Augmented packaging for improved medicine compliance

In studies that have explored the problem of medical non-compliance, i.e. where patients do not adhere to a prescribed regime is a significant and complex problem (Eraker et al. 1984), it is estimated that non-compliance with short-term medication regimes can be as high as 92% with an average of 50% for some chronic diseases (Bergman and Werner, 1963). In their review paper Eraker et al., list a series of possible reasons for non-compliance such as the patients world-view, patient knowledge and experience, social interactions, social and demographic factors along with issues surrounding the training of healthcare professionals. Roter et al., (1998) undertook a meta-analysis of compliance research across a range of health issues and intervention types. The study showed again, that the issue of compliance is complex and that no single intervention strategy works across the board and that success can depend on the condition being treated and the relationship between the doctor and the patient. With the advent of the World Wide Web, interactive technologies and the advent and use of smartphones, there exists the potential to examine the use of this technology as an aid to medical compliance, in particular the improvement of medication regimes. Current digital technology to aid compliance is largely in the form of downloadable 'Apps' that allow a user to register and monitor their pill usage. This paper outlines work on a feasibility study looking at the use of Augmented Reality (AR) to provide support and supplementary information to patients undergoing various medication regimes. Using interviews and observation techniques the study contrasts and compares the patient experience and compliance data between using the AR and undertaking their 'standard' medication regime. The paper discusses the feasibility of using image recognition AR and proposes routes forward for this technology in aiding medical compliance. Keywords: Medical packaging, augmented reality

Subjective visualization experiences: impact of visual design and experimental design

In contrast to objectively measurable aspects (such as accuracy, reading speed, or memorability), the subjective experience of visualizations has only recently gained importance, and we have less experience how to measure it. We explore how subjective experience is affected by chart design using multiple experimental methods. We measure the effects of changes in color, orientation, and source annotation on the perceived readability and trustworthiness of simple bar charts. Three different experimental designs (single image rating, forced choice comparison, and semi-structured interviews) provide similar but different results. We find that these subjective experiences are different from what prior work on objective dimensions would predict. Seemingly inconsequential choices, like orientation, have large effects for some methods, indicating that study design alters decision-making strategies. Next to insights into the effect of chart design, we provide methodological insights, such as a suggested need to carefully isolate individual elements in charts to study subjective experiences.Comment: 19 pages, 5 figures, 2 table

Effect of questions used by psychiatrists on therapeutic alliance and adherence

Background Psychiatrists' questions are the mechanism for achieving clinical objectives and managing the formation of a therapeutic alliance – consistently associated with patient adherence. No research has examined the nature of this relationship and the different practices used in psychiatry. Questions are typically defined in binary terms (e.g. ‘open’ v. ‘closed’) that may have limited application in practice. Aims To undertake a detailed examination of the types of questions psychiatrists ask patients and explore their association with the therapeutic alliance and patient adherence. Method A coding protocol was developed to classify questions from 134 out-patient consultations, predominantly by syntactic form. Bivariate correlations with measures of patient adherence and the therapeutic alliance (psychiatrist-rated) were examined and assessed using generalised estimating equations, adjusting for patient symptoms, psychiatrist identity and amount of speech. Results Psychiatrists used only four of ten question types regularly: yes/no auxiliary questions, ‘wh-’ questions, declarative questions and tag questions. Only declarative questions predicted better adherence and perceptions of the therapeutic relationship. Conversely, ‘wh-’ questions – associated with positive symptoms – predicted poorer perceptions of the therapeutic relationship. Declarative questions were frequently used to propose an understanding of patients' experiences, in particular their emotional salience for the patient. Conclusions A refined defining of questioning practices is necessary to improve communication in psychiatry. The use of declarative questions may enhance alliance and adherence, or index their manifestation in talk, e.g. better mutual understanding. The function of ‘so’-prefaced declaratives, also used in psychotherapy, is more nuanced than negatively connotated ‘leading’ questions. Hearable as displays of empathy, they attend closely to patient experience, while balancing the tasks of assessment and treatment

Airlifter Brass From the US Air Force Band of Mid-America, January 25, 2022

Kemp Recital Hall January 25, 2022 Tuesday Evening 7:00 p.m

The liver metastatic niche: modelling the extracellular matrix in metastasis

Dissemination of malignant cells from primary tumours to metastatic sites is a key step in cancer progression. Disseminated tumour cells preferentially settle in specific target organs, and the success of such metastases depends on dynamic interactions between cancer cells and the microenvironments they encounter at secondary sites. Two emerging concepts concerning the biology of metastasis are that organ-specific microenvironments influence the fate of disseminated cancer cells, and that cancer cell-extracellular matrix interactions have important roles at all stages of the metastatic cascade. The extracellular matrix is the complex and dynamic non-cellular component of tissues that provides a physical scaffold and conveys essential adhesive and paracrine signals for a tissue's function. Here, we focus on how extracellular matrix dynamics contribute to liver metastases – a common and deadly event. We discuss how matrix components of the healthy and premetastatic liver support early seeding of disseminated cancer cells, and how the matrix derived from both cancer and liver contributes to the changes in niche composition as metastasis progresses. We also highlight the technical developments that are providing new insights into the stochastic, dynamic and multifaceted roles of the liver extracellular matrix in permitting and sustaining metastasis. An understanding of the contribution of the extracellular matrix to different stages of metastasis may well pave the way to targeted and effective therapies against metastatic disease

Move More, Sit Less: Applying the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans to Extension Programs

Extension enhances the lives of Americans by translating research-based information related to existing needs into programming that is practical and accessible to the general public. Evidence clearly indicates that physical activity is correlated to positive health outcomes, but despite this conclusion, the majority of Americans do not meet the recommendations for physical activity. The 2nd Edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans provides guidance for Extension professionals to implement physical activity interventions. We recommend training and technical assistance strategies based on the Interactive Systems Framework to integrate physical activity promotion into all Extension areas

School Choice in Suburbia: Test Scores, Race, and Housing Markets

Home buyers exercise school choice when shopping for a private residence due to its location in a public school district or attendance area. In this quantitative study of one Connecticut suburban district, we measure the effect of elementary school test scores and racial composition on home buyers’ willingness to purchase single-family homes over a 10-year period, controlling for house and neighbor- hood characteristics. Overall, while both test scores and race explain home prices, we found that the influence of tests declined while race became nearly seven times more influential over our decade-long period of study. Our interpretation of the results draws on the shifting context of school accountability, the Internet, and racial dynamics in this suburb over time