Planning for Office Automation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mick, Colin K.

1983-01-01

Outlines a practical approach to planning for office automation termed the "Focused Process Approach" (the "what" phase, "how" phase, "doing" phase) which is a synthesis of the problem-solving and participatory planning approaches. Thirteen references are provided. (EJS)

Nurses' perspectives on how operational leaders influence function-focused care for hospitalised older people.

PubMed

Fox, Mary T; Butler, Jeffrey I

2016-11-01

To explore nurses' perspectives on how leaders influence function-focused care, defined as care that preserves and restores older people's functional abilities. Hospitalised older people are at risk of functional decline. Although leaders have the potential to influence function-focused care, few studies have explored nurses' perspectives on how leaders influence function-focused care. Thirteen focus groups were held with 57 acute care nurses. Semi-structured questions prompted discussion on nurses' perspectives, needs and strategies to meet their needs. Data were thematically analysed. Three themes were identified: (1) the emphasis in hospitals is on moving older people quickly through the system, not supporting their functioning; (2) leaders are generally seen as too disconnected from practice to design system efficiency initiatives that support older people's functioning and nurses' provisioning of function-focused care; and (3) leadership strategies to better support nurses in providing function-focused care to older people in the context of system efficiency. Leaders should connect with practice to devise age-sensitive efficiency initiatives that support function-focused care. Nurses need support from leaders in four areas to provide function-focused care to older people in the current hospital context. The findings provide direction on how leaders can facilitate function-focused care in the current health-care environment emphasising system efficiency. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Development of the PedsQL™ Epilepsy Module: Focus group and cognitive interviews.

PubMed

Follansbee-Junger, Katherine W; Mann, Krista A; Guilfoyle, Shanna M; Morita, Diego A; Varni, James W; Modi, Avani C

2016-09-01

Youth with epilepsy have impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Existing epilepsy-specific HRQOL measures are limited by not having parallel self- and parent-proxy versions, having a restricted age range, not being inclusive of children with developmental disabilities, or being too lengthy for use in a clinical setting. Generic HRQOL measures do not adequately capture the idiosyncrasies of epilepsy. The purpose of the present study was to develop items and content validity for the PedsQL™ Epilepsy Module. An iterative qualitative process of conducting focus group interviews with families of children with epilepsy, obtaining expert input, and conducting cognitive interviews and debriefing was utilized to develop empirically derived content for the instrument. Eleven health providers with expertise in pediatric epilepsy from across the country provided feedback on the conceptual model and content, including epileptologists, nurse practitioners, social workers, and psychologists. Ten pediatric patients (age 4-16years) with a diagnosis of epilepsy and 11 parents participated in focus groups. Thirteen pediatric patients (age 5-17years) and 17 parents participated in cognitive interviews. Focus groups, expert input, and cognitive debriefing resulted in 6 final domains including restrictions, seizure management, cognitive/executive functioning, social, sleep/fatigue, and mood/behavior. Patient self-report versions ranged from 30 to 33 items and parent proxy-report versions ranged from 26 to 33 items, with the toddler and young child versions having fewer items. Standardized qualitative methodology was employed to develop the items and content for the novel PedsQL™ Epilepsy Module. The PedsQL™ Epilepsy Module has the potential to enhance clinical decision-making in pediatric epilepsy by capturing and monitoring important patient-identified contributors to HRQOL. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Exploring the value and role of integrated supportive science courses in the reformed medical curriculum iMED: a mixed methods study.

PubMed

Eisenbarth, Sophie; Tilling, Thomas; Lueerss, Eva; Meyer, Jelka; Sehner, Susanne; Guse, Andreas H; Guse Nee Kurré, Jennifer

2016-04-29

Heterogeneous basic science knowledge of medical students is an important challenge for medical education. In this study, the authors aimed at exploring the value and role of integrated supportive science (ISS) courses as a novel approach to address this challenge and to promote learning basic science concepts in medical education. ISS courses were embedded in a reformed medical curriculum. The authors used a mixed methods approach including four focus groups involving ISS course lecturers and students (two each), and five surveys of one student cohort covering the results of regular student evaluations including the ISS courses across one study year. They conducted their study at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf between December 2013 and July 2014. Fourteen first-year medical students and thirteen ISS course lecturers participated in the focus groups. The authors identified several themes focused on the temporal integration of ISS courses into the medical curriculum, the integration of ISS course contents into core curriculum contents, the value and role of ISS courses, and the courses' setting and atmosphere. The integrated course concept was positively accepted by both groups, with participants suggesting that it promotes retention of basic science knowledge. Values and roles identified by focus group participants included promotion of basic understanding of science concepts, integration of foundational and applied learning, and maximization of students' engagement and motivation. Building close links between ISS course contents and the core curriculum appeared to be crucial. Survey results confirmed qualitative findings regarding students' satisfaction, with some courses still requiring optimization. Integration of supportive basic science courses, traditionally rather part of premedical education, into the medical curriculum appears to be a feasible strategy to improve medical students' understanding of basic science concepts and to increase their motivation and engagement.

The OCLC-SERHOLD connection: an evolution in health sciences union listing.

PubMed Central

Battistella, M S

1991-01-01

The OCLC Union List Subsystem (OCLC ULS) provides a standard, high quality, and widely used means of managing union list data. Over the last several years, OCLC ULS tape products have been used by thirteen health sciences libraries or groups to update SERHOLD. These thirteen libraries or groups were surveyed to examine practices in using OCLC to update SERHOLD. The National Library of Medicine's (NLM) processing of OCLC tape products was assessed to determine how OCLC data are handled by SERHOLD. Most important are the assignment of OCLC holdings symbols, OCLC record selection criteria, tape pull cycles, and the processing of exception reports produced by NLM as a result of tape loads. PMID:1958909

The OCLC-SERHOLD connection: an evolution in health sciences union listing.

PubMed

Battistella, M S

1991-10-01

The OCLC Union List Subsystem (OCLC ULS) provides a standard, high quality, and widely used means of managing union list data. Over the last several years, OCLC ULS tape products have been used by thirteen health sciences libraries or groups to update SERHOLD. These thirteen libraries or groups were surveyed to examine practices in using OCLC to update SERHOLD. The National Library of Medicine's (NLM) processing of OCLC tape products was assessed to determine how OCLC data are handled by SERHOLD. Most important are the assignment of OCLC holdings symbols, OCLC record selection criteria, tape pull cycles, and the processing of exception reports produced by NLM as a result of tape loads.

The information needs of occupational therapy students: a case study.

PubMed

Morgan-Daniel, Jane; Preston, Hugh

2017-06-01

This article summarises a case study on the information needs of Masters level Occupational Therapy 5 (OT) students at one English university. A mixed methods questionnaire was used to explore motivators for information-seeking, preferred information resources and barriers inhibiting the satisfaction of information needs. Thirteen recommendations for practice were formulated, focusing on how information professionals can best facilitate OT students' learning and evidence-based research skills in preparation for clinical practice. The study was completed by Jane Morgan-Daniel, who received a Distinction for her work from Aberystwyth University, where she graduated with an MSC in Information and Library Studies in December 2016. She has written this article together with her dissertation supervisor, Hugh Preston. A. M. © 2017 Health Libraries Group.

Aesthetic sports as high-risk contexts for eating disorders--young elite dancers and gymnasts perspectives.

PubMed

Francisco, Rita; Alarcão, Madalena; Narciso, Isabel

2012-03-01

This is the first study developed in Portugal which investigates specific characteristics of dance and gymnastics environments that make them high-risk contexts for the development of eating disorders. Four focus groups were conducted with thirteen ballet students from a professional dance school and nine gymnasts from a gymnastics club (aged 12 to 17 years old), which were subjected to an inductive-deductive analysis procedure. Specific risk and protective factors were identified. Among their respective sources of influence, teachers and coaches are those who exert a stronger influence upon young athletes. We also explored some themes related to the influence of peers, parents, and environmental characteristics, which could have an important role on the development or prevention of disordered eating.

Issues in the Education of Multihandicapped Hearing-Impaired Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jensema, Corinne K., Ed.

1982-01-01

This issue of "Directions," a publication for updating academic, professional, career, and research activities, contains thirteen articles focusing on the education of hearing impaired children with additional disabilities. The following authors and titles are represented: "Multihandicapped Hearing-Impaired Students--Problems in Identification and…

A qualitative study of medical educators' perspectives on remediation: Adopting a holistic approach to struggling residents.

PubMed

Krzyzaniak, Sara M; Wolf, Stephen J; Byyny, Richard; Barker, Lisa; Kaplan, Bonnie; Wall, Stephen; Guerrasio, Jeannette

2017-09-01

During residency, some trainees require the identification and remediation of deficiencies to achieve the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for independent practice. Given the limited published frameworks for remediation, we characterize remediation from the perspective of educators and propose a holistic framework to guide the approach to remediation. We conducted semistructured focus groups to: explore methods for identifying struggling residents; categorize common domains of struggle; describe personal factors that contribute to difficulties; define remediation interventions and understand what constitutes successful completion. Data were analyzed through conventional content analysis. Nineteen physicians across multiple specialties and institutions participated in seven focus groups. Thirteen categories emerged around remediation. Some themes addressed practical components of remediation, while others reflected barriers to the process and the impact of remediation on the resident and program. The themes were used to inform development of a novel holistic framework for remediation. The approach to remediation requires comprehensive identification of individual factors impacting performance. The intervention should not only include a tailored learning plan but also address confounders that impact likelihood of remediation success. Our holistic framework intends to guide educators creating remediation plans to ensure all domains are addressed.

Cultural Literacy & Arts Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Ralph A., Ed.

Thirteen experts in the visual arts, literature, music, dance, and theater responded to the arguments of E. D. Hirsch's "Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know", focusing particularily on his alarm at the serious slippage that has occurred in the background knowledge and information prerequisite for effective communication.…

Effectiveness of Educational Intervention on the Congruence of Prostate and Rectal Contouring as Compared With a Gold Standard in Three-Dimensional Radiotherapy for Prostate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Szumacher, Ewa, E-mail: Ewa.Szumacher@sunnybrook.c; Harnett, Nicole; Warner, Saar

Purpose: To examine effects of a teaching intervention on precise delineation of the prostate and rectum during planning of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) for prostate cancer. Methods and Materials: A pretest, posttest, randomized controlled group design was used. During pretest all participants contoured prostate and rectum on planning CT. Afterward, they participated in two types of workshops. The experimental group engaged in an interactive teaching session focused on prostate and rectum MR anatomy compared with CT anatomy. The control group focused on 3D-CRT planning without mention of prostate or rectal contouring. The experimental group practiced on fused MR-CT images, whereasmore » the control group practiced on CT images. All participants completed the posttest. Results: Thirty-one trainees (12 male, 19 female) were randomly assigned to two groups, 17 in the experimental arm, and 14 in the control group. Seventeen felt familiar or very familiar with pelvic organ contouring, 12 somewhat, and 2 had never done it. Thirteen felt confident with organ contouring, 13 somewhat, and 5 not confident. The demographics and composition of groups were analyzed with chi{sup 2} and repeated-measures analysis of variance with the two groups (experimental or control) and two tests (pre- or posttest) as factors. Satisfaction with the course and long-term effects of the course on practice were assessed with immediate and delayed surveys. All performance variables showed a similar pattern of results. Conclusions: The training sessions improved the technical performance similarly in both groups. Participants were satisfied with the course content, and the delayed survey reflected that cognitively participants felt more confident with prostate and rectum contouring and would investigate opportunities to learn more about organ contouring.« less

A Kindergarten Teacher Bringing Science to a Community

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Theis, Becky; Galindo, Ed; Shockey, Tod

2014-01-01

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) sponsored professional development of educators in the NASA Summer of Innovation (SOI) program. The Idaho, Montana, and Utah (IMU-SOI) program worked with educators and students from thirteen Native American communities. The summer sessions were focused on problem based learning and…

The Resin and Carder bees of south India (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae: Anthidiini)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Little is known about the Anthidiini of southern India. A study focused on the state of Karnataka found a hitherto unknown diversity of thirteen species. Though the number of species is not large, the generic diversity is noteworthy (eight genera represented): Anthidiellum (2 species), Anthidium (2 ...

Visiting Shrines: A Turkish Religious Practice and Its Mental Health Implications

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Canel-Cinarbas, Deniz; Ciftci, Ayse; Bulgan, Gokce

2013-01-01

The purpose of the present study was to explore through qualitative methodology the practice of visiting shrines, a religious practice indigenous to Turkish Muslims, and its potential mental health benefits. Thirteen individuals were interviewed at two shrines in Istanbul, Turkey. The researchers focused on visitors' presenting issues, beliefs…

Exploring beliefs about dietary supplement use: focus group discussions with Dutch adults.

PubMed

Pajor, Emília Margit; Oenema, Anke; Eggers, Sander Matthijs; de Vries, Hein

2017-10-01

Although dietary supplement use is increasing in Europe and the USA, little research involving adults' beliefs regarding dietary supplements has been conducted. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore and compare users' and non-users' beliefs towards dietary supplements. Thirteen focus group discussions were conducted of which seven groups were dietary supplement users and six groups were non-users. Based on the socio-cognitive factors of the Integrated Change Model, a semi-structured topic guide was set up. The discussions were audio-recorded and subjected to qualitative content analysis, applying the framework approach. Data were collected in Maastricht, the Netherlands, in 2014 and 2015. In total fifty-six individuals participated in the study, of whom twenty-eight were dietary supplement users and twenty-eight non-users. The average age of participants was 42·9 years. Dietary supplement users' attitude beliefs were mainly related to mental and physical health enhancement, illness prevention and curative health benefits. Users were critical of the nutritional knowledge of health professionals and of the quality of food products. Non-users were convinced that the human body does not need any support and that regular food is enough to cover one's nutritional needs. Users and non-users held comparable beliefs regarding the definition and risks of dietary supplements, and perceived social influences. In their decision about dietary supplement use, both groups were guided by their own convictions to a great extent. Both groups would benefit from improved understanding of the health effects of dietary supplements to improve informed decision making.

Family Matters: Effects of Birth Order, Culture, and Family Dynamics on Surrogate Decision Making

PubMed Central

Su, Christopher T.; McMahan, Ryan D.; Williams, Brie A.; Sharma, Rashmi K.; Sudore, Rebecca L.

2014-01-01

Cultural attitudes about medical decision making and filial expectations may lead some surrogates to experience stress and family conflict. Thirteen focus groups with racially and ethnically diverse English- and Spanish-speakers from county and Veterans hospitals, senior centers, and cancer support groups were conducted to describe participants’ experiences making serious or end-of-life decisions for others. Filial expectations and family dynamics related to birth order and surrogate decision making were explored using qualitative, thematic content analysis and overarching themes from focus group transcripts were identified. The mean age of the 69 participants was 69 years ± 14 and 29% were African American, 26% were White, 26% were Asian/Pacific Islander, and 19% were Latino. Seventy percent of participants engaged in unprompted discussions about birth order and family dynamics. Six subthemes were identified within 3 overarching categories of communication, emotion, and conflict: Communication – (1) unspoken expectations and (2) discussion of death as taboo; Emotion – (3) emotional stress and (4) feelings of loneliness; and Conflict – (5) family conflict and (6) potential solutions to prevent conflict. These findings suggest that birth order and family dynamics can have profound effects on surrogate stress and coping. Clinicians should be aware of potential unspoken filial expectations for firstborns and help facilitate communication between the patient, surrogate, and extended family to reduce stress and conflict. PMID:24383459

Family matters: effects of birth order, culture, and family dynamics on surrogate decision-making.

PubMed

Su, Christopher T; McMahan, Ryan D; Williams, Brie A; Sharma, Rashmi K; Sudore, Rebecca L

2014-01-01

Cultural attitudes about medical decision-making and filial expectations may lead some surrogates to experience stress and family conflict. Thirteen focus groups with racially and ethnically diverse English and Spanish speakers from county and Veterans Affairs hospitals, senior centers, and cancer support groups were conducted to describe participants' experiences making serious or end-of-life decisions for others. Filial expectations and family dynamics related to birth order and surrogate decision-making were explored using qualitative, thematic content analysis, and overarching themes from focus group transcripts were identified. The mean age of the 69 participants was 69 ± 14, and 29% were African American, 26% were white, 26% were Asian or Pacific Islander, and 19% were Latino. Seventy percent of participants engaged in unprompted discussions about birth order and family dynamics. Six subthemes were identified within three overarching categories: communication (unspoken expectations and discussion of death as taboo), emotion (emotional stress and feelings of loneliness), and conflict (family conflict and potential solutions to prevent conflict). These findings suggest that birth order and family dynamics can have profound effects on surrogate stress and coping. Clinicians should be aware of potential unspoken filial expectations for firstborns and help facilitate communication between the patient, surrogate, and extended family to reduce stress and conflict. © Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the U.S.A.

The Development of a Dental Diagnostic Terminology

PubMed Central

Kalenderian, Elsbeth; Ramoni, Rachel L.; White, Joel M.; Schoonheim-Klein, Meta E.; Stark, Paul C.; Kimmes, Nicole S.; Zeller, Gregory G.; Willis, George P.; Walji, Muhammad F.

2011-01-01

There is no commonly accepted standardized terminology for oral diagnoses. The purpose of this article is to report the development of a standardized dental diagnostic terminology by a work group of dental faculty members. The work group developed guiding principles for decision making and adhered to principles of terminology development. The members used an iterative process to develop a terminology incorporating concepts represented in the Toronto/University of California, San Francisco/Creighton University and International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9/10 codes and periodontal and endodontic diagnoses. Domain experts were consulted to develop a final list of diagnostic terms. A structure was developed, consisting of thirteen categories, seventy-eight subcategories, and 1,158 diagnostic terms, hierarchically organized and mappable to other terminologies and ontologies. Use of this standardized diagnostic terminology will reinforce the diagnosis-treatment link and will facilitate clinical research, quality assurance, and patient communication. Future work will focus on implementation and approaches to enhance the validity and reliability of diagnostic term utilization. PMID:21205730

Determinants of hospital nurse intention to remain employed: broadening our understanding

PubMed Central

Tourangeau, Ann E; Cummings, Greta; Cranley, Lisa A; Ferron, Era Mae; Harvey, Sarah

2010-01-01

Title Determinants of hospital nurse intention to remain employed: broadening ourunderstanding. Aim This paper is a report of a study to identify nurse reported determinants of intention to remain employed and to develop a model explaining determinants of hospital nurse intention to remain employed. Background A worsening shortage of nurses globally suggests that efforts must be made to promote retention of nurses. However, effective retention promotion strategies depend on understanding the factors influencing nurse retention. Methods A descriptive study using focus group methodology was implemented. Thirteen focus groups including 78 nurses were carried out in two Canadian provinces in 2007. Thematic analysis strategies were incorporated to analyse the data. Findings Eight thematic categories reflecting factors nurses described as influencing their intentions to remain employed emerged from focus groups: (1) relationships with co-workers, (2) condition of the work environment, (3) relationship with and support from one’s manager, (4) work rewards, (5) organizational support and practices, (6) physical and psychological responses to work, (7) patient relationships and other job content, and (8) external factors. A model of determinants of hospital nurse intention to remain employed is hypothesized. Conclusion Findings were both similar to and different from previous research. The overriding concept of job satisfaction was not found. Rather, nurse assessments of satisfaction within eight thematic categories were found to influence intentions to remain employed. Further testing of the hypothesized model is required to determine its global utility. Understanding determinants of intention to remain employed can lead to development of strategies that strengthen nurse retention. Incorporation of this knowledge in nurse education programmes is essential. PMID:20423434

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials of low-carbohydrate vs. low-fat/low-calorie diets in the management of obesity and its comorbidities.

PubMed

Hession, M; Rolland, C; Kulkarni, U; Wise, A; Broom, J

2009-01-01

There are few studies comparing the effects of low-carbohydrate/high-protein diets with low-fat/high-carbohydrate diets for obesity and cardiovascular disease risk. This systematic review focuses on randomized controlled trials of low-carbohydrate diets compared with low-fat/low-calorie diets. Studies conducted in adult populations with mean or median body mass index of > or =28 kg m(-2) were included. Thirteen electronic databases were searched and randomized controlled trials from January 2000 to March 2007 were evaluated. Trials were included if they lasted at least 6 months and assessed the weight-loss effects of low-carbohydrate diets against low-fat/low-calorie diets. For each study, data were abstracted and checked by two researchers prior to electronic data entry. The computer program Review Manager 4.2.2 was used for the data analysis. Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria. There were significant differences between the groups for weight, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerols and systolic blood pressure, favouring the low-carbohydrate diet. There was a higher attrition rate in the low-fat compared with the low-carbohydrate groups suggesting a patient preference for a low-carbohydrate/high-protein approach as opposed to the Public Health preference of a low-fat/high-carbohydrate diet. Evidence from this systematic review demonstrates that low-carbohydrate/high-protein diets are more effective at 6 months and are as effective, if not more, as low-fat diets in reducing weight and cardiovascular disease risk up to 1 year. More evidence and longer-term studies are needed to assess the long-term cardiovascular benefits from the weight loss achieved using these diets.

Comparative analysis of meteorological performance of coupled chemistry-meteorology models in the context of AQMEII phase 2

EPA Science Inventory

Air pollution simulations critically depend on the quality of the underlying meteorology. In phase 2 of the Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative (AQMEII-2), thirteen modeling groups from Europe and four groups from North America operating eight different regional...

Communication, "Class," and Culture.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jeffres, Leo W.

A study was conducted to examine the relationships among communication, social class, and ethnic heritage. Eleven of thirteen ethnic groups in a Midwestern metropolitan area who had been studied in 1976 were surveyed again in late 1980 and early 1981. Groups surveyed were Irish, Greek, Czech, Italian, Lebanese, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Polish,…

Summary of 2017 EFCOG Training "How DOE Does Training" Survey Results

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hanson, Todd

Thirteen training organizations associated with the Energy Facility Contractors Group (EFCOG) Training Working Group were approached earlier this year for information on core training requirements of their organizations. Of the organizations surveyed, 85% responded, which helped create the data shown here. We thank them for their support.

Institutional Barriers for Adults' Participation in Higher Education in Thirteen European Countries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saar, Ellu; Täht, Kadri; Roosalu, Triin

2014-01-01

This study focuses on institutional barriers that adult learners experience while participating in higher education programmes. We developed a holistic measure of diversification, accessibility, flexibility and affordability of higher education for adults. Based on pre-economic-crisis data across Europe we then explored the impact of macro-level…

The Study of Pre-Service Teachers' Alternative Conceptions Regarding Three Ecological Issues.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khalid, Tahsin

The focus of the study was to identify and describe environmental preconceptions held by preservice elementary teachers about three issues: greenhouse effect, ozone layer depletion, and acid rain. One hundred and thirteen junior or senior level elementary education majors enrolled in science methods courses at a large Midwestern university…

A Study: The Relationship of Personality Type to Vocabulary Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Covner, Thelma Crockin

To test the hypothesis that aspects of one's personality are associated with expansion of his or her vocabulary, a study focused on thirteen students of various ages who constituted a vocabulary development class. Students were taught techniques for discovering meaning through context or extracting meaning through word structure. Considerable time…

Remote Rural Students' Perceptions of Their Collegiate Transition Experience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rains, Linda Marie Peterson

2009-01-01

This research project focused on the perceptions of students from remote rural communities as they told of their transition experiences to a mid-size, research-intensive university. During the spring of 2008, thirteen students from North Dakota remote rural counties agreed to be interviewed for this study. Ten females and three males from seven…

Families' Goals, School Involvement, and Children's Academic Achievement: A Follow-Up Study Thirteen Years Later

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kyle, Diane W.

2011-01-01

A study conducted from 1996-2000 focused on the academic development of children within a statewide educational reform effort, including changing the organizational structure of the early years of schooling into nongraded primary programs (formerly age-based classrooms for kindergarteners through third grade). The multisite study involved children…

"Take an opportunity whenever you get it": Information Sharing among African-American Women with Hypertension.

PubMed

Jones, Lenette M; Wright, Kathy D; Wallace, McKenzie K; Veinot, Tiffany

2018-01-01

Nearly half of African-American women have hypertension, which increases their risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. A plethora of consumer health information products and services exist to inform people with hypertension and to promote self-management among them. Promotion of information sharing by African-American women represents a promising, culturally-applicable strategy for consumer health information services focused on hypertension self-management. Yet, how African-American women share hypertension information with others is unclear. The purpose of this qualitative, descriptive study was to examine practices of information sharing in African-American women with hypertension. Thirteen women (mean age = 73, SD = 9.87) participated in one of two focus groups held at an urban community health center. Thematic analysis revealed that the women shared information about how they self-managed their blood pressure 1) with female family members and friends, 2) about ways in which they adapted self-management strategies to work for them, 3) mostly in group settings, and 4) because they wanted to prevent others from suffering and reinforce their own knowledge about hypertension self-management. New findings emerged regarding assessing "readiness" for information. Study findings will be used to inform the design of an information sharing intervention to support self-management of hypertension in African-American women.

Feasibility study of a combined treatment of electromyography-triggered neuromuscular stimulation and mirror therapy in stroke patients: a randomized crossover trial.

PubMed

Kojima, Kosuke; Ikuno, Koki; Morii, Yuta; Tokuhisa, Kentaro; Morimoto, Shigeru; Shomoto, Koji

2014-01-01

Mirror therapy (MT) and electromyography-triggered neuromuscular stimulation (ETMS) are both effective treatments for impaired upper limbs following stroke. A combination of these two treatments (ETMS-MT) may result in greater gain than either treatment alone. The feasibility and possible effects of ETMS-MT upon upper extremity function were investigated in stroke patients. Thirteen post-acute stroke patients were randomly assigned to an immediate ETMS-MT group or a delayed ETMS-MT group and then underwent an 8-week training program. The immediate ETMS-MT group received ETMS-MT in addition to physical and occupational therapy (PT+OT) for 4 weeks. They then received only PT+OT for the next 4 weeks. In the delayed ETMS-MT group, interventions were provided in the reverse order. The main outcome measure was the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA). The immediate ETMS-MT group showed significantly greater gain in FMA in the first 4 weeks. The delayed ETMS-MT group showed significantly greater gain in active range of motion during the latter 4 weeks. No adverse effects were reported following ETMS-MT. ETMS-MT might be as effective as independent MT or ETMS without causing any side effects. Future research should focus upon the direct comparisons between independent and combined interventions.

Thirteen Strategies to Improve Oral Communication Skills.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clinkscale, Bella G.

1979-01-01

The group strategies that are discussed include brainstorming, problem solving, debate, games, the lecture forum, open forums, panel discussion, question and answer sessions, role playing, quizzes, roundtable discussions, success-storytelling, and the symposium. (RL)

Simple circular odor chart for characterization of trace amounts of odorants discharged from thirteen odor sources

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hoshika, Y.; Nihei, Y.; Muto, G.

1981-04-01

A simple circular odor chart is proposed for the explanation of the relationship between sensory responses (to odor quality and intensity) to odors and chemical analysis data of the odorants responsible for each odor discharged from thirteen odor sources. The odorants were classified into eight odorant groups and were analyzed by a systematic gas chromatographic (GC) technique. The characterization of the trace amounts of the odorants was carried out by using the values of a new proposed unit (pOU) based on the ratio of detected concentration to recognition threshold value. The calculated pOU values of the eight groups were plottedmore » in circular charts. It was found that the shape and size of each circular odor chart represent the quality and the intensity of each odor.« less

Intra-Abdominal Hypertension Causes Bacterial Growth in Lungs: An Animal Study

PubMed Central

Papakrivou, Eleni; Manoulakas, Efstratios; Mitroudi, Magda; Tepetes, Konstantinos; Papazoglou, Konstantinos; Zakynthinos, Epaminondas

2017-01-01

To study the effect of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) on the frequency of pneumonia with an experimental study, thirteen Sprague-Dawley rats were included. Eight out of thirteen animals were randomly assigned to receive 10 ml of benzalkonium chloride 0.2% (megacolon group) and five animals received 10 ml NaCl 0.9% (controls). Animals were anaesthetized by intramuscular delivery of ketamine. The incidence of positivity for bacteria lung tissue cultures and mesenteric lymph node cultures was assessed at the 21st day after animals' sacrification, or before in case of death. All megacolon group animals presented progressive increase of the abdomen and increased IAP (≥10 mmHg) whereas the frequency of their evacuations was almost eliminated. Controls presented normal evacuations, no sign of abdominal distention, and normal IAP. In megacolon group animals, there was evidence of significant amount of bacteria in lung cultures. In contrast, no bacteria were found in control animals. PMID:28357400

Energy and Safety: Science Activities for Elementary Students, Level III (Grades (5-6).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Westcott, Dale; And Others

Thirteen activities are presented that focus on a common phenomenon of a child's world: energy. These activities relate energy, how it occurs, how it is used, and how to use it safely. Each activity includes the purpose, introduction, background, procedure, materials, estimated time for the activity, typical results, safety notes, and more ideas.…

Poetry Appreciation: Thirteen Modern Poems Discussed.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barnes, T. R.

Poetry analysis in this book focuses on the response of the reader to modern poetry so that he may be able to perceive form and life in what at first appear to be unrelated fragments, become accustomed to new rhythmic patterns, and enlarge his experience by reading poetry which reflects the contemporary world. Poems are "Dry Loaf" by Wallace…

Perceptions of healthy eating and physical activity in an ethnically diverse sample of young children and their parents: the DEAL prevention of obesity study.

PubMed

Rawlins, E; Baker, G; Maynard, M; Harding, S

2013-04-01

Ethnicity is a consistent correlate of obesity; however, little is known about the perceptions and beliefs that may influence engagement with obesity prevention programmes among ethnic minority children. Barriers to (and facilitators of) healthy lifestyles were examined in the qualitative arm of the London (UK) DiEt and Active Living (DEAL) study. Children aged 8-13 years and their parents, from diverse ethnic groups, were recruited through schools and through places of worship. Thirteen focus group sessions were held with 70 children (n = 39 girls) and eight focus groups and five interviews with 43 parents (n = 34 mothers). Across ethnic groups, dislike of school meals, lack of knowledge of physical activity guidelines for children and negativity towards physical education at school among girls, potentially hindered healthy living. Issues relating to families' wider neighbourhoods (e.g. fast food outlets; lack of safety) illustrated child and parental concerns that environments could thwart intentions for healthy eating and activity. By contrast, there was general awareness of key dietary messages and an emphasis on dietary variety and balance. For ethnic minorities, places of worship were key focal points for social support. Discourse around the retention of traditional practices, family roles and responsibilities, and religion highlighted both potential facilitators (e.g. the importance of family meals) and barriers (reliance on convenience stores for traditional foods). Socio-economic circumstances intersected with key themes, within and between ethnic groups. Several barriers to (and facilitators of) healthy lifestyles were common across ethnic groups. Diversity of cultural frameworks not only were more nuanced, but also shaped lifestyles for minority children. © 2012 The Authors Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics © 2012 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.

Perceptions of healthy eating and physical activity in an ethnically diverse sample of young children and their parents: the DEAL prevention of obesity study

PubMed Central

Rawlins, E; Baker, G; Maynard, M; Harding, S

2013-01-01

Background Ethnicity is a consistent correlate of obesity; however, little is known about the perceptions and beliefs that may influence engagement with obesity prevention programmes among ethnic minority children. Barriers to (and facilitators of) healthy lifestyles were examined in the qualitative arm of the London (UK) DiEt and Active Living (DEAL) study. Methods Children aged 8–13 years and their parents, from diverse ethnic groups, were recruited through schools and through places of worship. Thirteen focus group sessions were held with 70 children (n = 39 girls) and eight focus groups and five interviews with 43 parents (n = 34 mothers). Results Across ethnic groups, dislike of school meals, lack of knowledge of physical activity guidelines for children and negativity towards physical education at school among girls, potentially hindered healthy living. Issues relating to families' wider neighbourhoods (e.g. fast food outlets; lack of safety) illustrated child and parental concerns that environments could thwart intentions for healthy eating and activity. By contrast, there was general awareness of key dietary messages and an emphasis on dietary variety and balance. For ethnic minorities, places of worship were key focal points for social support. Discourse around the retention of traditional practices, family roles and responsibilities, and religion highlighted both potential facilitators (e.g. the importance of family meals) and barriers (reliance on convenience stores for traditional foods). Socio-economic circumstances intersected with key themes, within and between ethnic groups. Conclusions Several barriers to (and facilitators of) healthy lifestyles were common across ethnic groups. Diversity of cultural frameworks not only were more nuanced, but also shaped lifestyles for minority children. PMID:22827466

Patients’ and clinicians’ views on the optimum schedules for self-monitoring of blood pressure: a qualitative focus group and interview study

PubMed Central

Grant, Sabrina; Hodgkinson, James A; Milner, Siobhan L; Martin, Una; Tompson, Alice; Hobbs, FD Richard; Mant, Jonathan; McManus, Richard J; Greenfield, Sheila M

2016-01-01

Background Self-monitoring of blood pressure is common but guidance on how it should be carried out varies and it is currently unclear how such guidance is viewed. Aim To explore patients’ and healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) views and experiences of the use of different self-monitoring regimens to determine what is acceptable and feasible, and to inform future recommendations. Design and setting Thirteen focus groups and four HCP interviews were held, with a total of 66 participants (41 patients and 25 HCPs) from primary and secondary care with and without experience of self-monitoring. Method Standard and shortened self-monitoring protocols were both considered. Focus groups and interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using the constant comparative method. Results Patients generally supported structured schedules but with sufficient flexibility to allow adaptation to individual routine. They preferred a shorter (3-day) schedule to longer (7-day) regimens. Although HCPs could describe benefits for patients of using a schedule, they were reluctant to recommend a specific schedule. Concerns surrounded the use of different schedules for diagnosis and subsequent monitoring. Appropriate education was seen as vital by all participants to enable a self-monitoring schedule to be followed at home. Conclusion There is not a ‘one size fits all approach’ to developing the optimum protocol from the perspective of users and those implementing it. An approach whereby patients are asked to complete the minimum number of readings required for accurate blood pressure estimation in a flexible manner seems most likely to succeed. Informative advice and guidance should incorporate such flexibility for patients and professionals alike. PMID:27381484

Improving mental health service users' with medical co-morbidity transition between tertiary medical hospital and primary care services: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Cranwell, Kate; Polacsek, Meg; McCann, Terence V

2016-07-26

Mental health service users have high rates of medical co-morbidity but frequently experience problems accessing and transitioning between tertiary medical and primary care services. The aim of this study was to identify ways to improve service users' with medical co-morbidity care and experience during their transition between tertiary medical hospitals and primary care services. Experience-based co-design (EBCD) qualitative study incorporating a focus group discussion. The study took place in a large tertiary medical service, incorporating three medical hospitals, and primary care services, in Melbourne, Australia. A purposive sample of service users and their caregivers and tertiary medical and primary care clinicians participated in the focus group discussion, in August 2014. A semi-structured interview guide was used to inform data collection. A thematic analysis of the data was undertaken. Thirteen participants took part in the focus group interview, comprising 5 service users, 2 caregivers and 6 clinicians. Five themes were abstracted from the data, illustrating participants' perspectives about factors that facilitated (clinicians' expertise, engagement and accessibility enhancing transition) and presented as barriers (improving access pathways; enhancing communication and continuity of care; improving clinicians' attitudes; and increasing caregiver participation) to service users' progress through tertiary medical and primary care services. A sixth theme, enhancing service users' transition, incorporated three strategies to enhance their transition through tertiary medical and primary care services. EBCD is a useful approach to collaboratively develop strategies to improve service users' with medical co-morbidity and their caregivers' transition between tertiary medical and primary care services. A whole-of-service approach, incorporating policy development and implementation, change of practice philosophy, professional development education and support for clinicians, and acceptance of the need for caregiver participation, is required to improve service users' transition.

Patients' and clinicians' views on the optimum schedules for self-monitoring of blood pressure: a qualitative focus group and interview study.

PubMed

Grant, Sabrina; Hodgkinson, James A; Milner, Siobhan L; Martin, Una; Tompson, Alice; Hobbs, Fd Richard; Mant, Jonathan; McManus, Richard J; Greenfield, Sheila M

2016-11-01

Self-monitoring of blood pressure is common but guidance on how it should be carried out varies and it is currently unclear how such guidance is viewed. To explore patients' and healthcare professionals' (HCPs) views and experiences of the use of different self-monitoring regimens to determine what is acceptable and feasible, and to inform future recommendations. Thirteen focus groups and four HCP interviews were held, with a total of 66 participants (41 patients and 25 HCPs) from primary and secondary care with and without experience of self-monitoring. Standard and shortened self-monitoring protocols were both considered. Focus groups and interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using the constant comparative method. Patients generally supported structured schedules but with sufficient flexibility to allow adaptation to individual routine. They preferred a shorter (3-day) schedule to longer (7-day) regimens. Although HCPs could describe benefits for patients of using a schedule, they were reluctant to recommend a specific schedule. Concerns surrounded the use of different schedules for diagnosis and subsequent monitoring. Appropriate education was seen as vital by all participants to enable a self-monitoring schedule to be followed at home. There is not a 'one size fits all approach' to developing the optimum protocol from the perspective of users and those implementing it. An approach whereby patients are asked to complete the minimum number of readings required for accurate blood pressure estimation in a flexible manner seems most likely to succeed. Informative advice and guidance should incorporate such flexibility for patients and professionals alike. © British Journal of General Practice 2016.

Day patient treatment for traumatic grief: preliminary evaluation of a one-year treatment programme for patients with multiple and traumatic losses

PubMed Central

de Heus, Annemiek; Hengst, Sophie M. C.; de la Rie, Simone M.; Djelantik, A. A. A. Manik J.; Boelen, Paul A.; Smid, Geert E.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Background: Bereaved individuals who have lost a loved one under traumatic circumstances can develop symptoms of Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (PCBD) and/or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This is particularly common in refugees, as they frequently have been confronted with multiple traumatic losses. For patients with severe PTSD and traumatic grief a treatment programme was developed, embedding individual traumatic grief focused therapy in a group-based multidisciplinary day patient treatment programme. The day patient treatment comprised a weekly five-hour programme consisting of three phases with a duration of four months each. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and potential effectiveness of the treatment programme. Method: Data were analyzed from 16 participants treated between October 2013 and March 2014. PTSD severity and PTSD/PCBD diagnoses were measured during the initial and final phases of treatment using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-IV (CAPS) and the Traumatic Grief Inventory Self Report (TGI-SR). One clinical case is presented in more detail. Treatment attendance was also registered and therapist satisfaction was evaluated in a focus group. Results: Thirteen patients (81%) completed the treatment. Each day of the treatment programme was attended by a mean of 76% of the participants. In the focus group, therapists noted symptom reduction in their patients and they therefore regarded Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy for Traumatic Grief (BEP-TG) as an effective therapy for their patients. During treatment, significant decreases in PTSD severity as well as diagnosable PTSD and PCBD were observed. Conclusions: Results support the feasibility and potential effectiveness of the day patient treatment programme for traumatic grief. The programme appears to be particularly suitable for refugees with severe PTSD and PCBD psychopathology, who may not benefit enough from usual care. PMID:29038679

Evaluation of a Short-term, Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Primary Age Children with Anger-Related Difficulties

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cole, Rachel L.; Treadwell, Susanne; Dosani, Sima; Frederickson, Norah

2013-01-01

This study evaluated the school-based short-term, cognitive-behavioral group anger management programme, "Learning How to Deal with our Angry Feelings" (Southampton Psychology Service, 2003). Thirteen groups of children aged 7- to 11-years-old were randomly allocated to two different cohorts: One cohort ("n"?=?35) first…

CleanFleet final report. Volume 8, fleet economics

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1995-12-01

The costs that face a fleet operator in implementing alternative motor fuels : into fleet operations are examined. The cost assessment is built upon a list of thirteen cost factors grouped into the three catagories: infrastructure costs, vehicle owni...

Design and user evaluation of a wheelchair mounted robotic assisted transfer device.

PubMed

Grindle, Garrett G; Wang, Hongwu; Jeannis, Hervens; Teodorski, Emily; Cooper, Rory A

2015-01-01

The aim of this study is to describe the robotic assisted transfer device (RATD) and an initial focus group evaluation by end users. The purpose of the device is to aid in the transfers of people with disabilities to and from their electric powered wheelchair (EPW) onto other surfaces. The device can be used for both stand-pivot transfers and fully dependent transfers, where the person being transferred is in a sling and weight is fully on the robot. The RATD is fixed to an EPW to allow for its use in community settings. A functional prototype of the RATD was designed and fabricated. The prototype was presented to a group of 16 end users and feedback on the device was obtained via a survey and group discussion. Thirteen out of sixteen (83%) participants agreed that it was important to develop this type of technology. They also indicated that user, caregiver, and robotic controls were important features to be included in the device. Participants in this study suggested that they would be accepting the use of robotic technology for transfers and a majority did not feel that they would be embarrassed to use this technology.

Facilitating Positive Psychosocial Adaptation in Children with Cystic Fibrosis by Increasing Family Communication and Problem-Solving Skills. A Research Report to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stabler, Brian; And Others

This study tested the effects of two group-oriented supportive and educational approaches on the parents of children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Thirteen families were randomly assigned either to a group which received information on medical and technical aspects of CF or to a group which received instruction in communication skills in addition to…

Intonation development from five to thirteen.

PubMed

Wells, Bill; Peppé, Sue; Goulandris, Nata

2004-11-01

Research undertaken to date suggests that important developments in the understanding and use of intonation may take place after the age of 5;0. The present study aims to provide a more comprehensive account of these developments. A specially designed battery of prosodic tasks was administered to four groups of thirty children, from London (U.K.), with mean ages of 5;6, 8;7, 10;10 and 13;9. The tasks tap comprehension and production of functional aspects of intonation, in four communicative areas: CHUNKING (i.e. prosodic phrasing), AFFECT, INTERACTION and FOCUS. Results indicate that there is considerable variability among children within each age band on most tasks. The ability to produce intonation functionally is largely established in five-year-olds, though some specific functional contrasts are not mastered until C.A. 8;7. Aspects of intonation comprehension continue to develop up to C.A. 10;10, correlating with measures of expressive and receptive language development.

Healthcare students' experiences of an interprofessional, student-led neuro-rehabilitation community-based clinic.

PubMed

Gustafsson, Louise; Hutchinson, Laura; Theodoros, Deborah; Williams, Katrina; Copley, Anna; Fagan, Amy; Desha, Laura

2016-01-01

Student-led clinics are becoming more prominent as educators seek alternate models of clinical education for health professionals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate healthcare students' experiences of an interprofessional student-led clinic for clients with neurological conditions. Thirteen students representing occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech pathology were recruited for the study. A sequential mixed-methods evaluation was employed and the results from the Interprofessional Education Scale and focus group revealed that the students experienced positive perceptions of working collaboratively with other professions, forming good relationships with others, as well as an increased respect for the roles of other professions. The findings suggest that providing a capstone opportunity, where students can work as part of an interprofessional team with a real client, in a format they may come across in future clinical practice, may be beneficial in providing them with essential interprofessional skills as new graduate health professionals.

Meal box schemes a convenient way to avoid convenience food? Uses and understandings of meal box schemes among Danish consumers.

PubMed

Hertz, Frej Daniel; Halkier, Bente

2017-07-01

The term convenience food is subject to diversification, lack of clarity and moral ambiguity. In this paper we address these issues and critically discuss convenience food by using empirical findings from a Danish study that deals with practitioners' uses of meal box schemes. The methodological design consists of thirteen individual interviews, four focus groups and some observations of cooking practices. We combine the empirical findings with a particular definition of convenience food by Brunner et al. (2010) and selected practice theoretical concepts. This particular combination enables us to categorize meal box schemes as a new form of convenience food called convenient food. In addition, results suggest that meal box schemes reduce leftovers from dinner. Meal boxes also influence dinner related activities such as planning ahead in time and grocery shopping, which require less physical and mental effort. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Molecular and Clinical Epidemiology of Salmonella Paratyphi A Isolated from Patients with Bacteremia in Nepal.

PubMed

Sherchan, Jatan Bahadur; Morita, Masatomo; Matono, Takashi; Izumiya, Hidemasa; Ohnishi, Makoto; Sherchand, Jeevan B; Tandukar, Sarmila; Laghu, Ujjwal; Nagamatsu, Maki; Kato, Yasuyuki; Ohmagari, Norio; Hayakawa, Kayoko

2017-12-01

Little is known about the epidemiology of typhoid and paratyphoid fever in Nepal. We aimed to elucidate the molecular and clinical epidemiology of Salmonella Paratyphi A in Nepal. Isolates were collected from 23 cases of bacteremia due to S. Paratyphi A between December 2014 and October 2015. Thirteen patients (57%) were male, and the median age was 21 years. None of the patients had an underlying chronic disease. All S. Paratyphi A isolates were sensitive to ampicillin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ceftriaxone, and chloramphenicol. All isolates were resistant to nalidixic acid and were categorized as intermediately susceptible to levofloxacin. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close relatedness among the isolates, including several clonal groups, suggesting local spread. Patients with bacteremia due to S. Paratyphi A in Kathmandu, Nepal, were relatively young and nondebilitated. Improving control of S . Paratyphi infections should focus on effective infection control measures and selection of empirical therapy based on current resistance patterns.

Initial evaluation of a student-run fruit and vegetable business in urban high schools.

PubMed

Sikic, Nicholas I; Erbstein, Nancy; Welch, Kearnan; Grundberg, Ethan; Miller, Elizabeth

2012-11-01

This study examined the acceptability and feasibility of Fresh Producers, a student-run fruit and vegetable distribution program at three urban high schools located in low-income neighborhoods, and its potential impact on the nutrition and professional development of participating students. Thirteen focus groups conducted with 72 students explored the program's impact on their dietary habits and professional skill development, and discussed program challenges. Responses were coded for common themes by multiple investigators. Participants reported increased fruit and vegetable consumption, and improved interpersonal, team-building, and organizational skills. Challenges included integration into the school schedule and environment and limited faculty support for business activities. This program is acceptable and feasible for secondary school students in a variety of school settings. Students reported positive changes in professional skills and nutrition. Training and support for students and faculty, including strategies to improve program integration into the school context, could increase participation.

Taiji for individuals with Parkinson disease and their support partners: a program evaluation.

PubMed

Klein, Penelope J; Rivers, Lynn

2006-03-01

Exercise is advocated in the management of Parkinson disease (PD), however, little is known regarding the potential benefits of complementary mind/body exercise for this clinical population. The purpose of this pilot program evaluation was to gain insight into participant and instructor perceptions of the perceived benefits and potential utility of a taiji exercise program. Program participants (N=15) included 8 individuals with PD and 7 support partners with no history of PD. Group taiji instruction was offered in 45-minute weekly sessions, for 12 weeks at a community facility. Post-program evaluation included administration of a survey questionnaire, thematic analysis of a focus group discussion, instructor reflections, and review of attendance records. Benefits were perceived by participants in physical, psychological, and social domains. Thirteen of the survey respondents, including 6 of the 8 respondents with PD reported perceiving a physical benefit attributed to taiji practice. Improved balance was reported most frequently. Instructor observations and participant testimony suggest movement capability for individuals with Parkinsons may also be improved by performing taiji. This preliminary research provides support for further Taiji Buddy program examination and application.

A checklist of Cercis (Redbud) cultivars

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The genus Cercis L. (redbud; Fabaceae: Caesalpinoideae: Cercideae) is a morphologically and biogeographically diverse group with seven to thirteen species or subspecies that occur in North America, Europe, and Asia. Redbuds are a significant crop for the American nursery industry, valued primarily f...

Perceived Benefits, Facilitators, Disadvantages, and Barriers for Physical Activity Amongst South Asian Adolescents in India and Canada.

PubMed

Rajaraman, Divya; Correa, Natasha; Punthakee, Zubin; Lear, Scott A; Jayachitra, Krishnaswamy G; Vaz, Mario; Swaminathan, Sumathi

2015-07-01

The purpose of this study was to understand perceived benefits, facilitators, disadvantages, and barriers for physical activity among South Asian adolescents in India and Canada. Thirteen focus group discussions with South Asian (origin) adolescent boys and girls of different nutritional status and socioeconomic status in rural and urban India and urban Canada. Across the groups, fitness and 'energy' were perceived to be major benefits of physical activity. In India, better academic performance was highlighted, while health benefits were well detailed in Canadian groups. In all settings, friends, family, and teachers were perceived as facilitators of as well as barriers to physical activity. Lack of a safe space to play was a major concern for urban adolescents, while academic pressures and preference for other sedentary recreational activities were common barriers across all groups. Girls were less likely than boys to be interested in physical activity, with girls' participation in India further limited by societal restrictions. The study suggests key areas for promotion of physical activity among South Asian adolescents: balance between academic pressure and opportunities for physical activity, especially in India; urban planning for a built environment conducive to physical activity; and gender-sensitive programming to promote girls' activity which also addresses culture-specific barriers.

Dance Therapy with Physical Therapy for Children with Down Syndrome.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dupont, Blanche Burt; Schulmann, Diana

This study sought to investigate effects of a dance program on bilateral toe-standing balance and single-point static balance skills of a group of children with Down Syndrome. Thirteen experimental and 10 control group students between the ages of 3 and 13 years were assessed on toe-standing balance and single-point standing balance on the right…

The Effects of Cognitive: Linguistic Variables and Language Experience on Behavioural and Kinematic Performances in Nonword Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sasisekaran, Jayanthi; Weisberg, Sanford

2013-01-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of cognitive-linguistic variables and language experience on behavioral and kinematic measures of nonword learning in young adults. Group 1 consisted of thirteen participants who spoke American English as the first and only language. Group 2 consisted of seven participants with varying…

Studies on Anthropogenic Impact on Water Quality in Hilo (Hawaii) Bay and Mapping the Study Stations Using Geospatial Technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cartier, A. J.; Williams, M. S.; Adolf, J.; Sriharan, S.

2015-12-01

Hilo Bay has uncharacteristically brown waters compared to other waters found in Hawai'i. The majority of the freshwater entering Hilo Bay is from storm and surface water runoff. The anthropogenic impact on water quality at Hilo Bay is due to sediment entrance, cesspools (Bacteria), and invasive species (Albizia). This poster presentation will focus on the water quality and phytoplankton collected on a weekly basis at a buoy positioned one meter from the shore of Hilo Bay, preserving the phytoplankton intact, concentrating and dehydrating the sample with ethanol, and viewing the phytoplankton with a scanning electron microscope (Hitachi S-3400NII). The GPS (Global Positioning System) points were collected at the sampling stations. Three transects on three separate dates were performed in Hilo Bay with salinity, percent dissolved oxygen, turbidity, secchi depth, temperature, and chlorophyll fluorescence data collected at each sampling station. A consistent trend observed in all transects was as distance from the river increased turbidity decreased and salinity increased. The GPS data on June 30, 2015 showed a major correlation between stations and their distance from shore. There is a decrease in the turbidity but not the temperature for these stations. The GPS points collected on July 7, 2015 at thirteen stations starting with station one being at the shore to the water, showed that the salinity concentration fluctuate noticeably at the first 6 stations. As we proceed further away from the shore, the salinity concentration increases from stations seven through thirteen. The water temperature shows little variation throughout the thirteen stations. The turbidity level was high at the shore and shows a noticeable drop at station thirteen.

Genus-wide assessment of lignocellulose utilization in the extremely thermophilic Caldicellulosiruptor by genomic, pan-genomic and metagenomic analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Laura L.; Blumer-Schuette, Sara E.; Izquierdo, Javier A.

Metagenomic data from Obsidian Pool (Yellowstone National Park, USA) and thirteen genome sequences were used to re-assess genus-wide biodiversity for the extremely thermophilicCaldicellulosiruptor. The updated core-genome contains 1,401 ortholog groups (average genome size for thirteen species = 2,516 genes). The pan-genome, which remains open with a revised total of 3,493 ortholog groups, encodes a variety of multi-domain glycoside hydrolases (GH). These include three cellulases with GH48 domains that are co-located in the Glucan Degradation Locus (GDL) and are specific determinants for microcrystalline cellulose utilization. Three recently sequenced species,Caldicellulosiruptorsp. str. Rt8.B8 (re-named hereCaldicellulosiruptor morganii),Thermoanaerobacter cellulolyticusstr. NA10 (re-named hereCaldicellulosiruptor naganoensisNA10), andCaldicellulosiruptorsp. str.more » Wai35.B1 (re-named hereCaldicellulosiruptor danielii) degraded Avicel and lignocellulose (switchgrass).C. morganiiwas more efficient thanC. besciiin this regard and differed from the other twelve species examined here, both based on genome content and organization and in the specific domain features of conserved GHs. Metagenomic analysis of lignocellulose-enriched samples from Obsidian Pool revealed limited new information on genus biodiversity. Enrichments yielded genomic signatures closely related toCaldicellulosiruptor obsidiansis, but there was also evidence for other thermophilic fermentative anaerobes (Caldanaerobacter,Fervidobacterium,Caloramator, andClostridium). One enrichment, containing 89.7%Caldicellulosiruptorand 9.7%Caloramator, had a capacity for switchgrass solubilization comparable toC. bescii. These results refine the known biodiversity ofCaldicellulosiruptorand indicate that microcrystalline cellulose degradation at temperatures above 70°C, based on current information, is limited to certain members of this genus that produce GH48 domain-containing enzymes. The genusCaldicellulosiruptorcontains the most thermophilic bacteria capable of lignocellulose deconstruction and are promising candidates for consolidated bioprocessing for the production of biofuels and bio-based chemicals. The focus here is on the extant capability of this genus for plant biomass degradation and the extent to which this can be inferred from the core and pan-genomes, based on analysis of thirteen species and metagenomic sequence information from environmental samples. Key to microcrystalline hydrolysis is the content of the Glucan Degradation Locus (GDL), a set of genes encoding glycoside hydrolases (GH), several of which have GH48 and family 3 carbohydrate binding module domains, that function as primary cellulases. Resolving the relationship between the GDL and lignocellulose degradation will inform efforts to identify more prolific members of the genus and to develop metabolic engineering strategies to improve this characteristic« less

Genus-wide assessment of lignocellulose utilization in the extremely thermophilic Caldicellulosiruptor by genomic, pan-genomic and metagenomic analysis

DOE PAGES

Lee, Laura L.; Blumer-Schuette, Sara E.; Izquierdo, Javier A.; ...

2018-02-23

Metagenomic data from Obsidian Pool (Yellowstone National Park, USA) and thirteen genome sequences were used to re-assess genus-wide biodiversity for the extremely thermophilicCaldicellulosiruptor. The updated core-genome contains 1,401 ortholog groups (average genome size for thirteen species = 2,516 genes). The pan-genome, which remains open with a revised total of 3,493 ortholog groups, encodes a variety of multi-domain glycoside hydrolases (GH). These include three cellulases with GH48 domains that are co-located in the Glucan Degradation Locus (GDL) and are specific determinants for microcrystalline cellulose utilization. Three recently sequenced species,Caldicellulosiruptorsp. str. Rt8.B8 (re-named hereCaldicellulosiruptor morganii),Thermoanaerobacter cellulolyticusstr. NA10 (re-named hereCaldicellulosiruptor naganoensisNA10), andCaldicellulosiruptorsp. str.more » Wai35.B1 (re-named hereCaldicellulosiruptor danielii) degraded Avicel and lignocellulose (switchgrass).C. morganiiwas more efficient thanC. besciiin this regard and differed from the other twelve species examined here, both based on genome content and organization and in the specific domain features of conserved GHs. Metagenomic analysis of lignocellulose-enriched samples from Obsidian Pool revealed limited new information on genus biodiversity. Enrichments yielded genomic signatures closely related toCaldicellulosiruptor obsidiansis, but there was also evidence for other thermophilic fermentative anaerobes (Caldanaerobacter,Fervidobacterium,Caloramator, andClostridium). One enrichment, containing 89.7%Caldicellulosiruptorand 9.7%Caloramator, had a capacity for switchgrass solubilization comparable toC. bescii. These results refine the known biodiversity ofCaldicellulosiruptorand indicate that microcrystalline cellulose degradation at temperatures above 70°C, based on current information, is limited to certain members of this genus that produce GH48 domain-containing enzymes. The genusCaldicellulosiruptorcontains the most thermophilic bacteria capable of lignocellulose deconstruction and are promising candidates for consolidated bioprocessing for the production of biofuels and bio-based chemicals. The focus here is on the extant capability of this genus for plant biomass degradation and the extent to which this can be inferred from the core and pan-genomes, based on analysis of thirteen species and metagenomic sequence information from environmental samples. Key to microcrystalline hydrolysis is the content of the Glucan Degradation Locus (GDL), a set of genes encoding glycoside hydrolases (GH), several of which have GH48 and family 3 carbohydrate binding module domains, that function as primary cellulases. Resolving the relationship between the GDL and lignocellulose degradation will inform efforts to identify more prolific members of the genus and to develop metabolic engineering strategies to improve this characteristic« less

Lessons learned from facilitating the state and tribal government working group

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kurstedt, H.A. Jr.

1994-12-31

Thirteen lessons learned from my experience in facilitating the State and Tribal Government Working Group for the U.S. Department of Energy have been identified. The conceptual base for supporting the veracity of each lesson has been developed and the lessons are believed to be transferable to any stakeholder group. The crux of stakeholder group success if the two-directional, two-mode empowerment required in this case. Most of the lessons learned deal with the scope of that empowerment. A few of the lessons learned deal with the operations of the group.

Developing and pilot testing a comprehensive health literacy communication training for health professionals in three European countries.

PubMed

Kaper, Marise S; Sixsmith, Jane; Koot, Jaap A R; Meijering, Louise B; van Twillert, Sacha; Giammarchi, Cinzia; Bevilacqua, Roberta; Barry, Margaret M; Doyle, Priscilla; Reijneveld, Sijmen A; de Winter, Andrea F

2018-01-01

Skills to address different health literacy problems are lacking among health professionals. We sought to develop and pilot test a comprehensive health literacy communication training for various health professionals in Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands. Thirty health professionals participated in the study. A literature review focused on evidence-informed training-components. Focus group discussions (FGDs) explored perspectives from seventeen professionals on a prototype-program, and feedback from thirteen professionals following pilot-training. Pre-post questionnaires assessed self-rated health literacy communication skills. The literature review yielded five training-components to address functional, interactive and critical health literacy: health literacy education, gathering and providing information, shared decision-making, enabling self-management, and supporting behaviour change. In FGDs, professionals endorsed the prototype-program and reported that the pilot-training increased knowledge and patient-centred communication skills in addressing health literacy, as shown by self-rated pre-post questionnaires. A comprehensive training for health professionals in three European countries enhances perceived skills to address functional, interactive and critical health literacy. This training has potential for wider application in education and practice in Europe. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reinforcement Learning in Information Searching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cen, Yonghua; Gan, Liren; Bai, Chen

2013-01-01

Introduction: The study seeks to answer two questions: How do university students learn to use correct strategies to conduct scholarly information searches without instructions? and, What are the differences in learning mechanisms between users at different cognitive levels? Method: Two groups of users, thirteen first year undergraduate students…

Motives of Dutch persons aged 50 years and older to accept vaccination: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Eilers, Renske; Krabbe, Paul F M; de Melker, Hester E

2015-05-16

Elderly in several European countries are currently being vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal disease, and various reasons have been put forward to expand these programs. To successfully immunize the older adult population, however, it is crucial for the target group to accept such interventions. This study aims to elucidate the motives of Dutch persons aged ≥ 50 years for accepting vaccination. Thirteen focus groups were composed with persons aged 50 years and older. A semi-structured topic list with open-ended questions was used to guide the focus groups. The transcripts were analyzed according the principles of thematic survey. By an inductive process, the main themes and related subthemes were extracted from the responses. Eight themes were found to play an important role in accepting vaccination: healthy aging; usefulness of vaccination in older age; risk of getting an infectious disease; vaccine characteristics; severity of the disease and its implications; the experiences of previous vaccinations; the influence of healthcare workers and other people; and the need for information. This qualitative study reveals that acceptance of vaccination is not based on a single argument. The most important one appears to be the risk of getting an infectious disease. In that light, vaccination campaigns may emphasize the susceptibility of older adults. It is also advisable to consider the usefulness of vaccination in older age as an overall argument. A tailored approach to offering vaccination may be considered. Further research would be needed to determine the relative importance of the factors identified in this study.

Instructional Media Initiatives: Focusing on the Educational Resources Center at Thirteen/wnet, New York, New York-- Slavery and the Making of America

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Donlevy, Jim

2005-01-01

Slavery and the Making of America, a four-part series from PBS, is airing throughout the United States during February 2005. This landmark series examines the history of slavery in the United States and the significant role it played in shaping the development of the Nation. This article describes the series, including online resources, and…

An Educology of Values Education: The Attitudes of Thirteen to Fifteen Year Old Teenagers Towards Spiritual Values--Priorities, Change and Some Pre-Conditions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martisauskiene, Elvyda

2002-01-01

An analysis was conducted in Lithuania of teenager attitudes towards spiritual values which function in both micro- and macro-environments. The data obtained in this contemporary investigation were compared with those registered two decades ago, in the authoritarian type of society of that time. The focus of the study is on the peculiarities of…

Pneumatically Modulated Liquid Delivery System for Nebulizers

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-12-02

VII. Acknowledgements 18 APPENDIX A: Complete Parts List 19 APPENDIX B: Source code for the Arduino Uno microcontroller (CD) 23 1 I...implemented. The Arduino Uno is a well-established hobbyist microcontroller, focused on ease-of-use and teaching non-computer programmers about embedded...circuits. The Arduino Uno uses an Atmega328 microcontroller with thirteen digital TTL control lines, six 10-bit resolution 0-5 V analog inputs, TTL

Balance and gait of adults with very mild Alzheimer’s disease

PubMed Central

Gras, LZ; Kanaan, SF; McDowd, JM; Colgrove, YM; Burns, J; Pohl, PS

2015-01-01

Background and Purpose Studies have shown that adults with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have gait and balance deficits, however the focus has been on those with mild to severe disease. The purpose of this study was to determine if balance and gait deficits are present in those with very mild AD. Methods Thirteen adults (72.9 ± 4.7 years old) with very mild AD and thirteen age (72.6 ± 4.6 years old) and gender-matched (10 males, 3 females) participants in a control group without AD performed balance and gait tests. All participants were living in the community and independent in community ambulation. Results Participants with very mild AD had shorter times in the sharpened Romberg tests with eyes open (p<0.001) and with eyes closed (p=0.007) compared to participants in the control group. Those with AD also took longer to complete the Timed “Up & Go” Test (TUG), (p< 0.001). Gait deficits were found for those with AD as demonstrated by slower velocities in the 10-meter walk at a comfortable pace (p=0.029) and on an instrumented walkway (p<0.001). Stance times were longer for those with AD (p<0.001) and step length was shorter (p=0.001). There were no group differences in the 10-meter walk at a fast pace. The gait velocity of participants in the control group was faster on the instrumented walkway than in the 10-meter walk at a comfortable pace (p=0.031). In contrast, the gait velocity of those with AD was significantly slower on the instrumented walkway than in the 10-meter walk at a comfortable pace, (p=0.024). Discussion Balance and gait deficits may be present in those in the very early stages of AD. Novel surfaces may affect gait speed in those with very mild AD. Identifying mobility deficits early in the progression of AD may provide an opportunity for early physical therapy intervention, thus promoting continued functional independence. Conclusions Adults in the very early stages of AD may show signs of balance and gait deficits. Recognition of these problems early with subsequent physical therapy may slow the progression of further balance and gait dysfunction. PMID:24755691

The Conference Proceedings of the 1998 Air Transport Research Group (ATRG) of the WCTR Society. Volume 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oum, Tae Hoon (Editor); Bowen, Brent D. (Editor)

1998-01-01

Thirteen papers (presentations) from the 8th World Conference on Transportation Research are presented. Topics include European Airline competition, cost analyses, performance evaluations, deregulation; aviation policy in Southeast Asia; corporate involvement in European business transportation; and cycles in the airline industry.

Programming and Problem Solving.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elias, Barbara P.

A study was conducted to examine computer programming as a problem solving activity. Thirteen fifth grade children were selected by their teacher from an above average class to use Apple IIe microcomputers. The investigator conducted sessions of 40-50 minutes with the children in groups of two or three. Four problems, incorporating the programming…

Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Panic Disorder in Adolescence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pincus, Donna B.; May, Jill Ehrenreich; Whitton, Sarah W.; Mattis, Sara G.; Barlow, David H.

2010-01-01

This investigation represents the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of Panic Control Treatment for Adolescents (PCT-A). Thirteen adolescents, ages 14 to 17, were randomized to 11 weekly sessions of PCT-A treatment, whereas 13 were randomized to a self-monitoring control group. Results indicate that…

Is Neonatal Jaundice Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amin, Sanjiv B.; Smith, Tristram; Wang, Hongyue

2011-01-01

Using guidelines of the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Group, we systematically reviewed the literature on neonatal jaundice (unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in term and preterm infants. Thirteen studies were included in a meta-analysis. Most used retrospective matched case-control…

What impact does written information about fatigue have on patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases? Findings from a qualitative study.

PubMed

Hart, Ruth I; Ng, Wan-Fai; Newton, Julia L; Hackett, Katie L; Lee, Richard P; Thompson, Ben

2017-09-01

Although fatigue is a common symptom for people with rheumatic diseases, limited support is available. This study explored the impact of written information about fatigue, focusing on a booklet, Fatigue and arthritis. Thirteen patients with rheumatic disease and fatigue were recruited purposively from a rheumatology outpatient service. They were interviewed before and after receiving the fatigue booklet. Two patients, plus six professionals with relevant interests, participated in a focus group. Transcripts were analysed thematically and a descriptive summary was produced. Interviewees consistently reported that fatigue made life more challenging, and none had previously received any support to manage it. Reflecting on the booklet, most said that it had made a difference to how they thought about fatigue, and that this had been valuable. Around half also said that it had affected, or would affect, how they managed fatigue. No one reported any impact on fatigue itself. Comments from interviewees and focus group members alike suggested that the research process may have contributed to the changes in thought and behaviour reported. Its key contributions appear to have been: clarifying the booklet's relevance; prompting reflection on current management; and introducing accountability. This study indicated that written information can make a difference to how people think about fatigue and may also prompt behaviour change. However, context appeared to be important: it seems likely that the research process played a part and that the impact of the booklet may have been less if read in isolation. Aspects of the research appearing to facilitate impact could be integrated into routine care, providing a pragmatic (relatively low-cost) response to an unmet need. © 2016 The Authors Musculoskeletal Care Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Views of Family Medicine Trainees of a Teaching Hospital in Riyadh regarding their Hospital Rotations: A Qualitative Study.

PubMed

Alquaiz, Aljohara M; Abdulghani, Hamza M; Karim, Syed Irfan; Qureshi, Riaz

2013-01-01

To explore Family Medicine Trainees views regarding the hospital component of their Family Medicine (FM) training program. This is a qualitative focus group discussion based study. Thirteen trainees, eight from final year of FM training program and five from third year of the same program participated in the study. The structure for discussion included a previously distributed and completed questionnaire that included three sections. The first section was evaluation of the satisfaction of trainees with the different hospital specialties rotations. The second section related to reasons for rating the different rotations as excellent and very good. The third section related to deficiencies in training for those rotations which received a score of 3-5. The items in the questionnaire were utilized in the focus group discussion. Two facilitators who were investigators facilitated the discussion. The data was qualitatively analyzed to identify emergent themes and subthemes that described the trainees' views. The trainees highlighted the following views: Teaching in the hospital component is not relevant to the needs of Family Medicine trainees. Duration of the hospital posts should be reviewed. Emphasis should be on out-patient clinics rather than in-patient. More emphasis must be given to procedural skills, minor surgery and teaching in clinical contexts. Hospital training component of the Family Medicine training program should be reviewed, as the structure and its implementation doesn't reflect the views of trainees regarding its relevance to their day to day practice.

