Evaluation of Cord Blood Total Nucleated and CD34+ Cell Content, Cell Dose, and 8-Allele HLA Match by Patient Ancestry.

How cord blood (CB) CD34+ cell content and dose and 8-allele HLA match vary by patient ancestry is unknown. We analyzed cell content, dose, and high-resolution HLA-match of units selected for CB transplantation (CBT) by recipient ancestry. Of 544 units (286 infused, 258 next-best backups) chosen for 144 racially diverse adult patients (median weight, 81 kg), the median total nucleated cell (TNC) and CD34+cell +contents were higher for Europeans than for non-Europeans: 216 × 107versus 197 × 107 (P = .002) and 160 × 105 versus 132 × 105 (P = .007), respectively. There were marked cell content disparities among ancestry groups, with units selected for Africans having the lowest TNC (189 × 107) and CD34+ cell (122 × 105) contents. Units for non-Europeans were also more HLA-mismatched (P = .017). When only the 286 transplanted units were analyzed, the adverse effect of reduced cell content was exacerbated by the higher weights in some groups. For example, northwestern Europeans (high patient weight, high unit cell content) had the best-dosed units, and Africans (high weight, low unit cell content) had the lowest. In Asians, low cell content was partially compensated for by lower weight. Marked differences in 8-allele HLA-match distribution were also observed by ancestry group; for example, 23% of units for northwestern Europeans were 3/8 to 4/8 HLA-matched, compared with 40% for southern Europeans, 46% for white Hispanics, and 51% for Africans. During the study period, 20 additional patients (17 non-Europeans; median weight, 98 kg) did not undergo CBT owing to the lack of a suitable graft. CB extends transplantation access to most patients, but racial disparities exist in cell content, dose, and HLA match.

Validation of an Algorithm to Predict the Likelihood of an 8/8 HLA-Matched Unrelated Donor at Search Initiation.

A strategy to rapidly determine if a matched unrelated donor (URD) can be secured for allograft recipients is needed. We sought to validate the accuracy of (1) HapLogic match predictions and (2) a resultant novel Search Prognosis (SP) patient categorization that could predict 8/8 HLA-matched URD(s) likelihood at search initiation. Patient prognosis categories at search initiation were correlated with URD confirmatory typing results. HapLogic-based SP categorizations accurately predicted the likelihood of an 8/8 HLA-match in 830 patients (1530 donors tested). Sixty percent of patients had 8/8 URD(s) identified. Patient SP categories (217 very good, 104 good, 178 fair, 33 poor, 153 very poor, 145 futile) were associated with a marked progressive decrease in 8/8 URD identification and transplantation. Very good to good categories were highly predictive of identifying and receiving an 8/8 URD regardless of ancestry. Europeans in fair/poor categories were more likely to identify and receive an 8/8 URD compared with non-Europeans. In all ancestries very poor and futile categories predicted no 8/8 URDs. HapLogic permits URD search results to be predicted once patient HLA typing and ancestry is obtained, dramatically improving search efficiency. Poor, very poor, andfutile searches can be immediately recognized, thereby facilitating prompt pursuit of alternative donors.

Prospective Evaluation of Unrelated Donor Cord Blood and Haploidentical Donor Access Reveals Graft Availability Varies by Patient Ancestry: Practical Implications for Donor Selection.

The availability of cord blood (CB) and haploidentical (haplo) donors in all patient populations is not established. We have investigated the addition of haplo-CD34+ cells to CB grafts (haplo-CBT) to speed myeloid engraftment. Thus, we have prospectively assessed CB and haplo donor availability in adult patients without 8/8 HLA-allele matched unrelated donors (URDs). Analysis of 89 patients eligible for haplo-CBT revealed 4 distinct patient groups. First, 6 patients (7% of total, 33% non-European) underwent CBT only as they had no suitable family members to type. In group 2, 49 patients (45% non-European) received haplo-CBT using the first haplo donor chosen. Group 3 (n = 21, 76% non-European) underwent CBT with/without haplo. In this group, the first haplo donor chosen failed clearance in 20 patients and transplantation was too urgent to permit donor evaluation in 1. Fifty-three haplo donors were evaluated (2 to 6 per patient) for 21 group 3 patients, and 43 of 53 (81%) haplos failed clearance for predominantly medical and/or psychosocial reasons. Group 4, (n = 13, 85% non-European with a high median weight of 96 kilograms) had no CB grafts with/without no haplo donors. Overall, African patients had the worst donor availability with only 65% having a suitable CB graft and only 44% having a suitable haplo donor. Additionally, in non-European patients, a greater number of haplos required evaluation/patient to secure a suitable haplo graft. Although these data should be confirmed in a larger study, it suggests that there are barriers to the availability of both CB and haplo grafts in adult patients without 8/8 URDs, especially in those with African ancestry, and has multiple practical implications for patient management.

