Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of individual differences on e-learning system satisfaction: A contingency approach

This study investigated the impact of contingent variables on the relationship between four predictors and students' satisfaction with e-learning. Five hundred and twenty-two university students from 10 intact classes engaging in online instruction were asked to answer questionnaires about their learning styles, perceptions of the quality of the proposed predictors and satisfaction with e-learning systems. The results of analysis of variance and structural equation modelling analyses showed that two contingent variables, gender and job status, significantly influenced the perceptions of predictors and students' satisfaction with the e-learning system. This study also found a statistically significant moderating effect of two contingent variables, student job status and learning styles, on the relationship between predictors and e-learning system satisfaction. The results suggest that a serious consideration of contingent variables is crucial for improving e-learning system satisfaction. The implications of these results for the management of e-learning systems are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Foot and ankle fractures in the elderly patient

In 2009, 36.9 million people living in the USA were over the age of 65 years. It is speculated that by the year 2030, that number will jump to 72.1 million. The increased physical demand of the aging American population has been accompanied by an amplification in the number and severity of ankle and foot fractures in the elderly. This article reviews the various issues associated with ankle and foot fractures in this potentially complex patient population, focusing on risk factors for fracture and the continued debate over surgical versus nonsurgical management. The higher level of activity of the aging American population has significantly increased the incidence of ankle and foot fractures in the elderly. Although certain authors have suggested that osteoporosis is the single strongest risk factor for both foot and ankle fractures, it appears that lifestyle factors such as an increased BMI and a propensity for falling play a larger role in ankle fractures, while foot fractures are more typical fragility.
Domestic abuse experienced by young people living in families with alcohol problems: Results from a cross-european study

This paper presents findings from the European Union (EU) DAPHNE project ALC-VIOL (2005–07). The project involved ten EU states (Germany, Austria, England, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Malta, Netherlands, Poland and Spain). The research involved interviews with young people aged 12–18 from Germany, Poland, Spain, England and Malta on their experiences of living with parental alcohol misuse and parental violence. The children all had parents involved in treatment for alcohol problems. The study highlights the stressful experiences these children underwent, the effects on them, their coping strategies, and the support that they received and/or wished for, and underlines the need for a more coherent approach to help these children. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Granular Cell Basal Cell Carcinoma: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

Abstract:Granular cell basal cell carcinoma (BCC), characterized by large cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and conspicuous granularity, is an extremely rare variant of BCC with only 14 cases reported in the literature to date. A case of an 82-year-old man with clinically suspected BCC of the face is presented. Microscopic examination demonstrated characteristic morphologic and immunophenotypic features of granular cell BCC, as well as novel expression of p16 and lack of bcl-2 expression, both of which are previously undescribed in granular BCCs in the literature to date. Although very rare, this entity is important to include in the differential of any nodular cutaneous neoplasm with granular features. The rarity of this lesion makes immunohistochemistry especially helpful. As in other BCCs, granular cell BCCs typically strongly express Ber-EP4 and cytokeratins. The granular BCCs are characteristically periodic acid–Schiff positive, but show no expression of S100 protein. The rarity of the granular cell BCC and the aggressive biological behavior of the entities that may share similar histologic features make arriving at the correct diagnosis paramount to appropriate clinical management. The fifteenth case of granular cell BCC with subsequent review of the literature is reported, with particular focus on the immunohistochemical characteristics.
Randomized evaluation of two drug‐eluting stents with identical metallic platform and biodegradable polymer but different agents (paclitaxel or sirolimus) compared against bare stents: 1‐Year results of the PAINT trial

Objectives: We tested two novel drug‐eluting stents (DES), covered with a biodegradable‐polymer carrier and releasing paclitaxel or sirolimus, which were compared against a bare metal stent (primary objective). The DES differed by the drug, but were identical otherwise, allowing to compare the anti‐restenosis effects of sirolimus versus paclitaxel (secondary objective). Background: The efficacy of novel DES with biodegradable polymers should be tested in the context of randomized trials, even when using drugs known to be effective, such as sirolimus and paclitaxel. Methods: Overall, 274 patients with de novo coronary lesions in native vessels scheduled for stent implantation were randomly assigned (2:2:1 ratio) for the paclitaxel (n = 111), sirolimus (n = 106), or bare metal stent (n = 57) groups. Angiographic follow‐up was obtained at 9 months and major cardiac adverse events up to 12 months. Results: Both paclitaxel and sirolimus stents reduced the 9‐month in‐stent late loss (0.54–0.44 mm, 0.32–0.43 mm, vs. 0.90–0.45 mm respectively), and 1‐year risk of target vessel revascularization and combined major adverse cardiac events (P < 0.05 for both, in all comparisons), compared with controls. Sirolimus stents had lower late loss than paclitaxel stents (P < 0.01), but similar 1‐year clinical outcomes. There were no differences in the risk of death, infarction, or stent thrombosis among the study groups. Conclusion: Both novel DES were effective in reducing neointimal hyperplasia and 1‐year re‐intervention, compared to bare metal stents. Our findings also suggest that sirolimus is more effective than paclitaxel in reducing angiographic neointima, although this effect was not associated with better clinical outcomes. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determinants of Capacity to Consent to Research on Alzheimer’s Disease