The effectiveness of interventions for reducing stigma related to substance use disorders: a systematic review.

PubMed

Livingston, James D; Milne, Teresa; Fang, Mei Lan; Amari, Erica

2012-01-01

This study provides a systematic review of existing research that has empirically evaluated interventions designed to reduce stigma related to substance use disorders. A comprehensive review of electronic databases was conducted to identify evaluations of substance use disorder related stigma interventions. Studies that met inclusion criteria were synthesized and assessed using systematic review methods. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the studies was moderately strong. Interventions of three studies (23%) focused on people with substance use disorders (self-stigma), three studies (23%) targeted the general public (social stigma) and seven studies (54%) focused on medical students and other professional groups (structural stigma). Nine interventions (69%) used approaches that included education and/or direct contact with people who have substance use disorders. All but one study indicated their interventions produced positive effects on at least one stigma outcome measure. None of the interventions have been evaluated across different settings or populations. A range of interventions demonstrate promise for achieving meaningful improvements in stigma related to substance use disorders. The limited evidence indicates that self-stigma can be reduced through therapeutic interventions such as group-based acceptance and commitment therapy. Effective strategies for addressing social stigma include motivational interviewing and communicating positive stories of people with substance use disorders. For changing stigma at a structural level, contact-based training and education programs targeting medical students and professionals (e.g. police, counsellors) are effective. © 2011 The Authors, Addiction © 2011 Society for the Study of Addiction.

The effectiveness of interventions for reducing stigma related to substance use disorders: a systematic review

PubMed Central

Livingston, James D; Milne, Teresa; Fang, Mei Lan; Amari, Erica

2012-01-01

Aims This study provides a systematic review of existing research that has empirically evaluated interventions designed to reduce stigma related to substance use disorders. Methods A comprehensive review of electronic databases was conducted to identify evaluations of substance use disorder related stigma interventions. Studies that met inclusion criteria were synthesized and assessed using systematic review methods. Results Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the studies was moderately strong. Interventions of three studies (23%) focused on people with substance use disorders (self-stigma), three studies (23%) targeted the general public (social stigma) and seven studies (54%) focused on medical students and other professional groups (structural stigma). Nine interventions (69%) used approaches that included education and/or direct contact with people who have substance use disorders. All but one study indicated their interventions produced positive effects on at least one stigma outcome measure. None of the interventions have been evaluated across different settings or populations. Conclusions A range of interventions demonstrate promise for achieving meaningful improvements in stigma related to substance use disorders. The limited evidence indicates that self-stigma can be reduced through therapeutic interventions such as group-based acceptance and commitment therapy. Effective strategies for addressing social stigma include motivational interviewing and communicating positive stories of people with substance use disorders. For changing stigma at a structural level, contact-based training and education programs targeting medical students and professionals (e.g. police, counsellors) are effective. PMID:21815959

[Polio and post-polio syndrome, viewed by patients and health professionals in primary care].

PubMed

Muñoz Cobos, Francisca; Morales Sutil, María Luisa; Faz García, María Carmen; Ariza González, Marta; Salazar Agulló, José Andrés; Burgos Varo, María Luz

2018-06-25

Polio affects the quality of life of those who have suffered from it and causes health problems including the post-polio syndrome. The main goals of this work were to know the patients perspective of how they have been affected by the disease and establish the knowledge of post-polio syndrome among patients and primary health care professionals. Interpretive qualitative research based on the Grounded Theory carried out in two health-care centers in the city of Malaga, one of them with care-rural clinics. Four focal groups were established with the participation of thirteen patients and two focus groups with twenty-six professional participants. Intentional sampling is performed until saturation. The analysis follows an inductive strategy using the Atlas Ti5.2 software. The people affected by polio reports their personal histories of suffering counteracted by strong family support and an active coping attitude, marked by great effort exertion, willpower and endurance. These people made a positive assessment of their lives minimising the limitations. They presented compatible symptoms with post-polio syndrome, which remain unidentified due to the lack of knowledge of it among patients and health-care professionals. The health care provided was considered deficient due to several causes as for instance lack of involvement, communication problems. The day-to-day polio experience is focused on personal overcoming with major roles played by family support, difficult relationships with the healthcare system and lack of knowledge of the post-polio syndrome.

Young Children's Participation and Environment Measure: Swedish Cultural Adaptation.

PubMed

Åström, Frida Marie; Khetani, Mary; Axelsson, Anna Karin

2018-08-01

To culturally adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Young Children's Participation and Environment Measure (YC-PEM) for use by caregivers of Swedish children with and without disabilities, aged 2-5 years. Thirteen cognitive interviews and two focus groups with caregivers of children with and without disabilities were conducted to evaluate the cultural relevance of YC-PEM content for use in Sweden. Per participant feedback, a revised version of the Swedish YC-PEM was created and pilot tested with caregivers of children with disabilities (n = 11) and children with typical development (n = 22). User feedback informed content revisions to 7% of items. Internal consistency estimates of the Swedish YC-PEM pilot version were acceptable and ranged from .70 to .92 for all but two of the YC-PEM scales. Mean percentage agreement between raters ranged from 47% to 93% across YC-PEM scales for inter-rater, and 44% to 86% for test-retest. One of twelve YC-PEM scales revealed significant group differences between young children with and without disabilities. This study contributes preliminary evidence for the use of some scales within a culturally adapted YC-PEM in Sweden. Further validation with larger samples will allow for parametric testing to evaluate its psychometric properties.

Efficacy of working memory training in children and adolescents with learning disabilities: A review study and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Peijnenborgh, Janneke C A W; Hurks, Petra M; Aldenkamp, Albert P; Vles, Johan S H; Hendriksen, Jos G M

2016-10-01

The effectiveness of working memory (WM) training programmes is still a subject of debate. Previous reviews were heterogeneous with regard to participant characteristics of the studies included. To examine whether these programmes are of added value for children with learning disabilities (LDs), a systematic meta-analytic review was undertaken focusing specifically on LDs. Thirteen randomised controlled studies were included, with a total of 307 participants (age range = 5.5-17, Mean age across studies = 10.61, SD = 1.77). Potential moderator variables were examined, i.e., age, type of LD, training programme, training dose, design type, and type of control group. The meta-analysis indicated reliable short-term improvements in verbal WM, visuo-spatial WM, and word decoding in children with LDs after training (effect sizes ranged between 0.36 and 0.63), when compared to the untrained control group. These improvements sustained over time for up to eight months. Furthermore, children > 10 years seemed to benefit more in terms of verbal WM than younger children, both immediately after training as well as in the long-term. Other moderator variables did not have an effect on treatment efficacy.

Promoters and Barriers to Implementation of Tracheal Intubation Airway Safety Bundle: A Mixed-Method Analysis.

PubMed

Finn Davis, Katherine; Napolitano, Natalie; Li, Simon; Buffman, Hayley; Rehder, Kyle; Pinto, Matthew; Nett, Sholeen; Jarvis, J Dean; Kamat, Pradip; Sanders, Ronald C; Turner, David A; Sullivan, Janice E; Bysani, Kris; Lee, Anthony; Parker, Margaret; Adu-Darko, Michelle; Giuliano, John; Biagas, Katherine; Nadkarni, Vinay; Nishisaki, Akira

2017-10-01

To describe promoters and barriers to implementation of an airway safety quality improvement bundle from the perspective of interdisciplinary frontline clinicians and ICU quality improvement leaders. Mixed methods. Thirteen PICUs of the National Emergency Airway Registry for Children network. Remote or on-site focus groups with interdisciplinary ICU staff. Two semistructured interviews with ICU quality improvement leaders with quantitative and qualitative data-based feedbacks. Bundle implementation success (compliance) was defined as greater than or equal to 80% use for tracheal intubations for 3 consecutive months. ICUs were classified as early or late adopters. Focus group discussions concentrated on safety concerns and promoters and barriers to bundle implementation. Initial semistructured quality improvement leader interviews assessed implementation tactics and provided recommendations. Follow-up interviews assessed degree of acceptance and changes made after initial interview. Transcripts were thematically analyzed and contrasted by early versus late adopters. Median duration to achieve success was 502 days (interquartile range, 182-781). Five sites were early (median, 153 d; interquartile range, 146-267) and eight sites were late adopters (median, 783 d; interquartile range, 773-845). Focus groups identified common "promoter" themes-interdisciplinary approach, influential champions, and quality improvement bundle customization-and "barrier" themes-time constraints, competing paperwork and quality improvement activities, and poor engagement. Semistructured interviews with quality improvement leaders identified effective and ineffective tactics implemented by early and late adopters. Effective tactics included interdisciplinary quality improvement team involvement (early adopter: 5/5, 100% vs late adopter: 3/8, 38%; p = 0.08); ineffective tactics included physician-only rollouts, lack of interdisciplinary education, lack of data feedback to frontline clinicians, and misconception of bundle as research instead of quality improvement intervention. Implementation of an airway safety quality improvement bundle with high compliance takes a long time across diverse ICUs. Both early and late adopters identified similar promoter and barrier themes. Early adopter sites customized the quality improvement bundle and had an interdisciplinary quality improvement team approach.

Cortical underconnectivity coupled with preserved visuospatial cognition in autism: Evidence from an fMRI study of an embedded figures task

PubMed Central

Damarla, Saudamini Roy; Keller, Timothy A.; Kana, Rajesh K.; Cherkassky, Vladimir L.; Williams, Diane L.; Minshew, Nancy J.; Just, Marcel Adam

2010-01-01

Individuals with high-functioning autism sometimes exhibit intact or superior performance on visuospatial tasks, in contrast to impaired functioning in other domains such as language comprehension, executive tasks, and social functions. The goal of the current study was to investigate the neural bases of preserved visuospatial processing in high-functioning autism from the perspective of the cortical underconnectivity theory. We used a combination of behavioral, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), functional connectivity, and corpus callosum morphometric methodological tools. Thirteen participants with high-functioning autism and thirteen controls (age-, IQ-, and gender-matched) were scanned while performing an Embedded Figures Task (EFT). Despite the ability of the autism group to attain behavioral performance comparable to the control group, the brain imaging results revealed several group differences consistent with the cortical underconnectivity account of autism. First, relative to controls, the autism group showed less activation in left dorsolateral prefrontal and inferior parietal areas and more activation in visuospatial (bilateral superior parietal extending to inferior parietal and right occipital) areas. Second, the autism group demonstrated lower functional connectivity between higher-order working memory/executive areas and visuospatial regions (between frontal and parietal-occipital). Third, the size of the corpus callosum (an index of anatomical connectivity) was positively correlated with frontal-posterior (parietal and occipital) functional connectivity in the autism group. Thus, even in the visuospatial domain, where preserved performance among people with autism is observed, the neuroimaging signatures of cortical underconnectivity persist. PMID:20740492

Five new species of the genus Euplocania Enderlein (Psocodea, ‘Psocoptera’, Psocomorpha, Ptiloneuridae) from Colombia

PubMed Central

González-Obando, Ranulfo; Aldrete, Alfonso N. García; Carrejo, Nancy S.

2017-01-01

Abstract Five new species of Euplocania from Colombia belonging in four species groups are here described and illustrated. They increase to 22 the number of species described in the genus, thirteen of which are endemic to Colombia, with one species shared with Brazil and Peru. Three new species groups of Euplocania are here diagnosed. A key to the identification of males of Colombian Euplocania is included. PMID:29134029

Is it necessary to treat all patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?

PubMed

Xaubet, A; Agustí, C; Luburich, P; Roca, J; Ayuso, M C; Marrades, R M; Rodriguez-Roisin, R

2001-10-01

To investigate the clinical course of untreated patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (usual interstitial pneumonia) (IPF/UIP). Forty-three patients with IPF/UIP, divided into two groups. Group I consisted of 29 patients treated at diagnosis, while Group II comprised 14 patients who did not receive treatment. The indication of treatment was established whenever patients referred to a significant progression of the degree of dyspnea during the year prior to diagnosis. At diagnosis, patients from Group I had lower FVC (mean +/- SEM, 56+/-3% vs 73+/-3%) (p = 0.0004) and a greater extent of ground glass pattern in high resolution CT scan (18+/-4% vs 4+/-1%) (p = 0.004) than those from Group II. In group I, a follow-up study was carried out on 26 patients for 24+/-4 months. Thirteen of these 26 patients (50%) died 11+/-4 months after the initial assessment. Serial pulmonary functional tests were performed on 19 patients. Thirteen patients from Group II were followed up for 23+/-3 months. Seven of these 13 patients were treated 12+/-3 months after the diagnosis because of progression of the disease. The remaining 6 patients remained untreated and with the disease stable at the end of the follow-up, representing 15% (6 out of 39) of the whole study group. No patients from this group died during the follow-up. At the end of the follow-up, there were no differences in lung function changes between treated patients (19 from Group I and 7 from Group II), and the 6 untreated patients. Some patients with IPF/UIP remain stable for extended periods of time without treatment.

God and Genes in the Caring Professions: Clinician and Clergy Perceptions of Religion and Genetics

PubMed Central

Bartlett, Virginia L; Johnson, Rolanda L

2013-01-01

Little is known about how care providers’ perceptions of religion and genetics affect interactions with patients/parishioners. This study investigates clinicians’ and clergy’s perceptions of and experiences with religion and genetics in their clinical and pastoral interactions. An exploratory qualitative study designed to elicit care providers’ descriptions of experiences with religion and genetics in clinical or pastoral interactions. Thirteen focus groups were conducted with members of the caring professions: physicians, nurses, and genetics counselors (clinicians), ministers and chaplains (clergy). Preliminary analysis of qualitative data is presented here. Preliminary analysis highlights four positions in professional perceptions of the relationship between science and faith. Further, differences among professional perceptions appear to influence perceptions of needed or available resources for interactions with religion and genetics. Clinicians’ and clergy’s perceptions of how religion and genetics relate are not defined solely by professional affiliation. These non-role-defined perceptions may affect clinical and pastoral interactions, especially regarding resources for patients and parishioners. PMID:19170091

Relations of Early Motor Skills on Age and Socialization, Communication, and Daily Living in Young Children With Developmental Disabilities.

PubMed

MacDonald, Megan; Ross, Samantha; McIntyre, Laura Lee; Tepfer, Amanda

2017-04-01

Young children with developmental disabilities experience known deficits in salient child behaviors, such as social behaviors, communication, and aspects of daily living, behaviors that generally improve with chronological age. The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effects of motor skills on relations of age and salient child behaviors in a group of young children with developmental disabilities, thus tapping into the potential influences of motor skills in the development of salient child behaviors. One hundred thirteen young children with developmental disabilities participated in this study. Independent mediation analysis, with gender as a moderator between the mediating and outcome variable, indicated that motor skills meditated relations between age and socialization, communication, and daily living skills in young male children with developmental disabilities, but not female participants. Findings suggest motor skill content needs to be considered in combination with other child behaviors commonly focused on in early intervention.

Factors influencing workers to follow food safety management systems in meat plants in Ontario, Canada.

PubMed

Ball, Brita; Wilcock, Anne; Aung, May

2009-06-01

Small and medium sized food businesses have been slow to adopt food safety management systems (FSMSs) such as good manufacturing practices and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP). This study identifies factors influencing workers in their implementation of food safety practices in small and medium meat processing establishments in Ontario, Canada. A qualitative approach was used to explore in-plant factors that influence the implementation of FSMSs. Thirteen in-depth interviews in five meat plants and two focus group interviews were conducted. These generated 219 pages of verbatim transcripts which were analysed using NVivo 7 software. Main themes identified in the data related to production systems, organisational characteristics and employee characteristics. A socio-psychological model based on the theory of planned behaviour is proposed to describe how these themes and underlying sub-themes relate to FSMS implementation. Addressing the various factors that influence production workers is expected to enhance FSMS implementation and increase food safety.

Identification of nursing assessment models/tools validated in clinical practice for use with diverse ethno-cultural groups: an integrative review of the literature

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background High income nations are currently exhibiting increasing ethno-cultural diversity which may present challenges for nursing practice. We performed an integrative review of literature published in North America and Europe between 1990 and 2007, to map the state of knowledge and to identify nursing assessment tools/models which are have an associated research or empirical perspective in relation to ethno-cultural dimensions of nursing care. Methods Data was retrieved from a wide variety of sources, including key electronic bibliographic databases covering research in biomedical fields, nursing and allied health, and culture, e.g. CINAHL, MEDline, PUBmed, Cochrane library, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and HAPI. We used the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tools for quality assessment. We applied Torraco's definition and method of an integrative review that aims to create new knowledge and perspectives on a given phenomena. To add methodological rigor with respect to the search strategy and other key review components we also used the principles established by the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Results Thirteen thousand and thirteen articles were retrieved, from which 53 full papers were assessed for inclusion. Eight papers met the inclusion criteria, describing research on a total of eight ethno-cultural assessment tools/models. The tools/models are described and synthesized. Conclusions While many ethno-cultural assessment tools exist to guide nursing practice, few are informed by research perspectives. An increased focus on the efficiency and effectiveness of health services, patient safety, and risk management, means that provision of culturally responsive and competent health services will inevitably become paramount. PMID:21812960

Ivory Power: Sexual Harassment on Campus.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paludi, Michele A., Ed.

This book brings together extensive research and writing on sexual harassment in higher education examining it as a misuse of authority by male faculty members and as a confluence of power relations and sexism in institutions stratified by sex. The thirteen contributions are grouped into four sections the first of which, "Sexual Harassment:…

Shifting Occupational Identity: Doing, Being, Becoming and Belonging in the Academy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ennals, Priscilla; Fortune, Tracy; Williams, Anne; D'Cruz, Kate

2016-01-01

Becoming more scholarly can be challenging for many in the academy, including for those transitioning from professional roles. This paper presents the initial findings of an ongoing action research project that set out to explore and develop aspects of identity among a group of Australian occupational therapy academics. Thirteen participants…

How to Visit a Museum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rebetez, Pierre

The primary aim of this study is to encourage schools and museums to unite their efforts to further the use of the museum for teaching purposes and to promote the full development of creative faculties. The educational function of the museum is explored in consideration of the thirteen to eighteen year old age group. A recurring theme throughout…

Lessons from New Zealand: Developing Student Voices with Technology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Charles, Mike; Burt, Dorothy; Williams, Mia Kim

2011-01-01

Thirteen members of ISTE's Special Interest Group for Teacher Educators (SIGTE) traveled to Auckland, Rotorua, and Christchurch to visit seven schools and present and attend the Learning@School 2010 conference as part of a travel tour last February. This second installment about their trip features ways they saw technology used in New Zealand to…

Using photovoice to explore nigerian immigrants' eating and physical activity in the United States.

PubMed

Turk, Melanie T; Fapohunda, Abimbola; Zoucha, Rick

2015-01-01

African immigrants are one of the fastest growing immigrant groups to the United States; there is a crucial need to learn about African immigrants' beliefs and lifestyle behaviors that may impact health. The purposes of this study were to (a) explore the perceptions and practices of Nigerian immigrants regarding healthy eating and physical activity in the United States; (b) assess the influence of cultural beliefs of Nigerian immigrants on eating and physical activity; (c) describe the role that healthcare providers can play in helping to promote healthy eating and physical activity; and (d) evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of using Photovoice to collect data on the perceptions and practices of Nigerian immigrants regarding healthy eating and physical activity. Qualitative visual ethnography using Photovoice. Thirteen Nigerian immigrants were recruited. Data were collected using photography and focus group discussions at a church. Photovoice methodology and Leininger's four phases of qualitative analysis were used to analyze photographs, field notes, and focus group transcripts. Four overarching themes emerged from the data: moderation is healthy, Nigerian ways of living are healthy, acquiring American ways is unhealthy, and cultural context is important to promote healthy behaviors. Photovoice was a feasible, effective methodology for collecting data on the perceptions and practices of Nigerian immigrants. Nigerian participants believed that adherence to traditional dietary and activity practices are healthy. Nurses and other healthcare providers must make concerted efforts to communicate with and educate Nigerian immigrants about healthful eating and activity behaviors within their cultural context. The number of African immigrants to the United States has increased dramatically. Photovoice is a creative method to learn about the health beliefs and behaviors of the Nigerian immigrant population. © 2014 Sigma Theta Tau International.

Memories of attachment hamper EEG cortical connectivity in dissociative patients.

PubMed

Farina, Benedetto; Speranza, Anna Maria; Dittoni, Serena; Gnoni, Valentina; Trentini, Cristina; Vergano, Carola Maggiora; Liotti, Giovanni; Brunetti, Riccardo; Testani, Elisa; Della Marca, Giacomo

2014-08-01

In this study, we evaluated cortical connectivity modifications by electroencephalography (EEG) lagged coherence analysis, in subjects with dissociative disorders and in controls, after retrieval of attachment memories. We asked thirteen patients with dissociative disorders and thirteen age- and sex-matched healthy controls to retrieve personal attachment-related autobiographical memories through adult attachment interviews (AAI). EEG was recorded in the closed eyes resting state before and after the AAI. EEG lagged coherence before and after AAI was compared in all subjects. In the control group, memories of attachment promoted a widespread increase in EEG connectivity, in particular in the high-frequency EEG bands. Compared to controls, dissociative patients did not show an increase in EEG connectivity after the AAI. Conclusions: These results shed light on the neurophysiology of the disintegrative effect of retrieval of traumatic attachment memories in dissociative patients.

Group and type distribution of beta-haemolytic streptococcus strains in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, 1973-1980.

PubMed

Vlajinac, H; Adanja, B

1982-09-01

Group and type differentiation by Griffith' method of agglutination was performed on 7514 haemolytic streptococcal strains isolated from patients with acute streptococcal infections. Thirteen different groups were found--the most frequent were groups A (63.0%), B (12.5%), C (8.1%) and G(2.5%). The group A was predominant among strains isolated from upper respiratory tract, but in later years the frequency of group A strains among streptococci causing respiratory infections was significantly lower. In every year of the study period the most prevalent group A types were T1, T2, T4, T12 and T28--only their relative distribution was changing in the course of time.

Genetic variability in Brazilian wheat cultivars assessed by microsatellite markers

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is one of the most important food staples in the south of Brazil. Understanding genetic variability among the assortment of Brazilian wheat is important for breeding. The aim of this work was to molecularly characterize the thirty-six wheat cultivars recommended for various regions of Brazil, and to assess mutual genetic distances, through the use of microsatellite markers. Twenty three polymorphic microsatellite markers (PMM) delineated all 36 of the samples, revealing a total of 74 simple sequence repeat (SSR) alleles, i.e. an average of 3.2 alleles per locus. Polymorphic information content (PIC value) calculated to assess the informativeness of each marker ranged from 0.20 to 0.79, with a mean of 0.49. Genetic distances among the 36 cultivars ranged from 0.10 (between cultivars Ocepar 18 and BRS 207) to 0.88 (between cultivars CD 101 and Fudancep 46), the mean distance being 0.48. Twelve groups were obtained by using the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means analysis (UPGMA), and thirteen through the Tocher method. Both methods produced similar clusters, with one to thirteen cultivars per group. The results indicate that these tools may be used to protect intellectual property and for breeding and selection programs. PMID:21637519

Laser Raman spectra of mono-, oligo- and polysaccharides in solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrett, T. W.

We examined the Raman spectra of thirteen sugars—seven monosaccharides, two disaccharides, one trisaccharide and three polysaccharides—in the wavelength range 200—1700 cm -1 and (i) varied the phosphate buffered solution from pH 6.0 to 8.5 at constant ionic strength of 0.1 and (ii) varied HCl solutions from pH 0.8 to 5.0. As is to be expected with molecules containing COH groupings, all the molecular spectra are distinct. Of the thirteen sugars examined, only D-fructose 1,6-diphosphate (FDP) demonstrated spectral changes for the pH range 6.0—8.5 in phosphate buffer; but all exhibited band intensity enhancement in HCl at the lower pHs, but not band wavenumber changes. The results indicate that: (i) changes in the pH of the major intracellular buffer, phosphate, toward acidity, are able to hydrolyze the 1-phosphate group of FDP and the relative concentration of fructose 1-phosphate to fructose 6-phosphate is indicated by the intensity ratio of the 982 and 1080 cm -1 bands; (ii) it appears that all phosphate groups of FDP are hydrolyzed at pH 0.8 in HCl; and (iii) although conditions of extreme acidity are able to hydrolyze other sugars examined, there is no major degradation.

What do young people with rheumatic disease believe to be important to research about their condition? A UK-wide study.

PubMed

Parsons, Suzanne; Thomson, Wendy; Cresswell, Katharine; Starling, Bella; McDonagh, Janet E

2017-07-03

The involvement of people of all ages including young people in research is now widely advocated but prioritisation of research topics is still driven largely by professional agendas. Evidence from adult literature has reported a mismatch between a researcher and patient generated list of research topics. There have been no studies to date exploring the priorities of young people with long term conditions other than in SLE. The study aimed to explore the research priorities of young people across the UK with respect to rheumatic conditions. Focus groups were undertaken with young people aged 11-24 years with rheumatic conditions recruited across the UK via members of the Barbara Ansell National Network for Adolescent Rheumatology BANNAR and relevant national charities. Data was analysed using a Framework approach. Participants discussed their beliefs about what should be researched in: Basic Science; Clinical Medicine; Health Services, Psychosocial, and Public Health. They were then invited to prioritize these areas in terms of how much funding they should receive. Thirteen focus groups were held involving 63 participants (18 males: 45 females, mean age 16 years, range 10 to 24) in all four nations of the UK. Young people's research priorities were influenced by whether they felt research would achieve benefits for all or just some patients and long or short term goals. Another influence was whether participants felt that research areas were already well funded. Across all groups, Basic Science was a key priority and participants felt that psychosocial research should be prioritized more. Health Services Research was a lower priority, as the majority of participants were happy with their care. Clinical medicine was not a high priority as young people were happy with their medication or uncomfortable with trying new ones. Finally, for nearly all groups, Public Health was a low priority. Differences were also observed between the two age groups and across the geographically diverse focus groups. Understanding young people's research priorities is important to develop research that is in tune with their needs. The results highlight the importance of considering the whole age range of adolescence and young adulthood as well as geographical diversity. The findings from this work will inform the future research of the Barbara Ansell National Network for Adolescent Rheumatology BANNAR in the UK.

Effects of two distinct group motor skill interventions in psychological and motor skills of children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A pilot study.

PubMed

Caçola, Priscila; Romero, Michael; Ibana, Melvin; Chuang, Jennifer

2016-01-01

Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) have an increased risk for mental health difficulties. The present pilot study aimed to determine whether distinct group intervention programs improved several psychological variables (anxiety; adequacy and predilection for physical activity; participation, preferences, and enjoyment for activities) and motor skills from the perspective of a child with DCD as well as parental perceptions of motor skills, rate of function, and strengths and difficulties. Eleven children participated in Program A and thirteen in Program B. Both involved 10 sessions of 1 h each. Program A focused on task-oriented activities in a large group involving motor skill training and collaboration and cooperation among children, while Program B was composed of three groups with a direct goal-oriented approach for training of skills chosen by the children. Results indicated that children improved motor skills after both programs, but showed distinct results in regards to other variables - after Program A, children showed higher anxiety and lower levels of enjoyment, even though parents detected an improvement in rate of function and a decrease in peer problems. With Program B, children decreased anxiety levels, and parents noted a higher control of movement of their children. Regardless of the group approach, children were able to improve motor skills. However, it is possible that the differences between groups may have influenced parents' perception of their children's motor and psychological skills, as well as children's perception of anxiety. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Virginia's New Hamster: A Thirteen States Mnemonic.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gallenstein, Nancy L.

2000-01-01

Provides an activity that enables students to learn and remember the names of the original thirteen states in the United States. Uses a humorous story that incorporates a mnemonic (a memory aid) strategy. Includes a copy of the story and a map of the original thirteen states in 1776. (CMK)

The Effect of Tinnitus on Listening Effort in Normal-Hearing Young Adults: A Preliminary Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Degeest, Sofie; Keppler, Hannah; Corthals, Paul

2017-01-01

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic tinnitus on listening effort. Method: Thirteen normal-hearing young adults with chronic tinnitus were matched with a control group for age, gender, hearing thresholds, and educational level. A dual-task paradigm was used to evaluate listening effort in different…

Effects of Video Self-Modeling on Inappropriate Behavior in Elementary School Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schwan, Gerald R.; Holzworth, William A.

This investigation attempts to determine whether or not elementary school student's inappropriate classroom behavior can be altered through the use of a video self-modeling procedure (VSM). The frequency of inappropriate behavior was observed from videotapes and recorded for twenty six subjects, thirteen of whom were placed in a VSM group and…

Stereotypes, Distortions and Omissions in U.S. History Textbooks.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Council on Interracial Books for Children, Inc., New York, NY.

This book, published by the Council on Interracial Books for Children, presents a content analysis instrument for assessing the portrayal of women and third world peoples in U.S. History textbooks. Thirteen textbooks published since 1970 and one which was published in 1967 are examined for their treatment of six groups: women, African Americans,…

An Evaluation of Career Selection Education in Thirteen Project Schools of the Western States Small Schools Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cragun, John R.; Kartchner, Eugene C.

The Western States Small Schools Project (WSSSP) developed the Career Selection Education (CSE) program to provide students from small high schools in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah with: (1) knowledge about self, broad occupational groupings, the institution and dynamics of society which generate, define, and lend meaning to…

Increasing Understanding of Public Problems and Policies. A Group Study of Four Topics in the Field of Extension Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farm Foundation, Chicago, IL.

The publication contains thirteen reports from the Twentieth National Agricultural Policy Conference held September 22-25, 1970, at Pokagon State Park, Angola, Indiana. The conference was designed to assist extension workers by broadening their perspective, understanding, and handling of the methodology of public affairs education. Four topics in…

Language Camps: Thirteen Years of Minor Miracles.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peterson, Jean

A language camp program that began with a small group of 10- to 12-year-olds whose faculty parents wanted them to retain the German learned on sabbaticals abroad has developed into a program of annual week-long day and resident camps for 150 children, aged 9 to 14 years, learning German, French, Spanish, and Norwegian. The camp was originally…

Developing Intercultural Teachers: The Mumbai Global Experience Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Richard

2009-01-01

Interculturalism is a major theme that needs to inform the teaching and learning of all subjects in teacher education courses. Moreover, the practicum is an area where there needs to be more attention given to developing the attributes of an intercultural teacher. In 2008 I took a group of thirteen teacher education students on a three-week…

Susceptibility of Potted Sweetgum Seedlings to Insect Herbivore Damage as Influenced by Fertilization

Treesearch

Kenneth E. Ward; Mary Anne Sword Sayer

2004-01-01

We report the influence of fertilization on the susceptibility of sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) seedlings to naturally occurring insect herbivores. Thirteen-week-old potted sweetgum were placed in a pasture near the margin of a hardwood forest containing scattered sweetgum trees. Groups of 14 seedlings were treated weekly with either no (0),...

Comparison of Visual-Spatial Performance Strategy Training in Children with Turner Syndrome and Learning Disabilities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Janet K.; And Others

1992-01-01

Thirteen females with Turner syndrome, 13 females with nonverbal learning disabilities, and 14 males with nonverbal learning disabilities, ages 7-14, were taught via a cognitive behavioral modification approach to verbally mediate a spatial matching task. All three groups showed significant task improvement after the training, with no significant…

Enhancing Vocabulary and Writing Skills through Digital Storytelling in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tajeri, Mojtaba; Syal, Pushpinder; Marzban, Sanaz

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the benefits of using Digital Storytelling (DST) in language classes in higher education. The study also aims to explore the appropriate classroom activities which assist language teaching and learning. The thirteen-week study adopted a pretest and posttest quasi-experimental design involving a group of 20…

Investigation of the Perceived Causes of Pre-Service Physics Teachers' Problems Encountered in School Experience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Körhasan, Nilüfer Didis; Didis, M. Gözde

2015-01-01

This study investigates a group of pre-service physics teachers' perceptions about the causes of problems in school experience through the attribution theory. The participants were thirteen pre-service physics teachers from a public university in Turkey. Data were collected through the interviews by requesting the participants to reflect their own…

Adequacy of nutrient intake in women with restrictive anorexia nervosa.

PubMed

Chiurazzi, Chiara; Cioffi, Iolanda; De Caprio, Carmela; De Filippo, Emilia; Marra, Maurizio; Sammarco, Rosa; Di Guglielmo, Maria Luisa; Contaldo, Franco; Pasanisi, Fabrizio

2017-06-01

The aim of the present study was to assess energy and nutrient intake in a group of women with restrictive AN (r-AN) compared with a control group. Thirteen r-AN patients and 13 healthy female controls completed 7-d food records. Intake of macro- and micronutrients was compared between the two groups as well as to the Dietary Reference Intake for the Italian Population (LARN) for specific ages. Additionally, the r-AN patients underwent indirect calorimetry for measuring resting energy expenditure (REE). Total energy intake was significantly lower in the r-AN group than in controls (906 ± 224 vs 1660 ± 139, respectively; P < 0.01). Nutrient composition significantly differed, as well. Mean intake of sodium, phosphorus, and zinc was higher in controls than in the women with r-AN (P < 0.01), but neither group of women met LARN recommendations for potassium, calcium, or iron intake. With respect to vitamins, no significant differences were found for riboflavin or vitamins A, B 12 , or C between groups, whereas levels of other vitamins differed (P < 0.01). Both groups failed to meet the LARN recommendation for vitamin D intake; moreover, none of the r-AN patients met recommended intake levels of vitamin E, thiamine, niacin, and folate. Intakes reported by r-AN patients did not meet requirements for most micronutrients evaluated in this study and, as expected, both energy needs and specific dietary patterns differed between groups. Therefore, a careful evaluation of food consumption should be recommended to reduce nutritional gaps in these patients. According to these preliminary observations, nutritional counseling, mainly focused on calcium and vitamin D intake, should be suggested for healthy women, as well. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Strategies for Sharing Scientific Research on Sea Level Rise: Suggestions from Stakeholder Focus Groups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeLorme, D.; Hagen, S. C.; Stephens, S. H.

2013-12-01

This presentation reports results of focus groups with coastal resource managers on suggestions for effectively sharing sea level rise (SLR) scientific research with the public and other target audiences. The focus groups were conducted during three annual stakeholder workshops as an important and innovative component of an ongoing five-year multi-disciplinary NOAA-funded project, Ecological Effects of Sea Level Rise in the Northern Gulf of Mexico (EESLR-NGOM). The EESLR-NGOM project is assessing SLR risks to the natural and built environment along the Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida Panhandle coasts. The purpose was to engage stakeholders (e.g., coastal resource managers) in helping target, translate, and tailor the EESLR-NGOM project's scientific findings and emerging products so they are readily accessible, understandable, and useful. The focus groups provided insight into stakeholders' SLR informational and operational needs, solicited input on the project's products, and gathered suggestions for public communication and outreach. A total of three ninety-minute focus groups of between eight and thirteen participants each were conducted at annual workshops in Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. The moderator asked a series of open-ended questions about SLR-related topics using an interview guide and encouraged participant interaction. All focus group audio-recordings were transcribed, and analyzed by carefully reading the 102 total pages of transcript data and identifying patterns and themes. Participants thought outreach about SLR impact and the EESLR-NGOM project scientific research/products was vital and acknowledged various communication challenges and opportunities. They identified three target audiences (local officials, general public, coastal resource managers themselves) that likely require different educational efforts and tools. Participants felt confident the EESLR-NGOM project products will benefit their resource planning and decision making and believed the project will have positive implications for diverse vested entities. Gaining public and local leader support was considered crucial in fostering funding and favorable policies with respect to project goals. However, it was expected that certain target audiences will need to be better educated on ecological aspects of the project and convinced of its significance for this to be achieved. Suggested formats for the EESLR-NGOM research results included maps with precision and flexibility for adjustments over time, across geographic domains, and for different levels of user sophistication, as well as simplified presentations that can be readily shared. There was emphasis on visuals and demonstrations for accessibility and engagement by multiple audiences. While participants thought handouts, brochures, and graphical illustrations would be effective, they also advocated using new digital media. Further, participants advised that time frames and language be adjusted to resonate with target audiences, especially in communicating risk. Branding a unique identity for the EESLR-NGOM project/products was encouraged. Message consistency was considered key for optimal outcomes. The ongoing feedback has resulted in year-by-year refinements of the research process and scientific product development, which has been central to gaining confidence of the target audiences.

Community-based birth waiting homes in Northern Sierra Leone: Factors influencing women's use.

PubMed

Kyokan, Michiko; Whitney-Long, Melissa; Kuteh, Mabel; Raven, Joanna

2016-08-01

to explore the factors influencing women's use of birth waiting homes in the Northern Bombali district, Sierra Leone. this was a descriptive exploratory study using qualitative research methodology, which included in depth interviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, document review and observations. two chiefdoms in the Northern Bombali district, Sierra Leone. eight interviews were conducted with women who had delivered in the past one year and used birth waiting homes; eight key informant interviews with a project manager, birth waiting homes hosts, and community members; thirteen women who delivered in the past year without using birth waiting homes (four interviews and two focus group discussions). there are several factors influencing the use of birth waiting homes (BWHs) including: past experience of childbirth, promotion of the birth waiting homes by traditional birth attendance, distance and costs of transport to the homes, child care and other family commitments, family's views of the importance of the homes, the costs of food during women's stay, and information given to women and families about when and how to use the homes. some barriers, especially those related to family commitments and costs of food, are challenging to solve. In order to make a BWH a user-friendly and viable option, it may be necessary to adjust ways in which BWHs are used. Good linkage with the health system is strength of the programme. However, further strengthening of community participation in monitoring and managing the BWHs is needed for the long term success and sustainability of the BWHs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Patient and health care provider views of depressive symptoms and diabetes in American Samoa.

PubMed

Held, Rachel Forster; DePue, Judith; Rosen, Rochelle; Bereolos, Nicole; Nu'usolia, Ofeira; Tuitele, John; Goldstein, Michael; House, Meaghan; McGarvey, Stephen

2010-10-01

High Type 2 diabetes prevalence, associated with recent cultural changes in diet and physical activity, characterizes the U.S. territory of American Samoa. Comorbid diabetes and depression rates are high worldwide and contribute to negative diabetes outcomes; these rates have not been assessed in American Samoa. In this study, 6 focus groups were conducted with 39 American Samoan adults with diabetes; questions on perceptions of diabetes and depressive symptoms were included. Thirteen health care staff interviews were conducted to gain insight into diabetes care in American Samoa. Focus groups and health care staff interviews were translated, transcribed, and entered into NVivo 8 to facilitate analysis. Thematic analysis showed that diabetes patients saw depressive symptoms as directly contributing to high blood sugar. However, these symptoms were rarely mentioned spontaneously, and providers reported they seldom assess them in patients. Many patients and health care staff believed the best ways to respond to feelings of depression involved relaxing, leaving difficult situations, or eating. Staff also discussed cultural stigma associated with depression and the importance of establishing rapport before discussing it. Health care providers in American Samoa need training to increase their awareness of depressive symptoms' negative impact on diabetes management in patients who screen positive for depression. All providers must approach the subject in a supportive context after establishing rapport. This information will be used for cultural translation of a community health worker and primary care-coordinated intervention for adults with diabetes in American Samoa, with the goal of creating an effective and sustainable intervention. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved.

The relationship between a low grain intake dietary pattern and impulsive behaviors in middle-aged Japanese people.

PubMed

Toyomaki, Atsuhito; Koga, Minori; Okada, Emiko; Nakai, Yukiei; Miyazaki, Akane; Tamakoshi, Akiko; Kiso, Yoshinobu; Kusumi, Ichiro

2017-01-01

Several studies indicate that dietary habits are associated with mental health. We are interested in identifying not a specific single nutrient/food group but the population preferring specific food combinations that can be related to mental health. Very few studies have examined relationships between dietary patterns and multifaceted mental states using cluster analysis. The purpose of this study was to investigate population-level dietary patterns associated with mental state using cluster analysis. We focused on depressive state, sleep quality, subjective well-being, and impulsive behaviors using rating scales. Two hundred and seventy-nine Japanese middle-aged people participated in the present study. Dietary pattern was estimated using a brief self-administered diet-history questionnaire (the BDHQ). We conducted K-means cluster analysis using thirteen BDHQ food groups: milk, meat, fish, egg, pulses, potatoes, green and yellow vegetables, other vegetables, mushrooms, seaweed, sweets, fruits, and grain. We identified three clusters characterized as "vegetable and fruit dominant," "grain dominant," and "low grain tendency" subgroups. The vegetable and fruit dominant group showed increases in several aspects of subjective well-being demonstrated by the SF-8. Differences in mean subject characteristics across clusters were tested using ANOVA. The low frequency intake of grain group showed higher impulsive behavior, demonstrated by BIS-11 deliberation and sum scores. The present study demonstrated that traditional Japanese dietary patterns, such as eating rice, can help with beneficial changes in mental health.

The relationship between a low grain intake dietary pattern and impulsive behaviors in middle-aged Japanese people

PubMed Central

Toyomaki, Atsuhito; Koga, Minori; Okada, Emiko; Nakai, Yukiei; Miyazaki, Akane; Tamakoshi, Akiko; Kiso, Yoshinobu; Kusumi, Ichiro

2017-01-01

Several studies indicate that dietary habits are associated with mental health. We are interested in identifying not a specific single nutrient/food group but the population preferring specific food combinations that can be related to mental health. Very few studies have examined relationships between dietary patterns and multifaceted mental states using cluster analysis. The purpose of this study was to investigate population-level dietary patterns associated with mental state using cluster analysis. We focused on depressive state, sleep quality, subjective well-being, and impulsive behaviors using rating scales. Two hundred and seventy-nine Japanese middle-aged people participated in the present study. Dietary pattern was estimated using a brief self-administered diet-history questionnaire (the BDHQ). We conducted K-means cluster analysis using thirteen BDHQ food groups: milk, meat, fish, egg, pulses, potatoes, green and yellow vegetables, other vegetables, mushrooms, seaweed, sweets, fruits, and grain. We identified three clusters characterized as “vegetable and fruit dominant,” “grain dominant,” and “low grain tendency” subgroups. The vegetable and fruit dominant group showed increases in several aspects of subjective well-being demonstrated by the SF-8. Differences in mean subject characteristics across clusters were tested using ANOVA. The low frequency intake of grain group showed higher impulsive behavior, demonstrated by BIS-11 deliberation and sum scores. The present study demonstrated that traditional Japanese dietary patterns, such as eating rice, can help with beneficial changes in mental health. PMID:28704469

Thirteen for Thirteen-Year-Olds

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Instructor, 2011

2011-01-01

What does it take to reach a middle school reader? Literacy expert Laura Robb recently shared her top strategies in a webcast for Scholastic fans. This article presents Robb's 13 strategies for thirteen-year-olds. These are: (1) Respect students' search for self; (2) Embrace blogging; (3) Send texts in class; (4) Take words apart; (5) Build…

Carbon budgets of thirteen years at the FLUXNET cropland site Oensingen, Switzerland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emmel, Carmen; Revill, Andrew; Hörtnagl, Lukas; Eugster, Werner

2017-04-01

The FLUXNET cropland site at Oensingen, Switzerland (CH-Oe2) is located on the Swiss Plateau, which is representative for the average domain of agricultural crop production in Switzerland. The site is managed under the low pesticide integrated production (IP) farming protocol and features a crop rotation focusing on winter wheat, but also includes winter barley, rapeseed, peas and potatoes as well as intermediate cover crops. Thirteen years of eddy covariance and meteorological measurements are available for the site. The carbon imports through manure applications and sowing, along with the exports through harvests, were quantified. In this study, we analyze the carbon budgets of all crop types and measurement years. These results will be compared to changes in soil carbon content. We will answer the questions: (1) Has the crop rotation and field management resulted in a net carbon source or sink? (2) To what extent are the different crop types linked to net carbon exchanges? (3) What are the climatic potential drivers for the interannual cropland carbon budget? (4) Is the carbon budget reflected in the changes in soil carbon content?

The Association between Parental Warmth and Control in Thirteen Cultural Groups

PubMed Central

Deater-Deckard, Kirby; Lansford, Jennifer E.; Malone, Patrick S.; Alampay, Liane Peña; Sorbring, Emma; Bacchini, Dario; Bombi, Anna Silvia; Bornstein, Marc H.; Chang, Lei; Di Giunta, Laura; Dodge, Kenneth A.; Oburu, Paul; Pastorelli, Concetta; Skinner, Ann T.; Tapanya, Sombat; Tirado, Liliana Maria Uribe; Zelli, Arnaldo; Al-Hassan, Suha M.

2011-01-01

The goal of the current study was to investigate potential cross-cultural differences in the covariation between two of the major dimensions of parenting behavior: control and warmth. Participants included 1421 (51% female) 7- to 10-year-old (M = 8.29, SD = .67 years) children and their mothers and fathers representing 13 cultural groups in nine countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America. Children and parents completed questionnaires and interviews regarding mother and father control and warmth. Greater warmth was associated with more control, but this association varied widely between cultural groups. PMID:21875202

Adjunctive Aripiprazole Treatment for Risperidone-Induced Hyperprolactinemia: An 8-Week Randomized, Open-Label, Comparative Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

Zhao, Jingyuan; Song, Xueqin; Ai, Xiaoqing; Gu, Xiaojing; Huang, Guangbiao; Li, Xue; Pang, Lijuan; Ding, Minli; Ding, Shuang; Lv, Luxian

2015-01-01

Objective The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive aripiprazole treatment in schizophrenia patients with risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia. Methods One hundred and thirteen patients who were receiving a stable dose of risperidone were randomly assigned to either adjunctive aripiprazole treatment (10 mg/day) (aripiprazole group) or no additional treatment (control group) at a 1:1 ratio for 8 weeks. Schizophrenia symptoms were measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Rating scales and safety assessments (RSESE, BARS, UKU) were performed at baseline and at weeks 4 and 8. Serum levels of prolactin were determined at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8. Metabolic parameters were determined at baseline and again at weeks 4 and 8. Results One hundred and thirteen patients were enrolled in this study, and 107 patients completed the study (54 in the aripiprazole group, and 53 in the control group). PANSS-total scores in the aripiprazole group decreased significantly at week 4 (P = 0.003) and week 8 (P = 0.007) compared with the control group. PANSS-negative scores in the aripiprazole group also decreased significantly at week 4 (P = 0.005) and week 8 (P< 0.001) compared with the control group. Serum levels of prolactin in the aripiprazole group decreased significantly at week 2 (P< 0.001), week 4 (P< 0.001), week 6 (P< 0.001) and week 8 (P< 0.001) compared with the control group. There were no significant differences in changes of Fasting Plasma Glucose, Total cholesterol, Triglycerides and High Density Lipoprotein within each group at week 4 and 8 execpt low density lipoproteins. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. Conclusions Adjunctive aripiprazole treatment may be beneficial in reducing serum levels of prolactin and improving negative symptoms in schizophrenia patients with risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia. Trial Registration chictr.org ChiCTR-IOR-15006278 PMID:26448615

A Genetic Linkage Map for Cattle

PubMed Central

Bishop, M. D.; Kappes, S. M.; Keele, J. W.; Stone, R. T.; Sunden, SLF.; Hawkins, G. A.; Toldo, S. S.; Fries, R.; Grosz, M. D.; Yoo, J.; Beattie, C. W.

1994-01-01

We report the most extensive physically anchored linkage map for cattle produced to date. Three-hundred thirteen genetic markers ordered in 30 linkage groups, anchored to 24 autosomal chromosomes (n = 29), the X and Y chromosomes, four unanchored syntenic groups and two unassigned linkage groups spanning 2464 cM of the bovine genome are summarized. The map also assigns 19 type I loci to specific chromosomes and/or syntenic groups and four cosmid clones containing informative microsatellites to chromosomes 13, 25 and 29 anchoring syntenic groups U11, U7 and U8, respectively. This map provides the skeletal framework prerequisite to development of a comprehensive genetic map for cattle and analysis of economic trait loci (ETL). PMID:7908653

[Correlation of adverse childhood experiences with psychiatric disorders and aggressiveness in adulthood].

PubMed

Samardzić, Ljiljana; Nikolić, Gordana; Grbesa, Grozdanko; Simonović, Maja; Milenković, Tatjana

2010-08-01

Consequences of individual adverse childhood experiences for adult mental health have been precisely studied during past decades. The focus of past research was mainly on childhood maltreatment and neglect. The aim of this paper was to determine association between multiple adverse childhood experiences and psychiatric disorders, as well as their correlation to the degree and type of aggressiveness in adult psychiatric patients. One hundred and thirteen psychiatric outpatients were divided into three diagnostic groups: psychotics, non-psychotics and alcoholics and compared with fourty healthy individuals. Adverse childhood experiences data were gathered retrospectively, using the Adverse childhood experiences questionnaire and explanatory interview. Aggressiveness was assessed using Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire. The Student's t test, ANOVA and correlational analysis were used for evaluation of statistical significance of differences among the groups. A value p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Our results showed that the mean number of adverse childhood experiences in each group of psychiatric patients, as well as in the whole group of patients, was statistically significantly higher than in the group of healthy individuals (p < 0.001); there was a statistically significant difference in score of physical aggressiveness between the patients exposed to adverse childhood experiences and those who were not exposed to them (p < 0.05); scores of physical aggressiveness were in positive correlation with the number of adverse childhood experiences (p < 0.05). The highest mean score of adverse childhood experiences was evidenced in the group of patients with psychotic disorders. Multiple adverse childhood experiences are significantly associated with psychotic disorders, nonpsychotic disorders and alcohol dependence in adulthood and their presence is important morbidity risk factor for psychiatric disorders. They are in positive correlation with physical aggressiveness of the patients from these diagnostic groups.

Thought-Action Fusion in Childhood: Measurement, Development, and Association with Anxiety, Rituals and Other Compulsive-Like Behaviors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Evans, David W.; Hersperger, Chelsea; Capaldi, Philip A.

2011-01-01

A new inventory assessing thought-action fusion (TAF) in children is presented. We explore the psychometric properties of this instrument and examine the associations between TAF, ritualistic and compulsive-like behavior (CLB) and anxiety. Three hundred thirteen children ages 7-14 (M = 10.16, SD = 1.92) representing six grades (grouped into three…

The Role of Vocabulary, Working Memory and Inference Making Ability in Reading Comprehension in Down Syndrome

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nash, Hannah; Heath, James

2011-01-01

Thirteen children and young adults with Down syndrome (DS) completed tests of language and reading and their performance was compared to that of three control groups. Reading comprehension was confirmed to be a specific deficit in DS and found to be strongly correlated with underlying language skills. Although reading comprehension was more…

New Models for Predicting Diameter at Breast Height from Stump Dimensions

Treesearch

James A. Westfall

2010-01-01

Models to predict dbh from stump dimensions are presented for 18 species groups. Data used to fit the models were collected across thirteen states in the northeastern United States. Primarily because of the presence of multiple measurements from each tree, a mixed-effects modeling approach was used to account for the lack of independence among observations. The...

Physical Education Teacher Educators' Views Regarding the Purpose(s) of School Physical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McEvoy, Eileen; Heikinaro-Johansson, Pilvikki; MacPhail, Ann

2017-01-01

The aim of this paper was to gain an understanding of the views of a group of physical education teacher educators on the purpose(s) of school physical education and whether, how and why these views have changed over time. Semi-structured individual interviews were carried out with thirteen physical education teacher educators; a fourteenth…

Children's Worlds: An Exploration of Latino Students' Play in Rural New Mexico

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ulibarri, Reyna M.

2016-01-01

I present an ethnographic study of thirteen nine-year-old, U.S.-born Latino children in rural New Mexico. I employ in-depth individual and group interviews, participant observation, and sand play (a method borrowed from clinical psychology in which children "make a world" in a box of sand) to explore how play interactions represent,…

Achieving cultural congruency in weight loss interventions: can a spirituality-based program attract and retain an inner-city community sample?

PubMed

Davis, Chad; Dutton, William Blake; Durant, Taryn; Annunziato, Rachel A; Marcotte, David

2014-01-01

Ethnic minorities continue to be disproportionately affected by obesity and are less likely to access healthcare than Caucasians. It is therefore imperative that researchers develop novel methods that will attract these difficult-to-reach groups. The purpose of the present study is to describe characteristics of an urban community sample attracted to a spiritually based, weight loss intervention. METHODS. Thirteen participants enrolled in a pilot version of Spiritual Self-Schema Therapy (3S) applied to disordered eating behavior and obesity. Treatment consisted of 12 one-hour sessions in a group therapy format. At baseline, participants were measured for height and weight and completed a battery of self-report measures. The sample was predominantly African-American and Hispanic and a large percentage of the sample was male. Mean baseline scores of the EDE-Q, YFAS, and the CES-D revealed clinically meaningful levels of eating disordered pathology and depression, respectively. The overall attrition rate was quite low for interventions targeting obesity. This application of a spiritually centered intervention seemed to attract and retain a predominantly African-American and Hispanic sample. By incorporating a culturally congruent focus, this approach may have been acceptable to individuals who are traditionally more difficult to reach.

Electronic document delivery using the Internet.

PubMed Central

Bennett, V M; Palmer, E M

1994-01-01

The Health Sciences Libraries Consortium (HSLC) was established in 1985 by thirteen founding member institutions in Pennsylvania and Delaware. In 1989, the Interlibrary Loan, Document Delivery, and Union List Task Force, appointed by the HSLC Board of Directors, successfully demonstrated the feasibility of supplying 94% of all interlibrary loan (ILL) photocopy requests in forty-eight hours or less by a network application of group 3-level memory telefacsimiles. However, the expenses associated with the telefacsimile operation and the limitations associated with network polling protocols challenged participants to seek new alternatives for ILL. In 1990, the HSLC introduced HSLC HealthNET, an online wide-area network linking eleven of the thirteen institutions and their resources while providing access to the Internet. The HSLC HealthNET additionally supports a centralized shared library system, several locally mounted databases, and consortiumwide electronic mail. In 1991, a project was initiated to evaluate Ariel software, pioneered by the Research Libraries Group (RLG), compared to the existing network application of group 3-level telefacsimiles. Factors identified as critical to Ariel's potential to replace the telefacsimile network were the proprietary software specifications for Internet access, the use of HSLC's existing wide-area network (WAN), and a hardware platform that was optimal for an ILL environment. This article describes the Ariel project history, the transition to Ariel from the telefacsimile network, evaluation of equipment features for processing efficiency, and operational issues affecting ILL policy. PMID:8004018

Developing and Translating a New Model for Teaching Empowerment Into Routine Chronic Care Management

PubMed Central

Wallace, Carolyn A; Pontin, David; Dokova, Klara; Mikkonen, Irma; Savage, Eileen; Koskinen, Liisa

2017-01-01

Background: Health professional education has been criticized for not integrating patient expertise into professional curricula to develop professional skills in patient empowerment. Objective: To develop and translate a new expert patient-centered model for teaching empowerment into professional education about routine chronic care management. Methods: Eight Finnish patients (known as expert patients), 31 students, and 11 lecturers from 4 European countries participated in a new pilot intensive educational module. Thirteen focus groups, artefacts, and an online student evaluation were analyzed using a thematic analysis and triangulated using a meta-matrix. Results: A patient-centered pedagogical model is presented, which describes 3 phases of empowerment: (1) preliminary work, (2) the elements of empowerment, and (3) the expected outcomes. These 3 phases were bound by 2 cross-cutting themes “time” and “enabling resources.” Conclusion: Patient expertise was embedded into the new module curriculum. Using an example of care planning, and Pentland and Feldman’s theory of routine organization, the results are translated into a patient-centered educational model for teaching empowerment to health profession students. PMID:29582009

Institute Study Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitaker, Ann; Steadman, Jackie; Little, Sally; Underwood, Debra; Blackman, Mack; Simonds, Judy

1997-01-01

This report documents a study conducted by the MSFC working group on Institutes in 1995 on the structure, organization and business arrangements of Institutes at a time when the agency was considering establishing science institutes. Thirteen institutes, ten science centers associated with the state of Georgia, Stanford Research Institute (SRI), and IIT Research Institute (IITRI), and general data on failed institutes were utilized to form this report. The report covers the working group's findings on institute mission, structure, director, board of directors/advisors, the working environment, research arrangements, intellectual property rights, business management, institute funding, and metrics.

The role of simulation in continuing medical education for acute care physicians: a systematic review.

PubMed

Khanduja, P Kristina; Bould, M Dylan; Naik, Viren N; Hladkowicz, Emily; Boet, Sylvain

2015-01-01

We systematically reviewed the effectiveness of simulation-based education, targeting independently practicing qualified physicians in acute care specialties. We also describe how simulation is used for performance assessment in this population. Data source included: DataMEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane CENTRAL Database of Controlled Trials, and National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database. The last date of search was January 31, 2013. All original research describing simulation-based education for independently practicing physicians in anesthesiology, critical care, and emergency medicine was reviewed. Data analysis was performed in duplicate with further review by a third author in cases of disagreement until consensus was reached. Data extraction was focused on effectiveness according to Kirkpatrick's model. For simulation-based performance assessment, tool characteristics and sources of validity evidence were also collated. Of 39 studies identified, 30 studies focused on the effectiveness of simulation-based education and nine studies evaluated the validity of simulation-based assessment. Thirteen studies (30%) targeted the lower levels of Kirkpatrick's hierarchy with reliance on self-reporting. Simulation was unanimously described as a positive learning experience with perceived impact on clinical practice. Of the 17 remaining studies, 10 used a single group or "no intervention comparison group" design. The majority (n = 17; 44%) were able to demonstrate both immediate and sustained improvements in educational outcomes. Nine studies reported the psychometric properties of simulation-based performance assessment as their sole objective. These predominantly recruited independent practitioners as a convenience sample to establish whether the tool could discriminate between experienced and inexperienced operators and concentrated on a single aspect of validity evidence. Simulation is perceived as a positive learning experience with limited evidence to support improved learning. Future research should focus on the optimal modality and frequency of exposure, quality of assessment tools and on the impact of simulation-based education beyond the individuals toward improved patient care.

Beating the Odds: How Thirteen NYC Schools Bring Low-Performing Ninth-Graders to Timely Graduation and College Enrollment. Executive Summary

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University (NJ1), 2011

2011-01-01

This report describes a follow-up qualitative study, conducted in 2006 by the Annenberg Institute for School Reform, of a small group of New York City high schools that, according to 2001 data, were "beating the odds" in preparing low-performing ninth-grade students for timely high school graduation and college going. The thirteen…

Beating the Odds: How Thirteen NYC Schools Bring Low-Performing 9th-Graders to Timely Graduation and College Enrollment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ascher, Carol; Maguire, Cindy

2011-01-01

This report describes a follow-up qualitative study, conducted in 2006 by the Annenberg Institute for School Reform, of a small group of New York City high schools that were "beating the odds" in preparing low-performing 9th-grade students for timely high school graduation and college going. The 13 schools included two long-established…

Zero VOC, Coal Tar Free Splash Zone Coating (SZC)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-12-01

polymer became commercially available in 1943, thirteen years after the Thiokol Corporation developed and marketed a millable gum polysulfide known...overall solvent resistance properties as the millable gum polysulfides. However, the liquid polysulfides have the advantage of being room temperature...amine to form a covalent sulfur-carbon bond. The tertiary amine is regenerated and is then available to react with another oxirane group. These

Oversight on Programs for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired, 1980. Hearing Before the Subcommittee on the Handicapped of the Committee on Labor and Human Resources, United States Senate, Ninety-Sixth Congress, Second Session on to Examine Current Problems and Programs of the Deaf and Hearing Impaired, and to Explore Future Technological Developments Designed to Handle Their Problems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources.

The 1980 Senate hearing focuses on federal programs for deaf and hearing impaired students. Thirteen prepared statements are presented from representatives of federal agencies (National Institute of Handicapped Research, Department of Education, and National Institute of Health); private associations (the Convention of American Instructors of the…

A swallowtail catastrophe model for the emergence of leadership in coordination-intensive groups.

PubMed

Guastello, Stephen J; Bond, Robert W

2007-04-01

This research extended the previous studies concerning the swallowtail catastrophe model for leadership emergence to coordination-intensive groups. Thirteen 4-person groups composed of undergraduates played in Intersection coordination (card game) task and were allowed to talk while performing it; 13 other groups worked nonverbally. A questionnaire measured leadership emergence at the end of the game along with other social contributions to the groups' efforts. The swallowtail catastrophe model that was evident in previous leadership emergence phenomena in creative problem solving and production groups was found here also. All three control parameters were identified: a general participation variable that was akin to K in the rugged landscape model of self-organization, task control, and whether the groups worked verbally or nonverbally. Several new avenues for future research were delineated.

My Body Looks Like That Girl’s: Body Mass Index Modulates Brain Activity during Body Image Self-Reflection among Young Women

PubMed Central

Wen, Xin; She, Ying; Vinke, Petra Corianne; Chen, Hong

2016-01-01

Body image distress or body dissatisfaction is one of the most common consequences of obesity and overweight. We investigated the neural bases of body image processing in overweight and average weight young women to understand whether brain regions that were previously found to be involved in processing self-reflective, perspective and affective components of body image would show different activation between two groups. Thirteen overweight (O-W group, age = 20.31±1.70 years) and thirteen average weight (A-W group, age = 20.15±1.62 years) young women underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while performing a body image self-reflection task. Among both groups, whole-brain analysis revealed activations of a brain network related to perceptive and affective components of body image processing. ROI analysis showed a main effect of group in ACC as well as a group by condition interaction within bilateral EBA, bilateral FBA, right IPL, bilateral DLPFC, left amygdala and left MPFC. For the A-W group, simple effect analysis revealed stronger activations in Thin-Control compared to Fat-Control condition within regions related to perceptive (including bilateral EBA, bilateral FBA, right IPL) and affective components of body image processing (including bilateral DLPFC, left amygdala), as well as self-reference (left MPFC). The O-W group only showed stronger activations in Fat-Control than in Thin-Control condition within regions related to the perceptive component of body image processing (including left EBA and left FBA). Path analysis showed that in the Fat-Thin contrast, body dissatisfaction completely mediated the group difference in brain response in left amygdala across the whole sample. Our data are the first to demonstrate differences in brain response to body pictures between average weight and overweight young females involved in a body image self-reflection task. These results provide insights for understanding the vulnerability to body image distress among overweight or obese young females. PMID:27764116

My Body Looks Like That Girl's: Body Mass Index Modulates Brain Activity during Body Image Self-Reflection among Young Women.

PubMed

Gao, Xiao; Deng, Xiao; Wen, Xin; She, Ying; Vinke, Petra Corianne; Chen, Hong

2016-01-01

Body image distress or body dissatisfaction is one of the most common consequences of obesity and overweight. We investigated the neural bases of body image processing in overweight and average weight young women to understand whether brain regions that were previously found to be involved in processing self-reflective, perspective and affective components of body image would show different activation between two groups. Thirteen overweight (O-W group, age = 20.31±1.70 years) and thirteen average weight (A-W group, age = 20.15±1.62 years) young women underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while performing a body image self-reflection task. Among both groups, whole-brain analysis revealed activations of a brain network related to perceptive and affective components of body image processing. ROI analysis showed a main effect of group in ACC as well as a group by condition interaction within bilateral EBA, bilateral FBA, right IPL, bilateral DLPFC, left amygdala and left MPFC. For the A-W group, simple effect analysis revealed stronger activations in Thin-Control compared to Fat-Control condition within regions related to perceptive (including bilateral EBA, bilateral FBA, right IPL) and affective components of body image processing (including bilateral DLPFC, left amygdala), as well as self-reference (left MPFC). The O-W group only showed stronger activations in Fat-Control than in Thin-Control condition within regions related to the perceptive component of body image processing (including left EBA and left FBA). Path analysis showed that in the Fat-Thin contrast, body dissatisfaction completely mediated the group difference in brain response in left amygdala across the whole sample. Our data are the first to demonstrate differences in brain response to body pictures between average weight and overweight young females involved in a body image self-reflection task. These results provide insights for understanding the vulnerability to body image distress among overweight or obese young females.

Nurses' Perspectives on Interprofessional Communication in the Prevention of Functional Decline in Hospitalized Older People.

PubMed

Butler, Jeffrey I; Fox, Mary T

2018-03-22

Older people present with complex health issues on admission to hospital and are at high risk for functional decline and related complications. Thus, they require the services of diverse health-care professionals working in concert to support their functioning. Despite nurses' central role in caring for this patient population, and evidence indicating that interprofessional communication is a persistent challenge for nurses in acute-care settings, little is known about nurses' views on interprofessional communication in care preserving functioning in acutely admitted older people. To fill this knowledge gap, we gathered acute-care staff nurses' perspectives on interprofessional communication in a function-focused, interprofessional approach to hospital care for older adults. Thirteen focus groups were conducted with a purposeful, criterion-based sample of 57 nurses working in acute-care hospitals. Thematic analysis revealed two overarching themes capturing nurses' perspectives on key factors shaping interprofessional communication in a function-focused interprofessional approach to care (1) context of direct communication and (2) context of indirect communication. The first theme demonstrates that nurses preferred synchronous modes of communication, but some ascribed greater importance to unstructured forms of direct information-sharing, while others stressed structured direct communication, particularly interprofessional rounds. The second theme also documents divergence in nurses' views on asynchronous communication, with some emphasizing information technology and others analog tools. Perceptions of some modes of interprofessional communication were found to vary by practice setting. Theoretical and pragmatic conclusions are drawn that can be used to optimize interprofessional communication processes supporting hospitalized older people's functioning.

Utilization-focused evaluation of a STEM enrichment program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carter, Sally

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact and utilization of a STEM enrichment program (hereafter referred to as The Program). The Program consisted of two parts. First an educator resource center provided free educational materials throughout The Program’s home state. The second part of The Program was a network of education specialists who provided professional development for teachers, modeled lessons with students, and provided presentations for the general public. The problem addressed by this study was a lack of knowledge regarding the impact of The Program. The Program’s director requested a utilization-focused program evaluation to answer thirteen questions. Questions covered Program impact for five areas: overall impact on teachers, overall impact on students, overall impact of materials, overall impact of Program personnel, and overall impact on STEM education. A mixed-methods case study was designed to gather data. Quantitative data included Program archival data regarding the number of contacts and a survey distributed to teachers who had used The Program’s services on at least one occasion. Qualitative data included written comments gathered from the teacher surveys, seven teacher focus groups, and four Program personnel interviews. Data found an overall positive Program impact in all five areas. Both quantitative and qualitative data showed favorable perceptions by teachers and Program personnel. It is not known if data from this case study can be generalized to other STEM enrichment programs. Future research might include a study to determine if The Program’s model could be used to generate new STEM enrichment programs.

