Subjective Grading Research Articles

Students With Growth Mindset Learn More in School: Evidence From California’s CORE School Districts

Previous research provides evidence that developing a growth mindset—believing that one’s capabilities can improve—promotes academic achievement. Although this phenomenon has undergone prior study in a representative sample of ninth graders in the United States, it has not been studied in representative samples of other grade levels or with standardized assessment measures of achievement rather than more subjective grades. Using a rich longitudinal data set of more than 200,000 students in Grades 4 through 7 in California who we followed for a year until they were in Grades 5 through 8, this article describes growth mindset gaps across student groups and confirms, at a large scale, the predictive power of growth mindset for achievement gains. We estimate that a student with growth mindset who is in the same school and grade level and has the same background and achievement characteristics as a student with a fixed mindset learns 0.066 SD more annually in English language arts, approximately 18% of the average annual growth or 33 days of learning if we assume learning growth as uniform across the 180 days of the academic year. For mathematics, the corresponding estimates are 0.039 SD, approximately 17% of average annual growth or 31 days of learning.

Relationship of Learning Pressure to Achievement of Business Subject Grade in High School Students

Relationship of Learning Pressure to Achievement of Business Subject Grade in High School Students

Abstract RF01-08: A randomized, open-label phase III trial Evaluating Low-Dose Vs standard-dose Olanzapine with triple Antiemetic therapy for Prevention of highly emetogenic chemotherapy- induced Nausea and vomiting in solid tumors (OLAnzaPiNE)

Abstract Background Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a major adverse event for cancer patients. Olanzapine (OLZ) in standard 10 mg dose along with triple antiemetics (TAE), has shown effectiveness in treating CINV with highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC), however, significant day time somnolence (DTS) precludes its widespread use. Steroids related side effects are another major concern. Hence, a lower dose of OLZ, with single dose (SD) steroid use is worth exploring in a randomized fashion. Methods Solid tumors planned for anthracycline-cyclophosphamide & high-dose cisplatin chemotherapy was randomized (1:1) to receive either 10mg OLZ (standard arm) or 2.5mg (experimental arm) till day 4 with TAE regimen [5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists, dexamethasone (SD, without delayed doses), and neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonists] in both arms. Primary objective was to evaluate Complete control rate (CCR) defined as proportion of subjects with no emetic episodes (EE), no use of rescue medications (RM), no or mild nausea assessed in overall phase (OP) =0-120 hours(h) in both groups. Secondary objectives were to compare two groups for the CCR in acute(AP) and delayed phase(DP);Complete response rate (CRR)=no EE and no use of RM in AP(0- 24h), DP(25-120h) and OP; Total control rate(TCR)= no EE, no use of RM, and no nausea) in AP, DP, OP; Time to treatment failure(TTF), defined as mean duration from chemotherapy initiation to first episode of nausea, EE, use of RM; Incidence of significant daytime somnolence(DTS).Tertiary objectives were effect on appetite loss. Subjects maintained a daily record of nausea, EE, RM use with the severity graded on a four-category scale. Statistical analysis CCR, CRR, TCR are given in counts and proportions. Occurrence of nausea, EE, DTS and their grades were compared using Chi-square test. Results A total of 275 subjects were enrolled, among them 267 were analyzable, inclusive of 132 subjects in 2.5mg and135 in 10mg arms with well-balanced baseline characteristics (Table 1) Proportion of patients with CCR in OP (Primary end point) in 2.5mg vs. 10mg arms were, 44.7 % vs. 43.7 % (P = 0.87) respectively. CCR in 2.5mg vs. 10mg arms in AP, DP were 50% vs. 48.9%(p=0.856) and 50.8% vs. 58.5% (P=0.203) respectively. CRR in 2.5mg vs. 10mg in AP, DP and OP were 56.1% vs. 57 % (P=0.872), 55.3% vs. 63% (P = 0.203), and 50.8 % vs. 51.1% (P=0.954), respectively. TCR in2.5mg vs. 10mg in AP, DP, and OP were25% vs. 23 % (P=0.697), 20.5% vs. 22% (P = 0.725), and 13.6 % vs. 15.6% (P=0.657), respectively. Subjects receiving 2.5 mg as compared with those receiving 10 mg, had statistically significant decreased DTS on overall grades 65.2%vs 89.6% vs. (p < 0.001); severe grade DTS was more on day1 i.e., 4.5%vs. 40% (p < 0.001) and although successively reduced from day 2-5 in both the arms, however, 2.5 mg fared better on all the days (table 1). No statistically significant effect of reduced appetite noted in 2.5mg vs. 10mg i.e., 17.4% vs. 24.4 %(p=0.208) Conclusion Low dose olanzapine (2.5mg) is non inferior to 10mg olanzapine in controlling CINV without requirement of delayed steroids, and is superior with respect to DTS (all days, all grades, severe grades) in subjects receiving HEC. This merits wide recognition as a new steroid sparing antiemetic regimen of choice with HEC. Demographic data, Clinical characteristics and Outcomes Citation Format: Jyoti Bajpai, Venkatesh Kapu, Sushmita Rath, Sravan Kumar, Anbarasan Sekar, Srikanth Anne, Akash Pawar, Sujay Srinivas, Prabhat Bhargava, Seema Gulia, Rajiv Sarin, Rajendra Badwe, Sudeep Gupta. A randomized, open-label phase III trial Evaluating Low-Dose Vs standard-dose Olanzapine with triple Antiemetic therapy for Prevention of highly emetogenic chemotherapy- induced Nausea and vomiting in solid tumors (OLAnzaPiNE) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr RF01-08.

