Publications by authors named "Rachel Francis"

The increasing burden of colorectal cancer among adults age<50 (early-onset CRC) and new National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommending universal genetic testing in early-onset CRC emphasize the need for accurate/timely variant classification in clinical care. Here, we investigated germline variant of uncertain significance (VUS) patterns among diverse individuals with early-onset CRC. A total of 3,980 individuals age 15-49 when diagnosed with a first primary CRC-including 1,001 cases identifying as non-White, who underwent genetic testing for 14 CRC susceptibility genes performed by a clinical testing laboratory were included.

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This study investigated whether there are gender differences in attention to bodily expressions of pain and core emotions. Three experiments are reported using the attentional dot probe task. Images of men and women displaying bodily expressions, including pain, were presented.

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Patient and public involvement (PPI) is an active partnership between the public and researchers in the research process. In dementia research, PPI ensures that the perspectives of the person with "lived experience" of dementia are considered. To date, in many lower- and middle-income countries (LMIC), where dementia research is still developing, PPI is not well-known nor regularly undertaken.

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The phallic glans of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the distal termination of the semen-conducting sulcus spermaticus and during copulation has the closest, most intimate mechanical interactions with the female urodeum, the middle cloacal chamber that contains the opening to the vaginal passages and oviducts. However, the details of this interface leading to insemination and gamete uptake are unclear. Here, we: (1) histologically characterize the underlying tissue types and morphologically quantify the shape changes associated with glans inflation into the copulatory conformation, (2) digitally reconstruct from MRI the 3D shape of functional tissue compartments, and (3) diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography image the copulatory fit between male phallus and female cloaca.

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Research suggests peer imitation can be taught using systematic procedures and can be embedded into ongoing play contexts with preschool-age children. However, additional research is needed to test procedures that may increase levels of peer imitation with toddlers with disabilities and in generalized contexts. We used a multiple probe across participants research design to evaluate the effectiveness of progressive time delay (PTD) to teach peer imitation to preschoolers with disabilities during a play activity with a peer.

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The crocodylian phallic glans is the distal inflatable structure that makes the most direct contact with the female cloacal and associated reproductive tract openings during copulation. Therefore, its form and function directly impact female tissue sensory interactions and insemination mechanics. Compared to mammals, less is known about glans functional anatomy among other amniotes, including crocodylians.

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This study evaluated the effects of dexmethylphenidate on problem behavior during functional analyses conducted across dexmethylphenidate and placebo conditions for a child with multiple disabilities. We conducted functional analyses in a multielement format embedded in a withdrawal design and collected data on the frequency of disruptive behavior and duration of crying. Results suggest disruptive behaviour was maintained by attention when DMPH was absent, but not when it was present.

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Aim: The aim of this study was to compare alcohol dependence severity in patients with severe alcoholic liver disease (ALD) with that in heavy drinkers without liver disease.

Methods: Short alcohol dependence data and lifetime alcohol questionnaires applied to unselected heavy alcohol drinkers (>60 units/week (M) or 40 units/week (F) for >5 years) with either (a) decompensated ALD (patients n = 136) or (b) no evidence of serious liver disease by clinical, biochemical and ultrasound evaluation ('controls' n = 148).

Results: The SADD alcohol dependence severity score (range 0-42) in patients with ALD was >28 (severe dependence) in 36 cases (26%); slightly higher than that in heavy-drinking controls taken as a whole; similar to that in controls who were seeking healthcare but higher than that in controls who were not; and lower than that in controls who attended specialist alcohol services.

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This paper reports how, through reflective collaboration between two students, a practitioner and a health lecturer, prospective professional nurses can develop and implement effective strategies to deal with emotionally challenging situations. Using the example of unexpected child death, issues affecting the support for the student provided in both clinical and formal educational settings are explored. The ability to apply a previous learning experience in a further critical situation was found to be dependent on cultural and contextual changes.

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