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Does infertility cause marital benefit? An epidemiological study of 2250 women and men in fertility treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate (i) marital benefit, e.g., that infertility has strengthen the marriage and brought the partners closer together among people beginning fertility treatment and (ii) communication and coping strategies as predictors of marital benefit 12 months later. METHODS: A prospective cohort design including 2250 people beginning fertility treatment and a 12-month follow-up. Data were based on self-administered questionnaires measuring marital benefit, communication, and coping strategies. The analyses of predictors were based on the sub-cohort (n=816) who had not achieved a delivery after fertility treatment. RESULTS: 25.9% of women and 21.1% of men reported high marital benefit. Among men medium use of active-confronting coping (e.g., letting feelings out, asking others for advice) and use of meaning-based coping were significant predictors for high marital benefit. Having the infertility as a secret, difficult marital communication, and using active-avoidance coping (e.g., avoid being with pregnant women or children, turning to work to take mind off things) were among men significant predictors for low marital benefit. No significant predictors were identified among women. CONCLUSION: Fertility patients frequently experience marital benefit. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The study provides information about where to intervene with male fertility patients in order to increase their marital benefit after medically unsuccessful treatment.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

The apprenticeship of an editor and the secret role of a mentor.

Dr. Alvan R. Feinstein, late editor of the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, is remembered by his fellow editor in this article. His role is highlighted as an innovative gatekeeper of clinical and epidemiological communications and as an effective secret mentor of his younger partner. The profile of his editorial practice is summarized as "six commandments" and the Golden Rule of pursuing attainable excellence.

Epidemiology↗

Synaptic adhesion molecules.

Formation, differentiation and plasticity of synapses, the specialized cell-cell contacts through which neurons communicate, all require interactions between pre- and post-synaptic partners. Several synaptically localized adhesion molecules potentially capable of mediating these interactions have been identified recently. Functional studies suggest roles for some of them in target recognition (e.g. SYG-1 and sidekicks), formation and alignment of synaptic specializations (e.g. SynCAM, neuroligin and neurexin), and regulation of synaptic structure and function (e.g. cadherins and syndecan).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cooperative problem solving by tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella): spontaneous division of labor, communication, and reciprocal altruism.

Using an experimentally induced cooperation task, the authors investigated whether tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) share the following 3 characteristics of cooperation with humans: division of labor, communication, and reciprocal altruism. In Experiment 1, the authors trained individual monkeys to perform the necessary sequence of actions for rewards and tested them in pairs to assess whether they could solve the task by spontaneously dividing the sequence of actions. All pairs solved this task. In Experiment 2, monkeys worked in the cooperation task and a task requiring no partner help. They looked at the partner significantly longer in the former task than in the latter, but communicative intent could not be determined. In Experiment 3, only 1 of 2 participants obtained a reward on each trial. Monkeys maintained cooperation when their roles were reversed on alternate trials. Their cooperative performances demonstrated division of labor; results suggest task-related communication and reciprocal altruism.

Altruism↗

Attitudes towards HPV testing: a qualitative study of beliefs among Indian, Pakistani, African-Caribbean and white British women in the UK.

This study examined attitudes to human papillomavirus (HPV) testing among a purposively selected sample of women from four ethnic groups: white British, African Caribbean, Pakistani and Indian. The design was qualitative, using focus group discussion to elicit women's attitudes towards HPV testing in the context of cervical cancer prevention. The findings indicate that although some women welcomed the possible introduction of HPV testing, they were not fully aware of the sexually transmitted nature of cervical cancer and expressed anxiety, confusion and stigma about HPV as a sexually transmitted infection. The term 'wart virus', often used by medical professionals to describe high-risk HPV to women, appeared to exacerbate stigma and confusion. Testing positive for HPV raised concerns about women's sexual relationships in terms of trust, fidelity, blame and protection, particularly for women in long-term monogamous relationships. Participation in HPV testing also had the potential to communicate messages of distrust, infidelity and promiscuity to women's partners, family and community. Concern about the current lack of available information about HPV was clearly expressed and public education about HPV was seen as necessary for the whole community, not only women. The management of HPV within cervical screening raises important questions about informed participation. Our findings suggest that HPV testing has the potential to cause psychosocial harm to women and their partners and families.

Adult↗

Microaerophilic conditions permit to mimic in vitro events occurring during in vivo Helicobacter pylori infection and to identify Rho/Ras-associated proteins in cellular signaling.