Absorbable Biosynthetic Scaffolds in Place of Silicone for Breast Reconstruction: A 9-Year Experience with 53 Patients

Background: Few series report on using fat grafting as the primary form of breast reconstruction. A 9-year experience with absorbable biosynthetic scaffolds, used in place of silicone implants, for breast reconstruction is reviewed. Methods: A clinical quality improvement approach was used to evaluate real-world data on a single plastic surgeon’s experience treating breast reconstruction patients over a 7-year period. Results: Fifty-three patients had 74 breasts reconstructed, (following 51 therapeutic mastectomies and 23 prophylactic). Five of the 51 breasts (9.80 %) developed a local recurrence (mean follow-up of 4.5–5.5 years). This compared favorably with the practice’s previous 6 years of silicone reconstructions. The most common complications were benign fat necrosis and oil cysts. More than 100 radiologic examinations were performed without interference by the absorbable implants. By 12–18 months post implantation, very little immune response was seen on histologic examinations of the biosynthetic scaffold constructs. Mature collagen and robust vascularity characterized the “mesh zone,” whereas regenerated adipose tissue was seen in between and on top of the folded sheets of the implants. The average number of fat graft sessions in immediate reconstructions was 2.3, with a mean total fat graft volume of 551 mL, to restore an average mastectomy defect volume of 307 mL. Aesthetic outcomes were much better in the immediate reconstruction of nipple-sparing mastectomy group, which saw 68% achieve an A/B grade; 19%, C grade; and 13%, D/F on subjective grading. Conclusion: This composite strategy, using biosynthetic scaffold and autologous fat grafting, yielded outcomes equivalent to flap reconstructions with the ease of implants.

Deep Learning Models and Fusion Classification Technique for Accurate Diagnosis of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Preterm Newborn

اعتلال الشبكية الخداجي (ROP) هو السبب الأكثر شيوعًا لعمى الأطفال الذي لا رجعة فيه، ويعتمد تشخيصه وعلاجه على الدرجات الذاتية بناءً على سمات الأوعية الدموية في شبكية العين. ومع ذلك، فإن هذه الطريقة شاقة وعرضة للخطأ، لذا فإن الأساليب الآلية مرغوبة لمزيد من الدقة والإنتاجية. تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى تطوير نهج قائم على التعلم العميق للتشخيص الدقيق لمرض اعتلال الشبكية الخداجي الزائد عند الأطفال الخدج باستخدام نماذج التعلم التحويلية وتقنية تصنيف الاندماج. زودنا مركز الأمل للعيون في العيادة الخاصة في بغداد، العراق، بـ 2776 صورة لقاعدة فحص مرضى اعتلال الشبكية الخداجي بين عامي 2015 و2020، واستخدمنا هذه الصور لتدريب ثلاثة نماذج للشبكات العصبية التلافيفية العميقة (ResNet50 وDensenet161 وEfficientNetB5). تم استخدام نهج مصنف الاندماج لدمج النماذج الثلاثة من أجل تشخيص شامل ودقيق. تتميز النماذج الثلاثة بمعدلات دقة نسبية تبلغ 69.78٪ و80.57٪ و81.29٪ في تصنيفاتها الخاصة. ومع ذلك، زادت الدقة الإجمالية إلى 90.28 في المائة عند استخدام مصنف الاندماج. هذا يدل على أن الطريقة المقترحة مفيدة لتحديد اعتلال الشبكية الخداجي عند الخدج. تشير نتائج الدراسة إلى أن الطريقة المقترحة لديها القدرة على تعزيز الدقة والسرعة التي يتم بها تشخيص اعتلال الشبكية الخداجي بشكل كبير، مما قد يؤدي بدوره إلى الكشف المبكر عن المرض وعلاجه وتقليل احتمالية الإصابة بعمى الأطفال.

