Quantifying the Expanding Landscape of Clinical Actionability for Patients with Cancer.

There is a continuing debate about the proportion of cancer patients that benefit from precision oncology, attributable in part to conflicting views as to which molecular alterations are clinically actionable. To quantify the expansion of clinical actionability since 2017, we annotated 47,271 solid tumors sequenced with the MSK-IMPACT clinical assay using two temporally distinct versions of the OncoKB knowledge base deployed 5 years apart. Between 2017 and 2022, we observed an increase from 8.9% to 31.6% in the fraction of tumors harboring a standard care (level 1 or 2) predictive biomarker of therapy response and an almost halving of tumors carrying nonactionable drivers (44.2% to 22.8%). In tumors with limited or no clinical actionability, TP53 (43.2%), KRAS (19.2%), and CDKN2A (12.2%) were the most frequently altered genes. SIGNIFICANCE: Although clear progress has been made in expanding the availability of precision oncology-based treatment paradigms, our results suggest a continued unmet need for innovative therapeutic strategies, particularly for cancers with currently undruggable oncogenic drivers. See related commentary by Horak and Fröhling, p. 18. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 5.

Cellulose Synthase in Atacama Cyanobacteria and Bioethanol Production from Their Exopolysaccharides.

Cyanobacteria produce exopolysaccharides (EPSs) as an adaptative mechanism against ultraviolet radiation and desiccation. Cellulose is present in the extracellular polymeric substance in some cyanobacteria genera and it has been proposed as a raw material for biofuel production. The goal of this work was to evaluate the cellulose presence in EPS of Atacama cyanobacteria strains and its use as an alternative and innovative biological source to produce bioethanol. The presence of cellulose was evaluated using techniques of molecular biology, bioinformatics, and electronic microscopy. The conserved motif D,D,D,35QXXRW, characteristic of processive ß-glycosyltransferase in all cellulose-producing organisms, was identified in the genome of the LLA-10 strain. This is evidence that cellulose synthase in the LLA-10 strain is a functional enzyme. EPS from Atacama cyanobacteria was hydrolyzed by ß-glucosidases (cellobiase and cellulase) and the released glucose was yeast-fermented to ethanol. Ethanol production reached 172.69 ± 0.02 mg ethanol/g EPS after 48 h of incubation. These results are the first step in the evaluation of EPS produced by native cyanobacteria isolated from northern Chile for future biotechnological applications such as the production of bioethanol.

Building Connections with Families: Implementation of a Video-Messaging Service in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: Family involvement is vital to optimize the care of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Various technologies have been used to support communication with parents in the NICU. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the parent and staff experience and perception of the use of a cloud-based video-messaging service in our NICU. METHODS: This study was a single center observational study conducted at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada. Following the implementation of a video-messaging service, parent and staff surveys were distributed to evaluate their experience and perception. RESULTS: Parent responses were positive with respect to how the service helped them feel: closer to their infant (100%) and reassured about their infant's care (100%). Nursing staff responses indicated that they perceived a benefit to parents (100%) and to their building a relationship with families (79%). However, they also identified time constraints (85%) and the use of the technology hardware (24%) as challenges. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an asynchronous video-messaging service was perceived as beneficial to both parents and staff in the NICU. Complaints pertained to the impact of the technology on nursing workflow and the difficulty using the hardware provided for use of the service.

The Role of B Lymphocyte Subsets in Adipose Tissue Development, Metabolism, and Aging.

Adipose tissue contains resident B lymphocytes (B cells) with varying immune functions and mechanisms, depending on the adipose depot type and location. The heterogeneity of B cells and their functions affect the immunometabolism of the adipose tissue in aging and age-associated metabolic disorders. B cells exist in categorizations of subsets that have developmental or phenotypic differences with varying functionalities. Subsets can be categorized as either protective or pathogenic depending on their secretion profile or involvement in metabolic maintenance. In this article, we summarized recent finding on the B cell heterogeneity and discuss how we can utilize our current knowledge of adipose resident B lymphocytes for potential treatment for age-associated metabolic disorders. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12: 1-13, 2022.

