USE OF HERBAL THERAPIES AMONG MIDLIFE MEXICAN WOMEN

The cultural traditions of Mexican women living in the United States make it likely that some women promote their health and manage their symptoms using various herbal therapies, yet we know little about this phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare midlife Mexican women living in the U.S. who were or were not using herbal therapies with regard to the extent of their acculturation, beliefs about herbs, and factors associated with their utilization of health services. A convenience sample of 30 Mexican women between the ages of 40 and 56 years completed face-to-face interviews in either English or Spanish. Nearly half reported using herbal therapies. With the exception of positive beliefs about herbs, we found few differences between herbal users and nonusers on acculturation or access to, and satisfaction with, health services. Although acculturation did not appear to influence whether the women used herbal therapies, it did relate to the types of herbs selected. Women most commonly reported using herbs popular in traditional Mexican culture, including manzanilla (chamomile), savila (aloe vera), ajo (garlic), uña de gato (cat's claw), and yerba buena (spearmint).     

Prenatal fear of childbirth and anxiety sensitivity

Objective. Fear of childbirth (FOC) or what is historically referred to as tokophobia (a phobic state where a woman avoids childbirth despite desperately wanting a baby), is known to complicate the delivery process. In this study, the relationship of Anxiety Sensitivity (AS) to FOC was examined given that AS is a risk factor for other fears. Specifically, the contribution of three AS dimensions (physical, psychological or social concerns) relative to other factors (e.g., parity of the mother, trait anxiety) in accounting for FOC was explored.

Methods. Women in their final 4 months of pregnancy (n = 110) completed the Anxiety Sensitivity Index, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait Scale and the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire.

Results. Most demographic variables were non-significant in predicting FOC with the exception of participants' parity. Multiple regression analysis revealed that AS-physical concerns significantly predicted elevated FOC even after controlling for parity and trait anxiety; higher levels of AS-physical concerns, higher trait anxiety, and expecting a first child all independently predicted greater FOC.

Conclusion. Variance in FOC is explained, in part, by AS-physical concerns. Further, AS-physical concerns are distinct from trait anxiety in predicting FOC. Similar to other fears, the results support the possibility that AS may be a risk factor for elevated FOC.     

Case report and a review of the literature of two patients with gastric MALToma and pulmonary metastasis

Gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (or MALToma) is a relatively rare form of low‐grade B‐cell malignancy arising from the mucosal associated lymphoid tissue of the stomach. The majority of cases can be treated with Helicobacter pylori eradication with good prognosis. However, few reports have been published on the treatment of gastric MALToma with pulmonary metastasis. We report two such cases managed with systemic chemotherapy. At the time of writing, one of the cases was in static disease while the other had complete remission. In both patients, pulmonary metastases were detected upon staging thoracic computed tomography.     

Setting-Level Influences on Implementation of the Responsive Classroom Approach

We used mixed methods to examine the association between setting-level factors and observed implementation of a social and emotional learning intervention (Responsive Classroom® approach; RC). In study 1 (N?=?33 3rd grade teachers after the first year of RC implementation), we identified relevant setting-level factors and uncovered the mechanisms through which they related to implementation. In study 2 (N?=?50 4th grade teachers after the second year of RC implementation), we validated our most salient Study 1 finding across multiple informants. Findings suggested that teachers perceived setting-level factors, particularly principal buy-in to the intervention and individualized coaching, as influential to their degree of implementation. Further, we found that intervention coaches’ perspectives of principal buy-in were more related to implementation than principals’ or teachers’ perspectives. Findings extend the application of setting theory to the field of implementation science and suggest that interventionists may want to consider particular accounts of school setting factors before determining the likelihood of schools achieving high levels of implementation.     

Parkinson’s disease and the Stroop color word test: processing speed and interference algorithms

Objective: Processing speed alters the traditional Stroop calculations of interference. Consequently, alternative algorithms for calculating Stroop interference have been introduced to control for processing speed, and have done so in a multiple sclerosis sample. This study examined how these processing speed correction algorithms change interference scores for individuals with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD, n = 58) and non-PD peers (n = 68). Method: Linear regressions controlling for demographics predicted group (PD vs. non-PD) differences for Jensen’s, Golden’s, relative, ratio, and residualized interference scores. To examine convergent and divergent validity, interference scores were correlated with standardized measures of processing speed and executive function. Results: PD–non-PD differences were found for Jensen’s interference score, but not Golden’s score, or the relative, ratio, and residualized interference scores. Jensen’s score correlated significantly with standardized processing speed but not executive function measures. Relative, ratio, and residualized scores correlated with executive function but not processing speed measures. Golden’s score did not correlate with any other standardized measures. Conclusions: The relative, ratio, and residualized scores were comparable for measuring Stroop interference in processing speed-impaired populations. Overall, the ratio interference score may be the most useful calculation method to control for processing speed in this population.