Lee Bontecou\u27s Early Reliefs (1959-1965): A Critical and Contextual Analysis

American artist Lee Bontecou’s oeuvre is often described as difficult to categorize or “mysterious.” Her early work—a series of metal and canvas reliefs made between 1959 and 1965—is linked to a range of stylistic associations including such radically divergent movements as assemblage, minimalism and abstract expressionism. Alternately, contemporary art historian Mona Hadler cites a series of iconographic connections between Bontecou’s reliefs and the popular culture and politics of the late 1950’s and early ‘60s. Using historian Reinhardt Koselleck’s theorization of historical time where history is constituted by an amalgamation of “temporal layers” based on particular historical perspectives, this thesis will explore the varied stylistic associations of Bontecou’s early reliefs by investigating their artistic as well as social and political contexts. In doing so this thesis will demonstrate that these so-called “mysterious” forms were created and exhibited in relation to a several different historical perspectives or “temporal layers.

A Multifactorial Cytochrome P450 2D6 Genotype-Phenotype Prediction Model to Improve Precision of Clinical Pharmacogenomic Tests

BACKGROUND: CYP2D6 is difficult to accurately genotype due to a large number of single nucleotide variants (SNVs), indels, and structural variation such as deletions, duplications, and CYP2D6/CYP2D7 hybrid genes. CYP2D6 targeted genotyping panels are of limited utility; clinically relevant variants that are not genotyped will be missed. Sequencing solves this problem but requires additional tools to address structural variation. The goal of our study was to determine the predictive power of Stargazer, a novel allele-calling program, which combines SNV/indel calls with structural variation identification. METHODS: In a panel of 309 human livers, CYP2D6 diplotypes and activity scores were initially assigned manually using PGRNSeq SNV/indel data and then reassigned after inclusion of Stargazer-derived structural variation data. We determined CYP2D6 activity in human liver microsomes with metoprolol and dextromethorphan as probe substrates. Then, we used linear regression to assess the relationship between activity and activity scores assigned using SNV/indel data alone versus SNV/indel + structural variation data. RESULTS: Without incorporating structural variation data, diplotypes were incorrectly assigned for 67 samples (22%); activity scores were incorrect for 26 samples (8.4%). Structural variants included 23 deletions, 47 duplications, and 39 hybrids. When diplotypes were assigned based on SNV/indel data alone, activity score explained 31% of the variation in CYP2D6 activity with metoprolol (R2 = 0.31, p \u3c 0.001) and 36% with dextromethorphan (R2 = 0.36, p \u3c 0.001). When reassigned with SNV/indel plus structural variation data, this increased to 36% for metoprolol (R2 = 0.36, p \u3c 0.001) and 41% for dextromethorphan (R2 = 0.41, p \u3c 0.001). CONCLUSION: The accuracy of CYP2D6 phenotype prediction can be improved by using a next-generation sequencing approach coupled with a tool such as Stargazer to detect common and rare SNVs and indels as well as structural variation in CYP2D6

Art Galleries, Academia, and Women in Fur Masks: A Case Study of Using Visual Art to Promote Engaged Classroom Learning

This article describes a collaboration between a Gender and Development professor and the Director of the Acadia University Art Gallery in designing an activist visual art project based on an exhibit of the Guerrilla Girls. We argue that faculty-gallery collaboration is a critical, but underused, component of teaching and learning on campuses. Résumé Cet article décrit la collaboration entre une professeure d'études sur le genre et le développement, et la directrice de la galerie d'art de l'Université Acadia, dans le cadre de la conception d'un projet d'art visuel militant, basé sur une exhibition des Femmes Guérilla. Nous argumentons qu'une collaboration galleriefaculté est une composante critique mais sousutilisée, des méthodes d'enseignement et d'apprentissage sur les campus