Identification of potential plasma protein biomarkers for feline pancreatic carcinoma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

In both humans and cats, pancreatic carcinoma is an aggressive cancer with a grave prognosis. Proteomics techniques have successfully identified several blood-based biomarkers of human pancreatic neoplasia. Thus, this study aims to investigate whether similar biomarkers can be identified in the plasma of cats with FePAC by using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). To facilitate evaluation of the low abundance plasma proteome, a human-based immunodepletion device (MARS-2) was first validated for use with feline plasma. Marked reduction and/or complete removal of albumin and immunoglobulins was confirmed by analysis of electrophoretograms and mass spectral data. Subsequently, plasma collected from 9 cats with pancreatic carcinoma (FePAC), 10 cats with symptomatic pancreatitis, and 10 healthy control cats was immunodepleted and subjected to LC-MS/MS. Thirty-seven plasma proteins were found to be differentially expressed (p < .05 in one-way ANOVA, FC >2 in fold change analysis). Among these proteins, ETS variant transcription factor 4 (p < .05) was overexpressed, while gelsolin (p < .01), tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (p < .05), serpin family F member 1 (p < .01), apolipoprotein A-IV (p < .01) and phosphatidylinositol-glycan-specific phospholipase D (p < .05) were down-regulated in cats with FePAC. Further studies on these potential biomarkers are needed to investigate their diagnostic value.

Comparison of Fine Arts- and Pathology-Based Observational Skills Training for Veterinary Students Learning Cytology.

Keen observational skills are essential for veterinarians; however, the development of these skills is not usually an explicit part of the veterinary curriculum. Fine arts-based (FAB) observation training has been shown to improve medical students' observational skills and might also improve veterinary students' observational skills. We compared FAB and pathology-based (PB) observation training in a veterinary cytology course. Students initially wrote a pre-test in which they described two cytology images and one art image, followed by participation in either FAB or PB observation training. Both groups completed a similar post-test immediately after training and a delayed post-test 4 weeks later following instruction in cytology. Differences between groups were noted only in the immediate post-test cytology descriptions. The PB group used significantly more specific vocabulary terms and significantly more accurate observations than the FAB group, suggesting an immediate benefit to the discipline-specific information gained in the PB observation training. In the delayed post-test, results for both groups were similar. The FAB group significantly increased their use of specific vocabulary terms and maintained but did not increase accurate observations following cytology instruction, while accurate observations decreased significantly for the PB group. The FAB group might have been able to generalize their observation skills to the discipline of cytology and to better retain these skills. Neither type of training resulted in both achievement and maintenance of the highest recorded scores for accurate observations. Both FAB and PB training led to improved observational skills, and explicit observation training may be useful for veterinary students.

Assessment of neutrophil function in canine cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and correlation with neutrophil numbers.

Decreased neutrophil function following administration of chemotherapy has been reported in dogs with lymphoma. The first objective of our study was to determine if neutrophil oxidative burst and phagocytic activity are affected by chemotherapy 7 to 10 days following initiation of treatment in dogs with lymphoma and non-lymphoma malignancies. The second objective was to determine if there is a correlation between neutrophil numbers and neutrophil function before or after initiation of chemotherapy. Flow cytometric assessment of neutrophil oxidative burst and phagocytosis following stimulation with Escherichia coli was performed in 9 dogs diagnosed with lymphoma and 17 non-lymphoma tumor-bearing dogs pre- and post-chemotherapy, as well as 14 tumor-free control dogs. Spearman rank correlation was performed to determine if blood neutrophil numbers and neutrophil function were significantly correlated. Lymphoma patients showed significantly reduced percentage neutrophil oxidative burst post-chemotherapy compared to healthy controls as well as compared to pre-chemotherapy values (P = 0.0022 and P = 0.0020, respectively). Lymphoma patients also exhibited significantly reduced neutrophil phagocytosis activity post-chemotherapy compared to controls and pre-chemotherapy values (P = 0.0016 and P = 0.014, respectively). Dogs with non-lymphoma malignancies also showed a significant decrease in both percentage oxidative burst and phagocytosis post-chemotherapy compared to pre-chemotherapy values (P = 0.00040 and P = 0.029, respectively). Neutrophil numbers and function were not significantly correlated. The results of the study suggest that chemotherapeutic treatment decreases neutrophil oxidative burst and phagocytic activity 7 to 10 days post-treatment in dogs with various malignancies. Furthermore, neutrophil numbers cannot be used to predict neutrophil function.

