Independent Teams Research Articles

Abstract 997: Cell-free DNA fragmentomics distinguish between benign, pre-malignant and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in neurofibromatosis type 1

Abstract Background: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are aggressive soft tissue sarcomas that, in the setting of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), arise within pre-malignant atypical neurofibroma (AN) and benign plexiform neurofibroma (PN). Early surgical resection improves prognosis, however, early detection by imaging and tissue biopsies is challenging due to tissue heterogeneity. In this multi-institutional study we analyze fragmentomic profiles of plasma cell free DNA (cfDNA) to non-invasively distinguish between NF1 associated PN, AN and MPNST. Accurate classification would inform clinical care: standards of care for PN is observation, AN is narrow-margin resection, and MPNST is wide-margin resection. Methods: We performed whole genome sequencing of plasma cfDNA samples from healthy controls (n = 21), patients with PN (n = 113), AN (n = 39) and MPNST (n = 71). cfDNA fragment profiles were analyzed using two complementary approaches. First, we used unsupervised non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) to obtain global fragment length signatures to infer tumor fragment length distributions. The optimal cutpoint was determined after receiver operating characteristic analysis by Youden’s index in one-versus-one (OVO) disease state comparisons. Additionally, we implemented a bin-wise fragmentomic analysis based on DELFI, training a classifier on the ratios of short (100-150bp) and long (151-220bp) fragments in 5 megabase regions across the genome and arm-level features. Results: NMF accurately distinguished disease states on OVO comparisons: MPNST v AN (acc 0.71), MPNST v PN (acc 0.75), MPNST v healthy (acc 0.84), AN v PN (acc 0.70), AN v healthy (acc 0.80) and PN v healthy (acc 0.87). Accuracies were moderately improved in nearly all conditions with bin-wise fragmentomics: MPNST v AN (acc 0.62), MPNST v PN (acc 0.83), MPNST vs healthy (acc 0.86), AN v PN (acc 0.87), AN vs healthy (acc 0.72) and PN vs healthy (acc 0.88). Strikingly, the two AN with the DELFI scores most closely resembling MPNST were separately identified by independent clinical care teams to have very high-risk features and recent history warranting short-interval follow up. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the spectrum of benign, pre-malignant and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors have distinct, disease state specific fragmentomic signatures. Fragmentomics alone outperformed our previously published copy number based cfDNA classifier in all conditions, most notably in low mutational burden healthy, PN and AN states. Finally, preliminary clinical vignettes suggest that this approach may be able to inform surveillance intervals by identifying higher risk premalignant lesions. Together, this work has the potential to enable earlier detection of clinically actionable AN and early-stage MPNST, thereby improving survival outcomes. Citation Format: Alex C. Pan, Russell Taylor Sundby, Jeffrey J. Szymanski, Paul A. Jones, Peter K. Harris, Aadel A. Chaudhuri, Angela C. Hirbe, Jack F. Shern. Cell-free DNA fragmentomics distinguish between benign, pre-malignant and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in neurofibromatosis type 1 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 997.

