YouTube™ as a source of information for patients undergoing laryngectomy: a thematic analysis.

PURPOSE: Total laryngectomy and end tracheal stoma formation are often required to treat advanced laryngeal cancer. Resources on the internet are commonly accessed by patients as a source of healthcare information. YouTube™, the most popular video-hosting website, is one such resource. The aims of this study were to assess the thematic content of the most viewed YouTube™ videos concerning laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer and to evaluate user response to these videos. METHOD: A search of YouTube™ was performed and data were extracted from videos with > 100 views. Upload source, number of views, likes, dislikes and comments were collected and the content of comments was analysed. User response was compared between upload sources using Kruskal-Wallis testing. Inductive thematic analysis of video content was performed to identify overarching themes and subthemes. RESULTS: A total of 96 videos were identified, 16 uploaded by patients, 24 by individual healthcare professionals and 56 by professional healthcare institutions. There were 1214,503 views and no significant differences in the number of views, likes or dislikes between upload sources. Three overarching themes and 17 subthemes were identified. Comments were most frequently characterised as offering praise. CONCLUSION: YouTube™ has been shown to be a popular platform for sharing information about laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer. There is a lack of data concerning the quality of this information, however, and future work should focus on assessing this. Trusted institutions could make use of this medium to disseminate high-quality information to their patients, and to the wider public.

An STS-based map of the human genome.

A physical map has been constructed of the human genome containing 15,086 sequence-tagged sites (STSs), with an average spacing of 199 kilobases. The project involved assembly of a radiation hybrid map of the human genome containing 6193 loci and incorporated a genetic linkage map of the human genome containing 5264 loci. This information was combined with the results of STS-content screening of 10,850 loci against a yeast artificial chromosome library to produce an integrated map, anchored by the radiation hybrid and genetic maps. The map provides radiation hybrid coverage of 99 percent and physical coverage of 94 percent of the human genome. The map also represents an early step in an international project to generate a transcript map of the human genome, with more than 3235 expressed sequences localized. The STSs in the map provide a scaffold for initiating large-scale sequencing of the human genome.

Genetic questions for environmental studies. Differential parenting and psychopathology in adolescence.

BACKGROUND: Recent genetic evidence suggests that the most important environmental influences on normal and pathologic development are those that are not shared by siblings in the same family. We sought to determine the relationship between differences in parenting styles and depressive symptoms and antisocial behavior in adolescence, and to compare the influence of these nonshared experiences with genetic influences. METHODS: We studied 708 families with at least two same-sexed adolescent siblings who were monozygotic twins (93 families), dizygotic twins (99 families), ordinary siblings (95 families), full siblings in step families (181 families), half siblings in step families (110 families), and genetically unrelated siblings in step families (130 families). Data on parenting style were collected by questionnaire and by video recording of interaction between parents and children. RESULTS: Almost 60% of variance in adolescent antisocial behavior and 37% of variance in depressive symptoms could be accounted for by conflictual and negative parental behavior directed specifically at the adolescent. In contrast, when a parent directed harsh, aggressive, explosive, and inconsistent parenting toward the sibling, we found less psychopathologic outcome in the adolescent. CONCLUSIONS: Parenting behavior directed specifically at each child in the family is a major correlate of symptoms in adolescents. Furthermore, harsh parental behavior directed at a sibling may have protective effects for adolescents, a phenomenon we call the "siblin barricade."

Comparison of antigen capture assays against HIV-1 in evaluating antiviral compounds.

Five antigen capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) have been assessed for detecting HIV-1 in tissue culture supernatants of cell cultures used routinely to investigate antiviral activity. Although all the ELISAs are very sensitive to low levels of antigens they have different characteristics when used for titrating virus antigens.

Nucleoside analogues previously found to be inactive against HIV may be activated by simple chemical phosphorylation.