An Exploratory Study into the Backgrounds and Perspectives of Equine-Assisted Service Practitioners.

Equine-Assisted Services (EASs) are commonplace in today's society, but vary widely in both theoretical and practical applications. Until now, practitioners' experiences and perspectives in relation to these services have received little attention. To address this, a purpose-designed online questionnaire was distributed to EAS practitioners, exploring issues relating to the nature of the service provided, practice patterns, practitioner education, perceived knowledge, challenges faced and the future direction of these services. An analysis revealed a significant association between practitioners' backgrounds and the nature of the service offered, as well as perceived knowledge. Median EAS training received to first practice was 20 days of block release over a year; however, nearly half of the sample (42.4%) reported less training than this. Equine-specific training was more limited, with 41.5% of practitioners having no horse-relevant qualifications. The most important challenges reported by practitioners involved client and equine welfare, financial sustainability and raising awareness of EAS. This research highlights the diverse nature of EAS and also raises important challenges and possible opportunities for development. Findings suggest that more progress is needed to professionalise and legitimise the area to support and help practitioners provide the best service for all concerned.

Pet attachment and owner personality.

Introduction: Research points to a relationship between owner personality and strength of attachment to one's pet, with implications for psychological health. So far, studies in this area, albeit sparse, have focused on the 'Big Five' traits of owner personality. The 'Dark Triad' is a cluster of traits that has also been linked to emotional deficits, but has been overlooked in relation to pet attachment. This study therefore examined the association between owner personality and pet attachment, focusing on both the 'Big Five' and 'Dark Triad' traits of personality. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed to collect quantitative data from dog and cat owners across the globe between May-June 2023. A purpose-designed online survey collected sociodemographic details, along with information on pet ownership, strength of the pet-owner bond and participant personality, assessed using the Big Five personality scale and the Short Dark Triad scale. The survey was fully completed by 759 dog and 179 cat owners. Results: Analysis revealed significant correlations between many of the participants' personality traits, both within and between scales. Strength of pet attachment was positively correlated with neuroticism and conscientiousness, and, more weakly, to Machiavellianism. Regression analysis revealed that females, dog owners, people over the age of 50 and individuals who had children under 18 years to care for were more strongly attached to their pets than others. Both neuroticism and conscientiousness were found to be significant predictors of participants' pet attachment scores. None of the Dark Triad traits significantly predicted the criterion. Discussion: This study points to a relationship between strength of attachment to one's pet and owner personality, at least as measured using the Big Five approach to personality assessment. There was little to support an association between the Dark Triad traits and strength of attachment to one's pet, although the link between these characteristics and attachment styles is still unknown. The investigation lends support for the idea that high attachment levels are associated with personality traits aligned to psychological ill-health. Further work is recommended in this area, with a greater focus on both strength and quality (e.g., attachment style) of the pet-owner bond.

Racial/ethnic disparities in availability of volunteer unrelated donors for allogeneic transplantation.

ABSTRACT: Despite the global unrelated donor (URD) registry size, the degree to which URD availability is a transplant barrier is not established. We evaluated the availability of 3,843 URDs requested for 455 diverse adult patients (predominantly with acute leukemia). URDs for non-Europeans were more likely to be domestic and had markedly lower Donor Readiness scores. Of URDs requested for confirmatory HLA-typing (CT) alone (ie, without simultaneous workup), 1,894 of 3,529 (54%) were available. Availability of domestic URDs was 45%. Donor Readiness score was highly predictive of CT availability. More non-European patients (n = 120) than Europeans (n = 335) had >10 URDs requested and <5 available. Of workup requests (after CT or CT-workup), <70% (604/889 [68%]) were available. More non-Europeans had <2 URDs available. URD availability for CT was markedly worse for non-Europeans, with availabilities for African, non-Black Hispanic, and Asian patients being 150/458 (33%), 120/258 (47%), and 119/270 (44%), respectively, with further decrements in URD workup availability. Our data suggest the functional size of the URD pool is much smaller than appreciated, mandating major operational changes for transplant centers and donor registries. Likelihood of donor availability should have a high priority in donor selection. Considering patient ancestry and URD Donor Readiness scores, centers should pursue, and registries permit, simultaneous pursuit of many URDs and abandon futile searches. Patients should be informed about their likelihood of donor availability and alternative options. Finally, although registries should address high URD attrition and speed procurement, use of all HLA-disparate graft types is needed to facilitate timely transplant for all.

