consequences. High-risk young adults (N = 400; 53.75% female) recruited nationally completed measures of PBS, alcohol use and related consequences, and measures of perceived vulnerability. Findings demonstrated that perceived vulnerability when drinking moderated the relations between MOD strategies and alcohol use. The interactions between perceived vulnerability when drinking and PBS did not predict alcohol-related consequences. Perceived vulnerability in unfamiliar/uncomfortable social situations moderated relations between MOD strategies and both alcohol use and related negative consequences; no other significant interactions emerged. Across both perceived vulnerability types and MOD strategies, those with the highest levels of perceived vulnerability and who used MOD strategies the most had the greatest decrements in alcohol use and related negative consequences. Prevention and intervention implications are discussed.



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Problematic internet use as an age-related multifaceted problem: Evidence from a two-site survey

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 81
Author(s): Konstantinos Ioannidis, Matthias S. Treder, Samuel R. Chamberlain, Franz Kiraly, Sarah A. Redden, Dan J. Stein, Christine Lochner, Jon E. Grant
Background and aimsProblematic internet use (PIU; otherwise known as Internet Addiction) is a growing problem in modern societies. There is scarce knowledge of the demographic variables and specific internet activities associated with PIU and a limited understanding of how PIU should be conceptualized. Our aim was to identify specific internet activities associated with PIU and explore the moderating role of age and gender in those associations.MethodsWe recruited 1749 participants aged 18 and above via media advertisements in an Internet-based survey at two sites, one in the US, and one in South Africa; we utilized Lasso regression for the analysis.ResultsSpecific internet activities were associated with higher problematic internet use scores, including general surfing (lasso β: 2.1), internet gaming (β: 0.6), online shopping (β: 1.4), use of online auction websites (β: 0.027), social networking (β: 0.46) and use of online pornography (β: 1.0). Age moderated the relationship between PIU and role-playing-games (β: 0.33), online gambling (β: 0.15), use of auction websites (β: 0.35) and streaming media (β: 0.35), with older age associated with higher levels of PIU. There was inconclusive evidence for gender and gender × internet activities being associated with problematic internet use scores. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and social anxiety disorder were associated with high PIU scores in young participants (age ≤ 25, β: 0.35 and 0.65 respectively), whereas generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) were associated with high PIU scores in the older participants (age > 55, β: 6.4 and 4.3 respectively).ConclusionsMany types of online behavior (e.g. shopping, pornography, general surfing) bear a stronger relationship with maladaptive use of the internet than gaming supporting the diagnostic classification of problematic internet use as a multifaceted disorder. Furthermore, internet activities and psychiatric diagnoses associated with problematic internet use vary with age, with public health implications.



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