Data Mining for Terahertz Generation Crystals.

A data mining approach to discover and develop new organic nonlinear optical crystals that produce intense pulses of terahertz radiation is demonstrated. The Cambridge Structural Database is mined for non-centrosymmetric materials and these structural data are used in tandem with density functional theory calculations to predict new materials that efficiently generate terahertz radiation. This enables us to (in a relatively short time) discover, synthesize, and grow large, high-quality crystals of four promising materials and characterize them for intense terahertz generation. In a direct comparison to the current state-of-the-art organic terahertz generation crystals, these new materials excel. The discovery and characterization of these novel terahertz generators validate the approach of combining data mining with density functional theory calculations to predict properties of high-performance organic materials, potentially for a host of exciting applications.

Assessing the application of the Synergy Model in hematology to improve care delivery and the work environment.

A pilot project was undertaken to evaluate the impact of the Synergy Model (Curley, 1998) on patient care delivery and professional practice in a hematology unit. Patient characteristics were matched to nurse competency when making the nursing assignments and acuity scores were used to make staffing adjustments. The model resulted in "better fit" assignments, with 87% of nurses reporting their competencies were well matched with patient acuity, compared to 48% before the model implementation. Nurse satisfaction regarding the level of support for novice nurses, involvement in nursing assignments, workload, and engagement also improved. Reduction in safety occurrences and overtime were also observed. The Synergy Model offers a promising framework for improving care delivery and the practice environment in other similar patient populations.

Adapting and applying the Synergy Model on an inpatient hematology unit.

A pilot project was undertaken by an inpatient hematology and hematopoietic stem cell transplant unit to determine the feasibility of adapting the Synergy Model (Curley, 2007; 1998) to this patient population. During phase one, a patient characteristic tool for measuring complexity, stability, predictability, and participation in care was developed and tested. The tool was found to have strong face validity, high internal consistency, strong construct validity, and moderate inter-rater agreement. A nurse competency assessment was also developed, along with processes for making nursing and Health Care Aid assignments, as well as staffing decisions. The results of the pilot demonstrated that the Synergy Model can be adapted to this population and that it is feasible to use the model in an acute inpatient setting.

An ICON Overview on Physical Modalities for Neck Pain and Associated Disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Neck pain is common, can be disabling and is costly to society. Physical modalities are often included in neck rehabilitation programs. Interventions may include thermal, electrotherapy, ultrasound, mechanical traction, laser and acupuncture. Definitive knowledge regarding optimal modalities and dosage for neck pain management is limited. PURPOSE: To systematically review existing literature to establish the evidence-base for recommendations on physical modalities for acute to chronic neck pain. METHODS: A comprehensive computerized and manual search strategy from January 2000 to July 2012, systematic review methodological quality assessment using AMSTAR, qualitative assessment using a GRADE approach and recommendation presentation was included. Systematic or meta-analyses of studies evaluating physical modalities were eligible. Independent assessment by at least two review team members was conducted. Data extraction was performed by one reviewer and checked by a second. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. RESULTS: Of 103 reviews eligible, 20 were included and 83 were excluded. Short term pain relief - Moderate evidence of benefit: acupuncture, intermittent traction and laser were shown to be better than placebo for chronic neck pain. Moderate evidence of no benefit: pulsed ultrasound, infrared light or continuous traction was no better than placebo for acute whiplash associated disorder, chronic myofascial neck pain or subacute to chronic neck pain. There was no added benefit when hot packs were combined with mobilization, manipulation or electrical muscle stimulation for chronic neck pain, function or patient satisfaction at six month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The current state of the evidence favours acupuncture, laser and intermittent traction for chronic neck pain. Some electrotherapies show little benefit for chronic neck pain. Consistent dosage, improved design and long term follow-up continue to be the recommendations for future research.

Levodopa/carbidopa to improve motor function subsequent to brain tumor excision.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of levodopa/carbidopa as an augmenting agent to improve motor recovery after brain tumor excision. DESIGN: This case report is structured as an n-of-1 style trial. The study patient was an outpatient with residual hemiparesis secondary to removal of benign oligoastrocytoma seen in an outpatient physiatry practice at an academic center. The study intervention was levodopa/carbidopa vs. placebo, combined with a structured 6-wk physiotherapy regimen. Outcomes were measured using the motor subscale of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment to assess for motor recovery. RESULTS: The mean motor Fugl-Meyer Assessment score for the levodopa/carbidopa weeks was 6.90 points greater than the mean score for placebo. The results were significant at P < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Levodopa/carbidopa may have a beneficial effect on improving motor recovery after sustaining a brain injury as a result of tumor excision.