Une diminution de la fonction des neutrophiles après l'administration d'une chimiothérapie a été rapportée chez des chiens atteints de lymphome. Le premier objectif de notre étude était de déterminer si la stimulation oxydative des neutrophiles et l'activité phagocytaire sont affectées par la chimiothérapie 7 à 10 jours après le début du traitement chez les chiens atteints de lymphomes et de tumeurs malignes non lymphomateuses. Le deuxième objectif était de déterminer s'il existe une corrélation entre les nombres de neutrophiles et la fonction des neutrophiles avant ou après le début de la chimiothérapie. L'évaluation par cytométrie en flux de la stimulation oxydative des neutrophiles et de la phagocytose après stimulation par Escherichia coli a été réalisée chez neuf chiens diagnostiqués avec un lymphome et 17 chiens avec des tumeurs non lymphomateuses avant et après la chimiothérapie, ainsi que 14 chiens témoins sans tumeur. Une corrélation des rangs de Spearman a été effectuée pour déterminer si les nombres de neutrophiles sanguins et la fonction des neutrophiles étaient significativement corrélés. Les patients atteints de lymphome ont montré un pourcentage significativement réduit de stimulation oxydative des neutrophiles après la chimiothérapie par rapport aux témoins sains ainsi que par rapport aux valeurs pré-chimiothérapie (P = 0,0022 et P = 0,0020, respectivement). Les patients atteints de lymphome ont également présenté une activité de phagocytose par les neutrophiles significativement réduite après la chimiothérapie par rapport aux témoins et aux valeurs pré-chimiothérapie (P = 0,0016 et P = 0,014, respectivement). Les chiens atteints de tumeurs malignes non lymphomateuses ont également montré une diminution significative du pourcentage de stimulation oxydative et de la phagocytose post-chimiothérapie par rapport aux valeurs pré-chimiothérapie (P = 0,00040 et P = 0,029, respectivement). Les nombres et la fonction des neutrophiles n'étaient pas significativement corrélés. Les résultats de l'étude suggèrent que le traitement chimiothérapeutique diminue la poussée oxydative des neutrophiles et l'activité phagocytaire 7 à 10 jours après le traitement chez les chiens atteints de diverses tumeurs malignes. De plus, les nombres de neutrophiles ne peuvent pas être utilisés pour prédire la fonction des neutrophiles.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Variaciones en el estado nutricional, presión arterial y en los patrones dietéticos de jóvenes posterior al ingreso a la educación superior

RESUMEN El objetivo fue analizar los cambios en el estado nutricional, presión arterial y patrones dietéticos de jóvenes evaluados durante la primera semana de inducción y seis meses posterior al ingreso a la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud de una universidad pública de Valparaíso, Chile. Estudio comparativo, con diseño longitudinal de cohorte, análisis por-protocolo. Los patrones dietéticos se determinaron mediante una Encuesta de Tendencia de Consumo Cuantificado, la evaluación antropométrica incluyó mediciones estandarizadas de peso, estatura y perímetro de cintura, la composición corporal se determinó mediante impedancia bioeléctrica, y la presión arterial con esfigmomanómetro digital. Las mediciones se realizaron al inicio y término del primer semestre de 2017 (n= 76). En ambos sexos se observó una ganancia significativa de peso corporal, IMC, masa grasa e incremento de la presión arterial sistólica, además en hombres aumentó el perímetro de cintura y la presión arterial diastólica (p<0,05). Los hombres disminuyeron significativamente el consumo de lácteos (-43,1%) y aumentaron el consumo de carnes procesadas y comida rápida (40,6%), en cambio las mujeres disminuyeron significativamente el consumo de bebidas y refrescos (-58,0%) y de alimentos con cafeína (-54,1%). No hubo cambios en el consumo de energía y macronutrientes, sin embargo, un alto porcentaje presentó un consumo deficiente de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados ω-3, fibra dietética, ciertas vitaminas y minerales, y principalmente excesivo en ácidos grasos saturados, fósforo y sodio. Se identificaron cambios negativos en el estado nutricional, presión arterial y en los patrones dietéticos posterior al ingreso a la educación superior.