USING COLLABORATIVE STRATEGIC READING (CSR) TO IMPROVE THE SECOND SEMESTER STUDENT OF MANAGEMENT STUDY PROGRAM IN UNIVERSITY OF 17 AUGUST 1945 BANYUWANGI

This aim of the study was to improve the the second semester student of management in university of 17 august 1945 banyuwangi using Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR). CSR combines two instructional approaches: reading comprehension strategy instruction and cooperative learning. The research subjects were the students of second semester in management study program. This class was chosen because most of students had low score of reading comprehension achievement and could not achieve the passing grade. Passing grade of English subject was 75. The research design was classroom action research which covers planning, acting, observing and reflecting. In cycle 1 the result showed that 52% students were active in the first meeting and 68% in second meeting. Next, in cycle 2 the students’ involvement increased from 76% to 84%. It means that the result had met the standard requirement of process evaluation. Besides, the percentage of the students reading comprehension score in cycle 2 are higher than passing grade. The percentage of the students who got at least 75 in reading comprehension test had increased from 68% in cycle 1 to 76% in cycle 2. It means that second cycle had achieved the target score of this research. It can be concluded that CSR can improve students’ reading comprehension and students’ active participation.

TThe Impact of Virtual Communities and eTwinning Action on the Education System and Their Implementation in Classrooms

The This article is a part of a doctoral dissertation title with “Teachers in Social Networks” supervised by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sever. This study aims to discuss the role of virtual communities and social networks in the future of education, aiming to uncover their usage in education. The quantitative aspect of the research, conducted through a mixed-method approach, includes an online survey directed at 6,005 teachers actively engaged in social networks. Data collected through the survey were analyzed using frequency distributions, mean scores, and percentages. In the qualitative component of the study, online interviews were conducted with twenty-five teachers serving in different regions of Turkey, across various subject areas and grade levels. The findings of this study indicate a vital role of social networks in helping teachers stay current, track changing and evolving trends, and enhance their personal and professional development. Teachers perceive these networks as valuable resources for disseminating information acquired from social networks and colleagues to their classrooms. However, the research also highlights teachers' concerns regarding security and privacy issues on social networks. It is anticipated that the proposed digital platform will serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for academics, practitioners, and existing literature alike.

The Relationship Of Creativity With Student Learning Outcomes In Pastry And Bakery Subjects At Smk Negeri 6 Padang

This research was motivated by students' low curiosity in the material being taught, resulting in low creativity and no new innovations produced by students. This occurs due to students' lack of confidence in their abilities, because they are afraid to take risks when practicing pastry and bakery. From the problems above, many students fail in pastry and bakery subjects which will have an impact on learning outcomes. The aim of this research is to describe: 1) student creativity in Pastry and Bakery subjects, 2) student learning outcomes in Pastry and bakery subjects, 3) the relationship between creativity and student learning outcomes in Pastry and bakery subjects at SMK Negeri 6 Padang . This type of research is quantitative with a correlational approach. The population in this study was class XII culinary students at SMK Negeri 6 Padang for the 2023/2024 academic year, totaling 96 people. The sample consisted of 96 people taken using a saturated sampling technique. The saturated sampling technique is that all members of the population are used as research samples. The primary data collection technique uses a questionnaire and is measured using a Likert scale. Then for secondary data using learning outcomes in the form of grades in pastry and bakery subjects. Analysis requirements test was carried out using normality tests and linearity tests, then hypothesis testing using Pearson product moment correlation analysis, and correlation significance testing with the T test using SPSS Version 21.00. The research results show that: 1) the creativity of class XII students at SMK Negeri 6 Padang is in the medium category (53.1%), 2) the learning outcomes in pastry and bakery subjects for class 4%), 3) based on hypothesis testing, there is a positive and significant relationship between creativity and student learning outcomes in the Pastry and Bakery Products subject with a significant value of 0.001. Keyword: Creativity, pastry and bakery learning outcomes, pastry and bakery subjects.

