Linguistic sleuthing for innovators

For centuries “innovation” has been a topic of book authors and academic researchers as documented by Ngram and Google Scholar search results. In contrast, “innovators” have had substantially less attention in both the popular domain and the academic domain. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a text analysis research methodology to linguistically identify “innovators” and “non-innovators” using Hebert F. Crovitz’s 42 relational words. Specifically, we demonstrate how to combine the use of two complementary text analysis software programs: Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count and WORDij to simply count the percent of use of these relational words and determine the statistical difference in use between “innovators” and “non-innovators.” We call this the “Crovitz Innovator Identification Method” in honor of Herbert F. Crovitz, who envisioned the possibility of using a small group of 42 words to signal “innovation” language. The Crovitz Innovator Identification Method is inexpensive, fast, scalable, and ready to be applied by others using this example as their guide. Nevertheless, this method does not confirm the viability of any innovation being created, used or implemented; it simply detects how a person’s language signals innovative thinking. We invite other scholars to join us in this linguistic sleuthing for innovators

Characterization of Antiallodynic Actions of ALE-0540, a Novel Nerve Growth Factor Receptor Antagonist, in the Rat1

There is growing evidence that nerve growth factor (NGF) may function as a mediator of persistent pain states. We have identified a novel nonpeptidic molecule, ALE-0540, that inhibits the binding of NGF to tyrosine kinase (Trk) A or both p75 and TrkA (IC50 5.88 6 1.87 mM, 3.72 6 1.3 mM, respectively), as well as signal transduction and biological responses mediated by TrkA receptors. ALE-0540 was tested in models of neuropathic pain and thermally-induced inflammatory pain, using two routes of administration, a systemic i.p. and a spinal intrathecal (i.th.) route. Morphine was also tested for comparison in the antiallodynia model using mechanical stimuli. We show that either i.p. or i.th. administration of ALE-0540 in rats produced antiallodynia in the L5/L6 ligation model of neuropathic pain. The calculated A50 values (and 95% confidence intervals) for ALE- 0540 administered i.p. and i.th. were 38 (17.5– 83) mg/kg and 34.6 (17.3– 69.4) mg, respectively. ALE-0540 given i.th., at doses of 30 and 60 mg, also blocked tactile allodynia in the thermal sensitization model. Although morphine displayed greater potency [A50 value of 7.1 (5.6–8.8) mg/kg] than ALE- 0540 in anti-allodynic effect when given i.p. to L5/L6-ligated rats, it was not active when administered i.th. These data suggest that a blockade of NGF bioactivity using a NGF receptor antagonist is capable of blocking neuropathic and inflammatory pain and further support the hypothesis that NGF is involved in signaling pathways associated with these pain states. ALE-0540 represents a nonpeptidic small molecule which can be used to examine mechanisms leading to the development of agents for the treatment of pain

Can-Pain-a digital intervention to optimise cancer pain control in the community : development and feasibility testing

Purpose: To develop a novel digital intervention to optimise cancer pain control in the community. This paper describes intervention development, content/rationale and initial feasibility testing. Methods: Determinants of suboptimal cancer pain management were characterised through two systematic reviews; patient, caregiver and healthcare professional (HCP) interviews (n = 39); and two HCP focus groups (n = 12). Intervention mapping was used to translate results into theory-based content, creating the app “Can-Pain”. Patients with/without a linked caregiver, their general practitioners and community palliative care nurses were recruited to feasibility test Can-Pain over 4 weeks. Results: Patients on strong opioids described challenges balancing pain levels with opioid intake, side effects and activities and communicating about pain management problems with HCPs. Can-Pain addresses these challenges through educational resources, contemporaneous short-acting opioid tracking and weekly patient-reported outcome monitoring. Novel aspects of Can-Pain include the use of contemporaneous breakthrough analgesic reports as a surrogate measure of pain control and measuring the level at which pain becomes bothersome to the individual. Patients were unwell due to advanced cancer, making recruitment to feasibility testing difficult. Two patients and one caregiver used Can-Pain for 4 weeks, sharing weekly reports with four HCPs. Can-Pain highlighted unrecognised problems, promoted shared understanding about symptoms between patients and HCPs and supported shared decision-making. Conclusions: Preliminary testing suggests that Can-Pain is feasible and could promote patient-centred pain management. We will conduct further small-scale evaluations to inform a future randomised, stepped-wedge trial

Vaccination inequities among children 12–23 months in India: An analysis of inter-state differences