ABSTRACT The objective was to analyze the changes in nutritional status, blood pressure and dietary patterns, of young people evaluated during their induction week and six months after being admitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences of a public university in Valparaiso, Chile. This was a comparative study, with a longitudinal cohort, per-protocol analysis. Anthropometric evaluation included standardized measures of weight, height and waist circumference. Body composition was determined through bioelectrical impedance, and blood pressure was measured using a digital sphygmomanometer. Dietary patterns were determined through a survey of quantified consumption trends. Measurements were taken at the beginning (n= 139) and end of the first term in 2017 (n=76). In both sexes, significant increases in body weight, BMI, fat mass and systolic blood pressure were observed. Furthermore, in men, increases in waist circumference and diastolic blood pressure (p<0.05) were observed. Men significantly decreased their dairy consumption (-43.1%) and increased their consumption of processed meats and fast-food (40.6%). Conversely, women significantly decreased their soft drink consumption (-58.0%) and caffeinated products (-54.1%). No changes in energy and macronutrient consumption were observed. A high percentage of the participants presented a deficient consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids ω-3, dietary fiber, and certain vitamins and minerals. They also presented excessive consumption of saturated fatty acids, phosphorus and sodium. Negative changes were identified in nutritional state, blood pressure and dietary patterns when admitted in tertiary education.

Tolerance of Ambiguity in Veterinary Students at the Beginning and End of a Second-year Clinical Pathology Course.

Tolerance of ambiguity (TOA) is essential for veterinarians because ambiguity and uncertainty are unavoidable aspects of veterinary practice. However, TOA has been little investigated in veterinarians or veterinary students. In this article, the 27-item Tolerance of Ambiguity of Veterinary Students (TAVS) scale, including eight additional clinical pathology-specific items, is used to evaluate TOA in veterinary students at the beginning and end of a clinical pathology course. Clinical pathology is often one of the first subjects in which students encounter ambiguity because real-life cases are used in teaching. The hypotheses are that TOA will increase across the course and that TOA will correlate with the final grade in the course. Analysis of the TAVS scale revealed very good inter-item reliability (α = 0.80) and a positive correlation between the original TAVS items and the new clinical pathology items (ρ = 0.63). Students demonstrated a significant increase in TOA across the course for TAVS items and a similar trend for clinical pathology items. Four items related to affinity for complexity and novice view showed significant increases in TOA. Two items related to discomfort from uncertainty showed significant decreases. There was no correlation between TOA and final grade in the course. Students rated their personal frustration with ambiguity in the course as low and did not think ambiguity in cases was problematic for teaching. The results suggest that the increased TOA at the end of the course might relate to students being taught-and learning how to cope with-ambiguity through the real-life cases used for teaching.

Psychometry and empathy levels and its dimensions in postgraduate students of dental specialties.

BACKGROUND: Empathy is an attribute that has an important role in the dentist-patient therapeutic relationship, clinical care and adherence to treatment, amongst other benefits. The aim of this research was to determine empathy in dentists in the process of specialisation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Through an observational and cross-sectional study, all postgraduate students of Dentistry Faculty of Universidad Andrés Bello (Chile) were analysed (N = 195). The Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy Scale was applied. RESULTS: The results show an adequate reliability of the empathy measure (α = 0.819, ω = 0.928). A three-factor structure is evidenced by confirmatory factor analysis (χ2 /df = 1.445, GFI = 0.952, RMSEA = 0.047) and adequate factor invariance between men and women. Women showed greater empathy on the global scale and in the perspective adoption dimension, with no gender differences found in the dimension Compassionate care and putting oneself in the other's shoes (POOS). The median empathy reaches 120 points. Below, are placed, the specialty of oral rehabilitation (Med = 114.5), surgery (Med = 117) and periodontics (Med. = 117.5). With superior scores, temporomandibular disorder (Med. = 121), endodontics (Med. = 121), Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics Med. = 122), Implantology (Med. = 125) and Pediatric dentistry (Med. = 127.5) are located. CONCLUSION: Women were more empathetic than men. In general, empathy levels are relatively high, but the common feature in which all students examined in different specialties have low levels in dimension POOS.