Stress and older people

British Journal of Community NursingVol. 28, No. 4 EditorialStress and older peoplePatricia RobinsonPatricia RobinsonE-mail Address: [email protected]Senior Lecturer, Independent Prescribing Team, School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton; Board Member of the British Journal of Community NursingSearch for more papers by this authorPatricia RobinsonPublished Online:29 Mar 2023https://doi.org/10.12968/bjcn.2023.28.4.161AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article References Age UK. Your mind matters: Thinking about your mental health. 2022. https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/information-guides/ageukig56_your_mind_matters_inf.pdf (accessed 3 March 2023) Google ScholarFrost R, Beattie A, Bhanu C, Walters K, Ben-Shlomo Y. Management of depression and referral of older people to psychological therapies: a systematic review of qualitative studies. Br J Gen Pract. 2019;69(680):e171-e181. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp19x701297 Crossref, Medline, Google ScholarGaggero A, Fernandez-Perez A, Jiménez-Rubio D. Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression in older adults: a panel data analysis. Health Policy. 2022;126(9):865-871. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthpol.2022.07.001 Crossref, Medline, Google ScholarGould RL, Coulson MC, Howard RJ. Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression in older people: a meta-analysis and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2012;60(10):1817-1830. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2012.04166.x Crossref, Medline, Google ScholarLakra DC, Ng R, Levy BR. Increased longevity from viewing retirement positively. Ageing Soc. 2012;32(8):1418-1427. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X11000985 Crossref, Google ScholarMcManus E, Haroon H, Duncan NW, Elliott R, Muhlert N. The effects of stress across the lifespan on the brain, cognition and mental health: a UK biobank study. Neurobiol Stress. 2022;18:100447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100447 Crossref, Medline, Google ScholarMental Health Foundation. How to manage and reduce stress. 2016. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/how-manage-and-reduce-stress (accessed 3 March 2023) Google ScholarMoult A, Burroughs H, Kingstone T, Chew-Graham CA. How older adults self-manage distress - does the internet have a role? A qualitative study. BMC Fam Pract. 2018;191:185. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-018-0874-7 Crossref, Medline, Google ScholarNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults: management. 2019. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg113 (accessed 2 March 2023) Google ScholarNHS Digital. Psychological therapies: annual report on the use of IAPT services 2017—18. 2018. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/psychological-therapies-annual-reports-on-the-use-of-iapt-services/annual-report-2017—18/content.old (accessed 2 March 2023) Google ScholarWetherell JL, Hershey T, Hickman S et al. Mindfulness-based stress reduction for Older Adults With Stress Disorders and Neurocognitive Difficulties: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Clin Psychiatry. 2017;78(7):e734-e743. https://doi.org/10.4088/jcp.16m10947 Crossref, Medline, Google ScholarWorld Health Organization. Mental health of older adults. 2017. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults (accessed 2 March 2023) Google ScholarWorld Health Organization. COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. 2022. https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide (accessed 2 March 2023) Google ScholarYoung LA, Baime MJ. Mindfulness-based stress reduction: effect on emotional distress in older adults. Complement Health Pract Rev. 2010;15(2):59-64. https://doi.org/10.1177/1533210110387687 Crossref, Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 2 April 2023Volume 28Issue 4ISSN (print): 1462-4753ISSN (online): 2052-2215 Metrics History Published online 29 March 2023 Published in print 2 April 2023 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download

(624) Utilization of an Independent Procurement Team for Direct Procurement and Machine Perfusion of Cardiac Allografts Following Donation after Cardiac Death

(624) Utilization of an Independent Procurement Team for Direct Procurement and Machine Perfusion of Cardiac Allografts Following Donation after Cardiac Death

MP45-15 THE PANDEMIC, TELEMEDICINE, AND ANDROLOGY: WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP45-15 THE PANDEMIC, TELEMEDICINE, AND ANDROLOGY: WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED? Muhammed A. Moukhtar Hammad, Adnan El-Achkar, Tuan Nguyen, David W. Barham, Lawrence Jenkins, and Faysal Yafi Muhammed A. Moukhtar HammadMuhammed A. Moukhtar Hammad More articles by this author , Adnan El-AchkarAdnan El-Achkar More articles by this author , Tuan NguyenTuan Nguyen More articles by this author , David W. BarhamDavid W. Barham More articles by this author , Lawrence JenkinsLawrence Jenkins More articles by this author , and Faysal YafiFaysal Yafi More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003291.15AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Telemedicine has gained wide acceptance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Worldwide lockdowns made this interface an indispensable one for patient care. Recent evidence suggests that urology patients were receptive to telemedicine; however, no systematic review has been done to date on andrology patients in particular and their perception of telemedicine. METHODS: Three electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched from their inception until June 2022 for relevant articles. Two independent teams reviewed abstracts and extracted data from the selected manuscripts. A meta-analysis was completed in line with PRISMA 2020 and AMSTAR Guidelines. For our study, we limited telemedicine to communication through videoconferencing or telephone encounters between patients and medical professionals. Positive response to telemedicine was defined as patients “wishing for telemedicine consultation”, “preferring telemedicine over in person”, “accepting the current telemedicine arrangement”, “having needs addressed with teleconsultation”, or “willingness to do a teleconsultation”. RESULTS: Of the 1128 retrieved abstracts, 56 underwent full-text review and 12 were included in the final analysis, comprising a total cohort of >4021 cases. All 8 studies that assessed perception of andrology patients to telemedicine showed that most patients had “positive perception”. Telemedicine was shown to save an average cost of $149-252/patient. Pooled analyses of positive response to telemedicine were 68.7% (95% CI = 49.4 – 83.1%, p=0.057) and of patients who recommended telemedicine were 65.1% (95% CI = 18.4 – 93.9%, p=0.577). 84.6% pooled proportion for recommending video compared to 38.9 % pooled proportion for recommending telephone practice, p=0.035. In the telephone-only encounters, 27.1% of patients preferred in-person visits as security and privacy of any mode of telecommunication were of concern. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients have a positive perception of telemedicine, particularly with videoconferencing and less so with telephone visits. Telemedicine will plausibly continue to be integral in andrology practice. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e627 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Muhammed A. Moukhtar Hammad More articles by this author Adnan El-Achkar More articles by this author Tuan Nguyen More articles by this author David W. Barham More articles by this author Lawrence Jenkins More articles by this author Faysal Yafi More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Study on the New Role of Civil and Military Air Rescue Nurses in the Italian Context

