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Objective Our objective was to evaluate the quality of obstetrical ultrasound images obtained with coconut oil compared with commercial ultrasound gel and to assess patient acceptability. Study Design This was a randomized two-period crossover study in which 40 pregnant patients had standard biometry images obtained with both coconut oil and commercial ultrasound gel during their growth or anatomy ultrasound. All images were then rated by two blinded maternal–fetal medicine physicians on quality, resolution, and detail using a 0 to 100 scale. Contrasts obtained from linear mixed models were used to estimate the differences in image parameters between the agents. Participant experience was evaluated with an acceptability survey which included five items measured on a five-point Likert scale. Results Image quality, as rated by physicians, was found to be equivalent between commercial ultrasound gel and coconut oil. Additionally, there was not a statistically significant difference in image resolution or detail between the two coupling agents. The overall patient experience was significantly lower for commercial ultrasound gel when compared with coconut oil (mean difference = − 5.48, 95% confidence interval = [−6.89, −4.06]). Conclusion Ultrasound images collected with coconut oil as the coupling agent are equivalent in quality to those collected using commercial ultrasound gel. Patients also preferred the use of coconut oil during their ultrasound, making its use a possible way to improve the patient ultrasound experience. Coconut oil has the potential as an alternative coupling agent that could significantly increase access to ultrasound use in resource-limited settings. Key Points Coconut oil produces quality images during obstetrical ultrasounds. Patients prefer the use of coconut oil to standard ultrasound gel during obstetrical ultrasounds. Coconut oil is a coupling agent that could increase ultrasound use in resource-limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This article describes satisfaction that persons with mild cognitive impairment (PwMCI) and their caregivers had with the Daily Enhancement of Meaningful Activity (DEMA) intervention. Methods This randomized controlled pilot study compared satisfaction (usefulness, ease of use, and acceptability) with DEMA ( n = 17 dyads) to an information support (IS) control group ( n = 19 dyads). Six biweekly sessions (two in person and four by telephone) were delivered by trained nurses. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent-sample t tests, and content analysis. Findings PwMCI receiving DEMA rated their satisfaction significantly higher ( p = .033) than did the control group; there was no difference in satisfaction between caregivers across groups. Qualitative interview data supported the usefulness, ease of use, and acceptability of DEMA for both PwMCI and caregivers. Conclusions Results documented PwMCI's satisfaction with DEMA as implemented by nurses to support PwMCI-caregiver dyads' engagement in meaningful activity. DEMA may need revision to increase satisfaction for caregivers. Clinical Relevance The DEMA intervention was evaluated as useful, easy to use, and acceptable to PwMCI and their caregivers based on positive mean ratings. The study findings provide preliminary support of DEMA as a means to improve quality of life by helping to support patient and caregiver engagement in meaningful activities and problem solving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Middle adolescent males are a difficult group to recruit for community sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention research. We describe a process of community engagement, and venue-based sampling of 14-17-year-old adolescent males, and compare rates of STIs and STI risk behaviors by venue., Methods: Community engagement consisted of (1) informational meetings with organizations; (2) participation in community meetings and events; (3) hiring community members as study personnel; and (4) an adolescent advisory board recruited from the community. Venues were identified and assessed at different times of the day and days of the week using a structured tool. At selected venues, males ages 14-17 years were invited to participate in a brief survey and provide a urine sample and an optional anal swab for DNA-based STI testing., Results: Venues were assessed (n = 249), and 31 were selected for recruitment, including parks, apartment complexes, community events, entertainment venues, a community school, and community programs for LGBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) and adjudicated youth. We enrolled 667 participants, average age 15.7 years. Participants reported high rates of sexual and STI risk behaviors, but had low rates of STIs. These rates differed by venue, with more structured venues recruiting youth reporting fewer STI risk behaviors and less structured venues within the highest STI prevalence zip code recruiting youth reporting more STI risk behaviors., Conclusion: Venue-based sampling is a feasible mechanism to target recruitment and enrollment adolescent males with high STI risk behaviors in community settings, with risk profiles varying by setting., (Copyright © 2017 The Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)