Mifepristone Antagonization With Progesterone to Prevent Medical Abortion: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ObjectiveTo estimate the efficacy and safety of mifepristone antagonization with high-dose oral progesterone.MethodsWe planned to enroll 40 patients in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. We enrolled patients at 44-63 days of gestation with ultrasound-confirmed gestational cardiac activity who were planning surgical abortion. Participants ingested mifepristone 200 mg and initiated oral progesterone 400 mg or placebo 24 hours later twice daily for 3 days, then once daily until their planned surgical abortion 14-16 days after enrollment. Follow-up visits were scheduled 3±1, 7±1, and 15±1 days after mifepristone intake with ultrasonography and blood testing for human chorionic gonadotropin and progesterone. Participants exited from the study when they had their surgical abortion or earlier for gestational cardiac activity absence, gestational sac expulsion, or medically indicated suction aspiration. We assessed the primary outcome of continued gestational cardiac activity at approximately 2 weeks (15±1 day), side effects after drug ingestion, and safety outcomes including hemorrhage and emergent treatment.ResultsWe enrolled participants from February to July 2019 and stopped enrollment after 12 patients for safety concerns. Mean gestational age was 52.5 days. Two (one per group) voluntarily discontinued 3 days after mifepristone ingestion for subjective symptoms (nausea and vomiting, bleeding). Among the remaining 10 patients (five per group), gestational cardiac activity continued for 2 weeks in four in the progesterone group and two in the placebo group. One patient in the placebo group had no gestational cardiac activity 3 days after mifepristone use. Severe hemorrhage requiring ambulance transport to hospital occurred in three patients; one received progesterone (complete expulsion, no aspiration) and two received placebo (aspiration for both, one required transfusion). We halted enrollment after the third hemorrhage. No other significant side effects were reported.ConclusionWe could not estimate the efficacy of progesterone for mifepristone antagonization due to safety concerns when mifepristone is administered without subsequent prostaglandin analogue treatment. Patients in early pregnancy who use only mifepristone may be at high risk of significant hemorrhage.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03774745

Our pathway to a successful non-medical research strategy – a cultural shift five years on

Background: There is increasing evidence that research-active healthcare provider organisations provide better quality care, increased treatment options and improved clinical outcomes. Purpose: Delivering excellent evidence based clinical care and a high academic profile was identified as a key strategic objective at a tertiary orthopaedic hospital in the UK. This paper outlines the development and early impact of a research strategy for allied health professionals employed at the organisation. Methods: In 2013 the organisation appointed a Director of Therapies and a Consultant physiotherapist with protected time to develop a therapies research strategy. Focus groups were held across the directorate (140 staff including all therapists, orthotists, dieticians across all pay bands and grades including non-professional staff) as part of a 'listening exercise' to identify current levels of research activity, barriers and enablers to developing a research active department. Data were analysed thematically and findings used to inform a five year action plan to implement a research strategy, begin the necessary cultural shift and organisational development. Results: Five key actions were identified: 1) Identifying research programmes/themes in clinical teams. 2) Research as a key pillar in team's objectives 3) Provide appropriate research training and education 4) Identify talent and research champions 5) Develop external collaborations with appropriate academic and commercial partners. In 2014, through a commercial partnership, a grant was successful and a therapies research co-ordinator was appointed to support staff training around research methods and processes. In 2016 an internal 2 year grant received from the hospital charity supported this ongoing role along-side matched funding with a higher education institute to support a senior academic (Researcher in Residence) to provide extensive methodological support, writing skills and grant applications. To date this has resulted in six peer reviewed articles and further funding e.g. digital health technology monies. Novice researchers have been supported resulting in a NIHR PhD fellowship and two NIHR internships making staff feel valued and motivated, act as role models and build capability. Clinical teams have identified research programs to allow greater focus and prioritisation maximising resources and time. There has been greater engagement with patients regarding acceptability and relevance of research ideas. 41% of registered projects with the research and development department were submitted to national/international scientific conferences compared to only 16% in 2014. Conclusion(s): The key to success in implementation of a research strategy in a clinical setting requires clear strategic support and prioritisation, leadership, spotting the talent and investment in training. However dedicated resources and investment is required for delivery of projects to publications gained through external funding and or collaborations with academic institutions e.g. co-supervision of clinically based post graduate research projects. Implications: Research active staff identify relevant projects which impact on patient care and support improvements in healthcare. Policy makers and healthcare leaders should identify and develop a clear research strategy when developing services to ensure high quality healthcare and improved patient outcomes. Key-Words: Research, Strategy, Culture Funding acknowledgements: Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Charity TSB Grant - Digital Health in a connected hospital competition Ethics approval: Did this work require ethics approval?:No Institution: Not Applicable Ethics Committee: Not Applicable Please state the reasons why ethics approval was not required: Unique development of a quality improvement program and strategy in clinical practicePeer reviewe

