Inherit the Wind: Formal Essay [Liberal Arts]

This common assignment was designed for students in an LMF 101 (First-Year Seminar for Liberal Arts: Math & Science) class and those in a capstone LIB 200 (Science, Technology, and Humanism) class. The assignment is aligned to the Integrative Learning Core Competency and the Written Communication Ability. In this assignment, the students in both classes critically read the play, Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, and the LMF 101 class is also shown the film based on the play. The play is based on the connection of two of the major themes of these classes: humanism and science. The students are then required to write a comprehensive essay, which addresses a declared thesis statement based on the conflicts and intersections of the overarching themes, inherent within the play. In preparation for the formal essay assignment, there are in-class discussions and activities that are focused on critically thinking and analyzing several key quotations from the play: significant to character and plot development, as well as the connections between humanism and science. Subsequently, the LIB 200 students peer review the essays of the LMF 101 students, who in turn, respond to these peer reviews. The peer-review process comprises two combined class meetings and discussions focused on the LIB 200 student reviews and the LMF 101 student responses. LMF 101 is a dynamic, interactive course with a variety of objectives that have been designed to address key issues connected to college life, the utilization of on-campus resources, the learning process for students and the pathway to their major. The introductory nature of this course serves as an orientation to the academic disciplines in the program, and provides exposure to the content that students will learn to develop and organize as they progress, as well as the connections they will make between academic content and their own experience. The overwhelming majority of students enrolled in this course are concurrently enrolled in remedial writing or introductory composition courses; the concept/process of peer-reviewing and peer-critiquing is introduced in students’ writing courses, and then applied to diverse context in this collaborative project with the Capstone students. LIB 200 is a culminating capstone course in the college experience that explores, in depth, the relationship between humanism, science and technology. It is a writing intensive class, in which students apply knowledge, writing, and critical thinking strategies acquired in earlier courses to relevant contemporary and historical societal issues, as well as reflect on their responsibilities in a diverse society. LaGuardia’s Core Competencies and Communication Abilities Framed by the dimensions of the Written Communication Ability rubric, this assignment helps students build the ability to critically examine and interpret a relevant text in order to enhance their critical thinking, synthesis, analysis, reflection and evaluation skills within the context of societal ethics and values. Overall, the assignment is worth 15% of the final grade in the LMF 101 and LIB 200 courses. The assignment was developed and implemented as part of a Learning Matters mini-grant project that aimed to enhance the Liberal Arts experience to students across the academic spectrum. The assignment was also discussed in detail in the mini-seminar sessions and revised based on the feedback obtained from such interactions with colleagues

Air Pollution [Liberal Arts: Math and Science/Natural Science]

This assignment was designed for students in the pathways introductory chemistry class and the first year seminar and aligns with the Inquiry and Problem Solving core competency. In this context, there is a focus on “framing the issues” (identifies and/or addresses questions and problems), “evidence gathering” (assembles, reviews and synthesizes evidence from several diverse sources), “evidence” (analyze the data to address the questions posed) and “conclusions” (critical thinking, reflect on the outcomes, draw conclusions and generate new knowledge). There is also a Global Learning component based on comparing data collected locally with corresponding data from other locations or countries. The assignment includes the written communication ability with a focus on “Content Development and Organization,” as well as the clarity of the communication and its purpose. The overall aim of this assignment is to enhance students’ conceptual learning and understanding of key issues related to society as well as their course. This assignment was developed as part of a LaGuardia Global Learning mini-grant and CUNY Experiential Learning and Research in the Classroom mini-grants. The assignment will be scaffolded over about 3 weeks and is worth about 10% of the final grade. To further increase the success of this assignment, instructors might want to consider the following: Use class discussions to focus on the relevance and importance of conceptual learning. In order to improve the data analysis aspect, incorporating class demonstrations of how to conduct the analysis and guide discussions about what the data means. Giving students more detailed rubrics with formal expectations of the requirements of the assignments, particularly in the written format Find ways to increase student participation in class discussions. When this assignment has been utilized in previous semesters, students clearly displayed the capability to relate the co-curricular experiences in the data collection and its analysis to concepts and ideas covered during class. Evidence for this came from very dynamic and interactive class discussions based on air pollution as well as from the output of the written assignment, in which students were able to relate the nature, sources and chemical properties of the pollutants to their impact on the environment, health and society in general. LaGuardia’s Core Competencies and Communication Abilities List the Program Goal(s) that this assignment targets Global Learning based on comparing pollutant levels around the LaGuardia campus with those in other locations or countries. It is also an IPS assignment, incorporating scientific literacy and thinking, as students need to analyze the data, interpret it and reflect on the outcomes. List the Student Learning Objective(s) that this assignment targets Identify and apply fundamental chemical concepts and methods. Gather, analyze, and interpret data. List the Course Objectives(s) that this assignment targets Explore the complex connections between chemistry and society. Apply chemical principles to real world issues, including ethical aspects. Gather, analyze, and interpret data. Write a short description of the pedagogy involved in executing this assignment Students collect and analyze the data, interpret the results in terms of pollution levels, safety and ethics and compare with EPA standard levels and with levels in other countries. Outside the classroom events will be organized for data collection. There will be class and group-based discussions focused on the data, its analysis and the connections to society

