Additional file 1: of Plasticity varies with boldness in a weakly-electric fish

Datasets and calculated statistics. The file includes: 1) datasets of recordings from preliminary and experimental (novel object and novel environment) tests, and 2) tables with calculated boldness scores and intra-individual variance statistics. (XLSX 15 kb

The unique contribution of e-cigarettes for tobacco harm reduction in supporting smoking relapse prevention.

BACKGROUND: We have little understanding of how vapers use e-cigarettes beyond cessation. E-cigarettes may have a role to play in reducing the health-related harms of tobacco smoking, through not only assisting smoking cessation attempts but also supporting long-term abstinence from smoking. However, there are fears that vaping may lead to the 'renormalisation' of smoking type behaviours. This study aimed to explore patterns of use and reported experiences of vapers quitting smoking using an e-cigarette in relation to long-term smoking status (abstinence or relapse). METHODS: A purposive sample of 40 UK vapers was matched to a sampling frame of demographic characteristics from a representative sample of UK quitters. Following full informed consent, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Data were thematically analysed by two members of the research team. Final thematic analysis was verified and agreed by consensus. RESULTS: The sample self-reported long histories of tobacco use and multiple previous quit attempts which had eventually resulted in relapse back to smoking, although a small but important group had never before attempted to quit. Initiating e-cigarette use was experienced as a revelation for some, who were quickly able to fully switch to using e-cigarettes as an alternative to tobacco smoking. For others, periods of dual use or smoking relapse combined with attempts at vaping that were not initially satisfactory. Many of these chose a cheaper 'cig-a-like' device which they found to be inadequate. Experimentation with different devices and different setups, over time, resulted in some 'sliding' rather than switching to vaping. This involved periods of 'dual use'. Some settled on patterns of vaping as a direct substitute of previous tobacco smoking, whereas others reported 'grazing' patterns of vaping throughout the day that were perceived to support tobacco smoking abstinence. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrates that e-cigarettes may be a unique harm reduction innovation for smoking relapse prevention. E-cigarettes meet the needs of some ex-smokers by substituting physical, psychological, social, cultural and identity-related aspects of tobacco addiction. Some vapers reported that they found vaping pleasurable and enjoyable-being more than a substitute but actually preferred, over time, to tobacco smoking. This clearly suggests that vaping is a viable long-term substitute for smoking, with substantial implications for tobacco harm reduction

Medical Students’ Views About Having Different Types of Problem-Based Learning Tutors

Background At Norwich Medical School, Year 3 or 4 medical students taking a year out of the 5-year undergraduate MBBS degree to do a master’s degree in clinical education worked as near-peer problem-based learning (PBL) tutors for students in Year 2. Peer-assisted learning has been shown to benefit both peer tutors and tutees; in this study, experiences of students with near-peer PBL tutors were compared to students with other types of PBL tutor. Methods Using existing student evaluation data, we compared student views about PBL tutor performance, PBL group functioning, and overall satisfaction with PBL learning experience according to whether their PBL tutor/s were (1) a single near-peer tutor (later-year MB BS student), (2) a single staff tutor, (3) multiple staff tutors, or (4) multiple newly qualified doctor tutors. Results Results indicated that students’ evaluation of tutor performance was more positive for near-peer PBL tutors compared to both groups of staff tutors for most areas evaluated. Additionally, students’ evaluation of overall satisfaction with PBL was more positive for near-peer PBL tutors compared to multiple staff tutors. Tutor performance for multiple staff tutors was evaluated less positively compared to both single staff and multiple newly qualified doctor groups. But there were no statistically significant differences between the four groups regarding PBL group functioning. Conclusion Near-peer PBL tutors perform comparably or better to staff PBL tutors in salient measures of tutor performance and group functioning. We conclude that medical students find near-peer PBL tutors to be an acceptable addition to the PBL tutor workforce

Smoking cessation for substance misusers: A systematic review of qualitative studies on participant and provider beliefs and perceptions.

