Optimism,self‐efficacy and information processing of threat‐ and well‐being‐related stimuli

The purpose of this study was to examine whether information bias associated with dispositional optimism and generalized self‐efficacy can account for the link between general expectations and well‐being. A modified Stroop task was used in this study. Our hypothesis was that individuals with high self‐efficacy expectations or dispositional optimism would show greater bias towards well‐being‐related stimuli, whereas individuals with low self‐efficacy or optimism would exhibit bias towards threat‐related stimuli. A secondary hypothesis was that both self‐efficacy and optimism would act as mediators of the latency, perceived distress relationship. One hundred and two undergraduate students participated in the study. After controlling for daily mood, the results showed that individuals high in optimism and self‐efficacy showed greater informational bias towards well‐being‐related stimuli. The low self‐efficacy group exhibited greater bias towards threat‐related stimuli. Also, consistent with our hypothesis, optimism and self‐efficacy mediated the relationship between the Stroop colour‐naming latencies and perceived distress. These findings suggest that associations, which refer to automatic processes, may form an additional way through which expectations are related to functioning. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pain‐related self‐efficacy beliefs in a Brazilian chronic pain patient sample: a psychometric analysis

While some people become severely or moderately disabled by chronic pain (pain that persists >3 months), others seem to adjust reasonably well to it. Higher levels of disability are often associated with higher levels of distress, and this relationship can be bidirectional resulting in a vicious cycle. There is evidence suggesting that self‐efficacy is one of the most important contributors to disability and emotional adjustment to chronic pain. Defining pain self‐efficacy beliefs as confidence in ability to function despite pain, the Pain Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ) has been widely used to examine the role of self‐efficacy in chronic pain patient populations. However, to date it has not been validated in Brazil. This study examined the reliability and validity of the PSEQ in a Brazilian chronic pain population. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 348 chronic pain patients. Reliability of the PSEQ has been found to be adequate (split‐half correlation was 0.76 and internal consistency was 0.90). Factor analysis indicated the existence of only one factor. Discriminant and concurrent validity were also adequate. Altogether these results indicate that the PSEQ has good psychometric properties when used in this sample. These findings are also consistent with those previously published in the literature. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Longitudinal relationships between self‐efficacy,post‐traumatic distress and salivary cortisol among motor vehicle accident survivors

The present study tested if post‐traumatic distress following a motor vehicle accident (MVA) and MVA‐related self‐efficacy beliefs were associated with diurnal salivary cortisol in the early post‐traumatic period. Cortisol was collected upon awakening and at 1, 4 and 12 h after waking. Collection days were 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after MVA. A total of 30 participants provided their cortisol samples across all measurement points. Two methods for computing the area under the cortisol curve were used. Higher post‐traumatic distress at 1 month predicted lower cortisol area under the curve (AUC) with respect to increase (AUC_I, reflecting changes in cortisol secretions during daytime) at 3 months. AUC with respect to ground (AUC_G, reflecting total cortisol release during daytime), measured at 1 month after trauma, predicted higher post‐traumatic distress at 3 months. The results showed that self‐efficacy at 1 week indirectly predicted 3‐month AUC_I through 1‐month post‐traumatic distress. These findings highlight the importance of self‐efficacy and post‐traumatic distress in explaining longitudinal diurnal patterns of cortisol secretion after trauma. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Burnout and self‐employment: a cross‐cultural empirical study

This study examined the differences between full‐time self‐employed and organizationally employed individuals in Canada (n = 248) and Pakistan (n = 306) in terms of overall burnout and its three dimensions (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and lack of accomplishment), turnover intentions and non‐work satisfaction. Data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire from Canadian employees in Montreal and Pakistani employees in Lahore. One‐way analysis of variance and multivariate analysis of variance were used to analyse the data. The self‐employed reported significantly higher overall burnout, emotional exhaustion, lack of accomplishment, non‐work satisfaction and turnover intention than the organizationally employed in both countries. No significant differences were found between self‐employed and organizationally employed in terms of depersonalization in both countries. Results are discussed in light of previous empirical evidence on self‐employment and the quality of work and non‐work life from cross‐cultural perspectives. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Consistent‐sufficient sleep predicts improvements in self‐regulatory performance and psychological strain

Sleep may have psychological implications for the stress process because of its effect on self‐regulatory functioning. This study explored the psychological benefits of sleep using an integrated self‐regulatory strength model, which includes resource enhancement in addition to resource replenishment. Combined with the restorative effects of sufficient sleep duration, prolonged consistent sleep practices may build self‐regulatory capacity via exercising self‐control. The proposed sleep sufficiency–consistency interaction predicted improvements in self‐regulatory performance and psychological strain over the course of 5 days. Only consistent–sufficient sleepers experienced an increase in self‐regulatory performance and a decrease in strain. Changes in self‐regulatory strength also predicted changes in strain during the week, rather than the reverse. These findings were robust even when controlling for confounding factors related to dispositional factors, circadian rhythm disruption, typical sleep hygiene, health behaviours and stressors. Much like other routine activities that have shown to increase self‐regulatory strength, continued explorations into the potential resource enhancement aspect of consistent sleep may be a promising topic for stress management research. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Clinical outcome of patients with initial diagnosis of acute self‐limiting colitis of unknown aetiology

