Advice for Constructing a Productive Supervisory Relationship in Education Research

Practical advice is offered for a positive and productive supervisory relationship. Tips to get started include suggestions to consider about possible reasons, assumptions, and expectations for engaging in education research. Once a relationship is established, we emphasise the importance of constructing appropriate research questions, understanding the use of theory, and developing time management strategies. We consider the practicalities of initiating a research project and the reflexivity required to maintain shared expectations. We address potential challenges which may disrupt the research process. Finally, we present a set of reflective prompts for supervisors and students to consider before starting a project together.

Outcomes and interventions in patients transported to hospital with ongoing CPR after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest - An observational study

Introduction

The main objective was to present characteristics and outcome of patients without sustained field return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) transported to hospital with ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Our secondary objectives were to investigate hospital-based interventions and the performance of the universal Termination of Resuscitation-rule (uTOR).

Methods

In this retrospective observational cohort study, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients arriving to the emergency department of a university hospital in Sweden during a six-year period (2010–2015) were identified using a prospectively recorded hospital-based registry. Additional data were retrieved from medical records and from the Swedish cardiopulmonary resuscitation registry.

Results

Among 409 patients transported with ongoing CPR, 7 survived to hospital discharge (1.7%). Hospital-based interventions against a suspected cause of arrest were attempted during ongoing resuscitation in 34 patients (8.3%), of whom 3 survived to hospital discharge. The remaining 4 survivors had spontaneous in-hospital ROSC. Survivors presented with either a shockable rhythm (n = 4) or pulseless electrical activity (n = 3). The uTOR identified non-survivors with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 98.4% and a specificity of 71.4% for termination.

Conclusion

Survival after OHCA where sustained prehospital ROSC is not achieved is rare and available in-hospital interventions are rarely utilised. No patient with asystole as the first recorded rhythm survived. The uTOR identified non-survivors with a PPV of 98.4% but showed poor specificity.

Working characteristics for practicing dental hygienists in two countries in different hemispheres

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to collect and compare practice characteristics for dental hygienists (DHs) in New Zealand (NZ) and Sweden.

METHODS

Dental hygienists from NZ and Sweden were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey focusing on their working practices. An email, with a link to the online survey and a participant information sheet, was sent to DHs registered with their professional association in their respective country. Frequency analyses and cross-tabulations were conducted using Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests to investigate possible statistical associations to allow for comparisons between the countries.

RESULTS

DH is a female-dominated workforce with equal distribution of gender in both countries. The majority of DHs in NZ worked in private practice while Swedish DHs mostly worked in the public sector. NZ participants were younger and with a more recent qualification than their Swedish counterparts. The highest degree of education was a PhD for DHs working in Sweden, compared with a Masters' Degree for NZ participants. The majority of participants from both countries treated patients 65 years of age or older, with the most common medical conditions being cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. The most common dental condition observed/treated was periodontal disease. Over 60% agreed to have an understanding of information technology (IT). The most used technical equipment was digital radiology, followed by other diagnostic tools.

CONCLUSION

Findings confirm previous international data on demographical uptake for the DH workforce in NZ and Sweden. A coherence was seen in patient characteristics, DHs attitudes towards information technology and use of technical equipment.

Working together in clinical pathology: An interprofessional education initiative for dentistry, oral health, and medical laboratory science teachers and students

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Introduction. In the health professional education literature, there is a need for information about the teaching and learning of medical laboratory sciences for clinical practice. The goal of this reflection-on-practice is to describe how an orofacial pathology interprofessional education (IPE) initiative was designed and implemented. Innovation. The designers of this initiative were teachers from dentistry, oral health, and medical laboratory science. The designers used six interprofessional competencies (patient-centred care, role clarification, team functioning, collaborative leadership, communication, and cultural practice) to guide their construction of teaching and learning resources. The initiative required students to work collaboratively with a given patient case to develop a differential diagnosis, prepare a treatment plan, present their case to classmates and staff members, and describe how they worked together to address the orofacial pathology in their case. Evaluation. The designers collected and considered evaluation information including the learning resources used, logistical arrangements for the initiative, and evaluation data from students via an anonymous 10-item questionnaire. Students rated statements that addressed the six interprofessional competencies and provided written comments about the initiative. Outcomes. In general, the 18 students agreed strongly with all statements except for cultural practice. Written comments about the initiative were positive and indicated that students appreciated learning about their own discipline and that of other professionals in the context of providing oral healthcare involving orofacial pathology. What next? Given the acceptability of this initiative to the designers, facilitators, and students, the next step is to consider the feasibility of scaling-up this small voluntary IPE initiative into a permanent component of the dentistry, oral health, and medical laboratory science programmes. Aspects to consider include staffing, scheduling, assessment, and cultural perspectives.