INTRODUCTION: Smoking prevalence among those in substance misuse treatment remains much higher than the general population, despite evidence for effective cessation interventions that do not negatively impact substance misuse outcomes. This systematic review summarises qualitative data on barriers and facilitators to smoking cessation for people in substance misuse treatment, participants' and providers' perceptions about effects of smoking cessation on substance misuse treatment, timing of intervention delivery and aspects of interventions perceived to be effective. METHODS: Systematic review of qualitative studies and thematic synthesis of published qualitative data. RESULTS: 10939 records and 132 full texts were screened. 22 papers reporting on 21 studies were included. Key themes identified were: strong relationships between smoking and other substance misuse; environmental influences; motivation; mental health; aspects of interventions perceived to be effective/ineffective; barriers and facilitators to intervention implementation; smoking bans/restrictions; and relationships with professionals. Many service users were motivated toward smoking cessation but were not offered support. Some felt interventions should be delivered after substance misuse treatment, whilst others felt concurrent/dual interventions would be beneficial, due to strong associations between smoking and other substances. Treatment providers felt they lacked training and resources for supporting smoking cessation, and were concerned about impact on substance misuse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Many substance misusers who also smoke are motivated to quit but perceive a lack of support from professionals. Additional training and resources are required to enable professionals to provide the support needed. More research is required to develop enhanced packages of care for this deprived group of smokers

BioSQL Reloaded: 1.0 Release, PhyloDB Module, and Future Features

<p>Abstract for presentation at the 2008 Bioinformatics Open Source Conference (BOSC), held July 18-19 in Toronto, ON, Canada.</p

Summary of Bisphosphonate medication changes and adherence for participants that experienced side effects at Phase 2 (n = 18).

<p>Summary of Bisphosphonate medication changes and adherence for participants that experienced side effects at Phase 2 (n = 18).</p

A qualitative exploration of the role of vape shop environments in supporting smoking abstinence.

E-cigarettes are the most popular method of quitting smoking in England and most are purchased in specialist vape shops. This qualitative study explores how the vape shop environment is experienced by quitters to support smoking abstinence. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted to elicit experiences of e-cigarette use, including experiences of vape shops, in 40 people who had used e-cigarettes in a quit attempt. Observations of six shops in a range of locations were also undertaken. Interview and observation data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis and triangulated. At an individual level, smoking abstinence was supported through shop assistants’ attempts to understand customers’ smoking preferences in order to i) tailor advice about the most appropriate product, and ii) offer an ongoing point of contact for practical help. At an interpersonal level, shops offered opportunity to socialise and reinforce a vaping identity, although the environment was perceived as intimidating for some (e.g. new and female users). At a structural level, shops provided a commercial environment, adapting to legislative changes to ensure easy access to value products. Vape shops can provide effective behavioural support to quitters which could, in partnership with health professionals, be capitalised on for the purpose of maintaining smoking abstinence

Sample characteristics using pre-collected trial data.

<p>Sample characteristics using pre-collected trial data.</p

Summary of Patterns of Adherence.

<p>Summary of Patterns of Adherence.</p

Doctors are inconsistent in estimating survival after CPR and are not using such predictions consistently in determining DNACPR decisions.

Background:. It is unclear whether doctors base their resuscitation decisions solely on their perceived outcome. Through the use of theoretical scenarios, we aimed to examine ‘do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation’ (DNACPR) decision making. Methods:. A questionnaire survey was sent to Consultants and Specialty Trainees across two Norfolk (UK) hospitals during December 2013. The survey included demographic questions and six clinical scenarios with varying prognosis. Participants were asked if they would resuscitate the patient or not. Identical scenarios were then shown in a different order and doctors asked to quantify patients’ estimated chance of survival. Results:. A total of 137 individuals (mean age 41 years (SD 7.9%)) responded. The response rate was 69%. Approximately 60% were consultants. We found considerable variation in clinician estimates of median chance of survival. In three out of six of our scenarios, survival estimated varied from <1% to 95%. There was a statistically significant difference identified in the estimated median survival between those clinicians who would or would not resuscitate, in four of the six scenarios presented. Conclusion:. This study has highlighted the wide variation between clinicians in their estimates of likely survival and little concordance between clinicians over their resuscitation decisions. The diversity in clinician decision-making should be explored further