Development of a four-item physical activity index from information about subsistence living in rural African women: a descriptive, cross-sectional investigation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We investigated the criterion validity of a physical activity index (PAI) derived from socio-demographic variables obtained from convenience samples of rural African women.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We used a sample (N = 206) from a larger dataset which surveyed adult rural Africans during 1997, and data collected during 2003/4 from 138 adult rural African women. A three-point PAI (low-, medium- and high-subsistence) was constructed from four socio-demographic questions related to electricity, cooking methods, water collection and availability of motorized transport. Criterion measures included measures of adiposity, blood biochemistry, resting blood pressure (RBP), physical fitness (VO_2max) and single-plane accelerometry (ACC).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Age, educational level and health status were not related to PAI level (p > 0.1). There was a significant negative, linear trend between the PAI level and adiposity level (p < 0.04), and fasting blood glucose concentration (p < 0.0001), while VO_2maxwas positively related to PAI level (p = 0.0190). The PAI level was positively and linearly related to ACC output, namely counts.day^-1(p = 0.0044), steps.day^-1(p = 0.0265), min.day^-1of moderate-to-vigorous activity (p = 0.0040), and the percentage of subjects adhering to physical activity public health guidelines (p = 0.0157). Other criterion measures did not reach significance, but were in the expected direction (sedentary behaviour: p > 0.08, RBP: p > 0.07).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The PAI derived from a socio-demographic questionnaire is a valid instrument for broadly categorizing levels of physical activity for this specific population of rural African women. As the epidemiological transition progresses, validity will need to be re-established.</p

Effect of body mass and physical activity volume and intensity on pedometry-measured activity energy expenditure in rural black South Africans in the Limpopo Province

Objectives. We developed a novel approach to investigate patterns of pedometry-measured total weekly activity energy expenditure (EEAct) in rural black South Africans in the Limpopo Province. Design. We analysed 7-day pedometry data in 775 subjects (female: N=508; male: N=267). Variance components models for EEAct were used to estimate the variance explained by body mass (BM), total weekly steps (volume) and estimated intensity (kcal. kg-1.step-1). Univariate General Linear Models, adjusting for age, BM and physical activity (PA) volume, were used to determine if EEAct was primarily affected by volume or intensity. Results. BM (13.1%), PA intensity (24.4%) and PA volume (56.9%) explained 94.4% of the variance in EEAct. Adjusted EEAct did not differ between sexes (78 kcal.week-1, p =0.2552). There were no significant differences across activity categories (sedentary to very active) for adjusted EEAct (62 - 287 kcal.week-1, p>0.1). Adjusted EEAct for 6 - 7 days of compliance (≥10 000 steps.day-1) differed significantly from 1 - 2 days of compliance (266 - 419 kcal.week-1, p0.30). Conclusions. We have highlighted an intensity effect for days of compliance and at very active ambulatory levels (≥12 500 steps. day-1). A volume effect appeared to dominate between sexes, across activity categories and weight-by-activity categories. It is important that post hoc statistical adjustments be made for body mass and PA volume when comparing EEAct across groups

A randomised, prospective and head-to-head comparison of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 and [18F]PSMA-1007 for the detection of recurrent prostate cancer in PSMA-ligand PET/CT-Protocol design and rationale.