Long-term flavor recognition in humans with prenatal garlic experience.

The human fetus learns about its chemosensory environment and this influences its behavior at birth and during the nursing period. This study examined whether prenatal experience could influence behavior much later in life. The dietary preference of two groups of children (8- to 9-years old) was examined. Mothers of one group had consumed garlic during pregnancy, mothers of the control group had not. Children received two tests, 1 month apart, of a meal containing two portions of potato gratin, one flavored with garlic. The total amount of potato, and the percentage of garlic flavored potato, eaten was calculated and examined separately by ANOVA for factors of prenatal exposure, the child's sex, and trial. Children prenatally exposed to garlic ate significantly more garlic flavored potato and a significantly greater overall amount of potato on trial 2, compared to controls. The results demonstrate prenatal experience may affect behavior well into childhood.

An Optimized Search Prognosis Tool to Predict 8/8 HLA Allele-Matched Unrelated Donor Procurement.

For patients in need of allogeneic transplantation who lack an HLA-identical sibling, an 8/8 HLA allele-matched unrelated donor (URD) is a standard alternative. However, delays in URD procurement can adversely impact patient care. Recipient genotype and search assessment (MSKv1.0)-based tools can predict search prognosis for many, but both tools have lower performance in non-European ancestry patients. Using the MSKv1.0 tool, we analyzed searches from 1530 potential allograft recipients (including 863 who underwent transplantation) with the aim of creating an optimized MSKv2.0 search prognosis tool that can classify a URD search as either Good or Poor with a high level of accuracy while also limiting an ambiguous Fair search prognosis regardless of patient ancestry. By MSKv2.0, the 8/8 URD search prognosis distribution was 57% Good, 21% Fair, and 22% Poor in Europeans and 15% Good, 21% Fair, and 63% Poor in non-Europeans. Importantly, compared to MSKv1.0, the likelihood of Fair categorization was reduced to <25% with comparable Fair rates (P = .847) in both European and non-European groups. Moreover, all patients with an MSKv2.0 Good prognosis had an 8/8 URD identified, and almost all of those who underwent transplantation had an 8/8 URD (Europeans, 99%; non-Europeans, 98%; P = .504). The MSKv2.0 tool also was highly accurate at classifying Poor searches, with <10% identifying an 8/8 URD, and almost all patients who underwent transplantation (Europeans, 95%; non-Europeans, 96%) receiving an alternative donor. Using preliminary search results, MSKv2.0 accurately classifies patients by likelihood of 8/8 URD procurement, greatly facilitating triage to 8/8 URD (Good prognosis) or alternative donor (Poor prognosis) transplantations.

The use of back-up units to enhance the safety of unrelated donor cord blood transplantation.

The inability to obtain additional stem cells is a disadvantage of unrelated donor cord blood transplantation (CBT). Moreover, in the event of problems with unit shipment, compromised unit quality, thaw mishaps, or graft failure, the time to secure a back-up graft could be unacceptable. Emergent shipment of 1 to 2 back-up units that have been previously typed and reserved could overcome this limitation. However, the advantages of this approach are not established. Therefore, we present our use of back-up units over a 5.5-year period. Six of 121 CBT recipients (5%) required back-up unit infusion. Indications included shipment mishaps (n = 2), poor unit viability (n = 2), significant infusion reaction (n = 1), and graft failure (n = 1). Lack of back-up units would have caused transplantation delay or infusion of inferior-quality units. Five of the 6 patients achieved sustained donor engraftment. We demonstrate that back-up units are emergently required in a significant minority of patients, supporting the incorporation of at least 1 back-up unit in cord blood (CB) selection algorithms to enhance CBT safety.

Positioning for acute respiratory distress in hospitalised infants and children.