Molecular dissection of the mechanisms underlying Helicobacter pylori infection suffers from the lack of in vitro systems mimicking in vivo observations. A system was developed whereby human epithelial cells (Caco-2) grown as polarized monolayers and bacteria can communicate with each other under culture conditions optimal for each partner. Caco-2 cells grown on filter supports were inserted in a vertical position into diffusion chambers equilibrated with air and 5% CO(2) at their basolateral surface (aerophilic conditions) and 5% CO(2), 5% O(2), 90% N(2) (microaerophilic conditions) in the apical compartment. Remarkably, the epithelial polarized layer was stable under these asymmetric culture conditions for at least 24 h, and the presence of Caco-2 cells was necessary to maintain H. pylori growth. In contrast to previous studies conducted with non-polarized Caco-2 cells and other cell lines kept under aerophilic conditions, we found H. pylori-dependent stimulation of cytokine secretion (MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), GRO-alpha (growth-regulated oncogene-alpha), RANTES (regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted)). This correlated with nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB p50 and p65 subunits. Tyrosine phosphorylation of nine cellular proteins was induced or enhanced; we identified p120(RasGAP), p190(RhoGAP), p62dok (downstream of tyrosine kinases), and cortactin as H. pylori-inducible targets. Moreover, reduction of H. pylori urease expression was observed in adherent bacteria as compared with bacteria in suspension. In addition to mimicking several observations seen in the inflamed gastric mucosa, the novel in vitro system was allowed to underscore complex cellular events not seen in classical in vitro analyses of microaerophilic bacteria-epithelial cell cross-talk.

Caco-2 Cells↗

East-west differences in reported preventive practices. A comparative study of six European areas of the WHO-CINDI programme.

BACKGROUND: Differences have been reported in life expectancy and mortality between Eastern and Western European countries. Also, disparities have been found among different European countries or populations concerning the implementation of preventive practices by health professionals. This study analysed the patterns of reported preventive practices in three Eastern European areas and three Western ones. METHODS: Health surveys were carried out in particular geographical area of six countries participating in the project (three Eastern European countries; Russia, Poland and Hungary and three Western European countries; Finland, Germany and Spain). All of them are partners in the WHO-CINDI (Countrywide Integration Non-communicable Diseases Intervention) Programme. Three preventive practices are analysed: reported blood pressure and blood cholesterol measurements and reported antismoking counseling during the last year. Data are presented separately for the general population and for people reporting specific chronic conditions (cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and/or diabetes mellitus). RESULTS: Blood pressure measurement and antismoking counseling are more frequently reported to be carried out by primary health care physicians in the Eastern European areas while blood cholesterol measurement is more frequently reported in Western European countries. All these preventive activities are more frequently reported to be done among people with chronic conditions than in the population as a whole. CONCLUSIONS: Major differences have been found in reported preventive practices between Eastern and Western European countries. Great potential exists for chronic disease prevention among them.

Blood Pressure↗

ACOG Committee Opinion No. 343: psychosocial risk factors: perinatal screening and intervention.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advocates assessing for psychosocial risk factors and helping women man-age psychosocial stressors as part of comprehensive care for women. Psychosocial screening of all women seeking pregnancy evaluation or pre-natal care should be performed regardless of social status, educational level,or race and ethnicity. Because problems may arise during the pregnancy that were not present at the initial visit, it is best to perform psychosocial screen-ing at least once each trimester to increase the likelihood of identifying important issues and reducing poor birth outcomes. When screening is completed, every effort should be made to identify areas of concern, validate major issues with the patient, provide information, and, if indicated, make suggestions for possible changes. When necessary, the health care provider should refer the patient for further evaluation or intervention. Psychosocial risk factors also should be considered in discharge planning after delivery. Many of the psychosocial issues that increase the risk for poor pregnancy outcome also can affect the health and welfare of the newborn. Screening should include assessment of barriers to care, unstable housing, unintended pregnancy, communication barriers, nutrition, tobacco use, substance use,depression, safety, intimate partner violence, and stress.

Domestic Violence↗

Locus of control for general health and STD acquisition among adolescent girls.

PURPOSE: To examine adolescent girls' perception of control over general health and sexually transmitted disease (STD) acquisition. METHODS: Adolescents participating in a longitudinal study were asked questions regarding their perception of their locus of control. These questions, adopted from a previous measure, focused on six loci: internal control, control by parents, partners, peers, and health care providers, and chance. RESULTS: There were 128 girls (mean age, 17 years; range, 14.5 to 18.8); 82% were black and 18% white. Statistically significant associations were found between control of general health and STD acquisition for each locus of control subscale, with the exception of partner control. However, the girls reported significantly less control over STD acquisition than over general health for health care providers, parents, and by chance, and significantly more partner and internal control over STD acquisition than general health. The correlations between parental control over general health and over STD acquisition were inversely correlated with age. Partner control was positively related to current condom use, but internal control was not. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of the locus of control was specific for STD acquisition. Girls who believe they should be able to control STD acquisition may not be using condoms. The view of partners as having control over STD acquisition may represent joint communication or coercion. However, in general these findings support the development of female-controlled methods for STD prevention, such as topical microbicides.