Nucleoside analogues previously found to be inactive against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may be activated by simple chemical derivatisation. As part of our effort to deliver masked phosphates inside living cells we have discovered that certain phosphate triester derivatives of inactive nucleoside analogues become inhibitors of HIV replication. This discovery underlies the importance of the masked phosphate approach, and has significant implications for the future design of chemotherapeutic nucleoside analogues. If highly modified nucleoside analogues may be active without the intervention of nucleoside kinase enzymes, major advantage may accrue in terms of low toxicity and enhanced selectivity. Moreover, the increased structural freedom may have implications for dealing with the emergence of resistance. The concept herein described as 'kinase bypass' may thus stimulate the discovery of a new generation of antiviral agents.

Synthesis and anti-HIV activity of some haloalkyl phosphoramidate derivatives of 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT): potent activity of the trichloroethyl methoxyalaninyl compound.

Phosphate triester derivatives of AZT have been prepared as membrane-soluble pro-drugs of the bio-active nucleotides, and have been evaluated against HIV-1 in vitro. In particular, the phosphorus centre carries a trichloro- or trifluoroethyl group and a carboxyl-protected, amino-linked amino acid. The compounds are prepared using phosphorochloridate chemistry, and are characterized by a range of techniques. They display potent anti-HIV activity and low host toxicity, but surprisingly this activity does not increase on the introduction of the haloalkyl moiety. The trichloroethyl methoxyalaninyl compound is exceptional: here the activity is enhanced 50-fold by the introduction of the trichloroethyl group.

Synthesis and anti-HIV activity of some novel lactyl and glycolyl phosphate derivatives.

Novel phosphate triester derivatives of 3'-acetylthymidine, and of the anti-HIV nucleoside analogue AZT have been prepared by phosphorochloridate chemistry. These materials are designed to act as membrane-soluble pro-drugs of the bio-active free nucleotides. In particular, novel glycolate and lactate phosphate derivatives have been prepared. In vitro evaluation revealed the AZT compounds to have a pronounced and selective antiviral effect, the magnitude of which varied considerably with the nature of the phosphate blocking group.

Synthesis and anti-HIV evaluation of some phosphoramidate derivatives of AZT: studies on the effect of chain elongation on biological activity.

A series of phosphoramidate derivatives of the anti-HIV drug AZT has been prepared as membrane soluble pro-drugs of the bio-active nucleotide forms and evaluated in vitro against HIV-1. Terminal substituted alkyl amines have a pronounced anti-HIV effect: this effect declines upon increasing the length of the methylene spacer. The results are consistent with a mechanism of action involving intracellular cleavage of the phosphoramidate bond, and release of the nucleotide, or a derivative thereof. Full spectroscopic data are included on the products and their phosphorochloridate precursors.

Evaluation of a manual wheelchair interface to computer games.

The sedentary lifestyle of many people with spinal cord injury (SCI) has lead to cardiovascular diseases being a major health concern. A suitable exercise program may help improve the SCI individual's cardiovascular fitness level. GAMEWheels is an interface between a custom wheelchair roller system and a computer that enables an individual to control computer video games by driving his or her wheelchair. The purpose of Phase 1 was to evaluate the design of the GAMEWheels system and to determine the type of computer video game that is likely to motivate wheelchair users to exercise. Phase 2 included physiologic testing of wheelchair users and the GAMEWheels system to investigate whether the system elicits an exercise training response. Thirty-five subjects were recruited to evaluate the GAMEWheels by playing three commercial computer games (Phase 1) and to identify the computer game that they would prefer to use when exercising. The feedback from Phase 1 was used with test subjects to verify that the GAMEWheels system elicits an exercise training effect (Phase 2). Phase 2 included 10 subjects using the GAMEWheels system to play Need for Speed II. During game play, physiologic data were collected and the subjects' oxygen consumption and heart rate were analyzed. Analysis showed that the GAMEWheels system induced nine subjects to reach their training zone, defined as 50% and 60% of their maximum oxygen consumption and heart rate, respectively. This study demonstrates that the GAMEWheels system elicits an exercise training response.

An evaluation of the signal and noise characteristics of four CCD-based film digitizers.

