A ras-1\u3csup\u3ebd\u3c/sup\u3e Mauriceville strain for mapping mutations in Oak Ridge ras-1\u3csup\u3ebd\u3c/sup\u3estrains

We describe the construction of a Neurospora crassa Mauriceville strain carrying the ras-1bd mutation marked by the bacterial hygromycin resistance gene, hph (new FGSC # 10156). This strain is valuable for mapping mutations in Oak Ridge strains that carry the bd mutation

Does rebound tonometry probe misalignment modify intraocular pressure measurements in human eyes?

Purpose. To examine the influence of positional misalignments on intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement with a rebound tonometer. Methods. Using the iCare rebound tonometer, IOP readings were taken from the right eye of 36 healthy subjects at the central corneal apex (CC) and compared to IOP measures using the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT). Using a bespoke rig, iCare IOP readings were also taken 2 mm laterally from CC, both nasally and temporally, along with angular deviations of 5 and 10 degrees, both nasally and temporally to the visual axis. Results. Mean IOP ± SD, as measured by GAT, was 14.7±2.5 mmHg versus iCare tonometer readings of 17.4±3.6 mmHg at CC, representing an iCare IOP overestimation of 2.7±2.8 mmHg (P<0.001), which increased at higher average IOPs. IOP at CC using the iCare tonometer was not significantly different to values at lateral displacements. IOP was marginally underestimated with angular deviation of the probe but only reaching significance at 10 degrees nasally. Conclusions. As shown previously, the iCare tonometer overestimates IOP compared to GAT. However, IOP measurement in normal, healthy subjects using the iCare rebound tonometer appears insensitive to misalignments. An IOP underestimation of <1 mmHg with the probe deviated 10 degrees nasally reached statistical but not clinical significance levels. © 2013 Ian G. Beasley et al

"Are you available for the next 18 months?" - methods and aims of a longitudinal birth cohort study investigating a universal developmental surveillance program: the ‘Watch Me Grow’ study

BACKGROUND Universal developmental surveillance programs aimed at early identification and targeted early intervention significantly improve short- and long-term outcomes in children at risk of developmental disorders. However, a significant challenge remains in providing sufficiently rigorous research and robust evidence to inform policy and service delivery. This paper describes the methods of the 'Watch Me Grow' study that aims to maximise accurate early detection of children with developmental disorders through a partnership formed between policy makers, service providers and researchers. METHODS/DESIGN A mixed methods study design was developed consisting of: (1) a qualitative study of parents and health service providers to investigate barriers and enablers of developmental surveillance; (2) recruitment of a birth cohort and their longitudinal follow-up to 18 months of age to: a) assess risk factors for not accessing existing developmental surveillance programs and b) estimate the prevalence of children identified with developmental risk; (3) comparison of surveillance outcomes with a reference standard at 18 months of age to assess the diagnostic test accuracy of existing and alternative developmental surveillance tools; and (4) comparison of developmental surveillance models to inform policy recommendations. Data linkage will be used to determine the uptake and representativeness of the study participant group versus non-participants. DISCUSSION The Watch Me Grow study is expected to provide a collaborative opportunity to enhance universal developmental surveillance for early accurate identification of developmental risk. This will also provide quality evidence about identification of developmental risk and access to services to be embedded in existing practice with linkages to policy development.This study (APP 1013690) was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, through a partnership grant with the NSW Kids and Families (NSW Health) and in-kind support from University of New South Wales, La Trobe University, South Western Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Children’s Hospital Network

Who is our cohort: Recruitment, representativeness, baseline risk and retention in the "Watch Me Grow" study?

Background: The "Watch Me Grow" (WMG) study examines the current developmental surveillance system in South West Sydney. This paper describes the establishment of the study birth cohort, including the recruitment processes, representativeness, follow-up and participants' baseline risk for future developmental risk. Methods: Newborn infants and their parents were recruited from two public hospital postnatal wards and through child health nurses during the years 2011-2013. Data was obtained through a detailed participant questionnaire and linked with the participant's electronic medical record (EMR). Representativeness was determined by Chi-square analyses of the available clinical, psychosocial and sociodemographic EMR data, comparing the WMG participants to eligible non-participants. Reasons for non-participation were also elicited. Participant characteristics were examined in six, 12, and 18-month follow-ups. Results: The number of infants recruited totalled 2,025, with 50 % of those approached agreeing to participate. Reasons for parents not participating included: lack of interest, being too busy, having plans to relocate, language barriers, participation in other research projects, and privacy concerns. The WMG cohort was broadly representative of the culturally diverse and socially disadvantaged local population from which it was sampled. Of the original 2025 participants enrolled at birth, participants with PEDS outcome data available at follow-up were: 792 (39 %) at six months, 649 (32 %) at 12 months, and 565 (28 %) at 18 months. Participants with greater psychosocial risk were less likely to have follow-up outcome data. Almost 40 % of infants in the baseline cohort were exposed to at least two risk factors known to be associated with developmental risk. Conclusions: The WMG study birth cohort is a valuable resource for health services due to the inclusion of participants from vulnerable populations, despite there being challenges in being able to actively follow-up this populatio

Receiving Preferred Treatment not Associated with Positive Outcome in a Randomized Trial