- Mechanism of LDH and IL-8 Involved in pancreatic cancer Pain and the Correlation of Pain Degree

Objective: To observe the mechanism of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) in pancreatic cancer pain and their correlation with pain degree. Methods: 126 patients with pancreatic cancer who visited our hospital from January 2021 to February 2023 were selected. The patients were divided into 58 patients with low pain (1~3 points) and 68 patients with high pain (4~10 points) by visual analog scale (VAS). And 50 health examinees in the same period were selected as the healthy control group. The serum LDH and IL-8 concentrations are analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, as well as the subjective pain grading method scoreis analyzed. The differences in LDH and IL-8 concentrations among the three groups of patients were compared. Pearson correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between LDH, IL-8 concentrations and patient pain. Binary logistic regression was used to determine independent risk factors for high pain, and ROC curves were used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of each indicator. Result: The serum LDH and IL-8 concentrations in the high pain group were exceed the low pain group’s (P<0.05). The serum LDH and IL-8 concentrations in the low pain groupexceed the healthy control group’s(P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between serum LDH concentration and pain grading (r=0.736, P=0.000). The serum IL-8 has positive correlation with pain grading (r=0.680, P=0.000). Serum LDH and IL-8 concentrations have positive correlation(r=0.589, P=0.000). LDH and IL-8 concentrations are independent risk factors for high pain levels (OR=1.033, 1.142, P<0.05). The logistic regression prediction model formula was used: Y=constant+B1X1+B2X2+...+BnXn to set the joint diagnostic prediction model as -12.063+0.033×LDH+0.133×IL-8. The areas under the ROC curves of LDH, IL-8, and predictive model (LDH+IL-8) in patients with high pain were 0.925, 0.945, and 0.974, respectively. The relevant standards for LDH are>190U/L, IL-8 is>36pg/mL, and the relevant standards for prediction models are>5.75. Conclusion: LDH and IL-8 participate in the pain aggravation process of pancreatic cancer, and are closely related to the pain grading. The combination of LDH and IL-8 can be used as a biological indicator to evaluate the pain severity of pancreatic cancer, and provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Effect of Tranexamic Acid on Intra- and Postoperative Bleeding in Eyelid Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Masked, Control Trial.

Pilot studies suggest that waiting 15 minutes after a subcutaneous tranexamic acid injection is associated with decreased intraoperative bleeding and postoperative ecchymosis in eyelid surgery. The outcomes of commencing eyelid surgery immediately after injection without a waiting period remain unexplored. This prospective, randomized, multicenter, double-masked, controlled study examined bilateral symmetric upper and/or lower lid blepharoplasty or ptosis repair. Patients received tranexamic acid in 1 eyelid and control in the contralateral eyelid. The surgeon recorded the side with more intraoperative bleeding. Two masked graders evaluated periocular ecchymosis at postoperative day 0 and postoperative week 1 (POW 1) with a 5-point scale. At POW 1, patients reported subjective grading of bruising as increased on 1 side or similar on both sides. Results were analyzed with Wilcoxon signed-rank and sign tests. Of 130 patients, there was less eyelid ecchymosis on the tranexamic side at postoperative day 0 ( p = 0.001) and POW 1 ( p < 0.001). By surgery type, the 69 levator advancement surgeries had significantly less ecchymosis at postoperative day 0 ( p < 0.001) and POW 1 ( p = 0.001), while upper eyelid blepharoplasty, combined upper and lower lid blepharoplasty, and conjunctivomullerectomy trended toward significance. Of 68 patients reporting a POW 1 grading, 69% reported less bruising on the tranexamic side ( p < 0.001). Intraoperative bleeding was not significantly different between sides ( p = 0.930). Without a postinjection waiting period, subcutaneous tranexamic acid for eyelid surgery significantly decreased postoperative ecchymosis on postoperative day 0 and POW 1 but did not affect intraoperative bleeding. Subcutaneous tranexamic acid was not associated with any complications.