Objective : To investigate the clinical course and outcome of patients whose initial histological features were compatible with acute self‐limiting colitis (ASLC) of unknown aetiology. Materials and Methods : We performed a computer search of our pathology registry for non‐specific inflammation of the colon and rectum for the years 1997–98. The histology reports and clinical notes were reviewed in detail. Results : Thirty‐three suitable patients were identified (17 males) with a median age of 48 years (22–87 years). The commonest presenting symptoms were rectal bleeding and diarrhoea. The passage of mucus and abdominal pain were also commonly found symptoms. Physical examination was usually normal, although abdominal tenderness was occasionally elicited. Systemic upset was unusual. Three patients had complications at presentation: severe bleeding (n = 1), intestinal obstruction (probably unrelated, n = 1), sigmoid colon cancer (probably unrelated, n = 1). Of 30 patients who were observed only, 10 patients’ symptoms resolved and 8 patients improved symptomatically, one worsened and one had not returned for reassessment. Ten subsequently needed medical treatment. Together with the other 3, a total of 13 patients received medication at some stage in their disease and 3 patients eventually required long‐term therapy. Two patients developed ulcerative colitis after 7.5 and 12 years, respectively. Conclusion : Patients with initial histological features of ASLC usually follow a self‐limiting clinical course and an initial period of observation is justified. Progression to a more protracted disease course occurs in one‐third and the diagnosis of ASLC should be revised. Salicylates and steroids are useful in refractory cases. Less than 6% progressed to chronic inflammatory bowel disease.      

Social support,self‐efficacy and trauma in new recruits and experienced firefighters

This study compared new fire recruits in the first week of employment and following a 10‐week training period with a group of experienced firefighters. Results suggest that new firefighter recruits enter the fire service with considerable experience of exposure to critical events. Nevertheless, a significant linear relationship was found between years of experience and levels of traumatic stress and depression. Further, this study revealed that experienced firefighters had lower levels of social support and lower self‐efficacy than the new recruits. As these variables were associated with traumatic stress and depressive symptoms, it is concerning that these protective factors appear to diminish with time. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Relationships between self‐efficacy,social support and stress coping strategies in Chinese primary and secondary school teachers

This study explored whether stress coping strategies could be predicted by general self‐efficacy and social support. Primary and secondary teachers (n = 530) completed measures of coping strategies, general self‐efficacy and social support. The results showed that teachers' general self‐efficacy and social support had direct and indirect predictive effects on different coping strategies, and they have more significant predictive effects on certain types of coping strategies. Teachers with higher general self‐efficacy and social support tended to adopt adaptive coping strategies or emotion‐oriented coping strategies. The study suggested that social support and self‐efficacy should be important factors to be considered when designing a prevention or intervention programme in the guidance of teachers' coping strategies and psychological counselling. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

High self‐reported non‐adherence to antiretroviral therapy amongst adolescents living with HIV in Malawi: barriers and associated factors

Introduction : Globally adolescents and young adults account for more than 40% of new HIV infections, and HIV‐related deaths amongst adolescents increased by 50% from 2005 to 2012. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical to control viral replication and preserve health; however, there is a paucity of research on adherence amongst the growing population of adolescents living with HIV/AIDS (ALHIV) in Southern Africa. We examined levels of self‐reported ART adherence, barriers to adherence, and factors associated with non‐adherence amongst ALHIV in Malawi. Methods : Cross‐sectional study of 519 ALHIV (12–18 years) attending two large HIV clinics in central and south‐eastern Malawi. Participants self‐reported missed doses (past week/month), barriers to adherence, and completed questionnaires on past traumatic events/stressors, disclosure, depression, substance use, treatment self‐efficacy, and social support. Biomedical data were retrieved from existing medical records. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors independently associated with self‐reported ART adherence (7 day recall). Results : The mean age of participants (SD) was 14.5 (2) years and 290 (56%) were female. Of the 519 participants, 153 (30%) reported having missed ART doses within the past week, and 234 (45%) in the past month. Commonly reported barriers to adherence included forgetting (39%), travel from home (14%), busy with other things (11%), feeling depressed/overwhelmed (6%), feeling stigmatized by people outside (5%) and within the home (3%). Factors found to be independently associated with missing a dose in the past week were drinking alcohol in the past month (OR 4.96, 95% CI [1.41–17.4]), missed clinic appointment in the past 6 months (OR 2.23, 95% CI [1.43–3.49]), witnessed or experienced violence in the home (OR 1.86, 95% CI [1.08–3.21]), and poor treatment self‐efficacy (OR 1.55 95% CI [1.02–2.34]). Sex and age were not associated with adherence. Conclusions : In our study, nearly half of all ALHIV reported non‐adherence to ART in the past month. Violence in the home or alcohol use in the past year as well as poor treatment self‐efficacy were associated with worse adherence. Sub‐optimal adherence is a major issue for ALHIV and compromise treatment outcomes. Programmes specifically tailored to address those challenges most pertinent to ALHIV may help improve adherence to ART.     

