Preserved Left Ventricular Function despite Myocardial Fibrosis and Myopathy in the Dystrophin-Deficient D2.B10-Dmd /J Mouse.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy involves an absence of dystrophin, a cytoskeletal protein which supports cell structural integrity and scaffolding for signalling molecules in myocytes. Affected individuals experience progressive muscle degeneration that leads to irreversible loss of ambulation and respiratory diaphragm function. Although clinical management has greatly advanced, heart failure due to myocardial cell loss and fibrosis remains the major cause of death.

A formative multi-method approach to evaluating training.

This article describes how we used a formative multi-method evaluation approach to gather real-time information about the processes of a complex, multi-day training with 24 community coalitions in the United States. The evaluation team used seven distinct, evaluation strategies to obtain evaluation data from the first Community Health Improvement Leadership Academy (CHILA) within a three-prong framework (inquiry, observation, and reflection). These methods included: comprehensive survey, rapid feedback form, learning wall, observational form, team debrief, social network analysis and critical moments reflection.

Intervention trial with calcium montmorillonite clay in a south Texas population exposed to aflatoxin.

South Texas currently has the highest incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the United States, a disease that disproportionately affects Latino populations in the region. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a potent liver carcinogen that has been shown to be present in a variety of foods in the United States, including corn and corn products. Importantly, it is a dietary risk factor contributing to a higher incidence of HCC in populations frequently consuming AFB1-contaminated diets.

Connecting and Collaborating: Developing National Dental PBRN Study Concepts Through POD Engagement.

Purpose: This article illustrates the process by which the Southwest Region of the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (www.NationalDentalPBRN.org) fosters collaboration among practitioners and researchers in study concept development through protocol development groups (PODs).

Generating National Dental PBRN Research Ideas Through the ToP Consensus Method Workshop.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to illustrate the research idea generation process employed by the Southwest Region of the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN; www.NationalDentalPBRN.org) based on the Technology of Participation (ToP) Consensus Method Workshop.

Creating a practice-based research network from scratch: where do I begin?

Background: As of today, 50% of Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA)-funded Academic Health Centers are engaging community clinicians through the practice-based research network (PBRN) mechanism, which has been identified as a best practice by the CTSA National Leadership. A PBRN is an organization of community clinicians who work together with researchers to answer meaningful questions that will improve patient care.

Methods: This paper outlines the steps that were led to success during the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio's journey of developing four PBRNs over 3 years: (1) identifying network directors; (2) deciding who to include; (3) obtaining recruitment lists; (4) sending out mailers; (5) hosting the first PBRN meeting; (6) gaining institutional review board (IRB) approval; (7) launching a simple study; (8) returning the findings; and (9) formalizing the PBRN and moving forward.

Difficult encounters with psychiatric patients: a South Texas Psychiatry practice-based research network (PBRN) study.

Purpose: To examine the prevalence of difficult psychiatrist-patient interactions of 20 psychiatrists in the South Texas Psychiatric practice-based research network, determine what characteristics were associated with "difficult" patients, and compare findings with previous studies in primary care.

Methods: During a 2-month observational study, psychiatrists collected patient information on setting, demographics, diagnoses, and medications and rated the patients using the Difficult Doctor-Patient Relationship Questionnaire, which had previously been used and validated in the primary care setting.

Results: A total of 905 valid data cards were collected.

A logic model framework for evaluation and planning in a primary care practice-based research network (PBRN).

Evaluating effective growth and development of a practice-based research network (PBRN) can be challenging. The purpose of this article is to describe the development of a logic model and how the framework has been used for planning and evaluation in a primary care PBRN. An evaluation team was formed consisting of the PBRN directors, staff, and its board members.