Early CRT monitoring using time-domain optical coherence tomography does not add to visual acuity for predicting visual loss in patients with central retinal vein occlusion treated with intravitreal ranibizumab:A secondary analysis of trial data

Our primary purpose was to assess the clinical (predictive) validity of central retinal thickness (CRT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 1 week and 1 month after starting treatment with ranibizumab for central retinal vein occlusion. The authors also assessed detectability of response to treatment

The Dependence of Growth-Model Results on Proficiency Cut Scores

States participating in the Growth Model Pilot Program reference individual student growth against “proficiency” cut scores that conform with the original No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Although achievement results from conventional NCLB models are also cut-score dependent, the functional relationships between cut-score location and growth results are more complex and are not currently well described. We apply cut-score scenarios to longitudinal data to demonstrate the dependence of state- and school-level growth results on cut-score choice. This dependence is examined along three dimensions: 1) rigor, as states set cut scores largely at their discretion, 2) across-grade articulation, as the rigor of proficiency standards may vary across grades, and 3) the time horizon chosen for growth to proficiency. Results show that the selection of plausible alternative cut scores within a growth model can change the percentage of students “on track to proficiency” by more than 20 percentage points and reverse accountability decisions for more than 40% of schools. We contribute a framework for predicting these dependencies, and we argue that the cut-score dependence of large-scale growth statistics must be made transparent, particularly for comparisons of growth results across states

OPTIMISING MECHANICAL POWER OUTPUT IN WEIGHTED BACK SQUATS - A JOINT LEVEL ANALYSIS

When performing resistance training to improve muscular power output it is desirable to train with a resistance that maximises mechanical power. Previous studies investigating what resistance maximises power output show varied results and generally lack mechanistic conclusions. To address this we studied the whole-body and lower-limb joint mechanics of weighted back squatting. Ten male rowers performed maximal power squats with an Olympic bar and weights equivalent to 0, 10, 20, 40, 60 & 80% of their 1 RM. Whole-body power did not peak at a single resistance but over the range of 20-60%. This was owing to a trade-off in knee and hip powers that were maximised at 20% and 60%, respectively. When determining training resistances, practitioners should consider what joint powers should be emphasised in relation to the mechanics of the target sport

A Modular Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) System for Gait Assistance in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy

Foot drop, the inability to lift the forefoot during gait, is a common symptom of disorders such as diabetes, stroke, spina bifida, and cerebral palsy. This condition makes walking difficult and unsafe, often resulting in stumbles and falls due to lack of ground clearance. The current standard of care is orthotic bracing, which presents donning and doffing challenges, restricts ankle motion, and contributes to social stigma in many parts of the world. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is an alternative approach which uses small amounts of electrical current delivered through skin-surface electrodes to stimulate peripheral nerves, thus generating muscle contraction and ultimately functional movement of a human limb. When packaged in a wearable device with onboard sensors capable of detecting gait phase, stimulation current can be applied to the lower leg to cause the foot to lift during the swing phase of gait. While several FES foot-drop systems are commercially available, they cost upward of $13,000 and provide a level of adjustability and complexity not needed for many conditions. The Messiah FES team is working to develop a low-cost, portable, easy-to-use, and durable electrical stimulation device to restore legged ambulation to children with mobility impairments resulting from cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and other conditions with similar effects. Our clinical partner is CURE Ethiopia, with our primary contacts being Dr. Tim Nunn and Dr. Laurence Wicks at the CURE Ethiopia Children\u27s Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Funding for this work provided by The Collaboratory for Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research.https://mosaic.messiah.edu/engr2022/1007/thumbnail.jp