Context: An emergency medical nurse is a health professional who operates at a very high level in the field of emergencies. The nurses of the critical area departments of the Territorial Emergency Department currently operate in the Sardinian helicopter rescue service. The effectiveness of the treatment that these nurses administer can be attributed to the quality of the previous and recurrent training that this unit must undergo. Objective: This study's aim was to investigate the role of civil and military helicopter nurses in the context of Italian medical aid. Methods: A qualitative study, with a phenomenological approach, was conducted by interviewing 15 emergency medical nurses, using detailed recordings and transcripts. These findings were then compared to understand how nurses work outside their department of origin, how their training has influenced their ability to establish themselves outside it, and thus their ability to become part of a context considered to be of the highest level. Participants and research context: The personnel interviewed in this study were those who were working in the helibases of Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero. The limitations of this study are linked to the impossibility of obtaining an internship at a company, because, at the time of the study, an agreement between the university and the Areus company was not active. Ethical considerations: Participation in this research was completely voluntary. In fact, the participants could cease participating at any time. Results: This study revealed issues related to training, preparation, motivation to carry out the role held, nursing autonomy, the willingness to collaborate between the various rescue organizations, the use of the helicopter rescue service, and possible improvements for this service. Conclusions: civil air rescue nurses can deepen their knowledge by examining the work of military air rescue nurses, because, although the operational contexts are different, some techniques used in a hostile environment are also applicable to civilian environments. By doing so, nurses could become independent team leaders for all intents and purposes, managing their own training, preparation, and technical skills.

Community Mobilization and Community Incentivization (CoMIC) Strategy for Child Health in a Rural Setting of Pakistan: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Despite the decline in under-five mortality by over 60% in the last three decades, majority of child mortality is still attributable to communicable and infectious diseases that are not only preventable, but they are also treatable. We evaluated the potential impact of a participatory community engagement and innovative community incentivization (C3I) strategy for improving the coverage of child health interventions in a rural setting in Pakistan. We first undertook formative research to assess community knowledge and the likelihood of collective community strategy and conditional incentives for improving existing preventive and care-seeking practices for childhood diarrhea and pneumonia. We developed options for community incentivization and improving group practices, taking local norms and customs into account in the design of the community mobilization strategies and messages. These interventions were then formally evaluated prospectively in a three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial. Clusters were randomly assigned by a computer algorithm using restricted randomization by an external statistician (1:1:1) into three groups: community mobilization and incentivization (CMI); community mobilization only using an enhanced communication package (CM); and control group. The C3I was an innovative strategy as it involved serial incremental targets of collective improvement in community behavior related to improvement in the coverage of a composite indicator of fully immunized children (FIC), oral rehydration salt (ORS), and the sanitation index (SI). The evaluation was done by an independent data collection and analysis team at baseline and end line (after 24 months).