Reference intervals for radiographic, echocardiographic and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide values in healthy kittens.

OBJECTIVES: Assessment of heart size in kittens is important, and there is a need for reference intervals (RIs) to prevent misinterpretation of cardiomegaly in this patient population. The purpose of this study was to generate RIs for echocardiographic and radiographic quantification of cardiac size in healthy kittens. METHODS: In total, 88 kittens aged 6-16 weeks were enrolled in this study. Physical examination, and radiographic and echocardiographic evaluations were performed without sedation. Thoracic radiographs and echocardiographic images were measured to establish RIs for vertebral heart score (VHS), cardiac thoracic ratio (CTR) and multiple echocardiographic variables. N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was measured. Statistical correlations between echocardiographic parameters and age, body weight and sex were all evaluated and RIs were generated. RESULTS: Low-grade heart murmurs were appreciated in 26/88 kittens (29.5%). Kittens had a median VHS of 9.5 vertebrae (95% RI 8.0-10.9) and a median CTR of 67.2% (95% RI 54.4-79.8%). Measured NT-proBNP levels were comparable to healthy adult cats with a median of 31 pmol/l (upper reference limit 75 pmol/l). Multiple moderate-to-strong correlations between body weight and age with various echocardiographic parameters were observed and allometric scaling was performed for body weight. RIs for echocardiographic parameters were generated based on patient weight using allometric scaling formulas. Tricuspid valve regurgitation was a common finding and was present in 37.5% (n = 33) of the kittens. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study establishes RIs for thoracic radiograph assessment, echocardiography and cardiac biomarkers in kittens, which fills a critical gap in the veterinary literature. The VHS reported in this study is higher than previously reported for adult cats.

Using Fine Arts-Based Training to Develop Observational Skills in Veterinary Students Learning Cytology: A Pilot Study.

Arts-based training has been shown to improve medical students' observational skills. Veterinarians also need keen observational skills. Student veterinarians are expected to develop their observational skills; however, this training is usually not an explicit part of the veterinary curriculum. The impact of arts-based observation training has not been investigated in veterinary students learning cytology. In this pilot study, we compared student descriptions of art and cytology images before and immediately after receiving arts-based observation training. After 10 hours of cytology instruction, we again tested students' observational skills and asked for feedback via a survey. Pre-tests and post-tests were scored following a rubric based on expert descriptions of the images. Scores for art image descriptions were higher for both the immediate and delayed post-tests compared to the pre-test (p < .05). Scores for cytology image descriptions were higher for the immediate post-test than the pre-test, but this difference was not significant. Despite 10 hours of cytology instruction between post-tests, scores for cytology image descriptions were lower for the delayed post-test than the immediate post-test, but again, this difference was not significant. Student feedback on the arts-based observation training was positive. Overall, our results suggest that arts-based training may improve student observational skills, although context could be important, as the improvement in description was only significant for art images. Further investigation with a larger cohort of students and a control group that does not receive arts-based training would be valuable.

An arrestin-1 surface opposite of its interface with photoactivated rhodopsin engages with enolase-1.

Arrestin-1 is the arrestin family member responsible for inactivation of the G protein-coupled receptor rhodopsin in photoreceptors. Arrestin-1 is also well-known to interact with additional protein partners and to affect other signaling cascades beyond phototransduction. In this study, we investigated one of these alternative arrestin-1 binding partners, the glycolysis enzyme enolase-1, to map the molecular contact sites between these two proteins and investigate how the binding of arrestin-1 affects the catalytic activity of enolase-1. Using fluorescence quench protection of strategically placed fluorophores on the arrestin-1 surface, we observed that arrestin-1 primarily engages enolase-1 along a surface that is opposite of the side of arrestin-1 that binds photoactivated rhodopsin. Using this information, we developed a molecular model of the arrestin-1-enolase-1 complex, which was validated by targeted substitutions of charge-pair interactions. Finally, we identified the likely source of arrestin's modulation of enolase-1 catalysis, showing that selective substitution of two amino acids in arrestin-1 can completely remove its effect on enolase-1 activity while still remaining bound to enolase-1. These findings open up opportunities for examining the functional effects of arrestin-1 on enolase-1 activity in photoreceptors and their surrounding cells.