ABSTRACT Objective: Investigators conducting Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research need to consider participants’ capacity to consent. Cognitive functioning is a significant predictor of decisional capacity, but there is a dearth of information on the influence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD on decisional capacity. We examined the rates of decisional capacity associated with two types of research protocols, and the association of capacity with neuropsychiatric symptoms and other participant characteristics. Methods: We comprehensively evaluated decisional capacity among 64 patients with mild-to-moderate AD and 70 healthy comparison (HC) subjects randomized to consider either a medium-risk or higher-risk hypothetical research protocol. Additional measures included sociodemographics, cognitive deficits, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Results: Twenty AD patients (31.3%) and 67 HCs (95.7%) were deemed capable; 44 AD patients (68.8%) and 3 HCs (4.3%) incapable of consent. Age, education, and severity of cognitive deficits were associated with incapable status; there were no significant associations with severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms or protocol risk level. Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of understanding of capacity and its assessment among people with AD, rather than treating AD diagnosis as synonymous with impaired capacity. As novel treatments move from bench to bedside, methods of assessing and addressing capacity impairment must similarly advance. Clinical Implications: In assessing research consent capacity, use structured assessments interpreted in the context of the person’s background including education, culture, and language. Individuals should be encouraged to execute research proxy documents when able.
Comparison of colonoscopy and fecal occult blood testing as a first-line screening of colonic lesions in patients with newly diagnosed acromegaly

Content: Patients with acromegaly have frequently colonic neoplasms; however, how acromegalic patients should be screened for colonic lesions is still unsettled. Aims: To compare fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and colonoscopy in the screening program of patients with acromegaly. Design: Colonoscopy and FOBT were performed at the first diagnosis of acromegaly. Setting: Tertiary University center. Patients: Eighty-five consecutive patients with untreated active acromegaly submitted to colonoscopy and FOBT. Results: FOBT, which was positive in 16 (18.8%) out of 85 patients, identified 2 patients with colonic adenocarcinoma and 2 with adenoma; the remaining 12 patients had no detectable colonic lesions. Colonoscopy revealed colonic lesions in 29 patients: 3 (3.5%) cancers, 11 (12.9%) adenomas, and 15 (17.6%) hyperplastic polyps. The remaining 56 acromegalic patients had no detectable lesions. A patient with cancer and 9 patients with adenoma were missed if screened only by FOBT. Conclusions: Colonoscopy is superior to FOBT in detecting colonic lesions at the first diagnosis of acromegaly.
Preliminary Evidence for the Validity and Reliability of the Caregiver Reaction Scale

ABSTRACT Objective: Reliable and valid measures of caregiver experience are critical components of researching the caregiver experience and providing effective care to family caregivers. Assessments should be comprehensive, including positive aspects of caregiving as well as multiple dimensions of stress and burden (Family Caregiver Alliance, 2006). One such measure is the Caregiver Reaction Scale (CRS), a clinical tool adapted from research protocols in 1990. Methods: This study is a preliminary examination of the psychometric properties of the CRS using a sample of family caregivers (N = 502) seeking services at a community based mental health and aging family service agency. Results: The eight subscales of the CRS exhibited very good internal reliability α ≥ . 81. Test-retest reliability was r ≥ . 62, and convergent validity evidence is positive. Means and standard deviations are reported. Conclusions: Initial psychometrics suggest the CRS offers a reliable and valid assessment of multiple dimensions of the caregiving experience and warrants further research.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis for the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support in a Sample of Early Retirees Enrolled in University Programs

ABSTRACT Objective: The aims of this study were twofold—first, to use confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to help assess which of the previously identified factor structures (identified through exploratory factor analysis) best fits a Spanish-language version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and second, to validate the MSPSS (and its subscales) for use among early retirees. Methods: The psychometric properties of the MPSS were analyzed in a sample of 991 Spanish early retirees enrolled in university programs. Participants had an average age of 62.7 years (SD = 5.89). An exploratory factor analysis and second-order confirmatory factor analysis were developed to identify the factorial solution and the best model fit. Results: The three factors identified were MSPSS significant others, MSPSS friends, and MSPSS family. Regarding reliability and validity, internal consistency indices were above . 92 and the correlation between perceived social support subscales and measures of satisfaction with life in retirement were significantly positive. Conclusion: The Spanish language version of the MSPSS demonstrates acceptable psychometric properties in relation to internal structure and reliability, and all but one of the goodness-of-fit indices emerging from the CFA also supported this factor structure. The practical implications of the scale in different populations and the problems in relation to the three-factor solution and the index values obtained are discussed.
School Counselors Deliver Information about School Counseling and their Work: What Professional Message is Conveyed?