Single-blind validation of space-based point-source detection and quantification of onshore methane emissions

Satellites are increasingly seen as a tool for identifying large greenhouse gas point sources for mitigation, but independent verification of satellite performance is needed for acceptance and use by policy makers and stakeholders. We conduct to our knowledge the first single-blind controlled methane release testing of satellite-based methane emissions detection and quantification, with five independent teams analyzing data from one to five satellites each for this desert-based test. Teams correctly identified 71% of all emissions, ranging from 0.20 [0.19, 0.21] metric tons per hour (t/h) to 7.2 [6.8, 7.6] t/h. Three-quarters (75%) of quantified estimates fell within ± 50% of the metered value, comparable to airplane-based remote sensing technologies. The relatively wide-area Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 satellites detected emissions as low as 1.4 [1.3, 1.5, 95% confidence interval] t/h, while GHGSat’s targeted system quantified a 0.20 [0.19, 0.21] t/h emission to within 13%. While the fraction of global methane emissions detectable by satellite remains unknown, we estimate that satellite networks could see 19–89% of total oil and natural gas system emissions detected in a recent survey of a high-emitting region.

Pneumonitis associated with pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer

Studies elucidating detailed characteristics of pneumonitis in association with chemo-immunotherapy are limited. We aimed to investigate the characteristics of images, prognostic factors, and clinical course of combination therapy associated with pneumonitis. A multicenter, retrospective cohort study of patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer who received a combination of platinum, pemetrexed, and pembrolizumab was conducted. Patients with confirmed pneumonitis established by an independent multidisciplinary team were enrolled. For 53 patients with pneumonitis, radiographic features at diagnosis predominantly comprised an organizing pneumonia pattern (62%, 33/53). Twelve (23%) patients experienced a worsening respiratory status during pneumonitis management, which was associated with a high mortality rate (58%, 7/12) during treatment. Severe grade at pneumonitis diagnosis (p < 0.001), diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) pattern (p = 0.002), and disease extent ≥ 25% in the lungs (p = 0.009) were significantly associated with worsening respiratory status. Furthermore, post-diagnosis survival was significantly worse in severe pneumonitis (p = 0.02) than in mild and in patients with the DAD pattern than in those without (p < 0.0001). We showed detailed clinical course of patients with pneumonitis and reported several important influencing factors. Given the small number of trials on pneumonitis, our findings provide valuable information to guide the development of appropriate management guidelines and improve pneumonitis treatment.

The impact of distance education on readmission of patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To estimate the effect size of distance education on the readmission of patients with heart failure. This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis. Both Persian and English interventional studies focused on investigating the effectiveness of any form of distance education interventions on the readmission of patients with heart failure were retrieved from the main databases: Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SID, and Google Scholar. Two independent teams screened the articles for eligibility. The Cochrane Risk of bias tool was implemented to evaluate the studies' quality. A random-effects model was applied to pool the effect sizes, I2 was calculated to examine heterogeneity, and Meta-regression was used to investigate the source of heterogeneity. The proposal was registered in the PROSPERO database (no. CRD42020187453). Articles 8836 were retrieved, and 11 articles were selected. Nine studies investigated the effect of distance education on readmission with <12-month follow-up (RR: 0.78 [95% CI 0.67-0.92]) and the I2 of 0.00%; and four studies examined the effect of distance intervention on readmission with 12-month or more follow-up (RR: 0.89 [95% CI 0.73-1.09]) and the I2 of 71.59%.

