Working in the sky: a diary study on work engagement among flight attendants

This study aims to gain insight in the motivational process of the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model by examining whether daily fluctuations in colleague support (i.e., a typical job resource) predict day-levels of job performance through self-efficacy and work engagement. Forty-four flight attendants filled in a questionnaire and a diary booklet before and after consecutive flights to three intercontinental destinations. Results of multilevel analyses revealed that colleague support had unique positive effects on self-efficacy and work engagement. Self-efficacy did not mediate the relationship between support and engagement, but work engagement mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and (in-role and extra-role) performance. In addition, colleague support had an indirect effect on in-role performance through work engagement. These findings shed light on the motivational process as outlined in the JD-R model, and suggest that colleague support is an important job resource for flight attendants helping them reach their work-related goals.     

Oligodontia and associated characteristics: assessment in view of prosthodontic rehabilitation

Bibliographic evidence regarding oligodontia was reviewed to extract information necessary for a systematic review for a prosthodontic approach to management. Syndromic oligodontia, appearing as a symptom of many syndromes, was distinguished from isolated, or non-syndromic, which is an independent trait. Although a rare disorder, oligodontia has always been considerably researched, especially concerning its prevalence and genetic background. Non-syndromic oligodontia has been associated with the presence of small and misshapen natural teeth, orofacial clefting and reduced saliva secretion. A typical maxillofacial morphology has also been reported, which seems to result from the lack of dental and functional compensation and not from an altered growth pattern. Syndromic oligodontias also exhibit the above basic features but are complicated by each syndrome's specific characteristics. Prosthodontic treatment of individuals with oligodontia must anticipate the dental and oral clinical characteristics and provide with continuing support and preservation of proper maxillofacial relationships.     

Factors predicting failure of redo Nissen fundoplication in children

Recurrence of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) following redo Nissen fundoplication represents a significant clinical problem. The aim of this study was to identify factors predicting failure of redo Nissen fundoplication. The notes of children who underwent redo Nissen fundoplication for recurrent GOR in a single institution between June 1994 and May 2005 were reviewed. Data are reported as median (range), or as numbers of cases. Multiple logistic regression analysis, using type of first fundoplication, neurological status, presence of gastrostomy, age–weight, retching–gas bloat after first fundoplication, associated anomalies, oesophageal atresia and length of follow-up as factors, was used to generate a model to identify factors predicting recurrent vomiting (failure) after redo. Eighty-one children underwent redo Nissen fundoplication 15.9 months (0.2–176) after the initial Nissen fundoplication. In 29, the first Nissen was laparoscopic. Age at redo Nissen fundoplication was 3.3 years (0.3–15.9) and weight 12.8 kg (5–60). Thirty-four children (42%) presented with recurrent vomiting (failure). Overall, the model successfully predicted vomiting (failure) after redo fundoplication (P = 0.009). Open surgery at first fundoplication (P = 0.011) and neurological impairment (P = 0.046) were both significant predictors of redo failure in the model, whereas presence of gastrostomy (P = 0.035) and older–heavier age–weight (P = 0.028) were associated with significantly better results. Retching–gas bloat, associated anomalies and oesophageal atresia were not significant predictors of failure. Redo Nissen fundoplication has a high failure rate. Risk factors are open fundoplication at first operation and neurological impairment. Redo fundoplication after primary laparoscopic Nissen has a lower risk of failure.     

Familial hypercholesterolemia and response to statin therapy according to LDLR genetic background.

Familial hypercholesterolemia is an autosomal dominant disease defined at the molecular level mainly by the presence of mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene and is characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, tendon xanthomas and increased risk of early cardiovascular disease. The type of mutation in the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene has been associated with different phenotype expression and response to statins. Several studies have been undertaken to assess the efficacy of statins and evaluate the influence of mutations on the response to treatment with statins. Not all patients respond to statin therapy with a reduction in cardiovascular disease. In this review paper, we will discuss the results available to date that correlate the low-density lipoprotein receptor genotype to the response to statins, and the interest in developing diagnostic systems which will allow identification of patients at increased risk of adverse drug reactions or patients in which a therapeutic effect is lacking.     

Internet use and misuse: a multivariate regression analysis of the predictive factors of internet use among Greek adolescents

The internet is an integral tool for information, communication, and entertainment among adolescents. As adolescents devote increasing amounts of time to utilizing the internet, the risk for adopting excessive and pathological internet use is inherent. The study objectives include assessing the characteristics and predictors of excessive internet use and evaluating the prevalence of pathological internet use among Greek adolescents. A cross-sectional study design was applied to this effect. The study population (n = 897) consisted of a random sample of adolescents residing in Athens, Greece. Self-completed questionnaires, pertaining to internet access characteristics and Young’s Internet Addiction Scale (YIAS) score, were applied in order to investigate the study objectives. The multivariate regression analysis indicated that the most significant predictors of overall internet use included accessing the internet via one’s own home portal and for the purpose of social interaction. Internet access via the school environment was a significant deterrent among low (1–3 h/week) internet users, while access via internet cafés was a significant predictor for high (11–20 h/week) internet users. Moreover, accessing the internet for the purposes of game playing was the most significant predictor for excessive (>20 h/week) internet use. The prevalence of borderline internet use among the study population was 12.8%, while 1.00% reported addictive internet use. Also, 10.4% of male excessive internet users reported addictive internet use (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, excessive internet use is predicted solely by the location of internet access (own home portal) and the scope of internet use (i.e., sites relating to socialization and game playing) and may lead to internet addiction, particularly among male adolescents.     

Monte Carlo estimation of radiation doses in red bone marrow and breast in common pediatric x-ray examinations

Radiation exposure was investigated for children undergoing various common radiographies in three dedicated pediatric hospitals in Greece. Kerma in air at the entrance of the beam (Ka,e) was measured with thermoluminescent dosimeters. Ka,e values ranged from 0.09 mGy to 5.52 mGy and were found to be greater in Hospital C, because of the increased high voltage and time-current product used by the radiation technologists. Equivalent doses in red bone marrow and breast were estimated with Monte Carlo simulation by PCXMC code. Values ranged from 2 microSv to 204 microSv for red bone marrow and from 0 to 817 muSv for breast. Variation in doses occurred due to field size, high voltage setting, and Ka,e.