Background: In a randomized trial of treatments for chronic widespread pain (CWP), participants were asked their treatment preference just prior to randomisation (baseline). This analysis examined whether treatment preference was associated with baseline factors and whether receiving a preferred treatment affected outcomes. Methods: The MUSICIAN trial was a 2 × 2 randomized trial of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or exercise for people with CWP. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three active treatments [CBT (n = 112), exercise (n = 109), both exercise and CBT (n = 112)] or usual care (n = 109). Before allocation participants were asked, if they had a choice, which active treatment they would choose. A positive outcome was self-reported improvement in health of much or very much better 6, 9 and 30 months after entering the study. Associations between preference and baseline characteristics were examined, including age, gender, chronic pain grade (CPG), passive and active coping, fatigue, psychological distress, sleep problems and kinesiophobia. Differences in gender and CPG between preferences were tested by chi-square tests. For continuous variables, comparison was by analysis of variance and, where a difference was observed, Tukey’s honest significant difference was used to identify which preferences differed and then the standardized mean difference (d) with 95% CIs were calculated. Among those allocated to active treatments, logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios, adjusted for factors associated with preference, with 95% CIs of positive outcome in those receiving their preferred treatment and not receiving preferred treatment as the referent group. Results: Of 442 participants, 144 (33%) expressed preference for exercise, 20 (5%) for CBT, 199 (45%) for combined exercise and CBT and 79 (18%) expressed no preference. Compared with females, males were more likely to prefer exercise only (44 vs 28%) and less likely to prefer combined treatment (35 vs 50%). Those preferring CBT, compared with those preferring exercise, were higher in passive coping [d = 0.9 (95% CI 0.41, 1.37)], fatigue [0.8 (0.34, 1.31)], psychological distress [0.7 (0.26, 1.21)], sleep problems [0.7 (0.18, 1.12)] and kinesiophobia [0.6 (0.17, 1.12)]. Those preferring CBT also had greater scores on passive coping than those preferring combined treatment [0.6 (95% CI 0.11, 1.03)] or no preference [0.5 (−0.01, 0.98)] and greater kinesiophobia than those with no preference [0.5 (−0.05, 0.95)]. Of participants allocated to CBT, exercise or combined treatment, 7, 39 and 50%, respectively, had a preference for their allocated treatment. There was no clear association between achieving a positive outcome and whether or not someone received their preferred treatment (see Table 1). Conclusion: Exercise and exercise combined with CBT were the most preferred treatments. Participants with specific preferences differed from each other with respect to factors which might influence outcome. However, receiving preferred treatment did not appear to influence treatment response. Disclosure statement: M.B. has received funding for the MUSICIAN Study from Arthritis Research UK. G.J.M. has received funding for the MUSICIAN Study from Arthritis Research UK. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest

Predictors of developmental surveillance completion at six months of age in south western Sydney

Background: While developmental surveillance programs promote early identification of child developmental problems, evidence has indicated suboptimal uptake. This study aimed to identify predictors of developmental surveillance completion at 6 months postpartum. Methods: Questionnaires were administered to the parents of 510 infants who were born in south western Sydney, Australia over a 22-month period. Attendance for developmental screening and completion of the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) at 6 months postpartum were modelled separately using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Developmental surveillance attendance was predicted by higher levels of maternal education, annual income and being informed about checks. PEDS completion at 6 months of age was predicted by higher income and being informed, as well as being married, employed, speaking English at home, full-term birth and the professional status of the practitioner completing the check. Conclusions: Barriers to developmental surveillance included low socioeconomic status, linguistic diversity and possible gaps in parental knowledge and professional education. Developmental surveillance rates may be increased by the addition of targeted parental and professional support within current universal frameworks

Qualitative study of the impact of an authentic electronic portfolio in undergraduate medical education

Background Portfolios are increasingly used in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education. Four medical schools have collaborated with an established NHS electronic portfolio provider to develop and implement an authentic professional electronic portfolio for undergraduate students. We hypothesized that using an authentic portfolio would have significant advantages for students, particularly in familiarizing them with the tool many will continue to use for years after graduation. This paper describes the early evaluation of this undergraduate portfolio at two participating medical schools. Methods To gather data, a questionnaire survey with extensive free text comments was used at School 1, and three focus groups were held at School 2. This paper reports thematic analysis of students’ opinions expressed in the free text comments and focus groups. Results Five main themes, common across both schools were identified. These concerned the purpose, use and acceptability of the portfolio, advantages of and barriers to the use of the portfolio, and the impacts on both learning and professional identity. Conclusions An authentic portfolio mitigated some of the negative aspects of using a portfolio, and had a positive effect on students’ perception of themselves as becoming past of the profession. However, significant barriers to portfolio use remained, including a lack of understanding of the purpose of a portfolio and a perceived damaging effect on feedback

Design and implementation of the NUV/optical widefield Star Formation Camera for the Theia Observatory

The Star Formation Camera (SFC) is a wide-field (~19'×~15', >280 arcmin^2), high-resolution (18 mas pixels) UV/optical dichroic camera designed for the Theia 4-m space-borne space telescope concept. SFC will deliver diffraction-limited images at λ > 300 nm in both a blue (190-517nm) and a red (517-1075nm) channel simultaneously. The goal is to conduct a comprehensive and systematic study of the astrophysical processes and environments relevant for the births and life cycles of stars and their planetary systems, and to investigate the range of environments, feedback mechanisms, and other factors that most affect the outcome of star and planet formation