Working together in clinical pathology: An interprofessional education initiative for dentistry, oral health, and medical laboratory science teachers and students

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. Introduction. In the health professional education literature, there is a need for information about the teaching and learning of medical laboratory sciences for clinical practice. The goal of this reflection-on-practice is to describe how an orofacial pathology interprofessional education (IPE) initiative was designed and implemented. Innovation. The designers of this initiative were teachers from dentistry, oral health, and medical laboratory science. The designers used six interprofessional competences (patient-centred care, role clarification, team functioning, collaborative leadership, communication, and cultural practice) to guide their construction of teaching and learning resources. The initiative required students to work collaboratively with a given patient case to develop a differential diagnosis, prepare a treatment plan, present their case to classmates and staff members, and describe how they worked together to address the orofacial pathology in their case. Evaluation. The designers collected and considered evaluation information including the learning resources used, logistical arrangements for the initiative, and student ratings about interprofessional competencies. Outcomes. In general, the designers felt that they had successfully designed and implemented an IPE initiative that met five of the six interprofessional competencies. The designers did not feel that the cultural practice competency was adequately addressed in this version of the initiative. What next? Given the acceptability of this initiative to the designers, facilitators, and students, the next step is to consider the feasibility of scaling-up this small voluntary IPE initiative into a permanent component of the dentistry, oral health, and medical laboratory science programmes. Aspects to consider include staffing, scheduling, assessment, and cultural perspectives.

Concordance of the toxicity of pharmaceuticals in humans and in animals

This report summarizes the results of a multinational pharmaceutical company survey and the outcome of an International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) Workshop (April 1999), which served to better understand concordance of the toxicity of pharmaceuticals observed in humans with that observed in experimental animals. The Workshop included representatives from academia, the multinational pharmaceutical industry, and international regulatory scientists. The main aim of this project was to examine the strengths and weaknesses of animal studies to predict human toxicity (HT). The database was developed from a survey which covered only those compounds where HTs were identified during clinical development of new pharmaceuticals, determining whether animal toxicity studies identified concordant target organ toxicities in humans. Data collected included codified compounds, therapeutic category, the HT organ system affected, and the species and duration of studies in which the corresponding HT was either first identified or not observed. This survey includes input from 12 pharmaceutical companies with data compiled from 150 compounds with 221 HT events reported. Multiple HTs were reported in 47 cases. The results showed the true positive HT concordance rate of 71% for rodent and nonrodent species, with nonrodents alone being predictive for 63% of HTs and rodents alone for 43%. The highest incidence of overall concordance was seen in hematological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular HTs, and the least was seen in cutaneous HT. Where animal models, in one or more species, identified concordant HT, 94% were first observed in studies of 1 month or less in duration. These survey results support the value of in vivo toxicology studies to predict for many significant HTs associated with pharmaceuticals and have helped to identify HT categories that may benefit from improved methods.

Use of transgenic animals for carcinogenicity testing: considerations and implications for risk assessment

Advances in genetic engineering have created opportunities for improved understanding of the molecular basis of carcinogenesis. Through selective introduction, activation, and inactivation of specific genes, investigators can produce mice of unique genotypes and phenotypes that afford insights into the events and mechanisms responsible for tumor formation. It has been suggested that such animals might be used for routine testing of chemicals to determine their carcinogenic potential because the animals may be mechanistically relevant for understanding and predicting the human response to exposure to the chemical being tested. Before transgenic and knockout mice can be used as an adjunct or alternative to the conventional 2-year rodent bioassay, information related to the animal line to be used, study design, and data analysis and interpretation must be carefully considered. Here, we identify and review such information relative to Tg.AC and rasH2 transgenic mice and p53+/- and XPA-/- knockout mice, all of which have been proposed for use in chemical carcinogenicity testing. In addition, the implications of findings of tumors in transgenic and knockout animals when exposed to chemicals is discussed in the context of human health risk assessment.