Intra- and inter-rater agreement for the detection of band neutrophils and toxic change in horses.

BACKGROUND: The detection of band neutrophils and toxic change via microscopic blood smear review is vitally important, as their presence indicates systemic inflammation. However, in-clinic evaluation of WBC morphology is often limited. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the agreement between expert raters in the detection of bands and toxic change. METHODS: Three board-certified clinical pathologists each evaluated 109 blood smears from horses with acute disease, and 19 control smears from healthy horses. The pathologists determined if bands were present, and if so, the percentage of bands present. They also determined if toxic change was present, and if so, the grade of toxic change. Intra-rater agreement was evaluated using 12 duplicate blood smears. Agreement on the presence of bands between pathologists and an in-clinic hematology analyzer was evaluated. RESULTS: Intra-rater agreement was substantial to almost perfect. Agreement between pathologists for the detection of bands was moderate, but when pathologists agreed bands were present, there was excellent agreement on the percentage of bands and mature neutrophils. Agreement between pathologists for the detection of high-grade, clinically relevant toxic change was fair. When pathologists agreed high-grade toxic change was present, there was fair agreement on Döhle bodies and cytoplasmic basophilia and poor agreement on cytoplasmic vacuolation. Agreement between individual pathologists and the in-clinic hematology analyzer for the indication of bands was fair to moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent identification of bands and toxic change is challenging, even for highly trained personnel. It is, thus,not surprising that in-clinic blood smear evaluation of WBC morphology by non-experts could be inadequate.

Providers' Perspectives on Adherence to Hormonal Therapy in Breast Cancer Survivors. Is there a Role for the Digital Health Feedback System?

OBJECTIVE: Despite the benefits of hormonal therapy (HT) adherence remains suboptimal in ER positive breast cancer patients. Medication adherence is challenging to assess and tends to be overestimated. The Digital Health Feedback System (DHFS) consists of an ingestible sensor attached to a pill that sends intake date and time to a smart phone or computer. Patients can share this information with health care providers and other persons. The DHFS can also send reminders. This mixed methods study examined providers' perceptions of HT medication adherence. The potential role of the DHFS in enhancing medication tracking and adherence was also explored. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with key informants (N=10). Questions examined perceptions about adherence barriers and facilitators, challenges tracking adherence, and views on the DHFS. Findings informed the development of a survey that was administered online (N=19). RESULTS: Providers emphasized the importance of fostering open and trustful communication around adherence. The most mentioned challenges to assessing adherence were the patient not disclosing discontinuation immediately (78.9%) and over-reporting adherence (57.9%). The perceived potential benefits of DHFS were the ability to track adherence better (94.7%) and reminders to take the medication (68.4%). Safety to ingest a sensor was as a major perceived barrier (8 4.2%). CONCLUSION: Interventions that target providers and doctor-patient communication are warranted to enhance adherence and reduce communication delays around HT discontinuation. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: DHFS has the potential to enhance HT adherence by directly targeting barriers. Future studies should also examine the feasibility of adopting the DHFS with cancer patients.

Do plasma protein:fibrinogen ratios in horses provide additional information compared with fibrinogen concentration alone?

The plasma protein:fibrinogen (PP:F) ratio was introduced to aid interpretation of hyperfibrinogenemia by accounting for dehydration. However, this ratio is inconsistently assessed in practice and its clinical value remains unknown. Our objective was to determine whether the PP:F ratio provides additional information in adult horses beyond fibrinogen concentration alone. Two databases were reviewed to identify 412 hyperfibrinogenemic horses. Plasma protein:fibrinogen ratios were calculated and their interpretation compared to the fibrinogen concentration. Ratios < 15 were supportive of inflammation. Albumin and total protein concentrations were evaluated when ratios were ≥ 15 to determine if inflammation was supported. Very good agreement (86%) was found on the presence of inflammation when PP:F ratios were compared to fibrinogen concentration. In 72% of cases in which PP:F ratios did not support inflammation, inflammation was considered likely based on albumin and total protein. These findings suggest that PP:F ratios do not provide additional information in horses over fibrinogen concentrations alone.

