Doctors at Risk: A Problem As Viewed by Decision Analysis

The authors closely analyze a case in which a Peer Review Organization cited a physician for treatment with potential for significant adverse effect. They also critique the regulatory scheme under which peer review occurs and conclude that such regulation interferes with physicians\u27 primary obligations, fails to encourage cost-effective behavior and may decrease the quality of medical care

A Model for Youth Financial Education in Extension Involving a Game-Based Approach

University of Idaho Extension educators have developed a library of 10 game-based personal finance programs, collectively known as the Northwest Youth Financial Education project, and have made these programs freely available for Extension educators to use. The purpose of this article is to share highlights from an associated train-the-trainer event and the impacts of one of the 10 programs as it has begun to be implemented. The Northwest Youth Financial Education project serves as a model for effective and engaging youth personal finance education that can be easily implemented or replicated in Extension

Split- and multiple-images in filmic presentations: Concise information or multiple confusion?

Because there is more than one panel with moving pictures being viewed simultaneously, many questions can be posed about the audience\u27s ability to process and interpret the multiple images, the construction of intended messages, and the appropriateness and ramifications of the use of this type of technique in moving visual mediums. The question central to this study will deal with analyzing the split/multiple moving image technique: How does the use and arrangement of multiple images or panels influence the viewer\u27s interpretation of the message? Further, through a review of previous studies, an attempt also will be made to learn the following: how the viewer might read the codings which appear simultaneously; in what instances the technique adds to or detracts from the intended message; and whether the message would be clearer if presented using alternate techniques

The Relationship Between In Vitro Adherence Capability and Pathogenicity of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae for Swine

The data indicated a positive correlation exists between in vitro adherence capability and in vivo pathogenicity of M. hyopneumoniae clones. Results obtained with the in vitro microtiter plate adherence assay indicated that it can be used to estimate the pathogenicity of strains. However, low adherence capability and possibly pathogenicity were not stable as indicated by the shifting adherence capability of M. hyopneumoniae during in vivo growth. In this study, the in vivo environment apparently favored development of a population of more adherent M. hyopneumoniae. Further research to identify immunogenic, protective proteins involved in this phenomenon could enable development of improved M. hyopneumoniae vaccines

Silent no more! The lived experiences of women with lichen sclerosis

Purpose: Lichen Sclerosis (LS) is an often unrecognized and misdiagnosed chronic inflammatory skin condition of the anogenital area that affects quality of life, bringing severe discomfort and distress to affected men, women, and children. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the lived experiences of women with LS. Data sources: Content analysis was conducted of data obtained from three public online forums/blogs used by women with LS. A total of 527 postings/entries were analyzed for patterns and themes by four researchers. Conclusions: Five core themes emerged as a result of this study, revealing feelings of frustration and despair stemming from healthcare providers' lack of knowledge in relation to Lichen Sclerosis, often leading to misdiagnosis, prolonged suffering, and an altered quality of life. Implications for practice: Knowledgeable healthcare providers and additional research into the cause, treatment, and cure of Lichen Sclerosis are needed. Advance‐practice nurses stand to play an important role in the areas of education, research, policy making, and clinical practice to advocate for and empower women with LS.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/92447/1/j.1745-7599.2012.00715.x.pd

Vol. 35, No. 3

A Primer on the Illinois Education-Based Funding for Student Success Act, by Robert Bloch, A. Lynn Himes, Terry L. Hodges, Mitch Roth, Barbara Erickson, and Jack Vrett Recent Developmentshttps://scholarship.kentlaw.iit.edu/iperr/1105/thumbnail.jp

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for detecting Mycoplasma hyosynoviae and Mycoplasma hyorhinis in pen-based oral, tonsillar, and nasal fluids

Mycoplasma (M.) hyorhinis and M. hyosynoviae are pathogens known to cause disease in pigs post-weaning. Due to their fastidious nature, there is increased need for culture-independent diagnostic platforms to detect these microorganisms. Therefore, this study was performed to develop and optimize quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assays to rapidly detect M. hyorhinis and M. hyosynoviae in pen-based oral fluids as well as nasal and tonsillar fluids as proxies for samples used in swine herd surveillance. Two methods of genomic DNA extraction, automated versus manual, were used to compare diagnostic test performance. A wean-to-finish longitudinal study was also carried out to demonstrate the reproducibility of using pen-based oral fluids. Overall, pen-based oral and tonsillar fluids were more likely to be positive for both types of bacteria whereas only M. hyorhinis was detected in nasal fluids. DNA extraction protocols were shown to significantly influence test result. Although the initial detection time somewhat differed, both organisms were repeatedly detected in the longitudinal study. Overall, this study evaluated two qPCR methods for rapid and specific detection of either mycoplasma. Results from the present investigation can serve as a foundation for future studies to determine the prevalence of the two microorganisms, environmental load, and effectiveness of veterinary interventions for infection control

Genetic Risk Score Predicts Late-Life Cognitive Impairment

Introduction. A family history of Alzheimer's disease is a significant risk factor for its onset, but the genetic risk associated with possessing multiple risk alleles is still poorly understood. Methods. In a sample of 95 older adults (Mean age = 75.1, 64.2% female), we constructed a genetic risk score based on the accumulation of risk alleles in BDNF, COMT, and APOE. A neuropsychological evaluation and consensus determined cognitive status (44 nonimpaired, 51 impaired). Logistic regression was performed to determine whether the genetic risk score predicted cognitive impairment above and beyond that associated with each gene. Results. An increased genetic risk score was associated with a nearly 4-fold increased risk of cognitive impairment (OR = 3.824, P = .013) when including the individual gene polymorphisms as covariates in the model. Discussion. A risk score combining multiple genetic influences may be more useful in predicting late-life cognitive impairment than individual polymorphisms