The Negro Leagues Newly Incorporated into Major League Baseball: An Examination of Their Strength and an Evaluation of the Unification

The Negro Leagues Newly Incorporated into Major League BaseballAn Examination of Their Strength and an Evaluation of the Unification William Wise (bio) 1. introduction In December 2020 Major League Baseball (MLB) acknowledged that seven of the Negro Leagues were, indeed, major leagues. The seven specific leagues and their active years are as follows: 1. Negro National League I (NNLI) 1920– 31 2. Eastern Colored League (ECL) 1923– 28 3. American Negro League (ANL) 1929 4. Negro Southern League (NSL) 1932 season 5. Negro East- West League (NEWL) 1932 6. Negro National League II (NNLII) 1933– 48 7. Negro American League (NAL) 1937– 48 This study explores the strength of the Negro Leagues incorporated into MLB versus that of the National League (NL) and the American League (AL). To this end two methods are employed: (1) a statistical comparison of eleven seasons between the two sets of leagues and (2) an examination of one hundred and three specific games played between teams from the two sets of leagues. Though nonnumeric evidence is scrutinized the aforementioned points show that Negro Leagues were justifiably incorporated into MLB. 2. a multiyear statistical comparison of negro leagues versus the national league and the american league Based on the idea of Puerzer (2020)1 this section compares the overall records of the Negro Leagues that played between 1920 and 1948 to the National League [End Page 60] (NL) and the American League (AL).2,3 Statistics are pulled from eleven of the most significant seasons of Negro League Baseball between the years of 1920 and 1948. The years examined in the study are 1920, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1929, 1932, 1937, 1938, 1943, and 1947. The years 1920 and 1932 have significant data for them, so high- level “independent” teams are also included in the analyses. 2.1 Batting Statistics Nineteen twenty- four is the first season explored without considering independent teams. The Seamheads website has statistics for 967 games played by teams in the Negro National League I (NNLI) and the Eastern Colored League (ECL), which is 39.3 percent of the total number of the 2,462 NL and AL games played that season. Following Puerzer (2020) the batting averages (BAs) of the players with at least forty plate appearances are first inspected. In the NNLI and ECL in 1924 there were a total of 217 such players while in the NL and AL the total was 328 players.4 For the 217 NNLI/ECL players the average BA was .262875, and the equivalent average for the NL/AL was .263649. The standard deviations (SDs), a measure of the spread of the data, of the two sets of BAs are 0.058566 and 0.057854, respectively. The t-distribution is used to compare the two BA averages. See the appendix for a short description of statistical tests and those used in this paper. Welch’s t-test results conclude that there is no significant difference (at a 10 percent level) between the two averages of BAs. Another way of thinking of the outcome is that if one decides that there is a difference between the two BA averages there is a greater than 10 percent chance of being wrong.5 Thus the conclusion is that there is no such difference. See tables 1 and 2 for the results for all years and tests performed for batting statistics. To further compare the NNLI and ECL with the NL and AL the slugging percentages (SLGs) for the 217 and 328 players are investigated next. The averages of the two sets of SLGs are .353521 and .354217, respectively, whereas the two SDs are 0.108773 and 0.100458, respectively. As with the BAs, the outcome of Welch’s t-test shows there is no significant difference (at a 10 percent level) between the two averages of SLGs. The t-distribution is not the only statistical test that can be utilized. A two- tailed Z-test can be employed to compare BAs because they are proportions. For this test, rather than the average of the 217 and 328 BAs, the test considers the total overall BA of each set of players. For the 217 players in the...

A catalogue of high-mass X-ray binaries in the Galaxy: from the INTEGRAL to theGaiaera

Context.High-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs) are a particular class of high-energy sources that require multi-wavelength observational efforts to be properly characterised. New identifications and the refinement of previous measurements are regularly published in the literature by independent teams of researchers and might, when they are collected in a catalogue, offer a tool for facilitating further studies of HMXBs.Aims.We update previous instances of HMXB catalogues in the Galaxy and provide the community easy access to the most complete set of observables on Galactic HMXBs. In addition to the fixed version that is available in Vizier, we also aim to host and maintain a dynamic version that can be updated upon request from users. Any modification will be logged in this version.Methods.Using previous HMXB catalogues supplemented by listings of hard X-ray sources detected in the past 20 yr, we produced a base set of HMXBs and candidates by means of identifier and sky coordinate cross matches. We queried in Simbad for unreferenced HMXBs. We searched for as many hard X-ray, soft X-ray, optical, and infrared counterparts to the HMXBs as we could in well-known catalogues and compiled their coordinates. Each HMXB was subjected to a meticulous search in the literature to find relevant measurements and the original reference.Results.We provide a catalogue of 152 HMXBs in the Galaxy with their best known coordinates, the spectral type of the companion star, systemic radial velocities, component masses, orbital period, eccentricity, and spin period when available. We also provide the coordinates and identifiers for each counterpart we found from hard X-rays to the near-infrared, including 111 counterparts from the recentGaiaDR3 catalogue.