Patient Organizations’ Funding from Pharmaceutical Companies: Is Disclosure Clear, Complete and Accessible to the Public? An Italian Survey

PubMed Central

Colombo, Cinzia; Mosconi, Paola; Villani, Walter; Garattini, Silvio

2012-01-01

Background Many patients’ and consumers’ organizations accept drug industry funding to support their activities. As drug companies and patient groups move closer, disclosure become essential for transparency, and the internet could be a useful means of making sponsorship information accessible to the public. This survey aims to assess the transparency of a large group of Italian patient and consumer groups and a group of pharmaceutical companies, focusing on their websites. Methodology/Principal Findings Patient and consumer groups were selected from those stated to be sponsored by a group of pharmaceutical companies on their websites. The websites were examined using two forms with principal (name of drug companies providing funds, amount of funding) and secondary indicators of transparency (section where sponsors are disclosed, update of sponsorship). Principal indicators were applied independently by two reviewers to the patient and consumer groups’ websites. Discordances were solved by discussion. One hundred fifty-seven Italian patient and consumer groups and 17 drug companies were considered. Thirteen drug companies (76%) named at least one group funded, on their Italian websites. Of these, four (31%) indicated the activities sponsored and two (15%) the amount of funding. Of the 157 patient and consumer groups, 46 (29%) named at least one pharmaceutical company as providing funds. Three (6%) reported the amount of funding, 25 (54%) the activities funded, none the proportion of income derived from drug companies. Among the groups naming pharmaceutical company sponsors, 15 (33%) declared them in a dedicated section, five (11%) on the home page, the others in the financial report or other sections. Conclusions/Significance Disclosure of funds is scarce on Italian patient and consumer groups’ websites. The levels of transparency need to be improved. Disclosure of patient and consumer groups provided with funds is frequent on Italian pharmaceutical companies’ websites, but information are often not complete. PMID:22590498

Undiscovered petroleum resources for the Woodford Shale and Thirteen Finger Limestone-Atoka Shale assessment units, Anadarko Basin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Higley, Debra K.

2011-01-01

In 2010 the U.S. Geological Survey assessed undiscovered oil and gas resources for the Anadarko Basin Province of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The assessment included three continuous (unconventional) assessment units (AU). Mean undiscovered resources for the (1) Devonian Woodford Shale Gas AU are about 16 trillion cubic feet of gas (TCFG) and 192 million barrels of natural gas liquids (MMBNGL), (2) Woodford Shale Oil AU are 393 million barrels of oil (MMBO), 2 TCFG, and 59 MMBNGL, and (3) Pennsylvanian Thirteen Finger Limestone-Atoka Shale Gas AU are 6.8 TCFG and 82 MMBNGL. The continuous gas AUs are mature for gas generation within the deep basin of Oklahoma and Texas. Gas generation from the Woodford Shale source rock started about 335 Ma, and from the Thirteen Finger Limestone-Atoka Shale AU about 300 Ma. Maturation results are based on vitrinite reflectance data, and on 1D and 4D petroleum system models that calculated vitrinite reflectance (Ro), and Rock-Eval and hydrous pyrolysis transformation (HP) ratios through time for petroleum source rocks. The Woodford Shale Gas AU boundary and sweet spot were defined mainly on (1) isopach thickness from well-log analysis and published sources; (2) estimated ultimate recoverable production from existing, mainly horizontal, wells; and (3) levels of thermal maturation. Measured and modeled Ro ranges from about 1.2% to 5% in the AU, which represents marginally mature to overmature for gas generation. The sweet spot included most of the Woodford that was deposited within eroded channels in the unconformably underlying Hunton Group. The Thirteen Finger Limestone-Atoka Shale Gas AU has no known production in the deep basin. This AU boundary is based primarily on the gas generation window, and on thickness and distribution of organic-rich facies from these mainly thin shale and limestone beds. Estimates of organic richness were based on well-log signatures and published data.

Alternative perspectives of safety in home delivered health care: a sequential exploratory mixed method study.

PubMed

Jones, Sarahjane

2016-10-01

The aim of this study was to discover and describe how patients, carers and case management nurses define safety and compare it to the traditional risk reduction and harm avoidance definition of safety. Care services are increasingly being delivered in the home for patients with complex long-term conditions. However, the concept of safety remains largely unexplored. A sequential, exploratory mixed method design. A qualitative case study of the UK National Health Service case management programme in the English UK National Health Service was deployed during 2012. Thirteen interviews were conducted with patients (n = 9) and carers (n = 6) and three focus groups with nurses (n = 17) from three community care providers. The qualitative element explored the definition of safety. Data were subjected to framework analysis and themes were identified by participant group. Sequentially, a cross-sectional survey was conducted during 2013 in a fourth community care provider (patient n = 35, carer n = 19, nurse n = 26) as a form of triangulation. Patients and carers describe safety differently to case management nurses, choosing to focus on meeting needs. They use more positive language and recognize the role they have in safety in home-delivered health care. In comparison, case management nurses described safety similarly to the definitions found in the literature. However, when offered the patient and carer definition of safety, they preferentially selected this definition to their own or the literature definition. Patients and carers offer an alternative perspective on patient safety in home-delivered health care that identifies their role in ensuring safety and is more closely aligned with the empowerment philosophy of case management. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Minimal impact of a care pathway for geriatric hip fracture patients.

PubMed

Panella, Massimiliano; Seys, Deborah; Sermeus, Walter; Bruyneel, Luk; Lodewijckx, Cathy; Deneckere, Svin; Sermon, An; Nijs, Stefaan; Boto, Paulo; Vanhaecht, Kris

2018-06-04

Adherence to guidelines for patients with proximal femur fracture is suboptimal. To evaluate the effect of a care pathway for the in-hospital management of older geriatric hip fracture patients on adherence to guidelines and patient outcomes. The European Quality of Care Pathways study is a cluster randomized controlled trial. 26 hospitals in Belgium, Italy and Portugal. Older adults with a proximal femur fracture (n = 514 patients) were included. Hospitals treating older adults (>65) with a proximal femur fracture were randomly assigned to an intervention group, i.e. implementation of a care pathway, or control group, i.e. usual care. Thirteen patient outcomes and 24 process indicators regarding in-hospital management, as well as three not-recommended care activities were measured. Adjusted and unadjusted regression analyses were conducted using intention-to-treat procedures. In the intervention group 301 patients in 15 hospitals were included, and in the control group 213 patients in 11 hospitals. Sixty-five percent of the patients were older than 80 years. The implementation of this care pathway had no significant impact on the thirteen patient outcomes. The preoperative management improved significantly. Eighteen of 24 process indicators improved, but only two improved significantly. Only for a few teams a geriatrician was an integral member of the treatment team. Implementation of a care pathway improved compliance to evidence, but no significant effect on patient outcomes was found. The impact of the collaboration between surgeons and geriatricians on adherence to guidelines and patient outcomes should be studied. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00962910. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Geospatial Analysis and Seasonal Distribution of West Nile Virus Vectors (Diptera: Culicidae) in Southern Ontario, Canada

PubMed Central

Turner, Kevin W.; Hunter, Fiona F.

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study was to establish geospatial and seasonal distributions of West Nile virus vectors in southern Ontario, Canada using historical surveillance data from 2002 to 2014. We set out to produce mosquito abundance prediction surfaces for each of Ontario’s thirteen West Nile virus vectors. We also set out to determine whether elevation and proximity to conservation areas and provincial parks, wetlands, and population centres could be used to improve our model. Our results indicated that the data sets for Anopheles quadrimaculatus, Anopheles punctipennis, Anopheles walkeri, Culex salinarius, Culex tarsalis, Ochlerotatus stimulans, and Ochlerotatus triseriatus were not suitable for geospatial modelling because they are randomly distributed throughout Ontario. Spatial prediction surfaces were created for Aedes japonicus and proximity to wetlands, Aedes vexans and proximity to population centres, Culex pipiens/restuans and proximity to population centres, Ochlerotatus canadensis and elevation, and Ochlerotatus trivittatus and proximity to population centres using kriging. Seasonal distributions are presented for all thirteen species. We have identified both when and where vector species are most abundant in southern Ontario. These data have the potential to contribute to a more efficient and focused larvicide program and West Nile virus awareness campaigns. PMID:29597256

The Text Retrieval Conferences (TRECs)

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-10-01

per- form a monolingual run in the target language to act as a baseline. Thirteen groups participated in the TREC-6 CLIR track. Three major...language; the use of machine-readable bilingual dictionaries or other existing linguistic re- sources; and the use of corpus resources to train or...formance for each method. In general, the best cross- language performance was between 50%-75% as ef- fective as a quality monolingual run. The TREC-7

Multiple model mimicry and feeding behavior of the spider web-inhabiting damsel bug, Arachnocoris berytoides Uhler (Hemiptera: Nabidae), from Puerto Rico

Treesearch

Javier E. Mercado; Jorge A. Santiago-Blay

2015-01-01

The Neotropical genus, Arachnocoris Scott groups thirteen species of specialized spider web-inhabiting damsel bugs (Nabidae) distributed from Panama to Brazil and the West Indies. We present new information on the web behavior of A. berytoides Uhler from Puerto Rico. Three different life stages were observed on the spider webs, suggesting this species likely depends on...

Cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility and postural balance in patients with nontraumatic chronic neck pain--a pilot study.

PubMed

Palmgren, Per J; Andreasson, Daniel; Eriksson, Magnus; Hägglund, Andreas

2009-06-30

Although cervical pain is widespread, most victims are only mildly and occasionally affected. A minority, however, suffer chronic pain and/or functional impairments. Although there is abundant literature regarding nontraumatic neck pain, little focuses on diagnostic criteria. During the last decade, research on neck pain has been designed to evaluate underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, without noteworthy success. Independent researchers have investigated postural balance and cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility among patients with chronic neck pain, and have (in most cases) concluded the source of the problem is a reduced ability in the neck's proprioceptive system. Here, we investigated cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility and postural balance among patients with nontraumatic chronic neck pain. Ours was a two-group, observational pilot study of patients with complaints of continuous neck pain during the 3 months prior to recruitment. Thirteen patients with chronic neck pain of nontraumatic origin were recruited from an institutional outpatient clinic. Sixteen healthy persons were recruited as a control group. Cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility was assessed by exploring head repositioning accuracy and postural balance was measured with computerized static posturography. Parameters of cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility were not reduced. However, in one of six test movements (flexion), global repositioning errors were significantly larger in the experimental group than in the control group (p < .05). Measurements did not demonstrate any general impaired postural balance, and varied substantially among participants in both groups. In patients with nontraumatic chronic neck pain, we found statistically significant global repositioning errors in only one of six test movements. In this cohort, we found no evidence of impaired postural balance.Head repositioning accuracy and computerized static posturography are imperfect measures of functional proprioceptive impairments. Validity of (and procedures for using) these instruments demand further investigation. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN96873990.

Effects of dysthymia on personality assessment.

PubMed

Lecic-Tosevski, D; Divac-Jovanovic, M

1996-01-01

Twenty-eight dysthymic patients (82.1% with personality disorders) were investigated with questionnaires for personality and depression before and after treatment. When in asymptomatic state, defined by clinical criteria and HAM-D score 6 or lower, the personality profile of 15 patients (group I) was significantly changed from the one before treatment (avoidant, passive-aggressive, borderline and schizotypal dimensions were lower, and narcissistic dimension higher [P < 0.01]). Thirteen patients (group II) had an unchanged profile. The first group showed significant state-trait dependence, especially of the borderline personality dimension. The second group manifested a permanent characterological affective syndrome, or a core borderline personality disorder. The limitations of personality assessment during affective episodes are discussed as well as the borderline level of functioning related to it.

Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in diagnosing chronic Q fever in patients with central vascular disease.

PubMed

Hagenaars, J C J P; Wever, P C; Vlake, A W; Renders, N H M; van Petersen, A S; Hilbink, M; de Jager-Leclercq, M G L; Moll, F L; Koning, O H J; Hoekstra, C J

2016-08-01

The aim of this study is to describe the value of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in diagnosing chronic Q fever in patients with central vascular disease and the added value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnostic combination strategy as described in the Dutch consensus guideline for diagnosing chronic Q fever. 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed in patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm or aorto-iliac reconstruction and chronic Q fever, diagnosed by serology and positive PCR for Coxiella burnetii DNA in blood and/or tissue (PCR-positive study group). Patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm or aorto-iliac reconstruction without clinical and serological findings indicating Q fever infection served as a control group. Patients with a serological profile of chronic Q fever and a negative PCR in blood were included in additional analyses (PCR-negative study group). Thirteen patients were evaluated in the PCR-positive study group and 22 patients in the control group. 18F-FDG PET/CT indicated vascular infection in 6/13 patients in the PCR-positive study group and 2/22 patients in the control group. 18F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated a sensitivity of 46% (95% CI: 23-71%), specificity of 91% (95% CI: 71-99%), positive predictive value of 75% (95% CI:41-93%) and negative predictive value of 74% (95% CI: 55-87%). In the PCR-negative study group, 18F-FDG PET/CT was positive in 10/20 patients (50%). The combination of 18F-FDG PET/CT, as an imaging tool for identifying a focus of infection, and Q fever serology is a valid diagnostic strategy for diagnosing chronic Q fever in patients with central vascular disease.

A Review of Culturally Targeted/Tailored Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Interventions for Minority Adolescents

PubMed Central

Singh, Nisha; Krishnan-Sarin, Suchitra

2012-01-01

Aim: Emerging racial/ethnic disparities in tobacco use behaviors and resulting long-term health outcomes highlight the importance of developing culturally tailored/targeted tobacco prevention and cessation interventions. This manuscript describes the efficacy and the components of prevention and cessation interventions developed for minority adolescents. Methods: Thirteen studies focused on culturally tailoring and targeting tobacco prevention/cessation interventions were selected and information on intervention design (type, number of sessions), setting (school or community), theoretical constructs, culture-specific components (surface/deep structures), and treatment outcomes were extracted. Results: Of the 13 studies, 5 focused on prevention, 4 on cessation, and 4 combined prevention and cessation, and most of the studies were primarily school-based, while a few used community locations. Although diverse minority groups were targeted, a majority of the studies (n = 6) worked with Hispanic adolescents. The most common theoretical construct examined was the Social Influence Model (n = 5). The overall findings indicated that culturally tailoring cessation interventions did not appear to improve tobacco quit rates among minority adolescents, but culturally tailored prevention interventions appeared to produce lower tobacco initiation rates among minority adolescents than control conditions. Conclusions: The results of review suggest that there is a critical need to develop better interventions to reduce tobacco use among minority adolescents and that developing a better understanding of cultural issues related to both cessation and initiation of tobacco use among minority populations is a key component of this endeavor. PMID:22614548

Seeking Chronic Pain Relief: A Hermeneutic Exploration.

PubMed

Smith, Crystal Lederhos; Severtsen, Billie; Vandermause, Roxanne; Barbosa-Leiker, Celestina; Wilson, Marian; Roll, John

2018-06-21

In the United States, chronic pain is experienced by over 39.4 million adults, many of whom are treated with opioid pain medications. This research presents an interpretation of the experience of seeking pain relief for a group of people taking opioid pain medications whose pain is not adequately controlled. A concurrent embedded mixed-methods design was used, including a Heideggerian hermeneutic qualitative approach that focuses on the participants' perceptions as a vehicle for understanding the phenomenon of seeking pain relief with descriptive quantitative data in a supporting role. Thirteen interviews and 15 surveys were analyzed, all of which met the following criteria: (1) self-reported chronic pain (persistent pain lasting a minimum of six months), (2) current use of prescription opioid medications, (3) pain not successfully controlled. The analysis revealed a paradox, which we describe as being lost/finding myself in the health care system. This paradox became the overarching pattern of experience that subsumed several dynamic, overlapping practices described in the patterns: (1) seeking relief as suffering; (2) being classified as an addict but not an addict; (3) living with pain as remembering; and (4) experiencing treatment modalities as fickle possibilities. Explication of and interpretive commentary on these patterns shift the focus from drug seeking to pain relief seeking behaviors in chronic pain sufferers. Such a shift could change the manner in which providers work with chronic pain sufferers to find appropriate treatment modalities. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Pain Management Nursing. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluating perceptions of community-based physicians from a high-retention clerkship.

PubMed

Gillies, Ralph A; Jester, David M; Hobbs, Joseph

2005-10-01

This study's objective was to ascertain factors contributing to high retention of community-based sites and their physicians in a 3-decade-old family medicine clerkship. Focus groups were conducted with community-based physicians from the Medical College of Georgia's family medicine clerkship. Transcripts were analyzed using an iterative process regarding physicians' initial and ongoing motivations for participating in the clerkship. Thirteen physicians participated. Six themes were generated: family medicine promotion, valued role of teaching, leadership style, clerkship ownership, resources, and challenges. In addition to intrinsic motivators such as valuing the role of teaching the next generation of physicians and promoting the family medicine specialty, the participative leadership style of a clerkship may be an important factor in physicians' decision to teach in a clerkship. The physicians in this study described having collegial working relationships with the clerkship leaders and receiving consistent support in implementing objectives. Physicians attributed their high level of involvement and investment as a product of being respected partners in defining the clerkship. Financial support and teaching resources were also considered salient. A follow-up study with a larger population is warranted to support the importance of leadership style and other external motivating factors toward a clerkship's physician retention.

Videofluoroscopy of the oral phase of swallowing in eight to twelve years old children with dental malocclusion.

PubMed

Junqueira, Patricia; Costa, Milton Melciades

2013-11-01

The objective of this study was to describe the oral phase of swallowing in individuals with dental malocclusion and to generate data that would contribute to the rehabilitation of those patients. The study was based on the evaluation of the swallowing system through videofluoroscopy on thirty-four children of both genders, aged eight to twelve years old who present with Angle Class II and III dental malocclusions. Thirteen children of similar age and gender presenting normal dental occlusion formed the control group. The results indicated that the oral phase of swallowing is different between individuals with normal occlusion and malocclusion. Dental occlusion types Angle Class II and III did not present a swallowing pattern, independently of the amount of liquid ingested. The swallowing appeared effective in the oral phase of individuals with dental malocclusion, even though adaptations were identified. The outcome, in the absence of a single pattern and the efficiency of the adapted swallowing demonstrates, first a need for additional research investigating orofacial myofunctional treatment for patients with malocclusion and second how such analyses should focus on contributing positively to the rehabilitation of these patients.

Perceived Influences on Farmers' Market Use among Urban, WIC-enrolled Women.

PubMed

Di Noia, Jennifer; Monica, Dorothy; Cullen, Karen Weber; Thompson, Debbe

2017-09-01

We identified perceived barriers and facilitators to purchasing fruits and vegetables (FV) at farmers' markets, FV shopping practices, and reactions to a planned online lesson to promote farmers' market use among urban, inner-city WIC-enrolled women. Thirteen focus groups were conducted with 3-5 participants each (N = 54). Common barriers were structural (transportation issues) and informational (not knowing the locations of markets). Improving access (by increasing the number of area markets, expanding market hours and locations, and increasing transportation options to markets) and raising awareness of the importance of eating healthfully were common facilitators. Information was sought on the locations of farmers who accept FV vouchers provided by WIC, FV sold at farmers' markets, reasons to eat locally grown FV, and FV food safety and preparation skills. Questions were raised about the accessibility of an online lesson; providing information via inperson seminars and handouts also was recommended. Although purchasing FV at supermarkets and corner stores and bodegas was common, concerns were expressed about the freshness, cost, quality, and variety of produce sold at these venues. Findings aid understanding of factors to consider in designing interventions to promote farmers' market use in this population.

Exploring the emerging profession of speech-language pathology in Vietnam through pioneering eyes.

PubMed

Atherton, Marie; Davidson, Bronwyn; McAllister, Lindy

2017-04-01

In September 2012, 18 Vietnamese health professionals graduated as Vietnam's first university qualified speech-language pathologists (SLPs). This study details the reflections of these pioneering health professionals at 12 months following their graduation, drawing attention to their scope of practice as SLPs and to the opportunities and challenges to progressing the practice of speech-language pathology (SLP) in Vietnam. Thirteen graduates participated in small group interviews where they described their work and their perceptions of their emerging practice. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts was employed to identify key concepts and themes within the data. Four overarching themes were identified-scope of practice, establishing identity, confidence to practise and progressing the profession. Overall analysis revealed evolving professional practice characterised by new learning, fluctuations in confidence and an active forging of professional identity. Mentoring and support by international colleagues and advancing professional recognition were identified as critical to the profession's progression and to the development of context-specific and culturally appropriate services. Participants' reflections draw focus to an important role for the international SLP community as it works in partnership with colleagues to enhance awareness of and services for people with communication disabilities in under-served communities such as Vietnam.

A Qualitative Study of Psychosocial Problems among Parents of Children with Cerebral Palsy Attending Two Tertiary Care Hospitals in Western India

PubMed Central

Panchal, Dhara Antani

2014-01-01

Objective. To explore the psychosocial problems faced by the parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in rural and urban settings. Design. Qualitative research design using focus group discussions (FGDs) was used for the study. Setting. Two FGDs comprising one at a rural tertiary level care hospital and the other at an urban tertiary level care hospital were conducted. Participants. A total of thirteen parents participated in the two FGDs. Main Outcome Measured. Psychosocial problems experienced by the parents of children suffering from CP were measured. Results. The problems experienced by the mothers were associated with common themes such as disturbed social relationships, health problems, financial problems, moments of happiness, worries about future of the child, need for more support services, and lack of adequate number of trained physiotherapists. All the parents had children with problems since birth and most had approached various health care providers for a cure for their child. Conclusions. A wide range of psychosocial problems are experienced by the parents of children with CP. Studies like this can provide valuable information for designing a family centered care programme for children with CP. PMID:24967331

Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Performance in Subelite Gaelic Football Players From Under Thirteen to Senior Age Groups.

PubMed

Roe, Mark; Malone, Shane

2016-11-01

Roe, M and Malone, S. Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test performance in subelite Gaelic football players from under thirteen to senior age groups. J Strength Cond Res 30 (11): 3187-3193, 2016-Gaelic football is indigenous to Ireland and has similar locomotion profiles to soccer and Australian Football. Given the increasing attention on long-term player development, investigations on age-related variation in Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-YoIR1) performance may provide useful information in talent identification, program design, and player monitoring. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate Yo-YoIR1 performance across Gaelic football age groups. Male participants (n = 355) were recruited from division one, Gaelic football teams. Participants were allocated to one of the 7 groups according to respective age groups from under 13 (U13), under 14, under 15 (U15), under 16 (U16), minor, under 21 (U21), to senior age groups. Total Yo-YoIR1 distance (m) increased progressively from U13 (885 ± 347 m) to U16 (1,595 ± 380 m) equating to a rate of change of 180.2%. In comparison to U13, total distance at minor (1,206 ± 327 m) increased by 136.4%. Subsequent increases were observed in U21 (1,585 ± 445 m) and senior players (2,365 ± 489). Minimum (800-880 m) and maximum (2,240-2,280 m) total distances were comparable for U15, U16, and U21 players. Differences in total distance (m) for all age groups were statistically significant when compared to U13 players (p < 0.002). In comparison to U13 players, the magnitude of differences between age groups for total distance was deemed to be large (effect size > 0.8). Similar trends were observed for maximum velocity and estimated V[Combining Dot Above]O2max. The evolution of Yo-YoIR1 performance in Gaelic football players from adolescents to adulthood highlights how maturation may influence sport-related running ability. Changes in Yo-YoIR1 performance should be closely monitored to optimize interventions for individuals transitioning across age groups.

A taxonomic revision of the Neoserica (sensu lato) calva group (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Sericini)

PubMed Central

Liu, Wan-Gang; Fabrizi, Silvia; Bai, Ming; Yang, Xing-Ke; Ahrens, Dirk

2014-01-01

Abstract The species of the Neoserica (sensu lato) calva group are revised. Neoserica calva Frey, 1972, comb. n. is redescribed. Thirteen new species are described from China and South Korea: Neoserica ailaoshanica sp. n., Neoserica anonyma sp. n., Neoserica calvoides sp. n., Neoserica gulinqingensis sp. n., Neoserica koelkebecki sp. n., Neoserica liangi sp. n., Neoserica luxiensis sp. n., Neoserica menghaiensis sp. n., Neoserica mengi sp. n., Neoserica taipingensis sp. n., Neoserica zheijangensis sp. n., Neoserica zhibenshanica sp. n., and Neoserica zongyuani sp. n. A key to Sericini genera with multilamellate antenna and species groups of Neoserica of mainland Asia as well as a key to species of the Neoserica calva group are provided. A map of species distribution is given, habitus and male genitalia are illustrated. PMID:25408610

Respiratory sequelae of whooping cough. Swansea Research Unit of the Royal College of General Practitioners.

PubMed Central

1985-01-01

Eight hundred and thirteen children who had had whooping cough when under 5 years of age in the 1977-9 epidemic were compared with a control group roughly four and a half years later, each child being matched by age and sex and from the same class in school. The index group showed long term respiratory sequelae of whooping cough--namely, deterioration in lung function, increase in respiratory symptoms, and increased admission to hospital for both upper and lower respiratory conditions. Asthma was significantly more common in the index group, suggesting that asthma was being regarded as a contraindication to pertussis vaccination. Only 3.5% of the asthmatic children in the index group had been vaccinated as against 29.1% of the controls. PMID:3924316

ERPs While Judging Meaningfulness of Sentences with and without Homonym or Morpheme Spelling Foils: Comparing 4th to 9th Graders with and without Spelling Disabilities

PubMed Central

Richards, Todd; Pettet, Mark; Askren, Katie; Grabowski, Tom; Yagle, Kevin; Wallis, Peter; Northey, Mary; Abbott, Robert; Berninger, Virginia

2016-01-01

Thirteen students with and twelve students without spelling disabilities judged whether sentences (1/3 all correct spellings, 1/3 with homonym foil, 1/3 with morpheme foil) were meaningful while event-related potentials (ERPs) were measured with EGI Geodesic EEG System 300 (128-channel hydro-cell nets). For N400, Rapid Automatic Switching (RAS) correlated with comprehending sentences with homonym foils in control group but with morpheme foils in SLD group. For P600, dictated spelling correlated with comprehending sentences with morpheme foils in the control group but solving anagrams with homonym foils in the SLD group. Educational significance and neuropsychological significance of these contrasting results are discussed. PMID:28657362

Diagnosed prevalence and health care expenditures of mental health disorders among dual eligible older people.

PubMed

Lum, Terry Y; Parashuram, Shriram; Shippee, Tetyana P; Wysocki, Andrea; Shippee, Nathan D; Homyak, Patricia; Kane, Robert L; Williamson, John B

2013-04-01

Little is known about mental health disorders (MHDs) and their associated health care expenditures for the dual eligible elders across long-term care (LTC) settings. We estimated the 12-month diagnosed prevalence of MHDs among dual eligible older adults in LTC and non-LTC settings and calculated the average incremental effect of MHDs on medical care, LTC, and prescription drug expenditures across LTC settings. Participants were fee-for-service dual eligible elderly beneficiaries from 7 states. We obtained their 2005 Medicare and Medicaid claims data and LTC program participation data from federal and state governments. We grouped beneficiaries into non-LTC, community LTC, and institutional LTC groups and identified enrollees with any of 5 MHDs (anxiety, bipolar, major depression, mild depression, and schizophrenia) using the International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision codes associated with Medicare and Medicaid claims. We obtained medical care, LTC, and prescription drug expenditures from related claims. Thirteen percent of all dual eligible elderly beneficiaries had at least 1 MHD diagnosis in 2005. Beneficiaries in non-LTC group had the lowest 12-month prevalence rates but highest percentage increase in health care expenditures associated with MHDs. Institutional LTC residents had the highest prevalence rates but lowest percentage increase in expenditures. LTC expenditures were less affected by MHDs than medical and prescription drug expenditures. MHDs are prevalent among dual eligible older persons and are costly to the health care system. Policy makers need to focus on better MHD diagnosis among community-living elders and better understanding in treatment of MHDs in LTC settings.

Mapping hotspots of threatened species traded in bushmeat markets in the Cross-Sanaga rivers region.

PubMed

Fa, John E; Farfán, Miguel Angel; Marquez, Ana Luz; Duarte, Jesús; Nackoney, Janet; Hall, Amy; Dupain, Jef; Seymour, Sarah; Johnson, Paul J; MacDonald, David W; Vargas, J Mario

2014-02-01

Bushmeat markets exist in many countries in West and Central Africa, and data on species sold can be used to detect patterns of wildlife trade in a region. We surveyed 89 markets within the Cross-Sanaga rivers region, West Africa. In each market, we counted the number of carcasses of each taxon sold. During a 6-month period (7594 market days), 44 mammal species were traded. Thirteen species were on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List or protected under national legislation, and at least 1 threatened species was traded in 88 of the 89 markets. We used these data to identify market groups that traded similar species assemblages. Using cluster analyses, we detected 8 market groups that were also geographically distinct. Market groups differed in the diversity of species, evenness of species, and dominant, prevalent, and characteristic species traded. We mapped the distribution of number of threatened species traded across the study region. Most threatened species were sold in markets nearest 2 national parks, Korup National Park in Cameroon and Cross River in Nigeria. To assess whether the threatened-species trade hotspots coincided with the known ranges of these species, we mapped the overlap of all threatened species traded. Markets selling more threatened species overlapped with those regions that had higher numbers of these. Our study can provide wildlife managers in the region with better tools to discern zones within which to focus policing efforts and reduce threats to species that are threatened by the bushmeat trade. © 2013 Society for Conservation Biology.

Highway Air Pollution Dispersion Modeling : Preliminary Evaluation of Thirteen Models

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1978-06-01

Thirteen highway air pollution dispersion models have been tested, using a portion of the Airedale air quality data base. The Transportation Air Pollution Studies (TAPS) System, a data base management system specifically designed for evaluating dispe...

Highway Air Pollution Dispersion Modeling : Preliminary Evaluation of Thirteen Models

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1977-01-01

Thirteen highway air pollution dispersion models have been tested, using a portion of the Airedale air quality data base. The Transportation Air Pollution Studies (TAPS) System, a data base management system specifically designed for evaluating dispe...

Remotely Piloted Innovation: Terrorism, Drones and Supportive Technology

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-01

study aims to elevate the discussion of this phenomenon beyond one -off cases to a consideration of what is, at least for some groups, a more...Off Cases Are Mixed—More Inspired and Less Networked Only one of the thirteen individual cases reviewed for this report has proven ties to al-Qa`ida...harm on innocents, they likely tell a different story. To put it simply, these two private cases highlight options beyond what other terrorist entities

PREMOR: a point reactor exposure model computer code for survey analysis of power plant performance

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vondy, D.R.

1979-10-01

The PREMOR computer code was written to exploit a simple, two-group point nuclear reactor power plant model for survey analysis. Up to thirteen actinides, fourteen fission products, and one lumped absorber nuclide density are followed over a reactor history. Successive feed batches are accounted for with provision for from one to twenty batches resident. The effect of exposure of each of the batches to the same neutron flux is determined.

The design of a long range megatransport aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weisshaar, Terrence A.; Allen, Carl L.

1992-01-01

During the period from August 1991 - June 1992 two design classes at Purdue University participated in the design of a long range, high capacity transport aircraft, dubbed the megatransport. Thirteen Purdue design teams generated RFP's that defined passenger capability and range, based upon team perception of market needs and infrastructure constraints. Turbofan engines were designed by each group to power these aircraft. The design problem and the variety of solutions developed are described in an attached paper.

The Relationship between Esmolol and the Onset and Duration of Action of Succinylcholine in Patients Undergoing General or Orthopedic Surgery

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-05-01

mg intravenous (IV). Thirteen experimental subjects (Group I) received an infusion of esmolol 500 mcg/kg/min for 4 minutes prior to induction. The...fasciculations (Coppage. Wolfson, & Siker. 1972). Succinylcholine. Sch is a depolarizing muscle relaxant. In 1906. Reid. Hunt. and de Taveau experimented ...with Sch, however, these researchers described only the cardiovascular effects of the compound. Since their experiments were on animals paralyzed with

A Wireless Accelerometer-Based Body Posture Stability Detection System and Its Application for Meditation Practitioners

PubMed Central

Chang, Kang-Ming; Chen, Sih-Huei; Lee, Hsin-Yi; Ching, Congo Tak-Shing; Huang, Chun-Lung

2012-01-01

The practice of meditation has become an interesting research issue in recent decades. Meditation is known to be beneficial for health improvement and illness reduction and many studies on meditation have been made, from both the physiological and psychological points of view. It is a fundamental requirement of meditation practice to be able to sit without body motion. In this study, a novel body motion monitoring and estimation system has been developed. A wireless tri-axis accelerometer is used to measure body motion. Both a mean and maximum motion index is derived from the square summation of three axes. Two experiments were conducted in this study. The first experiment was to investigate the motion index baseline among three leg-crossing postures. The second experiment was to observe posture dynamics for thirty minute’s meditation. Twenty-six subjects participated in the experiments. In one experiment, thirteen subjects were recruited from an experienced meditation group (meditation experience > 3 years); and the other thirteen subjects were beginners (meditation experience < 1 years). There was a significant posture stability difference between both groups in terms of either mean or maximum parameters (p < 0.05), according to the results of the experiment. Results from another experiment showed that the motion index is different for various postures, such as full-lotus < half-lotus < non-lotus. PMID:23250281

Effect of registration on corpus callosum population differences found with DBM analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Zhaoying; Thornton-Wells, Tricia A.; Gore, John C.; Dawant, Benoit M.

2011-03-01

Deformation Based Morphometry (DBM) is a relatively new method used for characterizing anatomical differences among populations. DBM is based on the analysis of the deformation fields generated by non-rigid registration algorithms, which warp the individual volumes to one standard coordinate system. Although several studies have compared non-rigid registration algorithms for segmentation tasks, few studies have compared the effect of the registration algorithm on population differences that may be uncovered through DBM. In this study, we compared DBM results obtained with five well established non-rigid registration algorithms on the corpus callosum (CC) in thirteen subjects with Williams Syndrome (WS) and thirteen Normal Control (NC) subjects. The five non-rigid registration algorithms include: (1) The Adaptive Basis Algorithm (ABA); (2) Image Registration Toolkit (IRTK); (3) FSL Nonlinear Image Registration Tool (FSL); (4) Automatic Registration Tools (ART); and (5) the normalization algorithm available in SPM8. For each algorithm, the 3D deformation fields from all subjects to the atlas were obtained and used to calculate the Jacobian determinant (JAC) at each voxel in the mid-sagittal slice of the CC. The mean JAC maps for each group were compared quantitatively across different nonrigid registration algorithms. An ANOVA test performed on the means of the JAC over the Genu and the Splenium ROIs shows the JAC differences between nonrigid registration algorithms are statistically significant over the Genu for both groups and over the Splenium for the NC group. These results suggest that it is important to consider the effect of registration when using DBM to compute morphological differences in populations.

The effects of aromatherapy on pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

PubMed

Ro, You-Ja; Ha, Hyae-Chung; Kim, Chun-Gill; Yeom, Hye-A

2002-08-01

This study was designed to investigate the effects of aromatherapy on pruritus in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis. The participants were 29 adult patients living in Seoul, Korea. Thirteen patients were assigned to the experimental group and received the aromatherapy massage on the arm 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Pruritus score, skin pH, stratum corneum hydration, and pruritus-related biochemical markers were measured before and after the treatment. The results showed that pruritus score was significantly decreased after aromatherapy. Skin pH showed no significant changes in either group while stratum corneum hydration increased significantly in the experimental group after aromatherapy. The results support the use aromatherapy as a useful and effective method of managing pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Summary of Sessions: Ionosphere - Thermosphere - Mesosphere Working Group

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spann, J. F.; Bhattacharyya, A.

2006-01-01

The topics covered by the sessions under the working group on Ionosphere-Thermosphere-Mesosphere dealt with various aspects of the response of the ionosphere-thermosphere coupled system and the middle atmosphere to solar variability. There were four plenary talks related to the theme of this working group, thirteen oral presentations in three sessions and six poster presentations. A number of issues related to effects of solar variability on the ionosphere-thermosphere, observed using satellite and ground-based data including ground magnetometer observations, radio beacon studies of equatorial spread F, and modeling of some of these effects, were discussed. Radar observations of the mesosphere-lower thermosphere region and a future mission to study the coupling of thunderstorm processes to this region, the ionosphere, and magnetosphere were also presented.

Suitability of thirteen different host species for elm leaf beetle, Xanthogaleruca luteola (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Treesearch

Richard W. Hall; Alden M. Townsend; Jack H. Barger

1987-01-01

Thirteen different host species for elm leaf beetle, Xanthogaleruca luteola (Muller), were assayed to determine their relative suitability. Species examined were Ulmus parvifolia Jacq., U. thomasii Sarg., U. laevis Pall., U. wilsoniana Schneid., U....

"Keeping on track"-Hospital nurses' struggles with maintaining workflow while seeking to integrate evidence-based practice into their daily work: A grounded theory study.

PubMed

Renolen, Åste; Høye, Sevald; Hjälmhult, Esther; Danbolt, Lars Johan; Kirkevold, Marit

2018-01-01

Evidence-based practice is considered a foundation for the provision of quality care and one way to integrate scientific knowledge into clinical problem-solving. Despite the extensive amount of research that has been conducted to evaluate evidence-based practice implementation and research utilization, these practices have not been sufficiently incorporated into nursing practice. Thus, additional research regarding the challenges clinical nurses face when integrating evidence-based practice into their daily work and the manner in which these challenges are approached is needed. The aim of this study was to generate a theory about the general patterns of behaviour that are discovered when clinical nurses attempt to integrate evidence-based practice into their daily work. We used Glaser's classical grounded theory methodology to generate a substantive theory. The study was conducted in two different medical wards in a large Norwegian hospital. In one ward, nurses and nursing assistants were developing and implementing new evidence-based procedures, and in the other ward, evidence-based huddle boards for risk assessment were being implemented. A total of 54 registered nurses and 9 assistant nurses were observed during their patient care and daily activities. Of these individuals, thirteen registered nurses and five assistant nurses participated in focus groups. These participants were selected through theoretical sampling. Data were collected during 90h of observation and 4 focus groups conducted from 2014 to 2015. Each focus group session included four to five participants and lasted between 55 and 65min. Data collection and analysis were performed concurrently, and the data were analysed using the constant comparative method. "Keeping on track" emerged as an explanatory theory for the processes through which the nurses handled their main concern: the risk of losing the workflow. The following three strategies were used by nurses when attempting to integrate evidence-based practices into their daily work: "task juggling", "pausing for considering" and "struggling along with quality improvement". The "keeping on track" theory contributes to the body of knowledge regarding clinical nurses' experiences with evidence-based practice integration. The nurses endeavoured to minimize workflow interruptions to avoid decreasing the quality of patient care provided, and evidence-based practices were seen as a consideration that was outside of their ordinary work duties. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Economic evaluation of HCV testing approaches in low and middle income countries.

PubMed

Morgan, Jake R; Servidone, Maria; Easterbrook, Philippa; Linas, Benjamin P

2017-11-01

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection represents a major public health burden with diverse epidemics worldwide, but at present, only a minority of infected persons have been tested and are aware of their diagnosis. The advent of highly effective direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, which is becoming available at increasingly lower costs in low and middle income countries (LMICs), represents a major opportunity to expand access to testing and treatment. However, there is uncertainty as to the optimal testing approaches and who to prioritize for testing. We undertook a narrative review of the cost-effectiveness literature on different testing approaches for chronic hepatitis C infection to inform decision-making and formulation of recommendations in the 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) viral hepatitis testing guidelines. We undertook a focused search and narrative review of the literature for cost effectiveness studies of testing approaches in three main groups:- 1) focused testing of specific high-risk groups (defined as those who are part of a population with higher seroprevalence or who have a history of exposure or high-risk behaviours); 2) "birth cohort" testing among easily identified age groups (i.e. specific birth cohorts) known to have a high prevalence of HCV infection; and 3) routine testing in the general population. Articles included were those published in PubMed, written in English and published after 2000. We identified 26 eligible studies. Twenty-four of them were from Europe (n = 14) or the United States (n = 10). There was only one study from a LMIC (Egypt) and this evaluated general population testing. Thirteen studies evaluated focused testing among specific groups at high risk for HCV infection, including nine in persons who inject drugs (PWID); five among people in prison, and one among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). Eight studies evaluated birth cohort testing, and five evaluated testing in the general population. Most studies were based on a one-time testing intervention, but in one study testing was undertaken every 5 years and in another among HIV-infected MSM there was more frequent testing. Comparators were generally either: 1) no testing, 2) the status quo, or 3) multiple different strategies. Overall, we found broad agreement that focused testing of high risk groups such as persons who inject drugs and men who have sex with men was cost-effective, as was birth cohort testing. Key drivers of cost-effectiveness were the prevalence of HCV infection in these groups, efficacy and cost of treatment, stage of disease and linkage to care. The evidence for routine population testing was mixed, and the cost-effectiveness depends largely on the prevalence of HCV. The evidence base for different HCV testing approaches in LMICs is limited, minimizing the contribution of cost-effectiveness data alone to decision-making and recommendations on testing approaches in the 2017 WHO viral hepatitis testing guidelines. Overall, the guidelines recommended focused testing in high risk-groups, particularly PWID, prisoners, and men who have sex with men; with consideration of two other approaches:- birth cohort testing in those countries with epidemiological evidence of a significant birth cohort effect; and routine access to testing across the general population in those countries with a high HCV seroprevalence above 2% - 5% in the general population. Further implementation research on different testing approaches is needed in order to help guide national policy planning.

Intelligent transportation systems Professional Capacity Building Program needs assessment : a review and synthesis of thirteen studies

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-09-01

This report, ITS Professional Capacity Building: A Review and Synthesis of Thirteen Studies, serves as a companion report to ITS Professional Capacity Building: Field Interviews. This report summarizes what other organizations concerned about ITS sta...

An evaluation of thirteen local selective enforcement projects designed to reduce drunken driving in Virginia.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1985-01-01

In accordance with federal requirements, the effectiveness of thirteen locally based DUI selective enforcement projects funded with grants from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was evaluated. The grants were awarded in the FY 1982 g...

Parental Perceptions of Neighborhood Effects in Latino Comunas

PubMed Central

Horner, Pilar; Sanchez, Ninive; Castillo, Marcela; Delva, Jorge

2011-01-01

Objectives To obtain rich information about how adult Latinos living in high-poverty/high-drug use neighborhoods perceive and negotiate their environment. Methods In 2008, thirteen adult caregivers in Santiago, Chile were interviewed with open-ended questions to ascertain beliefs about neighborhood effects and drug use. Analysis Inductive analysis was used to develop the codebook/identify trends. Discussion Residents externalized their understanding of drug use and misuse by invoking the concept of delinquent youth. A typology of their perceptions is offered. Learning more about residents’ circumstances may help focus on needs-based interventions. More research with Latino neighborhoods is needed for culturally-competent models of interventions. PMID:22497879

Theory-based interventions for contraception.

PubMed

Lopez, Laureen M; Tolley, Elizabeth E; Grimes, David A; Chen-Mok, Mario

2011-03-16

The explicit use of theory in research helps expand the knowledge base. Theories and models have been used extensively in HIV-prevention research and in interventions for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The health behavior field uses many theories or models of change. However, educational interventions addressing contraception often have no stated theoretical base. Review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that tested a theoretical approach to inform contraceptive choice; encourage contraceptive use; or promote adherence to, or continuation of, a contraceptive regimen. We searched computerized databases for trials that tested a theory-based intervention for improving contraceptive use (MEDLINE, POPLINE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ICTRP). We also wrote to researchers to find other trials. Trials tested a theory-based intervention for improving contraceptive use. We excluded trials focused on high-risk groups and preventing sexually transmitted infections or HIV. Interventions addressed the use of one or more contraceptive methods for contraception. The reports provided evidence that the intervention was based on a specific theory or model. The primary outcomes were pregnancy, contraceptive choice, initiating or changing contraceptive use, contraceptive regimen adherence, and contraception continuation. The primary author evaluated abstracts for eligibility. Two authors extracted data from included studies. We calculated the odds ratio for dichotomous outcomes. No meta-analysis was conducted due to intervention differences. Fourteen RCTs met our inclusion criteria. In 2 of 10 trials with pregnancy or birth data, a theory-based group showed better results. Four of 10 trials with contraceptive use data (other than condoms) showed better outcomes in an experimental group. For condom use, a theory-based group had favorable results in three of eight trials. Social Cognitive Theory was the main theoretical basis for five trials, of which three showed positive results. Two based on other social cognition models had favorable results, as did two of four focused on motivational interviewing. Thirteen trials provided multiple sessions or contacts. Of seven effective interventions, five targeted adolescents, including four with group sessions. Three effective trials had individual sessions. Seven trials were rated as having high or moderate quality; three of those had favorable results. Family planning researchers and practitioners could adapt the effective interventions. Reproductive health needs high-quality research on behavior change, especially for clinical and low-resource settings. More thorough use of single theories would help, as would better reporting on research design and intervention implementation.

Nocturnal sleep in isolation-reared monkeys: evidence for enviromental independence.

PubMed

Reite, M; Short, R

1977-11-01

Thirteen all-night recordings were obtained from 3 infant pigtailed (Macaca nemestrina) monkeys raised on a cloth surrogate mother and under conditions of social isolation. Totally implantable biotelemetry systems were used to record the sleep physiology from the unrestrained animals. Sleep stages and night-to-night variability were virtually identical to values previously found in 8 mother-reared group-living infants. Sustained alterations in the early rearing enviroment, even though considerably modifying the organism's development, did not appear to result in differences in sleep organization.

Operation and Maintenance Pools 24, 25, and 26 Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-09-01

woody species 106 2-16 Leading dominance 107 2-17 Herbs collected in the Silver Maple community on Degenhardt Island 110 2-18 Habitats of rare and...Wildlife Refuge. This wetland had a dense herbaceous stratum but also had a number of young trees. It was being invaded by two woody species, buttonbush...a total of 22 woody species were collected. Thirteen of these, including a group of planted bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), occurred in only one

Larval ecomorphology of 13 Libellulidae (Anisoptera, Odonata) of the Middle Rio Doce Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

PubMed

Giacomini, H C; De Marco, P

2008-02-01

In the lakes of the Middle Rio Doce, Minas Gerais (MG), two groups of larval Libellulidae are distinguished by preferences of habitat use: one uses mainly aquatic macrophytes and the other uses the bottom substrate. The goal of this work was to verify if there is a morphological distinction between the two groups of species. Thirteen body measures were taken from the larvae and analyzed. No difference was found between the two groups of species regarding the body size, but shape differences were observed for two morphological variables. The species that use mainly macrophytes tend to have larger relative measures of the labium and smaller measures of the abdomen width. Advantages in resource obtainment and in vulnerability to predation are probably the explanations for the morphological divergence among these larval groups.

The international river interface cooperative: Public domain flow and morphodynamics software for education and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nelson, Jonathan M.; Shimizu, Yasuyuki; Abe, Takaaki; Asahi, Kazutake; Gamou, Mineyuki; Inoue, Takuya; Iwasaki, Toshiki; Kakinuma, Takaharu; Kawamura, Satomi; Kimura, Ichiro; Kyuka, Tomoko; McDonald, Richard R.; Nabi, Mohamed; Nakatsugawa, Makoto; Simões, Francisco R.; Takebayashi, Hiroshi; Watanabe, Yasunori

2016-07-01

This paper describes a new, public-domain interface for modeling flow, sediment transport and morphodynamics in rivers and other geophysical flows. The interface is named after the International River Interface Cooperative (iRIC), the group that constructed the interface and many of the current solvers included in iRIC. The interface is entirely free to any user and currently houses thirteen models ranging from simple one-dimensional models through three-dimensional large-eddy simulation models. Solvers are only loosely coupled to the interface so it is straightforward to modify existing solvers or to introduce other solvers into the system. Six of the most widely-used solvers are described in detail including example calculations to serve as an aid for users choosing what approach might be most appropriate for their own applications. The example calculations range from practical computations of bed evolution in natural rivers to highly detailed predictions of the development of small-scale bedforms on an initially flat bed. The remaining solvers are also briefly described. Although the focus of most solvers is coupled flow and morphodynamics, several of the solvers are also specifically aimed at providing flood inundation predictions over large spatial domains. Potential users can download the application, solvers, manuals, and educational materials including detailed tutorials at www.-i-ric.org. The iRIC development group encourages scientists and engineers to use the tool and to consider adding their own methods to the iRIC suite of tools.

The international river interface cooperative: Public domain flow and morphodynamics software for education and applications

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nelson, Jonathan M.; Shimizu, Yasuyuki; Abe, Takaaki; Asahi, Kazutake; Gamou, Mineyuki; Inoue, Takuya; Iwasaki, Toshiki; Kakinuma, Takaharu; Kawamura, Satomi; Kimura, Ichiro; Kyuka, Tomoko; McDonald, Richard R.; Nabi, Mohamed; Nakatsugawa, Makoto; Simoes, Francisco J.; Takebayashi, Hiroshi; Watanabe, Yasunori

2016-01-01

This paper describes a new, public-domain interface for modeling flow, sediment transport and morphodynamics in rivers and other geophysical flows. The interface is named after the International River Interface Cooperative (iRIC), the group that constructed the interface and many of the current solvers included in iRIC. The interface is entirely free to any user and currently houses thirteen models ranging from simple one-dimensional models through three-dimensional large-eddy simulation models. Solvers are only loosely coupled to the interface so it is straightforward to modify existing solvers or to introduce other solvers into the system. Six of the most widely-used solvers are described in detail including example calculations to serve as an aid for users choosing what approach might be most appropriate for their own applications. The example calculations range from practical computations of bed evolution in natural rivers to highly detailed predictions of the development of small-scale bedforms on an initially flat bed. The remaining solvers are also briefly described. Although the focus of most solvers is coupled flow and morphodynamics, several of the solvers are also specifically aimed at providing flood inundation predictions over large spatial domains. Potential users can download the application, solvers, manuals, and educational materials including detailed tutorials at www.-i-ric.org. The iRIC development group encourages scientists and engineers to use the tool and to consider adding their own methods to the iRIC suite of tools.

Equations for total, wood, and saw-log volume for thirteen California hardwoods.

Treesearch

Norman H. Pillsbury; Michael L. Kirkley

1984-01-01

Volume equations for thirteen species of California hardwoods were developed from measurements of 766 sample trees from all parts of the state. The species included: bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum Pursh), Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii Pursh), giant chinkapin (Castanopsis chrysophylla (Dougl.) A. DC...

Effects of visual focus and gait speed on walking balance in the frontal plane.

PubMed

Goodworth, Adam; Perrone, Kathryn; Pillsbury, Mark; Yargeau, Michelle

2015-08-01

We investigated how head position and gait speed influenced frontal plane balance responses to external perturbations during gait. Thirteen healthy participants walked on a treadmill at three different gait speeds. Visual conditions included either focus downward on lower extremities and walking surface only or focus forward on a stationary scene with horizontal and vertical lines. The treadmill was positioned on a platform that was stationary (non-perturbed) or moving in a pattern that appeared random to the subjects (perturbed). In non-perturbed walking, medial-lateral upper body motion was very similar between visual conditions. However, in perturbed walking, there was significantly less body motion when focus was on the stationary visual scene, suggesting visual feedback of stationary vertical and horizontal cues are particularly important when balance is challenged. Sensitivity of body motion to perturbations was significantly decreased by increasing gait speed, suggesting that faster walking was less sensitive to frontal plane perturbations. Finally, our use of external perturbations supported the idea that certain differences in balance control mechanisms can only be detected in more challenging situations, which is an important consideration for approaches to investigating sensory contribution to balance during gait. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Brief Report: Altered Horizontal Binding of Single Dots to Coherent Motion in Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

David, Nicole; Rose, Michael; Schneider, Till R.; Vogeley, Kai; Engel, Andreas K.

2010-01-01

Individuals with autism often show a fragmented way of perceiving their environment, suggesting a disorder of information integration, possibly due to disrupted communication between brain areas. We investigated thirteen individuals with high-functioning autism (HFA) and thirteen healthy controls using the metastable motion quartet, a stimulus…

Thirteen Week Oral Toxicity Study of WR238605 with a Thirteen Week Recovery Period in Dogs. Volume 3

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-11

dogs will have been vaccinated against canine distemper , infectious canine hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvo, oral papilloma, and...documented on the Clinical Veterinarian Log by the veterinarian prior to study initiation. Food: Purina Certified Canine Diet No. 5007 (Ralston

SETI science working group report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drake, F.; Wolfe, J. H.; Seeger, C. L.

1984-01-01

This report covers the initial activities and deliberations of a continuing working group asked to assist the SETI Program Office at NASA. Seven chapters present the group's consensus on objectives, strategies, and plans for instrumental R&D and for a microwave search for extraterrestrial in intelligence (SETI) projected for the end of this decade. Thirteen appendixes reflect the views of their individual authors. Included are discussions of the 8-million-channel spectrum analyzer architecture and the proof-of-concept device under development; signal detection, recognition, and identification on-line in the presence of noise and radio interference; the 1-10 GHz sky survey and the 1-3 GHz targeted search envisaged; and the mutual interests of SETI and radio astronomy. The report ends with a selective, annotated SETI reading list of pro and contra SETI publications.

Lyophilized aspirin with trehalose may decrease the incidence of gastric injuries in healthy dogs.

PubMed

Lin, Lee-Shuan; Kayasuga, Yuko; Shimohata, Nobuyuki; Kamata, Hiroyuki; Suzuki, Shigeki; Echigo, Ryosuke; Mochizuki, Manabu; Chung, Ung-Il; Sasaki, Nobuo

2012-11-01

Trehalose has several novel anti-inflammatory and cell-protective functions. We hypothesized that lyophilized aspirin/trehalose could decrease the severity of aspirin-induced gastropathy. Thirteen dogs were assigned into aspirin, lyophilized aspirin/trehalose, and control groups, and the gastric lesions were assessed on gastroscopy with the modified Lanza scale. Another 6 dogs were used to measure the plasma aspirin concentration by high-performance liquid chromatography after aspirin or lyophilized aspirin/trehalose administration. The results indicated that lyophilized aspirin/trehalose induced less gastric ulceration than aspirin despite maintaining therapeutic concentrations of plasma aspirin in both the groups. Lyophilized aspirin/trehalose might be a solution to decrease aspirin-induced gastropathy.

What can we learn from problem-based learning tutors at a graduate entry medical school? A mixed method approach.

PubMed

O Doherty, Diane; Mc Keague, Helena; Harney, Sarah; Browne, Gerard; McGrath, Deirdre

2018-05-04

Problem-based learning (PBL) has been adopted by many medical schools as an innovative method to deliver an integrated medical curriculum since its inception at McMaster University (Dornan et al., Med Educ 39(2):163-170, 2005; Finucane et al., Med Educ 35(1):56-61, 2001; Barrows, Tutorials in problem-based learning: A new direction in teaching the health professions, 1984). The student experience in PBL has been explored in detail (Merriam, New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education 89: 3-13, 2001; Azer, Kaohsiung J Med Sci 25(5): 240-249, 2009; Boelens et al., BMC Med Ed 15(1): 84, 2015; Dolmans et al., Med Teach 24(2):173-180, 2002; Lee et al., Med Teach 35(2): e935-e942, 2013) but the tutors who facilitate PBL have valuable insight into how PBL functions and this aspect has not been extensively researched. The integrated curriculum for years 1 and 2 at the Graduate Entry Medical School at the University of Limerick is delivered though problem-based learning (PBL). This programme requires collaborative teamwork between students and the tutors who facilitate small-group tutorial sessions. All PBL tutors at GEMS are medically qualified, with the majority (68%) currently working in clinical practice. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, utilising two surveys and follow-up focus groups to fully understand the tutor experience. Thirty-three tutors took part in two online surveys with a response rate of 89%. Thirteen tutors participated in two focus groups. Descriptive analysis was completed on survey data and thematic analysis on focus group discussions which highlighted five main themes. Tutors reported challenges with managing group dynamics, development of confidence in tutoring with experience and a willingness to learn from peers to improve practice. Findings are in keeping with previously published work. Results also identified several less commonly discussed issues impacting student engagement in PBL including the use of mobile device technology, unauthorised access to learning objectives and PBL cases, and the importance and need for professional development amongst tutors, including the impact of tutoring on clinical practice. This study revealed that experienced tutors spend considerable time preparing for PBL tutorials in the basic sciences and that this input is rewarded by the benefits it brings to their clinical practice. Understanding PBL from the tutor's perspective reveals valuable insights which can inform ongoing tutor development and support. Limited research exists in the area of PBL tutor's experiences which may be of interest to medical educators, clinicians and the wider medical community. Findings highlight the value of shared tutor experiences as a resource that can be capitalised on to benefit both novice and experienced tutors.

Cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility and postural balance in patients with nontraumatic chronic neck pain – a pilot study

PubMed Central

Palmgren, Per J; Andreasson, Daniel; Eriksson, Magnus; Hägglund, Andreas

2009-01-01

Background Although cervical pain is widespread, most victims are only mildly and occasionally affected. A minority, however, suffer chronic pain and/or functional impairments. Although there is abundant literature regarding nontraumatic neck pain, little focuses on diagnostic criteria. During the last decade, research on neck pain has been designed to evaluate underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, without noteworthy success. Independent researchers have investigated postural balance and cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility among patients with chronic neck pain, and have (in most cases) concluded the source of the problem is a reduced ability in the neck's proprioceptive system. Here, we investigated cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility and postural balance among patients with nontraumatic chronic neck pain. Methods Ours was a two-group, observational pilot study of patients with complaints of continuous neck pain during the 3 months prior to recruitment. Thirteen patients with chronic neck pain of nontraumatic origin were recruited from an institutional outpatient clinic. Sixteen healthy persons were recruited as a control group. Cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility was assessed by exploring head repositioning accuracy and postural balance was measured with computerized static posturography. Results Parameters of cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility were not reduced. However, in one of six test movements (flexion), global repositioning errors were significantly larger in the experimental group than in the control group (p < .05). Measurements did not demonstrate any general impaired postural balance, and varied substantially among participants in both groups. Conclusion In patients with nontraumatic chronic neck pain, we found statistically significant global repositioning errors in only one of six test movements. In this cohort, we found no evidence of impaired postural balance. Head repositioning accuracy and computerized static posturography are imperfect measures of functional proprioceptive impairments. Validity of (and procedures for using) these instruments demand further investigation. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN96873990 PMID:19566929

'Treats', 'sometimes foods', 'junk': a qualitative study exploring 'extra foods' with parents of young children.

PubMed

Petrunoff, Nicholas A; Wilkenfeld, Rachel L; King, Lesley A; Flood, Victoria M

2014-05-01

The present study investigated parents' understanding and approaches to providing energy-dense and nutrient-poor 'extra foods' to pre-school children and explored variation between parents of low and high socio-economic status in relation to these issues. We conducted thirteen focus groups. Data were subject to framework analysis. Child-care centres in distinctly socially disadvantaged and socially advantaged areas. Eighty-eight parents of children aged 3-5 years. The three most common terms parents identified to describe foods that are not 'everyday foods' were 'treats', 'sometimes foods' and 'junk'. Parents' perceptions regarding what influences them in providing food to their children included seven sub-themes: (i) the influence of the child; (ii) food-related parenting practices; (iii) health considerations; (iv) food costs and convenience; (v) external factors perceived as influencing their child; (vi) factors related to child care; and (vii) social influences and occasions. Parents' decision-making processes regarding provision of 'extra foods' related to moderation and balance. Parents generally expressed the position that as long as a child is eating healthy foods, then treats are appropriate; and for many parents, this might apply frequently. All groups described the health of their child as an influence, but parents in low socio-economic groups were more likely to describe immediate concerns (dental health, behaviour) in relation to avoiding sugar-dense food or drink. The belief that provision of 'extra foods' can be frequent as long as children are eating a healthy balance of foods is factored into parents' decision making. Challenging this belief may be important for reducing the consumption of 'extra foods' by young children.

Online social networking by patients with diabetes: a qualitative evaluation of communication with Facebook.

PubMed

Greene, Jeremy A; Choudhry, Niteesh K; Kilabuk, Elaine; Shrank, William H

2011-03-01

Several disease-specific information exchanges now exist on Facebook and other online social networking sites. These new sources of knowledge, support, and engagement have become important for patients living with chronic disease, yet the quality and content of the information provided in these digital arenas are poorly understood. To qualitatively evaluate the content of communication in Facebook communities dedicated to diabetes. We identified the 15 largest Facebook groups focused on diabetes management. For each group, we downloaded the 15 most recent "wall posts" and the 15 most recent discussion topics from the 10 largest groups. Four hundred eighty unique users were identified in a series of 690 comments from wall posts and discussion topics. Posts were abstracted and aggregated into a database. Two investigators evaluated the posts, developed a thematic coding scheme, and applied codes to the data. Patients with diabetes, family members, and their friends use Facebook to share personal clinical information, to request disease-specific guidance and feedback, and to receive emotional support. Approximately two-thirds of posts included unsolicited sharing of diabetes management strategies, over 13% of posts provided specific feedback to information requested by other users, and almost 29% of posts featured an effort by the poster to provide emotional support to others as members of a community. Approximately 27% of posts featured some type of promotional activity, generally presented as testimonials advertising non-FDA approved, "natural" products. Clinically inaccurate recommendations were infrequent, but were usually associated with promotion of a specific product or service. Thirteen percent of posts contained requests for personal information from Facebook participants. Facebook provides a forum for reporting personal experiences, asking questions, and receiving direct feedback for people living with diabetes. However, promotional activity and personal data collection are also common, with no accountability or checks for authenticity.

Identifying Barriers in the Use of Electronic Health Records in Hawai‘i

PubMed Central

Hamamura, Faith D; Hughes, Kira

2017-01-01

Hawai‘i faces unique challenges to Electronic Health Record (EHR) adoption due to physician shortages, a widespread distribution of Medically Underserved Areas and Populations (MUA/P), and a higher percentage of small independent practices. However, research on EHR adoption in Hawai‘i is limited. To address this gap, this article examines the current state of EHR in Hawai‘i, the barriers to adoption, and the future of Health Information Technology (HIT) initiatives to improve the health of Hawai‘i's people. Eight focus groups were conducted on Lana‘i, Maui, Hawai‘i Island, Kaua‘i, Moloka‘i, and O‘ahu. In these groups, a total of 51 diverse health professionals were asked about the functionality of EHR systems, barriers to use, facilitators of use, and what EHRs would look like in a perfect world. Responses were summarized and analyzed based on constant comparative analysis techniques. Responses were then clustered into thirteen themes: system compatibility, loss of productivity, poor interface, IT support, hardware/software, patient factors, education/training, noise in the system, safety, data quality concerns, quality metrics, workflow, and malpractice concerns. Results show that every group mentioned system compatibility. In response to these findings, the Health eNet Community Health Record initiative — which allows providers web-based access to patient health information from the patient's provider network— was developed as a step toward alleviating some of the barriers to sharing information between different EHRs. The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) legislation will introduce a new payment model in 2017 that is partially based on EHR utilization. Therefore, more research should be done to understand EHR adoption and how this ruling will affect providers in Hawai‘i. PMID:28435756

Identifying Barriers in the Use of Electronic Health Records in Hawai'i.

PubMed

Hamamura, Faith D; Withy, Kelley; Hughes, Kira

2017-03-01

Hawai'i faces unique challenges to Electronic Health Record (EHR) adoption due to physician shortages, a widespread distribution of Medically Underserved Areas and Populations (MUA/P), and a higher percentage of small independent practices. However, research on EHR adoption in Hawai'i is limited. To address this gap, this article examines the current state of EHR in Hawai'i, the barriers to adoption, and the future of Health Information Technology (HIT) initiatives to improve the health of Hawai'i's people. Eight focus groups were conducted on Lana'i, Maui, Hawai'i Island, Kaua'i, Moloka'i, and O'ahu. In these groups, a total of 51 diverse health professionals were asked about the functionality of EHR systems, barriers to use, facilitators of use, and what EHRs would look like in a perfect world. Responses were summarized and analyzed based on constant comparative analysis techniques. Responses were then clustered into thirteen themes: system compatibility, loss of productivity, poor interface, IT support, hardware/software, patient factors, education/training, noise in the system, safety, data quality concerns, quality metrics, workflow, and malpractice concerns. Results show that every group mentioned system compatibility. In response to these findings, the Health eNet Community Health Record initiative - which allows providers web-based access to patient health information from the patient's provider network- was developed as a step toward alleviating some of the barriers to sharing information between different EHRs. The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) legislation will introduce a new payment model in 2017 that is partially based on EHR utilization. Therefore, more research should be done to understand EHR adoption and how this ruling will affect providers in Hawai'i.

Physical and chemical characterization of biochars produced from coppiced wood of thirteen tree species for use in horticultural substrates

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Seven-year-old coppiced shoots from thirteen species of native and non-native trees and shrubs were harvested, dried, and were pyrolyzed to produce biochars for potential use in horticultural substrates. Several chemical and physical characteristics of the biochars were determined. There were slight...

Unified Technical Concepts. Module 10: Transducers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Technical Education Research Center, Waco, TX.

This concept module on transducers is one of thirteen modules that provide a flexible, laboratory-based physics instructional package designed to meet the specialized needs of students in two-year, postsecondary technical schools. Each of the thirteen concept modules discusses a single physics concept and how it is applied to each energy system.…

Unified Technical Concepts. Module 13: Radiation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Technical Education Research Center, Waco, TX.

This concept module on radiation is one of thirteen modules that provide a flexible, laboratory-based physics instructional package designed to meet the specialized needs of students in two-year, postsecondary technical schools. Each of the thirteen concept modules discusses a single physics concept and how it is applied to each energy system.…

Unified Technical Concepts. Module 5: Resistance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Technical Education Research Center, Waco, TX.

This concept module on resistance is one of thirteen modules that provide a flexible, laboratory-based physics instructional package designed to meet the specialized needs of students in two-year, postsecondary technical schools. Each of the thirteen concept modules discusses a single physics concept and how it is applied to each energy system.…

Unified Technical Concepts. Module 12: Time Constants.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Technical Education Research Center, Waco, TX.

This concept module on time constants is one of thirteen modules that provide a flexible, laboratory-based physics instructional package designed to meet the specialized needs of students in two-year, postsecondary technical schools. Each of the thirteen concept modules discusses a single physics concept and how it is applied to each energy…

Unified Technical Concepts. Module 11: Vibrations and Waves.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Technical Education Research Center, Waco, TX.

This concept module on vibrations and waves is one of thirteen modules that provide a flexible, laboratory-based physics instructional package designed to meet the specialized needs of students in two-year, postsecondary technical schools. Each of the thirteen concept modules discusses a single physics concept and how it is applied to each energy…

Unified Technical Concepts. Module 9: Energy Convertors.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Technical Education Research Center, Waco, TX.

This concept module on energy convertors is one of thirteen modules that provide a flexible, laboratory-based physics instructional package designed to meet the specialized needs of students in two-year, postsecondary technical schools. Each of the thirteen concept modules discusses a single physics concept and how it is applied to each energy…

Unified Technical Concepts. Module 8: Force Transformers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Technical Education Research Center, Waco, TX.

This concept module on force transformers is one of thirteen modules that provide a flexible, laboratory-based physics instructional package designed to meet the specialized needs of students in two-year, postsecondary technical schools. Each of the thirteen concept modules discusses a single physics concept and how it is applied to each energy…

Unified Technical Concepts. Module 1: Force.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Technical Education Research Center, Waco, TX.

This concept module on force is one of thirteen modules that provide a flexible, laboratory-based physics instructional package designed to meet the specialized needs of students in two-year, postsecondary technical schools. Each of the thirteen concept modules discusses a single physics concept and how it is applied to each energy system. This…

Unified Technical Concepts. Module 6: Power.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Technical Education Research Center, Waco, TX.