Abstract CT129: A phase 1 dose escalation study of a novel coupled CAR T cell therapy, GCC19CART, for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

Abstract Background: GCC19CART, the first clinical candidate from the CoupledCAR solid tumor platform, is designed to overcome the limitations of conventional CAR T-cells in solid tumor malignancies by pairing solid tumor CAR T-cells with CD19-targeting CAR T-cells to amplify the proliferation and activation of the solid tumor CAR T component. GCC19CART targets guanylate cyclase-C (GCC), which is reported to be expressed in the metastatic lesions of 70%-80% of subjects with colorectal cancers and largely restricted to the intestinal tract. A Phase 1 investigator-initiated clinical trial conducted in China showed preliminary efficacy with an overall response rate (ORR) at dose level 1 (1x106 CAR T-cells/kg) of 15.4% ORR (2/13) and 50% ORR (4/8) in dose level 2 (2x106 CAR T-cells/kg). Common side effects included cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and diarrhea/colitis. Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) was seen in a smaller proportion of patients. A phase 1 study was initiated in the United States in August 2022 for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer refractory to standard of care chemotherapy. As of a data cutoff on ​November 1, 2023, 4 subjects have been treated in the initial dose level. Methods: Subjects were initially screened for GCC expression; this requirement was later discontinued when immunohistochemistry studies revealed that the frequency of positive GCC expression exceeded 95%. Eligible subjects underwent leukapheresis, a single dose of lymphodepleting chemotherapy (fludarabine 30mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 300mg/m2) 3 days prior to infusion, and then administration of a single infusion of GCC19CART. Responses were assessed by RECIST v1.1 by site investigator review and an independent third-party imaging contract research organization. Results: 4 subjects have been dosed at level 1 (1x106 cells/kg) and completed the DLT period at the time of data cutoff. The most common adverse events were CRS in 4/4 subjects (Grade 1: 2/4 (50%) or Grade 2: 2/4 (50%)) and diarrhea in 3/4 subjects (Grade 1: 1/4 (25%), Grade 2: 1/4 (25%), or Grade 3: 1/4 (25%)). Three out of four patients had a mild tremor (Grade 1) that resolved with corticosteroids and no other evidence of neurotoxicity. The combined overall response rate (ORR) was 50% (2/4) by independent review. Two subjects demonstrated a partial response (PR) while 1 additional subject had partial metabolic response (PMR) on PET/CT with stable disease (SD) and 1 patient had progressive disease per RECIST 1.1. Per site investigator review, the ORR was 25%, with 1 confirmed PR and 3 SD assessed as best response. The median PFS was 3.8 months in the dose level 1 group. Conclusions: Preliminary results demonstrate that GCC19CART has meaningful clinical activity and an acceptable safety profile in refractory metastatic colorectal cancer. This trial is ongoing and updated data will be presented, including from patients treated at dose level 2 (2x106 CAR T-cells/kg). Clinical trial information: NCT05319314. Citation Format: Bridget P. Keenan, Christopher H. Lieu, Marwan Fakih, Dongqi Chen, Lucy Lu, Eric Rowinsky, Victor Lu, Lei Xiao, Alan P. Venook, Benjamin Schlechter. A phase 1 dose escalation study of a novel coupled CAR T cell therapy, GCC19CART, for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr CT129.

Comparing meibomian gland visibility on optical coherence tomography and Keratograph 5M images using objective and subjective grading methods

PurposeTo investigate if there is a visible difference in meibomian gland (MG) length between images captured with the Visante optical coherence tomography (OCT; wavelength = 1,310 nm) and the OCULUS Keratograph 5M (K5M; wavelength = 880 nm). MethodsAdults between 18 and 40 years were recruited. Baseline dry eye disease was evaluated with the Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) and tear meniscus height and tear breakup time with the K5M. Right upper and lower eyelid MGs were imaged with the K5M and Visante OCT. Each image was graded with the 0 to 3 meiboscore scale. The central 5 MGs were evaluated with ImageJ for percent gland length visibility. ResultsThirty participants were analyzed with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 23.0 (5.0) years (53.3 % female). Overall, participants were asymptomatic and had normal tear films. Meiboscores based on K5M and Visante OCT was significantly different for the lower eyelid (0[1] vs 1[2]; p = 0.007) but not the upper eyelid (0[1] vs 0[1]; p = 1.00). The mean percent gland visibility of the upper eyelid (82.7[9.6] vs 75.2[13.5]; p < 0.001) and the lower eyelid (81.2[12.7] vs 64.1[17.6]; p < 0.001) were significantly greater on the Visante OCT than the K5M images, respectively. ConclusionOCT images had significantly greater percent visible MG lengths than the K5M images. This suggests viable segments of the MGs may be missed with typical imaging, which may explain how it is possible that studies have found less post-treatment MG atrophy.