Comparison of loading rate‐dependent injury modes in a murine model of post‐traumatic osteoarthritis

Post‐traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a common long‐term consequence of joint injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. In this study we used a tibial compression overload mouse model to compare knee injury induced at low speed (1 mm/s), which creates an avulsion fracture, to injury induced at high speed (500 mm/s), which induces midsubstance tear of the ACL. Mice were sacrificed at 0 days, 10 days, 12 weeks, or 16 weeks post‐injury, and joints were analyzed with micro‐computed tomography, whole joint histology, and biomechanical laxity testing. Knee injury with both injury modes caused considerable trabecular bone loss by 10 days post‐injury, with the Low Speed Injury group (avulsion) exhibiting a greater amount of bone loss than the High Speed Injury group (midsubstance tear). Immediately after injury, both injury modes resulted in greater than twofold increases in total AP joint laxity relative to control knees. By 12 and 16 weeks post‐injury, total AP laxity was restored to uninjured control values, possibly due to knee stabilization via osteophyte formation. This model presents an opportunity to explore fundamental questions regarding the role of bone turnover in PTOA, and the findings of this study support a biomechanical mechanism of osteophyte formation following injury. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:79–88, 2014.     

Characterization of a cartilage‐like engineered biomass using a self‐aggregating suspension culture model: Molecular composition using FT‐IRIS

Maintenance of chondrocyte phenotype and robust expression and organization of macromolecular components with suitable cartilaginous properties is an ultimate goal in cartilage tissue engineering. We used a self‐aggregating suspension culture (SASC) method to produce an engineered cartilage, “cartilage tissue analog” (CTA). With an objective of understanding the stability of phenotype of the CTA over long periods, we cultured chondrocytes up to 4 years and analyzed the matrix. Both early (eCTAs) (6 months) and aged (aCTAs) (4 years) showed type II collagen throughout with higher concentrations near the edge. Using Fourier transform‐infrared imaging spectroscopy (FT‐IRIS), proteoglycan/collagen ratio of eCTA was 2.8 times greater than native cartilage at 1 week, but the ratio was balanced to native level (p = 0.017) by 36 weeks. Surprisingly, aCTAs maintained the hyaline characteristics, but there was evidence of calcification within the tissue with a distinct range of intensities. Mineral/matrix ratio of those aCTA with “intensive” calcification was significantly higher (p = 0.017) than the “partial,” but when compared to native bone the ratio of “intensive” aCTAs was 2.4 times lower. In this study we utilized the imaging approach of FT‐IRIS and have shown that a biomaterial formed is compositionally closely related to natural cartilage for long periods in culture. We show that this culture platform can maintain a CTA for extended periods of time (4 years) and under those conditions signs of mineralization can be found. This method of cartilage tissue engineering is a promising method to generate cartilaginous biomaterial and may have potential to be utilized in both cartilage and boney repairs. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:1881–1887, 2011     

The association between stress,self‐esteem and childhood acceptance in nursing and pharmacy students: a comparative cross‐cultural analysis

The proposition that stress level is affected by self‐esteem development, for which acceptance from others in childhood is a key issue, was tested in two health care professions. The sample was 131 from nursing studies and 91 from pharmacy studies at a university in London, and 344 from nursing and 976 from pharmacy in Tokyo. Levels of stress were measured with the Perceived Stress Scale, self‐esteem with the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale and childhood acceptance with the Parental Nurturance Scale. The data were analysed in terms of levels of and causal path between stress, self‐esteem and childhood acceptance. The proposed mechanism was supported among the nursing and pharmacy students in both British and Japanese cultures. The sample was also found to be substantially high on stress and low on self‐esteem and childhood acceptance. The results suggested that those entering the health care profession, such as nursing and pharmacy, have some additional vulnerability to stress compared with the general population. Enhancing self‐esteem was strongly recommended in stress management for health care professions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Development of immune response to tissue‐restricted self‐antigens in simultaneous kidney‐pancreas transplant recipients with acute rejection