This concept module on power is one of thirteen modules that provide a flexible, laboratory-based physics instructional package designed to meet the specialized needs of students in two-year, postsecondary technical schools. Each of the thirteen concept modules discusses a single physics concept and how it is applied to each energy system. In this…

77 FR 38830 - Notice of Lodging of an Amendment to Consent Decree Under the Clean Air Act

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-29

... Act (``CAA'' or ``Act'') at its thirteen portland cement production facilities in the United States... regulations. The proposed Second Amendment affects only three of the thirteen cement plants addressed in the Consent Decree: the Roberta, Alabama; Harleyville, South Carolina; and Atlanta, Georgia cement plants. The...

Thirteen Week Oral Toxicity Study of WR242511 with a Thirteen Week Recovery Period in Dogs. Volume 2 of 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-03-07

against canine distemper , infectious canine hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvo, oral papilloma, and rabies by the animal supplier...7.11 Food: Certified Canine Diet No. 5007 (PMI Feeds Inc., St. Louis, MO), approximately 400 g, will be provided daily from arrival until

Unified Technical Concepts. Module 7: Potential and Kinetic Energy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Technical Education Research Center, Waco, TX.

This concept module on potential and kinetic energy is one of thirteen modules that provide a flexible, laboratory-based physics instructional package designed to meet the specialized needs of students in two-year, postsecondary technical schools. Each of the thirteen concept modules discusses a single physics concept and how it is applied to each…

Unified Technical Concepts. Module 2: Work.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Technical Education Research Center, Waco, TX.

This concept module on work is one of thirteen modules that provide a flexible, laboratory-based physics instructional package designed to meet the specialized needs of students in two-year, postsecondary technical schools. Each of the thirteen concept modules discusses a single physics concept and how it is applied to each energy system. In this…

Unified Technical Concepts. Module 3: Rate.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Technical Education Research Center, Waco, TX.

This concept module on rate is one of thirteen modules that provide a flexible, laboratory-based physics instructional package designed to meet the specialized needs of students in two-year, postsecondary technical schools. Each of the thirteen concept modules discusses a single physics concept and how it is applied to each energy system. This…

Clinical performance of direct versus indirect composite restorations in posterior teeth: A systematic review.

PubMed

Azeem, Rubeena Abdul; Sureshbabu, Nivedhitha Malli

2018-01-01

Composite resin, serves as esthetic alternative to amalgam and cast restorations. Posterior teeth can be restored using direct or indirect composite restorations. The selection between direct and indirect technique is a clinically challenging decision-making process. Most important influencing factor is the amount of remaining tooth substance. The aim of this systematic review was to compare the clinical performance of direct versus indirect composite restorations in posterior teeth. The databases searched included PubMed CENTRAL (until July 2015), Medline, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The bibliographies of clinical studies and reviews identified in the electronic search were analyzed to identify studies which were published outside the electronically searched journals. The primary outcome measure was evaluation of the survival of direct and indirect composite restorations in posterior teeth. This review included thirteen studies in which clinical performance of various types of direct and indirect composite restorations in posterior teeth were compared. Out of the thirteen studies which were included seven studies had a high risk of bias and five studies had a moderate risk of bias. One study having a low risk of bias, concluded that there was no significant difference between direct and indirect technique. However, the available evidence revealed inconclusive results. Further research should focus on randomized controlled trials with long term follow-up to give concrete evidence on the clinical performce of direct and indirect composite restorations.

Children, parents and pets exercising together (CPET): exploratory randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Morrison, Ryan; Reilly, John J; Penpraze, Victoria; Westgarth, Carri; Ward, Dianne S; Mutrie, Nanette; Hutchison, Pippa; Young, David; McNicol, Lindsay; Calvert, Michael; Yam, Philippa S

2013-11-27

Levels of physical activity (PA) in UK children are much lower than recommended and novel approaches to its promotion are needed. The Children, Parents and Pets Exercising Together (CPET) study is the first exploratory randomised controlled trial (RCT) to develop and evaluate an intervention aimed at dog-based PA promotion in families. CPET aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability and potential efficacy of a theory-driven, family-based, dog walking intervention for 9-11 year olds. Twenty-eight families were allocated randomly to either receive a 10-week dog based PA intervention or to a control group. Families in the intervention group were motivated and supported to increase the frequency, intensity and duration of dog walking using a number of behaviour change techniques. Parents in the intervention group were asked to complete a short study exit questionnaire. In addition, focus groups with parents and children in the intervention group, and with key stakeholders were undertaken. The primary outcome measure was 10 week change in total volume of PA using the mean accelerometer count per minute (cpm). Intervention and control groups were compared using analysis of covariance. Analysis was performed on an intention to treat basis. Twenty five families were retained at follow up (89%) and 97% of all outcome data were collected at baseline and follow up. Thirteen of 14 (93%) intervention group parents available at follow up completed the study exit questionnaire and noted that study outcome measures were acceptable. There was a mean difference in child total volume of PA of 27 cpm (95% CI -70, 123) and -3 cpm (95% CI -60, 54) for intervention and control group children, respectively. This was not statistically significant. Approximately 21% of dog walking time for parents and 39% of dog walking time for children was moderate-vigorous PA. The acceptability of the CPET intervention and outcome measures was high. Using pet dogs as the agent of lifestyle change in PA interventions in children and their parents is both feasible and acceptable, but did not result in a significant increase in child PA in this exploratory trial. ISRCTN85939423.

Children, parents and pets exercising together (CPET): exploratory randomised controlled trial

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Levels of physical activity (PA) in UK children are much lower than recommended and novel approaches to its promotion are needed. The Children, Parents and Pets Exercising Together (CPET) study is the first exploratory randomised controlled trial (RCT) to develop and evaluate an intervention aimed at dog-based PA promotion in families. CPET aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability and potential efficacy of a theory-driven, family-based, dog walking intervention for 9–11 year olds. Methods Twenty-eight families were allocated randomly to either receive a 10-week dog based PA intervention or to a control group. Families in the intervention group were motivated and supported to increase the frequency, intensity and duration of dog walking using a number of behaviour change techniques. Parents in the intervention group were asked to complete a short study exit questionnaire. In addition, focus groups with parents and children in the intervention group, and with key stakeholders were undertaken. The primary outcome measure was 10 week change in total volume of PA using the mean accelerometer count per minute (cpm). Intervention and control groups were compared using analysis of covariance. Analysis was performed on an intention to treat basis. Results Twenty five families were retained at follow up (89%) and 97% of all outcome data were collected at baseline and follow up. Thirteen of 14 (93%) intervention group parents available at follow up completed the study exit questionnaire and noted that study outcome measures were acceptable. There was a mean difference in child total volume of PA of 27 cpm (95% CI -70, 123) and -3 cpm (95% CI -60, 54) for intervention and control group children, respectively. This was not statistically significant. Approximately 21% of dog walking time for parents and 39% of dog walking time for children was moderate-vigorous PA. Conclusions The acceptability of the CPET intervention and outcome measures was high. Using pet dogs as the agent of lifestyle change in PA interventions in children and their parents is both feasible and acceptable, but did not result in a significant increase in child PA in this exploratory trial. Trial registration ISRCTN85939423 PMID:24279294

Association between intermediate uveitis and toxocariasis in the Korean population.

PubMed

Kwon, Jin-Woo; Sim, Yoonseob; Jee, Donghyun

2017-02-01

The aim of the study was to investigate the characteristics of ocular toxocariasis (OT) presenting with intermediate uveitis in the Korean population.We studied intermediate uveitis patients using ocular and systemic evaluations and a Toxocara IgG serology test.Of 50 intermediate uveitis patients, 19 were seropositive for Toxocara IgG. Of the 19 OT patients, 4 presented with recurrence within 6 months and were significantly younger than nonrecurrence patients (P = 0.009). Thirteen patients had a history of eating raw cow liver.There were 14 males and 5 females in the OT group, and 11 males and 20 females in the non-OT group (P = 0.009). There was bilateral involvement in 7 out of 19 patients in the OT group, and 20 out of 31 patients in non-OT group (P = 0.033).Intermediate uveitis patients in OT were predominately male and had more unilateral presentation than non-OT patients.

Effect of supplementation with organic selenium on mercury status as measured by mercury in pubic hair.

PubMed

Seppänen, K; Kantola, M; Laatikainen, R; Nyyssönen, K; Valkonen, V P; Kaarlöpp, V; Salonen, J T

2000-06-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of four months of yeast-based selenium supplementation on selenium and mercury status in subjects with low serum selenium. The study was carried out in Rakvere, Estonia. Pubic hair mercury, serum selenium and blood selenium concentrations in 23 subjects (serum selenium < 90 micrograms/l) were investigated before and after selenium supplementation. Thirteen subjects were randomized into the selenium supplementation group and ten into the placebo group. The selenium supplementation group received daily 100 micrograms of selenomethionine. Selenium supplementation reduced pubic hair mercury level by 34% (p = 0.005) and elevated serum selenium by 73% and blood selenium by 59% in the supplemented group (p < 0.001 for both). The study indicates that mercury accumulation in pubic hair can be reduced by dietary supplementation with small daily amounts of organic selenium in a short range of time.

The Mechanism of Speech Processing in Congenital Amusia: Evidence from Mandarin Speakers

PubMed Central

Liu, Fang; Jiang, Cunmei; Thompson, William Forde; Xu, Yi; Yang, Yufang; Stewart, Lauren

2012-01-01

Congenital amusia is a neuro-developmental disorder of pitch perception that causes severe problems with music processing but only subtle difficulties in speech processing. This study investigated speech processing in a group of Mandarin speakers with congenital amusia. Thirteen Mandarin amusics and thirteen matched controls participated in a set of tone and intonation perception tasks and two pitch threshold tasks. Compared with controls, amusics showed impaired performance on word discrimination in natural speech and their gliding tone analogs. They also performed worse than controls on discriminating gliding tone sequences derived from statements and questions, and showed elevated thresholds for pitch change detection and pitch direction discrimination. However, they performed as well as controls on word identification, and on statement-question identification and discrimination in natural speech. Overall, tasks that involved multiple acoustic cues to communicative meaning were not impacted by amusia. Only when the tasks relied mainly on pitch sensitivity did amusics show impaired performance compared to controls. These findings help explain why amusia only affects speech processing in subtle ways. Further studies on a larger sample of Mandarin amusics and on amusics of other language backgrounds are needed to consolidate these results. PMID:22347374

Fear Processing in Dental Phobia during Crossmodal Symptom Provocation: An fMRI Study

PubMed Central

Maslowski, Nina Isabel; Wittchen, Hans-Ulrich; Lueken, Ulrike

2014-01-01

While previous studies successfully identified the core neural substrates of the animal subtype of specific phobia, only few and inconsistent research is available for dental phobia. These findings might partly relate to the fact that, typically, visual stimuli were employed. The current study aimed to investigate the influence of stimulus modality on neural fear processing in dental phobia. Thirteen dental phobics (DP) and thirteen healthy controls (HC) attended a block-design functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) symptom provocation paradigm encompassing both visual and auditory stimuli. Drill sounds and matched neutral sinus tones served as auditory stimuli and dentist scenes and matched neutral videos as visual stimuli. Group comparisons showed increased activation in the insula, anterior cingulate cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, and thalamus in DP compared to HC during auditory but not visual stimulation. On the contrary, no differential autonomic reactions were observed in DP. Present results are largely comparable to brain areas identified in animal phobia, but also point towards a potential downregulation of autonomic outflow by neural fear circuits in this disorder. Findings enlarge our knowledge about neural correlates of dental phobia and may help to understand the neural underpinnings of the clinical and physiological characteristics of the disorder. PMID:24738049

Evidence for Enhanced Interoceptive Accuracy in Professional Musicians

PubMed Central

Schirmer-Mokwa, Katharina L.; Fard, Pouyan R.; Zamorano, Anna M.; Finkel, Sebastian; Birbaumer, Niels; Kleber, Boris A.

2015-01-01

Interoception is defined as the perceptual activity involved in the processing of internal bodily signals. While the ability of internal perception is considered a relatively stable trait, recent data suggest that learning to integrate multisensory information can modulate it. Making music is a uniquely rich multisensory experience that has shown to alter motor, sensory, and multimodal representations in the brain of musicians. We hypothesize that musical training also heightens interoceptive accuracy comparable to other perceptual modalities. Thirteen professional singers, twelve string players, and thirteen matched non-musicians were examined using a well-established heartbeat discrimination paradigm complemented by self-reported dispositional traits. Results revealed that both groups of musicians displayed higher interoceptive accuracy than non-musicians, whereas no differences were found between singers and string-players. Regression analyses showed that accumulated musical practice explained about 49% variation in heartbeat perception accuracy in singers but not in string-players. Psychometric data yielded a number of psychologically plausible inter-correlations in musicians related to performance anxiety. However, dispositional traits were not a confounding factor on heartbeat discrimination accuracy. Together, these data provide first evidence indicating that professional musicians show enhanced interoceptive accuracy compared to non-musicians. We argue that musical training largely accounted for this effect. PMID:26733836

The mechanism of speech processing in congenital amusia: evidence from Mandarin speakers.

PubMed

Liu, Fang; Jiang, Cunmei; Thompson, William Forde; Xu, Yi; Yang, Yufang; Stewart, Lauren

2012-01-01

Congenital amusia is a neuro-developmental disorder of pitch perception that causes severe problems with music processing but only subtle difficulties in speech processing. This study investigated speech processing in a group of Mandarin speakers with congenital amusia. Thirteen Mandarin amusics and thirteen matched controls participated in a set of tone and intonation perception tasks and two pitch threshold tasks. Compared with controls, amusics showed impaired performance on word discrimination in natural speech and their gliding tone analogs. They also performed worse than controls on discriminating gliding tone sequences derived from statements and questions, and showed elevated thresholds for pitch change detection and pitch direction discrimination. However, they performed as well as controls on word identification, and on statement-question identification and discrimination in natural speech. Overall, tasks that involved multiple acoustic cues to communicative meaning were not impacted by amusia. Only when the tasks relied mainly on pitch sensitivity did amusics show impaired performance compared to controls. These findings help explain why amusia only affects speech processing in subtle ways. Further studies on a larger sample of Mandarin amusics and on amusics of other language backgrounds are needed to consolidate these results.

Shedding light on thirteen years of darkness: content analysis of articles pertaining to transgender issues in marriage/couple and family therapy journals.

PubMed

Blumer, Markie L C; Green, Mary S; Knowles, Sarah J; Williams, April

2012-06-01

What is the extent to which marriage/couple and family therapy (M/CFT) journals address transgender issues and how many of them say they are inclusive of transgender persons when they are not? To answer these queries, a content analysis was conducted on articles published in M/CFT literature from 1997 through 2009. Of the 10,739 articles examined in 17 journals, only nine (0.0008%) focused on transgender issues or used gender variance as a variable. Findings support the assertion that transgender issues are ignored and marginalized by M/CFT scholars and researchers alike. © 2012 American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

The Role of Preceptorship and Group Cohesion on Newly Licensed Registered Nurses' Satisfaction and Intent to Stay.

PubMed

Bontrager, Sarah; Hart, Patricia L; Mareno, Nicole

2016-03-01

Thirteen percent of newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs) vacate their first job after 1 year, and 37% report that they feel ready to change jobs. Turnover can lead to consistent and detrimental nursing shortages in nursing units, as well as increased costs for health care systems. A descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional design was used to understand how preceptor role effectiveness and group cohesion affect NLRNs' satisfaction and intent to stay. NLRNs reported high levels of perceived preceptor role effectiveness, group cohesion, and job satisfaction, with only moderate levels of intent to stay. Statistically significant relationships were found among preceptor role effectiveness, job satisfaction, and intent to stay, as well as among group cohesion, job satisfaction, and intent to stay. Preceptor role effectiveness and group cohesion are predictors of NLRNs' level of job satisfaction. Job satisfaction is a predictor of NLRNs' intent to stay. Effective preceptors and positive group cohesion are factors that are important to NLRNs' job satisfaction and intent to stay. Copyright 2016, SLACK Incorporated.

Continuous vs. blocks of physiotherapy for motor development in children with cerebral palsy and similar syndromes: A prospective randomized study.

PubMed

Brunner, Anne-Louise; Rutz, Erich; Juenemann, Stephanie; Brunner, Reinald

2014-12-01

To determine whether physiotherapy is more effective when applied in blocks or continuously in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A prospective randomized cross-over design study compared the effect of regular physiotherapy (baseline) with blocks of physiotherapy alternating with no physiotherapy over one year. Thirty-nine institutionalized children with CP and clinically similar syndromes (6-16 years old, Gross Motor Function Classification Scale II-IV) were included. During the first scholastic year, group A received regular physiotherapy, group B blocks of physiotherapy and vice versa in the second year. The Gross Motor Function Measure 66 (GMFM-66) was the outcome measure. Thirteen children in each group completed the study. GMFM-66 improved (p < 0.05) over the study period in both groups in total; changes (p < 0.05) were seen only in dimension D (group B) and E (both groups) during regular therapy. Physiotherapy may be more effective when provided regularly rather than in blocks.

Chromosomal microarray analysis of consecutive individuals with autism spectrum disorders or learning disability presenting for genetic services.

PubMed

Roberts, Jennifer L; Hovanes, Karine; Dasouki, Majed; Manzardo, Ann M; Butler, Merlin G

2014-02-01

Chromosomal microarray analysis is now commonly used in clinical practice to identify copy number variants (CNVs) in the human genome. We report our experience with the use of the 105 K and 180K oligonucleotide microarrays in 215 consecutive patients referred with either autism or autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or developmental delay/learning disability for genetic services at the University of Kansas Medical Center during the past 4 years (2009-2012). Of the 215 patients [140 males and 75 females (male/female ratio=1.87); 65 with ASD and 150 with learning disability], abnormal microarray results were seen in 45 individuals (21%) with a total of 49 CNVs. Of these findings, 32 represented a known diagnostic CNV contributing to the clinical presentation and 17 represented non-diagnostic CNVs (variants of unknown significance). Thirteen patients with ASD had a total of 14 CNVs, 6 CNVs recognized as diagnostic and 8 as non-diagnostic. The most common chromosome involved in the ASD group was chromosome 15. For those with a learning disability, 32 patients had a total of 35 CNVs. Twenty-six of the 35 CNVs were classified as a known diagnostic CNV, usually a deletion (n=20). Nine CNVs were classified as an unknown non-diagnostic CNV, usually a duplication (n=8). For the learning disability subgroup, chromosomes 2 and 22 were most involved. Thirteen out of 65 patients (20%) with ASD had a CNV compared with 32 out of 150 patients (21%) with a learning disability. The frequency of chromosomal microarray abnormalities compared by subject group or gender was not statistically different. A higher percentage of individuals with a learning disability had clinical findings of seizures, dysmorphic features and microcephaly, but not statistically significant. While both groups contained more males than females, a significantly higher percentage of males were present in the ASD group. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Efficacy of the administration of serum amd vaccine for the antirabies treatment of experimentally-infected sheep].

PubMed

Soria Baltazar, R; Blancou, J

1995-09-01

The objectives of this study were to examine the humoral immune response of sheep to experimental infection with an isolate of rabies virus from a fox, to analyse the efficacy of vaccination as a method of post-infection treatment, and to find a suitable animal model to evaluate new procedures for human vaccination following infection. A total of 47 sheep were used. Initially, 26 sheep received an intramuscular injection of a suspension of virus (titre: 10(6.8) 50% lethal dose for mice by the intracerebral route). Half of the sheep were subsequently treated using a vaccine on the day of infection and at 3, 7, 14 and 30 days post-infection. The remaining half comprised the unvaccinated controls. This vaccination protected seven of thirteen sheep, while nine of the thirteen controls died. Subsequently, 21 sheep were inoculated under the same conditions as in the previous trial. The animals were divided into three groups of seven animals each. The first group was vaccinated in the same way as described above. The second group received an injection of anti-rabies immunoglobulin of human origin (26.3 IU/kg of body weight), followed by the course of vaccine treatment 24 hours later. The remaining group acted as unvaccinated controls. Of the seven sheep given vaccine alone, four were protected, while all seven animals given immunoglobulin and vaccine were protected. Six of the seven untreated controls died. In this study, no apparently-healthy carriers of rabies virus were created by any of the treatments used, nor was there any shortening of the incubation periods. Additional observations were made concerning incubation periods and the course of the disease, as well as symptoms, lesions and the presence of rabies virus in various nerve centres and salivary glands of the experimental sheep.

Low-income individuals’ perceptions about fruit and vegetable access programs: A qualitative study

PubMed Central

Haynes-Maslow, Lindsey; Auvergne, Lauriane; Mark, Barbara; Ammerman, Alice; Weiner, Bryan J.

2015-01-01

Objective To examine how fruit and vegetable (F&V) programs address barriers to F&V access and consumption as perceived by low-income individuals. Design From 2011–2012 thirteen focus groups were used to better understand low-income individuals’ perceptions about F&V programs. Setting Five North Carolina counties at community-serving organizations. Participants Low-income participants ages 18 or older were included in the study. A majority were African American females with a high school education or less and received government assistance. Phenomenon of Interest Low-income individuals’ perceptions about how F&V access programs can reduce barriers and increase consumption. Analysis A socioecological framework guided data analysis, and 2 trained researchers coded transcripts, identified major themes, and summarized findings. Results A total of 105 participants discussed that mobile markets could overcome barriers such as availability, convenience, transportation, and quality/variety. Some were worried about safety in higher crime communities. Participants’ opinions about how successful food assistance programs were at overcoming cost barriers were mixed. Participants agreed that community gardens could increase access to affordable, conveniently located produce, but worried about feasibility/implementation issues. Implications for Research and Practice Addressing access barriers through F&V programs could improve consumption. Programs have the potential to be successful if they address multiple access barriers. (200 words). PMID:25910929

The aging of Holocaust survivors: myth and reality concerning suicide.

PubMed

Barak, Yoram

2007-03-01

The association between the Holocaust experience and suicide has rarely been studied systematically. The dearth of data in this area of old-age psychiatry does not necessarily imply that Holocaust survivors are immune from suicide. Recent work on the aging of survivors seems to suggest that as a group they are at high risk for self-harm. Published reports on suicide and the Holocaust identified by means of a MEDLINE literature search were reviewed. A similar search was performed on the Internet using the Google search engine. Thirteen studies were uncovered, 9 of which addressed the association of suicide and the Holocaust experience and 4 focused on suicide in the concentration camps during the genocide. Eleven of the 15 studies explicitly reported on the association of suicide, suicidal ideation or death by suicide with the Holocaust experience, or reported findings suggesting such an association. The Internet search yielded three sites clearly describing increased suicide rates in the concentration camps. An increased rate of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among the elderly who were exposed to the Holocaust experience is confirmed. There is a need for further study, intervention and resource allocation among the growing numbers of elderly persons who suffered traumatic events in earlier phases of their lives. This is especially critical for Holocaust survivors.

Cost study of solar cell space power systems.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bernatowicz, D. T.

1972-01-01

A study of historical costs for solar cell space power systems was made by a NASA ad hoc study group. The study covered thirteen missions that represented a broad cross-section of flight projects over the past decade. Fully burdened costs in terms of 1971 dollars are presented for the system and the solar array. The costs correlate reasonably well with array area and do not increase in proportion to array area. The trends for array costs support the contention that solar cell and module standardization would reduce costs.

Production of Reliable Flight Crucial Software: Validation Methods Research for Fault Tolerant Avionics and Control Systems Sub-Working Group Meeting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dunham, J. R. (Editor); Knight, J. C. (Editor)

1982-01-01

The state of the art in the production of crucial software for flight control applications was addressed. The association between reliability metrics and software is considered. Thirteen software development projects are discussed. A short term need for research in the areas of tool development and software fault tolerance was indicated. For the long term, research in format verification or proof methods was recommended. Formal specification and software reliability modeling, were recommended as topics for both short and long term research.

The Principal Leadership Problems Confronting the Chief of a Military Assistance Advisory Group and Some Solutions for Selected Problems

DTIC Science & Technology

1964-05-20

offi cers and men unless further authori zed by the President . Pendi ng congressional confirmation of the mi l itary section of the mission, which...Korea of an army of 125, 000 men , trained and equipped by the Soviet Union pr ompt ed t he U. S. Military Government to help organize and trai n...the postwar period. One mission of thirteen men , which operated under an agreement of 27 November 1943 , had the 14 Sawyer, 123 . 15Ibid. ( 8

Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy Compared to the Usual Opioid Dependence Treatment.

PubMed

Imani, Saeed; Atef Vahid, Mohammad Kazem; Gharraee, Banafsheh; Noroozi, Alireza; Habibi, Mojtaba; Bowen, Sarah

2015-06-01

This study investigated the effectiveness of mindfulness-based group therapy (MBGT) compared to the usual opioid dependence treatment (TAU).Thirty outpatients meeting the DSM-IV-TR criteria for opioid dependence from Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS) were randomly assigned into experimental (Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy) and control groups (the Usual Treatment).The experimental group undertook eight weeks of intervention, but the control group received the usual treatment according to the INCAS program. The Five Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the Addiction Sevier Index (ASI) were administered at pre-treatment and post-treatment assessment periods. Thirteen patients from the experimental group and 15 from the control group completed post-test assessments. The results of MANCOVA revealed an increase in mean scores in observing, describing, acting with awareness, non-judging, non-reacting, and decrease in mean scores of alcohol and opium in MBGT patient group. The effectiveness of MBGT, compared to the usual treatment, was discussed in this paper as a selective protocol in the health care setting for substance use disorders.

Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy Compared to the Usual Opioid Dependence Treatment

PubMed Central

Imani, Saeed; Atef Vahid, Mohammad Kazem; Gharraee, Banafsheh; Noroozi, Alireza; Habibi, Mojtaba; Bowen, Sarah

2015-01-01

Objective: This study investigated the effectiveness of mindfulness-based group therapy (MBGT) compared to the usual opioid dependence treatment (TAU).Thirty outpatients meeting the DSM-IV-TR criteria for opioid dependence from Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS) were randomly assigned into experimental (Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy) and control groups (the Usual Treatment).The experimental group undertook eight weeks of intervention, but the control group received the usual treatment according to the INCAS program. Methods: The Five Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the Addiction Sevier Index (ASI) were administered at pre-treatment and post-treatment assessment periods. Thirteen patients from the experimental group and 15 from the control group completed post-test assessments. Results: The results of MANCOVA revealed an increase in mean scores in observing, describing, acting with awareness, non-judging, non-reacting, and decrease in mean scores of alcohol and opium in MBGT patient group. Conclusion: The effectiveness of MBGT, compared to the usual treatment, was discussed in this paper as a selective protocol in the health care setting for substance use disorders. PMID:26877751

3 CFR 8535 - Proclamation 8535 of June 11, 2010. Flag Day and National Flag Week, 2010

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

..., the thirteen stripes alternating red and white, and thirteen white stars in a blue field, represented... luminosity, and the enduring American story that it represents. Although the configuration of stars and... first embraced by our Founders, the Stars and Stripes remain the symbol of our Nation’s pride. On Flag...

Thirteen Week Oral Toxicity Study of WR242511 with a Thirteen Week Recovery Period in Dogs. Volume 1 of 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-03-07

were previously vaccinated by the animal supplier against canine distemper , infectious canine hepatitis, oral papilloma, leptospirosis, parainfluenza...Certified Canine Diet No. 5007 (PMI Feeds Inc., St. Louis, MO), approximately 400 g on a daily basis (exactly 400 g on days when food consumption was

"Everything...Affects Everything": Promoting Critical Perspectives toward Bullying with "Thirteen Reasons Why"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chisholm, James S.; Trent, Brandie

2012-01-01

"Everything...affects everything," from Jay Asher's young adult novel, "Thirteen Reasons Why," captures a central message of this text in which a young woman named Hannah Baker leaves behind a series of tapes addressed to particular individuals who played a part in producing the snowball effect that led to her suicide. "Everything...affects…

Extreme Energy Particle Astrophysics with ANITA-V

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wissel, Stephanie

This proposal is in collaboration with Peter Gorham at the University of Hawaii, who is the PI of the lead proposal. Co-I Wissel and her group at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) will be responsible for calibration equipment upgrades, calibration equipment, and deployment of the calibration system. The Cal Poly group is planning to provide calibration hardware and software products in support of the analysis of ANITAV data in search of ultra high-energy (UHE) neutrinos and cosmic rays. Wissel (now at Cal Poly, a new collaborating institution for ANITA-5) brings significant experience in the detection of high-energy and ultra-high energy particles to the collaboration, leveraging her thirteen years of experience in particle astrophysics and previous work on ANITA-III and ANITA-IV.

Stuck in tradition-A qualitative study on barriers for implementation of evidence-based nutritional care perceived by nursing staff.

PubMed

O Connell, Malene Barfod; Jensen, Pia Søe; Andersen, Signe Lindgård; Fernbrant, Cecilia; Nørholm, Vibeke; Petersen, Helle Vendel

2018-02-01

To explore the barriers for nutritional care as perceived by nursing staff at an acute orthopaedic ward, aiming to implement evidence-based nutritional care. Previous studies indicate that nurses recognise nutritional care as important, but interventions are often lacking. These studies show that a range of barriers influence the attempt to optimise nutritional care. Before the implementation of evidence-based nutritional care, we examined barriers for nutritional care among the nursing staff. Qualitative study. Four focus groups with thirteen members of the nursing staff were interviewed between October 2013-June 2014. The interview guide was designed according to the Theoretical Domains Framework. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Three main categories emerged: lacking common practice, failing to initiate treatment and struggling with existing resources. The nursing staff was lacking both knowledge and common practice regarding nutritional care. They felt they protected patient autonomy by accepting patient's reluctance to eat or getting a feeding tube. The lack of nutritional focus from doctors decreased the nursing staffs focus leading to nonoptimal nutritional treatment. Competing priorities, physical setting and limited nutritional supplements were believed to hinder nutritional care. The results suggest that nutritional care is in a transitional state from experience- to evidence-based practice. Barriers for nutritional care are grounded in lack of knowledge among nursing staff and insufficient collaboration between nursing staff and the doctors. There is a need for nutritional education for the nursing staff and better support from the organisation to help nursing staff provide evidence-based nutritional care. This study contributes with valuable knowledge before the implementation of evidence-based nutritional care. The study provides an understanding of barriers for nutritional care and presents explanations to why nutritional care has failed to become an integrated part of the daily treatment and care. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The Voices of Thirteen Chinese and Taiwanese Parents Sharing Views about their Children Attending Chinese Heritage Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liao, Li-yuan; Larke, Patrica J.

2008-01-01

Many Chinese and Taiwanese parents in the United States see benefits of Chinese schools in providing their children the opportunity to learn Chinese culture and language. The results of this qualitative study involving interviews with thirteen Chinese and Taiwanese parents indicated that there were three main reasons why parents want to send their…

Light: Teacher's Curriculum Guide for the Thirteen-College Curriculum Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

George, Aleyamma; Ragland, Leon

This booklet is a teacher's manual in a series of booklets that make up the core of a Physical Science course designed for the freshman year of college and used by teachers in the 27 colleges participating in the Thirteen College Curriculum Program. This program is a curriculum revision project in support of 13 predominantly Negro colleges and…

49 CFR 369.4 - Annual and quarterly reports of Class I carriers of passengers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... either (1) on the 31st day of December in each year, or (2) an accounting year of thirteen 4-week periods... year of thirteen 4-week periods shall file with the FMCSA a statement showing the day on which its... of passengers. 369.4 Section 369.4 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation...

49 CFR 369.4 - Annual and quarterly reports of Class I carriers of passengers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... either (1) on the 31st day of December in each year, or (2) an accounting year of thirteen 4-week periods... year of thirteen 4-week periods shall file with the FMCSA a statement showing the day on which its... of passengers. 369.4 Section 369.4 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation...

Effects of wheelchair Tai Chi on physical and mental health among elderly with disability.

PubMed

Wang, Yong Tai; Li, Zhanghua; Yang, Yi; Zhong, Yaping; Lee, Shih-Yu; Chen, Shihui; Chen, Yu-Ping

2016-01-01

A 12-week Wheelchair Tai Chi 10 Form (WTC10) intervention was conducted among elderly with disability to examine the effect of this WTC10 intervention on selected physical and mental health variables. Thirteen (age 87.23 ± 6.71) in the WTC10 intervention group and 15 (age 89.73 ± 6.31) in the control group completed the study. Independent t-tests and paired t-tests were employed to examine the differences between groups and within groups, respectively, at pretest and post-test. The WTC10 intervention group showed significant improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, shoulder external rotation, left trunk rotation and total trunk rotation after the intervention. A 12-week WTC10 intervention had positive effects on blood pressure, range of motion at the shoulder and trunk, physical activity, and mental health among the elderly with disability. WTC10 is a feasible and safe exercise for the elderly with disability.

An Investigation of Teaching and Learning Programs in Pharmacy Education

PubMed Central

Baia, Patricia

2016-01-01

Objective. To investigate published, peer-reviewed literature on pharmacy teaching and learning development programs and to synthesize existing data, examine reported efficacy and identify future areas for research. Methods. Medline and ERIC databases were searched for studies on teaching development programs published between 2001 and 2015. Results. Nineteen publications were included, representing 21 programs. Twenty programs were resident teaching programs, one program described faculty development. The majority of programs spanned one year and delivered instruction on teaching methodologies and assessment measures. All except one program included experiential components. Thirteen publications presented outcomes data; most measured satisfaction and self-perceived improvement. Conclusion. Published literature on teacher development in pharmacy is focused more on training residents than on developing faculty members. Although programs are considered important and highly valued by program directors and participants, little data substantiates that these programs improve teaching. Future research could focus on measurement of program outcomes and documentation of teaching development for existing faculty members. PMID:27293226

An Investigation of Teaching and Learning Programs in Pharmacy Education.

PubMed

Strang, Aimee F; Baia, Patricia

2016-05-25

Objective. To investigate published, peer-reviewed literature on pharmacy teaching and learning development programs and to synthesize existing data, examine reported efficacy and identify future areas for research. Methods. Medline and ERIC databases were searched for studies on teaching development programs published between 2001 and 2015. Results. Nineteen publications were included, representing 21 programs. Twenty programs were resident teaching programs, one program described faculty development. The majority of programs spanned one year and delivered instruction on teaching methodologies and assessment measures. All except one program included experiential components. Thirteen publications presented outcomes data; most measured satisfaction and self-perceived improvement. Conclusion. Published literature on teacher development in pharmacy is focused more on training residents than on developing faculty members. Although programs are considered important and highly valued by program directors and participants, little data substantiates that these programs improve teaching. Future research could focus on measurement of program outcomes and documentation of teaching development for existing faculty members.

"Finding the Right FIT": Rural Patient Preferences for Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) Characteristics.

PubMed

Pham, Robyn; Cross, Suzanne; Fernandez, Bianca; Corson, Kathryn; Dillon, Kristen; Yackley, Coco; Davis, Melinda M

2017-01-01

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States, yet 1 in 3 Americans have never been screened for CRC. Annual screening using fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) is often a preferred modality in populations experiencing CRC screening disparities. Although multiple studies evaluate the clinical effectiveness of FITs, few studies assess patient preferences toward kit characteristics. We conducted this community-led study to assess patient preferences for FIT characteristics and to use study findings in concert with clinical effectiveness data to inform regional FIT selection. We collaborated with local health system leaders to identify FITs and recruit age eligible (50 to 75 years), English or Spanish speaking community members. Participants completed up to 6 FITs and associated questionnaires and were invited to participate in a follow-up focus group. We used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design to assess participant preferences and rank FIT kits. First, we used quantitative data from user testing to measure acceptability, ease of completion, and specimen adequacy through a descriptive analysis of 1) fixed response questionnaire items on participant attitudes toward and experiences with FIT kits, and 2) a clinical assessment of adherence to directions regarding collection, packaging, and return of specimens. Second, we analyzed qualitative data from focus groups to refine FIT rankings and gain deeper insight into the pros and cons associated with each tested kit. Seventy-six FITs were completed by 18 participants (Range, 3 to 6 kits per participant). Over half (56%, n = 10) of the participants were Hispanic and 50% were female (n = 9). Thirteen participants attended 1 of 3 focus groups. Participants preferred FITs that were single sample, used a probe and vial for sample collection, and had simple, large-font instructions with colorful pictures. Participants reported challenges using paper to catch samples, had difficulty labeling tests, and emphasized the importance of having care team members provide verbal instructions on test completion and follow-up support for patients with abnormal results. FIT rankings from most to least preferred were OC-Light, Hemosure iFOB Test, InSure FIT, QuickVue, OneStep+, and Hemoccult ICT. FIT characteristics influenced patient's perceptions of test acceptability and feasibility. Health system leaders, payers, and clinicians should select FITs that are both clinically effective and incorporate patient preferred test characteristics. Consideration of patient preferences may facilitate FIT return, especially in populations at higher risk for experiencing CRC screening disparities. © Copyright 2017 by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Bayesian network modeling: A case study of an epidemiologic system analysis of cardiovascular risk.

PubMed

Fuster-Parra, P; Tauler, P; Bennasar-Veny, M; Ligęza, A; López-González, A A; Aguiló, A

2016-04-01

An extensive, in-depth study of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) seems to be of crucial importance in the research of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in order to prevent (or reduce) the chance of developing or dying from CVD. The main focus of data analysis is on the use of models able to discover and understand the relationships between different CVRF. In this paper a report on applying Bayesian network (BN) modeling to discover the relationships among thirteen relevant epidemiological features of heart age domain in order to analyze cardiovascular lost years (CVLY), cardiovascular risk score (CVRS), and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is presented. Furthermore, the induced BN was used to make inference taking into account three reasoning patterns: causal reasoning, evidential reasoning, and intercausal reasoning. Application of BN tools has led to discovery of several direct and indirect relationships between different CVRF. The BN analysis showed several interesting results, among them: CVLY was highly influenced by smoking being the group of men the one with highest risk in CVLY; MetS was highly influence by physical activity (PA) being again the group of men the one with highest risk in MetS, and smoking did not show any influence. BNs produce an intuitive, transparent, graphical representation of the relationships between different CVRF. The ability of BNs to predict new scenarios when hypothetical information is introduced makes BN modeling an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool of special interest in epidemiological studies. As CVD is multifactorial the use of BNs seems to be an adequate modeling tool. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experiences of female survivors of sexual violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: a mixed-methods study

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the deadliest since World War II. Over a decade of fighting amongst an array of armed groups has resulted in extensive human rights abuses, particularly the widespread use of sexual violence against women. Methods Using a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed a non-random sample of 255 women attending a referral hospital and two local non-governmental organizations to characterize their experiences of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). We then conducted focus groups of 48 women survivors of SGBV to elaborate on survey findings. Quantitative and qualitative data underwent thematic and statistical analysis respectively. Findings Of the women surveyed, 193 (75.7%) experienced rape. Twenty-nine percent of raped women were rejected by their families and 6% by their communities. Thirteen percent of women had a child from rape. Widowhood, husband abandonment, gang rape, and having a child from rape were significant risk factors for social rejection. Mixed methods findings show rape survivors were seen as "contaminated" with HIV, contributing to their isolation and over 95% could not access prophylactic care in time. Receiving support from their husbands after rape was protective against survivors' feelings of shame and social isolation. Interpretation Rape results not only in physical and psychological trauma, but can destroy family and community structures. Women face significant obstacles in seeking services after rape. Interventions offering long-term solutions for hyper-vulnerable women are vital, but lacking; reintegration programs on SGBV for women, men, and communities are also needed. PMID:22047181

Knee extensor dynamics in the volleyball approach jump: the influence of patellar tendinopathy.

PubMed

Sorenson, Shawn C; Arya, Shruti; Souza, Richard B; Pollard, Christine D; Salem, George J; Kulig, Kornelia

2010-09-01

Controlled laboratory study using a cross-sectional design. To evaluate knee joint dynamics in elite volleyball players with and without a history of patellar tendinopathy, focusing on mechanical energy absorption and generation. We hypothesized that tendinopathy would be associated withreduced net joint work and net joint power. Patellar tendinopathy is a common, debilitating injury affecting competitive volleyball players. Thirteen elite male players with and without a history of patellar tendinopathy (mean ± SD age, 27 ± 7 years) performed maximum-effort volleyball approach jumps. Sagittal plane knee joint kinematics, kinetics, and energetics were quantified in the lead limb, using data obtained from a force platform and an 8-camera motion analysis system. Vertical ground reaction forces and pelvis vertical velocity at takeoff were examined. Independent sample t tests were used to evaluate group differences (α = .05). The tendinopathy group, compared to controls, demonstrated significant reductions (approximately 30%) in net joint work and net joint power during the eccentric phase of the jump, with no differences in the concentric phase. Positive to-negative net joint work and net joint power ratios were significantly higher in the tendinopathy group, which had a net joint work ratio of 1.00 (95% CI: 0.77, 1.24) versus 0.76 (95% CI: 0.64, 0.88) for controls, and a net joint power ratio of 1.62 (95% CI: 1.15, 2.10) versus 1.00 (95% CI: 0.80, 1.21) for controls. There were no significant differences in net joint moment, angular velocity, or range of motion. Peak vertical ground reaction forces were lower for the tendinopathy group, while average vertical ground reaction forces and pelvis vertical velocity were similar. Patellar tendinopathy is associated with differences in sagittal plane mechanical energy absorption at the knee during maximum-effort volleyball approach jumps. Net joint work and net joint power may help define underlying mechanisms, adaptive effects, or rehabilitative strategies for individuals with patellar tendinopathy.

Skeletal Correlates for Body Mass Estimation in Modern and Fossil Flying Birds

PubMed Central

Field, Daniel J.; Lynner, Colton; Brown, Christian; Darroch, Simon A. F.

2013-01-01

Scaling relationships between skeletal dimensions and body mass in extant birds are often used to estimate body mass in fossil crown-group birds, as well as in stem-group avialans. However, useful statistical measurements for constraining the precision and accuracy of fossil mass estimates are rarely provided, which prevents the quantification of robust upper and lower bound body mass estimates for fossils. Here, we generate thirteen body mass correlations and associated measures of statistical robustness using a sample of 863 extant flying birds. By providing robust body mass regressions with upper- and lower-bound prediction intervals for individual skeletal elements, we address the longstanding problem of body mass estimation for highly fragmentary fossil birds. We demonstrate that the most precise proxy for estimating body mass in the overall dataset, measured both as coefficient determination of ordinary least squares regression and percent prediction error, is the maximum diameter of the coracoid’s humeral articulation facet (the glenoid). We further demonstrate that this result is consistent among the majority of investigated avian orders (10 out of 18). As a result, we suggest that, in the majority of cases, this proxy may provide the most accurate estimates of body mass for volant fossil birds. Additionally, by presenting statistical measurements of body mass prediction error for thirteen different body mass regressions, this study provides a much-needed quantitative framework for the accurate estimation of body mass and associated ecological correlates in fossil birds. The application of these regressions will enhance the precision and robustness of many mass-based inferences in future paleornithological studies. PMID:24312392

Effect of Non-rigid Registration Algorithms on Deformation Based Morphometry: A Comparative Study with Control and Williams Syndrome Subjects

PubMed Central

Han, Zhaoying; Thornton-Wells, Tricia A.; Dykens, Elisabeth M.; Gore, John C.; Dawant, Benoit M.

2014-01-01

Deformation Based Morphometry (DBM) is a widely used method for characterizing anatomical differences across groups. DBM is based on the analysis of the deformation fields generated by non-rigid registration algorithms, which warp the individual volumes to a DBM atlas. Although several studies have compared non-rigid registration algorithms for segmentation tasks, few studies have compared the effect of the registration algorithms on group differences that may be uncovered through DBM. In this study, we compared group atlas creation and DBM results obtained with five well-established non-rigid registration algorithms using thirteen subjects with Williams Syndrome (WS) and thirteen Normal Control (NC) subjects. The five non-rigid registration algorithms include: (1) The Adaptive Bases Algorithm (ABA); (2) The Image Registration Toolkit (IRTK); (3) The FSL Nonlinear Image Registration Tool (FSL); (4) The Automatic Registration Tool (ART); and (5) the normalization algorithm available in SPM8. Results indicate that the choice of algorithm has little effect on the creation of group atlases. However, regions of differences between groups detected with DBM vary from algorithm to algorithm both qualitatively and quantitatively. The unique nature of the data set used in this study also permits comparison of visible anatomical differences between the groups and regions of difference detected by each algorithm. Results show that the interpretation of DBM results is difficult. Four out of the five algorithms we have evaluated detect bilateral differences between the two groups in the insular cortex, the basal ganglia, orbitofrontal cortex, as well as in the cerebellum. These correspond to differences that have been reported in the literature and that are visible in our samples. But our results also show that some algorithms detect regions that are not detected by the others and that the extent of the detected regions varies from algorithm to algorithm. These results suggest that using more than one algorithm when performing DBM studies would increase confidence in the results. Properties of the algorithms such as the similarity measure they maximize and the regularity of the deformation fields, as well as the location of differences detected with DBM, also need to be taken into account in the interpretation process. PMID:22459439

Taming Typhon: Advancing Climate Literacy by Coordinating Federal Earth System Science Education Investments Through the U.S. Climate Change Science Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karsten, J. L.; Niepold, F.; Wei, M.; Waple, A. M.

2008-12-01

Thirteen Federal agencies in the United States invest in research, communication, and education activities related to climate and global change. The U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) works to integrate the research activities of these different agencies, with oversight from the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Council on Environmental Quality, the National Economic Council and the Office of Management and Budget. The CCSP is the result of a Presidential initative in 2001 to build on the Global Change Research Program, which exists as a result of the Global Change Research Act of 1990. This initiative was to shift the focus of the Program from 'discovery and characterization' to 'differentiation and strategy investigation.' With this shift, CCSP's focus is now on evaluating optimal strategies for addressing climate change risks, improving coordination among the Federal agencies, communicating research results to all stakeholders (including national policy leaders and local resource managers), and improving public debate and decision-making related to global change. Implicit to these activities is the need to educate the general public about the science of climate change and its consequences, as well as coordinate Federal investments related to climate change education. This is no small task, given the variety of missions and approaches of the participating agencies. Recognizing that its Communications Interagency Working Group (CIWG) does not have the expertise or focus to adequately address issues related to science education, the CCSP recently established an ad-hoc Education Interagency Working Group (EIWG), comprising representatives from all 13 agencies, that will work closely with the CIWG to enhance education goals. Its mission is to advance literacy in climate and related sciences and increase informed decision making for the Nation. The EIWG envisions that its primary activities in the near-term will be focused on establishing: (1) a consensus framework to define climate literacy; (2) a protocol and process for vetting, reviewing, and assuring scientific quality of educational materials related to climate change; (3) a Federal network of professionals who can share, access, and identify complementary educational materials; (4) a suite of evaluation tools to gauge effectiveness of interagency programs related to climate change education; (5) a clearinghouse or central repository of climate change education resources and expertise; and (6) professional development resources for educators seeking to improve their understanding of climate change and related Earth system science principles.

Chemistry - Part III, An Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Teacher's Curriculum Guide for the Thirteen-College Curriculum Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Booker, Edward; And Others

This booklet is a teacher's manual in a series of booklets that make up the core of a Physical Science course designed for the freshman year of college and used by teachers in the Thirteen College Curriculum Program. This program is a curriculum revision project in support of 13 predominantly Negro colleges and reflects educational research in the…

Chemistry - Part III, An Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Student Workbook for the Thirteen-College Curriculum Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Booker, Edward; And Others

This booklet is a student manual in a series of booklets that make up the core of a Physical Science course designed for the freshman year of college and used by teachers in the 27 colleges participating in the Thirteen College curriculum Program. This program is a curriculum revision project in support of 13 predominantly Negro colleges and…

Thirteen Year Loblolly Pine Growth Following Machine Application of Cut-Stump Treament Herbicides For Hardwood Stump-Sprout Control

Treesearch

Clyde G. Vidrine; John C. Adams

2002-01-01

Thirteen year growth results of 1-0 out-planted loblolly pine seedlings on nonintensively prepared up-land mixed pine-hardwood sites receiving machine applied cut-stump treatment (CST) herbicides onto hardwood stumps at the time of harvesting is presented. Plantation pine growth shows significantly higher growth for pine in the CST treated plots compared to non-CST...

The Gas Laws and the Kinetic Theory: Curriculum Guide for the Thirteen-College Curriculum Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Daniel, Army; And Others

This booklet is both a teacher's manual and a student's manual in a series of booklets that make up the core of a Physical Science course designed for the freshman year of college and used by teachers in the 27 colleges participating in the Thirteen College Curriculum Program. This program is a curriculum revision project in support of 13…

Spanking and child outcomes: Old controversies and new meta-analyses.

PubMed

Gershoff, Elizabeth T; Grogan-Kaylor, Andrew

2016-06-01

Whether spanking is helpful or harmful to children continues to be the source of considerable debate among both researchers and the public. This article addresses 2 persistent issues, namely whether effect sizes for spanking are distinct from those for physical abuse, and whether effect sizes for spanking are robust to study design differences. Meta-analyses focused specifically on spanking were conducted on a total of 111 unique effect sizes representing 160,927 children. Thirteen of 17 mean effect sizes were significantly different from zero and all indicated a link between spanking and increased risk for detrimental child outcomes. Effect sizes did not substantially differ between spanking and physical abuse or by study design characteristics. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Antarctic and non-Antarctic meteorites form different populations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dennison, J. E.; Lingner, D. W.; Lipschutz, M. E.

1986-01-01

The trace element differences between Victoria Land H5 chondrites and non-Antarctic H5 chondrites are studied. The focus on common meteorites was stimulated by Antarctic and non-Antarctic differences in meteorite types and in the trace element contents of congeners of rare type. Thirteen elements were analyzed by neutron activation analysis with radiochemical separation, and eight differed significantly. Eliminating test biasing and the possibility of compositional difference due to Antarctic weathering of the 300,000 year-old (on the average) Victoria Land falls, it is concluded that the two sets of chondrites differ due to extraterrestrial causes. The three possibilities discussed, differences in sample population, physical properties, orbital characteristics, and meteoroid flux with time, are all seen as problematic.

Patient and clinician views on the quality of foot health care for rheumatoid arthritis outpatients: a mixed methods service evaluation.

PubMed

de Souza, Savia; Williams, Ruth; Lempp, Heidi

2016-01-01

Feet are often the first site of joint involvement in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and get progressively worse if unmanaged, leading to permanent disability and negatively impacting patients' quality of life. Podiatrists are specialists in the assessment, diagnosis and management of foot and ankle problems, however, RA outpatients often rely on referral from rheumatology clinicians to gain access to musculoskeletal podiatry services on the UK National Health Service (NHS). Therefore, the aim of this evaluation was to identify the foot health needs of rheumatoid arthritis patients and if they are being met by rheumatology clinicians. A mixed methods approach was used: collecting qualitative data from patients and quantitative data from clinicians. Two focus groups were conducted with nine RA patients from a tertiary rheumatology outpatient clinic in the UK and the data were thematically analysed to inform a clinician survey. Thirteen rheumatology clinicians, from the same centre, completed the online survey. Resultant data were analysed to produce descriptive statistics. Patient focus group data generated four main themes: (1) need for foot health information, (2) feet ignored during routine consultations, (3) frequency of foot examination and (4) access to podiatry. Survey data highlighted that (i) 69-85 % of clinicians provided patients with foot health information sometimes, (ii) feet were examined in 47 % of routine consultations, (iii) 54 % of clinicians did not examine feet routinely because they are not included in the disease activity score with 28 joints (DAS-28), (iv) 31 % of clinicians referred patients to podiatry upon RA diagnosis, (v) 0 % of clinicians referred patients to podiatry for periodic review, (vi) 54 % of clinicians believed patients will self-report foot problems and (vii) 62 % of clinicians felt competent in foot examination. RA patients' foot health needs were not being fully met by rheumatology clinicians. Patients want foot health information and easy access to podiatry services. Rheumatology outpatient consultations need to have a wider focus than the DAS-28 and incorporate foot examination as standard. Clinicians need to ensure they have sufficient training and follow current national foot health guidance to provide optimal foot health care and outcomes for their RA patients.

Automatic detection of anatomical regions in frontal x-ray images: comparing convolutional neural networks to random forest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olory Agomma, R.; Vázquez, C.; Cresson, T.; De Guise, J.

2018-02-01

Most algorithms to detect and identify anatomical structures in medical images require either to be initialized close to the target structure, or to know that the structure is present in the image, or to be trained on a homogeneous database (e.g. all full body or all lower limbs). Detecting these structures when there is no guarantee that the structure is present in the image, or when the image database is heterogeneous (mixed configurations), is a challenge for automatic algorithms. In this work we compared two state-of-the-art machine learning techniques in order to determine which one is the most appropriate for predicting targets locations based on image patches. By knowing the position of thirteen landmarks points, labelled by an expert in EOS frontal radiography, we learn the displacement between salient points detected in the image and these thirteen landmarks. The learning step is carried out with a machine learning approach by exploring two methods: Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Random Forest (RF). The automatic detection of the thirteen landmarks points in a new image is then obtained by averaging the positions of each one of these thirteen landmarks estimated from all the salient points in the new image. We respectively obtain for CNN and RF, an average prediction error (both mean and standard deviation in mm) of 29 +/-18 and 30 +/- 21 for the thirteen landmarks points, indicating the approximate location of anatomical regions. On the other hand, the learning time is 9 days for CNN versus 80 minutes for RF. We provide a comparison of the results between the two machine learning approaches.

The effects of cognitive – linguistic variables and language experience on behavioural and kinematic performances in nonword learning

PubMed Central

Sasisekaran, Jayanthi; Weisberg, Sanford

2013-01-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cognitive – linguistic variables and language experience on behavioral and kinematic measures of nonword learning in young adults. Group 1 consisted of thirteen participants who spoke American English as the first and only language. Group 2 consisted of seven participants with varying levels of proficiency in a second language. Logistic regression of the percent of correct productions revealed short-term memory to be a significant contributor. The bilingual group showed better performance compared to the monolinguals. Linear regression of the kinematic data revealed that the short – term memory variable contributed significantly to movement coordination. Differences were not observed between the bilingual and the monolingual speakers in kinematic performance. Nonword properties including syllable length and complexity influenced both behavioral and kinematic performance. The findings supported the observation that nonword repetition is multiply determined in adults. PMID:22476630

Effects of bench step exercise intervention on work ability in terms of cardiovascular risk factors and oxidative stress: a randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Ohta, Masanori; Eguchi, Yasumasa; Inoue, Tomohiro; Honda, Toru; Morita, Yusaku; Konno, Yoshimasa; Yamato, Hiroshi; Kumashiro, Masaharu

2015-01-01

Work ability is partly determined by physical and mental fitness. Bench step exercise can be practiced anywhere at any time. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a bench step exercise on work ability by examining cardiovascular risk factors and oxidative stress. Thirteen volunteers working in a warehousing industry comprised the bench step exercise group (n=7) and the control group (n=6). The participants in the step exercise group were encouraged to practice the step exercise at home for 16 weeks. The step exercise improved glucose metabolism and antioxidative capacity and increased work ability by reducing absences from work and improving the prognosis of work ability. The improvement in work ability was related to a reduction in oxidative stress. These results suggest that a bench step exercise may improve work ability by reducing cardiovascular risk factors and oxidative stress.

Longitudinal Theory of Mind (ToM) Development From Preschool to Adolescence With and Without ToM Delay.

PubMed

Peterson, Candida C; Wellman, Henry M

2018-04-16

Longitudinal tracking of 107 three- to-thirteen-year-olds in a cross-sequential design showed a 6-step theory of mind (ToM) sequence identified by a few past cross-sectional studies validly depicted longitudinal ToM development from early to middle childhood for typically developing (TD) children and those with ToM delays owing to deafness or autism. Substantively, all groups showed ToM progress throughout middle childhood. Atypical development was more extended and began and ended at lower levels than for TD children. Yet most children in all groups progressed over the study's mean 1.5 years. Findings help resolve theoretical debates about ToM development for children with and without delay and gain strength and weight via their applicability to three disparate groups varying in ToM timing and sequencing. © 2018 Society for Research in Child Development.

An evaluation of non-metric cranial traits used to estimate ancestry in a South African sample.

PubMed

L'Abbé, E N; Van Rooyen, C; Nawrocki, S P; Becker, P J

2011-06-15

Establishing ancestry from a skeleton for forensic purposes has been shown to be difficult. The purpose of this paper is to address the application of thirteen non-metric traits to estimate ancestry in three South African groups, namely White, Black and "Coloured". In doing so, the frequency distribution of thirteen non-metric traits among South Africans are presented; the relationship of these non-metric traits with ancestry, sex, age at death are evaluated; and Kappa statistics are utilized to assess the inter and intra-rater reliability. Crania of 520 known individuals were obtained from four skeletal samples in South Africa: the Pretoria Bone Collection, the Raymond A. Dart Collection, the Kirsten Collection and the Student Bone Collection from the University of the Free State. Average age at death was 51, with an age range between 18 and 90. Thirteen commonly used non-metric traits from the face and jaw were scored; definition and illustrations were taken from Hefner, Bass and Hauser and De Stephano. Frequency distributions, ordinal regression and Cohen's Kappa statistics were performed as a means to assess population variation and repeatability. Frequency distributions were highly variable among South Africans. Twelve of the 13 variables had a statistically significant relationship with ancestry. Sex significantly affected only one variable, inter-orbital breadth, and age at death affected two (anterior nasal spine and alveolar prognathism). The interaction of ancestry and sex independently affected three variables (nasal bone contour, nasal breadth, and interorbital breadth). Seven traits had moderate to excellent repeatability, while poor scoring consistency was noted for six variables. Difficulties in repeating several of the trait scores may require either a need for refinement of the definitions, or these character states may not adequately describe the observable morphology in the population. The application of the traditional experience-based approach for estimating ancestry in forensic case work is problematic. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity and HPLC fingerprinting profiles of three Pyrola species from different regions.

PubMed

Wang, Dongmei; He, Fengyuan; Lv, Zhenjiang; Li, Dengwu

2014-01-01

The present study was performed to investigate the variation of phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) fingerprinting profiles of three Pyrola species. Thirteen samples (eight P. decorata, three P. calliantha and two P. renifolia) were collected from different regions in China. The tannin, hyperoside and quercetin contents of all samples were determined by reverse-phase HPLC and varied within the range 9.77-34.75, 0.34-2.16 and 0.062-0.147 mg/g dry weigh, respectively. Total flavonoid content was evaluated and varied within the range 16.22-37.82 mg/g dry weight. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH assay, with IC50 ranging from 7.96 to 50.33 µg/ml, ABTS•+ and FRAP assay, within the range 612.66-1021.05 and 219.64-398.12 µmol equiv. Trolox/g, respectively. These results revealed that there were significant variations in phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity among all samples. Due to the higher phytochemical content and significant antioxidant activity, P. calliantha was selected as the most valuable species, and the P. calliantha sample from Left banner of Alxa even possessed the strongest antioxidant activity among all the thirteen samples. Futhermore, Emei Mountain was proved to be the most suitable region for producing P. decorata. Moreover, in order to further evaluate the diversities and quality of Pyrola, HPLC fingerprint analysis coupled with hierarchical cluster and discrimination analyses were introduced to establish a simple, rapid and effective method for accurate identification, classification and quality assessment of Pyrola. Thirteen samples were divided into three groups consistent with their morphological classification. Two types of discriminant functions were generated and the ratio of discrimination was 100%. This method can identify different species of Pyrola and the same species from different regions of origin. Also, it can be used to compare and control the quality of Pyrola and other natural products prepared from them.

Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity and HPLC Fingerprinting Profiles of Three Pyrola Species from Different Regions

PubMed Central

Wang, Dongmei; He, Fengyuan; Lv, Zhenjiang; Li, Dengwu

2014-01-01

The present study was performed to investigate the variation of phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) fingerprinting profiles of three Pyrola species. Thirteen samples (eight P. decorata, three P. calliantha and two P. renifolia) were collected from different regions in China. The tannin, hyperoside and quercetin contents of all samples were determined by reverse-phase HPLC and varied within the range 9.77–34.75, 0.34–2.16 and 0.062–0.147 mg/g dry weigh, respectively. Total flavonoid content was evaluated and varied within the range 16.22–37.82 mg/g dry weight. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH assay, with IC50 ranging from 7.96 to 50.33 µg/ml, ABTS•+ and FRAP assay, within the range 612.66–1021.05 and 219.64–398.12 µmol equiv. Trolox/g, respectively. These results revealed that there were significant variations in phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity among all samples. Due to the higher phytochemical content and significant antioxidant activity, P. calliantha was selected as the most valuable species, and the P. calliantha sample from Left banner of Alxa even possessed the strongest antioxidant activity among all the thirteen samples. Futhermore, Emei Mountain was proved to be the most suitable region for producing P. decorata. Moreover, in order to further evaluate the diversities and quality of Pyrola, HPLC fingerprint analysis coupled with hierarchical cluster and discrimination analyses were introduced to establish a simple, rapid and effective method for accurate identification, classification and quality assessment of Pyrola. Thirteen samples were divided into three groups consistent with their morphological classification. Two types of discriminant functions were generated and the ratio of discrimination was 100%. This method can identify different species of Pyrola and the same species from different regions of origin. Also, it can be used to compare and control the quality of Pyrola and other natural products prepared from them. PMID:24796694

Mildly disabled persons with multiple sclerosis use similar net joint power strategies as healthy controls when walking speed increases.

PubMed

Brincks, John; Christensen, Lars Ejsing; Rehnquist, Mette Voigt; Petersen, Jesper; Sørensen, Henrik; Dalgas, Ulrik

2018-01-01

To improve walking in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms of walking. This study examined strategies in net joint power generated or absorbed by hip flexors, hip extensors, hip abductors, knee extensors, and plantar flexors in mildly disabled persons with MS and healthy controls at different walking speeds. Thirteen persons with MS and thirteen healthy controls participated and peak net joint power was calculated using 3D motion analysis. In general, no differences were found between speed-matched healthy controls and persons with MS, but the fastest walking speed was significantly higher in healthy controls (2.42 m/s vs. 1.70 m/s). The net joint power increased in hip flexors, hip extensors, hip abductors, knee extensors and plantar flexors in both groups, when walking speed increased. Significant correlations between changes in walking speed and changes in net joint power of plantar flexors, hip extensors and hip flexors existed in healthy controls and persons with MS, and in net knee extensor absorption power of persons with MS only. In contrast to previous studies, these findings suggest that mildly disabled persons with MS used similar kinetic strategies as healthy controls to increase walking speed.

Chinese medicine shenfu injection for heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Wen-Ting, Song; Fa-Feng, Cheng; Li, Xu; Cheng-Ren, Lin; Jian-Xun, Liu

2012-01-01

Objective. Heart failure (HF) is a global public health problem. Early literature studies manifested that Shenfu injection (SFI) is one of the most commonly used traditional Chinese patent medicine for HF in China. This article intended to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of SFI for HF. Methods. An extensive search was performed within 6 English and Chinese electronic database up to November 2011. Ninety-nine randomized controlled trails (RCTs) were collected, irrespective of languages. Two authors extracted data and assessed the trial quality independently. RevMan 5.0.2 was used for data analysis. Results. Compared with routine treatment and/or device support, SFI combined with routine treatment and/or device support showed better effect on clinical effect rate, mortality, heart rate, NT-proBNP and 6-minute walk distance. Results in ultrasonic cardiography also showed that SFI combined with routine treatment improved heart function of HF patients. There were no significant difference in blood pressure between SFI and routine treatment groups. Adverse events were reported in thirteen trails with thirteen specific symptoms, while no serious adverse effect was reported. Conclusion. SFI appear to be effective for treating HF. However, further rigorously designed RCTs are warranted because of insufficient methodological rigor in the majority of included trials.

Simultaneous determination of thirteen flavonoids from Xiaobuxin-Tang extract using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Cen, Meifeng; Ruan, Jinxiu; Huang, Lihua; Zhang, Zhenqing; Yu, Nengjiang; Zhang, Youzhi; Cheng, Xuange; Xiong, Xiaohong; Wang, Guixiang; Zang, Linquan; Wang, Sujun

2015-11-10

A simple and reliable high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) analysis method was established to simultaneously determine thirteen flavonoids of Xiaobuxing-Tang in intestine perfusate, namely onpordin, 3'-O-methylorobol, glycitein, patuletin, genistein, luteolin, quercetin, nepitrin, quercimeritrin, daidzin, patulitrin, quercetagitrin and 3-glucosylisorhamnetin. Detection was performed on a quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source operating in negative ionization mode. Negative ion ESI was used to form deprotonated molecules at m/z 315 for onpordin, m/z 299 for 3'-O-methylorobol, m/z 283 for glycitein, m/z 331 for patuletin, m/z 269 for genistein, m/z 285 for luteolin, m/z 301 for quercetin, m/z 477 for nepitrin, m/z 463 for quercimeritrin, m/z 461 for daidzin, m/z 493 for patulitrin, m/z 479 for quercetagitrin, m/z 477 for 3-glucosylisorhamnetin and m/z 609.2 for rutin. The linearity, sensitivity, selectivity, repeatability, accuracy, precision, recovery and matrix effect of the assay were evaluated. The proposed method was successfully applied to simultaneous determination of these thirteen flavonoids, and using this method, the intestinal absorption profiles of thirteen flavonoids were preliminarily predicted. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detection and molecular characterization of infectious bronchitis virus isolated from recent outbreaks in broiler flocks in Thailand.

PubMed

Pohuang, Tawatchai; Chansiripornchai, Niwat; Tawatsin, Achara; Sasipreeyajan, Jiroj

2009-09-01

Thirteen field isolates of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) were isolated from broiler flocks in Thailand between January and June 2008. The 878-bp of the S1 gene covering a hypervariable region was amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis based on that region revealed that these viruses were separated into two groups (I and II). IBV isolates in group I were not related to other IBV strains published in the GenBank database. Group 1 nucleotide sequence identities were less than 85% and amino acid sequence identities less than 84% in common with IBVs published in the GenBank database. This group likely represents the strains indigenous to Thailand. The isolates in group II showed a close relationship with Chinese IBVs. They had nucleotide sequence identities of 97-98% and amino acid sequence identities 96-98% in common with Chinese IBVs (strain A2, SH and QXIBV). This finding indicated that the recent Thai IBVs evolved separately and at least two groups of viruses are circulating in Thailand.

Maplexins, new α-glucosidase inhibitors from red maple (Acer rubrum) stems.

