Bratt\u27s By the Vision of Another World: Worship in American History (Book Review)

A Review of By the Vision of Another World: Worship in American History, edited by James D. Bratt. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2012. 213 pp. $25.00. ISBN 978-080286710

Dillman and Birch\u27s C(H)AOS Theory: Reflections of Chief Academic Officers in Theological Education (Book Review)

A Review of C(H)AOS Theory: Reflections of Chief Academic Officers in Theological Education, edited by Kathleen D. Billman and Bruch C. Birch. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2011. 411 pp. $38.00. ISBN 978080286687

Information Hospitality, Academic Libraries, and Open Access

This essay argues that a new concept of information hospitality should serve as an ethical imperative for librarians, and libraries, to be involved in the production and dissemination of open resources. Defined as meeting the information needs of neighbors and strangers by granting them access into the scholarly conversation, information hospitality finds support and context in the ancient and scriptural virtue of hospitality. Both ancient and scriptural hospitality had four traits: it was welcoming of both stranger and neighbor, as much as possible needs are met, it was to be freely given, and it was expressed by both individuals and institutions. All four of these traits are present in meeting the information needs of neighbors and strangers through the open scholarship

Presentation and Outcomes After Medical and Surgical Treatment Versus Medical Treatment Alone of Spontaneous Infectious Spondylodiscitis: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.

Study Design: Systematic literature review. Objectives: The aims of this study were to (1) describe the clinical features, disabilities, and incidence of neurologic deficits of pyogenic spondylodiscitis prior to treatment and (2) compare the functional outcomes between patients who underwent medical treatment alone or in combination with surgery for pyogenic spondylodiscitis. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed according to PRISMA guidelines. No year restriction was put in place. Statistical analysis of pooled data, when documented in the original report (ie, number of patients with desired variable and number of patients evaluated), was conducted to determine the most common presenting symptoms, incidence of pre- and postoperative neurologic deficits, associated comorbidities, infectious pathogens, approach for surgery when performed, and duration of hospitalization. Outcomes data, including return to work status, resolution of back pain, and functional recovery were also pooled among all studies and surgery-specific studies alone. Meta-analysis of studies with subgroup analysis of pain-free outcome in surgical and medical patients was performed. Results: Fifty of 1286 studies were included, comprising 4173 patients undergoing either medical treatment alone or in combination with surgery. Back pain was the most common presenting symptom, reported in 91% of patients. Neurologic deficit was noted in 31% of patients. Conclusion: Medical management remains first-line treatment of infectious pyogenic spondylodiscitis. Surgery may be indicated for progressive pain, persistent infection on imaging, deformity or neurologic deficits. If surgery is required, reported literature shows potential for significant pain reduction, improved neurologic function and a high number of patients returning to a normal functional/work status