Adolescent↗

Prevention campaigns for hard-to-reach populations at risk for HIV infection: theory and implementation.

Using applied behavioral science techniques that have been successful in other areas of health promotion, community-level campaigns were implemented in 5 cities to prevent HIV infection among hard-to-reach, at-risk populations: men who have sex with men but do not self-identify as gay; women who engage in sex for money or drugs; injecting drug users (IDUs), female sex partners of IDUs; and youth in high-risk situations. Communication materials presented positive role models for risk-reducing behaviors, and peer networks prompted and reinforced the behavior change process. This article describes the first year of intervention experience and documents the practical application of theoretical concepts of persuasion and learning. The use of theory and data to develop 188 educational messages is illustrated and training methods and experiences are reported for 150 peer leaders, 104 other community networkers, and 22 outreach workers. These activities are feasible and appear to offer an effective, general approach for diverse, special populations.

Adult↗

Ethical dilemmas in general hospitals: social workers' contribution to ethical decision-making.

Thirty-two hospital social workers, fourteen of them directors of social work services and eighteen direct practitioners, were interviewed about their perception of the factors influencing social workers' contribution to the resolution of ethical dilemmas in general hospitals in Israel. Findings revealed that while ethical decision-making in hospitals is an interdisciplinary process, social workers' contribution to the process is affected by rivalry between social workers and other members of the health team, personality differences, type of ward and the nature of the ethical dilemma. Participants of the study had quite a clear perception of their role and of the unique knowledge-base social work can offer, including knowledge of the individual and family life course, understanding and skills in coping with diseases, and systems thinking. In order to increase their influence in ethical decision-making, the hospital social workers felt they must put more effort into developing their relationships with the other professionals involved in ethical decision-making both by making themselves more indispensable and by making their contribution explicit through greater documentation of their activities. The findings also implied that in order to gain more power and be accepted as equal partners in multidisciplinary teams, hospital social workers should improve their communication skills when interacting with representatives of other heath care professions.

Decision Making↗

[Conversational utterance inhibitions and mental health].

This study examined the relationship between utterance inhibitions in conversations and mental health. Utterance inhibitions were classified into five groups: partner orientation, self orientation, partner-self distance maintenance, norms and situations, and lack of communication skills, according to their presumed causes in motivation and skill. A questionnaire asked 271 undergraduates, 131 men and 140 women, how often they experienced such inhibitions, in what situations, and so on. They also completed General Health Questionnaire. Results indicated that when the frequency of inhibitions due to lack of communication skills was high, both men and women reported poorer mental health. When the frequency of inhibitions due to norm and situation considerations was high, women reported better mental health. These relationships between inhibition frequency and mental health were all linear. Moreover, dissatisfaction ratings of conversations mediated the effect of utterance inhibitions on mental health in women, but not in men. These results suggested that we needed to look into quality differences among various kinds of utterance inhibitions.

Adult↗

Creating win-win customer-supplier partnerships.

Today's global competition mandates that each customer-supplier combination achieve a balance between the supplier's manufacturing flexibility and the customer's schedule stability. Sharing valid schedules, working on quality together, reducing each other's costs, and streamlining communications allows a customer and supplier to become true enterprise partners.

Consumer Behavior↗

African American women's experiences with the initial discovery, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To describe the experiences of African American women living with breast cancer following the primary diagnosis and while undergoing initial treatment. DESIGN: Phenomenologic. SAMPLE/SETTING: 13 African American women (ages 30-66) purposefully selected from two oncology clinics in the mid-South. METHODS: Phenomenologic interviews (transcribed verbatim) and field notes were analyzed using Colaizzi's method of phenomenologic description and analysis. FINDINGS: Experience Trajectory, Femininity, and Spirituality were the three major themes. The Experience Trajectory subthemes were finding the lump, getting the diagnosis, undergoing surgery and adjuvant treatment. The Femininity subthemes were loss of all or part of the breast, loss of hair, and sexual attractiveness to a man. Spirituality was reflected as a reliance on God. CONCLUSIONS: Telling the story of their experience trajectory during their breast cancer experience is valuable in assessing African American women's feelings, emotions, and fears of body changes that occur during surgery and treatment. Their spirituality helps them through this experience. Research involving both African American women and their partners would provide greater insight into specific relationship patterns and communication related to sexuality during this experience. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses need to listen to the stories of African American women about the initial experience of discovery, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer so they can be more informed advocates for these women. African American women need more information from healthcare providers regarding the whole experience trajectory.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Sexuality in chronic respiratory failure: coincidences and divergences between patient and primary caregiver.

