PRO-based follow-up as a means of self-management support – an interpretive description of the patient perspective

Background: There is an increasing focus on the use of patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures to improve the quality and effectiveness of health care. PRO-based follow-up is a new model of service delivery, where the patient’s PRO measures are used as the very basis for outpatient follow-up. Objectives: This study aimed to explore how patients with epilepsy experience the use of PRO-based follow-up in three outpatient clinics in the Central Denmark Region. We also sought to explain how these experiences relate to self-management. Methods: Interpretive description was the methodological approach. We conducted in-depth individual interviews with 29 patients referred to PRO-based follow-up, each of whom had completed at least two PRO questionnaires. Participants were sampled based on purposive and theoretical sampling. Results: PRO-based follow-up may support patients’ self-management by a) increasing awareness of psychosocial problems, b) improving communication, c) increasing understanding of symptoms, d) facilitating change in health behavior and e) strengthening autonomy. Inhibitors for PRO measures as a means of self-management support were identified as a) feelings of rejection and disconnection, b) incomprehension of purpose of PRO-based follow-up, c) PRO measures being too standardized and negative and d) lack of confidence in own ability to assess PRO questionnaires. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate broad variation in the influences of PRO measures on patient’s self-management in life with epilepsy. Sense of ownership may explain this variation. We suggest supplementary clinical initiatives in order to enhance the benefits from PRO-based follow-up, particularly on how patients are allocated to this health care service.Applied Science, Faculty ofNon UBCNursing, School ofReviewedFacult

Monographs on topics of modern mathematics, relevant to the elementary field,

The foundations of geometry, by O. Veblen.--Modern pure geometry, by T. F. Holgate.--Non-Euclidean geometry, by F. S. Woods.--The fundamental propositions of algebra, by E. V. Huntington.--The algebraic equation, by G. A. Miller.--The function concept and the fundamental notions of the calculus, by G. A. Bliss.--The theory of numbers, by J. W. A. Young.--Constructions with ruler and compasses; Regular polygons, by L. E. Dickson.--The history and transcendence of [pi], by D. E. Smith.Mode of access: Internet

Musical expertise: evidence from a pilot study on reaction times and time/frequency oscillatory responses

The present study aimed at exploring adaptive mechanisms underlying the development of musical competence and, in particular, at qualifying and quantifying differences in cognitive functioning between people with and without musical training, as measured by electroencephalographic (EEG) and behavioral responses during an experimental task tapping into attention and monitoring mechanisms. Eighteen participants took part in the study. EEG responses to an omitted tone task were processed to compute their spatial components and time/frequency dynamics (power spectra, event-related spectral perturbation, and inter-trial coherence). In general, musicians showed greater EEG reactivity than control participants, which might signal adaptive changes linked to trained musical competence. Furthermore, musicians also performed better than controls, suggesting greater cognitive efficiency. Present findings also provide evidence that EEG is a valuable tool to help our understanding of adaptive mechanisms fostered by musical training and that it may complement behavioral methods to test performance

Enhanced function of immuno-isolated islets in diabetes therapy by co-encapsulation with an anti-inflammatory drug

Immuno-isolation of islets has the potential to enable the replacement of pancreatic function in diabetic patients. However, host response to the encapsulated islets frequently leads to fibrotic overgrowth with subsequent impairment of the transplanted grafts. Here, we identified and incorporated anti-inflammatory agents into islet-containing microcapsules to address this challenge. In vivo subcutaneous screening of 16 small molecule anti-inflammatory drugs was performed to identify promising compounds that could minimize the formation of fibrotic cell layers. Using parallel non-invasive fluorescent and bioluminescent imaging, we identified dexamethasone and curcumin as the most effective drugs in inhibiting the activities of inflammatory proteases and reactive oxygen species in the host response to subcutaneously injected biomaterials. Next, we demonstrated that co-encapsulating curcumin with pancreatic rat islets in alginate microcapsules reduced fibrotic overgrowth and improved glycemic control in a mouse model of chemically-induced type I diabetes. These results showed that localized administration of anti-inflammatory drug can improve the longevity of encapsulated islets and may facilitate the translation of this technology toward a long-term cure for type I diabetes.Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation InternationalLeona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable TrustNational Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant DE016516)Singapore. Agency for Science, Technology and Research (National Science Graduate Fellowship)Tayebati Family Foundatio

European morale survey 1951

Opinions and information on the armament of Western Europe / perception of military threat of USSR / USA policy in case of an attack on Western Europe / attitude towards war and NATO. Background variables: basic characteristics/ residence/ household characteristics/ occupation/employment/ education/ readership, mass media, and 'cultural' exposur