PubMed

Wan, Chunpeng; Yuan, Tao; Li, Liya; Kandhi, Vamsikrishna; Cech, Nadja B; Xie, Mingyong; Seeram, Navindra P

2012-01-01

Thirteen gallic acid derivatives including five new gallotannins, named maplexins A-E, were isolated from red maple (Acer rubrum) stems. The compounds were identified by spectral analyses. The maplexins varied in number and location of galloyl groups attached to 1,5-anhydro-d-glucitol. The isolates were evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant activities. Maplexin E, the first compound identified with three galloyl groups linked to three different positions of 1,5-anhydro-d-glucitol, was 20 fold more potent than the α-glucosidase inhibitory drug, Acarbose (IC(50)=8 vs 160 μM). Structure-activity related studies suggested that both number and position of galloyls attached to 1,5-anhydro-d-glucitol were important for α-glucosidase inhibition. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Association between intermediate uveitis and toxocariasis in the Korean population

PubMed Central

Kwon, Jin-woo; Sim, Yoonseob; Jee, Donghyun

2017-01-01

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the characteristics of ocular toxocariasis (OT) presenting with intermediate uveitis in the Korean population. We studied intermediate uveitis patients using ocular and systemic evaluations and a Toxocara IgG serology test. Of 50 intermediate uveitis patients, 19 were seropositive for Toxocara IgG. Of the 19 OT patients, 4 presented with recurrence within 6 months and were significantly younger than nonrecurrence patients (P = 0.009). Thirteen patients had a history of eating raw cow liver. There were 14 males and 5 females in the OT group, and 11 males and 20 females in the non-OT group (P = 0.009). There was bilateral involvement in 7 out of 19 patients in the OT group, and 20 out of 31 patients in non-OT group (P = 0.033). Intermediate uveitis patients in OT were predominately male and had more unilateral presentation than non-OT patients. PMID:28151857

Comparison of mitomycin C and limbal-conjunctival autograft in the prevention of pterygial recurrence in Turkish patients: A one-year, randomized, assessor-masked, controlled trial

PubMed Central

Ari, Şeyhmus; Çaca, Îhsan; Yildiz, Zennure Özdemir; Şakalar, Yildirim Bayezit; Dogan, Eyüp

2009-01-01

Background: A pterygium is a fibrovascular overgrowth of degenerative bulbar conjunctival tissue that grows over the limbus onto the cornea. Although various approaches have been proposed for the treatment of pterygium, the common problem after these treatments is recurrence. Objectives: The goals of this study were to compare the efficacy of mitomycin C (MMC) and limbal-conjunctival autograft (LCAU) in preventing recurrence of primary pterygia and to monitor long-term adverse effects (AEs). Methods: Patients undergoing pterygium surgery between February 2006 and May 2007 were assessed prospectively and randomly divided into 2 groups using a random number table. The MMC group underwent pterygium excision and received 0.02% MMC intraoperatively for 2 minutes. The LCAU group underwent pterygium excision and LCAU. Recurrence and AE rates of the 2 treatments were compared during the 1-year follow-up period. Assessors for pterygial recurrence were masked to treatment group. Results: One hundred thirteen eyes (57 patients in the MMC group and 56 patients in the LCAU group) were included in the study. Thirteen of the patients (7 in the MMC group and 6 in the LCAU group) were withdrawn due to irregular attendance at follow-up visits or lack of sufficient dose and duration for postoperative topical antibiotic and steroid administration; their data were excluded from analysis. Fifty patients (MMC group: 26 men, 24 women; mean [SD] age, 48.0 [12.3] years; age range, 30–73 years; LCAU group: 27 men, 23 women; mean age, 49.0 [12.6] years; age range, 28–71 years) in each group completed the study. The mean (SD) length of the pterygium across the limbus was similar in the MMC group and the LCAU group (4.18 [1.27] vs 4.07 [1.24] mm). The mean follow-up period was also similar in the 2 groups (16.0 [1.9] vs 15.0 [1.7] months). The rate of recurrence was significantly greater in the MMC group than in the LCAU group (10 [20.0%] vs 2 [4.0%] patients; P=0.035). Seven patients (14.0%) in the MMC group experienced AEs: conjunctival cyst (3 patients), symblepharon (2), conjunctival granuloma (1), and dellen (1). In the LCAU group, 1 patient (2.0%; P=0.032 vs MMC group) experienced permanent graft edema. All patients in the LCAU group experienced transient graft edema, with recovery occurring in 3 to 4 weeks. There were no intraoperative complications and there was no graft rejection. Conclusions: Recurrence and postoperative AEs were less frequently observed in primary excision with LCAU than with MMC in these Turkish patients who completed the study. This study found that pterygium excision with LCAU was well tolerated and effective in these patients. PMID:24683237

Abscisic acid analogs as chemical probes for dissection of abscisic acid responses in Arabidopsis thaliana.

PubMed

Benson, Chantel L; Kepka, Michal; Wunschel, Christian; Rajagopalan, Nandhakishore; Nelson, Ken M; Christmann, Alexander; Abrams, Suzanne R; Grill, Erwin; Loewen, Michele C

2015-05-01

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a phytohormone known to mediate numerous plant developmental processes and responses to environmental stress. In Arabidopsis thaliana, ABA acts, through a genetically redundant family of ABA receptors entitled Regulatory Component of ABA Receptor (RCAR)/Pyrabactin Resistant 1 (PYR1)/Pyrabactin Resistant-Like (PYL) receptors comprised of thirteen homologues acting in concert with a seven-member set of phosphatases. The individual contributions of A. thaliana RCARs and their binding partners with respect to specific physiological functions are as yet poorly understood. Towards developing efficacious plant growth regulators selective for specific ABA functions and tools for elucidating ABA perception, a panel of ABA analogs altered specifically on positions around the ABA ring was assembled. These analogs have been used to probe thirteen RCARs and four type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2Cs) and were also screened against representative physiological assays in the model plant Arabidopsis. The 1'-O methyl ether of (S)-ABA was identified as selective in that, at physiologically relevant levels, it regulates stomatal aperture and improves drought tolerance, but does not inhibit germination or root growth. Analogs with the 7'- and 8'-methyl groups of the ABA ring replaced with bulkier groups generally retained the activity and stereoselectivity of (S)- and (R)-ABA, while alteration of the 9'-methyl group afforded an analog that substituted for ABA in inhibiting germination but neither root growth nor stomatal closure. Further in vitro testing indicated differences in binding of analogs to individual RCARs, as well as differences in the enzyme activity resulting from specific PP2Cs bound to RCAR-analog complexes. Ultimately, these findings highlight the potential of a broader chemical genetics approach for dissection of the complex network mediating ABA-perception, signaling and functionality within a given species and modifications in the future design of ABA agonists. Crown Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Mitochondrial Genomes of the Nudibranch Mollusks, Melibe leonina and Tritonia diomedea, and Their Impact on Gastropod Phylogeny

PubMed Central

Sevigny, Joseph L.; Kirouac, Lauren E.; Thomas, William Kelley; Ramsdell, Jordan S.; Lawlor, Kayla E.; Sharifi, Osman; Grewal, Simarvir; Baysdorfer, Christopher; Curr, Kenneth; Naimie, Amanda A.; Okamoto, Kazufusa; Murray, James A.; Newcomb, James M.

2015-01-01

The phylogenetic relationships among certain groups of gastropods have remained unresolved in recent studies, especially in the diverse subclass Opisthobranchia, where nudibranchs have been poorly represented. Here we present the complete mitochondrial genomes of Melibe leonina and Tritonia diomedea (more recently named T. tetraquetra), two nudibranchs from the unrepresented Cladobranchia group, and report on the resulting phylogenetic analyses. Both genomes coded for the typical thirteen protein-coding genes, twenty-two transfer RNAs, and two ribosomal RNAs seen in other species. The twelve-nucleotide deletion previously reported for the cytochrome oxidase 1 gene in several other Melibe species was further clarified as three separate deletion events. These deletions were not present in any opisthobranchs examined in our study, including the newly sequenced M. leonina or T. diomedea, suggesting that these previously reported deletions may represent more recently divergent taxa. Analysis of the secondary structures for all twenty-two tRNAs of both M. leonina and T. diomedea indicated truncated d arms for the two serine tRNAs, as seen in some other heterobranchs. In addition, the serine 1 tRNA in T. diomedea contained an anticodon not yet reported in any other gastropod. For phylogenetic analysis, we used the thirteen protein-coding genes from the mitochondrial genomes of M. leonina, T. diomedea, and seventy-one other gastropods. Phylogenetic analyses were performed for both the class Gastropoda and the subclass Opisthobranchia. Both Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses resulted in similar tree topologies. In the Opisthobranchia, the five orders represented in our study were monophyletic (Anaspidea, Cephalaspidea, Notaspidea, Nudibranchia, Sacoglossa). In Gastropoda, two of the three traditional subclasses, Opisthobranchia and Pulmonata, were not monophyletic. In contrast, four of the more recently named gastropod clades (Vetigastropoda, Neritimorpha, Caenogastropoda, and Heterobranchia) were all monophyletic, and thus appear to be better classifications for this diverse group. PMID:25996944

Problematic Peer Functioning in Girls with ADHD: A Systematic Literature Review.

PubMed

Kok, Francien M; Groen, Yvonne; Fuermaier, Anselm B M; Tucha, Oliver

2016-01-01

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience many peer interaction problems and are at risk of peer rejection and victimisation. Although many studies have investigated problematic peer functioning in children with ADHD, this research has predominantly focused on boys and studies investigating girls are scant. Those studies that did examine girls, often used a male comparison sample, disregarding the inherent gender differences between girls and boys. Previous studies have highlighted this limitation and recommended the need for comparisons between ADHD females and typical females, in order to elucidate the picture of female ADHD with regards to problematic peer functioning. The aim of this literature review was to gain insight into peer functioning difficulties in school-aged girls with ADHD. PsychINFO, PubMed, and Web of Knowledge were searched for relevant literature comparing school-aged girls with ADHD to typically developing girls (TDs) in relation to peer functioning. The peer relationship domains were grouped into 'friendship', 'peer status', 'social skills/competence', and 'peer victimisation and bullying'. In total, thirteen studies were included in the review. All of the thirteen studies included reported that girls with ADHD, compared to TD girls, demonstrated increased difficulties in the domains of friendship, peer interaction, social skills and functioning, peer victimization and externalising behaviour. Studies consistently showed small to medium effects for lower rates of friendship participation and stability in girls with ADHD relative to TD girls. Higher levels of peer rejection with small to large effect sizes were reported in all studies, which were predicted by girls' conduct problems. Peer rejection in turn predicted poor social adjustment and a host of problem behaviours. Very high levels of peer victimisation were present in girls with ADHD with large effect sizes. Further, very high levels of social impairment and social skills deficits, with large effect sizes, were found across all studies. Levels of pro-social behaviour varied across studies, but were mostly lower in girls with ADHD, with small to large effect sizes. Overall, social disability was significantly higher among girls with ADHD than among TD girls. Congruous evidence was found for peer functioning difficulties in the peer relationship domains of friendship, peer status, social skills/competence, and peer victimisation and bullying in girls with ADHD.

Problematic Peer Functioning in Girls with ADHD: A Systematic Literature Review

PubMed Central

Groen, Yvonne; Fuermaier, Anselm B. M.; Tucha, Oliver

2016-01-01

Objective Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience many peer interaction problems and are at risk of peer rejection and victimisation. Although many studies have investigated problematic peer functioning in children with ADHD, this research has predominantly focused on boys and studies investigating girls are scant. Those studies that did examine girls, often used a male comparison sample, disregarding the inherent gender differences between girls and boys. Previous studies have highlighted this limitation and recommended the need for comparisons between ADHD females and typical females, in order to elucidate the picture of female ADHD with regards to problematic peer functioning. The aim of this literature review was to gain insight into peer functioning difficulties in school-aged girls with ADHD. Methods PsychINFO, PubMed, and Web of Knowledge were searched for relevant literature comparing school-aged girls with ADHD to typically developing girls (TDs) in relation to peer functioning. The peer relationship domains were grouped into ‘friendship’, ‘peer status’, ‘social skills/competence’, and ‘peer victimisation and bullying’. In total, thirteen studies were included in the review. Results All of the thirteen studies included reported that girls with ADHD, compared to TD girls, demonstrated increased difficulties in the domains of friendship, peer interaction, social skills and functioning, peer victimization and externalising behaviour. Studies consistently showed small to medium effects for lower rates of friendship participation and stability in girls with ADHD relative to TD girls. Higher levels of peer rejection with small to large effect sizes were reported in all studies, which were predicted by girls’ conduct problems. Peer rejection in turn predicted poor social adjustment and a host of problem behaviours. Very high levels of peer victimisation were present in girls with ADHD with large effect sizes. Further, very high levels of social impairment and social skills deficits, with large effect sizes, were found across all studies. Levels of pro-social behaviour varied across studies, but were mostly lower in girls with ADHD, with small to large effect sizes. Overall, social disability was significantly higher among girls with ADHD than among TD girls. Conclusion Congruous evidence was found for peer functioning difficulties in the peer relationship domains of friendship, peer status, social skills/competence, and peer victimisation and bullying in girls with ADHD. PMID:27870862

A pilot study on the effects and feasibility of compassion-focused expressive writing in Day Hospice patients.

PubMed

Imrie, Susan; Troop, Nicholas A

2012-06-01

Research has found that writing about stress can confer physical and psychological health benefits on participants and that adopting a self-compassionate stance may have additional benefits. This pilot study evaluated a self-compassionate expressive writing intervention in a Day Hospice setting. Thirteen patients with life-limiting illnesses wrote on two occasions about recent stressful experiences. Half also received a self-compassion instruction for their writing. Outcome measures were taken at baseline and one week after the second writing session, and text analysis was used to identify changes in the types of words used, reflecting changes in psychological processes. Patients given the self-compassion instruction increased in their self-soothing and self-esteem in contrast to patients in the stress-only condition. Happiness broadly increased in both groups although reported levels of stress generally increased in patients given the self-compassion instruction but decreased in patients in the stress-only condition. Those given the self-compassion instruction also increased in their use of causal reasoning words across the two writing sessions compared with those in the stress-only condition. Expressive writing appears to be beneficial in patients at a hospice and was viewed as valuable by participants. The inclusion of a self-compassion instruction may have additional benefits and a discussion of the feasibility of implementing expressive writing sessions in a Day Hospice is offered.

Japanese women's experiences of pharmacological pain relief in New Zealand.

PubMed

Doering, Keiko; Patterson, Jean; Griffiths, Christine R

2014-06-01

In Japan, most women manage labour pain without pharmacological interventions. However, New Zealand statistics show a high percentage of epidural use amongst Asian women. Entonox (a gas mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen) and pethidine are also available to women in New Zealand. This article investigates how Japanese women in New Zealand respond to the use of pharmacological pain relief in labour. The study was guided by two research questions: (1) How do Japanese women experience and manage labour pain in New Zealand? (2) How do they feel about the use of pharmacological pain relief? Thirteen Japanese women who had given birth in New Zealand were interviewed individually or in a focus group. The conversations were analysed using thematic analysis. Although in Japan very few women use pain relief, nine women received epidural and/or Entonox out of 11 women who experienced labour pain. The contrast between their Japanese cultural expectations and their birth experiences caused some of the women subsequent personal conflict. Japanese women's cultural perspectives and passive attitudes were demonstrated to influence the decision-making process concerning pain relief. It was concluded that understanding Japanese cultural worldviews and approaches to the role of pain in labour would help maternity providers in their provision of appropriate care for Japanese women. Copyright © 2013 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Understanding Dieting and Previous Weight Loss Attempts among Overweight and Obese Participants: Insights into My Body Is Fit and Fabulous at Work Program.

PubMed

Ismail, Tengku Alina Tengku; Jalil, Rohana Abdul; Wan Ishak, Wan Rosli; Hamid, Noor Fadzlina; Wan Nik, Wan Suriati; Jan Mohamed, Hamid Jan; Mohd, Nor Haslina; Arifin, Wan Nor; Mohamed, Wan Mohd Izani Wan; Ibrahim, Mohd Ismail; Ismail, Rohaida; Hassim, Tengku Fatimatul Tengku; Aris, Tahir; Wan Muda, Wan Manan

2018-01-01

A qualitative study providing an in-depth exploration of people's view and the increasing burden of overweight and obesity is required. This study aimed to explore the understanding of dieting and previous experiences on weight loss attempts among overweight and obese government employees in Kelantan, Malaysia, prior to recruitment into the intervention program. Thirteen focus group discussions involving 129 participants from a weight-loss intervention program were conducted within the first 1 month of recruitment. These discussions were moderated by two trained researchers in the Malay language and assisted by an interview guide. They were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was performed, and codes and themes from each discussion were constructed. The participants understood dieting with various meanings, including skipping meals and removing rice from daily diets. They applied numerous methods to lose weight and achieved various outcomes. Health and appearance, social support, and compliance with current trends were the factors motivating these participants to lose weight. Their determination to lose weight was limited by lack of self-control and motivation, experiences of unpleasant effects, influence on weight, and environmental and health factors. Real-life weight loss experiences and perceptions provided relevant insights into current weight loss management strategies. Some of these issues and misunderstandings should be emphasized in weight loss strategies during health promotion.

Population synthesis of radio and gamma-ray millisecond pulsars using Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonthier, Peter L.; Koh, Yew-Meng; Kust Harding, Alice

2016-04-01

We present preliminary results of a new population synthesis of millisecond pulsars (MSP) from the Galactic disk using Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques to better understand the model parameter space. We include empirical radio and gamma-ray luminosity models that are dependent on the pulsar period and period derivative with freely varying exponents. The magnitudes of the model luminosities are adjusted to reproduce the number of MSPs detected by a group of thirteen radio surveys as well as the MSP birth rate in the Galaxy and the number of MSPs detected by Fermi. We explore various high-energy emission geometries like the slot gap, outer gap, two pole caustic and pair starved polar cap models. The parameters associated with the birth distributions for the mass accretion rate, magnetic field, and period distributions are well constrained. With the set of four free parameters, we employ Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulations to explore the model parameter space. We present preliminary comparisons of the simulated and detected distributions of radio and gamma-ray pulsar characteristics. We estimate the contribution of MSPs to the diffuse gamma-ray background with a special focus on the Galactic Center.We express our gratitude for the generous support of the National Science Foundation (RUI: AST-1009731), Fermi Guest Investigator Program and the NASA Astrophysics Theory and Fundamental Program (NNX09AQ71G).

Understanding Dieting and Previous Weight Loss Attempts among Overweight and Obese Participants: Insights into My Body Is Fit and Fabulous at Work Program

PubMed Central

Jalil, Rohana Abdul; Wan Ishak, Wan Rosli; Hamid, Noor Fadzlina; Wan Nik, Wan Suriati; Jan Mohamed, Hamid Jan; Mohd, Nor Haslina; Arifin, Wan Nor; Mohamed, Wan Mohd Izani Wan; Ibrahim, Mohd Ismail; Ismail, Rohaida; Hassim, Tengku Fatimatul Tengku; Aris, Tahir; Wan Muda, Wan Manan

2018-01-01

Background A qualitative study providing an in-depth exploration of people's view and the increasing burden of overweight and obesity is required. This study aimed to explore the understanding of dieting and previous experiences on weight loss attempts among overweight and obese government employees in Kelantan, Malaysia, prior to recruitment into the intervention program. Methods Thirteen focus group discussions involving 129 participants from a weight-loss intervention program were conducted within the first 1 month of recruitment. These discussions were moderated by two trained researchers in the Malay language and assisted by an interview guide. They were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was performed, and codes and themes from each discussion were constructed. Results The participants understood dieting with various meanings, including skipping meals and removing rice from daily diets. They applied numerous methods to lose weight and achieved various outcomes. Health and appearance, social support, and compliance with current trends were the factors motivating these participants to lose weight. Their determination to lose weight was limited by lack of self-control and motivation, experiences of unpleasant effects, influence on weight, and environmental and health factors. Conclusion Real-life weight loss experiences and perceptions provided relevant insights into current weight loss management strategies. Some of these issues and misunderstandings should be emphasized in weight loss strategies during health promotion. PMID:29383207

The ensiling capability of a mixture of sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sodium nitrite.

PubMed

Knicky, M; Spörndly, R

2011-02-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of an additive comprising sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sodium nitrite on the quality of silages fermented from various forage crops. Thirteen crops in 3 groups (differing in dry matter concentration and degree of ensilability) were treated with the additive mixture and compared with untreated control silages. The main focus was on yeast and Clostridia spp. activity in the silages, although other silage quality criteria also were measured. Treated silages from difficult-to-ensile crops at low dry matter were found to have significantly lower silage pH, fewer clostridial spores, and reduced concentrations of ammonia N, butyric acid, and ethanol. In addition, dry matter losses were reduced in treated silages compared with those receiving no additive. Similar results were observed in silages from easy or intermediate ensilable crops when the dry matter concentration was <300 g/kg. When the dry matter concentration was >350 g/kg, the treated silages contained less ammonia N, ethanol, and yeast for 3 out of 4 forages. All treated silages from all crops were aerobically stable during the examination time. The application of the tested additive mixture reduced the growth of undesirable microflora and thereby reduced silage losses and prolonged the aerobic stability of the silages. Copyright © 2011 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Creating the Action Model for High Risk Infant Follow Up Program in Iran.

PubMed

Heidarzadeh, Mohammad; Jodiery, Behzad; Mirnia, Kayvan; Akrami, Forouzan; Hosseini, Mohammad Bagher; Heidarabadi, Seifollah; HabibeLahi, Abbas

2013-11-01

Intervention in early childhood development as one of the social determinants of health, is important for reducing social gap and inequity. In spite of increasingly developing intensive neonatal care wards and decreasing neonatal mortality rate, there is no follow up program in Iran. This study was carreid out to design high risk infants follow up care program with the practical aim of creating an model action for whole country, in 2012. This qualitative study has been done by the Neonatal Department of the Deputy of Public Health in cooperation with Pediatrics Health Research Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. After study of international documents, consensus agreement about adapted program for Iran has been accomplished by focus group discussion and attended Delphi agreement technique. After compiling primary draft included evidence based guidelines and executive plan, 14 sessions including expert panels were hold to finalize the program. After finalizing the program, high risk infants follow up care service package has been designed in 3 chapters: Evidence based clinical guidelines; eighteen main clinical guidelines and thirteen subsidiaries clinical guidelines, executive plan; 6 general, 6 following up and 5 backup processes. Education program including general and especial courses for care givers and follow up team, and family education processes. We designed and finalized high risk infants follow up care service package. It seems to open a way to extend it to whole country.

Metabolic cost of over ground gait in younger stroke patients and healthy controls.

PubMed

Platts, Marina M; Rafferty, Daniel; Paul, Lorna

2006-06-01

Locomotor impairment, such as that which may occur following a stroke, results in increased energy expenditure during walking. Previous research quantifying this increased metabolic demand has focused on older people; thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the physiological cost of walking in younger patients following stroke. Thirteen stroke patients (mean age of 40.7+/-10.0 yr) and 13 age- and sex-matched controls participated. Each subject walked for 5 min around an elliptical course (two cones set 9.5 m apart) at their own preferred walking speed (PWS). The percentage of expired oxygen was measured using a portable gas analyzer. Following a 5-min rest, the control subjects repeated the procedure, but at the PWS of the patient to whom they were matched. The PWS of the stroke patients was significantly lower than that of the controls (P<0.001); however, there was no significant difference in terms of oxygen uptake (P=0.403). When the distance walked was considered, there was a statistically significant difference in oxygen uptake per unit of distance between the two groups (P<0.001) and also between the patients PWS and the controls walking at the PWS of the patients. The high metabolic cost of walking would suggest that, even for younger stroke patients, early rehabilitation should consider aerobic evaluation and training with the aim of optimizing functional independence.

Lowering the Overhead by Raising the Roof ...and Other Rural Trust Strategies To Reduce the Costs of Your Small School. A Report from the Rural School and Community Trust.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lawrence, Barbara Kent

Thirteen strategies are presented for reducing the costs of renovating or building a small school. Advice for getting started includes understanding the resistance to small schools, examining existing state policy, questioning the "schools within a school" approach, and planning ahead. The thirteen strategies are: (1) don't build one; (2) maintain…

Thirteen Week Oral Toxicity Study of WR238605 with a Thirteen Week Recovery Period in Rats. Volume 2 of 3

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-18

Standards, Part 2. IFCC Method for Aspartate Aminotransferase, Amsterdam, Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company (1975) Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT...Activity 7b. ADDRESS (Orty, State, and ZIP Code) ATTN: SGRD-RMA-RCD Fort Detrick Frederick, M0 21702 9. PROCUREMENT INSTRUMENT IDENTIFICATION ...Study No. 097 and Study No. 098 ANALYSTS: THOMAS TOLHURST A. KARL LARSEN, JR. STUDY SITE: FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY LABORATORY COLLEGE OF PHARMACY

Better Clinical Efficiency of TILs for Malignant Pleural Effusion and Ascites than Cisplatin Through Intrapleural and Intraperitoneal Infusion.

PubMed

Chu, Hongjin; Du, Fengcai; Gong, Zhaohua; Lian, Peiwen; Wang, Zhixin; Li, Peng; Hu, Baohong; Chi, Cheng; Chen, Jian

2017-08-01

To evaluate the clinical efficiency of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) compared to cisplatin for malignant pleural effusion and ascites through intrapleural and intraperitoneal infusion. Thirteen patients with malignant pleural effusion and ascites were divided into a TIL-treated group and a cisplatin-treated group. Patients were given TILs or cisplatin, through intrapleural and intraperitoneal infusion respectively, after drainage of the malignant serous effusion by thoracentesis or abdominocentesis. The overall response rate and disease control rate of the TIL-treated group (33.33% and 83.33%) were higher than that of the cisplatin-treated group (28.57% and 71.43%). The progression-free survival for the TIL-treated group was significantly longer (p=0.002) and better than that of the cisplatin-treated group (66.67% vs. 28.57%). Quality of life apparently improved in the TIL-treated group and was clearly higher than that in the cisplatin-treated group. The use of TILs has a better clinical efficiency for malignant pleural effusion and ascites than cisplatin through intrapleural and intraperitoneal infusion without severe adverse effects. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

Role of immediate recurrent laryngeal nerve reconstruction in surgery for thyroid cancers with fixed vocal cords.

PubMed

Iwaki, Shinobu; Maeda, Tatsuyoshi; Saito, Miki; Otsuki, Naoki; Takahashi, Miki; Wakui, Emi; Shinomiya, Hirotaka; Morimoto, Koichi; Inoue, Hiroyuki; Masuoka, Hiroo; Miyauchi, Akira; Nibu, Ken-Ichi

2017-03-01

Quality of voice after immediate recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) reconstruction in thyroid cancers has not been thoroughly studied. Thirteen patients with fixed vocal cords (fixed vocal cord group) and 8 patients with intact or impaired mobile vocal cords (mobile vocal cord group) who had immediate RLN reconstruction simultaneously with total thyroidectomy, and patients who had arytenoid adduction and thyroplasty for vocal cord paralysis caused by previous surgery (arytenoid adduction thyroplasty group) were enrolled in this study. Preoperative phonation efficiency index was significantly lower (p = .008) in the fixed vocal cord group than in the mobile vocal cord group. One year after surgery, all voice parameters of the patients in the fixed vocal cord group had improved, compared with their preoperative data. The fixed vocal cord group had attained satisfactory voice qualities equivalent to those of the mobile vocal cord group in terms of various voice parameters. The present results support the idea that immediate RLN reconstruction at the time of surgery for thyroid cancers may spare the need for subsequent arytenoid adduction thyroplasty even in the patients with preoperatively fixed vocal cords. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 427-431, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Sexual health problems of adolescents attending a sexual health service.

PubMed

Black, Christine; McGough, Pauline; Fargie, Fiona; Brown, Beverley Wilson

2012-02-01

To determine whether adolescents who present at a sexual health service aged 13 have more sexual health problems in later years than those who present aged 15. A case-note review was done in 2009 to identify sexual health problems for all 13-year-olds who registered with Sandyford sexual health service from April 2003 until December 2004 (group 1). This was compared with selected notes from adolescents who were 15 years old at the time of registration (group 2). Eighty-eight youths aged 13 and 632 aged 15 registered in the aforementioned period. Ninety records of 15-year-olds were selected for comparison. Twenty two of the 86 girls in group 1 and 31 of the 87 girls in group 2 had at least one pregnancy. Twenty-one adolescents in group 1 and 25 of those in group 2 had a sexually transmitted infection. Thirteen youths in group 1 and one in group 2 had suffered a sexual assault. Adolescents aged 13 at first registration with this service have more sexual health problems and warrant additional support throughout their teenage years. A very young age at first registration should prompt health professionals to provide additional clinical, emotional and social support.

Work stress among newly graduated nurses in relation to workplace and clinical group supervision.

PubMed

Blomberg, Karin; Isaksson, Ann-Kristin; Allvin, Renée; Bisholt, Birgitta; Ewertsson, Mona; Kullén Engström, Agneta; Ohlsson, Ulla; Sundler Johansson, Annelie; Gustafsson, Margareta

2016-01-01

The aim was to investigate occupational stress among newly graduated nurses in relation to the workplace and clinical group supervision. Being a newly graduated nurse is particularly stressful. What remains unclear is whether the workplace and clinical group supervision affect the stress. A cross-sectional comparative study was performed in 2012. Data were collected by means of a numerical scale measuring occupational stress, questions about workplace and clinical group supervision. One hundred and thirteen nurses who had recently graduated from three Swedish universities were included in the study. The stress was high among the newly graduated nurses but it differed significantly between workplaces, surgical departments generating the most stress. Nurses who had received clinical group supervision reported significantly less stress. The stress between workplaces remained significant also when participation in clinical group supervision was taken into account. Newly graduated nurses experience great stress and need support, especially those in surgical departments. Nurses participating in clinical group supervision reported significantly less stress. It is important to develop strategies that help to adapt the work situation so as to give nurses the necessary support. Clinical group supervision should be considered as an option for reducing stress. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stampfl, S.; Stampfl, U.; Rehnitz, C.

Purpose. To evaluate trisacryl-gelatin microspheres (40-120 {mu}m) for acute and chronic tissue embolization in mini-pig livers. Methods. Thirteen animals were divided into four groups: group 1 (n = 3), total arterial bed occlusion with acute procedure; groups 2 to 4, chronic superselective embolization with follow-up of 1 week (group 2, n = 1), 4 weeks (group 3, n 4) or 14 weeks (group 4, n = 5). Key endpoints were homogeneity and particle distribution in acute embolizations (group 1) and necrosis and inflammation in chronic embolizations (groups 2-4) as assessed microscopically and angiographically. Results. After liver embolization, parenchymal necrosis didmore » not occur; only signs of vessel wall disintegration were evident. The bile ducts remained intact. A distinct foreign body reaction with sparse leukocytic infiltration and giant cells was found at 14 weeks, but no signs of major inflammation were found. Particles were seen at the presinusoidal level, but no particle transportation into the sinusoids was observed. Conclusions. Embolization in mini-pig livers, using small trisacryl-gelatin microspheres, results in vessel fibrosis without parenchymal or bile duct necrosis. The most likely explanation for preservation of the parenchyma is portal inflow. Small trisacryl-gelatin microspheres may be ideal as an adjunct for chemoembolization.« less

Basic limnology of fifty-one lakes in Costa Rica.

PubMed

Haberyan, Kurt A; Horn, Sally P; Umaña, Gerardo

2003-03-01

We visited 51 lakes in Costa Rica as part of a broad-based survey to document their physical and chemical characteristics and how these relate to the mode of formation and geographical distribution of the lakes. The four oxbow lakes were low in elevation and tended to be turbid, high in conductivity and CO2, but low in dissolved O2; one of these, L. Gandoca, had a hypolimnion essentially composed of sea water. These were similar to the four wetland lakes, but the latter instead had low conductivities and pH, and turbidity was often due to tannins rather than suspended sediments. The thirteen artificial lakes formed a very heterogenous group, whose features varied depending on local factors. The thirteen lakes dammed by landslides, lava flows, or lahars occurred in areas with steep slopes, and were more likely to be stratified than most other types of lakes. The eight lakes that occupy volcanic craters tended to be deep, stratified, clear, and cool; two of these, L. Hule and L. Río Cuarto, appeared to be oligomictic (tending toward meromictic). The nine glacial lakes, all located above 3440 m elevation near Cerro Chirripó, were clear, cold, dilute, and are probably polymictic. Cluster analysis resulted in three significant groups of lakes. Cluster 1 included four calcium-rich lakes (average 48 mg l-1), Cluster 2 included fourteen lakes with more Si than Ca+2 and higher Cl- than the other clusters, and Cluster 3 included the remaining thirty-three lakes that were generally less concentrated. Each cluster included lakes of various origins located in different geographical regions; these data indicate that, apart from the high-altitude glacial lakes and lakes in the Miravalles area, similarity in lake chemistry is independent of lake distribution.

A synopsis on current practice in the diagnosis and management of patients with Turner syndrome in Turkey: A survey of 18 pediatric endocrinology centers*

PubMed

Uçar, Ahmet; Abacı, Ayhan; Pirgon, Özgür; Dündar, Bumin; Tütüncüler, Filiz; Çatlı, Gönül; Anık, Ahmet; Kılınç Uğurlu, Aylin; Büyükgebiz, Atilla

2018-04-27

A comprehensive survey was conducted courtesy of the Turkish Turner study group to evaluate the shortcomings of clinical care in patients with Turner syndrome (TS) in Turkey. A structured questionnaire prepared by the Turner study group in Turkey, which covers relevant aspects of the care of patients with TS, was sent to all pediatric endocrinology centers. Eighteen centers (41%) returned the questionnaire. In the majority of the centers, diagnostic genetic testing, screening for Y chromosomal material, protocols regarding the timing and posology of growth hormone (GH) and estrogen, thrombophilia screening, fertility information, and screening for glucose intolerance, thyroid, and coeliac diseases in patients with TS were in line with the current consensus. Thirteen centers (72.2%) performed GH stimulation tests. Only four centers (22.2%) used oxandrolone in patients with TS with very short stature. The majority of the centers relied on bone age and breast development to assess estrogen adequacy, though together with variable combinations of oestrogen surrogates. Two centers (11.1%) reported performing serum estradiol measurements. Eight centers (44.4% ) routinely conducted cardiac/thoracic aorta magnetic resonance imaging. Screening for hearing, dental, and ophthalmologic problems were performed by thirteen (72.2%), six (33.3%), and ten (55.6 %) centers, respectively. Psychiatric assessments were made by four centers (22.2%) at diagnosis, with only one center (5.6% ) requiring annual reassessments. Although we found some conformity between the current consensus and practice of the participating centers in Turkey regarding TS, further improvements are mandatory in the multi-disciplinary approach to address co-morbidities, which if unrecognized, may be associated with reduced quality of life, and even mortality.

A Health at Every Size intervention improves intuitive eating and diet quality in Canadian women.

PubMed

Carbonneau, Elise; Bégin, Catherine; Lemieux, Simone; Mongeau, Lyne; Paquette, Marie-Claude; Turcotte, Mylène; Labonté, Marie-Ève; Provencher, Véronique

2017-06-01

Health at Every Size ® (HAES ® ) interventions focus on healthy lifestyle by promoting behavioral changes related to diet and physical activity while emphasizing self-acceptance and well-being through an empowerment and intuitive approach. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a HAES ® program on intuitive eating and diet quality in women. The HAES ® intervention, offered by professionals from Health and Social Services Centers in Quebec (Canada), was composed of thirteen 3-h weekly meetings and a 6-h intensive day. For this study, 216 women (1.9% normal-weight, 21.1% overweight, 77.0% obese) who took part to the HAES program were compared to 110 women (3.9% normal-weight, 23.3% overweight, 72.8% obese) from a control group (waiting list). Intuitive eating was assessed using the Intuitive Eating Scale and diet quality was evaluated through the calculation of the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) from a validated web-based self-administrated food frequency questionnaire. Measurements were performed at baseline, post-intervention, and at one-year follow-up. Women who participated in the HAES ® program significantly increased their intuitive eating score compared to women in the control group at post-intervention and at follow-up (group by time interaction, p = 0.0002). A significant improvement in diet quality was also observed in the HAES ® group in comparison with the control group at post-intervention (group by time interaction, p = 0.0139). The intuitive eating score and the HEI score were positively associated in the HAES ® group at post-intervention (r = 0.20, p = 0.0237) and one-year follow-up (r = 0.22, p = 0.0359), but no such associations were noted in the control group (post-intervention, r = 0.04, p = 0.70; one-year follow-up, r = -0.15, p = 0.30). The HAES ® program seems effective in improving intuitive eating and also favours improvements in diet quality. However, the association between intuitive eating and diet quality remains unclear, being positive and significant only after the HAES ® intervention. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

A pilot cluster randomised controlled trial of a support and training intervention to improve the mental health of secondary school teachers and students - the WISE (Wellbeing in Secondary Education) study.

PubMed

Kidger, Judi; Stone, Tracey; Tilling, Kate; Brockman, Rowan; Campbell, Rona; Ford, Tamsin; Hollingworth, William; King, Michael; Araya, Ricardo; Gunnell, David

2016-10-06

Secondary school teachers are at heightened risk of psychological distress, which can lead to poor work performance, poor quality teacher-student relationships and mental illness. A pilot cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) - the WISE study - evaluated the feasibility of a full-scale RCT of an intervention to support school staff's own mental health, and train them in supporting student mental health. Six schools were randomised to an intervention or control group. In the intervention schools i) 8-9 staff received Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training and became staff peer supporters, and ii) youth MHFA training was offered to the wider staff body. Control schools continued with usual practice. We used thematic qualitative data analysis and regression modelling to ascertain the feasibility, acceptability and potential usefulness of the intervention. Thirteen training observations, 14 staff focus groups and 6 staff interviews were completed, and 438 staff (43.5 %) and 1,862 (56.3 %) students (years 8 and 9) completed questionnaires at baseline and one year later. MHFA training was considered relevant for schools, and trainees gained in knowledge, confidence in helping others, and awareness regarding their own mental health. Suggestions for reducing the length of the training and focusing on helping strategies were made. A peer support service was established in all intervention schools and was perceived to be helpful in supporting individuals in difficulty - for example through listening, and signposting to other services - and raising the profile of mental health at a whole school level. Barriers to use included lack of knowledge about the service, concerns about confidentiality and a preference for accessing support from pre-existing networks. The WISE intervention is feasible and acceptable to schools. Results support the development of a full-scale cluster RCT, if steps are taken to improve response rates and implement the suggested improvements to the intervention. International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number: ISRCTN13255300 retrospectively registered 28/09/16.

Cultural practices and sexual risk behaviour among adolescent orphans and non-orphans: a qualitative study on perceptions from a community in western Kenya

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background This study explored community perceptions of cultural beliefs and practices that may increase sexual risk behaviour of adolescents, to understand more about meaning they hold within the culture and how they expose adolescent orphans and non-orphans to higher risks in a high HIV and teenage pregnancy prevalence context. Methods Using a qualitative descriptive cross-sectional design 14 focus group discussions were conducted with 78 adolescents and 68 parents/guardians purposively selected to represent their communities. Thirteen key informant interviews were also conducted with community leaders, health care and child welfare workers, and adolescents who were also selected purposively. The two methods were used to explore how cultural beliefs and practices predispose adolescent orphans and non- orphans to risky sexual behaviours. Data were analysed through line-by-line coding, grouped into families and retrieved as themes and sub-themes. Results Identified cultural practices that predisposed adolescents orphans and non-orphans to risky sexual behaviours included: adolescent sleeping arrangements, funeral ceremonies, replacing a deceased married daughter with her younger sister in marriage, widow inheritance among boys, early marriage among girls, and preference for boys/sons. Cultural risks perceived to equally affect both orphans and non-orphans were sleeping arrangements, funeral ceremonies, and sister replacement. Factors associated more with orphans than non-orphans were widow inheritance among boys and a preference for boy over girl children. Conclusions Adolescent sexual risk reduction programs should be developed considering the specific cultural context, using strategies that empower communities to challenge the widely accepted cultural norms that may predispose young people in general to sexual risks while targeting those that unequally influence orphans. PMID:24467940

Parenting style and perceptions of children's weight among US Hispanics: a qualitative analysis.

PubMed

Mejia de Grubb, Maria C; Salemi, Jason L; Gonzalez, Sandra J; Sanderson, Maureen; Zoorob, Roger J; Mkanta, William; Levine, Robert S

2018-02-01

Parental perceptions of their children's weight status may limit their willingness to participate in or acknowledge the importance of early interventions to prevent childhood obesity. This study aimed to examine potential differences in Hispanic mothers' and fathers' perceptions of childhood obesity, lifestyle behaviors and communication preferences to inform the development of culturally appropriate childhood obesity interventions. A qualitative study using focus groups was conducted. Groups (one for mothers and one for fathers) were composed of Hispanic parents (n = 12) with at least one girl and one boy (≤ 10 years old) who were patients at a pediatric clinic in Tennessee, USA. Thirteen major themes clustered into four categories were observed: (i) perceptions of childhood obesity/children's weight; (ii) parenting strategies related to children's dietary behaviors/physical activity; (iii) perceptions of what parents can do to prevent childhood obesity and (iv) parental suggestions for partnering with child care providers to address childhood obesity. Mothers appeared to be more concerned than fathers about their children's weight. Fathers expressed more concern about the girls' weight than boys'. Mothers were more likely than fathers to congratulate their children more often for healthy eating and physical activity. Parents collectively expressed a desire for child care providers (e.g. caregivers, teachers, medical professionals and food assistance programs coordinators) to have a caring attitude about their children, which might in turn serve as a motivating factor in talking about their children's weight. Parental perceptions of their children's weight and healthy lifestyle choices are of potential public health importance since they could affect parental participation in preventive interventions. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Cultural practices and sexual risk behaviour among adolescent orphans and non-orphans: a qualitative study on perceptions from a community in Western Kenya.

PubMed

Juma, Milka; Askew, Ian; Alaii, Jane; Bartholomew, L Kay; van den Borne, Bart

2014-01-27

This study explored community perceptions of cultural beliefs and practices that may increase sexual risk behaviour of adolescents, to understand more about meaning they hold within the culture and how they expose adolescent orphans and non-orphans to higher risks in a high HIV and teenage pregnancy prevalence context. Using a qualitative descriptive cross-sectional design 14 focus group discussions were conducted with 78 adolescents and 68 parents/guardians purposively selected to represent their communities. Thirteen key informant interviews were also conducted with community leaders, health care and child welfare workers, and adolescents who were also selected purposively. The two methods were used to explore how cultural beliefs and practices predispose adolescent orphans and non- orphans to risky sexual behaviours. Data were analysed through line-by-line coding, grouped into families and retrieved as themes and sub-themes. Identified cultural practices that predisposed adolescents orphans and non-orphans to risky sexual behaviours included: adolescent sleeping arrangements, funeral ceremonies, replacing a deceased married daughter with her younger sister in marriage, widow inheritance among boys, early marriage among girls, and preference for boys/sons. Cultural risks perceived to equally affect both orphans and non-orphans were sleeping arrangements, funeral ceremonies, and sister replacement. Factors associated more with orphans than non-orphans were widow inheritance among boys and a preference for boy over girl children. Adolescent sexual risk reduction programs should be developed considering the specific cultural context, using strategies that empower communities to challenge the widely accepted cultural norms that may predispose young people in general to sexual risks while targeting those that unequally influence orphans.

Simulation-based training for cardiac auscultation skills: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

McKinney, James; Cook, David A; Wood, David; Hatala, Rose

2013-02-01

The current review examines the effectiveness of simulation-based medical education (SBME) for training health professionals in cardiac physical examination and examines the relative effectiveness of key instructional design features. Data sources included a comprehensive, systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, ERIC, Web of Science, and Scopus through May 2011. Included studies investigated SBME to teach health profession learners cardiac physical examination skills using outcomes of knowledge or skill. We carried out duplicate assessment of study quality and data abstraction and pooled effect sizes using random effects. We identified 18 articles for inclusion. Thirteen compared SBME to no-intervention (either single group pre-post comparisons or SBME added to other instruction common to all learners, such as traditional bedside teaching), three compared SBME to other educational interventions, and two compared two SBME interventions. Meta-analysis of the 13 no-intervention comparison studies demonstrated that simulation-based instruction in cardiac auscultation was effective, with pooled effect sizes of 1.10 (95 % CI 0.49-1.72; p < 0.001; I(2) = 92.4 %) for knowledge outcomes and 0.87 (95 % CI 0.52-1.22; p < 0.001; I(2) = 91.5 %) for skills. In sub-group analysis, hands-on practice with the simulator appeared to be an important teaching technique. Narrative review of the comparative effectiveness studies suggests that SBME may be of similar effectiveness to other active educational interventions, but more studies are required. The quantity of published evidence and the relative lack of comparative effectiveness studies limit this review. SBME is an effective educational strategy for teaching cardiac auscultation. Future studies should focus on comparing key instructional design features and establishing SBME's relative effectiveness compared to other educational interventions.

Time cost of diabetes: Development of a questionnaire to assess time spent on diabetes self-care.

PubMed

Chernyak, Nadja; Jülich, Fabian; Kasperidus, Julia; Stephan, Astrid; Begun, Alexander; Kaltheuner, Matthias; Icks, Andrea

2017-01-01

Methods to measure patient time spent on health-related activities are currently not well elaborated or standardized. The purpose of this study was to develop a recall questionnaire measuring patient time devoted to diabetes self-care and to examine its feasibility and validity under field conditions. The initial questionnaire was developed on the basis of instruments frequently used to assess self-care behavior in patients with diabetes, evaluated in two focus groups with patients with type 2 diabetes (N=15) and tested in a random sample of patients with type 2 diabetes (N=178). To assess the validity of the questionnaire, four hypotheses about expected differences in self-care time across various patient sub-groups were tested. The final questionnaire includes thirteen items estimating time spent on regular diabetes-related activities undertaken in the previous seven days. 78% of respondents completed the questionnaire without item non-response or other evident problems. As hypothesized, respondents receiving insulin treatment, those with poor self-rated health and those with diabetes-related emotional distress (PAID-5 score ≥8) reported spending more time on diabetes self-care than the rest of the sample. Contrary to our assumption, no differences in time spent on diabetes self-care between employed and retired individuals were detected by the questionnaire. The recall questionnaire measuring patient time devoted to a broad range of regular diabetes self-care activities was developed and its feasibility was proved under field conditions. Ideally, the questionnaire should be further validated within a variety of populations. Exploration of the convergent validity between the recall method and prospective diary may be also useful. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Thirteen Week Oral Toxicity Study of WR238605 with a Thirteen Week Recovery Period in Dogs. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-11

SOURCE OF FUNDING NUMBERS PROGRAM ELEMENT NO. 63807A PROJECT NO. 30463807 TASK NO. QC WORK UNIT ACCESSION NO. 073 11. TITLE (Include...reversible, except for the lung lesions (subacute inflammation) and the microscopic changes secondary to the observed hemolytic anemia ( hepatic ... hepatic hemosiderosis). Based upon the these findings, the no observed effect level (NOEL) in this study was equivocal, but was considered to be near the

Recurrence and virulence of colonic diverticulitis in immunocompromised patients.

PubMed

Biondo, Sebastiano; Borao, Jaime Lopez; Kreisler, Esther; Golda, Thomas; Millan, Monica; Frago, Ricardo; Fraccalvieri, Domenico; Guardiola, Jordi; Jaurrieta, Eduardo

2012-08-01

To evaluate the probability of recurrence and the virulence of colonic diverticulitis correlated with immunocompromised status. Nine hundred thirty-one patients admitted in a single tertiary referral university hospital over a 14-year period were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1, 166 immunosuppressed patients, and group 2, 765 nonimmunosuppressed patients. The variables studied were sex, age, American Society of Anesthesiologist status, reasons of immunosuppression (eg, chronic use of corticosteroids, transplant recipients, and diseases affecting the immune system), severity of the diverticulitis episode, recurrence, emergency and elective surgery, and morbidity and mortality rates. Two hundred thirteen patients underwent an emergency operation during the first hospitalization and 26 patients in further episodes. One hundred thirty-six patients developed 1 or more recurrent episodes of diverticulitis. The overall recurrence rate was similar in both groups. Patients in group 1 with a severe first episode presented significantly higher rates of recurrence and severity without needing more emergency surgery. Mortality after emergency surgery was 33.3% in group 1 and 15.9% in group 2 (P = .004). After successful medical treatment of acute diverticulitis, patients with immunosuppression need not be advised to have an elective sigmoidectomy. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Conformational isomerism of pyridoxal. Infrared matrix isolation and theoretical studies.

PubMed

Kwiatek, Anna; Mielke, Zofia

2015-01-25

A combined matrix isolation FTIR and theoretical DFT/B3LYP/6-311++G(2p,2d) study of pyridoxal was performed. The calculations resulted in five stable PLHB conformers stabilized by intramolecular O-H⋯O bonding between phenolic OH and carbonyl C=O groups and another thirteen conformers in which OH or/and aldehyde groups are rotated by 180° around CO or/and CC bonds leading, respectively, to formation of PLO, PLA and PLOA conformers. The analysis of the spectra of the as-deposited matrix indicated that two most stable PLHB1 and PLHB2 conformers with intramolecular hydrogen bond are present in the matrix. The exposure of the PL/Ar matrix to mercury lamp radiation (λ>345 nm) induced conformational change of PLHB isomers to PLOA ones. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

"The grave yawns for the horseman." Equestrian deaths in South Australia 1973-1983.

PubMed

Pounder, D J

1984-11-10

The fatalities associated with the riding and handling of horses in South Australia over the 11-year period 1973-1983 are reviewed. There were 18 deaths, including two sudden natural deaths in the saddle and one drowning. The 15 cases of horse-related trauma represent a death rate of approximately one per million population per annum. Thirteen of the deaths were the result of a head injury after a fall. Nine persons were not wearing protective headgear. The two principal groups at risk were male professional riders with a mean age of 32 years and female amateurs with a mean age of 19 years.

SEX DIFFERENCES ON THE WISC-III AMONG CHILDREN IN SUDAN AND THE UNITED STATES.

PubMed

Bakhiet, Salaheldin F; Albursan, Ismael S; Al Qudah, Mohammad F; Abduljabbar, Adel S; Aljomaa, Suliman S; Toto, Howida Sirelkhatim Abdalrahim; Lynn, Richard

2017-11-01

The sex differences on the WISC-III are reported for the thirteen subtests, the Verbal and Performance IQs, the four Index IQs and the Full Scale IQs in Sudan and the United States. The sex differences are closely similar in the two samples with a correlation of 0.878 (p<0.001) for the thirteen subtests. Males obtained significantly higher Full Scale IQs in the two samples of 0.23d and 0.11d, respectively.

Documentation for the machine-readable version of the thirteen color photometry of 1380 bright stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Warren, W. H., Jr.; Roman, N. G.

1981-01-01

The magnetic tape version of the catalogue of thirteen-color photometry of 1380 bright stars, containing data on the 13 color medium narrow band photometric system is described. Observations of essentially all stars brighter than fifth visual magnitude north of delta = -20 deg and brighter than fourth visual magnitude south of delta = -20 deg are included. It is intended to enable users to read and process the tape without the common difficulties and uncertainties.

Treatment of Intercondylar Humeral Fractures With 3D-Printed Osteosynthesis Plates

PubMed Central

Shuang, Feng; Hu, Wei; Shao, Yinchu; Li, Hao; Zou, Hongxing

2016-01-01

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy custom 3D-printed osteosynthesis plates in the treatment of intercondylar humeral fractures. Thirteen patients with distal intercondylar humeral fractures were randomized to undergo surgery using either conventional plates (n = 7) or 3D-printed plates (n = 6) at our institution from March to October 2014. Both groups were compared in terms of operative time and elbow function at 6 month follow-up. All patients were followed-up for a mean of 10.6 months (range: 6–13 months). The 3D-printing group had a significantly shorter mean operative time (70.6 ± 12.1 min) than the conventional plates group (92.3 ± 17.4 min). At the last follow-up period, there was no significant difference between groups in the rate of patients with good or excellent elbow function, although the 3D-printing group saw a slightly higher rate of good or excellent evaluations (83.1%) compared to the conventional group (71.4%). Custom 3D printed osteosynthesis plates are safe and effective for the treatment of intercondylar humeral fractures and significantly reduce operative time. PMID:26817880

Coffee bean polyphenols ameliorate postprandial endothelial dysfunction in healthy male adults.

PubMed

Ochiai, Ryuji; Sugiura, Yoko; Otsuka, Kazuhiro; Katsuragi, Yoshihisa; Hashiguchi, Teruto

2015-05-01

To reveal the effect of coffee bean polyphenols (CBPs) on blood vessels, this study aimed to investigate the effect of CBPs on acute postprandial endothelial dysfunction. Thirteen healthy non-diabetic men (mean age, 44.9 ± 1.4 years) consumed a test beverage (active: containing CBPs, placebo: no CBPs) before a 554-kcal test meal containing 14 g of protein, 30 g of fat and 58 g of carbohydrates. Then, a crossover analysis was performed to investigate the time-dependent changes in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the brachial artery. In the active group, the postprandial impairment of FMD was significantly improved, the two-hour postprandial nitric oxide metabolite levels were significantly increased and the six-hour postprandial urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α levels were significantly reduced compared to the placebo group. The test meal increased the levels of blood glucose, insulin and triglycerides in both groups with no significant intergroup differences. These findings indicate that CBPs intake ameliorates postprandial endothelial dysfunction in healthy men.

EVALUATION OF ETHICAL IN INSTRUCTIONS TO AUTHORS OF BRAZILIAN SURGICAL JOURNALS

PubMed Central

TEIXEIRA, Renan Kleber Costa; YAMAKI, Vitor Nagai; PONTES, Ruy Victor Simões; BRITO, Marcus Vinicius Henriques; da SILVA, José Antonio Cordero

2015-01-01

Background: The instructions to authors are the only means of communication between researchers and the editorial standards of a scientific journal. One of the mandatory items to be contained therein is about the ethical part, to prevent new research to carry out abuses with the enrolled on the research are published and stimulated. Aim: To verify the ethical questions on the guidelines of Brazilian surgical journals Method: Thirteen selected journals were divided into two groups: general surgery (n=3), and surgical specialty (n=10). The instructions to authors were analyzed by the quote of ethical requirements based on a specific research protocol, ranging from zero to six points. Results: The average score of the general surgery group was similar than that of the surgical specialty group (3.66±0.57 vs 3.30±1.15, p=0.6154). When each ethical requirement was compared between the groups, there was no significant difference between the ethical requirements (p<0.05). Conclusion: There was respect for most ethical questions evaluated, with no difference between the journals of general or specialty surgery. PMID:26734793

Role of sentence-final particles and prosody in irony comprehension in Cantonese-speaking children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorders.

PubMed

Li, Jackie P W; Law, Thomas; Lam, Gary Y H; To, Carol K S

2013-01-01

English-speaking children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are less capable of using prosodic cues such as intonation for irony comprehension. Prosodic cues, in particular intonation, in Cantonese are relatively restricted while sentence-final particles (SFPs) may be used for this pragmatic function. This study investigated the use of prosodic cues and SFPs in irony comprehension in Cantonese-speaking children with and without ASD. Thirteen children with ASD (8;3-12;9) were language-matched with 13 typically developing (TD) peers. By manipulating prosodic cues and SFPs, 16 stories with an ironic remark were constructed. Participants had to judge the speaker's belief and intention. Both groups performed similarly well in judging the speaker's belief. For the speaker's intention, the TD group relied more on SFPs. The ASD group performed significantly poorer and did not rely on either cue. SFPs may play a salient role in Cantonese irony comprehension. The differences between the two groups were discussed by considering the literature on theory of mind.

Convergent evidence from systematic analysis of GWAS revealed genetic basis of esophageal cancer.

PubMed

Gao, Xue-Xin; Gao, Lei; Wang, Jiu-Qiang; Qu, Su-Su; Qu, Yue; Sun, Hong-Lei; Liu, Si-Dang; Shang, Ying-Li

2016-07-12

Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with risk of esophageal cancer (EC). However, investigation of genetic basis from the perspective of systematic biology and integrative genomics remains scarce.In this study, we explored genetic basis of EC based on GWAS data and implemented a series of bioinformatics methods including functional annotation, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis, pathway enrichment analysis and pathway grouped network analysis.Two hundred and thirteen risk SNPs were identified, in which 44 SNPs were found to have significantly differential gene expression in esophageal tissues by eQTL analysis. By pathway enrichment analysis, 170 risk genes mapped by risk SNPs were enriched into 38 significant GO terms and 17 significant KEGG pathways, which were significantly grouped into 9 sub-networks by pathway grouped network analysis. The 9 groups of interconnected pathways were mainly involved with muscle cell proliferation, cellular response to interleukin-6, cell adhesion molecules, and ethanol oxidation, which might participate in the development of EC.Our findings provide genetic evidence and new insight for exploring the molecular mechanisms of EC.

The Effects of Tai Chi Practice With Asynchronous Music on Compliance and Fall-Related Risk Factors in Middle-Aged and Older Women: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Du, Yan; Roberts, Penny; Xu, Qingwen

2016-03-07

This study examined whether practicing Tai Chi (TC) along with music can maximize the effects of TC on compliance and fall-related risk factors (Dynamic Gait Index and fear of falling). A convenient sample was recruited in a community senior center. Eighteen women aged 50 to 84 years (9 White, 9 Black) were block randomly assigned to a TC in silence (TC + S; n = 6) or a TC with music (TC + M; n = 12) class. Thirteen participants (4 in TC + S group, 9 in TC + M group) with completed pre- and posttests were included in the final analysis. Paired t tests were conducted to examine changes within groups over time and analysis of covariance was used to assess group differences. After 15 weeks of intervention, balance increased in both groups with significantly higher benefits in the TC + M group (p < .05). Fear of falling scores improved in TC + M group and compliance rate was higher in this group. Practicing TC + M may help increase adherence in White and Black middle-aged and older women, and maximize the effects of TC on fall-related risk factors. Studies with more rigorous study design, including musical considerations, are warranted. © The Author(s) 2016.

Feasibility of a focused ultrasound training programme for medical undergraduate students.

PubMed

Wong, Ivan; Jayatilleke, Thilina; Kendall, Richard; Atkinson, Paul

2011-03-01

Although ultrasound is a core skill for many clinical specialties, UK medical schools are not currently required to teach this skill. The College of Emergency Medicine (CEM) has championed the use of ultrasound to answer focused clinical questions in emergency settings. We have designed and piloted an ultrasound training course for undergraduate medical students addressing one important indication: ultrasound assessment of the abdominal aorta. Fourteen clinical students, who had no prior experience of using ultrasound, received focused ultrasound training in the form of didactic instruction, a short bedside practical workshop and self-directed learning over a 20-day period. At the end of this period, the students were assessed by a structured viva and an observed structured clinical examination (OSCE) used for accreditation by the CEM. The primary endpoint was the number of students who passed the assessment. The secondary endpoint was the accuracy of the students' anatomical measurements. Thirteen of the 14 (93%) students completed the training and assessment. Eight of the 13 (62%) students passed both the viva and OSCE, and were deemed to have achieved the CEM standard. The measurements by the competent students were not statistically different from those of experienced practitioners. We have shown for the first time that it is feasible to train inexperienced undergraduate students to scan the abdominal aorta to a professional standard using a focused training course. It is time for the medical education community to address whether focused ultrasound training should accompany traditional clinical skills, such as using a stethoscope, in UK medical school curricula. © Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2011.

[Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and their association with occupational nursing].

PubMed

Barboza, Michele Cristiene Nachtigall; Milbrath, Viviane Marten; Bielemann, Valquíria Machado; de Siqueira, Hedi Crecencia Heckler

2008-12-01

Work-related musculoskeletal diseases (MSD) are disorders in the musculoskeletal structures caused by chronic occupational processes. The objective of this study was to get to know scientific papers on MSD related to the nursing profession. A bibliographic research of the last ten years was conducted at Health Virtual Library using the main data bases. Twenty-one summaries were found. Among them, thirteen were selected because they specifically focused on the subject. Three main areas were identified: occupational health nurses in relation to MSDs--their importance in health prevention and promotion; Ergonomics as MSDs prevention method: performed as changes on work consider risk factors; Vulnerability of Nursing staff to MSDs--predisposing factors to disease caused by inappropriate working conditions. The conclusion was that an occupational and ergonomic health service is important to prevent MSDs, especially among the nursing staff.

Object tracking using plenoptic image sequences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jae Woo; Bae, Seong-Joon; Park, Seongjin; Kim, Do Hyung

2017-05-01

Object tracking is a very important problem in computer vision research. Among the difficulties of object tracking, partial occlusion problem is one of the most serious and challenging problems. To address the problem, we proposed novel approaches to object tracking on plenoptic image sequences. Our approaches take advantage of the refocusing capability that plenoptic images provide. Our approaches input the sequences of focal stacks constructed from plenoptic image sequences. The proposed image selection algorithms select the sequence of optimal images that can maximize the tracking accuracy from the sequence of focal stacks. Focus measure approach and confidence measure approach were proposed for image selection and both of the approaches were validated by the experiments using thirteen plenoptic image sequences that include heavily occluded target objects. The experimental results showed that the proposed approaches were satisfactory comparing to the conventional 2D object tracking algorithms.

The role of patient experience and its influence on adherence to antidepressant treatment.

PubMed

Johnston, Brenda J

2013-12-01

Major depression can be a very challenging illness and although antidepressant agents are shown to provide benefit, many patients do not adhere to antidepressant treatment guidelines. Multiple factors contribute to adherence, including the influence of patient experience. The purpose of this article is to conduct a systematic review on the influence of patient experience with depression and antidepressant agents on treatment adherence. Thirteen research articles were selected for the review and revealed that patient past experience with depression and antidepressant agents, vicarious experiences, beliefs and attitudes, and the treatment experience itself can impact adherence. It is important for providers to be vigilant with assessment and include patient experience when developing a plan of care. This approach encourages shared decision making and a patient-centered focus for improved management of depression. Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated.

Genomics of interaction between the brown planthopper and rice.

PubMed

Jing, Shengli; Zhao, Yan; Du, Bo; Chen, Rongzhi; Zhu, Lili; He, Guangcun

2017-02-01

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) and the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)) form a model system for dissection of the mechanism of interaction between insect pest and crop. In this review, we focus on the genomics of BPH-rice interaction. On the side of rice, a number of BPH-resistance genes have been identified genetically. Thirteen of these genes have been cloned which shed a light on the molecular basis of the interaction. On the aspect of BPH, a lot of salivary proteins have been identified using transcriptome and proteome techniques. The genetic loci of virulence were mapped in BPH genome based on the linkage map. The understanding of interaction between BPH and rice will provide novel insights into efficient control of this pest. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Balance and gait of adults with very mild Alzheimer disease.

PubMed

Gras, Laura Z; Kanaan, Saddam F; McDowd, Joan M; Colgrove, Yvonne M; Burns, Jeffrey; Pohl, Patricia S

2015-01-01

Studies have shown that adults with Alzheimer disease (AD) have gait and balance deficits; however, the focus has been on those with mild to severe disease. The purpose of this study was to determine whether balance and gait deficits are present in those with very mild AD. Thirteen adults (72.9±4.7 years old) with very mild AD and 13 age-matched (72.6±4.6 years old) and sex-matched (10 males and 3 females) participants in a control group without AD performed balance and gait tests. All participants were living in the community and independent in community ambulation. Participants with very mild AD had shorter times in tandem stance with eyes open (P<0.001) and with eyes closed (P=0.007) compared with participants in the control group. Those with AD also took longer to complete the Timed "Up & Go" Test (P<0.001). Gait deficits were found for those with AD as demonstrated by slower velocities in the 10-m walk at a comfortable pace (P=0.029) and on an instrumented walkway (P<0.001). Stance times were longer for those with AD (P<0.001) and step length was shorter (P=0.001). There were no group differences in the 10-m walk at a fast pace. The gait velocity of participants in the control group was faster on the instrumented walkway than in the 10-m walk at a comfortable pace (P=0.031). In contrast, the gait velocity of those with AD was significantly slower on the instrumented walkway than in the 10-m walk at a comfortable pace (P=0.024). Balance and gait deficits may be present in those in the very early stages of AD. Novel surfaces may affect gait speed in those with very mild AD. Identifying mobility deficits early in the progression of AD may provide an opportunity for early physical therapy intervention, thus promoting continued functional independence. Adults in the very early stages of AD may show signs of balance and gait deficits. Recognition of these problems early with subsequent physical therapy may slow the progression of further balance and gait dysfunction.

Physiotherapy to improve physical activity in community-dwelling older adults with mobility problems (Coach2Move): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

de Vries, Nienke M; Staal, J Bart; Teerenstra, Steven; Adang, Eddy M M; Rikkert, Marcel G M Olde; Nijhuis-van der Sanden, Maria W G

2013-12-17

Older adults can benefit from physical activity in numerous ways. Physical activity is considered to be one of the few ways to influence the level of frailty. Standardized exercise programs do not necessarily lead to more physical activity in daily life, however, and a more personalized approach seems appropriate. The main objective of this study is to investigate whether a focused, problem-oriented coaching intervention ('Coach2Move') delivered by a physiotherapist specializing in geriatrics is more effective for improving physical activity, mobility and health status in community-dwelling older adults than usual physiotherapy care. In addition, cost-effectiveness will be determined. The design of this study is a single-blind randomized controlled trial in thirteen physiotherapy practices. Randomization will take place at the individual patient level. The study population consists of older adults, ≥70 years of age, with decreased physical functioning and mobility and/or a physically inactive lifestyle. The intervention group will receive geriatric physiotherapy according to the Coach2Move strategy. The control group will receive the usual physiotherapy care. Measurements will be performed by research assistants not aware of group assignment. The results will be evaluated on the amount of physical activity (LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire), mobility (modified 'get up and go' test, walking speed and six-minute walking test), quality of life (SF-36), degree of frailty (Evaluative Frailty Index for Physical Activity), fatigue (NRS-fatigue), perceived effect (Global Perceived Effect and Patient Specific Complaints questionnaire) and health care costs. Most studies on the effect of exercise or physical activity consist of standardized programs. In this study, a personalized approach is evaluated within a group of frail older adults, many of whom suffer from multiple and complex diseases and problems. A complicating factor in evaluating a new approach is that it may not be automatically adopted by clinicians. Specific actions are undertaken to optimize implementation of the Coach2Move strategy during the trial. Whether or not these will be sufficient is a matter we will consider subsequently, using quality indicators and process analysis. The Netherlands National Trial Register: NTR3527.

Discovery of 2-azetidinone and 1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione derivatives containing sulfonamide group at the side chain as potential cholesterol absorption inhibitors.

PubMed

Yuan, Xinrui; Lu, Peng; Xue, Xiaojian; Qin, Hui; Fan, Chen; Wang, Yubin; Zhang, Qi

2016-02-01

Cholesterol absorption inhibitor (CAI) targeting Niemann-Pick C1-like1 protein was developed for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia and only ezetimibe was approved so far. For developing novel CAIs, we synthesized sixteen 2-azetidinone derivatives and thirteen 1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione derivatives containing sulfonamide group at the side chain, and their inhibitory activity of cholesterol absorption was evaluated in Caco-2 cell line in vitro. Furthermore, top six compounds were measured by cytotoxicity and partition coefficient, and 2-azetidinone analogue 9e was selected for in vivo study. Finally, 9e considerably reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C, FFA and triglyceride in the serum and increased the rate of HDL-C to total cholesterol, suggesting it could regulate the lipid metabolism and act as a potent CAI. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of sculpture based art therapy in dementia patients-A pilot study.

PubMed

Seifert, Kathrin; Spottke, Annika; Fliessbach, Klaus

2017-11-01

Art and art therapy open up interesting possibilities for dementia patients. However, it has not been evaluated scientifically so far, whether the art of sculpting has any benefits. In this non-randomized pilot study with twelve participants, we investigated the feasibility and acceptance of sculptural activity in patients with dementia and the effects on their well-being. A questionnaire was custom-designed to investigate five key aspects of well-being: mental state and concentration, corporeal memory, self-reliance, self-esteem and physicality. Remarkable improvements were seen in several subscales in the sculptural activity group, but not the control group: Mental state and concentration (nine of thirteen key aspects), self-reliance (four of five), self-esteem (one of one) and physicality (two of two). The results of this pilot study indicate the multidimensional effects of sculptural activity on patients living with dementia. The field would benefit greatly from further research.