BACKGROUND: Because of the association of prone positioning with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) it is recommended that young infants be placed on their backs (supine). However, the prone position may be a non-invasive way of increasing oxygenation in participants with acute respiratory distress. Because of substantial differences in respiratory mechanics between adults and children and the risk of SIDS in young infants, a specific review of positioning for infants and young children with acute respiratory distress is warranted. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of different body positions in hospitalised infants and children with acute respiratory distress. SEARCH METHODS: We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2012, Issue 3), which contains the Acute Respiratory Infections Group's Specialised Register, MEDLINE (1966 to April week 1, 2012), EMBASE (2004 to April 2012) and CINAHL (2004 to April 2012). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or pseudo-RCTs comparing two or more positions in the management of infants and children hospitalised with acute respiratory distress. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently extracted data from each study. We resolved differences by consensus or referral to a third review author. We analysed bivariate outcomes using an odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI). We analysed continuous outcomes using a mean difference and 95% CI. We used a fixed-effect model unless heterogeneity was significant, in which case we used a random-effects model. MAIN RESULTS: We extracted data from 53 studies. We included 24 studies with a total of 581 participants. Three studies used a parallel-group, randomised design which compared prone and supine positions only. The remaining 21 studies used a randomised cross-over design. These studies compared prone, supine, lateral, elevated and flat positions.Prone positioning was significantly more beneficial than supine positioning in terms of oxygen saturation (mean difference (MD) 1.97%, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.77), arterial oxygen (MD 6.24 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.20 to 10.28), episodes of hypoxaemia (MD -3.46, 95% CI -4.60 to -2.33) and thoracoabdominal synchrony (MD -30.76, 95% CI -41.39 to -20.14). No adverse effects were identified. There were no statistically significant differences between any other positions.As the majority of studies did not describe how possible biases were addressed, the potential for bias in these findings is unclear. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The prone position was significantly superior to the supine position in terms of oxygenation. However, as most participants were ventilated preterm infants, the benefits of prone positioning may be most relevant to these infants. In addition, although placing infants and children in the prone position may improve respiratory function, the association of SIDS with prone positioning means that infants should only be placed in this position while under continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring.

Dogs as a diagnostic tool for ill health in humans.

Researchers have long reported that dogs and cats improve the physical and psychological health of their human caregivers, and while it is still inconclusive, a substantial amount of research now lends support for the commonly held view that pets are good for us. Recently, studies have directed attention toward exploring the use of animals, most notably dogs, in the detection of disease and other types of health problems in people. This article reviews the evidence for dogs' ability to detect ill health in humans, focusing specifically on the detection of cancer, epileptic seizures, and hypoglycemia. The author describes the research carried out in this area and evaluates it in an effort to determine whether dogs have a role to play in modern health care as an alert tool or screening system for ill health. Where necessary, the author has highlighted weaknesses in the work and proposed directions for future studies.

Food Security Challenges and Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Corner Store Communities in Washington, D.C.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates the complexities of food inequity. As one of the social determinants of health, food insecurity significantly impacts overall health across the life course. Guided by the Getting to Equity Framework, this qualitative community-engaged participatory project examines the impact of the pandemic on food security among adults in Washington, DC. Semi-structured interviews (n = 79) were conducted by trained community health workers between November 2020 and December 2021 at corner stores. Data analysis was performed using thematic network analysis in NVivo. Results are grouped into four key themes: (1) impact of the pandemic on food access, including expanded services and innovative solutions to meet needs; (2) coping and asset-based strategies at the individual and community level; (3) sources of information and support, and (4) impact of the pandemic on health and well-being. The importance of lived experience research in public health is increasingly recognized as an innovative approach that offers benefits through community engagement and empowerment.

Prospective KIR genotype evaluation of hematopoietic cell donors is feasible with potential to benefit patients with AML.

Donor KIR and recipient HLA combinations that minimize inhibition and favor activation of the NK repertoire are associated with improved outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in patients with myeloid neoplasia. We prospectively evaluated a weighted donor ranking algorithm designed to prioritize HLA-compatible unrelated donors (URDs) with weak inhibitory KIR3DL1/HLA-Bw4 interaction, followed by donors with nontolerized activating KIR2DS1, and finally those with KIR centromeric B haplotype. During donor evaluation, we performed KIR genotyping and ranked 2079 URDs for 527 subjects with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Among all patients, 394 (75%) had at least 1 KIR-advantageous donor, and 263 (50%) underwent HCT. In patients with AML, KIR3DL1 weak inhibition provided protection from relapse. Compared with KIR3DL1-Weak Inhibiting donors, KIR3DL1-Noninteracting donors were associated with increased risk of relapse (HR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.33-6.64; P = .008) and inferior event-free survival (EFS; HR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.16-3.95; P = .015). KIR3DL1-Strong Inhibiting donors were associated with HR, 1.65 (95% CI, 0.66-4.08; P = .25) for AML relapse and HR, 1.6 (95% CI, 0.81-3.17; P = .1) for EFS when compared with the use of KIR3DL1-weak inhibiting donors. Donor KIR2DS1/HLA-C1 status and centromeric KIR haplotype-B content were not associated with decreased risk of AML relapse. There was no benefit to KIR-based donor selection in patients with MDS. This study demonstrates that donor KIR typing is feasible, and prioritization of donors with certain KIR3DL1 genotypes may confer a protection from relapse after HCT in patients with AML.