This study examined the extent to which 99 school counselors delivered information to stakeholders about their profession and work via various channels. Results showed that information was mainly delivered via routine encounters within the school while the use of a pre-arranged manner and electronic media were less frequent. School counselors’ work information tended to be delivered to the school staff rather than to pupils, parents/guardians, and community. To the least extent, school counselors delivered information about their professional profile. The authors discuss the importance of delivering information in the advocacy of the counseling profession.
The Use of Tablet Technology by Older Adults in Health Care Settings—Is It Effective and Satisfying? A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis

ABSTRACT Objectives: This systematic review/meta-analysis examines the potential for older people to accept and use tablet technology in clinical settings by assessing satisfaction and effectiveness. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted of PubMed, SCOPUS, and CINAHL through March 2017. Inclusion criteria included studies with any clinical use of a tablet technology with a median patient age above 65 years. Results: We included a total of 12 studies (4 randomized controlled trials, 4 cross-sectional studies, and 4 pre/post studies). Interventions included the use of tablet technology for medication self-management, post-surgery education, memory retention, cognitive rehabilitation, and exercise promotion. The use of tablet technology by older people in clinical settings was associated with high satisfaction with a pooled prevalence of satisfaction of 78%; 95% CI 27–100. We did not find evidence for effectiveness in improving clinical or behavioral outcomes. Conclusions: Older people can use and are satisfied with table technology in clinical settings. More studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of tablet technology at promoting health outcomes. Clinical Implications: Clinicians should be encouraged to utilize tablet technology in the care of older patients.
Facebook as a formal instructional environment

Dr. Bahar Baran is Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technologies at Dokuz Eylul University. Her research interests cover design, development and evaluation of social learning environments, e-learning and multimedia environments. Address for correspondence: Mrs. Bahar Baran, Dokuz Eylul University, Buca Faculty of Education, Computer Education and Instructional Technologies, Hasan Ali Yucel Building, Floor:3, Buca/Izmir Turkey. 35160. Email: bahar.baran@deu.edu. tr
Neonatal balloon aortic valvuloplasty—predictive value of current risk score algorithms for treatment strategies

Background: Neonatal valvular aortic stenosis (AoS) represents a spectrum of different degrees of hypoplasia and malformation of all left heart structures. Uncertainty exists on threshold values for biventricular circulation of newborns with critical AoS. Our aim was to assess the predictive value of current risk scores for treatment strategies in critical AoS. Methods and Results: The echocardiograms of all newborns with AoS treated by balloon valvuloplasty (AoVP) or Norwood operation between January 2006 and September 2008 were reviewed retrospectively and the Rhodes‐, Colan‐score and the univentricular repair survival advantage (UVR‐SA) tool were applied. The results were compared to the actual outcome. Out of 28 patients 19 were treated by an initial AoVP and nine by an initial Norwood operation. In three a secondary Norwood operation was done. According to the Rhodes‐score 24 patients should have been treated by a univentricular strategy but 12 of them (50%) live with biventricular circulation. The Colan‐score resulted in 19 univentricular decisions and 7 (37%) of these patients now live with biventricular circulation. Applying the UVR‐SA tool 2/12 (17%) patients predicted for a univentricular strategy received successful biventricular circulation and 2/16 (12%) of the suggested biventricular patients have a univentricular circulation. Hence, 14/28 (50%) patients had discordant treatment decisions. Conclusion: No prospectively tested criteria for patient selection (biventricular vs. univentricular) are available for critically ill newborns with AoS. Retrospective application of the current risk scores showed unsatisfactory results. Treatment decisions are based on local experience and expertise. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cognitive and Psychological Factors Associated with Early Posttreatment Functional Outcomes in Breast Cancer Survivors