Film digitizers are common devices in radiology departments involved with picture archive and communication systems (PACS) and teleradiology. In this paper, we studied the performance of film digitizers based on charge-coupled device detectors (CCD digitizers), and compared this with the performance of a laser digitizer (the de facto standard). Our focus was on the assessment of signal, noise and useful optical density range performance. A function (L* delta D) derived from the Rose model was used to evaluate these parameters in absolute terms, based their predicted ability to detect objects of specific size and optical density difference with respect to background. We studied CCD digitizers from four different vendors and found that none was able to reliably operate up to the maximum density of 3.0 required to digitize plain radiographs, while the laser digitizer was capable of this task. Our analysis also indicated that two of the four CCD digitizers were adequate for digitizing laser-printed cross-sectional images in certain cases. Finally, our analysis indicated that digitization of SMPTE pattern films along with visual assessment of the 5% and 95% contrast patches was not sufficient for determining the utility of film digitizers for clinical tasks. Computation of the L* delta D function provides a useful means of assessing the performance of film digitizers (e.g., for acceptance testing and quality control), and this technique may be adaptable for evaluation of other digital imaging modalities.

Differentiation of B16 murine melanoma cells is associated with an increased level of c-SRC.

Elevated levels of c-SRC activity have been found in human melanocytes and some human melanoma cell lines. We examined c-SRC in B16 murine melanoma cells. B16-F0 non-metastatic melanoma cells contained threefold more c-SRC activity and protein than NIH 3T3 murine fibroblasts. Differentiation of B16-F1 metastatic melanoma cells with retinoic acid resulted in an elevation in c-SRC activity, protein and mRNA. The increase in c-SRC was detectable after about 48 h of retinoic acid treatment, as were changes in cellular morphology and growth rate. Thus, there is a correlation between differentiation and expression of c-SRC in B16 murine melanoma cells. These findings suggest a role for c-SRC in murine melanocyte differentiation or function.

The activity of candidate virucidal agents, low pH and genital secretions against HIV-1 in vitro.

The effect of low pH, normally present in the female genital tract, on HIV viability was examined. HIV is more acid stable than previously reported with no substantial reduction in infectivity occurring until pH levels are reduced below 4.5. The virucidal activity of 3 topical spermicides and chlorhexidine was assessed in vitro using previously established and newly modified assay systems. None of the agents tested had a selectivity index (SI) greater than 5.2. Semen and cervical secretions were assessed for their ability to inhibit HIV-1. While no virucidal effect was found in the latter, seminal fluid was found to have significant activity against HIV-1 and a SI of approximately 50.

Kinematic comparison of Hybrid II test dummy to wheelchair user.

Hybrid test dummies provide a safe alternative to human subjects when investigating mechanisms of wheelchair tips and falls. The data that researchers acquire from these test dummies are more useful if the test dummy represents the population being studied. The goal of this study was to measure the validity of a 50th percentile Hybrid II test dummy (HTD) as an accurate representation of a wheelchair user. A test pilot with T8 paraplegia due to traumatic spinal cord injury served as a basis for validation. Simple modifications were made to the HTD to approximate the trunk stability characteristics of a person with a spinal cord injury. An HTD, a modified HTD, and a human test pilot were seated in an electric-powered wheelchair and several braking tests performed. The standard HTD underestimated the kinematics when compared to the test pilot. The modified HTD had less trunk stability than the standard HTD during all braking methods. The modified HTD and wheelchair test pilot had similar trunk stability characteristics during kill switch and joystick full-reverse braking conditions. The modified HTD is a satisfactory representation of a wheelchair user with a spinal cord injury; however, the modified test dummy underestimates the trunk dynamics during the less extreme joystick release braking. Work should continue on the development of a low-speed, low-impact test dummy that emulates the wheelchair user population.

Does computer game play aid in motivation of exercise and increase metabolic activity during wheelchair ergometry?