Est-ce que le ratio plasma protéine:fibrinogène chez les chevaux amène une information additionnelle par rapport à la seule concentration en fibrinogène? Le ratio plasma protéine: fibrinogène (PP:F) a été introduit pour aider à l'interprétation de l'hyperfibrinogénémie lors d'hémoconcentration. Toutefois, la valeur clinique de ce ratio est inconnue. Notre objectif était de déterminer si le ratio amène une information additionnelle comparé au fibrinogène. Deux bases de données ont été revues pour identifier 412 chevaux hyperfibrinogénémiques. Le ratio a été calculé et son interprétation comparée à celle du fibrinogène. Les ratios < 15 suggèrent l'inflammation. Pour les cas présentant un ratio ≥ 15, la concentration en albumine et protéines totales a été revue pour voir si l'inflammation était possible. Nos résultats indiquent que dans 86 % des cas, le ratio et le fibrinogène suggèrent la présence d'inflammation. Pour 72 % des cas où le ratio ne suggère pas l'inflammation, cette dernière est considérée probable étant donné la concentration en protéines totales et albumine. Ces résultats suggèrent que le ratio PP:F n'apporte pas d'information supplémentaire comparé au fibrinogène.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Engaging Latina breast cancer survivors in research: building a social network research registry.

Disparities persist in breast cancer outcomes between Latina survivors and non-Hispanic Whites. Identifying methods to ensure that Latinas participate in and benefit from translational behavioral medicine research is important to reduce disparities. We developed a "Social Network Research Registry" to enhance Latina survivors' engagement in research and explored the social networks and research/cancer organization participation in this population. We initially recruited 30 Latina breast cancer survivors ("seeds") from community organizations and identified other survivors through snowball sampling. Guided by Social Network Analysis, we assessed the structural (e.g., size) and functional (e.g., social support) characteristics of the network, willingness to join the registry, prior research participation, involvement in cancer organizations, and interest in different types of research and roles in research. The resulting network size was 98, including 53 women who enrolled in the study and 45 who were listed in the network but did not enroll. All enrolled participants (N = 53) agreed to be part of the registry. We identified 15 participants who occupied strategic positions as hubs and/or bridges. Women who were currently involved in cancer organizations were more likely to have participated in research (70.3% vs. 18.8%); χ2 (1, 53) = 11.97, p = .001. Most were interested in surveys/interviews (98%), behavioral interventions (96%), and becoming health promoters (79%). The Social Network Research Registry is an acceptable and feasible strategy to engage underrepresented Latina survivors in research. Social network analysis can be useful to identify members who occupy key positions to enhance recruitment and translational efforts.

Changes in Student Perceptions and Study Strategies Over Time in a Veterinary Clinical Pathology Course Using Case-Based Instruction.

Veterinary students are challenged to develop new, nonlinear ways of thinking as they learn diagnostic reasoning skills. To support this process, we use real-life cases in our clinical pathology course. Changes in student perceptions regarding the use of cases and changes in study strategies over time have not been previously investigated or compared to student grades. Students participated in three voluntary online surveys that included 4-point Likert scale questions and open-ended questions on the helpfulness of cases for learning and study strategies used during the course. We used Friedman tests to detect any differences in perceptions over time; McNemar's test and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to detect any differences in study strategies over time. Fisher's exact tests were used to examine the association between the Likert scale responses and grades in quartiles. Before beginning the course, 29% of students responded that cases were very helpful to their learning, with similar responses for helpfulness in applying course material and grasping important concepts. There was a significant trend of increasing positivity over the duration of the course, with 74% responding that cases were very helpful at the end of the course. The most-reported study strategy was working individually on cases before the midterm (74% of students), and the most helpful study strategy was attending class regularly (88% reported it as very helpful). Study strategies did not change significantly over time. Overall, perceptions and study strategies did not vary significantly with grades.