Microcomputers and the future of epidemiology.

PubMed Central

Dean, A G

1994-01-01

The Workshop on Microcomputers and the Future of Epidemiology was held March 8-9, 1993, at the Turner Conference Center, Atlanta, GA, with 130 public health professionals participating. The purpose of the workshop was to define microcomputer needs in epidemiology and to propose future initiatives. Thirteen groups representing public health disciplines defined their needs for better and more useful data, development of computer technology appropriate to epidemiology, user support and human infrastructure development, and global communication and planning. Initiatives proposed were demonstration of health surveillance systems, new software and hardware, computer-based training, projects to establish or improve data bases and community access to data bases, improved international communication, conferences on microcomputer use in particular disciplines, a suggestion to encourage competition in the production of public-domain software, and longrange global planning for epidemiologic computing and data management. Other interested groups are urged to study, modify, and implement those ideas. PMID:7910692

Estimation of the diesel exhaust exposures of railroad workers: II. National and historical exposures.

PubMed

Woskie, S R; Smith, T J; Hammond, S K; Schenker, M B; Garshick, E; Speizer, F E

1988-01-01

The diesel exhaust exposures of railroad workers in thirteen job groups from four railroads in the United States were used to estimate U.S. national average exposures with a linear statistical model which accounts for the significant variability in exposure caused by climate, the differences among railroads and the uneven distribution of railroad workers across climatic regions. Personal measurements of respirable particulate matter, adjusted to remove the contribution of cigarette smoke particles, were used as a marker for diesel exhaust. The estimated national means of adjusted respirable particulate matter (ARP) averaged 10 micrograms/m3 lower than the simple means for each job group, reflecting the climatic differences between the northern railroads studied and the distribution of railroad workers nationally. Limited historical records, including some industrial hygiene data, were used to evaluate past diesel exhaust exposures, which were estimated to be approximately constant from the 1950's to 1983.

Achilles lengthening/posterior tibial tenotomy with immediate weightbearing for patients with significant comorbidities.

PubMed

Redfern, John C; Thordarson, David B

2008-03-01

Fixed equinovarus deformities can be challenging to treat especially in medically debilitated patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate Achilles lengthening with posterior tibial tenotomy and immediate weightbearing in this difficult group of patients. Thirteen extremities in 10 patients underwent Achilles lengthening and posterior tibial tenotomy for fixed equinovarus deformities with significant medical comorbidities. Pre- and postoperative ambulatory status and deformities were noted. Average age at the time of surgery was 65 with an average duration of deformity 6.3 years. The average equinus corrected from 26 degrees to 1.2 degrees and the average varus deformity improved from -8.5 degrees to 2.7 degrees. All patients except one who was wheelchair-bound had a significant improvement in ambulatory status. Achilles lengthening with posterior tibial tenotomy allowed for immediate postoperative weightbearing with improvement in deformity and ambulatory status in this complicated patient group.

Association between suicidal ideation and behavior, and depression, anxiety, and perceived social support in cancer patients.

PubMed

Balcı Şengül, Melike Ceyhan; Kaya, Vildan; Şen, Cenk Ahmet; Kaya, Kemal

2014-02-27

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between suicidal behavior and associated factors such as depression, anxiety, and perceived social support level in cancer patients. The study group included 102 patients who were under treatment in the oncology department and the control group included 100 individuals with similar sociodemographic features. A sociodemographic information form, Beck depression inventory, Beck anxiety inventory, suicidal behavior inventory, suicidal ideation inventory, and multidimensional inventory of perceived social support were used. The mean Beck depression inventory and Beck anxiety inventory scores in the study group were significantly higher compared to the control group. Thirteen patients in the study group attempted suicide, whereas 3 individuals attempted suicide in the control group. Similarly, the mean suicide behavior and ideation scores in the study group were significantly higher compared to the control group. The mean total multidimensional inventories of perceived social support score, as well as the mean family and friend sub-inventory scores in the control group were significantly higher compared to the study group. This study revealed that depression and anxiety occur frequently in cancer patients. Suicide attempts and ideation are higher in cancer patients compared to the control group. Social support perceived from family and friends is lower in cancer patients. Suicide attempts are correlated with depression, anxiety, low level of perceived social support, and advanced disease stage.

The Opposite of Denial: Social Learning at the Onset of the Ebola Emergency in Liberia.

PubMed

Abramowitz, Sharon; McKune, Sarah Lindley; Fallah, Mosoka; Monger, Josephine; Tehoungue, Kodjo; Omidian, Patricia A

2017-01-01

This study analyzes findings from a rapid-response community-based qualitative research initiative to study the content of Ebola-related communications and the transmission of Ebola-related behaviors and practices through mass media communications and social learning in Monrovia, Liberia during August-September 2014. Thirteen neighborhoods in the common Monrovia media market were studied to appraise the reach of health communications and outreach regarding Ebola prevention and response measures. A World Health Organization (WHO) research team collected data on social learning and Ebola knowledge, attitudes, and practices through focus group-based discussions and key informant interviews over a 14-day period to assess the spread of information during a period of rapidly escalating crisis. Findings show that during a 2-week period, Monrovia neighborhood residents demonstrated rapid changes in beliefs about the source of Ebola, modes of contagion, and infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, discarding incorrect information. Changes in practices tended to lag behind the acquisition of learning. Findings also show that many continued to support conspiracy theories even as correct information was acquired. The implications for community engagement are substantial: (1) Under conditions of accelerating mortality, communities rapidly assimilate health information and abandon incorrect information; (2) Behavior change is likely to lag behind changes in beliefs due to local physical, structural, sociocultural, and institutional constraints; (3) Reports of "resistance" in Monrovia during the Ebola response were overstated and based on a limited number of incidents, and failed to account for specific local conditions and constraints.

2014 update of the Consensus Statement of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology on the use of biological therapies in rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Sanmartí, Raimon; García-Rodríguez, Susana; Álvaro-Gracia, José María; Andreu, José Luis; Balsa, Alejandro; Cáliz, Rafael; Fernández-Nebro, Antonio; Ferraz-Amaro, Iván; Gómez-Reino, Juan Jesús; González-Álvaro, Isidoro; Martín-Mola, Emilio; Martínez-Taboada, Víctor Manuel; Ortiz, Ana M; Tornero, Jesús; Marsal, Sara; Moreno-Muelas, José Vicente

2015-01-01

To establish recommendations for the management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to serve as a reference for all health professionals involved in the care of these patients, and focusing on the role of available synthetic and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Consensual recommendations were agreed on by a panel of 14 experts selected by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER). The available scientific evidence was collected by updating three systematic reviews (SR) used for the EULAR 2013 recommendations. A new SR was added to answer an additional question. The literature review of the scientific evidence was made by the SER reviewer's group. The level of evidence and the degree of recommendation was classified according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine system. A Delphi panel was used to evaluate the level of agreement between panellists (strength of recommendation). Thirteen recommendations for the management of adult RA were emitted. The therapeutic objective should be to treat patients in the early phases of the disease with the aim of achieving clinical remission, with methotrexate playing a central role in the therapeutic strategy of RA as the reference synthetic DMARD. Indications for biologic DMARDs were updated and the concept of the optimization of biologicals was introduced. We present the fifth update of the SER recommendations for the management of RA with synthetic and biologic DMARDs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Stereotypes of mental disorders differ in competence and warmth.

PubMed

Sadler, Melody S; Meagor, Elizabeth L; Kaye, Kimberly E

2012-03-01

Theoretical models of public stigma toward mental illness have focused on factors that perpetuate stigma toward the general label of "mental illness" or toward a handful of specific illnesses, used more or less interchangeably. The current work used the Stereotype Content Model (Fiske, Cuddy, Glick, & Xu, 2002) to examine how one facet of public stigma--stereotype content--differs as a function of specific mental illnesses. Participants were recruited online from across the U.S. Study 1 demonstrated that the overarching category of people with mental illness was perceived as relatively incompetent, but not very hostile (i.e., relatively warm). Study 2 found that when the general label of mental illness was separated into thirteen individual disorders, distinct stereotype content toward four clusters of illnesses emerged. One cluster, typified by illnesses with psychotic features (e.g., schizophrenia), was perceived to be hostile and incompetent. A second cluster, comprised of mood and anxiety disorders, was perceived as average on both competence and warmth. A third cluster of illnesses with neuro-cognitive deficits was thought to be warm but incompetent. The fourth cluster included groups with sociopathic tendencies and was viewed as hostile but relatively competent. The results clearly demonstrate that the stereotype content that underlies public stigma toward individual mental illnesses is not the same for all disorders. Harnessing knowledge of differing stereotype content toward clusters of mental illnesses may improve the efficacy of interventions to counteract public stigma. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Building a sustainable land public transportation at Ayer Keroh, Malacca: Perspective view from hang tuah jaya municipal council (HTJMC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sukri, Fatin Hafizah; Chew, Boon Cheong; Hamid, Syaiful Rizal; Loo, Heoy Shin

2017-03-01

Sustainable land public transportation (SLPT) aims to promote a better and healthier ways of meeting individual and community needs. Even though sufficient land public transportation have been provided at Ayer Keroh, Malacca but the level of usage among the community is still low as there is the growth in traffic. Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (HTJMC) is responsible to identify the most appropriate strategies to manage the issues regarding SLPT in order to support of the Malacca state vision becoming Green Technology State in the year 2020. Therefore, this paper attempts to examine the strategies involve in building a SLPT, which may enhance the community's welfare. Thus, the proposed theoretical framework is to demonstrate the strategies towards building a SLPT, which can cater issues within the municipal council area. In this qualitative research, an in-depth focus group have been conducted to obtain the primary data. Thirteen (13) executives from HTJMC involved. This study brings a new paradigm in transforming land public transportation at Ayer Keroh to enhance the community welfare. The result found that land use development as the most significant strategy in SLPT, meanwhile the implementation program is the least strategy involved in building a SLPT at Ayer Keroh. Future research requires more information on the factors of implementing of SLPT so that HTJMC can plan an effective SLPT thorough the demand as the data may indicate numbers of passengers who really support to the implementation of SLPT.

Creating the Action Model for High Risk Infant Follow Up Program in Iran

PubMed Central

Heidarzadeh, Mohammad; Jodiery, Behzad; Mirnia, Kayvan; Akrami, Forouzan; Hosseini, Mohammad Bagher; Heidarabadi, Seifollah; HabibeLahi, Abbas

2013-01-01

Abstract Background Intervention in early childhood development as one of the social determinants of health, is important for reducing social gap and inequity. In spite of increasingly developing intensive neonatal care wards and decreasing neonatal mortality rate, there is no follow up program in Iran. This study was carreid out to design high risk infants follow up care program with the practical aim of creating an model action for whole country, in 2012. Methods This qualitative study has been done by the Neonatal Department of the Deputy of Public Health in cooperation with Pediatrics Health Research Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. After study of international documents, consensus agreement about adapted program for Iran has been accomplished by focus group discussion and attended Delphi agreement technique. After compiling primary draft included evidence based guidelines and executive plan, 14 sessions including expert panels were hold to finalize the program. Results After finalizing the program, high risk infants follow up care service package has been designed in 3 chapters: Evidence based clinical guidelines; eighteen main clinical guidelines and thirteen subsidiaries clinical guidelines, executive plan; 6 general, 6 following up and 5 backup processes. Education program including general and especial courses for care givers and follow up team, and family education processes. Conclusion We designed and finalized high risk infants follow up care service package. It seems to open a way to extend it to whole country. PMID:26171344

Exploring Contextual Factors of Youth Homelessness And Sexual Risk Behaviors: A Qualitative Study.

PubMed

Santa Maria, Diane; Narendorf, Sarah C; Ha, Yoonsook; Bezette-Flores, Noel

2015-12-01

HIV disproportionately affects homeless youth, and interventions to date have had minimal success in reducing sexual risk behaviors in this population. Few qualitative studies have been conducted to provide insight into the influence of homelessness-related factors on sexual risk behaviors. A qualitative study with a quantitative component was conducted with a nonprobability sample of 64 homeless youth aged 14-24; participants were recruited from a variety of venues in Houston between October 2013 and March 2014. Thirteen focus group discussions were conducted; thematic analysis was used to identify themes related to HIV risk. Participants were predominantly black (75%), sheltered (67%) and aged 18 or older (77%). Youth discussed how the circumstances of their homelessness and the struggle to meet their immediate needs led to behaviors and experiences that put them at risk for HIV. Three themes emerged: Homeless youth frequently engage in risky sexual behavior, sometimes as a way to cope with stress; they often trade sex, either voluntarily or involuntarily, for such necessities as money or a place to sleep; and many experienced childhood sexual victimization or have been victimized since becoming homeless. Youth also described how stress, stigma and self-reliance contributed to their involvement in HIV risk behaviors. HIV prevention methods that target stress and stigma while respecting youths' self-reliance may help reduce sexual risk behaviors. Further research is needed to determine suitable behavioral change techniques to address these potentially modifiable factors. Copyright © 2015 by the Guttmacher Institute.

Reduction of Skeletal Muscle Power in Adolescent Males Carrying H63D Mutation in the HFE Gene.

PubMed

Luszczyk, Marcin; Kaczorowska-Hac, Barbara; Milosz, Ewa; Adamkiewicz-Drozynska, Elzbieta; Ziemann, Ewa; Laskowski, Radoslaw; Flis, Damian; Rokicka-Hebel, Magdalena; Antosiewicz, Jedrzej

2017-01-01

Iron overload resulting from the mutation of genes involved in iron metabolism or excess dietary intake has been reported to negatively influence human physical performance. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that adolescents bearing a hemochromatosis gene (HFE) mutation in contrast to adults with the same mutation will not experience iron accumulation and their aerobic capacity will be similar to that of age-matched controls. Thirteen boys participated in the study. Seven of them are carriers of H63D mutation in the HFE gene and six were wild type. Fitness levels were assessed using the cardiopulmonary exercise test. In addition, iron status and inflammatory markers were determined. We observed that cardiovascular fitness was significantly lower in the group bearing the HFE mutation compared to the control group. Moreover, the HFE mutation group achieved lower maximal power output compared to the control group. There were no differences in blood ferritin concentrations between the two groups which indicates similar amounts of stored iron. Obtained data do not confirm our hypothesis. On the contrary, it was demonstrated that HFE mutation is associated with a lower level of aerobic capacity, even in the absence of iron accumulation.

Essential features of long-term changes of areas and diameters of sunspot groups in solar activity cycles 12-24

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Efimenko, V. M.; Lozitsky, V. G.

2018-06-01

We analyze the Greenwich catalog data on areas of sunspot groups of last thirteen solar cycles. Various parameters of sunspots are considered, namely: average monthly smoothed areas, maximum area for each year and equivalent diameters of groups of sunspots. The first parameter shows an exceptional power of the 19th cycle of solar activity, which appears here more contrastively than in the numbers of spots (that is, in Wolf's numbers). It was found that in the maximum areas of sunspot groups for a year there is a unique phenomenon: a short and high jump in the 18th cycle (in 1946-1947) that has no analogues in other cycles. We also studied the integral distributions for equivalent diameters and found the following: (a) the average value of the index of power-law approximation is 5.4 for the last 13 cycles and (b) there is reliable evidence of Hale's double cycle (about 44 years). Since this indicator reflects the dispersion of sunspot group diameters, the results obtained show that the convective zone of the Sun generates embryos of active regions in different statistical regimes which change with a cycle of about 44 years.

The Effect of Tinnitus on Listening Effort in Normal-Hearing Young Adults: A Preliminary Study.

PubMed

Degeest, Sofie; Keppler, Hannah; Corthals, Paul

2017-04-14

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic tinnitus on listening effort. Thirteen normal-hearing young adults with chronic tinnitus were matched with a control group for age, gender, hearing thresholds, and educational level. A dual-task paradigm was used to evaluate listening effort in different listening conditions. A primary speech-recognition task and a secondary memory task were performed both separately and simultaneously. Furthermore, subjective listening effort was questioned for various listening situations. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory was used to control for tinnitus handicap. Listening effort significantly increased in the tinnitus group across listening conditions. There was no significant difference in listening effort between listening conditions, nor was there an interaction between groups and listening conditions. Subjective listening effort did not significantly differ between both groups. This study is a first exploration of listening effort in normal-hearing participants with chronic tinnitus showing that listening effort is increased as compared with a control group. There is a need to further investigate the cognitive functions important for speech understanding and their possible relation with the presence of tinnitus and listening effort.

[Semiquantitative measurement of progesterone receptors in luteal-phase-defect endometrial cells during secretory phase].

PubMed

Ma, Q; Han, Z; Huang, W

1998-03-01

To investigate the changes of endometrial progesterone receptor (PR) of luteal-phase-defect (LPD) patients during the secretory phase, thirteen patients with complaints of infertility or habitual abortion were studied. During the early-mid secretory phase, endometrial tissue was obtained by dilatation and curettage (D & C) for histological and receptor study: meanwhile serum E2, P, FSH, LH and PRL were measured. Based on histologic diagnosis, the patients were divided into two groups: the LPD group (n = 7) and the normal control group(n = 6). PR content was determined by immunohisto-chemical (IHC) assay. The results showed that during the early-mid luteal phase a significantly low PR content on endometrial glandular nucleus was observed in LPD group, compared with normal control(6.75 +/- 2.57 vs 9.50 +/- 1.64 P < 0.05), but no difference in serum progesterone was noted between the two groups. These findings suggest that during early-mid secretory phase, PR content on endometrial glandular nucleus decreases in LPD cases, which results in deficient response of endometrium to proper stimulus of progesterone. This change may cause endometrial secretory deficiency and blockade of embreyo implantation. That is why infertility or habitual abortion happened.

Some biomechanical aspects of the foot and ankle in athletes with and without shin splints.

PubMed

Viitasalo, J T; Kvist, M

1983-01-01

Thirteen adult male athletes (long-distance runners and orienteerers without foot problems) and 35 male athletes with shin splints were compared with respect to: 1) the position of the lower leg and the heel while standing, 2) the passive range of mobility in the subtalar joint, and 3) the angular displacement between the calcaneus and the midline of the lower leg (Achilles tendon angle) while running with bare feet on a treadmill. In standing, the two groups differed statistically significantly in the Achilles tendon angle, which values were greater in the shin splint group. With respect to passive mobility, the athletes with shin splints had significantly greater (P less than 0.05-0.01) angular displacement values in inversion, eversion, and in their sum than the control group. While running, the Achilles tendon angle of the shin splint group was significantly greater (P less than 0.01) at the heel strike. Further, the shin splints group had a significantly greater (P less than 0.01) angular displacement between the heel strike and the maximal everted position. The results suggest structural and functional differences in the feet and ankles between healthy athletes and those with shin splints.

Comparison of curative surgery and definitive chemoradiotherapy as initial treatment for patients with cervical esophageal cancer.

PubMed

Takebayashi, Katsushi; Tsubosa, Yasuhiro; Matsuda, Satoru; Kawamorita, Keisuke; Niihara, Masahiro; Tsushima, Takahiro; Yokota, Tomoya; Sato, Hiroshi; Onozawa, Yusuke; Ogawa, Hirofumi; Kamijo, Tomoyuki; Onitsuka, Tetsuro; Nakagawa, Masahiro; Yasui, Hirofumi

2017-02-01

Esophagectomy and definitive chemoradiotherapy are recognized standard initial treatment modalities for cervical esophageal cancer. The goal of this study was to compare the treatment outcomes of curative surgery with those of chemoradiotherapy in patients who had potentially resectable tumor and who were candidates for surgery. We evaluated the data from 49 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with potentially resectable cervical esophageal cancer and who were deemed candidates for surgery. Thirteen patients were included in the surgery group, and 36 patients were included in chemoradiotherapy group. Baseline characteristics were balanced between the two groups. In the chemoradiotherapy group, the complete response rate was 58.3%. There was no significant difference in 5-year overall survival when comparing the surgery group and the chemoradiotherapy group (surgery, 60.6%; chemoradiotherapy, 51.4%; P = 0.89). In the chemoradiotherapy group, of the 15 patients who failed to respond to initial treatment, 11 patients subsequently underwent salvage surgery. In conclusion, curative surgery and chemoradiotherapy as initial treatment for cervical esophageal cancer have comparable survival outcomes. Chemoradiotherapy should be selected as the initial larynx-preserving treatment for patients with cervical esophageal cancer although chemoradiotherapy non-responders require additional treatment, including salvage surgery. © 2016 International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus.

Impact of patient navigation from diagnosis to treatment in an urban safety net breast cancer population.

PubMed

Haideri, Nisreen A; Moormeier, Jill A

2011-01-01

Disparities between U.S. population groups in cancer incidence, treatment and outcome have been well documented. Literature evidence is scarce regarding the impact of patient navigator programs on elimination of these differences. This is a retrospective case series analysis .The pre -navigation group included patients diagnosed between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 1999. The post -navigation group included patients diagnosed between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2003. Cancer stage, time from presentation to treatment and treatment outcome were compared by review of medical records. Three hundred and thirty five women were diagnosed between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2003. Thirteen patients were ineligible, 103 women in the pre- navigation group, and 219 women in the post-navigation group. 157 (72%) received navigation services. The median time to first treatment was decreased by 9 days (42 days in pre -navigation group compared to 33 days in post -navigator group). Race, insurance and clinical presentation did not influence the time to treatment. Navigation program did not influence the stage of presentation or the overall survival of women. There was a modest decrease in the time between initial presentation and definitive therapy. The utility of navigator programs is likely to vary with each institution.

Early infectious complications in allogeneic marrow transplant recipients with acute leukemia: effects of prophylactic measures.

PubMed

Buckner, C D; Clift, R A; Thomas, E D; Hersman, J; Sanders, J E; Stewart, P S; Wade, J C; Murphy, M; Counts, G; Meyers, J D

1983-01-01

One hundred eighty-two patients with acute leukemia underwent allogeneic marrow transplantation and received one of two forms of infection prophylaxis: isolation and decontamination procedures in laminar air flow rooms (90 patients) or prophylactic granulocyte transfusion from a single family member (92 patients). Infection acquisition and survival were analyzed from the time of admission to 100 days posttransplant. There were 20 major local infections in the laminar air flow group and 16 in the prophylactic granulocyte group. Of the patients in the laminar air flow group, 24 (27%) had 27 episodes of bacteremia, while 23 (25%) of the prophylactic granulocyte group had 25 episodes of bacteremia. There were no significant differences in infection acquisition between the two groups during the period of granulocytopenia or after engraftment. The mortality during the first 100 days was 28% for the laminar air flow group and 35% for the prophylactic granulocyte group. Thirteen patients (14%) in the laminar air flow group and five (5%) in the prophylactic granulocyte group died with bacterial or fungal infections. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in overall incidence of or mortality from interstitial pneumonitis which was the predominant cause of death. However, the subset of patients who were seronegative for cytomegalovirus antibody at the time of transplant and received granulocytes from seropositive donors had a significantly higher incidence of and mortality from cytomegalovirus interstitial pneumonitis.

Synthesis, spectral studies, antimicrobial, antioxidant and insect antifeedant activities of some 9 H-fluorene-2-yl keto-oxiranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thirunarayanan, G.; Vanangamudi, G.

2011-10-01

Thirteen ee (α S, β R) 9 H-fluorene-2-yl keto-oxiranes (2-(9 H)-fluorene-4-yl[3-(substituted phenyl)oxiran-2-yl]methanones) have been synthesized by phase transfer catalysed epoxidation of 9 H-fluorene-2-yl chalcones. The yields of oxiranes are more than 95%. The synthesized oxiranes have been characterized by IR, 1H, 13C and GC-MS spectral data. The spectral data are correlated with Hammett substituent constants and Swain-Lupton parameters. From the regression analysis, the effect of substituents on the group frequencies has been predicted. The antimicrobial, antioxidant and insect antifeedant activities of all the synthesized oxiranes have been studied.

Influence of the land use pattern on the concentrations and fluxes of priority pollutants in urban stormwater.

PubMed

Zgheib, S; Moilleron, R; Chebbo, G

2011-01-01

This paper presents the results of the concentrations (μg/L) and fluxes (g/ha) of priority substances in stormwater from three watersheds with different land use patterns (namely, residential, urban dense, high urban density). Samples were collected at the outlet of these watersheds. Thirteen chemical groups were investigated corresponding to 88 individual substances before treatment. Results showed that stormwater discharges contained 55 substances, among them some metals, organotins, PAHs, PCBs, alkylphenols, pesticides, phthalates, cholorophenols and volatile organic compounds. Therefore, stormwater was highly contaminated. However, this contamination was often comparable from site to site, since no significant difference of the pollutant load was observed between the land use patterns.

Electromyographic and Joint Kinematic Patterns in Runner's Dystonia.

PubMed

Ahmad, Omar F; Ghosh, Pritha; Stanley, Christopher; Karp, Barbara; Hallett, Mark; Lungu, Codrin; Alter, Katharine

2018-04-20

Runner’s dystonia (RD) is a task-specific focal dystonia of the lower limbs that occurs when running. In this retrospective case series, we present surface electromyography (EMG) and joint kinematic data from thirteen patients with RD who underwent instrumented gait analysis (IGA) at the Functional and Biomechanics Laboratory at the National Institutes of Health. Four cases of RD are described in greater detail to demonstrate the potential utility of EMG with kinematic studies to identify dystonic muscle groups in RD. In these cases, the methodology for muscle selection for botulinum toxin therapy and the therapeutic response is discussed. Lateral heel whip, a proposed novel presentation of lower-limb dystonia, is also described.

Electromyographic and Joint Kinematic Patterns in Runner’s Dystonia

PubMed Central

Ahmad, Omar F.; Ghosh, Pritha; Stanley, Christopher; Karp, Barbara; Hallett, Mark; Lungu, Codrin

2018-01-01

Runner’s dystonia (RD) is a task-specific focal dystonia of the lower limbs that occurs when running. In this retrospective case series, we present surface electromyography (EMG) and joint kinematic data from thirteen patients with RD who underwent instrumented gait analysis (IGA) at the Functional and Biomechanics Laboratory at the National Institutes of Health. Four cases of RD are described in greater detail to demonstrate the potential utility of EMG with kinematic studies to identify dystonic muscle groups in RD. In these cases, the methodology for muscle selection for botulinum toxin therapy and the therapeutic response is discussed. Lateral heel whip, a proposed novel presentation of lower-limb dystonia, is also described. PMID:29677101

Are general surgery residents adequately prepared for hepatopancreatobiliary fellowships? A questionnaire-based study

PubMed Central

Osman, Houssam; Parikh, Janak; Patel, Shirali; Jeyarajah, D Rohan

2015-01-01

Background The present study was conducted to assess the preparedness of hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) fellows upon entering fellowship, identify challenges encountered by HPB fellows during the initial part of their HPB training, and identify potential solutions to these challenges that can be applied during residency training. Methods A questionnaire was distributed to all HPB fellows in accredited HPB fellowship programmes in two consecutive academic years (n = 42). Reponses were then analysed. Results A total of 19 (45%) fellows responded. Prior to their fellowship, 10 (53%) were in surgical residency and the rest were in other surgical fellowships or surgical practice. Thirteen (68%) were graduates of university-based residency programmes. All fellows felt comfortable in performing basic laparoscopic procedures independently at the completion of residency and less comfortable in performing advanced laparoscopy. Eight (42%) fellows cited a combination of inadequate case volume and lack of autonomy during residency as the reasons for this lack of comfort. Thirteen (68%) identified inadequate preoperative workup and management as their biggest fear upon entering practice after general surgery training. A total of 17 (89%) fellows felt they were adequately prepared to enter HPB fellowship. Extra rotations in transplant, vascular or minimally invasive surgery were believed to be most helpful in preparing general surgery residents pursing HPB fellowships. Conclusions Overall, HPB fellows felt themselves to be adequately prepared for fellowship. Advanced laparoscopic procedures and the perioperative management of complex patients are two of the challenges facing HPB fellows. General surgery residents who plan to pursue an HPB fellowship may benefit from spending extra rotations on certain subspecialties. Focus on perioperative workup and management should be an integral part of residency and fellowship training. PMID:25387852

Are general surgery residents adequately prepared for hepatopancreatobiliary fellowships? A questionnaire-based study.

PubMed

Osman, Houssam; Parikh, Janak; Patel, Shirali; Jeyarajah, D Rohan

2015-03-01

The present study was conducted to assess the preparedness of hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) fellows upon entering fellowship, identify challenges encountered by HPB fellows during the initial part of their HPB training, and identify potential solutions to these challenges that can be applied during residency training. A questionnaire was distributed to all HPB fellows in accredited HPB fellowship programmes in two consecutive academic years (n = 42). Reponses were then analysed. A total of 19 (45%) fellows responded. Prior to their fellowship, 10 (53%) were in surgical residency and the rest were in other surgical fellowships or surgical practice. Thirteen (68%) were graduates of university-based residency programmes. All fellows felt comfortable in performing basic laparoscopic procedures independently at the completion of residency and less comfortable in performing advanced laparoscopy. Eight (42%) fellows cited a combination of inadequate case volume and lack of autonomy during residency as the reasons for this lack of comfort. Thirteen (68%) identified inadequate preoperative workup and management as their biggest fear upon entering practice after general surgery training. A total of 17 (89%) fellows felt they were adequately prepared to enter HPB fellowship. Extra rotations in transplant, vascular or minimally invasive surgery were believed to be most helpful in preparing general surgery residents pursing HPB fellowships. Overall, HPB fellows felt themselves to be adequately prepared for fellowship. Advanced laparoscopic procedures and the perioperative management of complex patients are two of the challenges facing HPB fellows. General surgery residents who plan to pursue an HPB fellowship may benefit from spending extra rotations on certain subspecialties. Focus on perioperative workup and management should be an integral part of residency and fellowship training. © 2014 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association.

Lithofacies and Diagenetic Controls on Formation-scale Mechanical, Transport, and Sealing Behavior of Caprocks: A Case Study of the Morrow shale and Thirteen Finger Limestone, Farnsworth Unit, Texas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trujillo, N. A.; Heath, J. E.; Mozley, P.; Dewers, T. A.; Cather, M.

2016-12-01

Assessment of caprock sealing behavior for secure CO2 storage is a multiscale endeavor. Sealing behavior arises from the nano-scale capillarity of pore throats, but sealing lithologies alone do not guarantee an effective seal since bypass systems, such as connected, conductive fractures can compromise the integrity of the seal. We apply pore-to-formation-scale data to characterize the multiscale caprock sealing behavior of the Morrow shale and Thirteen Finger Limestone. This work is part of the Southwest Regional Partnership on Carbon Sequestration's Phase III project at the Farnsworth Unit, Texas. The caprock formations overlie the Morrow sandstone, the target for enhanced oil recovery and injection of over one million metric tons of anthropogenically-sourced CO2. Methods include: focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy; laser scanning confocal microscopy; electron and optical petrography; multi-stress path mechanical testing and constitutive modeling; core examinations of sedimentary structures and fractures; and a noble gas profile for formation-scale transport of the sealing lihologies and the reservoir. We develop relationships between diagenetic characteristics of lithofacies to mechanical and petrophysical measurements of the caprocks. The results are applied as part of a caprock sealing behavior performance assessment. Funding for this project is provided by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory through the Southwest Regional Partnership on Carbon Sequestration (SWP) under Award No. DE-FC26-05NT42591. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

[Diet, physical activity and other cardiometabolic risk factors in the immigrant population in Spain: a review].

PubMed

Fernandes Custodio, Débora; Ortiz-Barreda, Gaby; Rodríguez-Artalejo, Fernando

2014-01-01

The "epidemiological transition" of the immigrant population in the world, and particularly in Spain, is insufficiently understood, due to the multi-causality of the morbi-mortality and the limitations of the information about the lifestyles of immigrants. Thus, the objective of this work was to know behavioural and biological risk factors of cardiometabolic disease in the immigrant population in Spain. Scoping review of the literature published in the period 1998-2012. We selected articles in Spanish or English, with study participants from Latin-America, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe or who comply with the immigrant definition from the International Organization for Migration. Bibliographic search was performed in Medline and MEDES. We identified 117 articles, and 16 were included in this review. Thirteen studies were published since 2009. In total, 15 articles corresponded to cross-sectional studies and one to a non-randomized trial; five were population-based, seven were conducted within a clinical setting, and four in mixed settings (population and clinic). In nine studies the sample was less than 500 participants, and 15 studies were conducted at the local or regional level. Thirteen articles focused on food habits and nutritional status, but showed substantial heterogeneity in objectives and results. Some studies found that the frequency of obesity was higher in the immigrant than in the Spanish native population, that the length of residence in Spain was not associated with obesity, and that the immigrants consumed less tobacco and alcohol but did less physical activity than the people born in Spain. The scientific production on the lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors among the immigrants in Spain is quite recent and scarce. Thus, it does not allow for characterizing the risk profile of this population.

Clinimetric properties of lower limb neurological impairment tests for children and young people with a neurological condition: A systematic review

PubMed Central

Locke, Melissa; Hill, Bridget; Wells, Cherie; Bialocerkowski, Andrea

2017-01-01

Background Clinicians and researchers require sound neurological tests to measure changes in neurological impairments necessary for clinical decision-making. Little evidence-based guidance exists for selecting and interpreting an appropriate, paediatric-specific lower limb neurological test aimed at the impairment level. Objective To determine the clinimetric evidence underpinning neurological impairment tests currently used in paediatric rehabilitation to evaluate muscle strength, tactile sensitivity, and deep tendon reflexes of the lower limb in children and young people with a neurological condition. Methods Thirteen databases were systematically searched in two phases, from the date of database inception to 16 February 2017. Lower limb neurological impairment tests were first identified which evaluated muscle strength, tactile sensitivity or deep tendon reflexes in children or young people under 18 years of age with a neurological condition. Papers containing clinimetric evidence of these tests were then identified. The methodological quality of each paper was critically appraised using standardised tools and clinimetric evidence synthesised for each test. Results Thirteen papers were identified, which provided clinimetric evidence on six neurological tests. Muscle strength tests had the greatest volume of clinimetric evidence, however this evidence focused on reliability. Studies were variable in quality with inconsistent results. Clinimetric evidence for tactile sensitivity impairment tests was conflicting and difficult to extrapolate. No clinimetric evidence was found for impairment tests of deep tendon reflexes. Conclusions Limited high-quality clinimetric evidence exists for lower limb neurological impairment tests in children and young people with a neurological condition. Results of currently used neurological tests, therefore, should be interpreted with caution. Robust clinimetric evidence on these tests is required for clinicians and researchers to effectively select and evaluate rehabilitation interventions. PMID:28671957

Negotiating policy in practice: child and family health nurses' approach to the process of postnatal psychosocial assessment.

PubMed

Rollans, Mellanie; Schmied, Virginia; Kemp, Lynn; Meade, Tanya

2013-04-08

There is growing recognition internationally of the need to identify women with risk factors for poor perinatal mental health in pregnancy and following birth. In the state of New South Wales, Australia the Supporting Families Early policy provides a framework of assessment and support for women and families and includes routine psychosocial assessment and depression screening. This study investigated the approach taken by Child and Family Health Nurses (CFHNs) following birth to assessment and screening as recommended by state policy. This was a qualitative ethnographic study that included 83 CFHN and 20 women. Observations occurred with thirteen nurses; with 20 women, in the home or the clinic environment. An additional 70 nurses participated in discussion groups. An observational tool (4D&4R) and field notes were used to record observations and analysed descriptively using frequencies. Field notes, interview data and discussion group transcripts were analysed thematically. This was a qualitative ethnographic study that included 83 CFHN and 20 women. Observations occurred with thirteen nurses; with 20 women, in the home or the clinic environment. An additional 70 nurses participated in discussion groups. An observational tool (4D&4R) and field notes were used to record observations and analysed descriptively using frequencies. Field notes, interview data and discussion group transcripts were analysed thematically. CFHNs demonstrated a range of approaches to assessment and screening. Psychosocial assessment was conducted in 50% (10 out of the 20) of the interactions observed; however, all the women were screened using the Edinburgh Depression Scale. Four major themes that represent the approach taken to the assessment process were identified: 'Engagement: getting that first bit right', 'Doing some paperwork', 'Creating comfort' and 'Psychosocial assessment: doing it another way'. Nurses utilised other skills such as observing the women interacting with their baby, taking note of non verbal communication and using intuition to develop a clinical decision. Overall, nurses' took a sensitive and caring approach to assessment and screening, however, there were differences in interpretations of the policy recommendations across the two sites. Nurses adopt a flexible, relationship-based approach to the assessment process; however, they experience tension when required to incorporate structured psychosocial assessment processes. To undertake assessment and screening effectively, CFHNs require ongoing support, training and supervision to maintain this sensitive and emotionally challenging work.

Analysis Grid for Environments Linked to Obesity (ANGELO) framework to develop community-driven health programmes in an Indigenous community in Canada.

PubMed

Willows, Noreen; Dyck Fehderau, David; Raine, Kim D

2016-09-01

Indigenous First Nations people in Canada have high chronic disease morbidity resulting in part from enduring social inequities and colonialism. Obesity prevention strategies developed by and for First Nations people are crucial to improving the health status of this group. The research objective was to develop community-relevant strategies to address childhood obesity in a First Nations community. Strategies were derived from an action-based workshop based on the Analysis Grid for Environments Linked to Obesity (ANGELO) framework. Thirteen community members with wide-ranging community representation took part in the workshop. They combined personal knowledge and experience with community-specific and national research to dissect the broad array of environmental factors that influenced childhood obesity in their community. They then developed community-specific action plans focusing on healthy eating and physical activity for children and their families. Actions included increasing awareness of children's health issues among the local population and community leadership, promoting nutrition and physical activity at school, and improving recreation opportunities. Strengthening children's connection to their culture was considered paramount to improving their well-being; thus, workshop participants developed programmes that included elders as teachers and reinforced families' acquaintance with First Nations foods and activities. The research demonstrated that the ANGELO framework is a participatory way to develop community-driven health programmes. It also demonstrated that First Nations people involved in the creation of solutions to health issues in their communities may focus on decolonising approaches such as strengthening their connection to indigenous culture and traditions. External funds were not available to implement programmes and there was no formal follow-up to determine if community members implemented programmes. Future research needs to examine the extent to which community members can implement programmes on their own and whether community action plans, when implemented, lead to short- and long-term benefits in health outcomes. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Feeling "overloaded" and "shortcomings": milieu therapists' experiences of vulnerability in caring for severely mentally ill patients.

PubMed

Bachmann, Liv; Michaelsen, Ragnhild A; Vatne, Solfrid

2016-01-01

Milieu therapists' relationships with patients with severe mental illnesses are viewed as challenging. Elucidating vulnerability from their perspective in daily face-to-face encounters with patients might contribute to extending our knowledge about milieu therapists' vulnerability and the dynamics of the interaction between patients in mental health services and expertise in building caring and therapeutic relationships. The aim of this project was to study educated milieu therapists' experiences of their own vulnerability in their interactions with patients in mental health services. The data collection method was focus-group interviews. Thirteen part-time master's in mental health students (eight nurses, three social workers, two social educators) participated. All participants had experience with community or specialized mental health services (2-8 years). The milieu therapists mainly related their experiences of vulnerability to negative feelings elicited by challenging work conditions, disclosed as two main themes: 1) "overloaded", by the possibility of being physically and mentally hurt and the burdens of long-lasting close relationships; milieu therapists were extremely vulnerable because of their difficulty in protecting themselves; and 2) "shortcomings", connected to feelings of despair associated with not acting in concordance with their professional standards and insecurity about their skills to handle challenging situations, which was a threat to their professional integrity. There seemed to be coherence between vulnerability and professional inauthenticity. A misunderstanding that professionalism refers to altruism seems to increase milieu therapist vulnerability. Vulnerability in health care is of interest to multiple disciplines, and is of relevance for knowledge development in higher education. Extended knowledge and understanding about milieu therapists' vulnerability might strengthen their personal and professional integrity in professional practice in mental health services. Health care managers' focus on the supervision of individual professionals in practice and practical training is important. Further research on the coherence between vulnerability and professionalism is recommended.

[The evaluation of color vision and its diagnostic value in predicting the risk of diabetic retinopathy in patients with glucose metabolism disorders].

PubMed

Jończyk-Skórka, Katarzyna; Kowalski, Jan

2017-07-21

The aim of the study was to evaluate color vision and its diagnostic value in predicting the risk of diabetic retinopathy in patients with glucose metabolism disorders. The study involved 197 people, 92 women and 105 men aged 63.21 ± 8.74 years. In order to assess glucose metabolism disorders, patients were divided into three groups. The first group (DM) consisted of 60 people (16 women and 44 men aged 61.92 ± 8.46 years). These were people with type 2 diabetes. Second group (IFG IGT) consisted of 67 people (35 women and 32 men aged 65 ± 8.5 years). These were people who were diagnosed with impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance. The third group, the control one (K) consisted of 70 people (41 women and 29 men aged 62.6 ± 9.06 years). They were healthy individuals. In order to assess diabetic retinopathy study population was divided into two groups. The first group (BZ) consisted of 177 patients (84 women and 93 men aged 62.9 ± 8.78 years) without diabetic retinopathy. The second group (NPDR) consisted of 20 patients (8 women and 12 men aged 65.95 ± 8.17 years) with diabetic retinopathy. Glucose metabolism disorders were diagnosed with glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Evaluation of retinopathy was based on eye examination. All patients underwent binocular Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue color vision test (test result is a Total Error Score - TES). In the healthy control group (K) there were less patients with diabetic retinopathy (p = 0,0101), and less patients with abnormal color vision test (p = 0,0001) than in other groups. Majority of patients in K group had generalized abnormalities of color vision while other groups demonstrated tritanomalią (p = 0,0018). It was discovered that sTES value adequately distinguishes group K from group IFG, IGT, DM (AUC = 0,673), group K from group DM (AUC = 0,701), and group K from group IFG IGT (AUC = 0,648) sTES does not differentiate groups IGT, IFG and DM (AUC = 0,563). It was shown that in IGT, IFG group sTES was an independent risk factor that increased the risk of prediabetes almost six times (OR 5,924, 95% CI [1,169- 30,036], p = 0,032). In DM group sTES was an independent risk factor, which increased the risk of diabetes more than thirteen times (OR 13,408, 95% CI [2,324-77,345], p = 0,004). Higher values of sTES occurred in patients with retinopathy (NPDR) (p <0,001) and multivariate analyzes demonstrated that sTES ≥1.04 was an independent risk factor that increased the risk of retinopathy over twenty times (OR 21,380, 95% CI [1,101 -89,241], p <0,001). sTES is an independent risk factor for glucose metabolism disorders that increases the risk of prediabetes almost six times and the risk of diabetes more than thirteen times. sTES ≥1,04 is an independent risk factor for diabetic retinopathy. sTES ≥1,04 increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy over twenty times. The color vision 100 Hue test can be useful in detecting glucose metabolism disorders even before the ophthalmoscopic manifestation of retinopathy. Early detection rises the possibility to prevent or delay the development of diabetes through lifestyle changes and implementation of healthy behaviors.

The Efficacy of High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Improving Apathy in Chronic Stroke Patients.

PubMed

Sasaki, Nobuyuki; Hara, Takatoshi; Yamada, Naoki; Niimi, Masachika; Kakuda, Wataru; Abo, Masahiro

2017-01-01

Although repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for hemiparesis is beneficial, so far no study has examined the usefulness of rTMS for apathy. Thirteen patients with chronic stroke were assigned randomly to 2 groups: rTMS group (n = 7) and sham stimulation group (n = 6). The patients received 5 sessions of either high-frequency rTMS over the region spanning from the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) to medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) or sham stimulation for 5 days. The severity of apathy was evaluated using the Apathy Scale (AS) and the severity of depression was evaluated using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS) serially before and after the 5-day protocol. The AS and QIDS scores were significantly improved in the rTMS group, although they were not changed in the sham stimulation group. The degree of change in the AS score was significantly greater in the rTMS group than that in the sham stimulation group. The degree of change in the QIDS score was greater in the rTMS group than that in the sham stimulation group, although the difference was not statistically significant. The application of high frequency rTMS over the dACC and mPFC may be a useful intervention for apathy due to stroke. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

The emergence of community health worker programmes in the late apartheid era in South Africa: An historical analysis

PubMed Central

van Ginneken, Nadja; Lewin, Simon; Berridge, Virginia

2010-01-01

There is re-emerging interest in community health workers (CHWs) as part of wider policies regarding task-shifting within human resources for health. This paper examines the history of CHW programmes established in South Africa in the later apartheid years (1970s–1994) – a time of innovative initiatives. After 1994, the new democratic government embraced primary healthcare (PHC), however CHW initiatives were not included in their health plan and most of these programmes subsequently collapsed. Since then a wide array of disease-focused CHW projects have emerged, particularly within HIV care. Thirteen oral history interviews and eight witness seminars were conducted in South Africa in April 2008 with founders and CHWs from these earlier programmes. These data were triangulated with written primary sources and analysed using thematic content analysis. The study suggests that 1970s–1990s CHW programmes were seen as innovative, responsive, comprehensive and empowering for staff and communities, a focus which respondents felt was lost within current programmes. The growth of these earlier projects was underpinned by the struggle against apartheid. Respondents felt that the more technical focus of current CHW programmes under-utilise a valuable human resource which previously had a much wider social and health impact. These prior experiences and lessons learned could usefully inform policy-making frameworks for CHWs in South Africa today. PMID:20638169

The emergence of community health worker programmes in the late apartheid era in South Africa: An historical analysis.

PubMed

van Ginneken, Nadja; Lewin, Simon; Berridge, Virginia

2010-09-01

There is re-emerging interest in community health workers (CHWs) as part of wider policies regarding task-shifting within human resources for health. This paper examines the history of CHW programmes established in South Africa in the later apartheid years (1970s-1994) - a time of innovative initiatives. After 1994, the new democratic government embraced primary healthcare (PHC), however CHW initiatives were not included in their health plan and most of these programmes subsequently collapsed. Since then a wide array of disease-focused CHW projects have emerged, particularly within HIV care. Thirteen oral history interviews and eight witness seminars were conducted in South Africa in April 2008 with founders and CHWs from these earlier programmes. These data were triangulated with written primary sources and analysed using thematic content analysis. The study suggests that 1970s-1990s CHW programmes were seen as innovative, responsive, comprehensive and empowering for staff and communities, a focus which respondents felt was lost within current programmes. The growth of these earlier projects was underpinned by the struggle against apartheid. Respondents felt that the more technical focus of current CHW programmes under-utilise a valuable human resource which previously had a much wider social and health impact. These prior experiences and lessons learned could usefully inform policy-making frameworks for CHWs in South Africa today. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rehabilitation of neglected Monteggia fracture: Dislocations in children.

PubMed

Yıldırım, Azad; Nas, Kemal

2017-11-06

There are limited studies related to the rehabilitation of neglected Monteggia fracture-dislocations. This study reports the results of the rehabilitation of neglected Monteggia fractures and dislocations and the best treatment options available. Thirteen children were rehabilitated between 2009 and 2012. A retrospective chart review was conducted to record the following: age, gender, anatomic region of fractures, time delay from symptom onset to fracture, Bado classification, Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) which includes pain, range of motion and daily life comfort, surgeries, length of hospitalization, location and pattern of fracture, length of follow-up and complications. The study group included thirteen children and adolescents; eleven males and two females with a mean age of 8.5 (range 2-15) years. According to the Bado classification, 11 patients had type 1, one had type 3 and one had type 4 fracture-dislocations. For Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) scales, patients that were less than ten years old had greater mean scores. Two patients had superficial infection, one had subluxation, one had osteoarthritis, one had delayed bone union and two had rigidity at the elbow. The goals of elbow rehabilitation following Neglected Monteggia cases include restoring function by restoring motion and muscle performance; influencing scar remodeling and preventing joint contracture; and restoring or maintaining joint stability. Patients aged younger than 10 years and intervals of less than one-year, between trauma and diagnosis, as well as early and effective rehabilitation were found as important parameters regarding favorable outcomes.

Smoking cessation and the Internet: a qualitative method examining online consumer behavior.

PubMed

Frisby, Genevieve; Bessell, Tracey L; Borland, Ron; Anderson, Jeremy N

2002-01-01

Smoking is a major preventable cause of disease and disability around the world. Smoking cessation support-including information, discussion groups, cognitive behavioral treatment, and self-help materials-can be delivered via the Internet. There is limited information about the reasons and methods consumers access smoking cessation information on the Internet. This study aims to determine the feasibility of a method to examine the online behavior of consumers seeking smoking cessation resources. In particular, we sought to identify the reasons and methods consumers use to access and assess the quality of these resources. Thirteen participants were recruited via the state-based Quit smoking cessation campaign, operated by the Victorian Cancer Council, in December 2001. Online behavior was evaluated using semi-structured interviews and Internet simulations where participants sought smoking cessation information and addressed set-case scenarios. Online interaction was tracked through pervasive logging with specialist software. Thirteen semi-structured interviews and 4 Internet simulations were conducted in January 2002. Participants sought online smoking cessation resources for reasons of convenience, timeliness, and anonymity-and because their current information needs were unmet. They employed simple search strategies and could not always find information in an efficient manner. Participants employed several different strategies to assess the quality of online health resources. Consumer online behavior can be studied using a combination of survey, observation, and online surveillance. However, further qualitative and observational research is required to harness the full potential of the Internet to deliver public health resources.

Unexplained hepatitis following halothane.

PubMed Central

Walton, B; Simpson, B R; Strunin, L; Doniach, D; Perrin, J; Appleyard, A J

1976-01-01

Full clinical and laboratory details of 203 patients with postoperative jaundice were submitted to a panel of hepatologists. All patients whose jaundice may have had an identifiable cause were excluded, which left 76 patients with unexplained hepatitis following halothane anaesthesia (UHFH). Hepatitis in 95% of these cases followed multiple exposure to halothane, with repeated exposure within four weeks in 55% of cases. Twenty-nine patients were obese, 52 were aged 41-70, and 53 were women. Thirteen patients died in acute hepatic failure. Rapid onset of jaundice after anaesthesia, male sex, and obesity in either sex were poor prognostic signs. Of the clinical stigmata of hypersensitivity, only eosinophilia was impressive. The UHFH group had a much greater incidence of liver kidney microsomal (LKM) and thyroid antibodies and autoimmune complement fixation than those patients whose jaundice related to identifiable factors. Thirteen of the 19 patients with LKM antibodies also had thyroid antibodies. In six patients retested two to three years later LKM antibodies had disappeared, although thyroid antibodies persisted. Rapidly repeated exposure to halothane may cause hepatitis, but such a complication is probably rare. Possibly obese women with a tendency to organ-specific autoimmunity may be more at risk. Nevertheless, the comparative risks of rapidly repeated halothane or non-halothane anaesthesia cannot be determined from the present data. If alternative satisfactory agents are available halothane should be avoided in patients with unexplained hepatitis after previous exposure, although in three to five patients with UHFH who were re-exposed to halothane jaundice did not recur. PMID:1268612

[The usefullness of implantable loop recorders for evaluation of unexplained syncope and palpitations].

PubMed

Kristjánsdóttir, Ingibjörg; Reimarsdóttir, Guđrun; Arnar, Davíđ O

2012-09-01

Syncope is a common complaint and determining the underlying cause can be difficult despite extensive evaluation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of an implantable loop recorder for patients with unexplained syncope and palpitations. This was a retrospective analysis of 18 patients, five of whom still have the device implanted. All patients had undergone extensive evaluation for their symptoms before getting the loop recorder implanted and this was therefore a highly select group. Of the thirteen patients where use of the device was completed, the mean age was 65±20 years. The loop recorder was in use for a mean time of 20±13 months. Unexplained syncope, eleven of thirteen, was the most common indication. The other two received the loop recorder for unexplained palpitations. Four patients had sick sinus syndrome during monitoring, three had supraventricular tachycardia and one had ventricular tachycardia. Further three had typical symptoms but no arrhythmia was recorded and excluding that as a cause. Two patients had no symptoms the entire time they had the loop recorder. Of the five patients still with the device three had syncope as the indication for monitoring and two have the device as a means of evaluating the results of treatment for arrhythmia. This study on our initial experience with implantable loop recorders shows that these devices can be useful in the investigation of the causes of syncope and palpitations.

Podiatry Ankle Duplex Scan: Readily Learned and Accurate in Diabetes.

PubMed

Normahani, Pasha; Powezka, Katarzyna; Aslam, Mohammed; Standfield, Nigel J; Jaffer, Usman

2018-03-01

We aimed to train podiatrists to perform a focused duplex ultrasound scan (DUS) of the tibial vessels at the ankle in diabetic patients; podiatry ankle (PodAnk) duplex scan. Thirteen podiatrists underwent an intensive 3-hour long simulation training session. Participants were then assessed performing bilateral PodAnk duplex scans of 3 diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease. Participants were assessed using the duplex ultrasound objective structured assessment of technical skills (DUOSATS) tool and an "Imaging Score". A total of 156 vessel assessments were performed. All patients had abnormal waveforms with a loss of triphasic flow. Loss of triphasic flow was accurately detected in 145 (92.9%) vessels; the correct waveform was identified in 139 (89.1%) cases. Participants achieved excellent DUOSATS scores (median 24 [interquartile range: 23-25], max attainable score of 26) as well as "Imaging Scores" (8 [8-8], max attainable score of 8) indicating proficiency in technical skills. The mean time taken for each bilateral ankle assessment was 20.4 minutes (standard deviation ±6.7). We have demonstrated that a focused DUS for the purpose of vascular assessment of the diabetic foot is readily learned using intensive simulation training.

A qualitative study of the impact of Crohn's disease from a patient's perspective.

PubMed

Wilburn, Jeanette; Twiss, James; Kemp, Karen; McKenna, Stephen P

2017-01-01

To understand how the lives of people with Crohn's disease (CD) are affected. Most research in CD has focused on symptoms and functioning rather than on how these outcomes influence quality of life (QoL). As part of a study to develop a CD-specific patient-reported outcome measure, qualitative interviews were conducted with patients from Manchester Royal Infirmary to determine how CD affects QoL. The needs-based model was adopted for the study. The interviews, which took the form of focused conversations covering all aspects of the impact of CD and its treatment, were audio-recorded. Theoretical thematic analysis of the transcripts identified needs affected by CD. Thirty patients (60% female) aged 25-68 years were interviewed. Participants had experienced CD for between 2 and 40 years. Nearly 1300 statements relating to the impact of CD were identified. Thirteen main need themes were identified: nutrition, hygiene, continence, freedom from infection, security, self-esteem, role, attractiveness, relationships, intimacy, clear-mindedness, pleasure and autonomy. The findings from the interviews indicate that CD has a major impact on need-fulfilment. Such issues should be addressed in CD audit, clinical trials and when evaluating clinical practice.

Contribution of plastic waste recovery to greenhouse gas (GHG) savings in Spain.

PubMed

Sevigné-Itoiz, Eva; Gasol, Carles M; Rieradevall, Joan; Gabarrell, Xavier

2015-12-01

This paper concentrates on the quantification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of post-consumer plastic waste recovery (material or energy) by considering the influence of the plastic waste quality (high or low), the recycled plastic applications (virgin plastic substitution or non-plastic substitution) and the markets of recovered plastic (regional or global). The aim is to quantify the environmental consequences of different alternatives in order to evaluate opportunities and limitations to select the best and most feasible plastic waste recovery option to decrease the GHG emissions. The methodologies of material flow analysis (MFA) for a time period of thirteen years and consequential life cycle assessment (CLCA) have been integrated. The study focuses on Spain as a representative country for Europe. The results show that to improve resource efficiency and avoid more GHG emissions, the options for plastic waste management are dependent on the quality of the recovered plastic. The results also show that there is an increasing trend of exporting plastic waste for recycling, mainly to China, that reduces the GHG benefits from recycling, suggesting that a new focus should be introduced to take into account the split between local recycling and exporting. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Significance of Sexuality and Intimacy in the Lives of Older African Americans With HIV/AIDS

PubMed Central

Nevedal, Andrea; Sankar, Andrea

2016-01-01

Purpose of the Study: Aging and HIV/AIDS research focuses primarily on standardized clinical, social, and behavioral measures, leaving unanswered questions about how this chronic and stigmatizing condition affects life course expectations and the meaning of aging with the disease. Utilizing Gaylene Becker’s (1997) life course disruption theory, we explored older African Americans’ experiences of living with HIV/AIDS. Design and Methods: A purposive sample (N = 43) of seropositive African Americans aged 50 and older was selected from a parent study. Thirteen participants completed one semi-structured in-depth interview on life course expectations and experiences of living with HIV/AIDS. Interview transcripts were analyzed using standard qualitative coding and thematic analysis. Results: Responding to broad, open-ended questions about the impact of HIV on life course expectations, participants emphasized how HIV limited their ability to experience sexuality and intimacy. Two major themes emerged, damaged sexuality and constrained intimacy. Implications: Older African Americans’ discussions of living with HIV focused on the importance of and the challenges to sexuality and intimacy. Researchers and clinicians should be attentive to significant and ongoing HIV-related challenges to sexuality and intimacy facing older African Americans living with HIV/AIDS. PMID:26035889

Redescription of 13 holotypes of Rheocricotopus Brundin, 1956 (Diptera: Chironomidae) from the Sino-Indian Region.

PubMed

Fu, Yue; Huang, Jingli; Liu, Wenbin; Fang, Xiangliang; Wang, Xinhua

2016-05-24

Thirteen holotypes of the orthoclad genus Rheocricotopus from Sino-Indian Region: R. (Psilocricotopus) hidakadeeus Sasa & Suzuki, R. (P.) isigadeeus Sasa & Suzuki, R. (P.) kurocedeus Sasa, R. (P.) tokarakeleus Sasa & Suzuki, R. (P.) tobatervicesimus Kikuchi & Sasa, R. (Rheocricotopus) inaquereus Sasa, Kitami & Suzuki, R. (R.) inaxeyeus Sasa, Kitami & Suzuki, R. (R.) shoufukusecundus Sasa, R. (R.) tamahumeralis Sasa, R. (R.) tatequintus Sasa, R. (R.) tedorisecundus Sasa, R. (R.) togapeniculus Sasa & Okazawa and R. (R.) yakulemeus Sasa & Suzuki are re-examined and illustrated, Some additional descriptions, corrections and a key of these thirteen holotypes are given.

Phase 1 engineering and technical data report for the thermal control extravehicular life support system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

A shuttle EVLSS Thermal Control System (TCS) is defined. Thirteen heat rejection subsystems, thirteen water management subsystems, nine humidity control subsystems, three pressure control schemes and five temperature control schemes are evaluated. Sixteen integrated TCS systems are studied, and an optimum system is selected based on quantitative weighting of weight, volume, cost, complexity and other factors. The selected sybsystem contains a sublimator for heat rejection, a bubble expansion tank for water management, and a slurper and rotary separator for humidity control. Design of the selected subsystem prototype hardware is presented.

Mobile learning module improves knowledge of medical shock for forward surgical team members.

PubMed

Schulman, Carl I; Garcia, George D; Wyckoff, Mary M; Duncan, Robert C; Withum, Kelly F; Graygo, Jill

2012-11-01

Acute trauma care is characterized by dynamic situations that require adequate preparation to ensure success for military health professionals. The use of mobile learning in this environment can provide a solution that standardizes education and replaces traditional didactic lectures. A comparative evaluation with a pre-post test design regarding medical shock was delivered via either a didactic lecture or a mobile learning video module to U.S. Army Forward Surgical Team (FST) members. Participants completed a pretest, were randomly assigned to treatment group by FST, and then completed the post-test and scenario assessment. One-hundred and thirteen FST members participated with 53 in the mobile learning group and 60 in the lecture group (control). The percent mean score for the mobile learning group increased from 43.6 to 70 from pretest to post-test, with a scenario mean score of M = 56.2. The percent mean score for the control group increased from 41.5 to 72.5, with a scenario mean score of M = 59.7. The two-way analysis of variance mean score difference was 26.4 for the mobile learning group and 31.0 for the control, F = 2.18, (p = 0.14). Mobile learning modules, coupled with a structured assessment, have the potential to improve educational experiences in civilian and military settings.

Combined therapy in vulvar lichen sclerosus: does topical tretinoin improve the efficacy of mometasone furoate?

PubMed

Borghi, Alessandro; Minghetti, Sara; Toni, Giulia; Virgili, Annarosa; Corazza, Monica

2017-09-01

Abstrract Purpose: To assess efficacy and safety profile of combining a potent corticosteroid with a retinoid in the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS). We retrospectively compared 21 VLS patients treated with tretinoin (T) in short-contact therapy and mometasone furoate (MMF) (group A) and 20 treated with cold cream (CC) and MMF (group B) for 5 consecutive days/week for 12 weeks. The efficacy parameters were the response rate, the percentage of patients achieving an improvement from baseline of ≥75% in subjective and objective scores and the mean reduction in subjective and objective scores. Thirteen patients (75.2%) were considered as responders in group A and 15 (78.9%) in group B; 50% and 61.1% of patients in group A and 100% and 63.1% in group B achieved an improvement of at least 75% in subjective and objective scores, respectively. The scheme combining MMF and CC was better tolerated than the combination of MMF and T. The combination with a topical retinoid did not enhance the effectiveness of a potent corticosteroid in the treatment of VLS. Either the scarce efficacy of the short-contact therapy regimen or a less favorable safety profile of such combination may account for these findings.

Effects of high doses of oxytetracycline on metacarpophalangeal joint kinematics in neonatal foals.

PubMed

Kasper, C A; Clayton, H M; Wright, A K; Skuba, E V; Petrie, L

1995-07-01

Thirteen clinically normal Belgian-type foals were used to study the effects of high doses of oxytetracycline on metacarpophalangeal joint kinematics. Seven foals (treatment group) received 2 doses of oxytetracycline (3 g, IV). The first dose was given when foals were 4 days old; the second dose was given 24 hours later. Six foals (control group) received 2 doses of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (15 ml, IV) at equivalent time periods. All foals were videotaped at a walk twice: immediately prior to the first treatment and 24 hours after the second treatment. The tapes were digitized, and metacarpophalangeal joint angle was measured along the palmar surface of the limb during 3 strides. The angular data were normalized for time, and data from the 3 strides were averaged to describe a representative stride. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to test for differences between groups and within groups over time. Values for stride duration, stance phase percentage, and minimum metacarpophalangeal joint angle obtained before treatment were not significantly different from values obtained after treatment. Maximum metacarpophalangeal joint angle, which occurred during the stance phase of the stride, and range of joint motion were significantly increased for foals in the treatment group, compared with foals in the control group.

Focus groups: a useful tool for curriculum evaluation.

PubMed

Frasier, P Y; Slatt, L; Kowlowitz, V; Kollisch, D O; Mintzer, M

1997-01-01

Focus group interviews have been used extensively in health services program planning, health education, and curriculum planning. However, with the exception of a few reports describing the use of focus groups for a basic science course evaluation and a clerkship's impact on medical students, the potential of focus groups as a tool for curriculum evaluation has not been explored. Focus groups are a valid stand-alone evaluation process, but they are most often used in combination with other quantitative and qualitative methods. Focus groups rely heavily on group interaction, combining elements of individual interviews and participant observation. This article compares the focus group interview with both quantitative and qualitative methods; discusses when to use focus group interviews; outlines a protocol for conducting focus groups, including a comparison of various styles of qualitative data analysis; and offers a case study, in which focus groups evaluated the effectiveness of a pilot preclinical curriculum.

[The randomized controlled trial of influences of T shape approach on the function of knee joint in the treatment of proximal tibial fractures].

PubMed

Peng, Wei-xiong; Zhang, Zhi; Liang, Jie-hong

2008-04-01

To investigate the clinical value of T shape approach in the treatment of proximal tibial fractures. One handrend and thirteen patients of proximal tibial fractures were randomly divided into two groups. Group A: 62 cases underwent the traditional exposure approach. According to Schatzker classification,the cases of II to VI type was 25, 10, 16, 6, 5 respectively. Group B:51 cases underwent T shape approach ahead of knee joint, the cases of II to VI type was 21, 8, 13, 5, 4 respectively. All data were analyzed by SPSS 10.0 to compare operation time, blood loss, duration of hospitalization, healing time, the time of osseous union and complications after operation. Sixty patients in group A and 50 patients in group B were followed-up from 12 to 24 months. (1) Operation time:group B was longer than A (P < 0.01). (2) Mean blood loss and duration of hospitalization was the same. (3) Clinical healing time:group B was shorter. (4) Mean time of osseous union: 48 group B was shorter. Function of knee: group B was better than group A. (Complication: group B was less than group A. As compared with traditional exposure approach, T shape approach of knee joint had advantages of small scar, fewer complications, faster union of fracture and earlier recovery of joint function. The approach is valuable for the treatment of proximal tibial fractures.

Molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 subtype A in former Soviet Union countries.

PubMed

Aibekova, Lazzat; Foley, Brian; Hortelano, Gonzalo; Raees, Muhammad; Abdraimov, Sabit; Toichuev, Rakhmanbek; Ali, Syed

2018-01-01

While in other parts of the world it is on decline, incidence of HIV infection continues to rise in the former Soviet Union (FSU) countries. The present study was conducted to investigate the patterns and modes of HIV transmission in FSU countries. We performed phylogenetic analysis of publicly available 2705 HIV-1 subtype A pol sequences from thirteen FSU countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Our analysis showed that the clusters from FSU countries were intermixed, indicating a possible role of transmigration in HIV transmission. Injection drug use was found to be the most frequent mode of transmission, while the clusters from PWID and heterosexual transmission were intermixed, indicating bridging of HIV infection across populations. To control the expanding HIV epidemic in this region, harm reduction strategies should be focused on three modes of transmission, namely, cross-border migration, injection drug use and heterosexual.

Understanding gene functions and disease mechanisms: Phenotyping pipelines in the German Mouse Clinic.

PubMed

Fuchs, Helmut; Aguilar-Pimentel, Juan Antonio; Amarie, Oana V; Becker, Lore; Calzada-Wack, Julia; Cho, Yi-Li; Garrett, Lillian; Hölter, Sabine M; Irmler, Martin; Kistler, Martin; Kraiger, Markus; Mayer-Kuckuk, Philipp; Moreth, Kristin; Rathkolb, Birgit; Rozman, Jan; da Silva Buttkus, Patricia; Treise, Irina; Zimprich, Annemarie; Gampe, Kristine; Hutterer, Christine; Stöger, Claudia; Leuchtenberger, Stefanie; Maier, Holger; Miller, Manuel; Scheideler, Angelika; Wu, Moya; Beckers, Johannes; Bekeredjian, Raffi; Brielmeier, Markus; Busch, Dirk H; Klingenspor, Martin; Klopstock, Thomas; Ollert, Markus; Schmidt-Weber, Carsten; Stöger, Tobias; Wolf, Eckhard; Wurst, Wolfgang; Yildirim, Ali Önder; Zimmer, Andreas; Gailus-Durner, Valérie; Hrabě de Angelis, Martin

2017-09-29

Since decades, model organisms have provided an important approach for understanding the mechanistic basis of human diseases. The German Mouse Clinic (GMC) was the first phenotyping facility that established a collaboration-based platform for phenotype characterization of mouse lines. In order to address individual projects by a tailor-made phenotyping strategy, the GMC advanced in developing a series of pipelines with tests for the analysis of specific disease areas. For a general broad analysis, there is a screening pipeline that covers the key parameters for the most relevant disease areas. For hypothesis-driven phenotypic analyses, there are thirteen additional pipelines with focus on neurological and behavioral disorders, metabolic dysfunction, respiratory system malfunctions, immune-system disorders and imaging techniques. In this article, we give an overview of the pipelines and describe the scientific rationale behind the different test combinations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Insight in the 3D morphology of silica-based nanotubes using electron microscopy.

