Effects of a Music Literacy Integration Intervention on Teachers’ Self-Efficacy and Proactive Attitudes Toward Music Integration in Classroom Instruction

With the adoption of the common core state standards, pressure to raise the achievement of young learners was intense. Classroom teachers were scrutinized to teach lessons with high levels of thinking and rigor. Teachers were inclined to eliminate or ignore artsenriched lessons that would benefit students. The reason for this action was associated with the efficacy of the classroom teacher toward music integration in literacy curriculum. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of the Music Literacy Integration Intervention (MLII) on the self-efficacy and proactiveness of teachers at a small elementary school in Florida toward integration of music in reading instruction. There were 3 data-collection instruments. The Teacher Efficacy scale (TES) was used to collect pretest and posttest data for Research Question 1, whereas the Proactiveness Attitude scale (PAS) was used to collect the same type of data for Research Question 2. The Teacher Interview Instrument was used to collect only postimplementation data for Research Question 3. The triangulated data from the 3 instruments were used to respond to Research Question 4. Teacher participants had 272 students in kindergarten-Grade 5. There was a convenience sample of 20 teachers for the survey part of the study. Only 18 teachers returned completed surveys. The sample size for the interviews was 6 teachers randomly selected from 18 teachers. Quantitative data analysis for the Research Questions 1 and 2 was descriptive statistics (i.e., pretest mean, posttest mean, standard deviation, and effect size indicator). The inferential statistical model for the 2 research questions was the t test for paired samples. Qualitative data analysis for Research Question 3 followed a modified version of the constant-comparative, data-analysis procedure. Triangulated survey and interview data were used to respond to Research Question 4. Findings for Research Question 1 indicated the MLII improved teachers’ perceptions on their self-efficacy toward music integration as measured by the TES from pretest to posttest. Results for Research Question 2 suggested the MLII improved teachers’ perceptions of their proactive attitudes toward music integration as measured by the PAS. The increases in scores in both research questions showed large effect sizes. Findings for Research Question 3 indicated teachers perceived that the MLII met its objectives of providing useful strategies that facilitated the integration of music literacy into the reading instruction. Results for Research Question 4 showed the qualitative data from Research Question 3 confirmed the quantitative data from Research Questions 1 and 2. An implication was music had a positive effect on students’ reading abilities and school leaders should reinvest in music integration into the reading curriculum

Impact of Outpatient vs Inpatient ABSSSI Treatment on Outcomes: A Retrospective Observational Analysis of Medical Charts Across US Emergency Departments

Background The objective of this study was to characterize treatment of patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs) and describe the association between hospital admission and emergency department (ED) visits or readmissions within 30 days after initial episode of care (IEC). Methods This was a retrospective, observational, cohort study of adults with ABSSSI who presented to an ED between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2013. Patient, health care facility, and treatment characteristics, including unplanned ED visits or readmissions, were obtained through manual chart review and abstraction. Adjusted logistic regression analysis examined likelihood of all-cause unplanned ED visits or readmissions between admitted and nonadmitted patients. Results Records from 1527 ED visits for ABSSSI from 40 centers were reviewed (admitted, n = 578 [38%]; nonadmitted, n = 949 [62%]). Admitted patients were typically older (mean age, 52.2 years vs 43.0 years), more likely to be morbidly obese (body mass index \u3e 40 kg/m2; 17.3% vs 9.1%), and had more comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥ 4; 24.4% vs 6.8%) compared with those not admitted. In the primary analysis, adjusted logistic regression, controlling for comorbidities and severity of illness, demonstrated that there was a similar likelihood of all-cause unplanned ED visits or readmissions between admitted and nonadmitted patients (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.74–1.43; P = .87). Conclusions ABSSSI treatment pathways leveraging outpatient treatment vs hospital admission support similar likelihood of unplanned 30-day ED visits or readmissions, an important clinical outcome and quality metric at US hospitals. Further research regarding the decision criteria around hospital admission to avoid potentially unnecessary hospitalizations is warranted

Impact of Outpatient vs Inpatient ABSSSI Treatment on Outcomes: A Retrospective Observational Analysis of Medical Charts Across US Emergency Departments

Background: The objective of this study was to characterize treatment of patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs) and describe the association between hospital admission and emergency department (ED) visits or readmissions within 30 days after initial episode of care (IEC). Methods: This was a retrospective, observational, cohort study of adults with ABSSSI who presented to an ED between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2013. Patient, health care facility, and treatment characteristics, including unplanned ED visits or readmissions, were obtained through manual chart review and abstraction. Adjusted logistic regression analysis examined likelihood of all-cause unplanned ED visits or readmissions between admitted and nonadmitted patients. Results: Records from 1527 ED visits for ABSSSI from 40 centers were reviewed (admitted, n = 578 [38%]; nonadmitted, n = 949 [62%]). Admitted patients were typically older (mean age, 52.2 years vs 43.0 years), more likely to be morbidly obese (body mass index \u3e 40 kg/m; 17.3% vs 9.1%), and had more comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥ 4; 24.4% vs 6.8%) compared with those not admitted. In the primary analysis, adjusted logistic regression, controlling for comorbidities and severity of illness, demonstrated that there was a similar likelihood of all-cause unplanned ED visits or readmissions between admitted and nonadmitted patients (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.74-1.43; = .87). Conclusions: ABSSSI treatment pathways leveraging outpatient treatment vs hospital admission support similar likelihood of unplanned 30-day ED visits or readmissions, an important clinical outcome and quality metric at US hospitals. Further research regarding the decision criteria around hospital admission to avoid potentially unnecessary hospitalizations is warranted

Neospora caninum calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 is an effective drug target for neosporosis therapy.