Simultaneous kidney‐pancreas transplantation (SKP Tx) is a treatment for end‐stage kidney disease secondary to diabetes mellitus. We investigated the role of immune responses to donor human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and tissue‐restricted kidney and pancreas self‐antigens (KSAgs and PSAgs, respectively) in SKP Tx recipients (SKP TxRs). Sera collected from 39 SKP TxRs were used to determine de novo Abs specific for KSAgs (collagen‐IV, Col‐IV; fibronectin, FN) and PSAgs (insulin, islet cells, glutamic acid decarboxylase, and pancreas‐associated protein‐1) by ELISA. KSAg‐specific IFN‐γ, IL‐17, and IL‐10 cytokines were enumerated by ELISpot. Abs to donor HLA classes I and II were determined by Luminex assay. Abs to KSAgs and PSAgs were detectable in recipients with rejection compared with stable recipients (P<.05). Kidney‐only rejection recipients had increased Abs against KSAgs compared with stable (P<.05), with no increase in Abs against PSAgs. Pancreas‐only rejection recipients showed increased Abs against PSAgs compared to stable (P<.05), with no Abs against KSAgs. SKP TxRs with rejection showed increased frequencies of KSAg‐specific IFN‐γ and IL‐17 with reduction in IL‐10‐secreting cells. SKP TxRs with rejection developed Abs to KSAgs and PSAgs demonstrated increased frequencies of kidney or pancreas SAg‐specific IFN‐γ and IL‐17‐secreting cells with reduced IL‐10, suggesting loss of peripheral tolerance to SAgs.     

Self‐reported cognitive difficulties and cognitive functioning in relation to emotional exhaustion: Evidence from two studies

Individuals with burnout often report having difficulties with concentration and memory in everyday life. However, empirical evidence on cognitive decline using performance‐based measures is limited and often obtained on small clinical samples. The aim of the present two studies was to investigate cognitive correlates of emotional exhaustion on otherwise healthy populations at different life stages with varying degrees of burnout. A total of 201 graduate and undergraduate students participated in Study 1, and a heterogeneous sample (N = 203) of working individuals took part in Study 2. Cognitive performance was assessed by self‐reported cognitive difficulties and three performance‐based cognitive tests of sustained attention, inhibition of irrelevant information, and inhibition of prepotent responses. Controlling for gender, age, and depression symptoms, multiple regression analyses in Study 1 indicated a positive relationship between emotional exhaustion and self‐reported cognitive difficulties but no correlation with the performance‐based cognitive measures. A similar pattern of results emerged in Study 2. However, we found tentative evidence for cognitive impairment on the sustained attention measure. The results of these two studies partially support previous findings and extend the literature on cognitive aspects of burnout.     

A self‐determination theory approach to understanding stress incursion and responses

Given the high costs of stress for both mental and physical health, understanding of how stress is incurred and how it is coped with has both theoretical and clinical significance. Self‐determination theory (SDT), a broad framework for understanding motivation and personality, speaks to many issues concerning stress‐related phenomena. Research based on SDT suggests that both less stress incursion and better coping with demanding events are associated with greater autonomous functioning, higher mindfulness, more interest‐taking in internal events, and lifestyles focused on pursuing intrinsic over extrinsic goals, among other factors. These topics are discussed within the growing body of empirical research stemming from SDT and linkages are drawn with the larger literature on stress and coping. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Feasibility of a self‐assembling peptide hydrogel scaffold for meniscal defect: An in vivo study in a rabbit model

The inner avascular zone of the meniscus has limited healing capacity as the area is poorly vascularized. Although peptide hydrogels have been reported to regenerate bone and cartilage, their effect on meniscus regeneration remains unknown. We tested whether the self‐assembling peptide hydrogel scaffold KI24RGDS stays in the meniscal lesion and facilitates meniscal repair and regeneration in an induced rabbit meniscal defect model. Full‐thickness (2.0 mm diameter) cylindrical defects were introduced into the inner avascular zones of the anterior portions of the medial menisci of rabbit knees (n = 40). Right knee defects were left empty (control group) while the left knee defects were transplanted with peptide hydrogel (KI24RGDS group). Macroscopic meniscus scores were significantly higher in the KI24RGDS group than in the control group at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery. Histological examinations including quantitative and qualitative scores indicated that compared with the control group, the reparative tissue in the meniscus was significantly enhanced in the KI24RGDS group at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the reparative tissue induced by KI24RGDS at 12 weeks postimplantation was positive for Type I and II collagen. KI24RGDS is highly biocompatible and biodegradable, with strong stiffness, and a three dimensional structure mimicking native extracellular matrix and RGDS sequences that enhance cell adhesion and proliferation. This in vivo study demonstrated that KI24RGDS remained in the meniscal lesion and facilitated the repair and regeneration in a rabbit meniscal defect model.