PubMed

Dennenwaldt, Teresa; Wisnet, Andreas; Sedlmaier, Stefan J; Döblinger, Markus; Schnick, Wolfgang; Scheu, Christina

2016-11-01

Amorphous silica-based nanotubes (SBNTs) were synthesized from phosphoryl triamide, OP(NH 2 ) 3 , thiophosphoryl triamide, SP(NH 2 ) 3 , and silicon tetrachloride, SiCl 4 , at different temperatures and with varying amount of the starting material SiCl 4 using a recently developed template-free synthesis approach. Diameter and length of the SBNTs are tunable by varying the synthesis parameters. The 3D mesocrystals of the SBNTs were analyzed with focused ion beam sectioning and electron tomography in the transmission electron microscope showing the hollow tubular structure of the SBNTs. The reconstruction of a small SBNT assembly was achieved from a high-angle annular-dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy tilt series containing only thirteen images allowing analyzing beam sensitive material without altering the structure. The reconstruction revealed that the individual nanotubes are forming an interconnected array with an open channel structure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interventions to Improve Grandparent Caregivers' Mental and Physical Health: An Integrative Review.

PubMed

Sumo, Jen'nea; Wilbur, JoEllen; Julion, Wrenetha; Buchholz, Susan; Schoeny, Michael

2017-04-01

The aim of this integrative review is to appraise grandparent caregiver interventions that are designed to improve their physical and mental health. A database search was performed to identify relevant studies published between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 2014. Thirteen publications, including 11 studies, met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. All studies included grandparent mental health outcomes with fewer focusing on physical health and social relations. Improvements were found in all three areas with fewer improvements seen in physical health. However, small effect sizes were seen with most measures of these outcomes. Although the interventions led to positive grandparent caregiver outcomes, the studies were limited by their design, only one of which was a randomized controlled trial. Also, interventions did not consider variations in the grandchild's or parent's ages or if the grandparent provided primary or shared care. These gaps should be addressed in future research.

Effects of microgravity on cognition: The case of mental imagery.

PubMed

Grabherr, Luzia; Mast, Fred W

2010-01-01

Human cognitive performance is an important factor for the successful and safe outcome of commercial and non-commercial manned space missions. This article aims to provide a systematic review of studies investigating the effects of microgravity on the cognitive abilities of parabolic or space flight participants due to the absence of the gravito-inertial force. We will focus on mental imagery: one of the best studied cognitive functions. Mental imagery is closely connected to perception and motor behavior. It aids important processes such as perceptual anticipation, problem solving and motor simulation, all of which are critical for space travel. Thirteen studies were identified and classified into the following topics: spatial representations, mental image transformations and motor imagery. While research on spatial representation and mental image transformation continues to grow and specific differences in cognitive functioning between 1 g and 0 g have been observed, motor imagery has thus far received little attention.

Restarting and recentering genetic algorithm variations for DNA fragment assembly: The necessity of a multi-strategy approach.

PubMed

Hughes, James Alexander; Houghten, Sheridan; Ashlock, Daniel

2016-12-01

DNA Fragment assembly - an NP-Hard problem - is one of the major steps in of DNA sequencing. Multiple strategies have been used for this problem, including greedy graph-based algorithms, deBruijn graphs, and the overlap-layout-consensus approach. This study focuses on the overlap-layout-consensus approach. Heuristics and computational intelligence methods are combined to exploit their respective benefits. These algorithm combinations were able to produce high quality results surpassing the best results obtained by a number of competitive algorithms specially designed and tuned for this problem on thirteen of sixteen popular benchmarks. This work also reinforces the necessity of using multiple search strategies as it is clearly observed that algorithm performance is dependent on problem instance; without a deeper look into many searches, top solutions could be missed entirely. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

A Semester-Long Project-Oriented Biochemistry Laboratory Based on Helicobacter pylori Urease

PubMed Central

Farnham, Kate R.; Dube, Danielle H.

2015-01-01

Here we present the development of a thirteen-week project-oriented biochemistry laboratory designed to introduce students to foundational biochemical techniques and then enable students to perform original research projects once they have mastered these techniques. In particular, we describe a semester-long laboratory that focuses on a biomedically relevant enzyme – Helicobacter pylori (Hp) urease – the activity of which is absolutely required for the gastric pathogen Hp to colonize the human stomach. Over the course of the semester, students undertake a biochemical purification of Hp urease, assess the success of their purification, and investigate the activity of their purified enzyme. In the final weeks of the semester, students design and implement their own experiments to study Hp urease. This laboratory provides students with an understanding of the importance of biochemistry in human health while empowering them to engage in an active area of research. PMID:26173574

An examination of data quality on QSAR Modeling in regards ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The development of QSAR models is critically dependent on the quality of available data. As part of our efforts to develop public platforms to provide access to predictive models, we have attempted to discriminate the influence of the quality versus quantity of data available to develop and validate QSAR models. We have focused our efforts on the widely used EPISuite software that was initially developed over two decades ago and, specifically, on the PHYSPROP dataset used to train the EPISuite prediction models. This presentation will review our approaches to examining key datasets, the delivery of curated data and the development of machine-learning models for thirteen separate property endpoints of interest to environmental science. We will also review how these data will be made freely accessible to the community via a new “chemistry dashboard”. This abstract does not reflect U.S. EPA policy. presentation at UNC-CH.

High altitude color photography as a tool for regional analysis: As demonstrated for southeastern Florida

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eyre, L. A.

1972-01-01

High altitude color and color infrared photography of the tri-county region of southeast Florida made it feasible to evaluate its potential for quantifying the dimensions of regional change. Attention was focused upon three main aspects of change in the region, which in fact overlap. These were; (1) the transformation of the southeast Florida wetlands; (2) the expansion of agriculture; and (3) the growth of the urbanized area. The development analyzed covered the period of thirteen years from 1956 to 1969. Results using this new 18 km photography were superior because of the degree of resolution, the combined power of color and color infrared interpretation, and the large area covered by each frame. The greatest advantage of high altitude imagery is the time-saving element, since it is possible to delineate and identify major geographic patterns over thousands of sq km very rapidly.

The Welfare of Bears in Zoos: A Case Study of Poland.

PubMed

Maślak, Robert; Sergiel, Agnieszka; Bowles, David; Paśko, Łukasz

2016-01-01

The welfare of captive bears became a big issue of concern in Poland when a case of a bear being ill-treated became a high-profile case in the media. This case created a challenge to verify, study, and understand the main problems associated with bear keeping so that zoos could significantly improve the conditions in which they keep bears or ensure they keep bears at the minimum required standards. The results presented here are from 1 of the few countrywide studies of captive bear conditions conducted in all the captive institutions in Poland that keep bears. Thirteen institutions kept bears at the time of the study (2007-2009), including 54 individuals of 5 species. Major welfare problems were identified, and the results have been used to challenge zoos to address the changes required and focus the government's attention on areas that require legislative improvement.

Effects of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on glycaemic control and skeletal muscle mitochondrial function in db/db mice.

PubMed

Chavanelle, Vivien; Boisseau, Nathalie; Otero, Yolanda F; Combaret, Lydie; Dardevet, Dominique; Montaurier, Christophe; Delcros, Geoffrey; Peltier, Sébastien L; Sirvent, Pascal

2017-03-16

Physical activity is known as an effective strategy for prevention and treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. The aim of this work was to compare the effects of a traditional Moderate Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) with a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function in diabetic mice. Diabetic db/db male mice (N = 25) aged 6 weeks were subdivided into MICT, HIIT or control (CON) group. Animals in the training groups ran on a treadmill 5 days/week during 10 weeks. MICT group ran for 80 min (0° slope) at 50-60% of maximal speed (Vmax) reached during an incremental test. HIIT group ran thirteen times 4 minutes (20° slope) at 85-90% of Vmax separated by 2-min-rest periods. HIIT lowered fasting glycaemia and HbA1c compared with CON group (p < 0.05). In all mitochondrial function markers assessed, no differences were noted between the three groups except for total amount of electron transport chain proteins, slightly increased in the HIIT group vs CON. Western blot analysis revealed a significant increase of muscle Glut4 content (about 2 fold) and higher insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation ratios in HIIT group. HIIT seems to improve glucose metabolism more efficiently than MICT in diabetic mice by mechanisms independent of mitochondrial adaptations.

[Efficacies of ¹³¹I-chTNT plus radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma].

PubMed

Tu, Jianfei; Ji, Jiansong; Wu, Fazong; Zhang, Dengke; Ying, Xihui; Zhao, Zhongwei

2014-12-09

To evaluate the efficacies of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) plus iodine (¹³¹I) tumor necrosis therapy monoclonal antibody (¹³¹I-chTNT) for advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma. The clinical data of 38 hepatocellular carcinoma patients confirmed clinically or pathologically were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into 2 groups (RFA group, n = 22; combination group, n = 16) according to the treatment mode. The median follow-up period was 31 (8-49) months.Survival was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method and the survival curve compared by log-rank test. Thirteen cases in RFA group and 7 cases in combination group died of tumor progression or complications of liver cirrhosis. The median survival time in combination group was significantly than RFA group (43 vs 37 months) (P = 0.039). The overall survival rates at 1, 2 and 3 years (100%, 87.5%, 75% respectively) were higher than those in RFA group (81.8%, 58.2%, 51.7% respectively). For hepatocellular carcinoma with a special site and a diameter ≥ 5 cm, RFA plus ¹³¹I-chTNT treatment can prolong progression-free survival time. And its short-term curative effect is better than that of RFA therapy. And the long-term outcomes may be further explored by a large-sample, multi-center and randomized trial.

Focus group discussion in built environment qualitative research practice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Omar, D.

2018-02-01

Focus groups discussion is a useful way in built environment for qualitative research practice. Drawing upon recent reviews of focus group discussion and examples of how focus group discussions have been used by researchers and educators, this paper provides what actually happens in focus group discussion as practiced. There is difference between group of people and topic of interest. This article examines the focus group discussions as practiced in built environment. Thus, there is broad form of focus group discussions as practiced in built environment and the applications are varied.

Effectiveness of music-based interventions on motricity or cognitive functioning in neurological populations: a systematic review.

PubMed

Moumdjian, Lousin; Sarkamo, Teppo; Leone, Carmela; Leman, Marc; Feys, Peter

2017-06-01

Motor and cognitive symptoms are frequent in persons with neurological disorders and often require extensive long-term rehabilitation. Recently, a variety of music-based interventions have been introduced into neurological rehabilitation as training tools. This review aims to 1) describe and define music-based intervention modalities and content which are applied in experimental studies; and 2) describe the effects of these interventions on motor and/or cognitive symptoms in the neurological population. The databases PubMed and Web of Science were searched. Cited references of included articles where screened for potential inclusion. A systematic literature search up to 20th of June 2016 was conducted to include controlled trials and cohort studies that have used music-based interventions for ≥3 weeks in the neurological population (in- and outpatients) targeting motor and/or cognitive symptoms. No limitations to publication date was set. EVIDENCE SYNTHESISː Nineteen articles comprising thirteen randomized controlled trials (total participants Nexp=241, Nctrl=269), four controlled trials (Nexp=59, Nctrl=53) and two cohort studies (N.=27) were included. Fourteen studies were conducted in stroke, three in Parkinson's disease, and two in multiple sclerosis population. Modalities of music-based interventions were clustered into four groups: instrument-based, listening-based, rhythm-based, and multicomponent-based music interventions. Overall, studies consistently showed that music-based interventions had similar or larger effects than conventional rehabilitation on upper limb function (N.=16; fine motricity, hand and arm capacity, finger and hand tapping velocity/variability), mobility (N.=7; gait parameters), and cognition (N.=4; verbal memory and focused attention). CONCLUSIONSː Variety of modalities using music-based interventions has been identified and grouped into four clusters. Effects of interventions demonstrate an improvement in the domains assessed. Evidence is most available for improving motricity in stroke. More studies are warranted to investigate cognition as well as motor and cognition dysfunctions in combination. Instrument-based music interventions can improve fine motor dexterity and gross motor functions in stroke. Rhythm-based music interventions can improve gait parameters of velocity and cadence in stroke, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. Cognition in the domains of verbal memory and focused attention can improve after listening-based music interventions in stroke.

Iatrogenic nerve injuries during shoulder surgery.

PubMed

Carofino, Bradley C; Brogan, David M; Kircher, Michelle F; Elhassan, Bassem T; Spinner, Robert J; Bishop, Allen T; Shin, Alexander Y

2013-09-18

The current literature indicates that neurologic injuries during shoulder surgery occur infrequently and result in little if any morbidity. The purpose of this study was to review one institution's experience treating patients with iatrogenic nerve injuries after shoulder surgery. A retrospective review of the records of patients evaluated in a brachial plexus specialty clinic from 2000 to 2010 identified twenty-six patients with iatrogenic nerve injury secondary to shoulder surgery. The records were reviewed to determine the operative procedure, time to presentation, findings on physical examination, treatment, and outcome. The average age was forty-three years (range, seventeen to seventy-two years), and the average delay prior to referral was 5.4 months (range, one to fifteen months). Seven nerve injuries resulted from open procedures done to treat instability; nine, from arthroscopic surgery; four, from total shoulder arthroplasty; and six, from a combined open and arthroscopic operation. The injury occurred at the level of the brachial plexus in thirteen patients and at a terminal nerve branch in thirteen. Fifteen patients (58%) did not recover nerve function after observation and required surgical management. A structural nerve injury (laceration or suture entrapment) occurred in nine patients (35%), including eight of the thirteen who presented with a terminal nerve branch injury and one of the thirteen who presented with an injury at the level of the brachial plexus. Nerve injuries occurring during shoulder surgery can produce severe morbidity and may require surgical management. Injuries at the level of a peripheral nerve are more likely to be surgically treatable than injuries of the brachial plexus. A high index of suspicion and early referral and evaluation should be considered when evaluating patients with iatrogenic neurologic deficits after shoulder surgery.

Improved survival of newborns receiving leukocyte transfusions for sepsis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cairo, M.S.; Rucker, R.; Bennetts, G.A.

To determine the role of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte transfusions in neonates with sepsis, 23 consecutive newborns were prospectively randomly selected during an 18-month period in a treatment plan to receive polymorphonuclear leukocyte transfusions with supportive care or supportive care alone. Thirteen neonates received transfusions every 12 hours for a total of five transfusions. Each transfusion consisting of 15 mL/kg of polymorphonuclear leukocytes was subjected to 1,500 rads of radiation. The polymorphonuclear leukocytes were obtained by continuous-flow centrifugation leukapheresis and contained 0.5 to 1.0 X 10(9) granulocytes per 15 mL with less than 10% lymphocytes. Positive findings on blood cultures weremore » obtained in 14/23 patients and seven were randomly selected for each treatment group. Absolute granulocyte counts were less than 1,500/microL in 13 patients but tibial bone marrow examinations revealed that the neutrophil supply pool was depleted in only three patients. The survival was significantly greater in the treatment group compared with the group that did not receive transfusions.« less

Scavenger receptor WC1 contributes to the γδ T cell response to Leptospira.

PubMed

Wang, Fei; Herzig, Carolyn T A; Chen, Chuang; Hsu, Haoting; Baldwin, Cynthia L; Telfer, Janice C

2011-03-01

WC1 molecules are exclusively expressed on the surface of γδ T cells. They belong to the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) superfamily and are encoded by a multi-gene family. WC1 molecules have been grouped on the basis of antibody reactivity. The expression of WC1 molecules from these serologically defined groups is correlated with differences in γδ T cell responses. The expression of receptors within the WC1.1 group correlates with the capacity of γδ T cells to respond to Leptospira antigen. In this study, we used RNA interference to directly investigate the role of WC1 expression in the response to Leptospira borgpetersenii. We found that when three out of thirteen WC1 gene products were downregulated by RNA interference, γδ T cell proliferation and IFN-γ production in response to Leptospira antigen was significantly reduced. Our data demonstrate that specific receptors in the WC1 family directly participate in Leptospira recognition and/or activation of γδ T cells. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Associated conditions in myasthenia gravis: response to thymectomy.

PubMed

Téllez-Zenteno, J F; Cardenas, G; Estañol, B; Garcia-Ramos, G; Weder-Cisneros, N

2004-11-01

To compare the response of thymectomy in patients with associated conditions (PWAC) and without associated conditions (PWOAC). Comparative, retrospective. 198 patients with the established diagnosis of myasthenia gravis who had a thymectomy between 1987 and 2000, and who were folowed up for at least 3 years. We formed two groups, one with associated conditions and the second without associated conditions. The patients were divided into four groups: (i) patients in remission, (ii) patients with improvement, (iii) patients without changes, and (iv) patients whose condition worsened. Associated conditions (AC) were found in 49 patients (26%). The main associated conditions were hyperthyroidism in 16 patients (33%) hypothyroidism in seven (14%), rheumatoid arthritis in five (10%) and hypothyroidism and Sjogren syndrome in three (6%). Concerning the response of thymectomy, 13 patients WAC showed remission (27%), vs. 54 patients WOAC (39%). Twenty patients WAC showed improvement (41%) vs. 46 WOAC (33%). Thirteen patients WAC had no changes (27%) vs. 37 WOAC (26%). Finally, in three patients WAC their condition worsened (6%) vs. three WOAC (2%). The response to thymectomy was high (69%) in both groups. We did not identify significant differences.

Urinary stone risk and cola consumption.

PubMed

Herrel, Lindsey; Pattaras, John; Solomon, Tania; Ogan, Kenneth

2012-11-01

To evaluate the effect of cola consumption on urinary stone risk factors in a controlled metabolic environment with a prospective cross-over study. Thirteen participants (10 normal and 3 calcium oxalate stone-formers) underwent 2 6-day phases on a controlled metabolic diet. During phase 1, subjects ingested 1 liter of cola daily, followed by a 3-week washout period. During phase 2, subjects ingested 1 liter of deionized water daily. Twenty-four-hour urine collections and serum metabolic panels were obtained for stone risk factors at the end of each phase. Urine and serum results of the cola phase were compared with those of the water phase. Normal subjects and stone-formers were combined for analysis after determining no significant difference between the 2 groups. No significant differences were found among cola and water treatment groups for normal subjects, stone-formers, or the pooled group. Cola exerts no detectable change in urinary risk factors associated with calcium oxalate stone formation. Cola consumption may not increase stone risk and may be an acceptable alternative source of daily fluid for patients unwilling to increase water consumption. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Musical Training on Hand Biomechanics in String Musicians.

PubMed

Gorniak, Stacey L; Collins, Evan D; Goldie Staines, Kimberly; Brooks, Forrest A; Young, Ricardo V

2018-04-01

The effects of musical training on the body in professional musicians remain an understudied area, particularly in reference to understanding and managing orthopedic/neuromuscular deviations and injuries in this population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate hand/finger fine motor function in musicians via physical examination as well as laboratory-based evaluations. Thirteen healthy noninjured young elite string musicians participated in this study. Performance of musicians was compared with healthy age-matched, sex-matched, and handedness-matched nonmusician controls. Musicians exhibited decreased intrinsic muscle strength compared with controls; however, no change in extrinsic muscle strength was found between groups. No between-group differences in overall force control were found; however, Group × Hand (right vs left) interactions were found in force control. These data suggest that musicians are a unique population with respect to: (1) fine motor control of the hand; and (2) exhibit changes in differential hand use. This suggests cortical reorganization of string musicians, such that this population should be studied separately from typical healthy controls with respect to hand function.

Western blot immunoassay for HSP-70 antibodies in idiopathic tinnitus: a preliminary report.

PubMed

Savastano, Marina; Celadin, Marilena; Pittoni, Marina; Plebani, Mario; Marioni, Gino

2006-03-01

Our preliminary study investigated the role of nonspecific immunologic tests and immunoassay for heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70) in supporting the possibility of an autoimmune inner ear process determining idiopathic tinnitus. Thirty-six consecutive patients with idiopathic tinnitus without other otologic or autoimmune diseases and 20 healthy blood donor subjects underwent determinations of circulating immune complexes (CICs) and other nonspecific immunologic factors and immunoassay for HSP-70. The mean CIC values were 4.2 microg/mL in the tinnitus patients and 0.9 microg/mL in the control group (p = .012). Thirteen of the 36 tinnitus patients and none of the control group were HSP-70-positive. Ten of the 13 HSP-70-positive patients had CIC values higher than normal. In the tinnitus group, the mean CIC values were 6.9 microg/mL and 2.6 microg/mL in the HSP-70-positive and -negative subgroups, respectively (p = .024). It may be hypothesized that in a significant number of cases, idiopathic tinnitus could be induced by immune response to inner ear-specific HSP-70.

Preventive Interventions and Sustained Attachment Security in Maltreated Children

PubMed Central

Stronach, Erin Pickreign; Toth, Sheree L.; Rogosch, Fred; Cicchetti, Dante

2013-01-01

Thirteen-month-old maltreated infants (n = 137) and their mothers were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: child-parent psychotherapy (CPP), psychoeducational parenting intervention (PPI), and community standard (CS). A fourth group of nonmaltreated infants (n =52) and their mothers served as a normative comparison (NC) group. A prior investigation found that the CPP and PPI groups demonstrated substantial increases in secure attachment at post-intervention, whereas this change was not found in the CS and NC groups. The current investigation involved the analysis of data obtained at a follow-up assessment that occurred 12-months after the completion of treatment. At follow-up, children in the CPP group had higher rates of secure and lower rates of disorganized attachment than did children in the PPI or CS groups. Rates of disorganized attachment did not differ between the CPP and NC groups. Intention-to-treat analyses (ITT) also showed higher rates of secure attachment at follow-up in the CPP group relative to the PPI and CS groups. However, groups did not differ on disorganized attachment. Both primary and ITT analyses demonstrated that maternal reported child behavior problems did not differ among the four groups at the follow-up assessment. This is the first investigation to demonstrate sustained attachment security in maltreated children 12 months after the completion of an attachment theory-informed intervention. Findings also suggest that, while effective in the short term, parenting interventions alone may not be effective in maintaining secure attachment in children over time. PMID:24229539

Keto analogue and amino acid supplementation affects the ammonaemia response during exercise under ketogenic conditions.

PubMed

Prado, Eduardo Seixas; de Rezende Neto, José Melquiades; de Almeida, Rosemeire Dantas; Dória de Melo, Marcelia Garcez; Cameron, Luiz-Claudio

2011-06-28

Hyperammonaemia is related to both central and peripheral fatigue during exercise. Hyperammonaemia in response to exercise can be reduced through supplementation with either amino acids or combined keto analogues and amino acids (KAAA). In the present study, we determined the effect of short-term KAAA supplementation on ammonia production in subjects eating a low-carbohydrate diet who exercise. A total of thirteen male cyclists eating a ketogenic diet for 3 d were divided into two groups receiving either KAAA (KEx) or lactose (control group; LEx) supplements. Athletes cycled indoors for 2 h, and blood samples were obtained at rest, during exercise and over the course of 1 h during the recovery period. Exercise-induced ammonaemia increased to a maximum of 35 % in the control group, but no significant increase was observed in the supplemented group. Both groups had a significant increase (approximately 35 %) in uraemia in response to exercise. The resting urate levels of the two groups were equivalent and remained statistically unchanged in the KEx group after 90 min of exercise; an earlier increase was observed in the LEx group. Glucose levels did not change, either during the trial time or between the groups. An increase in lactate levels was observed during the first 30 min of exercise in both groups, but there was no difference between the groups. The present results suggest that the acute use of KAAA diminishes exercise-induced hyperammonaemia.

Association between suicidal ideation and behavior, and depression, anxiety, and perceived social support in cancer patients

PubMed Central

Şengül, Melike Ceyhan Balcı; Kaya, Vildan; Şen, Cenk Ahmet; Kaya, Kemal

2014-01-01

Background The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between suicidal behavior and associated factors such as depression, anxiety, and perceived social support level in cancer patients. Material/Methods The study group included 102 patients who were under treatment in the oncology department and the control group included 100 individuals with similar sociodemographic features. A sociodemographic information form, Beck depression inventory, Beck anxiety inventory, suicidal behavior inventory, suicidal ideation inventory, and multidimensional inventory of perceived social support were used. Results The mean Beck depression inventory and Beck anxiety inventory scores in the study group were significantly higher compared to the control group. Thirteen patients in the study group attempted suicide, whereas 3 individuals attempted suicide in the control group. Similarly, the mean suicide behavior and ideation scores in the study group were significantly higher compared to the control group. The mean total multidimensional inventories of perceived social support score, as well as the mean family and friend sub-inventory scores in the control group were significantly higher compared to the study group. Conclusions This study revealed that depression and anxiety occur frequently in cancer patients. Suicide attempts and ideation are higher in cancer patients compared to the control group. Social support perceived from family and friends is lower in cancer patients. Suicide attempts are correlated with depression, anxiety, low level of perceived social support, and advanced disease stage. PMID:24584172

[Microbial Community Structure on the Root Surface of Patients with Periodontitis.

PubMed

Zhang, Ju-Mei; Zhou, Jian-Ye; Bo, Lei; Hu, Xiao-Pan; Jiao, Kang-Li; Li, Zhi-Jie; Li, Yue-Hong; Li, Zhi-Qiang

2016-11-01

To study the microbial community structure on the root surface of patients with periodontitis. Bacterial plaque and tissues from the root neck (RN group),root middle (RM group) and root tine (RT group) of six teeth with mobility 3 in one patient with periodontitis were sampled.The V3V4 region of 16S rRNA was sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform.The microbial community structure was analyzed by Mothur,Qiime and SPSS software. The principal component analysis (PCoA) results indicated that the RM samples had a similar microbial community structure as that of the RT samples,which was significant different from that of the RN samples.Thirteen phyla were detected in the three groups of samples,which included 7 dominant phyla.29 dominant genera were detected in 184 genera.The abundance of Bacteroidetes _[G-6] and Peptostre ptococcaceae _[XI][G-4] had a positive correlation with the depth of the collection site of samples ( P <0.05),while the abundance of Prevotella,Selenomonas,Corynebacterium and Olsenella had a negative correlation with the depth of the collection site of samples ( P <0.05). There is region-specificity of microbial community structure on the root surface of patients with periodontitis.

Evaluation of an anti-chlamydial antibiotic therapy influence on asthma patients.

PubMed

Gryglicka, Beata; Wegrzyn-Szkutnik, Irena; Michnar, Marek; Mazur, Elzbieta; Niedźwiadek, Justyna; Milanowski, Janusz

2003-01-01

Chlamydia pneumoniae is one of the most frequent pathogens causing airways infections. Contribution of chronic chlamydial infection to the following diseases: asthma, POChP, coronary heart disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, is particularly interesting. The connection between such infection and bronchial asthma was described in the literature in 1991. C. pneumoniae often causes asthma exacerbation; it is suggested that it also may be an etiologic factor of the disease. In a group of 55 subjects with chronic, stable bronchial asthma treated in the Pulmonary Department, serologic characteristic of C. pneumoniae infection was found in 34 patients (61,8%). Thirteen of these subjects agreed to participate in the study. They were divided into two groups; placebo was administered to the first one and azithromycin in a dose of 1000 mg once a week--to the other one. The research was conducted using the double blind trial method. Anti-chlamydial antibody level was evaluated before and after treatment. Spirometry tests as well as subjective estimation of physical fitness and dyspnoea degree were also determined. In comparison with 'the placebo group', statistically significant improvement in respiratory parameters 'in the treated group' was not ascertained.

An electromyographic analysis of two handwriting grasp patterns.

PubMed

de Almeida, Pedro Henrique Tavares Queiroz; da Cruz, Daniel Marinho Cezar; Magna, Luis Alberto; Ferrigno, Iracema Serrat Vergotti

2013-08-01

Handwriting is a fundamental skill needed for the development of daily-life activities during lifetime and can be performed using different forms to hold the writing object. In this study, we monitored the sEMG activity of trapezius, biceps brachii, extensor carpi radialis brevis and flexor digitorum superficialis during a handwriting task with two groups of subjects using different grasp patterns. Twenty-four university students (thirteen males and eleven females; mean age of 22.04±2.8years) were included in this study. We randomly invited 12 subjects that used the Dynamic Tripod grasp and 12 subjects that used the Static Tripod grasp. The static tripod group showed statistically significant changes in the sEMG activity of trapezium and biceps brachii muscles during handwriting when compared to dynamic tripod group's subjects. No significant differences were found in extensor carpi radialis brevis and flexor digitorum superficialis activities among the two groups. The findings in this study suggest an increased activity of proximal muscles among subjects using a transitional grasp, indicating potential higher energy expenditure and muscular harm with the maintenance of this motor pattern in handwriting tasks, especially during the progression in academic life. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of Mind Body Medicine course on medical student empathy: a pilot study.

PubMed

Chen, Allen K; Kumar, Anagha; Haramati, Aviad

Empathy among medical practitioners has been shown to affect patient care and outcomes. Factors such as stress and depression are known to have a negative impact on medical student empathy. Approaches such as mindfulness, meditation, and other mind-body techniques can enhance empathy and reverse burnout symptoms. In the present study, we evaluated impact of Mind Body Medicine (MBM) course on perceived stress and empathy on first-year medical students. Thirteen first-year medical students in total self-selected into MBM (experimental) and seven non-MBM (control) groups completed a prospective, pre- and post-test analysis, using the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy - Students (JSPE-S), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ) to evaluate empathy, stress, and depression, respectively. Our results showed an increase in stress, as well as a decrease in empathy, in both MBM and non-MBM groups throughout the course of the study. Our study demonstrated that the inverse relationship increased stress and decreased empathy among first-year medical students and participation in the MBM course did not attenuate the changes. However, a statistically significant rise in the depression score in the non-MBM group was not observed in the MBM group.

Long-term disease-free survivors with cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia and MLL partial tandem duplication: a Cancer and Leukemia Group B study

PubMed Central

Ruppert, Amy S.; Marcucci, Guido; Mrózek, Krzysztof; Paschka, Peter; Langer, Christian; Baldus, Claudia D.; Wen, Jing; Vukosavljevic, Tamara; Powell, Bayard L.; Carroll, Andrew J.; Kolitz, Jonathan E.; Larson, Richard A.; Caligiuri, Michael A.; Bloomfield, Clara D.

2007-01-01

The clinical impact of MLL partial tandem duplication (MLL-PTD) was evaluated in 238 adults aged 18 to 59 years with cytogenetically normal (CN) de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who were treated intensively on similar Cancer and Leukemia Group B protocols 9621 and 19808. Twenty-four (10.1%) patients harbored an MLL-PTD. Of those, 92% achieved complete remission (CR) compared with 83% of patients without MLL-PTD (P = .39). Neither overall survival nor disease-free survival significantly differed between the 2 groups (P = .67 and P = .55, respectively). Thirteen MLL-PTD+ patients relapsed within 1.4 years of achieving CR. MLL-PTD+ patients who relapsed more often had other adverse CN-AML–associated molecular markers. In contrast with previously reported studies, 9 (41%) MLL-PTD+ patients continue in long-term first remission (CR1; range, 2.5-7.7 years). Intensive consolidation therapy that included autologous peripheral stem-cell transplantation during CR1 may have contributed to the better outcome of this historically poor-prognosis group of CN-AML patients with MLL-PTD. PMID:17341662

Development situation and prospecting division of geothermal resources in Yangshan county, Guangdong Province

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Lijun; Luo, Yizhen; Ma, Huiying; Xie, Yanxiao; Liu, Zhenzhen

2017-03-01

Yangshan County has abundant low-geothermal resources in its northeast, southwest, and midwest regions. These low-temperature geothermal resources in Yangshan County can prove to be beneficial for different purposes such as tourism, recuperation, sauna, and agriculture. Thirteen geothermal hot springs (spots) and seven geothermal anomalies have been discovered till now in this area. The geothermal resources are grouped on the basis of their conditions as follows: The Chengjia-Dianzhan and Dongguan-Jietan geothermal areas are classified as priority development zones, the Huangben-Mazishui and Qigongyuntankeng areas as sub-priority development zones, the Jiangying geothermal area as a general development zone, the Yangshan geothermal area as a potential development zone, and the Chengjia and Longfeng geothermal areas as restricted development zones.

The design of a long-range megatransport aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weisshaar, Terrence A.; Allen, Carl L.

1992-01-01

Aircraft manufacturers are examining the market and feasibility of long-range passenger aircraft carrying more than 600 passengers. These aircraft would carry travelers at reduced cost and, at the same time, reduce congestion around major airports. The design of a large, long-range transport involves broad issues such as: the integration of airport terminal facilities; passenger loading and unloading; trade-offs between aircraft size and the cost to reconfigure these existing facilities; and, defeating the 'square-cube' law. Thirteen Purdue design teams generated RFP's that defined passenger capability and range, based upon team perception of market needs and infrastructure constraints. Turbofan engines were designed by each group to power these aircraft. The design problem and the variety of solutions developed are reviewed.

Identification of families among highly inclined asteroids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gil-Hutton, R.

2006-07-01

A dataset of 3652 high-inclination numbered asteroids was analyzed to search for dynamical families. A fully automated multivariate data analysis technique was applied to identify the groupings. Thirteen dynamical families and twenty-two clumps were found. When taxonomic information is available, the families show cosmochemical consistency and support an interpretation based on a common origin from a single parent body. Four families and three clumps found in this work show a size distribution which is compatible with a formation due to a cratering event on the largest member of the family, and also three families have B- or related taxonomic types members, which represents a 14% of the B-types classified by Bus and Binzel [2002. Icarus 158, 146-177].

[Interprofessional education for patient-centred practice: development of outcome-focused competencies for a Bachelor Programme Interprofessional Health Care].

PubMed

Mahler, Cornelia; Karstens, Sven; Roos, Marco; Szecsenyi, Joachim

2012-01-01

Health care systems in Germany and around the world are faced with demographic change and the need of providing health services in increasingly complex health care surroundings. A highly qualified workforce is needed to face the challenges ahead and to coordinate health care. In addition, there is evidence that interprofessional education strengthens interprofessional collaboration which can lead to improved health outcomes. The University of Heidelberg, Medical Faculty, decided to develop a bachelor programme integrating specific health professions and interprofessional qualifications into the curriculum. The manuscript describes the identification process of the outcome-focused competencies for this bachelor degree. The six-step curriculum model by Kern et al. was applied. An expert panel identified major tasks and health care fields for which the students should be qualified for. These results were transferred into a questionnaire and distributed among targeted learners as well as practitioners, experts and employers in different health care fields for relevance ratings. Also, individuals were interviewed to receive additional information and to generate further ideas. Thirteen different practice fields, five tasks and thirteen topics common to all health care professions were collected. The subsequent survey comprising 66 items was completed by 139 targeted learners as well as 82 practitioners and experts. All identified practice fields were rated as relevant for future professional life. Top ratings were "supervising procedures" (targeted learners) and "interprofessional communication and coordination" (practitioners, experts and employers). The results were discussed and consented in the expert panel and learner outcomes/objectives were categorized according to the CanMED roles. A thorough needs assessment was performed setting the foundation for the further development of the curriculum. The identified competencies are in line with the five core competencies defined by the WHO which are necessary for interprofessional collaboration: patient-centred care, partnering, quality improvement, information and communication technology, and public health perspective. The application of the CanMED framework proved to be suitable. It may be used as common terminology to help define interfaces with curricula of other health professions. The interprofessional development of the bachelor programme fostered a deeper understanding between health professionals and can therefore be regarded as a first step in improving interprofessional collaboration. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

Comparative proteomic analysis of fluoride treated rat bone provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of fluoride toxicity.

PubMed

Wei, Yan; Zeng, Beibei; Zhang, Hua; Chen, Cheng; Wu, Yanli; Wang, Nanlan; Wu, Yanqiu; Zhao, Danqing; Zhao, Yuxi; Iqbal, Javed; Shen, Liming

2018-07-01

Long-term excessive intake of fluoride (F) could lead to chronic fluorosis. To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, present study is designed to elucidate the effect of fluoride on proteome expression of bone in sodium fluoride (NaF)-treated SD rats. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to determine the severity of osteofluorosis, and bone samples were submitted for iTRAQ analysis. The results showed that the cortical thickness and trabecular area of femur bone in medium- and high-dose groups were higher than in control group. Contrary to this, trabecular area was reduced in the low-dose group, indicating that the bone mass was increased in medium- and high-dose groups, and decreased in the low-dose group. Thirteen (13), 35, and 34 differentially expressed proteins were identified in low-, medium-, and high-dose group, respectively. The medium- and high-dose groups shared a more similar protein expression pattern. These proteins were mainly associated with collagen metabolism, proteoglycans (PGs), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), etc. The results suggested that the effect of NaF on SD rats is in a dose-dependent manner. Some key proteins found here may be involved in affecting the bone tissues and bone marrow or muscle, and account for the complex pathology and clinical symptoms of fluorosis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Endovascular treatment of thoracic disease: patient selection and a proposal of a risk score.

PubMed

Rodrigues Alves, Claudia Maria; da Fonseca, José Honório Palma; de Souza, José Augusto Marcondes; Camargo Carvalho, Antonio Carlos; Buffolo, Enio

2002-04-01

Although selection criteria and subgroup analysis are still in the early developmental stages, endovascular treatment of aortic disease has become an alternative to surgery for many patients. From November 1996 to November 1999, 49 patients were treated with a self-expandable endoprosthesis at our institution. Most patients had acute aortic dissections. Thirteen of these patients did not follow the anatomic selection protocol. We retrospectively analyzed these patients to compare our numerical risk score (which includes clinical and anatomic criteria) between groups with or without success and between groups that followed the anatomic protocol (P) or did not follow the anatomic protocol (E [exception]). Success rates were similar in groups P and E, although mortality rates were higher in group E. Patients from group E had longer procedures and required multiple stents more frequently. The proposed risk score was able to differentiate between groups with or without success, as well as between groups P and E. In order to reduce mortality and morbidity rates, careful selection criteria must be followed when treating patients endovascularly. Although it is time-consuming, using objective criteria can help select patients for endovascular treatment. We propose that patients with a risk score higher than 11 should only undergo percutaneous treatment when they have an unacceptably high surgical risk, and even so only after a detailed discussion of the risks.

Influence of the acute alcoholism on the phagocytic function of the mononuclear phagocytic system

PubMed Central

Sabino, KR; Petroianu, A; Alberti, LR

2011-01-01

Rationale:Alcoholics are more likely to have infections, mainly in the respiratory system. Alcohol seems to inhibit the immune system. Despite the extensive literature related to alcoholism, data related to the immune system are still not conclusive. Objective: The purpose of this study was to verify the influence of acute alcohol intake on colloid distribution in the organs of the mononuclear phagocyte system. Methods and Results: Thirteen male Swiss mice were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 5) – control, and Group 2 (n = 8) – animals that received 0.5 ml ethanol 50%, 30 minutes before the experiment. Colloidal sulphur labeled with ⁸⁸mTc was used to evaluate colloid distribution in the liver, spleen and lungs. Colloid clearance was assessed as well. A gamma camera was used to measure the radioactivity of these organs and of a blood clot. No difference was found in the presence of colloid in the organs of both groups. The liver showed the highest phagocytic intake, followed by the spleen and lungs (p = 0.021 for Group 1 and p = 0.003 for Group 2). A minimum amount of radiation remained in the blood of both groups. Discussion: According to the experiential conditions of this work, acute ingestion of alcohol did not interfere with the phagocytic function of the mononuclear phagocyte system in mice. PMID:22514578

Long-term outcome of cochlear implant in patients with chronic otitis media: one-stage surgery is equivalent to two-stage surgery.

PubMed

Jang, Jeong Hun; Park, Min-Hyun; Song, Jae-Jin; Lee, Jun Ho; Oh, Seung Ha; Kim, Chong-Sun; Chang, Sun O

2015-01-01

This study compared long-term speech performance after cochlear implantation (CI) between surgical strategies in patients with chronic otitis media (COM). Thirty patients with available open-set sentence scores measured more than 2 yr postoperatively were included: 17 who received one-stage surgeries (One-stage group), and the other 13 underwent two-stage surgeries (Two-stage group). Preoperative inflammatory status, intraoperative procedures, postoperative outcomes were compared. Among 17 patients in One-stage group, 12 underwent CI accompanied with the eradication of inflammation; CI without eradicating inflammation was performed on 3 patients; 2 underwent CIs via the transcanal approach. Thirteen patients in Two-stage group received the complete eradication of inflammation as first-stage surgery, and CI was performed as second-stage surgery after a mean interval of 8.2 months. Additional control of inflammation was performed in 2 patients at second-stage surgery for cavity problem and cholesteatoma, respectively. There were 2 cases of electrode exposure as postoperative complication in the two-stage group; new electrode arrays were inserted and covered by local flaps. The open-set sentence scores of Two-stage group were not significantly higher than those of One-stage group at 1, 2, 3, and 5 yr postoperatively. Postoperative long-term speech performance is equivalent when either of two surgical strategies is used to treat appropriately selected candidates.

Thirteen Week Oral Toxicity Study of WR238605 with a Thirteen Week Recovery Period in Rats. Volume 3 of 3

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-18

Page 1 REVISED PAGE A u STUDY Mfr CBM, INITIAL (77 DATE-y-Hl^. 5.0 7.0 Contract No.: DAMD17-92-C-2C01 Task Order No.: UIC-5B Study No.: 098 ® i...Report. The results will not be Page 6 REVISED PAGE /?. STUDY Mfr 2M INITIAL: (jLL i OATF- \\yjuftl.’ I I 1’ II II II II II II II...necessary) recovery animals. . Page 7 REVISED PAGE A,. INITIALIZE cninvwyO^g DATE: ><-/*’ fr ?. i u JU ft Contract No. Task Order No. Study No

[Analysis of disorders of adolescent behavior at the Diagnostic- Referral Family Center in Szczecin].

PubMed

Kruszyński, S

1992-01-01

As many as 120 subjects, directed in 1984-1988 to the Diagnostic-Consultative Family Centre in Szczecin, were studied due to behaviour disorders or penal acts. Thirteen (10.8%) juveniles were exempted from further studies, since they were diagnosed to have mental deficiency or encephalopathy. The rest was studied by means of diagnostic criteria for behaviour disorders according to DSM-III-R. Those complying with the criteria made up a group with Behaviour Distemper Syndrome (BDS)--74 persons (55 boys and 19 girls), while the others formed a group holding Single Behaviour Distemper (SBD)--33 persons (21 boys and 12 girls). Two age subgroups, 7-14 and 15-17 years, were isolated from each of the groups. Use was made of own questionnaire to collect data concerning factors that might induce the revealed behaviour disorders. Groups BDS and SBD were compared with regard to the type and incidence rate of respective signs of behaviour disorders, according to criteria DSM-III-R, and also the age, sex as well as social background, living environment, and hereditary encumberance, course of pregnancy and delivery, former psychophysical development, use of condiments, somatic disorders actually evidenced, parental and school environmental atmosphere and that of peers of the studied group.

Excessive daytime sleepiness in Parkinson disease: a SPECT study.

PubMed

Matsui, Hideaki; Nishinaka, Kazuto; Oda, Masaya; Hara, Narihiro; Komatsu, Kenichi; Kubori, Tamotsu; Udaka, Fukashi

2006-07-01

The underlying pathologic mechanism of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in Parkinson disease and the relative contributions of brain function to this process are poorly understood. We compared brain perfusion images between patients with Parkinson disease and EDS and those without EDS using n-isopropyl-p-1231 iodoamphetamine single photon emission computed tomography. Clinical study. Sumitomo Hospital. Thirteen patients with Parkinson disease with EDS (EDS group) and 27 patients with Parkinson disease without EDS (no-EDS group) were studied. Whether or not each case had EDS was determined according to the response to the Epworth Sleepiness Scale: patients with an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score > or = 10 were included in the EDS group, and patients with an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score < or = 9 were included in the no-EDS group. There were significant hypoperfusions in the left parietal and temporal association cortex in the EDS group. In the multivariable logistic regression model, attention and decreased regional cerebral blood flow of the left parietal association cortex and right caudate and increased regional cerebral blood flow of the right thalamus were the independent and significant factors. The cortical hypofunction relative to hyperfunction of the brain stem may relate to EDS in Parkinson disease. This is the first imaging study about EDS in Parkinson disease, and further studies are required.

Motion perception without Nystagmus--a novel manifestation of cerebellar stroke.

PubMed

Shaikh, Aasef G

2014-01-01

The motion perception and the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) each serve distinct functions. The VOR keeps the gaze steady on the target of interest, whereas vestibular perception serves a number of tasks, including awareness of self-motion and orientation in space. VOR and motion perception might abide the same neurophysiological principles, but their distinct anatomical correlates were proposed. In patients with cerebellar stroke in distribution of medial division of posterior inferior cerebellar artery, we asked whether specific location of the focal lesion in vestibulocerebellum could cause impaired perception of motion but normal eye movements. Thirteen patients were studied, 5 consistently perceived spinning of surrounding environment (vertigo), but the eye movements were normal. This group was called "disease model." Remaining 8 patients were also symptomatic for vertigo, but they had spontaneous nystagmus. The latter group was called "disease control." Magnetic resonance imaging in both groups consistently revealed focal cerebellar infarct affecting posterior cerebellar vermis (lobule IX). In the "disease model" group, only part of lobule IX was affected. In the disease control group, however, complete lobule IX was involved. This study discovered a novel presentation of cerebellar stroke where only motion perception was affected, but there was an absence of objective neurologic signs. Copyright © 2014 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reconstructive microsurgery in pediatric population-a series of 25 patients.

PubMed

Yildirim, Serkan; Calikapan, Gaye Taylan; Akoz, Tayfun

2008-01-01

Pediatric microsurgery procedures possess various difficulties when compared with adults. However, both free tissue transfers and replantation of the amputated parts show remarkable success rates in children. The concerns of survival of the flaps and the amputated parts have shifted to the function of these in the adulthood. Several key points and hints allow successfull rates for both survival and function. We present a series of microsurgical procedures both free tissue transfers (12 patients) and digital replantations (13 patients). Free tissue transfers included toe-to-hand transfers in 5, latissimus dorsi flaps in 4, fibular flaps in 4, and anterolateral thigh flaps in 2 patients. Thirteen patients involved 17 digital replantations. The survival rate was less in the replantation group (58.75%) than in the free tissue transfer group (93%). Both the functional and the cosmetic results were promising. The follow-up period was between 1 and 6 years (mean 37 months) for the free tissue transfer group and 1-5 years (mean 20 months) for the replantation group. The major technical difficulties include the age group of 0-2 years. Aside from these the high capacity of regeneration and the improved learning capacity increase the feasibility of the microsurgical procedures proceeded among children. Copyright 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.

Sustained Assessment, Version n.0: Efforts of the Sustained Assessment Working Group

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leidner, A. K.; Barrie, D.; Reidmiller, D.; Lewis, K.

2017-12-01

In parallel with the development of the Third National Climate Assessment (NCA3, 2014), the U.S. Global Change Research Program, with inputs from the non-federal climate assessment community, sought to define a sustained assessment process. Although many elements of a sustained process were initiated during NCA3 and continued into the NCA4 era, progress is still needed. To address this need, a new Federal Interagency working group of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) - the Sustained Assessment Working Group (SAWG) - was established in summer 2017. Its formation was motivated by a desire to avoid the sharp peaks in effort that accompanies production of the Congressionally-mandated quadrennial Assessment, followed by the dips in activity after a report is completed. With a goal of distributing and flattening effort, and providing a way to sustain engagement and better connect assessment-relevant activities, the SAWG is using inputs from the thirteen USGCRP agencies, federal advisory groups, and other sources to make recommendations to the agencies of the U.S. Global Change Research Program. The group will work with the agencies to implement these recommendations and monitor progress toward creating a sustained - and sustainable - assessment process. This presentation will detail the efforts and goals of SAWG and report on recent milestones.

Pravastatin reduces steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in SHRSP rats

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background and purpose Although the definite cause of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is unknown, peripheral circulatory failure, lipid metabolism disturbance, and increased oxidative stress are considered to be possible causes. We investigated whether pravastatin as a statin treatment reduces (1) the incidence of ONFH, (2) the adipocyte area, and (3) bone marrow changes in the femoral head. Methods We divided up 81 thirteen-week-old spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone (SHRSP)/Izm male rats into 4 groups: a control group (group C), a group given pravastatin (group P), a group given steroid (group S), and a group given both pravastatin and steroid (Group PS). The steroid was administered at 15 weeks of age. Pravastatin, as a statin, was administered in the drinking water for 4 weeks. The rats were killed when 17 weeks old. Osteonecrosis was diagnosed based on histopathological examination. Oxidative stress was assessed from immunostaining. Results The incidence of histological osteonecrosis was lower in the groups given pravastatin. The percentage of adipocyte area in the bone marrow was lower in the PS group than in the S group. Immunohistochemical staining for oxidative stress showed that staining was less in the PS group than in the S group. Pravastatin had no effect on the blood-derived biochemical findings on lipid metabolism. However, it reduced the incidence of steroid-induced ONFH in these SHRSP rats. We presume that this occurred by reducing oxidative stress and by reducing the percentage of adipocyte area in the femoral heads. Interpretation Our data suggest that pravastatin may be effective in reducing steroid-induced ONFH. PMID:22313369

Revitalizing chemistry laboratory instruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McBride, Phil Blake

This dissertation involves research in three major domains of chemical education as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Ph.D. program in chemistry at Miami University with a major emphasis on chemical education, and concurrent study in organic chemistry. Unit I, Development and Assessment of a Column Chromatography Laboratory Activity, addresses the domain of Instructional Materials Development and Testing. This unit outlines the process of developing a publishable laboratory activity, testing and revising that activity, and subsequently sharing that activity with the chemical education community. A laboratory activity focusing on the separation of methylene blue and sodium fluorescein was developed to demonstrate the effects of both the stationary and mobile phase in conducting a separation. Unit II, Bringing Industry to the Laboratory, addresses the domain of Curriculum Development and Testing. This unit outlines the development of the Chemistry of Copper Mining module, which is intended for use in high school or undergraduate college chemistry. The module uses the learning cycle approach to present the chemistry of the industrial processes of mining copper to the students. The module includes thirteen investigations (three of which are web-based and ten which are laboratory experiments) and an accompanying interactive CD-ROM, which provides an explanation of the chemistry used in copper mining with a virtual tour of an operational copper mine. Unit III, An Alternative Method of Teaching Chemistry. Integrating Lecture and the Laboratory, is a project that addresses the domain of Research in Student Learning. Fundamental Chemistry was taught at Eastern Arizona College as an integrated lecture/laboratory course that met in two-hour blocks on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The students taking this integrated course were compared with students taking the traditional 1-hour lectures held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with accompanying 3-hour lab on Tuesday or Thursday. There were 119 students in the test group, 522 students in the Shelton control group and 556 students in the McBride control group. Both qualitative data and quantitative data were collected. A t-test was used to test significance.

The impact of education and training interventions for nurses and other health care staff involved in the delivery of stroke care: An integrative review.

PubMed

Jones, Stephanie P; Miller, Colette; Gibson, Josephine M E; Cook, Julie; Price, Chris; Watkins, Caroline L

2018-02-01

The aim of this review was to explore the impact of stroke education and training of nurses and other health care staff involved in the delivery of stroke care. We performed an integrative review, following PRISMA guidance where possible. We searched MEDLINE, ERIC, PubMed, AMED, EMBASE, HMIC, CINAHL, Google Scholar, IBSS, Web of Knowledge, and the British Nursing Index from 1980 to 2016. Any intervention studies were included if they focused on the education or training of nurses and other health care staff in relation to stroke care. Articles that appeared to meet the inclusion criteria were read in full. Data were extracted from the articles, and the study quality assessed by two researchers. We assessed risk of bias of included studies using a pre-specified tool based on Cochrane guidance. Our initial search identified 2850 studies of which 21 met the inclusion criteria. Six studies were randomised controlled trials, and one was an interrupted time series. Fourteen studies were quasi-experimental: eight were pretest-posttest; five were non-equivalent groups; one study had a single assessment. Thirteen studies used quality of care outcomes and eight used a patient outcome measure. None of the studies was identified as having a low risk of bias. Only nine studies used a multi-disciplinary approach to education and training and nurses were often taught alone. Interactive education and training delivered to multi-disciplinary stroke teams, and the use of protocols or guidelines tended to be associated with a positive impact on patient and quality of care outcomes. Practice educators should consider the delivery of interactive education and training delivered to multi-disciplinary groups, and the use of protocols or guidelines, which tend to be associated with a positive impact on both patient and quality of care outcomes. Future research should incorporate a robust design. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Persistence of undergraduate women in STEM fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedone, Maggie Helene

The underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is a complex problem that continues to persist at the postsecondary level, particularly in computer science and engineering fields. This dissertation explored the pre-college and college level factors that influenced undergraduate women's persistence in STEM. This study also examined and compared the characteristics of undergraduate women who entered STEM fields and non-STEM fields in 2003-2004. The nationally representative Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:04/09) data set was used for analysis. BPS:04/09 study respondents were surveyed three times (NPSAS:04, BPS:04/06, BPS:04/09) over a six-year period, which enabled me to explore factors related to long-term persistence. Astin's Input-Environment-Output (I-E-O) model was used as the framework to examine student inputs and college environmental factors that predict female student persistence (output) in STEM. Chi-square tests revealed significant differences between undergraduate women who entered STEM and non-STEM fields in 2003-2004. Differences in student demographics, prior academic achievement, high school course-taking patterns, and student involvement in college such as participation in study groups and school clubs were found. Notably, inferential statistics showed that a significantly higher proportion of female minority students entered STEM fields than non-STEM fields. These findings challenge the myth that underrepresented female minorities are less inclined to enter STEM fields. Logistic regression analyses revealed thirteen significant predictors of persistence for undergraduate women in STEM. Findings showed that undergraduate women who were younger, more academically prepared, and academically and socially involved in college (e.g., lived on campus, interacted with faculty, participated in study groups, fine arts activities, and school sports) were more likely to persist in STEM fields. This longitudinal study showed that both pre-college and college level factors influenced undergraduate women's persistence in STEM. The research findings offer important implications for policy and practice initiatives in higher education that focus on the recruitment and retention of women in postsecondary STEM fields.

Surgery for Intermediate and Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Consensus Report from the 5th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting (APPLE 2014).

PubMed

Ho, Ming-Chih; Hasegawa, Kiyoshi; Chen, Xiao-Ping; Nagano, Hiroaki; Lee, Young-Joo; Chau, Gar-Yang; Zhou, Jian; Wang, Chih-Chi; Choi, Young Rok; Poon, Ronnie Tung-Ping; Kokudo, Norihiro

2016-10-01

The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging and treatment strategy does not recommended surgery for treating BCLC stage B and C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, numerous Asia-Pacific institutes still perform surgery for this patient group. This consensus report from the 5th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting aimed to share opinions and experiences pertaining to liver resection for intermediate and advanced HCCs and to provide evidence to issue recommendations for surgery in this patient group. Thirteen experts from five Asia-Pacific regions were invited to the meeting; 10 of them (Japan: 2, Taiwan: 3, South Korea: 2, Hong Kong: 1, and China: 2) voted for the final consensus. The discussion focused on evaluating the preoperative liver functional reserve and surgery for large tumors, multiple tumors, HCCs with vascular invasion, and HCCs with distant metastasis. The feasibility of future prospective randomized trials comparing surgery with transarterial chemoembolization for intermediate HCC and with sorafenib for advanced HCC was also discussed. The Child-Pugh score (9/10 experts) and indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (8/10) were the most widely accepted methods for evaluating the preoperative liver functional reserve. All (10/10) experts agreed that portal hypertension, tumor size >5 cm, portal venous invasion, hepatic venous invasion, and extrahepatic metastasis are not absolute contraindications for the surgical resection of HCC. Furthermore, 9 of the 10 experts agreed that tumor resection may be performed for patients with >3 tumors. The limitations of surgery are associated with a poor liver functional reserve, incomplete tumor resection, and a high probability of recurrence. Surgery provides significant survival benefits for Asian-Pacific patients with intermediate and advanced HCCs, particularly when the liver functional reserve is favorable. However, prospective randomized controlled trials are difficult to conduct because of technical and ethical considerations.

Long-term effect of prednisolone on functional blink recovery after transient peripheral facial motor paralysis.

PubMed

VanderWerf, Frans; Reits, Dik; Metselaar, Mick; De Zeeuw, Chris I

2012-03-01

To determine the functional recovery in patients with severe transient peripheral facial motor paralysis (Bell palsy). Prospective controlled trial. Academic medical center. Blink recovery was studied in 2 groups of severely affected Bell palsy patients during a follow-up period of 84 weeks. The patients in one group received prednisolone within the first week after the onset of symptoms. No medication was given to the other group. A control group of healthy subjects was also included. Simultaneous orbicularis oculi muscle activity and eyelid kinematics were recorded by surface electromyographic (EMG) recording and eyelid search coils, respectively. At the beginning of the paralysis, very little integrated orbicularis oculi muscle activity and eyelid movement was measured at the palsied side of the face. Thirteen weeks later, the integrated orbicularis oculi EMG and functional blink recovery gradually improved until 39 weeks. Beyond, only the integrated orbicularis oculi EMG slightly increased. At 84 weeks, the integrated orbicularis oculi EMG was significantly larger in the prednisolone group compared with the control group. The integrated EMG of the nonmedicated group recovered to normal values. Curiously enough, the functional blink recovery at the palsied side remained reduced to 64% compared with the healthy controls in the prednisolone-treated group and to 36% in the nonmedicated group. The authors demonstrate that prednisolone significantly increased the orbicularis oculi muscle activity and significantly improved functional blink recovery in severely affected Bell palsy patients. However, the increase of muscle activity was insufficient to restore functional blinking to normal values.

Group patient visits for Parkinson disease: a randomized feasibility trial.

PubMed

Dorsey, E R; Deuel, L M; Beck, C A; Gardiner, I F; Scoglio, N J; Scott, J C; Marshall, F J; Biglan, K M

2011-05-03

Group patient visits are medical appointments shared among patients with a common medical condition. This care delivery method has demonstrated benefits for individuals with chronic conditions but has not been evaluated for Parkinson disease (PD). We conducted a 12-month, randomized trial of group patient visits vs usual (one-on-one) care for patients with PD. Visits were led by one of 3 study physicians, included patients and caregivers, and lasted approximately 90 minutes. Those receiving group visits had 4 sessions over 12 months. The primary outcome measure was feasibility as measured by the ability to recruit participants and by the proportion of participants who completed the study. The primary efficacy outcome was quality of life as measured by the PD Questionnaire-39. Thirty patients and 27 caregivers enrolled in the study. Thirteen of the 15 patients randomized to group patient visits and 14 of the 15 randomized to usual care completed the study. Quality of life measured 12 months after baseline between the 2 groups was not different (25.9 points for group patient visits vs 26.0 points for usual care; p = 0.99). Group patient visits may be a feasible means of providing care to individuals with PD and may offer an alternative or complementary method of care delivery for some patients and physicians. This study provides Class II evidence that group patient visits did not improve quality of life for individuals with PD over a 1-year period.

Is the pencil point spinal needle a better choice in younger patients? A comparison of 24G Sprotte with 27G Quincke needles in an unselected group of general surgical patients below 46 years of age.

PubMed

Brattebø, G; Wisborg, T; Rodt, S A; Røste, I

1995-05-01

Reports have indicated that there are less postoperative complaints after the use of pencil pointed spinal needles. We compared a 24G Sprotte needle with a 27G Quincke needle in a randomised study of 200 healthy patients (49% females), aged 15-46 years. Four patients (2%) reported postdural puncture headache, three with the 24G Sprotte needle and one with the 27G Quincke needle. Thirteen patients (7%) suffered with nonspecific headache, with no significant difference between the two groups. Of the 57 (29%) who reported backpain, a significantly higher proportion had received spinal anaesthesia with the Sprotte needle (OR = 2.06). There was a significantly higher incidence of insufficient blocks after dural puncture with the Sprotte needle. Ease of needle insertion and number of puncture attempts was the same for both needle types.

Surgical aspects of pulmonary histoplasmosis

PubMed Central

Sutaria, M. K.; Polk, J. W.; Reddy, P.; Mohanty, S. K.

1970-01-01

Histoplasmosis is of special interest to thoracic surgeons because it may appear in such a wide variety of clinical forms. Fourteen years' experience with 110 proved cases of surgically treated pulmonary histoplasmosis has been reviewed. Twenty-one of these patients manifested as `coinlesion' and underwent only wedge resection without amphotericin B therapy. A long-term follow-up of these patients indicates that these lesions are benign and need no additional therapy. Thirteen patients with pulmonary infiltration underwent surgery and three received post-operative amphotericin B therapy. Our largest group of surgically treated patients is of cavitary histoplasmosis. There were 76 patients in this group; 38 were managed with only surgical resection and the other 38 had surgical resection together with amphotericin B therapy. Operative indications, various forms of treatment, post-operative complications, and their results have been critically analysed. From this study we conclude that amphotericin B offers little protection against the immediate post-operative complications, but it reduces mortality and a recurrence of the disease, as judged from long-term follow-up. Images PMID:5418008

Sleeping for Two: An Open-Pilot Study of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Pregnancy.

PubMed

Tomfohr-Madsen, Lianne M; Clayborne, Zahra M; Rouleau, Codie R; Campbell, Tavis S

2017-01-01

Insomnia and disturbed sleep are common during pregnancy. This study investigated the effectiveness of group cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) delivered in pregnancy. Thirteen pregnant women with insomnia participated in five weekly CBT-I group sessions. All participants completed the study and provided baseline and follow-up data. Significant reductions in insomnia symptoms and increases in subjective sleep quality were observed over the course of the study. Diary and actigraphy assessments of sleep also changed, such that participants reported less time in bed (TIB), shorter sleep onset latency (SOL), increased sleep efficiency (SE), and increased subjective total sleep time (TST). Additionally, symptoms of depression, pregnancy-specific anxiety, and fatigue all decreased over the course of treatment. Effect sizes ranged from medium to large. CBT-I delivered during pregnancy was associated with significant improvements in sleep and mood. The next step in this area of inquiry is to better establish effectiveness via a randomized controlled trial.

Reconstruction of Canine Mandibular Bone Defects Using a Bone Transport Reconstruction Plate

PubMed Central

Elsalanty, Mohammed E.; Zakhary, Ibrahim; Akeel, Sara; Benson, Byron; Mulone, Timothy; Triplett, Gilbert R.; Opperman, Lynne A.

2010-01-01

Objectives Reconstruction of mandibular segmental bone defects is a challenging task. This study tests a new device used for reconstructing mandibular defects based on the principle of bone transport distraction osteogenesis. Methods Thirteen beagle dogs were divided into control and experimental groups. In all animals, a 3 cm defect was created on one side of the mandible. In eight control animals, the defect was stabilized with a reconstruction plate without further reconstruction and the animals were sacrificed two to three months after surgery. The remaining five animals were reconstructed with a bone transport reconstruction plate (BTRP), comprising a reconstruction plate with attached intraoral transport unit, and were sacrificed after one month of consolidation. Results Clinical evaluation, cone-beam CT densitometry, three-dimensional histomorphometry, and docking site histology revealed significant new bone formation within the defect in the distracted group. Conclusion The physical dimensions and architectural parameters of the new bone were comparable to the contralateral normal bone. Bone union at the docking site remains a problem. PMID:19770704

Cardiac auscultation training of medical students: a comparison of electronic sensor-based and acoustic stethoscopes

PubMed Central

Høyte, Henning; Jensen, Torstein; Gjesdal, Knut

2005-01-01

Background To determine whether the use of an electronic, sensor based stethoscope affects the cardiac auscultation skills of undergraduate medical students. Methods Forty eight third year medical students were randomized to use either an electronic stethoscope, or a conventional acoustic stethoscope during clinical auscultation training. After a training period of four months, cardiac auscultation skills were evaluated using four patients with different cardiac murmurs. Two experienced cardiologists determined correct answers. The students completed a questionnaire for each patient. The thirteen questions were weighted according to their relative importance, and a correct answer was credited from one to six points. Results No difference in mean score was found between the two groups (p = 0.65). Grading and characterisation of murmurs and, if present, report of non existing murmurs were also rated. None of these yielded any significant differences between the groups. Conclusion Whether an electronic or a conventional stethoscope was used during training and testing did not affect the students' performance on a cardiac auscultation test. PMID:15882458

Automatically measuring the effect of strategy drawing features on pupils' handwriting and gender

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tabatabaey-Mashadi, Narges; Sudirman, Rubita; Guest, Richard M.; Khalid, Puspa Inayat

2013-12-01

Children's dynamic drawing strategies have been recently recognized as indicators of handwriting ability. However the influence of each feature in predicting handwriting is unknown due to lack of a measuring system. An automated measuring algorithm suitable for psychological assessment and non-subjective scoring is presented here. Using the weight vector and classification rate of a machine learning algorithm, an overall feature's effect is calculated which is comparable in different groupings. In this study thirteen previously detected drawing strategy features are measured for their influence on handwriting and gender. Features are extracted from drawing a triangle, Beery VMI and Bender Gestalt tangent patterns. Samples are related to 203 pupils (77 below average writers, and 101 female). The results show that the number of strokes in drawing the triangle pattern plays a major role in both groupings; however Left Tendency flag feature is affected by children's handwriting about 2.5 times greater than their gender. Experiments indicate that different forms of a feature sometimes show different influences.

Serial foodborne norovirus outbreaks associated with multiple genotypes.

PubMed

Huang, Jianwei; Xu, Xuerong; Weng, Qinyun; Hong, Huarong; Guo, Zhinan; He, Shuizhen; Niu, Jianjun

2013-01-01

Noroviruses (NoV) have been recognized as an important pathogen associated with acute gastroenteritis worldwide during the past three decades. In the spring of 2012, a series of foodborne outbreaks in tourist groups were reported to Xiamen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xiamen, Fujian province, China. Among a total of 268 tourists in 7 groups, the prevalence rate of acute gastroenteritis was 16.0% (43/268). Twenty-three feces or anal swabs were collected for laboratory tests of causative agents, no bacterial pathogen was identified, while 22 of them were positive for NoV RNA. In addition, thirteen NoV fragments were recovered from positive specimens and sequenced, belonging to five genotypes such as GI.3, GI.4, GII.4, GII.6, and GII.14, respectively. However, NoV fragments obtained from locally infected patients showed distinct genotypes. Therefore, epidemiological investigation and laboratory analyses demonstrated that the serial foodborne NoV outbreaks in tourists were co-infection of multiple genotypes induced acute gastroenteritis linked to a restaurant.

Subliminal food images compromise superior working memory performance in women with restricting anorexia nervosa.

