Tenzing and the importance of tool development for research efficiency

The way science is done is changing. While some tools are facilitating this change, others lag behind. The resulting mismatch between tools and researchers' workflows can be inefficient and delay the progress of research. As an example, information about the people associated with a published journal article was traditionally handled manually and unsystematically. However, as large-scale collaboration, sometimes referred to as “team science,” is now common, a more structured and easy-to-automate approach to managing meta-data is required. In this paper we describe how the latest version of tenzing (A.O. Holcombe et al., Documenting contributions to scholarly articles using CRediT and tenzing, PLOS One 15(12) (2020)) helps researchers collect and structure contributor information efficiently and without frustration. Using tenzing as an example, we discuss the importance of efficient tools in reforming science and our experience with tool development as researchers.</p

Percutaneous collagen induction (microneedling) for the management of non-atrophic scars: literature review.

Introduction: Percutaneous collagen induction (PCI) or needling techniques are increasingly popular in the reconstructive and aesthetic arena. The underlying mechanisms of action rest on producing a pattern of non-ablative and non-confluent puncture wound pattern to the dermis with a resulting regenerative effect to the skin. Methods: A detailed English literature review was conducted using PubMed Medline, Embase and Web of Science; the manuscripts were appraised and classified according to level of evidence as well risk of bias. Results are presented in descending order of evidence for non-atrophic scars. Discussion: On the basis of level 1 evidence currently available, the combination of needling and silicone gel can improve the short-term pliability, height and vascularity of hypertrophic and keloid scars. According to level 2 evidence, needling alongside spray keratinocytes can produce a statistically significant improvement to patient/observer scar ratings and improve pigmentation in hypopigmented burn scars at 12-month follow-up. Results from mixed cohort studies also point towards needling having a beneficial effect on fat graft retention. Level 3 data suggest that needling can render significant resurfacing effects to both mature and actively hypertrophic burn scars at 12-month follow-up based on objective scar scales; furthermore, favourable histological changes are seen, including better collagen alignment in the dermis and increased epidermal thickness. Conclusion: Needling techniques are promising adjuncts to non-atrophic scar management. Further research with long-term follow-up and comparative design protocols incorporating other resurfacing modalities is warranted before the exact value of needling is delineated in scar management protocols

Evaluation of an Adaptive Suspension Vehicle

The Adaptive Suspension Vehicle, a proof-of-concept, six-legged robotic walking machine, was subject to a series of field trials to evaluate the maneuverability and trafficability characteristics of walking machines. Maneuverability trials were structured to test performance as a carrier for frame-mounted feller-buncher heads in both thinning and clearcutting applications. The trafficability trials focused on the type and extent of soil disturbance, especially changes in soil bulk density, mechanical resistance, macro- and micro-porosity, the machine was found to impact the soil very differently than wheeled or tracked equipment. Direct comparisons of soil parameters were limited because of time and budget restrictions but seem to indicate that the legged locomotion offered distinct production and soil disturbance advantages, especially on steep slopes and in wetlands

Serratierte Läsionen im Kolorektum – ein pathologisches Problem oder ein Problem der Pathologen?

Serratierte Läsionen im Kolorektum stellen eine Problemzone für Kliniker und Pathologen dar; dies liegt zum einen an der noch nicht allgemein bekannten Nomenklatur, zum anderen an dem noch nicht abschließend geklärten Progressionsrisiko der verschiedenen serratierten Polypen. Mittlerweile gilt als akzeptiert, dass neben der klassischen Adenom-Karzinom-Sequenz ein alternativer serratierter und ein sogenannter gemischter Karzinogeneseweg existiert; diese Karzinogenesewege sind in Bezug auf die präinvasiven Vorstufen, die molekularen Pfade und die Prognose der Karzinome heterogen. Bei den serratierten Adenokarzinomen lassen sich ein Niedrigrisiko-Subtyp (Häufigkeit 70%) sowie ein Hochrisiko-Subtyp (Häufigkeit >80%, mit meist distaler Lokalisation, dem traditionellen serratierten Adenom als Vorläuferläsion, KRAS-Mutation, niedriger Mikrosatelliteninstabilität/mikrosatellitenstabil, CpG-Methylierung/ p53-Akkumulation und einer 5-Jahres-Überlebens-Rate von 70%) and a high-risk subtype (frequency >80%, often with distal location, the traditional serrated adenoma as a precursor lesion, KRAS mutation, low microsatellite instability/microsatellite stable, CpG methylation/ p53 accumulation and a 5-year survival rate of <30%). The evaluation of the microsatellite status as well as the detection of BRAF or KRAS mutations together with immunohistochemistry for hMLH1 and p53 will allow a discrimination between these two subtypes and will become increasingly important in the future.Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich

The Role of Mesotocin on Social Bonding in Pinyon Jays

The neuropeptide oxytocin influences mammalian social bonding by facilitating the building and maintenance of parental, sexual, and same‐sex social relationships. However, we do not know whether the function of the avian homologue mesotocin is evolutionarily conserved across birds. While it does influence avian prosocial behavior, mesotocin\u27s role in avian social bonding remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether mesotocin regulates the formation and maintenance of same‐sex social bonding in pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus), a member of the crow family. We formed squads of four individually housed birds. In the first, “pair‐formation” phase of the experiment, we repeatedly placed pairs of birds from within the squad together in a cage for short periods of time. Prior to entering the cage, we intranasally administered one of three hormone solutions to both members of the pair: mesotocin, oxytocin antagonist, or saline. Pairs received repeated sessions with administration of the same hormone. In the second, “pair‐maintenance” phase of the experiment, all four members of the squad were placed together in a large cage, and no hormones were administered. For both phases, we measured the physical proximity between pairs as our proxy for social bonding. We found that, compared with saline, administering mesotocin or oxytocin antagonist did not result in different proximities in either the pair‐formation or pair‐maintenance phase of the experiment. Therefore, at the dosages and time frames used here, exogenously introduced mesotocin did not influence same‐sex social bond formation or maintenance. Like oxytocin in mammals, mesotocin regulates avian prosocial behavior; however, unlike oxytocin, we do not have evidence that mesotocin regulates social bonds in birds

Participatory organizational intervention for improved use of assistive devices for patient transfer:study protocol for a single-blinded cluster randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have shown that patient transfer is a risk factor for back pain, back injuries and long term sickness absence, whereas consistent use of assistive devices during patient transfer seems to be protective. While classical ergonomic interventions based on education and training in lifting and transferring techniques have not proven to be effective in preventing back pain, participatory ergonomics, that is meant to engage and motivate the involved parties while at the same time making the intervention maximally relevant, may represent a better solution. However, these findings are largely based on uncontrolled studies and thus lack to be confirmed by studies with better study designs. In this article, we present the design of a study which aims to evaluate the effect and process of a participatory organizational intervention for improved use of assistive devices. METHODS: The study was performed as a cluster randomized controlled trial. We recruited 27 departments (clusters) from five hospitals in Denmark to participate in the study. Prior to randomization, interviews, observations and questionnaire answers (baseline questionnaire) were collected to gain knowledge of barriers and potential solutions for better use of assistive devices. In April 2016, the 27 departments were randomly allocated using a random numbers table to a participatory intervention (14 clusters, 324 healthcare workers) or a control group (13 clusters, 318 healthcare workers). The participatory intervention will consist of workshops with leaders and selected healthcare workers of each department. Workshop participants will be asked to discuss the identified barriers, develop solutions for increasing the use of assistive devices and implement them in their department. Use of assistive devices (using digital counters -, primary outcome, and accelerometers and questionnaire - secondary outcome), perceived physical exertion during patient transfer, pain intensity in the lower back, occurrence of work-related back injuries during patient transfer, organizational readiness to change, knowledge on how to perform proper patient transfer, social capital and work ability (secondary outcomes) were assessed at baseline and will also be assessed at 1 year follow-up. Process evaluation will be based on qualitative and quantitative data to assess the implementation, the change process, and the impact of context aspects. DISCUSSION: The study will evaluate the effect and process of a participatory intervention on improving the use of assistive devices for patient transfer among hospital healthcare workers. By using cluster-randomization, as well as process- and effect evaluation based on objective measures we will contribute to the evidence base of a promising intervention approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02708550). March, 2016

Adelaide in-depth accident study 1975-1979. Part 5: Commercial vehicle accidents

This report deals with accidents involving trucks, vans, buses and multi-purpose vehicles, not all of which were being used as commercial vehicles. There were relatively few single vehicle accidents, apart from those involving pedestrians, and the reluctance of semitrailer drivers to brake hard at s~gnalisedin tersections and insecure loads of some heavy vehicles distinguished these accidents from those involving only passenger cars. All but one of the drivers of these commercial vehicles were males, most of whom were aged between 20 and 50 years. None of these drivers were affected by alcohol intoxication to a significant degree, nor was fatigue a factor in any of these accidents. Although none of the commercial vehicle occupants was severely injured, the provision and use of seat belts may have avoided many of the injuries which did occur. Some multi-purpose passenger vehicles are deficient, when compared to passenger cars, in terms of protecting their occupants from injury in a crash.A.J. Mclean, H.S. Aust, B.L. Sando

Preoperative prism adaptation test in normosensoric strabismus

In 19 patients with normosensoric esotropia, the squint angles measured with the alternate cover test were compared with those after prolonged prismatic correction of the squint angle and with those after prolonged occlusion of one eye. All patients showed an increase of the squint angle after prism adaptation. The angle was generally smaller after diagnostic occlusion of one eye than after prism adaptation. We assume that the increase in the squint angle after prism adaptation is caused by an anomalous sensorial relationship between the two eyes that was not detected with the usual psychophysical tests. Surgery tailored to the squint angle after prism adaptation seems advisable in patients with normosensoric esotropia

A rare case of arterial avulsion presenting with occult blood loss following total hip arthroplasty: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Iatrogenic arterial damage during total hip replacement is a rare but potentially life- or limb-threatening complication. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an avulsion injury to a posterior branch of the profunda femoral artery during primary hip arthroplasty. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 55-year-old Caucasian man who underwent a total hip replacement. The patient's hemoglobin levels dropped postoperatively, but there was no obvious bleeding, hemodynamic instability, pulsatile mass, or limb ischemia. The patient's hemoglobin levels continued to drop despite nine units of transfused blood. Three days after surgery, the patient underwent an angiography that showed an avulsion injury to a posterior branch of the profunda femoral artery. The avulsion was ligated and the hematoma was evacuated. CONCLUSION: Vascular damage may present in many ways including obvious bleeding, haemodynamic instability, a pulsatile mass, limb ischemia, and occult blood loss. Any of these signs in isolation or in combination could represent a vascular injury and an urgent angiogram should be considered