Active Shooter Preparedness: Perceptions of NCAA Division I Athletic Directors and Campus Police Chiefs

Thousands of fans descend onto college campuses every Saturday during the fall to watch National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Power 5 and Group of 5 college football games. Power 5 is used to describe five of ten athletic conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and the SEC) which are considered the most prominent and highest earning athletic conferences in college football whose teams compete in the NCAA Division 1 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Group of 5 is an assembly of five conferences that also compete in NCAA Division I FBS. Group of 5 college football teams often compete against Power 5 and Independent teams during the regular season and bowl games (Vannini, 2022). The largest stadium seating capacity Group of 5 schools is around 40,000 people compared to the Power 5 stadiums, 10 of which seat at least 90,000 people (Chiusano, 2022). While the seating capacity at Group of 5 schools is not as great as Power 5 institutions it still represents a significant population (Vannini, 2022).

SARS-CoV-2 alters neural synchronies in the brain with more severe effects in younger individuals

Coronavirus disease secondary to infection by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID19 or C19) causes respiratory illness, as well as severe neurological symptoms that have not been fully characterized. In a previous study, we developed a computational pipeline for the automated, rapid, high-throughput and objective analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) rhythms. In this retrospective study, we used this pipeline to define the quantitative EEG changes in patients with a PCR-positive diagnosis of C19 (n = 31) in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Cleveland Clinic, compared to a group of age-matched PCR-negative (n = 38) control patients in the same ICU setting. Qualitative assessment of EEG by two independent teams of electroencephalographers confirmed prior reports with regards to the high prevalence of diffuse encephalopathy in C19 patients, although the diagnosis of encephalopathy was inconsistent between teams. Quantitative analysis of EEG showed distinct slowing of brain rhythms in C19 patients compared to control (enhanced delta power and attenuated alpha–beta power). Surprisingly, these C19-related changes in EEG power were more prominent in patients below age 70. Moreover, machine learning algorithms showed consistently higher accuracy in the binary classification of patients as C19 versus control using EEG power for subjects below age 70 compared to older ones, providing further evidence for the more severe impact of SARS-CoV-2 on brain rhythms in younger individuals irrespective of PCR diagnosis or symptomatology, and raising concerns over potential long-term effects of C19 on brain physiology in the adult population and the utility of EEG monitoring in C19 patients.

Stressful life events and accelerated biological aging over time in youths

Experiencing adversity in childhood and adolescence, including stressful life events (SLEs), may accelerate the pace of development, leading to adverse mental and physical health. However, most research on adverse early experiences and biological aging (BA) in youths relies on cross-sectional designs. In 171 youths followed for approximately 2 years, we examined if SLEs over follow-up predicted rate of change in two BA metrics: epigenetic age and Tanner stage. We also investigated if rate of change in BA was associated with changes in depressive symptoms over time. Youths aged 8–16 years at baseline self-reported Tanner stage and depressive symptoms at baseline and follow-up and provided saliva samples for DNA at both assessments. Horvath epigenetic age estimates were derived from DNA methylation data measured with the Illumina EPIC array. At follow-up, contextual threat interviews were administered to youths and caregivers to assess youths’ experiences of past-year SLEs. Interviews were objectively coded by an independent rating team to generate a SLE impact score, reflecting the severity of all SLEs occurring over the prior year. Rate of change in BA metrics was operationalized as change in epigenetic age or Tanner stage as a function of time between assessments. Higher objective SLE impact scores over follow-up were related to a greater rate of change in epigenetic age (β = 0.21, p = .043). Additionally, among youths with lower—but not higher—Tanner stage at baseline, there was a positive association of SLE impact scores with rate of change in Tanner stage (Baseline Tanner Stage × SLE Impact Score interaction: β = − 0.21, p = .011). A greater rate of change in epigenetic age was also associated with higher depressive symptom levels at follow-up, adjusting for baseline symptoms (β = 0.15, p = .043). Associations with epigenetic age were similar, although slightly attenuated, when adjusting for epithelial (buccal) cell proportions. Whereas much research in youths has focused on severe experiences of early adversity, we demonstrate that more commonly experienced SLEs during adolescence may also contribute to accelerated BA. Further research is needed to understand the long-term consequences of changes in BA metrics for health.

