Characterising Farms by the Movement of Animals through Them

We describe a pilot study that arose from a workshop of domain and visualisation experts, and present preliminary work in which we begin to visually characterise holdings (farms) by the movement of cattle through them. This ongoing study suggests that this is a useful approach for helping DEFRA understand risk of disease spread

Patterns of analgesic use, pain and self-efficacy: a cross-sectional study of patients attending a hospital rheumatology clinic

Background: Many people attending rheumatology clinics use analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories for persistent musculoskeletal pain. Guidelines for pain management recommend regular and pre-emptive use of analgesics to reduce the impact of pain. Clinical experience indicates that analgesics are often not used in this way. Studies exploring use of analgesics in arthritis have historically measured adherence to such medication. Here we examine patterns of analgesic use and their relationships to pain, self-efficacy and demographic factors. Methods: Consecutive patients were approached in a hospital rheumatology out-patient clinic. Pattern of analgesic use was assessed by response to statements such as 'I always take my tablets every day.' Pain and self-efficacy (SE) were measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES). Influence of factors on pain level and regularity of analgesic use were investigated using linear regression. Differences in pain between those agreeing and disagreeing with statements regarding analgesic use were assessed using t-tests. Results: 218 patients (85% of attendees) completed the study. Six (2.8%) patients reported no current pain, 26 (12.3%) slight, 100 (47.4%) moderate, 62 (29.4%) severe and 17 (8.1%) extreme pain. In multiple linear regression self efficacy and regularity of analgesic use were significant (p < 0.01) with lower self efficacy and more regular use of analgesics associated with more pain. Low SE was associated with greater pain: 40 (41.7%) people with low SE reported severe pain versus 22 (18.3%) people with high SE, p < 0.001. Patients in greater pain were significantly more likely to take analgesics regularly; 13 (77%) of those in extreme pain reported always taking their analgesics every day, versus 9 (35%) in slight pain. Many patients, including 46% of those in severe pain, adjusted analgesic use to current pain level. In simple linear regression, pain was the only variable significantly associated with regularity of analgesic use: higher levels of pain corresponded to more regular analgesic use (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Our study confirms that there is a strong inverse relationship between self-efficacy and pain severity. Analgesics are often used irregularly by people with arthritis, including some reporting severe pain

Psychometric evaluation of the Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) survey in Southern, rural African American women with Type 2 diabetes

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) survey is a measure of diabetes-related stress for which reported use has been in largely Caucasian populations. Our purpose was to assess the psychometric properties of the PAID in Southern rural African American women with Type 2 diabetes.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A convenience sample of African American women (N = 131) ranging from 21–50 years of age and diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes were recruited for a survey study from two rural Southern community health centers. Participants completed the PAID, Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Scale (SDSCA). Factor analysis, Cronbach's coefficient alpha, and construct validation facilitated psychometric evaluation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A principle component factor analysis of the PAID yielded two factors, 1) a lack of confidence subscale, and 2) a negative emotional consequences subscale. The Lack of Confidence and Negative Emotional Consequences subscales, but not the overall PAID scale, were associated with glycemic control and body mass index, respectively. Relationships with measures of depression and diabetes self-care supported construct validity of both subscales. Both subscales had acceptable (alpha = 0.85 and 0.94) internal consistency measures.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A psychometrically sound two-factor solution to the PAID survey is identified in Southern, rural African American women with Type 2 diabetes. Lack of confidence in and negative emotional consequences of diabetes self-care implementation provide a better understanding of determinants of glycemic control and weight than an aggregate of the two scales.</p

Scanning and Tunable Micro-Optics for Endoscopic Optical Coherence Tomography

International audienceThe design, fabrication, and integration of microoptical components for beam focus and steering are demonstrated in an endoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. The relevant components, a membrane-based microfluidic tunable microlens and an electrostatic 2-D scanning micromirror, are fabricated using silicon and polymer-based microelectromechanical system technologies. All components are assembled inside a 4.5 mu m diameter probe. The design of the optical system, including substantiation of the need for focal length tunability, is presented, along with performance data of an OCT system using these components. A lateral resolution of about 13 mu is achieved, an improvement over fixed-focal length probes. Due to the miniaturization of the measurement head achievable using this optical microsystem, use in conventional endoscopes is possible

Integrated three-dimensional scanner for endoscopic optical coherence tomography

International audienceNumerous optical imaging techniques have been developed for clinical diagnostics; among these, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has proven to be of considerable utility due to its ability to non-destructively image below the surface of tissue. Endoscopic OCT systems will further extend the capabilities of this approach but require an additional means for scanning in two or three dimensions. We present an integrated optical microsystem which allows scanning of an optical beam in three dimensions (an area scan combined with dynamic focus) suitable for an endoscopic OCT probe. The system is defined by a tunable pneumatically-actuated micro-lens combined with an electrostatically-actuated two-axis micro-mirror, allowing functionality hitherto not achievable

Red blood cell as an adaptive optofluidic microlens

n/