Sexual functioning can be affected by chronic illness in a variety of ways. These problems affect the patients relationship and the degree of satisfaction with his partner. We conducted a study in order to evaluate the perception of sexual difficulties and changes in communication with patients and their wives. Male chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with (COPD) and chronic respiratory failure on long-term oxygen therapy were studied. The evaluation method used has consisted of the individualized administration of a semi-structured interview created for this purpose. This interview was conducted with the patients and their wives. One part of the interview was dedicated to evaluating possible sexual problems and how these problems affect the relationship between the couples. In addition, patients as well as their partners were asked the degree of satisfaction with their partners and the degree of satisfaction with their lives. Forty-nine patients and their spouses have been included in the study. Thirty-three patients (67.3%) showed some type of sexual problem (lack of desire and/or impotence). Sixteen wives (33%) answered affirmatively to the question about whether changes at a communicative level as a consequence of the patients illness had occurred. In relation to the appearance of sexual changes, 46 (94%) of the wives answered affirmatively. The wives were significantly less satisfied with the relationship than the patients, which was related to communication problems. The group of patients were more satisfied with their partners than with their life, whereas no difference has been observed in the wives with both variables. An important percentage of patients with chronic insufficiency who have sexual difficulties exits. A factor which influences the perception of such problems in a very important way is the degree of affection in the relationship between the couples.

Communication↗

Patient-physician communication in oncology: past, present, and future.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Contemporary oncology practice acknowledges the importance of partnering with the patient and family in dealing with the illness. Patients also value their physicians as important sources of support when they provide information about the illness, encouragement, and hope, discuss treatment options, and address their concerns. For this reason outcomes associated with the quality of the physician-patient relationship have received increasing recognition. This review highlights relevant studies bearing on important outcomes of communication with the cancer patient and discusses the implication for training oncologists of the future. RECENT FINDINGS: Evidence is mounting that effective and empathic communication with the cancer patient and family can influence desirable outcomes in cancer care, which affect patient quality of life, satisfaction with care, and medical outcomes. Evidence also exists that communication and interpersonal skills can be taught and learned. Oncology training programs traditionally do not offer experience in this aspect of care although communication skills have now been defined as a core competency for oncology trainees. Finding motivated faculty to teach and providing time and structure in the curriculum are also major obstacles to be overcome. SUMMARY: Communication skills are the cornerstone of comprehensive cancer care. Learning this aspect of patient care can expand the supportive role of the oncologist especially at crucial times for the patient and family such as diagnosis, disease recurrence, and transition to palliative care.

Communication↗

Atopic dermatitis and stress: possible role of negative communication with significant others.

Clinical reports have related stressful social interactions to the course of atopic dermatitis (AD). Controlled behavioral observations of interaction patterns of AD patients and their significant others, however, were lacking. In two studies, adult AD patients and their mothers (N1 = 26) or partners (N2 = 67) engaged in a discussion of a mutual problem. Their verbal and nonverbal communication behavior was analyzed with a reliable standardized interactional coding system and compared to that of control dyads (N1 = 18, N2 = 28). Although AD patients and their significant others did not differ from controls in their self-reported satisfaction with the relationship, the behavioral observations showed less positive and more negative communication patterns compared to the control dyads. Negative interactions with significant others may prevent the solution of everyday problems and may add to the patients' stress level.

Journal Article↗

Environmental risk communication for the clinician.

Although they are accustomed to discussing risks in the medical arena through the process of informed consent, primary care clinicians may have difficulty communicating with their patients and communities about environmental health risks. Clinicians are generally trusted and can play important roles as educators, alert practitioners, or even advocates talking about environmental health risks with individuals and groups. Communication of risk requires an understanding of how scientists and clinicians assess risk--the process of quantitative or qualitative risk assessment. Risk is never a purely scientific issue; risk is perceived differently depending on some well-understood characteristics of the hazard, the individual perceiving the risk, and the social context. Many low-income communities of color have faced and continue to face disproportionate environmental exposures and disease burdens. The issue of environmental justice can significantly affect the context of a discussion about a specific environmental risk. The essence of risk communication has been well described and requires careful evaluation of the science and the social context, honesty, listening to and partnering with the community, and a clear, compassionate team approach.

Communication↗