Coaching and Physical Activity with Higher and Lower Skilled Student-Coaches in A Basketball Sport Education Season: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate student-coaches’ behavior and their players’ moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as a function of coaches’ skill level in a high school sport education basketball season. One high-school class (7 girls, 14 boys) participated in this study and was taught a 14-lesson sport education season in basketball. Based on 3v3 game play performance and a 10-item basketball content knowledge questionnaire, students were labeled as either higher -or lower skilled and put into three mixed-ability teams. In every team, higher- and lower-skilled students alternated the role of team coach each lesson. Prior to each lesson, coaches received a lesson plan and completed an online training to increase their knowledge of the lesson content. All coaches were audio- and videotaped during independent team practice. Coaching was reported in terms of duration (proportion of total time) and rate per 10 minutes. Players’ MVPA was collected using systematic observation. Inter observer agreement was 86% for coaching behavior and 89% for MVPA. Higher skilled coaches spent on average 15% of the team practice time coaching, lower skilled coaches 10%. Higher skilled coaches had higher rates for refereeing, cueing, feedback, and full demonstrations. Average MVPA under higher skilled coaches was 57%, with lower-skilled coaches 65%, which was not statistically significant. We conclude that higher skilled student-coaches had more content-related interactions.

Multidisciplinary Guidelines for the Rational Use of Topical Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Musculoskeletal Pain (2022)

(1) Background: Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the primary drugs for treating musculoskeletal pain. However, there are currently no evidence-based recommendations about drug selection, drug administration, drug interactions, and use in special populations or other pharmacology-related content of such medications. To this end, the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association Hospital Pharmacy Professional Committee developed multidisciplinary guidelines on using topical NSAIDs to treat musculoskeletal pain. (2) Methods: The guidelines development process followed the World Health Organization guideline development handbook, the GRADE methodology, and the statement of Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare. The guideline panel used the Delphi method to identify six clinical questions to be addressed in the guidelines. An independent systematic review team conducted a systematic search and integration of evidence. (3) Results: Based on the balance between the benefits and harms of an intervention, the quality of the evidence, patient preferences and values, and resource utilization, the guideline panel developed 11 recommendations and nine expert consensuses on using topical NSAIDs to treat acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain. (4) Conclusions: Based on the effectiveness and overall safety of topical NSAIDs, we recommend patients with musculoskeletal pain use topical NSAIDs and suggest high-risk patients use topical NSAIDs, such as those with other diseases or receiving other concurrent treatments. The evidenced-based guidelines on topical NSAIDs for musculoskeletal pain incorporated a pharmacist perspective. The guidelines have the potential to facilitate the rational use of topical NSAIDs. The guideline panel will monitor the relevant evidence and update the recommendations accordingly.

Overview of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA): A Patient Safety Tool.

Overview of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA): A Patient Safety Tool.