Opioid Abuse in America

This poster examines the Opioid Abuse crisis in the United States as a whole, the poster will go into detail on the Impact the Opioid Epidemic is having on Pharmacy as well as the citizens whom are being impacted. The Poster will dive further into detail on the Policies that have impacted this Epidemic as well as where the epidemic is happen most readily. Most of all though the poster will take a look at what Pharmacists and other health professionals can do to help and better equip their patients in battling this epidemic.https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/public_health_posters/1021/thumbnail.jp

Validity of Micro-Data Loggers to Determine Walking Activity of Turkeys and Effects on Turkey Gait

Accelerometers have the potential to provide objective, non-invasive methods for detecting changes in animal behavior and health. Our objectives were to: (1) determine the effects of micro-acceleration data loggers (accelerometers) and habituation to accelerometers on turkey gait and health status, (2) determine age-related changes in gait and health status, and (3) assess the validity and reliability of the accelerometers. Thirty-six male commercial turkeys were randomly assigned to one of five groups: accelerometer and habituation period (AH), accelerometer and no habituation period (AN), VetRap bandage (no accelerometer) and habituation period (VH), bandage (no accelerometer) and no habituation period (VN), and nothing on either leg (C). Health status and body condition were assessed prior to video-recording birds as they walked across a Tekscan® pressure pad at 8, 12, and 16 weeks to determine effects of treatment on number of steps, cadence, gait time, gait distance, gait velocity, impulse, gait cycle time, maximum force, peak vertical pressure, single support time, contact time, step length, step time, step velocity, stride length, total double support time, and duty factor. Accelerometer validity and reliability were determined by comparing the number of steps detected by the accelerometer to the number of steps determined from video recordings. Several age-related changes in turkey gait were found regardless of habituation including a slower cadence at 16 weeks, shorter gait distance at 8 weeks, and slower gait velocity at 16 weeks. When comparing bandaged vs. unbandaged limbs, both treatment and age-treatment interactions were found depending on the gait parameter. Accelerometer validity and reliability were affected by both age and treatment. False discovery rate increased, while accuracy and specificity decreased with age. Validity and reliability were lowest for non-habituated birds (AN and VN). Results demonstrated that micro-data loggers do not adversely affect turkey health status, but habituation to wearing accelerometers greatly affects accelerometer reliability and validity. Accelerometer validity and turkey gait are also greatly affected by the age of the turkeys

Early Treatment for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: A Palliative Approach.

Objective To describe medical, safety, and health care utilization outcomes associated with an early treatment model for neonatal opioid withdrawal. Study Design This is a retrospective review of 117 opioid-exposed infants born in a large regional hospital and treated in the level I nursery with methadone initiated within 48 hours of birth. Results For this cohort, mean length of stay was 8.3 days. Hospital safety events were infrequent; there were no medication errors or deaths. Within 30 days of discharge, 14% of infants visited the emergency department; 7% were readmitted. Per birth, mean hospital charges were $10,946.96; mean costs were$5,908.93. Conclusion This study is the first to describe an early treatment model in a low-acuity nursery to prevent severe neonatal opioid withdrawal. The described model may be safe, effective, low-cost, and feasible for replication