The role of infection in atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease: a new therapeutic target

There is growing evidence that inflammatory processes may be involved in the development of atherosclerosis and its complications. Viral and bacterial pathogens have been implicated as possible causative factors in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and restenosis after angioplasty. Antibiotic trials are now in progress to examine whether treatment of infection can prevent the complications of CAD. Atherosclerosis, the primary pathologic process in coronary artery disease (CAD), carotid artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and peripheral vascular disease, is no longer considered to be an obscure, slowly progressive, degenerative disease. Indeed, recent molecular studies on the atherosclerotic plaque have shown that the initiation, progression, and acute sequelae of atherosclerosis can be explained in part by a low-grade inflammatory process. Studies show that mediators of inflammation can be found at all stages of the life cycle of the atherosclerotic plaque. These include activated macrophages and lymphocytes, cytokines, growth factors, matrix degenerating proteinases, and tissue factor. It is hypothesized that risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, or elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol result in injury to the endothelial cell of the artery, and this injury initiates the inflammatory process. However, many patients with vascular disease do not have these established risk factors, and this observation has galvanized efforts to find new risk factors. Because inflammation is now considered to be an operative paradigm for atherosclerosis, it is not a major leap to the hypothesis that infectious agents, such as viral or bacterial, may play a role. Certainly this is not a new concept, and with the recent discovery that peptic ulcer disease, heretofore considered a disease of excess acid and reduced mucosal resistance, is caused by the ubiquitous bacterium Helicobacter pylori, interest in finding an infectious etiology for atherosclerosis has increased. Accordingly, the purpose of this discussion is to review in a historical manner the evidence that infectious agents-including herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Enterovirus (adenovirus, Coxsackie virus), Chlamydia pneumoniae, and H. pylori-may play a role in atherosclerosis and its manifestations, especially as they relate to CAD.

The predictivity of the toxicity of pharmaceuticals in humans from animal data--an interim assessment

This project was undertaken by the International Life Sciences Institute's Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (ILSI-HESI) to develop an improved understanding of the extent to which various types of human toxicities (HTs) manifested during clinical trials could be predicted from standard toxicology studies. A multi-company database of 131 pharmaceutical agents to-date was based on compounds with one or more demonstrated HTs identified during clinical development. These interim results support a true positive prediction rate of animal models for human toxicity of 69%, and also that study results from non-rodent (dog, primate) species have good potential to identify HTs from many therapeutic classes. The continuing assessment of a larger database may have impact on the identification of new toxicology methodologies, and may lead to optimization of non-clinical study designs and improved assessments.

Reduction of animal use with improved procedure for acute tolerance assessment

A retrospective evaluation of previously conducted acute tolerance tests in rats and mice, following oral and intravenous routes of administration, and a review of the literature indicated that a minimum of three animals per group was adequate to characterize acute tolerance. Limited exploratory testing, using six compounds for which classical LD50 tests had been performed previously, indicated that fewer numbers of rats gave comparable results. A method is proposed by which the acute tolerance of a compound may be adequately characterized in both sexes using approximately 30 animals instead of the 70 to 100 used in the classical LD50 test. The objective of the testing procedure is identification of the maximum nonlethal dose or the minimum lethal dose, rather than determination of the LD50.

Computer probability estimates of angiographic coronary artery disease: transportability and comparison with cardiologists' estimates

A computer algorithm for estimating probabilities of any significant coronary obstruction and triple vessel/left main obstructions was derived, validated, and compared with the assessments of cardiac clinician angiographers. The algorithm performed at least as well as the clinicians when the latter knew the identity of the patients whose angiograms they had decided to perform. The clinicians were more accurate when they did not know the identity of the subjects but worked from tabulated objective data. Referral and value induced bias may affect physician judgment in assessing disease probability. Application of computer aids or consultation with cardiologists not directly involved with patient management may assist in more rational assessments and decision making.