GAME(Wheels) is an interface between a portable roller system and a computer that enables a wheelchair user to play commercially available computer video games. The subject controls the game play with the propulsion of their wheelchair's wheels on the rollers. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether using the GAME(Wheels) System during wheelchair propulsion exercise can help increase the individual's physiological response and aid in the motivation to exercise. Fifteen subjects participated in this study. The subjects propelled their wheelchairs on a portable roller that was equipped with the GAME(Wheels) System. There were two exercise trials consisting of 2 min of warm-up, 16 min of exercise and 2 min of cool-down. Physiological data (ventilation rate, oxygen consumption, heart rate) were collected. A significant difference (P<0.05) was found between exercise with GAME(Wheels) versus without GAME(Wheels) for average ventilation rate and average oxygen consumption. The differences were found during time periods of transition from warm-up to exercise, and before and after the midpoint of exercise. Written questionnaires showed that 87% of the individuals tested reported the system would help them work out on a regular basis. Playing the video game helped these individuals to reach their exercise training zone faster and maintain it for the entire exercise trial.

Augmentation of the 100 kg ISO wheelchair test dummy to accommodate higher mass: a technical note.

Most of the 22 approved or developing ISO standards rely on a wheelchair test dummy, a specialized device described in ISO 7176-11. The purpose of this study was to develop a means for modifying the design of the ISO 7176-11 test dummy to be suitable for testing with higher masses. The changes are based upon published data for obese individuals. With these data, we derived equations for determining the distribution of the additional mass among the test dummy components, and the locations of the centers of mass. The results of this study provide guidelines for adding mass to the 100 kg wheelchair test dummy to accommodate testing of wheelchairs designed for obese individuals.

Wheelchair armrest strength testing.

There are about 1.4 million manual wheelchair users, 100,000 electric-powered wheelchair users, and 60,000 electric-powered scooter users. The current study was undertaken to determine if the fasteners of a clamp-type armrest receiver were prone to failure. The first test was used to examine the potential misalignment of the armrest receiver components that attach it to the frame. The second test was to evaluate the entire armrest using the American National Standards Institute/Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America armrest static strength standard. Finally, we conducted three fatigue tests. The first fatigue test was performed by repeating the static stability tests multiple times. The last two tests were a modified version of the double-drum wheelchair fatigue test used to apply repeated loading and vibration simultaneously. A paired t-test showed that there is no statistically significant difference (p = 0.08), with a confidence of 95%, between critical alignment measurements. The armrest including the receiver passed the standard requirement of a force of 760 N being applied outward at 15 degrees. During fatigue testing, we found that armrests did not exhibit any visible or functional damage. Upon completion of the tests, the armrests and receivers functioned properly. At about 100,289 cycles on a double-drum test machine, three bolts failed on each armrest receiver when the screws were loosened to have only five threads engaged prior to commencing the test. The design of the armrest tested was in compliance with existing national and international standards. Currently, both International Standards Organization and American National Standards Institute/Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society committees are developing standards for seating systems that will include static, impact, and fatigue strength testing of devices like lateral torso supports, lateral hip support, etc. Methods similar to those explored in this study should be considered. This study may help manufacturers when designing products and purchasers or regulatory agencies when attempting to evaluate the safety and quality of armrest assemblies.

System predicts patient census, forecasts staffing needs, costs.

Given the present climate concerning hospital costs, it has become imperative for hospitals to take steps to ensure that they provide care in the most efficient possible manner. Donald N. Sharp Memorial Community Hospital has developed a system that allows it to respond with unusual precision to changing patient workloads. Both staffing and other operations can be altered to meet a changing patient census.

Resolution of amyloidosis (AA type) complicating chronic ulcerative colitis.

A 36-yr-old woman was admitted for the investigation of diarrhea, fever, weight loss, and a recurrent painful, red eruption on her forearms. She was found to have total colonic involvement with a nonspecific ulcerative colitis. Vascular and extravascular amyloid (AA type) was present in biopsy specimens of the colon, duodenum, and stomach. There was clinical and radiographic evidence of splenic and hepatic amyloidosis. Moreover, the presence of extravascular colonic amyloid, the absence of renal involvement, the relatively early detection of amyloid, and the resolution of amyloid after treatment make this case unique.