Optical Coherence Tomography Versus Optic Disc Photo Assessment in Glaucoma Screening.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optic disc photography present valuable but distinct capabilities for glaucoma screening. This review article examines the strengths and limitations of OCT and optic disc photography in glaucoma screening. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on the accuracy, feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and technological advancements in OCT and optic disc photography for glaucoma screening. OCT is highly accurate and reproducible but faces limitations due to its cost and less portable nature, making widespread screening challenging. In contrast, optic disc photos are more accessible and cost-effective but are hindered by subjective interpretation and inconsistent grading reliability. A critical challenge in glaucoma screening is achieving a high PPV, particularly given the low prevalence of the disease, which can lead to a significant number of false positives. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning models shows potential in improving the diagnostic accuracy of optic disc photos by automating the detection of glaucomatous optic neuropathy and reducing subjectivity. However, the effectiveness of these AI models hinges on the quality of training data. Using subjective gradings as training data, will carry the limitations of human assessment into the AI system, leading to potential inaccuracies. Conversely, training AI models using objective data from OCT, such as retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, may offer a promising direction. Both OCT and optic disc photography present valuable but distinct capabilities for glaucoma screening. An approach integrating AI technology might be key in optimizing these methods for effective, large-scale screening programs.

Diagnostic value of serum COMP and ADAMTS7 for intervertebral disc degeneration

ObjectiveIntervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a major cause of morbidity and disability. Our study aimed to investigate the potential of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and ADAMTS7 (A disintegrin and metalloproteinases with thrombospondin motifs 7) as biomarkers for IVDD together with their functional relationship.MethodsIVD tissues and peripheral blood samples were collected from IVDD rabbit models over 1–4 weeks. Tissues and blood samples were also collected from clinical patients those were stratified into four equal groups according to Pfirrmann IVDD grading (I–V) with baseline data collected for each participant. COMP and ADAMTS7 expression were analyzed and biomarker characteristics were assessed using linear regression and receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses.ResultsCOMP and ADAMTS7 expression increased in tissues and serum during IVDD progression. Serum COMP (sCOMP) and serum ADAMTS7 (sADAMTS7) levels increased in a time-dependent manner following IVD damage in the rabbit model while significant positive correlations were detected between sCOMP and sADAMTS7 and Pfirrmann grade in human subjects. ROC analysis showed that combining sCOMP and sADAMTS7 assay results produced an improved diagnostic measure for IVDD compared to individual sCOMP or sADAMTS7 tests. In vitro assays conducted on human cell isolates revealed that COMP prevented extracellular matrix degradation and antagonized ADAMTS7 expression although this protective role was uncoupled under microenvironmental conditions mimicking IVDD.ConclusionsIncreases in circulating COMP and ADAMTS7 correlate with IVDD progression and may play regulatory roles. Assays for sCOMP and/or sADAMTS7 levels can discriminate between healthy subjects and IVDD patients, warranting further clinical assessment.

The Social Justice Core Practices of Philadelphia Educators: A Modified Delphi Study

To live justice-oriented commitments in teaching practice, approaches spanning Social Justice Teacher Education, the Core Practice Movement, and Context-specific Teacher Preparation might dovetail by identifying “social justice core practices” (SJCPs) novices learn to enact. At the intersection of the situated and critical perspectives underlying these three approaches, this study investigates the SJCPs of Philadelphia educators and how they characterize their contextuality. A modified Delphi study drawing on the expertise of 27 local social justice educators revealed group consensus on 13 SJCPs. Further qualitative analysis surfaced four patterns related to contextuality: SJCPs as responses to macrosociopolitical inequities, manifesting critical praxis; the role of school, district, and professional constraints; the need to situate and adapt SJCPs for the subject area and grade level; and the inseparability of identity and positionality from enactment. From this site-specific approach positioning local educators as experts, implications for teacher education’s role in shaping a more justice-oriented profession are discussed.