Production of a biologically active variant form of recombinant human secretin

A biologically active variant form of recombinant human secretin was produced using a gene fusion system designed to facilitate the purification of the protein. The fusion protein was recovered from the culture medium of Escherichia coli by IgG affinity chromatography, and recombinant secretin was released by cyanogen bromide treatment. A novel approach involving addition of a C-terminal Gly-Lys-Arg extension, was used to overcome the lack of amidation of recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli. The biological activity of the recombinant variant of secretin was at least 80% of the porcine secretin standard.

Hospital stay following biliary tract surgery. A comparison of two community hospitals

An apparent difference in length of postoperative hospitalization following biliary tract surgery at two university-affiliated community hospitals led to a retrospective review of 200 consecutive patients at each hospital. Patient characteristics and surgical practices that potentially affected hospital stay were compared. A highly significant difference was identified in the length of hospitalization between the two institutions. Statistically significant differences in variables that seemed to affect length of stay included the use of nasogastric tubes and abdominal drains and the time interval to the institution of postoperative feedings. Cumulative hospitalization was 517 days shorter at one institution. This was accomplished despite a high percentage of emergent procedures and more frequent involvement of surgical residents. Since hospital stay accounts for the majority of expenditure for surgical treatment of biliary tract disease, shortening postoperative hospitalization can significantly reduce the overall costs.

Stimulation of undermineralized matrix formation by 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 in long bones of rats

We previously reported that pharmacologic doses of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) given for 2-3 days, inhibited osteoblastic collagen synthesis in young rats. In this study, we tested the effects of 5, 25, and 125 ng of 1,25(OH)2D3 injected subcutaneously into 6-week-old rats for 12 or 18 days. In rats given 125 ng, cortical bone of distal half femurs exhibited decreased calcium (Ca) content but dry weight and hydroxyproline (Hyp) content were no different from control. Trabecular bone Ca was not different from control but dry weight and Hyp were increased. When cortical and trabecular bone were combined, there was a decrease in Ca, an increase in Hyp, and a 50% decrease in Ca:Hyp. Fluorescent labels given after 8 days of treatment were either diffuse or absent in calcified sections from rats given 125 ng, indicating impaired mineralization. The 25 and 125 ng doses produced hypercalcemia with normal serum phosphate. There was a dose-related increase in serum immunoreactive bone gla protein (BGP) and serum 1,25(OH)2D3 and a decrease in serum 25(OH)D3. At the 5 ng dose, no adverse effects were seen on body growth. With 25 ng and 125 ng, growth was inhibited. Increased serum urea nitrogen and histologic evidence of nephrocalcinosis occurred at the 125 ng dose. When 125 ng was given for 12 days and then withdrawn for 6 days, systemic toxicity decreased and bone Hyp and Ca increased so that Ca:Hyp remained low and comparable to that of rats treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 continuously.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Stress myocardial imaging in patients with mitral valve prolapse: evidence of a perfusion abnormality

Twenty-four patients with mitral valve prolapse underwent cardiac catheterization, exercise testing, and exercise 201thallium scintigraphy. Of 10 patients with coronary artery disease, six had abnormal scintigrams. Two of these six had exercise-induced reversible defects, two had defects that persisted during redistribution, and two had both reversible and persistent defects. Of 14 patients with normal coronary arteries, five had negative scintigrams. Of the remaining nine patients, two had exercise-induced defects, and seven (50%) had defects involving the inferior or posterior wall that persisted during redistribution. Possible mechanisms for this latter finding are discussed. In contrast to previous reports, exercise 201thallium scintigraphy was not entirely successful in identifying patients with coronary artery disease in our patients with mitral valve prolapse.

Intraventricular free wall dissection causing acute interventricular communication with intact septum in myocardial infarction

This report delineates a previously unrecognized complication of acute myocardial infarction, an intraventricular wall dissection producing interventricular communication without septal perforation. The clinical, hemodynamic, and pathologic features of this unique condition are documented, as well as the factors important in the mechanism of its production.