PubMed

Brooks, Samantha J; O'Daly, Owen G; Uher, Rudolf; Schiöth, Helgi B; Treasure, Janet; Campbell, Iain C

2012-06-01

Prefrontal cortex (PFC) is dysregulated in women with restricting anorexia nervosa (RAN). It is not known whether appetitive non-conscious stimuli bias cognitive responses in those with RAN. Thirteen women with RAN and 20 healthy controls (HC) completed a dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC) working memory task and an anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) conflict task, while masked subliminal food, aversive and neutral images were presented. During the DLPFC task, accuracy was higher in the RAN compared to the HC group, but superior performance was compromised when subliminal food stimuli were presented: errors positively correlated with self-reported trait anxiety in the RAN group. These effects were not observed in the ACC task. Appetitive activation is intact and anxiogenic in women with RAN, and non-consciously interacts with working memory processes associated with the DLPFC. This interaction mechanism may underlie cognitive inhibition of appetitive processes that are anxiety inducing, in people with AN. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Normative neurocognitive data for National Football League players: an initial compendium.

PubMed

Solomon, Gary S; Lovell, Mark R; Casson, Ira R; Viano, David C

2015-03-01

The use of clinical neuropsychological tests in the evaluation of National Football League (NFL) players has been ongoing for more than two decades. Prior research has demonstrated that the NFL population may perform differently than the general population on standard paper and pencil neuropsychological tests. Given the increased interest in the longitudinal and long-term assessment of neurocognitive functioning in this group of athletes, we reviewed the published neuropsychological literature in an attempt to compile an initial compendium of available normative data on paper and pencil as well as computerized neuropsychological tests for this group of football players. Thirteen published studies met the inclusion criteria, and the results are presented by athlete status (active vs. retired) and classified by neuropsychological domain. Suggestions for potential core batteries with this population are discussed, as are directions for future research. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Friendliness to humans and defensive aggression in cats: the influence of handling and paternity.

PubMed

Reisner, I R; Houpt, K A; Erb, H N; Quimby, F W

1994-06-01

This study was undertaken to examine and reduce the stress and aggressiveness associated with fear of handling in laboratory cats (Felis sylvestris catus). Thirteen litters of kittens from a specific pathogen-free breeding colony were divided into three treatment groups: two were early weaned, removed from the colony and caged individually with or without handling up to 8 weeks of age, and the third served as a control group, removed from the colony just before testing. Behavior tests measuring degree of friendliness to humans and response to physical restraint were performed at ages 8, 12, 16, and 20 weeks. Serum cortisol concentrations were measured after each test. Results indicate that litter and sire influenced tractability but that handling or individual caging of kittens did not. Posttest serum cortisol concentrations were below normal adult levels in most kittens, including those reacting fearfully during testing and aggressively during restraint, and, therefore, are not a reliable indicator of stress in juvenile cats.

Serial Foodborne Norovirus Outbreaks Associated with Multiple Genotypes

PubMed Central

Huang, Jianwei; Xu, Xuerong; Weng, Qinyun; Hong, Huarong; Guo, Zhinan; He, Shuizhen; Niu, Jianjun

2013-01-01

Noroviruses (NoV) have been recognized as an important pathogen associated with acute gastroenteritis worldwide during the past three decades. In the spring of 2012, a series of foodborne outbreaks in tourist groups were reported to Xiamen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xiamen, Fujian province, China. Among a total of 268 tourists in 7 groups, the prevalence rate of acute gastroenteritis was 16.0% (43/268). Twenty-three feces or anal swabs were collected for laboratory tests of causative agents, no bacterial pathogen was identified, while 22 of them were positive for NoV RNA. In addition, thirteen NoV fragments were recovered from positive specimens and sequenced, belonging to five genotypes such as GI.3, GI.4, GII.4, GII.6, and GII.14, respectively. However, NoV fragments obtained from locally infected patients showed distinct genotypes. Therefore, epidemiological investigation and laboratory analyses demonstrated that the serial foodborne NoV outbreaks in tourists were co-infection of multiple genotypes induced acute gastroenteritis linked to a restaurant. PMID:23667602

Prefrontal activity during response inhibition decreases over time in the postpartum period.

PubMed

Bannbers, Elin; Gingnell, Malin; Engman, Jonas; Morell, Arvid; Sylvén, Sara; Skalkidou, Alkistis; Kask, Kristiina; Bäckström, Torbjörn; Wikström, Johan; Poromaa, Inger Sundström

2013-03-15

The postpartum period is characterized by complex hormonal changes, but human imaging studies in the postpartum period have thus far predominantly focused on the neural correlates of maternal behavior or postpartum depression, whereas longitudinal studies on neural correlates of cognitive function across the postpartum period in healthy women are lacking. The aim of this study was to longitudinally examine response inhibition, as a measure of executive function, during the postpartum period and its neural correlates in healthy postpartum women and non-postpartum controls. Thirteen healthy postpartum women underwent event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging while performing a Go/NoGo task. The first assessment was made within 48 h of delivery, and the second at 4-7 weeks postpartum. In addition, 13 healthy women examined twice during the menstrual cycle were included as non-postpartum controls. In postpartum women region of interest analyses revealed task-related decreased activations in the right inferior frontal gyrus, right anterior cingulate, and bilateral precentral gyri at the late postpartum assessment. Generally, postpartum women displayed lower activity during response inhibition in the bilateral inferior frontal gyri and precentral gyri compared to non-postpartum controls. No differences in performance on the Go/NoGo task were found between time-points or between groups. In conclusion, this study has discovered that brain activity in prefrontal areas during a response inhibition task decreases throughout the course of the first postpartum weeks and is lower than in non-postpartum controls. Further studies on the normal adaptive brain activity changes that occur during the postpartum period are warranted. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Glowing Worms: Biological, Chemical, and Functional Diversity of Bioluminescent Annelids.

PubMed

Verdes, Aida; Gruber, David F

2017-07-01

Bioluminescence, the ability to produce light by living organisms, has evolved independently in numerous lineages across the tree of life. Luminous forms are found in a wide range of taxonomic groups from bacteria to vertebrates, although the great majority of bioluminescent organisms are marine taxa. Within the phylum Annelida, bioluminescence is widespread, present in at least 98 terrestrial and marine species that represent 45 genera distributed in thirteen lineages of clitellates and polychaetes. The ecological diversity of luminous annelids is unparalleled, with species occupying a great variety of habitats including both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, from coastal waters to the deep-sea, in benthic and pelagic habitats from polar to tropical regions. This great taxonomic and ecological diversity is matched by the wide array of bioluminescent colors-including yellow light, which is very rare among marine taxa-different emission wavelengths even between species of the same genus, and varying patterns, chemical reactions and kinetics. This diversity of bioluminescence colors and patterns suggests that light production in annelids might be involved in a variety of different functions, including defensive mechanisms like sacrificial lures or aposematic signals, and intraspecific communication systems. In this review, we explore the world of luminous annelids, particularly focusing on the current knowledge regarding their taxonomic and ecological diversity and discussing the putative functions and chemistries of their bioluminescent systems. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology 2017. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the US.

Family members and health professionals' perspectives on future life planning of ageing people with Down syndrome: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Covelli, Venusia; Raggi, Alberto; Paganelli, Chiara; Leonardi, Matilde

2017-08-08

To address the way in which primary caregivers of people over 45 with Down syndrome describe daily life activities and context and foresee their future. Thirteen family members and 15 health professionals participated to four focus groups. Meaningful concepts were identified and linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health using established linking rules. A total of 258 relevant concepts were identified and linked to 75 categories of the classification: 38 were from activity and participation and 17 from environmental factors domains. The most commonly reported issues were mental functions (b117-intellectual functions and b152-emotional functions), community life activities (d910-community life and d920-recreation and leisure) and environmental factors (e310-support of immediate family, e355-support from health professionals and e555-associations and organizational services). Information on the daily life and health of ageing people with Down syndrome is important to plan social and health care interventions tailored to deal with problems that they may encounter in older age. Considering the interaction between health and environment and maintaining a continuity of daily routines were reported as the most relevant topics for managing daily lives of persons with Down syndrome in older ages. Implications for rehabilitation Pay more attention to the interaction between environmental factors and health condition in ageing people with Down syndrome. Information about the life contest are important in order to plan present and future social-health care interventions. Future planning for people with Down syndrome is a great concern for family members.

Religious values and healthcare accommodations: voices from the American Muslim community.

PubMed

Padela, Aasim I; Gunter, Katie; Killawi, Amal; Heisler, Michele

2012-06-01

Minority populations receive a lower quality healthcare in part due to the inadequate assessment of, and cultural adaptations to meet, their culturally informed healthcare needs. The seven million American Muslims, while ethnically and racially diverse, share religiously informed healthcare values that influence their expectations of healthcare. There is limited empirical research on this community's preferences for cultural modifications in healthcare delivery. Identify healthcare accommodations requested by American Muslims. Using community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods, we partnered with four community organizations in the Greater Detroit area to design and conduct thirteen focus groups at area mosques serving African American, Arab American, and South Asian American Muslims. Qualitative content analysis utilized a framework team-based approach. Participants reported stigmatization within the healthcare system and voiced the need for culturally competent healthcare providers. In addition, they identified three key healthcare accommodations to address Muslim sensitivities: the provision of (1) gender-concordant care, (2) halal food and (3) a neutral prayer space. Gender concordance was requested based on Islamic conceptions of modesty and privacy. Halal food was deemed to be health-promoting and therefore integral to the healing process. Lastly, a neutral prayer space was requested to ensure security and privacy during worship. This study informs efforts to deliver high-quality healthcare to American Muslims in several ways. We note three specific healthcare accommodations requested by this community and the religious values underlying these requests. Healthcare systems can further cultural sensitivity, engender trust, and improve the healthcare experiences of American Muslims by understanding and then attempting to accommodate these values as much as possible.

Promoting informed choice: evaluating a decision-making tool for family planning clients and providers in Mexico.

PubMed

Kim, Young Mi; Kols, Adrienne; Martin, Antonieta; Silva, David; Rinehart, Ward; Prammawat, Sarah; Johnson, Sarah; Church, Kathryn

2005-12-01

The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a decision-making tool to be used by providers and clients during family planning visits to improve the quality of services. It is important to examine the tool's usability and its impact on counseling and decision-making processes during family planning consultations. Thirteen providers in Mexico City were videotaped with family planning clients three months before and one month after attending a training session on the WHO decision-making tool. The videotapes were coded for client-provider communication and eye contact, and decision-making behaviors were rated. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions explored clients' and providers' opinions of the tool. After providers began using the decision-making tool, they gave clients more information on family planning, tailored that information more closely to clients' situations and more often discussed HIV/AIDS prevention, dual protection and condom use. Client involvement in the decision-making process and client active communication increased, contributing to a shift from provider-dominated to shared decision making. Clients reported that the tool helped them understand the provider's explanations and made them feel more comfortable talking and asking questions during consultations. After one month of practice with the decision-making tool, most providers felt comfortable with it and found it useful; however, they recommended some changes to the tool to help engage clients in the decision-making process. The decision-making tool was useful both as a job aid for providers and as a decision aid for clients.

Student nurses' experience working with mentally challenged individuals in South Africa.

PubMed

Janse VAN Rensburg, E S; Poggenpoel, M; Myburgh, C P H

2012-11-01

South African student nurses experience emotional discomfort that might influence their adjustment and coping while working with mentally challenged individuals. Adjustment and coping might impact on their mental health and support needed while working in this challenging context. Student nurses working with mentally challenged individuals experience emotional discomfort that may result in work-related stress. The experiences of student nurses working with mentally challenged individuals were explored and described as it may influence their adjustment, coping and result in work-related stress, impacting on their mental health. The study used a qualitative, explorative, descriptive, contextual research design with a case study as strategy. Thirteen student nurses from a specific higher educational institution in Gauteng, South Africa, participated in the focus group interviews. The researcher utilized reflective journals, a reflective letter, naïve sketches, drawings and field notes to collect data. Data analysis was done according to Tesch's descriptive method of open coding and theme analysis. A central storyline emerged where student nurses described working with mentally challenged individuals as a process of personal transformation that was initiated by an engagement on a deeper emotional level with these individuals. The process of personal transformation started a journey towards the discovery of meaning for the self, as student nurses. Student nurses working in challenging environments during their training may experience emotional discomfort and need additional support in coping and adjustment within this context. The nurse educator plays an important role in providing this support to manage work-related stress as well as in creating learning opportunities for the student nurses working in challenging contexts. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing.

Deciding how to decide: ventromedial frontal lobe damage affects information acquisition in multi-attribute decision making.

PubMed

Fellows, Lesley K

2006-04-01

Ventromedial frontal lobe (VMF) damage is associated with impaired decision making. Recent efforts to understand the functions of this brain region have focused on its role in tracking reward, punishment and risk. However, decision making is complex, and frontal lobe damage might be expected to affect it at other levels. This study used process-tracing techniques to explore the effect of VMF damage on multi-attribute decision making under certainty. Thirteen subjects with focal VMF damage were compared with 11 subjects with frontal damage that spared the VMF and 21 demographically matched healthy control subjects. Participants chose rental apartments in a standard information board task drawn from the literature on normal decision making. VMF subjects performed the decision making task in a way that differed markedly from all other groups, favouring an 'alternative-based' information acquisition strategy (i.e. they organized their information search around individual apartments). In contrast, both healthy control subjects and subjects with damage predominantly involving dorsal and/or lateral prefrontal cortex pursued primarily 'attribute-based' search strategies (in which information was acquired about categories such as rent and noise level across several apartments). This difference in the pattern of information acquisition argues for systematic differences in the underlying decision heuristics and strategies employed by subjects with VMF damage, which in turn may affect the quality of their choices. These findings suggest that the processes supported by ventral and medial prefrontal cortex need to be conceptualized more broadly, to account for changes in decision making under conditions of certainty, as well as uncertainty, following damage to these areas.

Dissociative sensibility disorders - A retrospective case series and systematic literature review.

PubMed

Weber, Peter; Erlacher, Rahel

2018-01-01

Dissociative disorders present a huge challenge in clinical settings. In contrast to other dissociative symptoms, dissociative sensibility disorders are rarely focused on. To identify the clinical characteristics and outcomes of dissociative sensibility disorders in children and adolescents, and to review the use of diagnostic procedures. For the review, a literature search used Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and PubPsych (to 02/2015) and the reference lists of the studies identified. Screening of titles and abstracts; full-text assessment by two reviewers. The original case series was identified by using the local data register. Two reviewers independently reviewed the data and, if they agreed on the relevance, extracted the data. In the original case series, data were extracted retrospectively from the records. Sixteen studies and seven case reports were identified, including 931 cases with dissociative disorders. In 210 cases the patient suffered either from a single sensibility disorder or predominantly from sensibility disorders. We identified thirteen further cases in our cohort. In both groups there was female predominance; the mean age of manifestation was early adolescence. The timing of admissions was variable. In approximately 50% of cases a premorbid stressful life event could be identified. Over 75% of cases had a good prognosis with complete resolution. Retrospective character of our own data collection, partially missing differentiation between the subgroups of dissociative disorders in the reviewed studies. There is no uniform procedure for diagnostic work-up. The overall short-term prognosis is good. Copyright © 2017 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Situation analysis of prenatal diagnosis technology utilization in China: current situation, main issues, and policy implications.

PubMed

Chen, Yingyao; Qian, Xu; Tang, Zhiliu; Banta, H David; Hu, Fangfang; Cao, Jianwen; Huang, Jiayan; Wang, Qian; Lv, Jun; Ying, Xianghua; Chen, Jie

2004-01-01

The purpose of this study is to describe the situation with the distribution and utilization of prenatal diagnosis technology in China, to identify some important barriers to prenatal diagnosis use, and to suggest changes to improve the present situation. The study uses cross-sectional surveys to capture quantitative data from both providers and consumers. Qualitative information based on focus group discussions is also presented. A mail survey of the provincial Bureaus of Health (BOHs) reveals that sixteen provincial prenatal diagnosis centers and twelve city level centers were accredited by the BOHs by July of 2001. These centers were located in thirteen provinces, of thirty in all of China. Of 147 selected institutions surveyed separately, 90.5 percent offer ultrasound examination, 72.1 percent provide pathogen tests (mainly Toxoplasma, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex or TORCH), 57.1 percent do biochemical tests, 21.8 percent have genetic counseling, 13.6 percent do karyotype testing, 7.5 percent do enzymology testing, and 5.4 percent carry out molecular genetic testing. Chromosome diseases, congenital diseases, and several gene diseases are the target diseases. According to qualitative data, macromanagement for prenatal diagnosis, supplier provision of tests, and population demand are the main influences on prenatal diagnosis use. From the quantitative and qualitative analysis, it is clear that the technology of prenatal diagnosis is not diffusing well throughout China and is apparently not appropriately used. The situation of prenatal diagnosis has implications for policy-makers, including identification of priorities, regulation of prenatal diagnosis, strategic planning, development of guidelines based on health technology assessment, and consumer orientation.

Effects of different exercise interventions on risk of falls, gait ability, and balance in physically frail older adults: a systematic review.

PubMed

Cadore, Eduardo Lusa; Rodríguez-Mañas, Leocadio; Sinclair, Alan; Izquierdo, Mikel

2013-04-01

The aim of this review was to recommend training strategies that improve the functional capacity in physically frail older adults based on scientific literature, focusing specially in supervised exercise programs that improved muscle strength, fall risk, balance, and gait ability. Scielo, Science Citation Index, MEDLINE, Scopus, Sport Discus, and ScienceDirect databases were searched from 1990 to 2012. Studies must have mentioned the effects of exercise training on at least one of the following four parameters: Incidence of falls, gait, balance, and lower-body strength. Twenty studies that investigated the effects of multi-component exercise training (10), resistance training (6), endurance training (1), and balance training (3) were included in the present revision. Ten trials investigated the effects of exercise on the incidence of falls in elderly with physical frailty. Seven of them have found a fewer falls incidence after physical training when compared with the control group. Eleven trials investigated the effects of exercise intervention on the gait ability. Six of them showed enhancements in the gait ability. Ten trials investigated the effects of exercise intervention on the balance performance and seven of them demonstrated enhanced balance. Thirteen trials investigated the effects of exercise intervention on the muscle strength and nine of them showed increases in the muscle strength. The multi-component exercise intervention composed by strength, endurance and balance training seems to be the best strategy to improve rate of falls, gait ability, balance, and strength performance in physically frail older adults.

Is innovative workforce planning software the solution to NHS staffing and cost crisis? An exploration of the locum industry.

PubMed

Theodoulou, Iakovos; Reddy, Akshaya Mohan; Wong, Jeremy

2018-03-20

Workforce planning in the British healthcare system (NHS) is associated with significant costs of agency staff employment. The introduction of a novel software (ABG) as a 'people to people economy' (P2PE) platform for temporary staff recruitment offers a potential solution to this problem. Consequently, the focus of this study was twofold - primarily to explore the locum doctor landscape, and secondarily to evaluate the implementation of P2PE in the healthcare industry. Documentary analysis was conducted alongside thirteen semi structured interviews across five informant groups: two industry experts, two healthcare consultants, an executive director, two speciality managers and six doctors. We found that locum doctors are indispensable to covering workforce shortages, yet existing planning and recruitment practices were found to be inefficient, inconsistent and lacking transparency. Contrarily, mobile-first solutions such as ABG seem to secure higher convenience, better transparency, cost and time efficiency. We also identified factors facilitating the successful diffusion of ABG; these were in line with classically cited characteristics of innovation such as trialability, observability, and scope for local reinvention. Drawing upon the concept of value-based healthcare coupled with the analysis of our findings led to the development of Information Exchange System (IES) model, a comprehensive framework allowing a thorough comparison of recruitment practices in healthcare. IES was used to evaluate ABG and its diffusion against other recruitment methods and ABG was found to outperform its alternatives, thus suggesting its potential to solve the staffing and cost crisis at the chosen hospital.

Effects of Different Exercise Interventions on Risk of Falls, Gait Ability, and Balance in Physically Frail Older Adults: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Cadore, Eduardo Lusa; Rodríguez-Mañas, Leocadio; Sinclair, Alan

2013-01-01

Abstract The aim of this review was to recommend training strategies that improve the functional capacity in physically frail older adults based on scientific literature, focusing specially in supervised exercise programs that improved muscle strength, fall risk, balance, and gait ability. Scielo, Science Citation Index, MEDLINE, Scopus, Sport Discus, and ScienceDirect databases were searched from 1990 to 2012. Studies must have mentioned the effects of exercise training on at least one of the following four parameters: Incidence of falls, gait, balance, and lower-body strength. Twenty studies that investigated the effects of multi-component exercise training (10), resistance training (6), endurance training (1), and balance training (3) were included in the present revision. Ten trials investigated the effects of exercise on the incidence of falls in elderly with physical frailty. Seven of them have found a fewer falls incidence after physical training when compared with the control group. Eleven trials investigated the effects of exercise intervention on the gait ability. Six of them showed enhancements in the gait ability. Ten trials investigated the effects of exercise intervention on the balance performance and seven of them demonstrated enhanced balance. Thirteen trials investigated the effects of exercise intervention on the muscle strength and nine of them showed increases in the muscle strength. The multi-component exercise intervention composed by strength, endurance and balance training seems to be the best strategy to improve rate of falls, gait ability, balance, and strength performance in physically frail older adults. PMID:23327448

Smoking Cessation and the Internet: A Qualitative Method Examining Online Consumer Behavior

PubMed Central

Frisby, Genevieve; Borland, Ron; Anderson, Jeremy N

2002-01-01

Background Smoking is a major preventable cause of disease and disability around the world. Smoking cessation support — including information, discussion groups, cognitive behavioral treatment, and self-help materials — can be delivered via the Internet. There is limited information about the reasons and methods consumers access smoking cessation information on the Internet. Objectives This study aims to determine the feasibility of a method to examine the online behavior of consumers seeking smoking cessation resources. In particular, we sought to identify the reasons and methods consumers use to access and assess the quality of these resources. Methods Thirteen participants were recruited via the state-based Quit® smoking cessation campaign, operated by the Victorian Cancer Council, in December 2001. Online behavior was evaluated using semi-structured interviews and Internet simulations where participants sought smoking cessation information and addressed set-case scenarios. Online interaction was tracked through pervasive logging with specialist software. Results Thirteen semi-structured interviews and 4 Internet simulations were conducted in January 2002. Participants sought online smoking cessation resources for reasons of convenience, timeliness, and anonymity — and because their current information needs were unmet. They employed simple search strategies and could not always find information in an efficient manner. Participants employed several different strategies to assess the quality of online health resources. Conclusions Consumer online behavior can be studied using a combination of survey, observation, and online surveillance. However, further qualitative and observational research is required to harness the full potential of the Internet to deliver public health resources. PMID:12554555

Publication trend, resource utilization, and impact of the US National Cancer Database: A systematic review.

PubMed

Su, Chang; Peng, Cuiying; Agbodza, Ena; Bai, Harrison X; Huang, Yuqian; Karakousis, Giorgos; Zhang, Paul J; Zhang, Zishu

2018-03-01

The utilization and impact of the studies published using the National Cancer Database (NCDB) is currently unclear. In this study, we aim to characterize the published studies, and identify relatively unexplored areas for future investigations. A literature search was performed using PubMed in January 2017 to identify all papers published using NCDB data. Characteristics of the publications were extracted. Citation frequencies were obtained through the Web of Science. Three hundred 2 articles written by 230 first authors met the inclusion criteria. The number of publications grew exponentially since 2013, with 108 articles published in 2016. Articles were published in 86 journals. The majority of the published papers focused on digestive system cancer, while bone and joints, eye and orbit, myeloma, mesothelioma, and Kaposi Sarcoma were never studied. Thirteen institutions in the United States were associated with more than 5 publications. The papers have been cited for a total of 9858 times since the publication of the first paper in 1992. Frequently appearing keywords congregated into 3 clusters: "demographics," "treatments and survival," and "statistical analysis method." Even though the main focuses of the articles captured a extremely wide range, they can be classified into 2 main categories: survival analysis and characterization. Other focuses include database(s) analysis and/or comparison, and hospital reporting. The surging interest in the use of NCDB is accompanied by unequal utilization of resources by individuals and institutions. Certain areas were relatively understudied and should be further explored.

A qualitative study comparing commercial and health service weight loss groups, classes and clubs.

PubMed

Allan, K; Hoddinott, P; Avenell, A

2011-02-01

Group-based interventions for weight loss are popular; however, little is known about how health service groups compare with the commercial sector, from either the participant or the group leader perspective. Currently, health professionals have little guidance on how to deliver effective group interventions. The present study aimed to compare and contrast leaders' and attendees' experiences of health service and commercial weight loss groups, through in-depth interviews and group observations. Purposive sampling, guided by a sampling frame, was employed to identify diverse groups operating in Scotland with differing content, structures and style. Data collection and analysis took place concurrently in accordance with a grounded theory approach. Thirteen semi-structured group observations and in-depth audio-recorded interviews with 11 leaders and 22 attendees were conducted. Identification of themes and the construction of matrices to identify data patterns were guided by the Framework Method for qualitative analysis. Compared to commercial groups, health service 'groups' or 'classes' tended to offer smaller periodic fixed term groups, involving gatekeeper referral systems. Commercial organisations provide a fixed branded package, for 'club' or 'class' members, and most commercial leaders share personal experiences of losing weight. Health service leaders had less opportunity for supervision, peer support or specific training in how to run their groups compared to commercial leaders. Commercial and health service groups differ in access; attendee and leader autonomy; engagement in group processes; and approaches to leadership and training, which could influence weight loss outcomes. Health service groups can provide different group content and experiences, particularly for those with chronic diseases and for populations less likely to attend commercial groups, such as men. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.

[The perception of domestic violence of pregnant and not pregnant women in the city of Campinas, São Paulo].

PubMed

Audi, Celene Aparecida Ferrari; Corrêa, Ana Maria Segall; Turato, Egberto Ribeiro; Santiago, Silvia Maria; Andrade, Maria da Graça Garcia; Rodrigues, Maria Socorro Pereira

2009-01-01

This study sought to compare the perception of domestic violence of women, victims of this kind of violence, with the perception of pregnant women, victims or not of domestic violence, as well as to search for elements allowing for the planning and execution of a cohort study on domestic violence among pregnant women. A qualitative exploratory research was conducted using the technique of convenience sampling for selecting a focal group. The subjects were twenty four women divided into two groups: (1) thirteen women from a follow-up group from a Referral Center for victims of domestic violence, and (2) eleven pregnant women that were participating in the pre-natal care program in a primary care unit, selected independently of suffering domestic violence or not. The data collected were transcribed, conceptually decoded and qualified for qualitative analysis. The contents of the women's discourse were analyzed on the basis of thematic categories. It was observed that domestic violence was perceived in a similar way by both studied groups, independently from the fact of having or not experienced a situation of this kind. The understanding and discussion of the topics proposed for the groups allowed developing a more appropriate approach to the studied women. The way the questions were formulated in the questionnaire was considered of easy understanding by both groups of women.

Connective tissue graft vs. emdogain: A new approach to compare the outcomes.

PubMed

Sayar, Ferena; Akhundi, Nasrin; Gholami, Sanaz

2013-01-01

The aim of this clinical trial study was to clinically evaluate the use of enamel matrix protein derivative combined with the coronally positioned flap to treat gingival recession compared to the subepithelial connective tissue graft by a new method to obtain denuded root surface area. Thirteen patients, each with two or more similar bilateral Miller class I or II gingival recession (40 recessions) were randomly assigned to the test (enamel matrix protein derivative + coronally positioned flap) or control group (subepithelial connective tissue graft). Recession depth, width, probing depth, keratinized gingival, and plaque index were recorded at baseline and at one, three, and six months after treatment. A stent was used to measure the denuded root surface area at each examination session. Results were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Wilcoxon, Friedman, paired-sample t test. The average percentages of root coverage for control and test groups were 63.3% and 55%, respectively. Both groups showed significant keratinized gingival increase (P < 0.05). Recession depth decreased significantly in both groups. Root surface area was improved significantly from baseline with no significant difference between the two study groups (P > 0.05). The results of Friedman test were significant for clinical indices (P < 0.05), except for probing depth in control group (P = 0.166). Enamel matrix protein derivative showed the same results as subepithelial connective tissue graft with relatively easy procedure to perform and low patient morbidity.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of 10-mg empagliflozin every day versus every other day in Japanese patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a pilot trial.

PubMed

Obata, Fumiaki; Tani, Kenji; Yamaguchi, Harutaka; Tabata, Ryo; Bando, Hiroyasu; Imoto, Issei

2017-01-01

The terminal elimination half-life (t1/2) of empagliflozin is 13.1 hours. Accordingly, we hypothesized that the administration of empagliflozin every other day might improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, not being inferior to the therapy every day. We investigated the clinical effects and safety of the addition of empagliflozin every day or every other day to type 2 diabetic patients with a poor control in glycemia. Thirteen Japanese patients diagnosed as type 2 diabetes mellitus recruited to this study. Subjects were divided into two groups; one was treatment with 10 mg of empagliflozin every day (Group A), the other was 10 mg of empagliflozin every other day (Group B). The comparable study of multiple clinical indexes between the 2 groups was made before and 8, 16, and 24 weeks after the treatment. After the treatment for 24 weeks, the HbA1c level was decreased both in group A (from 7.5%±1.1% to 6.5%±0.8%) and in group B (from 7.6%±0.8% to 7.2%±0.5%). This pilot trial suggested the possibility of 10-mg every other day administration with empagliflozin for Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. J. Med. Invest. 64: 50-57, February, 2017.

Operant conditioning of rat navigation using electrical stimulation for directional cues and rewards.

PubMed

Lee, Maan-Gee; Jun, Gayoung; Choi, Hyo-Soon; Jang, Hwan Soo; Bae, Yong Chul; Suk, Kyoungho; Jang, Il-Sung; Choi, Byung-Ju

2010-07-01

Operant conditioning is often used to train a desired behavior in an animal. The contingency between a specific behavior and a reward is required for successful training. Here, we compared the effectiveness of two different mazes for training turning behaviors in response to directional cues in Sprague-Dawley rats. Forty-three rats were implanted with electrodes into the medial forebrain bundle and the left and right somatosensory cortices for reward and cues. Among them, thirteen rats discriminated between the left and right somatosensory stimulations to obtain rewards. They were trained to learn ipsilateral turning response to the stimulation of the left or right somatosensory cortex in either the T-maze (Group T) or the E| maze (Group W). Performance was measured by the navigation speed in the mazes. Performances of rats in Group T were enhanced faster than those in Group W. A significant correlation between performances during training and performance in final testing was observed in Group T starting with the fifth training session while such a correlation was not observed in Group W until the tenth training session. The training mazes did not however affect the performances in the final test. These results suggest that a simple maze is better than a complicated maze for training animals to learn directions and direct cortical stimulation can be used as a cue for direction training. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Transcranial direct current stimulation over the primary motor vs prefrontal cortex in refractory chronic migraine: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Andrade, Suellen Marinho; de Brito Aranha, Renata Emanuela Lyra; de Oliveira, Eliane Araújo; de Mendonça, Camila Teresa Ponce Leon; Martins, Wanessa Kallyne Nascimento; Alves, Nelson Torro; Fernández-Calvo, Bernardino

2017-07-15

Although transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) represents a therapeutic option for the prophylaxis of chronic migraine, the target area for application of the electrical current to the cortex has not yet been well established. Here we sought to determine whether a treatment protocol involving 12 sessions of 2mA, 20min anodal stimulation of the left primary motor (M1) or dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) could offer clinical benefits in the management of pain from migraine. Thirteen participants were assessed before and after treatment, using the Headache Impact Test-6, Visual Analogue Scale and Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short - Form Health Survey. After treatment, group DLPFC exhibited a better performance compared with groups M1 and sham. On intragroup comparison, groups DLPFC and M1 exhibited a greater reduction in headache impact and pain intensity and a higher quality of life after treatment. No significant change was found in group sham. The participants in group M1 exhibited more adverse effects, especially headache, heartburn, and sleepiness, than did those in the other two groups. Transcranial direct current stimulation is a safe and efficacious technique for treating chronic migraine. However, it should be kept in mind that the site of cortical stimulation might modulate the patient's response to treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Technology-enhanced focus groups as a component of instrument development.

PubMed

Strout, Tania D; DiFazio, Rachel L; Vessey, Judith A

2017-06-22

Background Bullying is a critical public health problem and a screening tool for use in healthcare is needed. Focus groups are a common tool for generating qualitative data when developing an instrument and evidence suggests that technology-enhanced focus groups can be effective in simultaneously engaging participants from diverse settings. Aim To examine the use of technology-enhanced focus groups in generating an item pool to develop a youth-bullying screening tool. Discussion The authors explore methodological and ethical issues related to conducting technology-enhanced focus groups, drawing on their experience in developing a youth-bullying measure. They conducted qualitative focus groups with professionals from the front lines of bullying response and intervention. They describe the experience of conducting technology-enhanced focus group sessions, focusing on the methodological and ethical issues that researchers engaging in similar work may encounter. Challenges associated with this methodology include establishing rapport among participants, privacy concerns and limited non-verbal communication. Conclusion The use of technology-enhanced focus groups can be valuable in obtaining rich data from a wide variety of disciplines and contexts. Organising these focus groups was inexpensive and preferred by the study's participants. Implications for practice Researchers should consider using technology-enhanced focus groups to generate data to develop health-related measurement tools.

Efficacy of multiple micronutrient supplementation for improving anemia, micronutrient status, growth, and morbidity of Peruvian infants.

PubMed

López de Romaña, Guillermo; Cusirramos, Sandra; López de Romaña, Daniel; Gross, Rainer

2005-03-01

Anemia, micronutrient deficiencies, and growth faltering are still common in Peru. The study objective was to determine the efficacy of different micronutrient supplements in preventing growth failure, anemia, and micronutrient deficiencies in Peruvian infants. Three hundred and thirteen infants aged 6 to 12 mo participated in a double-blind, masked, controlled trial in which they were randomly assigned to receive either a daily dose of iron (DI), a daily dose of multiple micronutrients (DMM), a weekly dose of multiple micronutrients, or a placebo (P) for 6 mo. None of the supplements tested prevented growth faltering or the morbidities common during infancy. Anemia and plasma homocysteine concentrations fell significantly in all groups during the study, but the mean change of plasma homocysteine during the trial period was significantly smaller in the DI group than in other groups, and the increase in hemoglobin concentrations was smaller in the P group than the micronutrient treatment groups. Plasma ferritin concentrations decreased least in the groups taking daily micronutrient supplements containing iron (DI and DMM). There were no significant differences among groups in mean final values or changes in plasma zinc, retinol, tocopherol, or riboflavin. Although the DMM intervention was the most efficacious for preventing anemia, iron, and zinc deficiencies, 15%, 20%, and 50% of this group still remained anemic, zinc deficient, and iron deficient, respectively, at the end of the study. Further research thus should investigate whether higher doses of iron and zinc, together with infection control measures, are more efficacious.

Unbiased whole-genome deep sequencing of human and porcine stool samples reveals circulation of multiple groups of rotaviruses and a putative zoonotic infection

PubMed Central

Phan, My V. T.; Anh, Pham Hong; Cuong, Nguyen Van; Munnink, Bas B. Oude; van der Hoek, Lia; My, Phuc Tran; Tri, Tue Ngo; Bryant, Juliet E.; Baker, Stephen; Thwaites, Guy; Woolhouse, Mark; Kellam, Paul; Rabaa, Maia A.

2016-01-01

Abstract Coordinated and synchronous surveillance for zoonotic viruses in both human clinical cases and animal reservoirs provides an opportunity to identify interspecies virus movement. Rotavirus (RV) is an important cause of viral gastroenteritis in humans and animals. In this study, we document the RV diversity within co-located humans and animals sampled from the Mekong delta region of Vietnam using a primer-independent, agnostic, deep sequencing approach. A total of 296 stool samples (146 from diarrhoeal human patients and 150 from pigs living in the same geographical region) were directly sequenced, generating the genomic sequences of sixty human rotaviruses (all group A) and thirty-one porcine rotaviruses (thirteen group A, seven group B, six group C, and five group H). Phylogenetic analyses showed the co-circulation of multiple distinct RV group A (RVA) genotypes/strains, many of which were divergent from the strain components of licensed RVA vaccines, as well as considerable virus diversity in pigs including full genomes of rotaviruses in groups B, C, and H, none of which have been previously reported in Vietnam. Furthermore, the detection of an atypical RVA genotype constellation (G4-P[6]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T7-E1-H1) in a human patient and a pig from the same region provides some evidence for a zoonotic event. PMID:28748110

Effects of Nursing Care Based on Watson's Theory of Human Caring on Anxiety, Distress, And Coping, When Infertility Treatment Fails: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Durgun Ozan, Yeter; Okumuş, Hülya

2017-06-01

Introduction: The failure of infertility treatment leads to individual, familial, and social problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the nursing care program based on Watson's "Theory of Human Caring" on anxiety and distress caused by coping when the treatment fails. Methods: This study randomized controlled trial study was conducted from April to November 2012, with 86 Turkish women with infertility (intervention group: 45, control group: 41). Follow-up of 32 infertile women, who failed infertility treatment from intervention group, and 35 infertile women, who failed infertility treatment from control group, continued for another four weeks. Data were collected through Spiel Berger's State/Trait Anxiety Inventory, Distress Scale, and Ways of Coping Questionnaire. The analyses of data were conducted using SPSS ver 13. Results: The intervention and control groups significantly differed in terms of anxiety, distress, and coping levels. The intervention group's mean anxiety score decreased by thirteen points and distress by fourteen points (in a positive direction). The intervention group's mean positive coping style score increased. Whereas a negative increase was observed in the control group's values depending on the failure of the treatment. Conclusion: Watson's theory of human caring is recommended as a guide to nursing patients with infertility treatment to decrease levels of anxiety and distress, and to increase the positive coping style among infertile women.

Effect of expiratory muscle strength training intervention on the maximum expiratory pressure and quality of life of patients with Parkinson disease.

PubMed

Kuo, Yu-Chi; Chan, Jomei; Wu, Yu-Ping; Bernard, Jeffrey R; Liao, Yi-Hung

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 4-weeks expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) on the maximum expiratory pressure (PEmax) and quality of life (QoL) in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). Thirteen outpatients diagnosed with PD participated in this study, and were assigned into either a 5DE training group (5DE group; n = 4; 75% PEmax for 5-d/wk), 3DE training group (3DE group; n = 5; 75% PEmax for 3-d/wk) and control group (3DC group; n = 4; 0% PEmax for 3-d/wk) by matching their Hoehn and Yahr scale, genders, and age. The PEmax and Parkinson disease questionnaire-39 item (PDQ-39) were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. The posttest PEmax of the 5DE was significantly higher than that of the 3DC (P < 0.05). Moreover, 5DE and 3DE but not 3DC significantly increased PEmax after training. There were no differences in the overall quality of life in PD patients measured by PDQ-39 among three groups, but the 5DE group significantly improved the mobility constructs of PDQ-39 compared with 3DC (P < 0.05). Both 5 d/wk and 3 d/wk of EMST effectively enhance respiratory muscle strength and improve mobility construct measured by PDQ-39 in patients with PD.

Narcolepsy and cataplexy: a pediatric case report.

PubMed

Savaş, Tülin; Erol, Ilknur; Saygı, Semra; Habeşoğlu, Mehmet Ali

2016-12-01

Narcolepsy is characterized by excessive sleepiness, cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, and sleep paralysis during the rapid eye movement period of sleep. Herein, we present a boy aged eight years who was diagnosed as having narcolepsy and cataplexy about thirteen months after his first presentation. He was admitted with symptoms of daytime sleepiness. In the follow-up, cataplexy in the form of head dropping attacks developed seven months after the first admission. The patient was investigated for different prediagnoses and was eventually diagnosed as having narcolepsy and cataplexy through polysomnography and multiple sleep latency tests thirteen months after the first presentation. He is being followed up and is under drug therapy; his symptoms have improved substantially.

Physiotherapy to improve physical activity in community-dwelling older adults with mobility problems (Coach2Move): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Older adults can benefit from physical activity in numerous ways. Physical activity is considered to be one of the few ways to influence the level of frailty. Standardized exercise programs do not necessarily lead to more physical activity in daily life, however, and a more personalized approach seems appropriate. The main objective of this study is to investigate whether a focused, problem-oriented coaching intervention (‘Coach2Move’) delivered by a physiotherapist specializing in geriatrics is more effective for improving physical activity, mobility and health status in community-dwelling older adults than usual physiotherapy care. In addition, cost-effectiveness will be determined. Methods/Design The design of this study is a single-blind randomized controlled trial in thirteen physiotherapy practices. Randomization will take place at the individual patient level. The study population consists of older adults, ≥70 years of age, with decreased physical functioning and mobility and/or a physically inactive lifestyle. The intervention group will receive geriatric physiotherapy according to the Coach2Move strategy. The control group will receive the usual physiotherapy care. Measurements will be performed by research assistants not aware of group assignment. The results will be evaluated on the amount of physical activity (LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire), mobility (modified ‘get up and go’ test, walking speed and six-minute walking test), quality of life (SF-36), degree of frailty (Evaluative Frailty Index for Physical Activity), fatigue (NRS-fatigue), perceived effect (Global Perceived Effect and Patient Specific Complaints questionnaire) and health care costs. Discussion Most studies on the effect of exercise or physical activity consist of standardized programs. In this study, a personalized approach is evaluated within a group of frail older adults, many of whom suffer from multiple and complex diseases and problems. A complicating factor in evaluating a new approach is that it may not be automatically adopted by clinicians. Specific actions are undertaken to optimize implementation of the Coach2Move strategy during the trial. Whether or not these will be sufficient is a matter we will consider subsequently, using quality indicators and process analysis. Trial Registration The Netherlands National Trial Register: NTR3527. PMID:24345073

The effect of intravitreal bevacizumab injection before Ahmed valve implantation in patients with neovascular glaucoma.

PubMed

Kang, Jung Youb; Nam, Ki Yup; Lee, Sang Joon; Lee, Seung Uk

2014-08-01

To evaluate the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) before Ahmed valve implantation for treatment of neovascular glaucoma (NVG). This study is a retrospective, comparative, consecutive case series. The study group consisted of 27 eyes of 26 patients with NVG who underwent an Ahmed valve implantation. Thirteen eyes were treated with Ahmed valve implantation alone (control group), and 14 eyes were treated with a combination of preoperative IVB injection and Ahmed valve implantation (IVB group). Visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), number of anti-glaucoma medications, surgical complications, and success rate were compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences in preoperative characteristics between the two groups. Visual acuity at 1, 2 weeks, and 1 month after surgery were significantly better in the IVB group (p = 0.038, 0.034, and 0.032, respectively). Hyphema associated with Ahmed valve implantation occurred significantly less in the IVB group (p = 0.016). On the other hand, the mean IOP and number of anti-glaucoma medications at all follow-up periods were similar between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed the probability of success 6 months after surgery as 71.4 % in the IVB group and 84.6 % in the control group. No significant difference in success rate was found between the groups (p = 0.422). IVB before Ahmed valve implantation for treatment of NVG reduced the incidence of hyphema. In this retrospective study, IVB provided better visual outcome in the early postoperative periods but did not significantly improve mean IOP, number of anti-glaucoma medications, or success rate.

Cold cardioplegia versus hypothermia for myocardial protection. Randomized clinical study.

PubMed

Conti, V R; Bertranou, E G; Blackstone, E H; Kirklin, J W; Digerness, S B

1978-11-01

Seventeen of 34 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were randomly assigned to one of two methods of myocardial preservation. With the cold cardioplegic method (Group A), a 4 degrees C. asanguineous solution with 30 mEq. of potassium per liter was infused into the aortic root for about 2 minutes immediately after aortic cross-clamping and again after about 45 minutes or when myocardial temperature rose above 19 degrees C. External cardiac cooling was provided by constant infusion of 4 degrees C. Ringer's solution into the pericardium. Seventeen patients were assigned to simple cardiac cooling by hypothermic systemic perfusion before aortic cross-clamping plus external cardiac cooling (Group B). Electromechanical activity ceased within 1 to 2 minutes in Group A but continued throughout the ischemic period in 14 patients in Group B. Myocardial temperature (mean for all observations) during aortic cross-clamping was 17.2 +/- 0.44 degrees C. In Group A and 24.0 +/- 0.70 degrees C. in Group B. Operating conditions were better in Group A. Card-ac function early postoperatively was good in both groups clinically and according to measurements, but only in the cold cardioplegic group (A) was cardiac index not adversely affected by longer cross-clamp time. Myocardial necrosis occurred in both groups but was probably less in the cold cardioplegic group. Thirteen patients (76 percent) in Group A had no electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial injury, compared with eight (47 percent) in Group B (p = 0.08). Eleven (65 percent of Group A had no or short-lived appearance of ceatine phosphokinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), compared with six (35 percent) of Group B (p = 0.08). Time-related CK-MB and SGOT mean levels were consistently lower in Group A.

Self vs. Other Focus: Predicting Professionalism Remediation of Emergency Medicine Residents.

PubMed

Thaxton, Robert E; Jones, Woodson S; Hafferty, Fred W; April, Carolyn W; April, Michael D

2018-01-01

Unprofessionalism is a major reason for resident dismissal from training. Because of the high stakes involved, residents and educators alike would benefit from information predicting whether they might experience challenges related to this competency. Our objective was to correlate the outcome of professionalism-related remedial actions during residency with the predictor variable of resident response to a standardized interview question: "Why is Medicine important to you?" We conducted a professional development quality improvement (QI) initiative to improve resident education and mentorship by achieving a better understanding of each resident's reasons for valuing a career in medicine. This initiative entailed an interview administered to each resident beginning emergency medicine training at San Antonio Military Medical Center during 2006-2013. The interviews uniformly began with the standardized question "Why is Medicine important to you?" The residency program director documented a free-text summary of each response to this question, the accuracy of which was confirmed by the resident. We analyzed the text of each resident's response after a review of the QI data suggested an association between responses and professionalism actions (retrospective cohort design). Two associate investigators blinded to all interview data, remedial actions, and resident identities categorized each text response as either self-focused (e.g., "I enjoy the challenge") or other-focused (e.g., "I enjoy helping patients"). Additional de-identified data collected included demographics, and expressed personal importance of politics and religion. The primary outcome was a Clinical Competency Committee professionalism remedial action. Of 114 physicians starting residency during 2006-2013, 106 (93.0%) completed the interview. There was good inter-rater reliability in associate investigator categorization of resident responses as either self-focused or other-focused (kappa coefficient 0.85). Thirteen of 50 residents (26.0%) expressed self-focus versus three of 54 (5.4%) residents expressed other-focus experienced professionalism remedial actions (p<0.01). This association held in a logistic regression model controlling for measured confounders (p=0.02). Self-focused responses to the question "Why is Medicine important to you?" correlated with professionalism remedial actions during residency.

T-lymphocyte populations following a period of high volume training in female soccer players.

PubMed

Brown, F F; Bigley, A B; Ross, J C; LaVoy, E C; Simpson, R J; Galloway, S D R

2015-12-01

To investigate the T-lymphocyte response to a period of increased training volume in trained females compared to habitual activity in female controls. Thirteen trained female (19.8 ± 1.9 yrs) soccer players were monitored during a two-week long high volume training period (increased by 39%) and thirteen female untrained (20.5 ± 2.2 yrs) controls were monitored during two-weeks of habitual activity. Blood lymphocytes, collected at rest, were isolated before and after the two-week period. Isolated lymphocytes were assessed for the cell surface expression of the co-receptor CD28, a marker of T-lymphocyte naivety, and CD57 a marker used to identify highly-differentiated T-lymphocytes. Co-expression of these markers was identified on helper CD4(+) and cytotoxic CD8(+) T-lymphocytes. In addition a further population of γδ(+) T-lymphocytes were identified. Plasma was used to determine Cytomegalovirus (CMV) serostatus. No difference was observed in the T-lymphocyte populations following the two-week period of increased volume training. At baseline the number of total CD3(+), cytotoxic CD8(+), naïve (CD8(+) CD28(+) CD57(-)), intermediate (CD8(+) CD28(+) CD57(+)) T-lymphocytes and the number and proportion of γδ(+) T-lymphocytes were greater in the trained compared to the untrained females (p<0.05). The proportion of CD4(+)T-lymphocytes was greater in the untrained compared to the trained (p<0.05), in turn the CD4(+):CD8(+) ratio was also greater in the untrained females (p<0.05). Inclusion of percentage body fat as a covariate removed the main effect of training status in all T-lymphocyte sub-populations, with the exception of the γδ(+) T-lymphocyte population. 8% of the untrained group was defined as positive for CMV whereas 23% of the trained group was positive for CMV. However, CMV was not a significant covariate in the analysis of T-lymphocyte proportions. The period of high volume training had no effect on T-lymphocyte populations in trained females. However, baseline training status differences were evident between groups. This indicates that long-term exercise training, as opposed to short-term changes in exercise volume, appears to elicit discernible changes in the composition of the blood T-lymphocyte pool. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Values and strategies: management of radical organizational change in a university hospital.

PubMed

Orvik, Arne

2017-04-01

Managers' experiences of radical change were studied in a Norwegian university hospital, which was relocated from a traditional building to a new, high-tech building. The university hospital was also accredited as a health promoting hospital. Thirteen managers at different levels in the organization and a personnel safety representative were interviewed as part of a trailing research project. The aim of the study was to elucidate the managers' value orientation and strategies for dealing with value tensions. A combination of a hermeneutical, reflective method and a template for quality, efficiency and integrity guided the analysis. The template was based not only on the main findings but also on the core values of a model of organizational health. The results show that clinical managers focus on quality and top managers, not unexpectedly, focus on efficiency. Managers at both levels were concerned about their own integrity, and also about the integrity of their clinician colleagues, as well as showing concern for the hospital's mission, in terms of organizational effectiveness. The discussion was conducted in terms of dominance, cycling and balancing strategies, of which the last was the most prevalent. However, sustainable strategies for dealing with value tensions also call for value-based management and value-conscious leadership. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Preparing for the future: challenges and opportunities for management and leadership skills.

PubMed

Morison, S; McMullan, C

2013-01-01

The aim of the study was to explore dental leaders' perceptions of the current position of leadership in the dental profession. A qualitative, key informant, exploratory research study was used with semi-structured interviews as the means of data collection. Participants were invited based on their role in dental services in the UK and their ability to act as a key informant. Thirteen participants were secured and interviewed either at their workplace or in a University setting. Each interview lasted between 45 and 60 minutes. The findings show that while recognising that a lack of focus on leadership skills has caused problems in the past, current dental leaders are prepared to lead the profession forward. The participants viewed education at all levels as vital to this process and education for leadership at undergraduate level was perceived as an important way forward. The development of effective leaders is essential for all healthcare professions and increasingly is becoming a key focus for the UK dental profession. There is comparatively little research about dental leadership in a UK context and this paper should begin to help to redress the balance and to highlight areas for future consideration. Three broad emergent themes are described and discussed - characteristics and behaviours of dental leaders; challenges for dental leaders; education and training for dental leadership.

The Significance of Sexuality and Intimacy in the Lives of Older African Americans With HIV/AIDS.

PubMed

Nevedal, Andrea; Sankar, Andrea

2016-08-01

Aging and HIV/AIDS research focuses primarily on standardized clinical, social, and behavioral measures, leaving unanswered questions about how this chronic and stigmatizing condition affects life course expectations and the meaning of aging with the disease. Utilizing Gaylene Becker's (1997) life course disruption theory, we explored older African Americans' experiences of living with HIV/AIDS. A purposive sample (N = 43) of seropositive African Americans aged 50 and older was selected from a parent study. Thirteen participants completed one semi-structured in-depth interview on life course expectations and experiences of living with HIV/AIDS. Interview transcripts were analyzed using standard qualitative coding and thematic analysis. Responding to broad, open-ended questions about the impact of HIV on life course expectations, participants emphasized how HIV limited their ability to experience sexuality and intimacy. Two major themes emerged, damaged sexuality and constrained intimacy. Older African Americans' discussions of living with HIV focused on the importance of and the challenges to sexuality and intimacy. Researchers and clinicians should be attentive to significant and ongoing HIV-related challenges to sexuality and intimacy facing older African Americans living with HIV/AIDS. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Selection of reliable reference genes for normalization of quantitative RT-PCR from different developmental stages and tissues in amphioxus

PubMed Central

Zhang, Qi-Lin; Zhu, Qian-Hua; Liao, Xin; Wang, Xiu-Qiang; Chen, Tao; Xu, Han-Ting; Wang, Juan; Yuan, Ming-Long; Chen, Jun-Yuan

2016-01-01

Amphioxus is a closest living proxy to the ancestor of cephalochordates with vertebrates, and key animal for novel understanding in the evolutionary origin of vertebrate body plan, genome, tissues and immune system. Reliable analyses using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) for answering these scientific questions is heavily dependent on reliable reference genes (RGs). In this study, we evaluated stability of thirteen candidate RGs in qRT-PCR for different developmental stages and tissues of amphioxus by four independent (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and deltaCt) and one comparative algorithms (RefFinder). The results showed that the top two stable RGs were the following: (1) S20 and 18 S in thirteen developmental stages, (2) EF1A and ACT in seven normal tissues, (3) S20 and L13 in both intestine and hepatic caecum challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and (4) S20 and EF1A in gill challenged with LPS. The expression profiles of two target genes (EYA and HHEX) in thirteen developmental stages were used to confirm the reliability of chosen RGs. This study identified optimal RGs that can be used to accurately measure gene expression under these conditions, which will benefit evolutionary and functional genomics studies in amphioxus. PMID:27869224

The Use of Memories in Understanding Interactive Science and Technology Exhibits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afonso, Ana S.; Gilbert, John K.

2006-10-01

Framed by a “personal constructivist” perspective, this study analyses visitors’ use of spontaneous memories in understanding different types of interactive exhibits, the nature and sources of the retrieved memories, and the way that visitors relate an exhibit analogically to memories of previous exhibits. One hundred and thirteen visitors (either alone or in groups) were observed during their interaction with exhibits and interviewed immediately afterwards. The majority of the retrieved memories were not used in understanding an exhibit; those memories used were mainly semantic and episodic in nature; and exhibits were mainly associated with memories by means of a superficial similarity between them. Suggestions for enhancing the formation of links between visitors’ memories and the understanding of an exhibit intended by the designer of it are made.

[Changes in nursing administration in supporting transplantation in Brazil].

PubMed

Cintra, Vivian; Sanna, Maria Cristina

2005-01-01

This historical and bibliographic study aimed to understand how Nursing was organized to support care in transplantation. The HISA, LILACS, BDENF, PERIENF and DEDALUS databases were consulted, and thirteen references were found, ten of which were scientific articles, two were master's dissertations and one was a doctoral thesis. The span of time chosen for study ranges from the date of the first kidney transplant in Brazil (1965), to the date of publication of the last scientific article found in the databases mentioned above (2003). After reading these articles, the ones that were similar in topic were grouped together, thus creating the thematic axis for the presentation of the results. The results showed that the Nursing profession has played an important and active role in transplants ever since the first procedure in 1965.

Evaluation of the Biolog MicroStation system for yeast identification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McGinnis, M. R.; Molina, T. C.; Pierson, D. L.; Mishra, S. K.

1996-01-01

One hundred and fifty-nine isolates representing 16 genera and 53 species of yeasts were processed with the Biolog MicroStation System for yeast identification. Thirteen genera and 38 species were included in the Biolog database. For these 129 isolates, correct identifications to the species level were 13.2, 39.5 and 48.8% after 24, 48 and 72 hours incubation at 30 degrees C, respectively. Three genera and 15 species which were not included in the Biolog database were also tested. Of the 30 isolates studied, 16.7, 53.3 and 56.7% of the isolates were given incorrect names from the system's database after 24,48 and 72 h incubation at 30 degrees C, respectively. The remaining isolates of this group were not identified.

Using Focus Groups to Validate a Pharmacy Vaccination Training Program.

PubMed

Bushell, Mary; Morrissey, Hana; Ball, Patrick

2015-06-12

Introduction: Focus group methodology is commonly used to quickly collate, integrated views from a variety of different stakeholders. This paper provides an example of how focus groups can be employed to collate expert opinion informing amendments on a newly developed training program for integration into undergraduate pharmacy curricula. Materials and methods: Four focus groups were conducted, across three continents, to determine the appropriateness and reliability of a developed vaccination training program with nested injection skills training. All focus groups were comprised of legitimate experts in the field of vaccination, medicine and/or pharmacy. Results: Themes that emerged across focus groups informed amendments giving rise to a validated version of a training program. Discussion : The rigorous validation of the vaccination training program offers generalizable lessons to inform the design and validation of future training programs intended for the health sector and or pharmacy curricula. Using the knowledge and experience of focus group participants fostered collaborative problem solving and validation of material and concept development. The group dynamics of a focus group allowed synthesis of feedback in an inter-professional manner. Conclusions : This paper provides a demonstration of how focus groups can be structured and used by health researchers to validate a newly developed training program.

Fertility sparing surgery in early stage epithelial ovarian cancer

PubMed Central

Martinelli, Fabio; Lorusso, Domenica; Haeusler, Edward; Carcangiu, Marialuisa; Raspagliesi, Francesco

2014-01-01

Objective Fertility sparing surgery (FSS) is a strategy often considered in young patients with early epithelial ovarian cancer. We investigated the role and the outcomes of FSS in eEOC patients who underwent comprehensive surgery. Methods From January 2003 to January 2011, 24 patients underwent fertility sparing surgery. Eighteen were one-to-one matched and balanced for stage, histologic type and grading with a group of patients who underwent radical comprehensive staging (n=18). Demographics, surgical procedures, morbidities, pathologic findings, recurrence-rate, pregnancy-rate and correlations with disease-free survival were assessed. Results A total of 36 patients had a complete surgical staging including lymphadenectomy and were therefore analyzed. Seven patients experienced a recurrence: four (22%) in the fertility sparing surgery group and three (16%) in the control group (p=not significant). Sites of recurrence were: residual ovary (two), abdominal wall and peritoneal carcinomatosis in the fertility sparing surgery group; pelvic (two) and abdominal wall in the control group. Recurrences in the fertility sparing surgery group appeared earlier (mean, 10.3 months) than in radical comprehensive staging group (mean, 53.3 months) p<0.001. Disease-free survival were comparable between the two groups (p=0.422). No deaths were reported. All the patients in fertility sparing surgery group recovered a regular period. Thirteen out of 18 (72.2%) attempted to have a pregnancy. Five (38%) achieved a spontaneous pregnancy with a full term delivery. Conclusion Fertility sparing surgery in early epithelial ovarian cancer submitted to a comprehensive surgical staging could be considered safe with oncological results comparable to radical surgery group. PMID:25142621

Public Participation Guide: Focus Groups

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

A focus group is a small group discussion with professional leadership. Focus groups are used to find out what issues are of most concern for a community or group when little or no information is available.

Comparison of tensile bond strengths of four one-bottle self-etching adhesive systems with Er:YAG laser-irradiated dentin.

PubMed

Jiang, Qianzhou; Chen, Minle; Ding, Jiangfeng

2013-12-01

This study aimed to investigate the interaction of current one-bottle self-etching adhesives and Er:YAG laser with dentin using a tensile bond strength (TBS) test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in vitro. Two hundred and thirteen dentin discs were randomly distributed to the Control Group using bur cutting and to the Laser Group using an Er:YAG laser (200 mJ, VSP, 20 Hz). The following adhesives were investigated: one two-step total-etch adhesive [Prime & Bond NT (Dentsply)] and four one-step self-etch adhesives [G-Bond plus (GC), XENO V (Dentsply), iBond Self Etch (Heraeus) and Adper Easy One (3 M ESPE)]. Samples were restored with composite resin, and after 24-hour storage in distilled water, subjected to the TBS test. For morphological analysis, 12 dentin specimens were prepared for SEM. No significant differences were found between the control group and laser group (p = 0.899); dentin subjected to Prime & Bond NT, XENOV and Adper Easy One produced higher TBS. In conclusion, this study indicates that Er:YAG laser-prepared dentin can perform as well as bur on TBS, and some of the one-step one-bottle adhesives are comparable to the total-etch adhesives in TBS on dentin.

Treatment of penetrating hepatic injuries: a retrospective analysis of 50 patients.

PubMed

Gonullu, D; Koksoy, F N; Ilgun, S; Demiray, O; Yucel, O; Yucel, T

2009-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the possibility of non-operative treatment via retrospective analysis of our patients. Fifty patients with penetrating hepatic injuries were examined retrospectively with respect to trauma scores, associated injuries, complications, and mortality parameters. Thirteen injuries were caused by firearms, whereas 37 injuries were caused by stab wounds. Forty-three patients (86%) underwent laparotomy and 7 patients (14%) were monitored by CT and clinical findings (nonoperative group, NO group). The laparotomies were evaluated as non-therapeutic in 11 patients (22%) (NTL group) and therapeutic in 32 patients (64%) (TL group). The morbidity and mortality rates were 40 and 10%, respectively. RTS and ISS scores of the nonsurviving and the surviving patients were significantly different. The rates of major venous, grade IV-V hepatic injuries, and gunshot wounds were significantly higher in the nonsurviving patients when compared to the surviving patients. Major venous and grade IV-V hepatic injuries were the primary factors determining mortality and these injuries generally occurred as a result of firearm injuries. NTL occurring at a rate of 22% would decrease to 2% if 'RTS <7' criteria was added to the hemodynamic instability and/or peritoneal irritation findings determining surgical candidacy. Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Impact of a Social Media Group Page on Undergraduate Medical Physiology Learning.

PubMed

Shakoori, Tania Ahmed; Mahboob, Usman; Strivens, Janet; Willis, Ian

2017-07-01

To investigate the impact of associating classroom learning of medical physiology with a Facebook group page in an all-women medical college of a conservative small city in Pakistan. Qualitative interpretivist study using semi-structured interviews. Women Medical College Abbottabad, Pakistan, from March to December 2014. Aclosed Facebook study group was established at a local medical college in Pakistan. It was used to upload learning resources and initiate discussions, coordinated with classroom lectures of physiology. Thirteen semistructured interviews were conducted with volunteer students according to a standard protocol. Five major themes were identified. Facebook group is something new and exciting; it motivated self-study, research, collaborative learning and improved class attendance. Convenience of easily accessible resources allowed the students to concentrate on the lecture rather than note taking. It was easier to communicate with the instructor through Facebook than face to face. Lurkers were also learning. High achievers who had adapted to the current didactic system of teaching were less receptive of the collaborative learning and favored teaching geared towards exam preparation. Using social media for e-learning in undergraduate medical education can enhance the student learning experience, especially in resource-limited regions where Information and communication technology is not an integrated part of the teaching process.

Comparison of cryotherapy and photodynamic therapy in treatment of oral leukoplakia.

PubMed

Kawczyk-Krupka, Aleksandra; Waśkowska, Jadwiga; Raczkowska-Siostrzonek, Agnieszka; Kościarz-Grzesiok, Anna; Kwiatek, Sebastian; Straszak, Dariusz; Latos, Wojciech; Koszowski, Rafał; Sieroń, Aleksander

2012-06-01

Oral leukoplakia is a pre-malignant lesion of the oral mucosa. The aim of this study is to compare the curative effects of photodynamic therapy and cryotherapy in the treatment of oral leukoplakia. The first group, treated by photodynamic therapy (δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), 630-635 nm wavelength), consisted of 48 patients suffering from leukoplakia. The second group consisted of 37 patients treated using cryotherapy. Analyses and comparisons of the complete responses, recurrences, numbers of procedures and adverse effects after both PDT and cryotherapy were obtained. In the first group, a complete response was obtained in 35 patients (72.9%), with thirteen recurrences observed (27.1%) over a six-month period. In the second group, a complete response was obtained in 33 patients (89.2%), and recurrence was observed in nine patients (24.3%). Photodynamic therapy and cryotherapy appear to be comparative methods of treatment that may both serve as alternatives for the traditional surgical treatment of oral leukoplakia. The advantages of PDT are connected with minimally invasive and localized character of the treatment and with not damage of collagenous tissue structures, therefore normal cells will repopulate these arrangements. PDT is more convenient for patients, less painful, and more esthetic. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preoperative carbohydrate loading for elective surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Li, Lun; Wang, Zehao; Ying, Xiangji; Tian, Jinhui; Sun, Tiantian; Yi, Kang; Zhang, Peng; Jing, Zhang; Yang, Kehu

2012-07-01

It is unclear whether the preoperative administration of oral carbohydrates (CHO) is safe and effective, and therefore we herein evaluated the efficacy and adverse events associated with CHO for elective surgery. Comprehensive searches were conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which evaluated preoperative CHO for elective surgery. Two reviewers independently selected the trials, extracted data, and assessed the methodological qualities and evidence levels. The data were analyzed by the RevMan 5.0 software program. CHO increased the insulin and glucose levels on the first day after surgery higher than those in overnight fasting group (fifteen RCTs) and i.v. glucose infusion group (three RCTs). The pooled results of thirteen RCTs showed greater declines in the insulin level at the induction of anesthesia and a smaller increase in the glucose level at the end of surgery, and fewer decreases in the postoperative insulin sensitivity index in the CHO group were observed as compared to the placebo group. No aspiration was observed in any of the included studies. CHO appears to be safe, and may attenuate postoperative insulin resistance as compared to placebo. However, the quality of most of the published trials has been poor, and the evidence levels for most outcomes were low, so rigorous and larger RCTs are needed in the future.

The effect of Mind Body Medicine course on medical student empathy: a pilot study.

PubMed

Chen, Allen K; Kumar, Anagha; Haramati, Aviad

2016-01-01

Introduction Empathy among medical practitioners has been shown to affect patient care and outcomes. Factors such as stress and depression are known to have a negative impact on medical student empathy. Approaches such as mindfulness, meditation, and other mind-body techniques can enhance empathy and reverse burnout symptoms. In the present study, we evaluated impact of Mind Body Medicine (MBM) course on perceived stress and empathy on first-year medical students. Methods Thirteen first-year medical students in total self-selected into MBM (experimental) and seven non-MBM (control) groups completed a prospective, pre- and post-test analysis, using the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy - Students (JSPE-S), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ) to evaluate empathy, stress, and depression, respectively. Results Our results showed an increase in stress, as well as a decrease in empathy, in both MBM and non-MBM groups throughout the course of the study. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that the inverse relationship increased stress and decreased empathy among first-year medical students and participation in the MBM course did not attenuate the changes. However, a statistically significant rise in the depression score in the non-MBM group was not observed in the MBM group.

A two-year prospective study of coronally positioned flap with or without acellular dermal matrix graft.

PubMed

de Queiroz Côrtes, Antonieta; Sallum, Antonio Wilson; Casati, Marcio Z; Nociti, Francisco H; Sallum, Enilson A

2006-09-01

Evaluation of the treatment of gingival recessions with coronally positioned flap with or without acellular dermal matrix allograft (ADM) after a period of 24 months. Thirteen patients with bilateral gingival recessions were included. The defects were randomly assigned to one of the treatments: coronally positioned flap plus ADM or coronally positioned flap alone. The clinical measurements were taken before the surgeries and after 6, 12 and 24 months. At baseline, the mean values for recession height were 3.46 and 3.58 mm for the defects treated with and without the graft, respectively (p>0.05). No significant differences between the groups were observed after 6 and 12 months in this parameter. However, after 24 months, the group treated with coronally positioned flap alone showed a greater recession height when compared with the group treated with ADM (1.62 and 1.15 mm, respectively--p<0.05). A significant increase in the thickness of keratinized tissue was observed in the group treated with ADM as compared with coronally positioned flap alone (p<0.05). ADM may reduce the residual gingival recession observed after 24 months in defects treated with coronally positioned flap. In addition, a greater gingival thickness may be achieved when the graft is used.