Optimising subjective grading of corneal staining in Sjögren's syndrome dry eye disease

AimTo assess whether smaller increment and regionalised subjective grading improves the repeatability of corneal fluorescein staining assessment, and to determine the neurological approach adopted for subjective grading by practitioners. MethodsExperienced eye-care practitioners (n = 28, aged 45 ± 12 years), graded 20 full corneal staining images of patients with mild to severe Sjögren's syndrome with the Oxford grading scheme (both in 0.5 and 1.0 increments, globally and in 5 regions), expanded National Eye Institute (NEI) and SICCA Ocular Staining Score (OSS) grading scales in randomised order. This was repeated after 7–10 days. The digital images were also analysed objectively to determine staining dots, area, intensity and location (using ImageJ) for comparison. ResultsThe Oxford grading scheme was similar with whole and half unit grading (2.77vs2.81,p = 0.145), but the variability was reduced (0.14vs0.12,p < 0.001). Regional grade was lower (p < 0.001) and more variable (p < 0.001) than global image grading (1.86 ± 0.44 for whole increment grading and 1.90 ± 0.39 for half unit increments). The correlation with global grading was high for both whole (r = 0.928,p < 0.001) and half increment (r = 0.934,p < 0.001) grading. Average grading across participants was associated with particle number and vertical position, with 74.4–80.4% of the linear variance accounted for by the digital image analysis. ConclusionsUsing half unit increments with the Oxford grading scheme improve its sensitivity and repeatability in recording corneal staining. Regional grading doesn't give a comparable score and increased variability. The key neurally extracted features in assigning a subjective staining grade by clinicians were identified as the number of discrete staining locations (particles) and how close to the vertical centre was their spread, across all three scales.

THE ROLE OF GAMES IN CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION: CHALLENGES FOR THE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS IN THE ERA OF BLENDED LEARNING – CORRELATION BETWEEN GRADES AND GAMES PERFORMANCE

In recent years, there has been a surge in information and communications technology, propelled by the pandemic’s emphasis on remote learning. Interactive technologies like computers, tablets, and mobile phones hold promise for digitizing work and education, fostering creativity and immersion. Educators are increasingly exploring the integration of interactive and game-based tools into learning, inspired by the widespread popularity of gaming across age groups. Immersive game-based platforms, capable of integrating curricula and functioning in multiplayer settings, are emerging as a new trend in online learning, offering enhanced engagement for both students and teachers and improving test results. However, integrating games still presents challenges for teachers and students. Understanding the correlation between students’ grades and their performance in educational games is a significant challenge. While research suggests that game-based learning can positively impact academic achievement, further exploration is needed to grasp the nuanced relationship between in-game performance and traditional assessment metrics. Formative assessments through game-based solutions have gained popularity, but there is a lack of multiplayer classroom tools offering varied gameplay mechanics and content integration for creative learning. Research into the motivational aspects of multiplayer gaming, the impact of different gameplay dynamics on learning outcomes, and a comparison of multiplayer versus traditional approaches are areas for further exploration. Our study introduces a novel multiplayer game-based platform (Multiplayer Team Training Platform or MTT) addressing the challenges of uniform gameplay, offering a variety of gameplay dynamics and automated tracking of student performance in both single and multiplayer modes. A comparison between traditional assessment and game-based assessment in similar settings was undertaken with different classes, subjects, and age groups, and a comparative study was done to analyze the results of both experiments. The investigations showed that the Control Groups consistently outperformed, suggesting potential benefits of traditional teaching methods, especially under teacher’s supervision. However, it was also observed that repeated testing in the control groups did not necessarily result in enhanced retention of knowledge. Conversely, the game-based environment showed gradual improvement with gameplay repetition and reduced concerns about cheating among students. Strong positive correlations between subject grades and performance were found, indicating that higher-graded students excel in both environments, with lower-grade students showing a trend of better and continuous improvement, particularly in the game-based environment.