BACKGROUND A number of radiopharmaceuticals are available for the detection of recurrent prostate cancer (rPC), but few comparative imaging trials have been performed comparing them. In particular, there are no prospective head-to-head comparisons of the recently introduced [18F]PSMA-1007 to the existing standard of care [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11. The purpose of this trial is to establish the non-inferiority of the new radiopharmaceutical in terms of the rate of PET-positive findings and to obtain an intra-individual comparison of accuracy and radiopharmaceutical kinetics. METHODS In this cross-over trial we will randomise 100 individuals to receive either first a standard-of-care PET/CT using [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 followed by an additional [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT within 2 weeks, or vice-versa. Inclusion criteria include patients 18 years and older with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer following radical prostatectomy, defined as two consecutive prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels > 0.2 ng/ml. Detection rate at the patient-based level is the primary end-point. Each scan will be interpreted by a panel of six independent and masked readers (three for [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 and three for [18F]PSMA-1007) which consensus majority in cases of discrepancy. To confirm the PET-positivity rate at a patient based level, follow up at 6 months following the first scan will be performed to a composite standard of truth. Secondary endpoints shall include an intra-individual comparison of radiopharmaceutical-kinetics, per-region detection rate and positive predictive value. DISCUSSION This is the first randomised prospective comparative imaging trial to compare the established [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 with [18F]PSMA-1007 and will determine whether the new radiopharmaceutical is non-inferior to the established standard-of-care in terms of patient-level detection rate. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered with and approved by the regional ethics authority #2020-02903 (submitted 09.12.2020, approval 16.12.2021) and the regulatory authority SwissMedic 2020DR2103. Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05079828 and additionally in a national language in the Swiss National Clinical Trials Portal (SNCTP)

Learning About Women in STEM for First-Year Students [Liberal Arts: Math and Science]

This assignment was designed for students in the first year seminar and aligns with the Inquiry and Problem Solving core competency, with a focus on “framing the issues” (identifies and/or addresses questions problems and/or hypothesis informed by knowledge of context) and “evidence gathering” (assembles, reviews and synthesizes evidence from diverse sources of relevant knowledge). Both assignments rely on writing and one may include an oral component. In writing, the focus is on “Content Development and Organization,” as well as “Control of Language, Syntax, and Mechanics.” LaGuardia’s Core Competencies and Communication Abilities Main Course Learning Objectives: The LMF course for Liberal Arts Math and Science introduces students to the habits of mind of the major, and to relevant on-campus resources. Students are also supposed to plan their academic journey with faculty advisors. Read and contrast the historical perspectives vs the current perspectives about women in STEM. (Women in the early 20th century vs contemporary issues). Data: will be provided (from NSF and other government agencies) about women in STEM workforce and bachelor’s and higher-level degree holders. Students must analyze and interpret (critical thinking). Generate appropriate questions. Reflection: be able to develop and defend arguments based on data and readings. Research Summary: Understand and evaluate factors that contributed to the success of Nobel Prize Winners in the early 20th century

Overcoming Innocents’ Naiveté: Pre‐interrogation Decision‐making Among Innocent Suspects

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/133623/1/bsl2247.pd

Assessment of malignancy and PSMA expression of uncertain bone foci in [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT for prostate cancer-a single-centre experience of PET-guided biopsies.

PURPOSE Uncertain focal bone uptake (UBU) with intensive radiopharmaceutical avidity are frequently observed in patients undergoing [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT for the detection of prostate cancer (PC). Such foci can pose diagnostic conundrums and risk incorrect staging. The aim of this short communication is to share the results of PET-guided biopsies of such foci. METHODS A retrospective analysis revealed 10 patients who were referred to our department for PET-guided biopsy of UBU visible in a previous [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT. [18F]-PSMA-1007 PET-guided biopsy was conducted for 11 PSMA-avid bone foci in these 10 patients. The biopsy materials were analysed for tissue typing, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed for prostate-specific-membrane-antigen (PSMA) expression. The scans were analysed by two experienced physicians in a consensus read for clinical characteristics and radiopharmaceutical uptake of foci. RESULTS One out of 11 (9.1%) of the foci biopsied was confirmed as bone metastasis of PC with intense PSMA-expression, while 10/11 (90.9%) foci were revealed to be unremarkable bone tissue without evidence of PSMA expression at IHC. Amongst all bone foci assessed by biopsy, eight were visually classified as being at high risk of malignancy in the PET/CT (SUVmean 12.0 ± 8.1; SUVmax 18.8 ± 13.1), three as equivocal (SUVmean 4.6 ± 2.1; SUVmax 7.2 ± 3.0) and zero as low risk. No UBU had any CT correlate. CONCLUSIONS This cohort biopsy revealed that a small but relevant number of UBU are true metastases. For those confirmed as benign, no PSMA expression at IHC was observed, suggesting a non-PSMA mediated cause for intensive [18F]PSMA-1007 uptake of which the reason remains unclear. Readers must interpret such foci with caution in order to reduce the risk of erroneous staging and subsequent treatment. PET-guided biopsy, particularly in the absence of morphological changes in the CT, can be a useful method to clarify such foci

