The evaluation and validation of IDenta Corporation's Bullet-hole Testing Kit (BTK).

Originally developed in 1982, IDenta Corporation’s Bullet-hole Testing Kit (BTK) is currently being used around the world in the field of crime scene analysis. IDenta claims the kit can successfully be used to identify a bullet hole and determine its caliber. The kit was used to test 180 holes made by firearms and other non-firearm weapons. Though the statistical analysis of the data shows there is not enough evidence to conclude the BTK is capable of identifying a bullet hole or determining a bullet’s caliber, there are additional factors that must be considered. The user’s ability to distinguish between true bullet holes and false positives is achieved through additional training and shows the kit as an aid in identifying true bullet holes. Furthermore, further research concerning the kit’s ability to determine a bullet’s caliber has the potential to support such a claim

Introduction of Aedes albopictus into a La Crosse virus--enzootic site in Illinois.

In late summer and fall 1997, Aedes albopictus mosquitoes were found in Peoria, Illinois, a long recognized focus of La Crosse virus transmission. Larvae were found in tires and other artificial containers, biting adults were recovered, and eggs were collected in oviposition traps within a 25-ha area. One chipmunk trapped < 0.25 km from the infested area tested positive for neutralizing antibodies against La Crosse virus

Reflections, impact and recommendations of a co-produced qualitative study with young people who have experience of mental health difficulties

Background: There is limited evidence of genuine equal partnership where power is shared with young people with mental health difficulties throughout all research stages, particularly in data collection and analysis. Objective: To describe how our qualitative study, exploring young peoples’ perceptions on the feasibility of using technology to detect mental health deterioration, was co- produced using principles of co-production, whilst reflecting on impact, challenges and recommendations. Methods: Young people with experience of mental health difficulties were appointed and then worked with researchers throughout all research stages. The study was evaluated against the five principles of co-production. Reflections from researchers and young people were collected throughout. Results: Seven young people formed an initial Young People's Advisory Group (YPAG); three became co-researchers. Reflection was key throughout the process. Sharing power became easier and more evident as trust, confidence and mutual re- spect grew over time, particularly after a safe space was established. The safe space was crucial for open discussions, and our WhatsApp group enabled continual com- munication, support and shared decision-making. The resulting co-produced topic guide, coding framework, thematic map, papers and presentations demonstrated significant impact. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative mental health study to be co-produced using the principles of co-production. Our rigorous assessment can be utilized as an informative document to help others to produce meaningful co- produced future research. Although co-production takes time, it makes significant impact to the research, researchers and co-researchers. Flexible funding for spon- taneous suggestions from co-researchers and more time for interview training is recommended

Coping Profiles Common to Older African American Cancer Survivors: Relationships With Quality of Life

Cancer survivors employ distinct sets of coping behaviors that vary in their associations with psychological health and quality of life. However, existing research has largely focused on white and middle class subjects

“There are more important things to worry about”: attitudes and behaviours towards leisure noise and use of hearing protection in young adults

Objective: Noise-induced hearing problems among young adults are increasing due to participation in activities where music is played at a loud volume. This study explored attitudes towards leisure noise, hearing protection, and perceived susceptibility to noise damage in young adults with no hearing problems. Understanding attitudes and behaviours will assist with the future development of strategies to improve awareness and use of hearing protection. Design: A qualitative study. Study Sample: Four focus groups, with 28 adults aged between 18 and 35 years (6 male; 22 female; mean age 23 years). Results: Using Framework Analysis, five themes emerged. Earplug use occurred when participants had experienced previous hearing damage. Others chose not to use earplugs because music venues are expected to be loud. Peer behaviours and opinions also had a strong influence over earplug use. A lack of knowledge of hearing related damage resulted in a lack of concern for hearing health and other health conditions taking priority. Conclusions: The challenge is to present hearing health messages that are relevant and accessible to young adults. Music and entertainment venues must also take greater responsibility to protect the hearing of its customers by at least informing visitors of the dangers of loud music

Rapid cryopreservation of five mammalian and one mosquito cell line at -80°C while attached to flasks in a serum free cryopreservative

Cell culturing, and the requisite storage of cell lines at ultra-low temperatures, is used in most laboratories studying or using eukaryotic proteomics, genomics, microarray, and RNA technologies. In this study we have observed that A72(dog), CRFK(cat), NB324K(human), MCF7(human), WI38(human), and C636(mosquito) cells were effectively cryopreserved at -80°C while attached to the substratum of 25cm(2 )tissue culture flasks. This was accomplished using a serum free crypreservative recently developed by Corsini and co-workers. The technique allows for significant savings of time and money in laboratories that rapidly process numerous cell lines

Development of the ways of helping questionnaire: A measure of preferred coping strategies for older African American cancer survivors

Although researchers have identified beneficial coping strategies for cancer patients, existing coping measures do not capture the preferred coping strategies of older African American cancer survivors. A new measure, the Ways of Helping Questionnaire (WHQ), was evaluated with 385 African American cancer survivors. Validity evidence from factor analysis resulted in 10 WHQ subscales (Others There for Me, Physical and Treatment Care Needs, Help from God, Church Family Support, Helping Others, Being Strong for Others, Encouraging My Healthy Behaviors, Others Distract Me, Learning about Cancer, and Distracting Myself). Reliability evidence was generally strong. Evidence regarding hypothesized relationships with measures of well-being and another coping measure was mixed. The WHQ’s content coverage makes it especially relevant for older African American cancer survivors

Reliability and Validity of the Perspectives of Support From God Scale

Existing spiritual support scales for use with cancer survivors focus on the support believed to come from a religious community, clergy, or health care providers