Breast cancer survivors experience cognitive difficulties following chemotherapy, yet the effects of these deficits on functional outcomes have not been systematically evaluated. This study assessed the relationships between postchemotherapy cognitive difficulties and functional outcomes. Forty-six women with breast cancer were seen at 1-month postchemotherapy; data were collected on cognitive functioning, psychological variables, and physical symptoms. Wilcoxon signed-rank analyses revealed cognitive deficits in executive functioning and verbal fluency. Subsequent regression analyses demonstrated that poorer executive functioning was associated with decreased productivity, community involvement, and social role functioning. Poorer quality of life was predicted by depression and reluctance to seek social support, but not cognitive functioning. These findings indicate that executive functioning deficits are associated with important functional outcomes among breast cancer survivors 1-month postchemotherapy. Thus, treatment efforts should focus on addressing cognitive, as well as psychological and physical, issues among cancer survivors.
The Impact of Specialized Oncology Nursing on Patient Supportive Care Outcomes

Meeting the supportive care needs of cancer patients remains a challenge to cancer care systems around the world. Despite significant improvements in the organization of medical care of patients with cancer, numerous surveys of cancer populations demonstrate that significant proportions of patients fail to have their supportive care needs met. One possible solution is the introduction of a care coordinator role using oncology nursing to help ensure that patients’ physical, psychological, and social support needs are addressed. Although having face validity, there is little empirical evidence on the effects of nurse-led supportive care coordinator roles on patient reported supportive care outcomes. In this article the authors present the results of a prospective longitudinal cohort study of 113 patients referred to a community-based specialist oncology nursing program. Using validated instruments they found significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes in key supportive care domains: unmet needs, quality of life, and continuity of care, as well as a shift in patterns of health resource utilization from acute care settings to the community over the course of the intervention. The results of this study are important in supporting the design and development of controlled trials to examine provider roles in the coordination of supportive cancer care.
Safety and effectiveness of the INVATEC MO.MA® proximal cerebral protection device during carotid artery stenting: Results from the ARMOUR pivotal trial

Objective: The multicenter ARMOUR (ProximAl PRotection with the MO.MA Device DUring CaRotid Stenting) trial evaluated the 30‐day safety and effectiveness of the MO.MA® Proximal Cerebral Protection Device (Invatec, Roncadelle, Italy) utilized to treat high surgical risk patients undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS). Background: Distal embolic protection devices (EPD) have been traditionally utilized during CAS. The MO.MA device acts as a balloon occlusion “endovascular clamping” system to achieve cerebral protection prior to crossing the carotid stenosis. Methods: This prospective registry enrolled 262 subjects, 37 roll‐in and 225 pivotal subjects evaluated with intention to treat (ITT) from September 2007 to February 2009. Subjects underwent CAS using the MO.MA device. The primary endpoint, myocardial infarction, stroke, or death through 30 days (30‐day major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events [MACCE]) was compared to a performance goal of 13% derived from trials utilizing distal EPD. Results: For the ITT population, the mean age was 74.7 years with 66.7% of the cohort being male. Symptomatic patients comprised 15.1% and 28.9% were octogenarians. Device success was 98.2% and procedural success was 93.2%. The 30‐day MACCE rate was 2.7% [95% CI (1.0–5.8%)] with a 30‐day major stroke rate of 0.9%. No symptomatic patient suffered a stroke during this trial. Conclusions: The ARMOUR trial demonstrated that the MO.MA® Proximal Cerebral Protection Device is safe and effective for high surgical risk patients undergoing CAS. The absence of stroke in symptomatic patients is the lowest rate reported in any independently adjudicated prospective multicenter registry trial to date. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reconsidering the role of attitude in the TAM: An answer to Teo (2009) and Nistor and Heymann (2010), and Lopez-Bonilla and Lopez-Bonilla (2011)

Introduction Several models have been developed to explain and predict the technology acceptance. Over the years, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) has been widely accepted as a robust, powerful and parsimonious model capable of explaining user’s technology acceptance in a variety of contexts. The model developed by Davis (1989) aims at explaining how users perceive and use technology. Since its development, the TAM has been used as a research framework in many studies under different contexts. Although TAM has been widely used, Dishaw and Strong (1999) recommended that the TAM be studied further to obtain more insights into its validity.
Development and Evaluation of the Cancer Dyads Group Intervention: Preliminary Findings

Despite the fact that importance of primary relationships for cancer patients and their caregivers’ adaptation to illness is well recognized, only a paucity of studies report about clinical interventions for the patient–caregiver dyad. The article presents the Cancer Dyads Group Intervention (CDGI), a supportive group intervention for breast cancer patients and caregivers, and preliminary findings about its effectiveness. A correspondence analysis of the verbatim transcripts of the first three groups was conducted. Findings highlight the evolution of participants during the intervention and confirm the congruence between goals and the participants’ experience. Further investigation of the CDGI effectiveness is necessary.