Background: Previous research has shown that socioeconomic and demographic risk factors in children are additive and lead to increasingly negative impacts on vaccination coverage. The goal of this study is to examine if different combinations of four risk factors (infant sex, birth order, maternal education level, and family wealth status) vary by state among children 12–23 months in India and to determine the impact of ≥ 1 risk factor on differences in state vaccination rates. Methods: Using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted in India between 2005 and 2006 (NFHS-3) and 2015–2016 (NFHS-4), full vaccination of children 12–23 months was examined. Full vaccination was defined as receipt of one dose of bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG), three doses of diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine (DPT) vaccine, three doses of oral polio vaccine (OPV), and one dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV). Associations between full vaccination and the four risk factors were assessed using logistic regression. Data were analyzed by the state of residence. Results: A total of 60.9% of children 12–23 months were fully vaccinated, in NFHS-4, ranging from 33.9% in Arunachal Pradesh to 91.3% in Punjab. In NFHS-4, the odds of full vaccination across all states were 15% lower among infants with 2 risk factors versus 0 or 1 risk factors (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.80–0.91), and 28% lower among infants with 3 or 4 risk factors versus 0 or 1 risk factor (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.67–0.78). Overall, the absolute difference in the full vaccination coverage in those with > 2 vs  1 risk factor. Indian states that are more populous or located in the north were more likely to have greater disparities

Circumferential adjustment of ultrasound probe position to determine the optimal approach to the internal jugular vein: a noninvasive geometric study in adults

Circumferential adjustment of the position of a two-dimensional ultrasound (US) probe around the neck has been recommended as a strategy for reducing the potential for unintentional common carotid artery puncture during internal jugular venous (IJV) cannulation. We obtained multiple high-resolution US images bilaterally from the necks of 107 adult subjects and analyzed these to determine the degree to which this strategy permits identification of a pathway from the skin to the IJV that minimizes venoarterial overlap while maximizing venous target (angular) width. The method consistently permitted identification of an approach to the IJV superior to that obtainable with any one of four popular surface anatomy-based ( blind ) approaches and was even more powerful if used in concert with a US-guided 1) adjustment of the degree of head rotation, 2) choice between a high and low approach, and 3) choice between the right and left IJV. Use of a high-resolution US imaging device also permitted identification of the precise boundaries of additional cervical anatomic structures (nontarget vessels, lymph nodes, and the thyroid gland) potentially relevant to selection of an optimal approach to the IJV

Emotion Regulation via the Autonomic Nervous System in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Replication and Extension

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity, as well as executive dysfunction. Recent work underlines the importance in understanding the role of emotion reactivity and regulatory deficits in the context of the disorder. One study (i.e., Musser et al. 2011 ) utilized a positive and negative emotion induction and suppression task, as well as indexes of autonomic nervous system reactivity, to examine emotional functioning in youth with ADHD. This study revealed inflexible parasympathetic-based regulation across emotion conditions among youth with ADHD compared to typically developing youth. The present study sought to replicate and extend these findings to a clinically recruited, diverse sample, while also examining sympathetic functioning. Two hundred fifty-nine participants (160 youth with ADHD), aged 5 to 13, completed the task utilized in Musser et al. 2011 , while indexes of parasympathetic (i.e., respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA]) and sympathetic (i.e., pre-ejection period [PEP] and electrodermal activity [EDA]) reactivity were obtained. ADHD was associated with significantly elevated parasympathetic (i.e., augmented RSA) and sympathetic (as indexed by EDA) reactivity. Overall, results replicate and extend Musser et al. 2011 , revealing sympathetic-linked disruptions in emotion reactivity and parasympathetic-linked disruptions in emotion regulation among youth with ADHD. Future studies of behavioral therapies for ADHD should consider the efficacy of adding an emotion regulation skills training component

Measles seroprevalence in persons over one year of age in Chandigarh, India

Measles continues to result in focal outbreaks in India, despite over three decades of universal infant vaccination. The aims of this study were to examine measles immunity in the population of Chandigarh, India, and to compare immunity by vaccination vs. natural infection. In a cross-sectional study of individuals 1–60 years selected from 30 communities within Chandigarh during 2017–2018, measles immunity was assessed using serological surveys. Seropositivity was compared across demographic groups, and by prior history of vaccination and natural history of infection. Among those 1–20 years old, measles seropositivity, and histories of measles vaccination or prior measles diagnosis were separately assessed as outcomes in logistic regression models, with demographic factors as independent variables. Among 1690 participants, 94% were seropositive, and 6% had borderline or negative antibody levels. Of those positive, 30% had prior vaccination, 16% had a history of natural infection, and 54% had an unknown history. Over 50% of individuals among those >20 years old, had unknown history of immunity. In the multivariable regression models, vaccination was more common in younger ages (P < .0001), and in males compared to females (P = .0220), and in those with more education (P < .0001). The majority of the population was seropositive, and seropositivity increased with age. Older age groups were more likely to be protected because of previous natural infection, whereas younger age groups were protected by vaccination. There was inequity in vaccination coverage by gender, and maternal education status