Diagnostic accuracy of [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT in biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer.

AIM Despite increasing use for the detection of biochemically recurrent prostate cancer (rPC), the diagnostic accuracy of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with [18F]PSMA-1007 remains only partially investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for PC-local recurrence and metastases on a per region basis. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred seventy-seven consecutive patients undergoing [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT for rPC were retrospectively analysed. Six body regions were defined: prostate fossa, pelvic lymph nodes (LN), retroperitoneal LN, supradiaphragmatic LN, bones, and soft tissue. A region was counted positive if at least one PSMA-positive lesion suspicious for PC was observed. Confirmation of a true-positive PSMA-avid lesion was defined as positive by histopathology, fall in serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (> 50%) after targeted therapy or confirmatory further CT, MRI, PET/CT, or bone scan imaging. Regions where additional imaging was able to confirm the absence of suspicious PC lesions or regions outside exclusively targeted RT with serum PSA decline (> 50%) were counted as true-negative regions. SE, SP, PPV, and NPV were calculated for all six regions. RESULTS The overall PET-positivity rate was 91%. Conclusive follow-up for affirmation or refutation of a PSMA-positive lesion was available for 81/152 patients on a per region basis. In this subgroup, overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 95% (CI: 0.90-0.98), 89% (CI: 0.83-0.93), 86% (0.80-0.90), and 96% (CI: 0.92-0.98), respectively. On a per region basis, PPV was 97% (CI: 0.83-0.99) for local recurrence, 93% (CI: 0.78-0.98) for pelvic LN, 87% (CI: 0.62-0.96) for retroperitoneal LN, 82% (CI: 0.52-0.95) for supradiaphragmatic LN, and 79% (0.65-0.89) for bone lesions. The number of solid organ metastases (n = 6) was too small for an accurate statistical analysis. CONCLUSION The known high PET-positivity rate of [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT in rPC was confirmed, with corresponding high (> 90%) sensitivity and NPV on a per region basis. However, overall PPV was limited (86%), particularly for bone lesions (79%), which are a potential diagnostic weaknesses when using this tracer

Combined [68 Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 and low-dose 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT using a long-axial field of view scanner for patients referred for [177Lu]-PSMA-radioligand therapy.

PURPOSE Performing 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT in addition to a PSMA-ligand PET/CT can assist in the detection of lesions with low PSMA expression and may help in prognostication and identification of patients who likely benefit from PSMA-radioligand therapy (PSMA-RLT). However, the cost and time needed for a separate PET/CT examination might hinder its routine implementation. In this communication, we present our initial experiences with additional low-dose 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT as part of a dual-tracer and same-day imaging protocol which exploits the higher sensitivity exhibited by long-axial field-of-view (LAFOV) and total-body PET/CT systems and demonstrates its feasibility. METHODS Fourteen patients referred for evaluation for PSMA-RLT received [68 Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT at 1 h p.i. with a standard activity of 150 MBq and an additional low-dose 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT with 40 MBq 1 h thereafter using a long-axial field-of-view PET/CT system in a single sitting and as per institutional protocol. Scans were scrutinized by two experienced nuclear medicine physicians for mismatch findings. RESULTS The combined protocol identified additional lesions with low or absent PSMA-expression but high FDG-avidity in 1/14 (7%) patients. The protocol was easily implemented and well tolerated by all patients. CONCLUSION Additional low-dose 2-[18F]FDG-PET/CT is feasible as part of a same-day imaging protocol and can help reveal lesions of low PSMA avidity as part of therapy assessment for [177Lu]-PSMA radioligand therapy and demonstrates higher sensitivity compared to [68 Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT alone in some patients