Fourier analysis is a ubiquitous tool that has found application to diverse areas of physics and engineering. This book deals with its applications in optics, and in particular with its applications to diffraction, imaging, optical data processing, holography and optical communications.
Although it is known that two-tier serologic testing for Lyme disease may be associated with false positive results on the IgM immunoblot, this problem has never been systematically studied in the clinical practice setting. In a retrospective investigation of patients referred to the private adult practice of an Infectious Diseases physician for possible for Lyme disease, 50 of 182 patients (27.5%, 95% CI: 21.1-34.6) were found to have a false positive IgM immunoblot. 78.0% of these patients had received unnecessary antibiotic therapy. False positive results were not restricted to any single commercial laboratory. Research on alternative testing strategies that eliminate the IgM immunoblot entirely is warranted.
Objective
Examine primary care physicians’ use of counseling techniques when treating overweight and obese patients and the association with mediators of behavior change as well as change in nutrition, exercise, and weight loss attempts.
Methods
We audio recorded office encounters between 40 physicians and 461 patients. Encounters were coded for physician use of selected counseling techniques using the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) scale. Patient motivation and confidence as well as Fat and Fiber Diet score (1 to 4), Framingham Physical Activity Questionnaire (MET-minutes), and weight loss attempts (yes/no) were assessed by surveys. Generalized linear models were fit, including physician, patient, and visit level covariates.
Results
Patients whose physicians were rated higher in empathy improved their Fat and Fiber intake 0.18 units (95% CI 0, 0.4). When physicians used “MI consistent” techniques, patients reported higher confidence to improve nutrition (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.2, 5.7).
Conclusion
When physicians used counseling techniques consistent with MI principles, some of their patients’ weight-related attitudes and behaviors improved.
Practice Implications
Physicians may not be able to employ formal MI during a clinic visit. However, use of counseling techniques consistent with MI principles, such as expression of empathy, may improve patients’ weight-related attitudes and behaviors.
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