TicTimer Web: software for measuring tic suppression remotely

Woods and Himle developed a standardized tic suppression paradigm (TSP) for the experimental setting, to quantify the effects of intentional tic suppression in Tourette syndrome. We previously provided a computer program to facilitate recording tic occurrence and to automate reward delivery during the several experimental conditions of the TSP. The present article describes a web-based program that performs the same functions. Implementing this program on the web allows research sessions to be performed remotely, in tandem with a video calling program. Relevant data for each session, such as the timing of tics and dispensed rewards, are stored in plain text files for later analysis. Expected applications include research on Tourette syndrome and related disorders.

Enhancing Happiness for Nursing Students through Positive Psychology Activities: A Mixed Methods Study

This study aims to evaluate a program promoting character strengths, positive psychological capital, learning flow, and sense of calling for nursing students. We conducted a concurrent embedded mixed methods study with 51 nursing students randomly classified into an intervention or a control group. The intervention group exhibited significantly higher scores than the control group for positive psychological capital, learning flow, and sense of calling. Program participation experiences were categorized as “change of views about oneself”, “change of views about the world”, “stress relief”, and “practice of positivity”. Among nursing students, this program demonstrated change toward a positive, committed, and meaningful life.

TicTimer Web: software for measuring tic suppression remotely

Woods and Himle developed a standardized tic suppression paradigm (TSP) for the experimental setting, to quantify the effects of intentional tic suppression in Tourette syndrome. We previously provided a computer program to facilitate recording tic occurrence and to automate reward delivery during the several experimental conditions of the TSP. The present article describes a web-based program that performs the same functions. Implementing this program on the web allows research sessions to be performed remotely, in tandem with a video calling program. Relevant data for each session, such as the timing of tics and dispensed rewards, are stored in plain text files for later analysis. Expected applications include research on Tourette syndrome and related disorders.

Improved peak-calling with MACS2

The computational analyses of genome-enrichment assays, such as ChIP-seq and ATAC-seq, are typically concluded with a peak-calling program that identifies genomic regions that are significantly enriched. The most popular peak-caller, MACS2, assumes that the input alignment files are for single-end sequence reads by default, yet those with paired-end Illumina sequence data frequently use this default setting. This leads to erroneous coverage values and suboptimal peak identification. However, using the correct paired-end mode can introduce another set of artifacts. After thoroughly reviewing the MACS2 source code, we have modified it to limit these and other problems. Our updated version is freely available (https://github.com/jsh58/MACS).

Impact of a nurse-calling program on retaining patients with a new diagnosis of cancer.

69 Background: In 2013, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute began an initiative to improve the new patient experience. Our goal was to remove barriers to access and, as much a possible, begin to care for individuals even before they step foot through our door. A key component of this initiative was for each patient to receive a phone call from an oncology nurse shortly after speaking to a new patient coordinator to schedule their first appointment. The purpose of the call was to answer questions about their diagnosis, the care they will receive and to begin the process of assessing their individual needs. Methods: The program was supported by over 40 full and part-time oncology nurses who devote a portion of their time each day to calling new patients prior to their first visit. In total nurses made over 10,000 phone calls per year. Through a survey given to patients after the intake process, we gathered feedback from over 1,200 patients, which overwhelmingly demonstrated a positive response to receiving a phone call from a nurse. We also investigated if receiving a phone call from a nurse prior to the first visit impacted the likelihood of retaining the patient for their treatment. Results: Comparing 9,000 new patients over one year, we found that patients who spoke to a nurse prior to their first appointment had a 13.5% higher relative retention rate compared to patients who did not speak to a nurse (see figure 1, absolute difference is 42.9% vs. 37.8%, odds ratio = 1.24, confidence interval 1.10-1.39, P < 0.0005). Controlling for confounding variables, a logistical regression with 15 variables was performed (e.g. time to first appointment, age,). Receiving a call from a nurse was one of the most predictive, statistically significant variables for patient retention. Conclusions: Given the positive qualitative response from patients and the quantitative impact on retention, we continue to build the program to ensure all patients receive a phone call from a nurse prior to their first visit. [Table: see text]