Computerized diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis from x‐ray images using combined texture features: Data from the osteoarthritis initiative

AbstractThe prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) cases has witnessed a significant increase on a global scale in recent years, emphasizing the need for automated diagnostic computer systems to aid in early‐stage osteoarthritis (OA) diagnosis. The accurate characterization of knee KOA stages through feature extraction poses significant research challenges due to the complexity of identifying relevant attributes. In this study, the development of a KOA diagnostic system is presented, leveraging a combination of Gabor, and Tamura parameters using the Canonical Correlation Analysis algorithm. Two feature selection algorithms, namely Principal Component Analysis and Relief, were employed for KOA classification. Furthermore, various classifiers, including K‐Nearest Neighbors, AdaBoost, Bagging, and Random Forest, were used to assess the proposed feature extraction approach. The diagnostic system was assessed using a dataset comprising 688 x‐ray images sourced from the OA initiative (OAI) dataset, consisting of 344 images from healthy subjects (Grade 0) and 344 images from pathological patients (Grade 2). To mitigate overfitting, a 10‐fold cross‐validation method was utilized. The experimental results indicate that the combination of Tamura and Gabor parameters with the Random Forest classifier achieved remarkable performance in KOA diagnosis, yielding an accuracy of 94.59%, and an area under the curve of 98.3%. Notably, the combined Gabor and Tamura models exhibited superior performance compared to individual models, as well as existing techniques reported in the literature.

Synthetic interpolated DSA for radiation exposure reduction via gamma variate contrast flow modeling: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundDigital subtraction angiography (DSA) yields high cumulative radiation dosages (RD) delivered to patients. We present a temporal interpolation of low frame rate angiograms as a method to reduce cumulative RDs.MethodsPatients undergoing interventional evaluation and treatment of cerebrovascular vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage were retrospectively identified. DSAs containing pre- and post-intervention runs capturing the full arterial, capillary, and venous phases with at least 16 frames each were selected. Frame rate reduction (FRR) of the original DSAs was performed to 50%, 66%, and 75% of the original frame rate. Missing frames were regenerated by sampling a gamma variate model (GVM) fit to the contrast response curves to the reduced data. A formal reader study was performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the “synthetic” studies (sDSA) compared to the original DSA.ResultsThirty-eight studies met inclusion criteria (average RD 1,361.9 mGy). Seven were excluded for differing views, magnifications, or motion. GVMs fit to 50%, 66%, and 75% FRR studies demonstrated average voxel errors of 2.0 ± 2.5% (mean ± standard deviation), 6.5 ± 1.5%, and 27 ± 2%, respectively for anteroposterior projections, 2.0 ± 2.2%, 15.0 ± 3.1%, and 14.8 ± 13.0% for lateral projections, respectively. Reconstructions took 0.51 s/study. Reader studies demonstrated an average rating of 12.8 (95% CI 12.3−13.3) for 75% FRR, 12.7 (12.2−13.2) for 66% FRR and 12.0 (11.5−12.5) for 50% FRR using Subjective Image Grading Scale. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance resulted in W = 0.506.ConclusionFRR by 75% combined with GVM reconstruction does not compromise diagnostic quality for the assessment of cerebral vasculature.Relevance statementUsing this novel algorithm, it is possible to reduce the frame rate of DSA by as much as 75%, with a proportional reduction in radiation exposure, without degrading imaging quality.Key points• DSA delivers some of the highest doses of radiation to patients.• Frame rate reduction (FRR) was combined with bolus tracking to interpolate intermediate frames.• This technique provided a 75% FRR with preservation of diagnostic utility as graded by a formal reader study for cerebral angiography performed for the evaluation of cerebral vasospasm.• This approach can be applied to other types of angiography studies.Graphical

Peningkatan Minat Belajar Siswa Tingkat Sekolah Dasar melalui Bimbingan Belajar Hybrid Learning di Kelurahan Penjaringan Sari

One of the roles of students is to contribute to the community through dedication to realize the Three Pillars of Higher Education. One of the dedication activities is tutoring with the Hybrid Learning method. The goal of this tutoring is to increase students' interest in learning at the Elementary and Kindergarten levels in the Penjaringan Sari Village. The Hybrid Learning method combines face-to-face and virtual learning for more dynamic and diverse interaction between tutoring participants and mentors. This activity involves school students, students as mentors, and the student's parents community. Focusing on increasing interest in learning, the Hybrid Learning tutoring method tries various strategies to increase student engagement, optimize the use of learning technology, and adjust the teaching materials needed. The results of this dedication activity show a significant increase in students' interest in learning, measured through attendance in the learning process, improved subject grades, and positive responses from students and their parents. This dedication activity pays attention to the importance of combining digital technology and conventional learning to achieve more effective learning outcomes at the Elementary level.