Availability of cord blood extends allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant access to racial and ethnic minorities.

Allogeneic transplant access can be severely limited for patients of racial and ethnic minorities without suitable sibling donors. Whether cord blood (CB) transplantation can extend transplant access because of the reduced stringency of required HLA-match is not proven. We prospectively evaluated availability of unrelated donors (URD) and CB according to patient ancestry in 553 patients without suitable sibling donors. URDs had priority if adequate donors were available. Otherwise ≥4/6 HLA-matched CB grafts were chosen utilizing double units to augment graft dose. Patients had highly diverse ancestries including 35% non-Europeans. In 525 patients undergoing combined searches, 10/10 HLA-matched URDs were identified in 53% of those with European ancestry, but only 21% of patients with non-European origins (P < .001). However, the majority of both groups had 5-6/6 CB units. The 269 URD transplant recipients were predominantly European, with non-European patients accounting for only 23%. By contrast, 56% of CB transplant recipients had non-European ancestries (P < .001). Of 26 patients without any suitable stem cell source, 73% had non-European ancestries (P < .001). Their median weight was significantly higher than CB transplant recipients (P <.001), partially accounting for their lack of a CB graft. Availability of CB significantly extends allo-transplant access, especially in non-European patients, and has the greatest potential to provide a suitable stem cell source regardless of race or ethnicity. Minority patients in need of allografts, but without suitable matched sibling donors, should be referred for combined URD and CB searches to optimize transplant access.

Individually identifiable body odors are produced by the gorilla and discriminated by humans.

Many species produce odor cues that enable them to be identified individually, as well as providing other socially relevant information. Study of the role of odor cues in the social behavior of great apes is noticeable by its absence. Olfaction has been viewed as having little role in guiding behavior in these species. This study examined whether Western lowland gorillas produce an individually identifiable odor. Odor samples were obtained by placing cloths in the gorilla's den. A delayed matching to sample task was used with human participants (n = 100) to see if they were able to correctly match a target odor sample to a choice of either: 2 odors (the target sample and another, Experiment 1) and 6 odors (the target sample and 5 others, Experiment 2). Participants were correctly able to identify the target odor when given either 2 or 6 matches. Subjects made fewest errors when matching the odor of the silverback, whereas matching the odors of the young gorillas produced most errors. The results indicate that gorillas do produce individually identifiable body odors and introduce the possibility that odor cues may play a role in gorilla social behavior.

Using judgment bias test in pet and shelter dogs (Canis familiaris): Methodological and statistical caveats.

It is now widely agreed that a positive affective state is a crucial component of animal well-being. The judgment bias test represents a widespread tool used to assess animals' optimistic/pessimistic attitude and to evaluate their emotional state and welfare. Judgment bias tests have been used several times with dogs (Canis familiaris), in most cases using a spatial test with a bowl placed in ambiguous positions located between a relatively positive trained location (P) which contains a baited bowl and a relatively negative trained location (N) which contains an empty bowl. The latency to approach the bowl in the ambiguous locations is an indicator of the dog's expectation of a positive/negative outcome. However, results from such tests are often inconclusive. For the present study, the judgment bias test performance of 51 shelter dogs and 40 pet dogs was thoroughly analysed. A pattern emerged with shelter dogs behaving in a more pessimistic-like way than pet dogs. However, this difference between the two populations was detected only when analysing the raw latencies to reach the locations and not the more commonly applied adjusted score (i.e. average latency values). Furthermore, several methodological caveats were found. First of all, a non-negligible percentage of dogs did not pass the training phase, possibly due to the experimental paradigm not being fully suited for this species. Second, results showed a high intra-dog variability in response to the trained locations, i.e. the dogs' responses were not consistent throughout the test, suggesting that animals may not have fully learned the association between locations and their outcomes. Third, dogs did not always behave differently towards adjacent locations, raising doubts about the animals' ability to discriminate between locations. Finally, a potential influence of the researcher's presence on dogs' performance emerged from analyses. The implications of these findings and potential solutions are discussed.