Despite the enormous economic importance of Neospora caninum related veterinary diseases, the number of effective therapeutic agents is relatively small. Development of new therapeutic strategies to combat the economic impact of neosporosis remains an important scientific endeavor. This study demonstrates molecular, structural and phenotypic evidence that N. caninum calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (NcCDPK1) is a promising molecular target for neosporosis drug development. Recombinant NcCDPK1 was expressed, purified and screened against a select group of bumped kinase inhibitors (BKIs) previously shown to have low IC50s against Toxoplasma gondii CDPK1 and T. gondii tachyzoites. NcCDPK1 was inhibited by low concentrations of BKIs. The three-dimensional structure of NcCDPK1 in complex with BKIs was studied crystallographically. The BKI-NcCDPK1 structures demonstrated the structural basis for potency and selectivity. Calcium-dependent conformational changes in solution as characterized by small-angle X-ray scattering are consistent with previous structures in low Calcium-state but different in the Calcium-bound active state than predicted by X-ray crystallography. BKIs effectively inhibited N. caninum tachyzoite proliferation in vitro. Electron microscopic analysis of N. caninum cells revealed ultra-structural changes in the presence of BKI compound 1294. BKI compound 1294 interfered with an early step in Neospora tachyzoite host cell invasion and egress. Prolonged incubation in the presence of 1294 interfered produced observable interference with viability and replication. Oral dosing of BKI compound 1294 at 50 mg/kg for 5 days in established murine neosporosis resulted in a 10-fold reduced cerebral parasite burden compared to untreated control. Further experiments are needed to determine the PK, optimal dosage, and duration for effective treatment in cattle and dogs, but these data demonstrate proof-of-concept for BKIs, and 1294 specifically, for therapy of bovine and canine neosporosis

A Retrospective Claims Analysis of Medication Adherence and Persistence Among Patients Taking Antidepressants for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2015Background: Pharmacotherapy to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has proven to be effective, yet improving adherence and persistence (A&P) to antidepressant (AD) therapy continues to be challenging. Guidelines recommend initiating AD therapy through initiation phase (3 months of therapy), and continuation phase (6 months beyond initiation phase), with a recommended total duration of 9 months of therapy. Even at the minimal recommended duration of therapy (6 months), it is estimated that only 12-34% of patients remain adherent to AD therapy, increasing the chance of relapse back into the depressive episode and resource utilization. Further research on A&P is warranted due to lack of estimates for new AD therapy and incomparability among existing findings. Methods: To date, this was the largest US insurance claims analysis conducted of A&P to initial AD therapy. Truven Marketscan® Commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid databases were queried for MDD patients between the years 2003-2014. Qualifying MDD diagnoses for inclusion included either one inpatient, or one outpatient service claim with a second confirmatory claim (either inpatient or outpatient), after ensuring 6 months of negative MDD diagnosis and AD prescription history. Patients with a diagnosis of other mental disorders (Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, depressive type psychosis, or other mood disorders) were excluded if diagnosed from 6 months before to 12 months after the IDD. 527,907 patients were identified who initiated therapy with one AD within 60 days of a qualifying MDD diagnosis and had continuous insurance coverage from 6 months before to 12 months after this index AD prescription date (IPD). A&P was calculated to initial AD medication, to initial therapeutic class, and overall, to any AD therapy, over the first 3, 6, 9, and 12 months from the IPD, using Medication Possession Ratio (MPR)/Proportion of Days Covered (PDC) and days to discontinuation, respectively. Adherence to continuation phase, or adherence between 4-9 months, was calculated similarly. The proportion adherent was defined as the proportion whose MPR/PDC was greater than or equal to 0.80, where the proportion persistent was defined as the proportion remaining persistent over the time frame. Chi-squared testing was used to test differences in the proportion adherent or persistent, when grouped by initial AD or comparing proportions over time. Odds ratios of adherence comparing initial ADs to sertraline were estimated at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the IPD through multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for age, gender, insurance source, region, insurance plan type, MDD diagnosis code, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and comorbid anxiety or chronic pain disorders. In a separate logistic model adjusted for the same covariates, the odds ratio of adherence to continuation phase among those adherent/not adherent to initiation phase was estimated. Results: The proportion adherent to initial AD medication over time frames was 0.43/0.41 (MPR/PDC) at 3 months, and 0.23/0.21 at 12 months (p value<0.0001). The proportion persistent to initial AD medication was 0.44 at 3 months and 0.17 at 12 months (p value<0.0001). A&P to initial therapeutic class and overall, to any AD therapy was slightly higher than to initial AD medication, yet each measure similarly decreased over time (p value<0.0001). For each logistic regression for the primary model, association of initial AD and adherence to the time frame was found to be significant (p value <0.0001). Compared to sertraline, patients initiating with desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, and venlafaxine XR had greater odds of adherence at 6 months (adjusted odds ratios of 1.30, 1.07, and 1.19, respectively; p values all <0.0001). In a separate logistic model, adherence to the first 3 months of treatment was associated with adherence to continuation phase, or months 4-9 (p value<0.0001). Patients who were adherent to the first 3 months of therapy had 13.7 times greater odds of adherence to continuation phase, when adjusted for covariates (95% Confidence Interval 13.4-14.0). Conclusion: Results support that the choice of initial AD is an important clinical decision, associated with A&P, and thus, has the potential to improve clinical outcomes and decrease resource utilization