EDITORIAL

No abstract available for this article.     

“Metroticket” predictor for assessing liver transplantation to treat hepatocellular carcinoma:A single-center analysis in mainland China

AIM:To validate the"Metroticket"predictor using a large cohort of liver transplantation(LT)patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in China.METHODS:In total,230 cases of LT for HCC treatment at our center,from July 2000 to August 2008,were included in the present study.The predicted 1-,3-and 5-year post-LT survival rates were calculated using the Metroticket model(http://89.96.76.14/metroticket/calculator/).The predicted and observed long-term survival rates were then compared and analyzed.RESULTS:The predicted survival rates for all 230cases,as calculated by the Metroticket model,were64.7%and 56.2%at 3 and 5 years,respectively,and the observed survival rates for these patients were71.3%and 57.8%,respectively.For the 23 cases with macrovascular invasion,the predicted 5-year survival rate was 43.5%,whereas the observed 5-year survival rate was only 8.7%.For the 42 cases with microvascular invasion but an absence of macrovascular invasion,the predicted 5-year survival rate was 44.9%,and the observed 5-year survival rate was 50%.For the remaining 165 patients without any vascular invasion,the predicted 5-year survival rate was 65.8%,and the observed 5-year survival rate was 66.7%.CONCLUSION:The Metroticket model can be used to accurately predict survival in HCC-related LT cases with an absence of macrovascular invasion.     

Employment Hardships and Single Mothers’ Self-Rated Health: Evidence from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics

Using a national sample of single mothers from the 2007 and 2009 waves of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, this study examined the effects of multiple employment statuses on the selfrated health of single mothers during the recent economic recession. Unlike other studies, the current study minimized selection bias by controlling for prior self-rated health, in addition to other predisposing factors, enabling factors, and need factors. We found that underemployment, but not unemployment, is associated with lower levels of self-rated health of single mothers. Results further indicate that the 25–39 age range (compared to the 18–24 age range), lower family income, prior lower self-rated health, more chronic diseases, and binge drinking place single mothers at an increased risk of lower levels of self-rated health. In contrast, strength-building physical activity is significantly associated with higher levels of self-rated health. Implications for health care policy and social work practice are drawn from the results.     

基于无线刺激与遥测系统的心房颤动动物模型

目的探索一种可控、可靠、安全的心房颤动(简称房颤)动物模型的建立方法。方法自主设计并制作一种基于Microchip公司的PIC18(Peripheral Interface Controller,外围接口控制器)系列单片机和TI公司的RF(Radio Frequency,射频)无线收发芯片CC1101 CC1101(Chipcon公司)的植入式遥测刺激器,植入比格犬背部,记录电极留置腹侧皮下,刺激电极缝合于左心耳上,在犬清醒自由的条件下,通过计算机专用心电软件连续监测体表II导联心电信号,并发放间歇(刺激1 s,暂停2 s)高频(频率30 Hz)阈上(强度2 mA,脉宽5 ms)刺激,若间歇期内出现房颤,则人为干预中止刺激,若转为窦性心律,则继续刺激。结果植入式遥测刺激器在体外可稳定工作(包括采集模拟心电信号和发放刺激)30天,植入犬体内刺激3天后可诱导出房颤,持续时间最长达8 h。结论应用植入式遥测刺激器是建立房颤动物模型的可行性方法之一。     

实施野战护理学“自主-互动”教学模式的效果分析

目的 探索野战护理学“自主-互动”教学模式的实施效果.方法 通过野战护理理论考试、操作考核、网上论坛、知识技能竞赛及问卷调查等方式,检验野战护理学“自主-互动”教学模式的效果.结果 在489名学员中,野战护理学理论与技术考试80～89分者为249名,90分以上者为112名；问卷调查显示,学员对该模式的满意率为100％.结论 野战护理学“自主-互动”教学模式深受学员好评,取得了良好的教学效果,值得推广应用.     

Development and Validation of Green Eating Behaviors,Stage of Change,Decisional Balance,and Self-Efficacy Scales in College Students

ObjectiveTo develop and validate an instrument to assess environmentally conscious eating (Green Eating [GE]) behavior (BEH) and GE Transtheoretical Model constructs including Stage of Change (SOC), Decisional Balance (DB), and Self-efficacy (SE).DesignCross-sectional instrument development survey.Setting/ParticipantsConvenience sample (n = 954) of 18- to 24-year-old college students from a northeastern university.AnalysisThe sample was randomly split: (N₁) and (N₂). N₁ was used for exploratory factor analyses using principal components analyses; N₂ was used for confirmatory analyses (structural modeling) and reliability analyses (coefficient α). The full sample was used for measurement invariance (multi-group confirmatory analyses) and convergent validity (BEH) and known group validation (DB and SE) by SOC using analysis of variance.ResultsReliable (α > .7), psychometrically sound, and stable measures included 2 correlated 5-item DB subscales (Pros and Cons), 2 correlated SE subscales (school [5 items] and home [3 items]), and a single 6-item BEH scale. Most students (66%) were in Precontemplation and Contemplation SOC. Behavior, DB, and SE scales differed significantly by SOC (P < .001) with moderate to large effect sizes, as predicted by the Transtheoretical Model, which supported the validity of these measures.Conclusions and ImplicationsSuccessful development and preliminary validation of this 25-item GE instrument provides a basis for assessment as well as development of tailored interventions for college students.     

Microfocus X-ray imaging of the internal geometry of brachytherapy seeds

Precise and reliable geometrical data on the internal structure of seeds are indispensable for dosimetric calculation in brachytherapy. We used a novel microfocus X-ray imaging technique for observing the internal structure of brachytherapy seeds. Two popular ¹²⁵I seed models were evaluated. Obtained high precision images enabled us to observe the internal structure of seeds qualitatively. Geometrical size parameters were evaluated quantitatively with uncertainty of 0.01–0.04 mm (k=2).     

Supervision: Critical Reflection for Transformational Learning,Part 1

Rooted in medicine and psychology, genetic counseling is a unique practice with a defined set of skills. Training is guided by practice-based competencies that define the requisite skills of an entry-level practitioner. Practicing genetic counselors with expertise in a variety of medical settings provide direct supervision that guides student development. In this article, we provide background on the history of genetic counseling, the model of practice, accreditation and certification standards, and an overview of clinical supervision as well as a review of supervision literature specific to the field.