Impact of a Smartphone App Reminder on Adherence to Aspirin Prescribed as Antithrombotic Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Many patients are discharged with aspirin (ASA) as an anticoagulant after joint replacement surgery. In studies in which ASA was prescribed, doses were frequently missed. Adherence to postoperative ASA regimen is critical to preventing thrombotic complications. This randomized controlled study evaluated the impact of an existing medication adherence smartphone application (app) on adherence to twice daily ASA 81 mg for 35 days after knee or hip arthroplasty. METHODOLOGY: Patients were randomized to either the app (intervention) group or the usual care (control) group. All patients received a baseline interview with a survey and demographics collected prior to randomization, a 36-day follow-up call for phone pill count, and a 6-week in-office interview with surveys and an in-person pill count. A convenience sample of 195 patients enrolled; 122 completed pill counts at both baseline and end of study. Ages ranged from 29 to 89 (mean: 60.4, SD: 10.1) years. The majority had a bachelor's degree or higher (59.3%), made more than $75,000 (or were retired; 51.9%), were of White race (75.9%), and female (53.8%). There were no significant demographic differences between the groups. RESULTS: There were no significant group differences in final pill counts, adherence (reasons for missed pills), or ASA Medication self-efficacy scores. However, the intervention group scored significantly higher on the ASA Adherence measure (general ease in and ability to take ASA; p = .020). Higher ASA Adherence scores were associated with lower pill counts at the end of study (better adherence) in the intervention group. There was a high rate of attrition related to failure to bring the ASA to hospital or to the follow-up appointment. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were no significant differences in final pill counts between groups, the app group reported more ease in taking pills. With smartphone use virtually ubiquitous, this project provided an opportunity to educate patients and nurses about how technology can support medication adherence. It was also an excellent opportunity to involve clinical nurses in a funded research project.

Laterality as a Tool for Assessing Breed Differences in Emotional Reactivity in the Domestic Cat, Felis silvestris catus.

Cat breeds differ enormously in their behavioural disposition, a factor that can impact on the pet-owner relationship, with indirect consequences for animal welfare. This study examined whether lateral bias, in the form of paw preference, can be used as a tool for assessing breed differences in emotional reactivity in the cat. The paw preferences of 4 commonly owned breeds were tested using a food-reaching challenge. Cats were more likely to be paw-preferent than ambilateral. Maine Coons, Ragdolls and Bengals were more likely to be paw-preferent than ambilateral, although only the Bengals showed a consistent preference for using one paw (left) over the other. The strength of the cats' paw use was related to cat breed, with Persians being more weakly lateralised. Direction of paw use was unrelated to feline breed, but strongly sex-related, with male cats showing a left paw preference and females displaying a right-sided bias. We propose that paw preference measurement could provide a useful method for assessing emotional reactivity in domestic cats. Such information would be of benefit to individuals considering the acquisition of a new cat, and, in the longer term, may help to foster more successful cat-owner relationships, leading to indirect benefits to feline welfare.

Randomized Controlled Trial of a Natural Food-Based Fiber Solution to Prevent Constipation in Postoperative Spine Fusion Patients.

BACKGROUND: Constipation after orthopaedic surgery occurs frequently, likely due to a combination of high levels of opioid medications for severe pain management and mobility limitations after surgery. It can result in serious complications, increased cost, and patient discomfort. PURPOSE: This study evaluated a natural food-based fiber solution to prevent constipation in postoperative orthopaedic patients. METHODS: A posttest control group-randomized study design was used. Dependent variables were presence of postoperative constipation, time to first bowel movement (BM), and total number of postoperative BMs. Descriptive statistics, Student's t tests, and Mann-Whitney nonparametric 2-group tests with chi-square analysis were used. Level of significance for all tests was p < .05. Forty-six participants were evaluated. RESULTS: Ages were similar for both the intervention and control groups. Bowel Function Index (BFI) scores were not significantly different (p = .448). No significant group differences were present for the individual BFI item scores (p > .05). The number of patients with a BM during the first 3 days was not significantly different (p = .489). There were no significant differences found between the 2 groups regarding laxative administration (p > .05 for all laxatives). CONCLUSION: Further studies are indicated that address natural fibers and pharmaceutical methods for the prevention of constipation after spinal surgery.