MVVM Demonstration Using C# WPF

Purpose: Nowadays, MVVM (Model-View View-Model) is the proven architecture for distributed software development. It encourages the development of the software components by the different independent teams and easy integration at the final stage. The individual researcher prefers direct coding or tightly coupled software modules. The Model is rapid and efficient but might create maintainability issues later. So from day one, we should introduce the best design model. In this scenario, the MVVM model is the major player. Here, we present how to implement MVVM into our project through a simple task. We will design the user interface, which is part of the UX design team, and then add functionality, which is the programming part. Finally, we will do integration and execution. The code used in this project is available to download from GitHub. Design/Methodology/Approach: We are creating a C# WPF project inside the visual studio community edition. Then we segregate our activity into two parts. In the first part, we make a Model for our project. After that, we design the user interface. The user interface interacts with the user to display the data and receive inputs from the user. It is the presentation or view layer. After completing it, we add the required view model interaction logic. Finally, we integrate all components and run the project. Findings/Result: Through the research, we realize the importance of the MVVM concept. It is a good software architecture; the researcher who has gone through the documents will find out how to implement the MVVM into their project. Some essential procedures are presented concisely so they can be adopted quickly. This architecture is independent of any language. So once we grab it, it can be implemented in our project, whatever the language we use. Originality/Value: Several documents on MVVM design using WPF are available worldwide. Most of the documents are elaborative and descriptive. It is tricky to extract the required information from long-duration content as fast-track space. Here we demonstrate practically. Using the documents as a reference, the researcher can easily integrate the MVVM concept into their project. Paper Type: Experimental-based Research.

Team Teaching and Collaborative Learning Strategies in Enhancing the Performance Level of Grade 7 TLE Students in Dressmaking

This study was undertaken to determine student respondents’ perception of Team Teaching and Collaborative Learning Strategies in the enhancement of their cognitive and performance skills in TLE 7 ( Dressmaking) as the basis for curriculum innovation. The descriptive method of research was utilized in this study with the use of a survey questionnaire for the responses. The Spearman tool was used to find out if there is a significant relationship between independent variables, Team Teaching and Collaborative Learning Strategies, the dependent variables such as students’ Pre and Post-Test Results as well as Performance skills such as to Application, Creativity, Workmanship, and Safety in TLE. Respondents perceived Team teaching and Collaborative Learning Strategies with an overall mean of 4.49 and 4.56 as Very Highly Observed. The findings reveal that the cognitive and performance skills of the respondents in TLE 7 (Dressmaking) in terms of scores were outstanding after exposure to team teaching and collaborative learning strategies. This research concluded that the null hypothesis stating there is no significant difference between the level of respondent’s performance in Pre and Post-Tests before and after the application of team teaching and collaborative learning strategies in teaching TLE is therefore not sustained. The hypothesis stating that the perception of respondents in Team Teaching and Collaborative Learning strategies are not significantly related to their cognitive and performance skills in TLE 7 is partially sustained. Since most of the findings were significant, it is recommended to keep the fire burning for teachers and improve Team Teaching and for students to continue and improve the scaffolding and online file sharing tool driveHQ strategies as well as be more resourceful in coping challenges in school. Keywords: Online Class Students, Team Teaching, Collaborative Learning Strategy, Scaffolding Strategy, Online File Sharing Tool DriveHQ, Pre-Test and Post-Test, Performance Skills

Cognitive biases can play a role in extinction assessments: The case of the Caspian tiger

The premature declaration of a species as extinct has been reported across different taxonomic groups and is commonly referred to as Romeo’s error or the Lazarus effect. In this study, based on a review of historical records and testimonies from local communities, we review the case of Caspian tiger (Panthera tigris virgata), a species we consider was prematurely declared globally extinct in 1950s. Considering that compelling evidence which suggests that Caspian tigers existed in Turkey perhaps up until early 1990s (some 40 years after international scientific community considered the species extinct) it is reasonable to posit that conservationists missed a historical opportunity to save the species. The case of the Caspian tiger demonstrates the cognitive bias of the Dunning-Kruger effect in action and the potential implications for conservation experts who are engaged in remotely evaluating contemporary species distributions. To mitigate these factors when assessing the global status of species threatened by extinction, we suggest that increased awareness of this type of cognitive bias could facilitate the introduction of additional measures in relevant conservation initiatives and in IUCN Red List assessments. For example, the formation of independent and specific teams to unearth implicit assumptions and weaknesses in assessments, and to question the group thinking of the species assessors. Against the backdrop of the current unprecedented rapid biodiversity decline, we recommend that researchers should be alert of the cognitive biases involved in species assessments and in conservation at large.