Problem-Based Learning in K–8 Mathematics and Science Education: A Literature Review

This systematic literature review was conducted to explore the effectiveness of problem-based and project-based learning (PBL) implemented with students in early elementary to grade 8 (ages 3–14) in mathematics and science classrooms. Nine studies met the following inclusion criteria: (a) focus on PBL, (b) experimental study, (c) kindergarten to grade 8 level, and (d) focus on mathematics or science content. For these studies, we examined: the definitions of PBL used, the components of PBL explicitly identified as salient to student learning, and the effectiveness of PBL. This review found that although there is no consistent definition of PBL, PBL is an effective method for improving K–8 students’ science academic achievement, including knowledge retention, conceptual development, and attitudes. Implications and limitations are discussed

Albuminuria Testing by Race and Ethnicity among Patients with Hypertension with and without Diabetes

BackgroundDetection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) among patients with hypertension (HTN) provides an opportunity for early treatment, potentially mitigating risk of CKD progression and cardiovascular complications. Differences in UACR testing patterns among racial/ethnic populations at risk for CKD could contribute to known disparities in CKD complications.MethodsWe examined the prevalence of UACR testing among low-income adult primary care patients with HTN, defined by a new administrative code for HTN or 2 clinic blood pressures >140/90 mm Hg between January 1, 2014, and January 1, 2017, in one public health-care delivery system with a high prevalence of end-stage kidney disease among race/ethnic minorities. Logistic regression was used to identify odds of UACR testing within 1 year of a HTN diagnosis, overall, and by racial/ethnic subgroup, adjusted for demographic factors, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and HTN severity. Models were also stratified by diabetes status.ResultsThe cohort (n = 16,414) was racially/ethnically diverse (16% White, 21% Black, 34% Asian, 19% Hispanic, and 10% other) and 51% female. Only 35% of patients had UACR testing within 1 year of a HTN diagnosis. Among individuals without diabetes, odds of UACR testing were higher among Asians, Blacks, and Other subgroups compared to Whites (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.19; 95% CI 1.00-1.42 for Blacks; aOR 1.33; 1.13-1.56 for Asians; aOR 1.30; 1.04-1.60 for Other) but were not significantly different between Hispanics and Whites (aOR 1.17; 0.97-1.39). Among individuals with diabetes, only Asians had higher odds of UACR testing compared to Whites (aOR 1.35; 1.12-1.63).ConclusionsPrevalence of UACR testing among low-income patients with HTN is low in one public health-care delivery system, with higher odds of UACR testing among racial/ethnic minority subgroups compared to Whites without diabetes and similar odds among those with diabetes. If generalizable, less albuminuria testing may not explain higher prevalence of kidney failure in racial/ethnic minorities

Graphical user interface design to improve understanding of the patient-reported outcome symptom response.

BackgroundSymptom monitoring application (SMA) has clinical benefits to cancer patients but patients experience difficulties in using it. Few studies have identified which types of graphical user interface (GUI) are preferred by cancer patients for using the SMA.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study aimed to identify preferred GUI among cancer patients to use SMA. Total of 199 patients were asked to evaluate 8 types of GUIs combining text, icon, illustration, and colors using mixed-methods. Subgroup analyses were performed according to age and gender.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 57 and 42.5% was male. The most preferred GUI was "Text + Icon + Color" (mean = 4.43), followed by "Text + Icon" (mean = 4.39). Older patients (≥ 60 years) preferred "Text + Icon" than younger patients (p for interaction ConclusionSimple and intuitive text and icons were the most useful GUI for cancer patients to use the SMA. Researchers need to be careful when applying realistic face drawings to cancer symptom monitoring applications because they can recall negative images of cancer

Extended Lifetime In Vivo Pulse Stimulated Ultrasound Imaging.

An on-demand long-lived ultrasound contrast agent that can be activated with single pulse stimulated imaging (SPSI) has been developed using hard shell liquid perfluoropentane filled silica 500-nm nanoparticles for tumor ultrasound imaging. SPSI was tested on LnCAP prostate tumor models in mice; tumor localization was observed after intravenous (IV) injection of the contrast agent. Consistent with enhanced permeability and retention, the silica nanoparticles displayed an extended imaging lifetime of 3.3±1 days (mean±standard deviation). With added tumor specific folate functionalization, the useful lifetime was extended to 12 ± 2 days; in contrast to ligand-based tumor targeting, the effect of the ligands in this application is enhanced nanoparticle retention by the tumor. This paper demonstrates for the first time that IV injected functionalized silica contrast agents can be imaged with an in vivo lifetime ~500 times longer than current microbubble-based contrast agents. Such functionalized long-lived contrast agents may lead to new applications in tumor monitoring and therapy

Racial differences in comorbidity profile among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often accompanied by multiple comorbidities, which are associated with an increased risk of exacerbation, a poor health-related quality of life, and high mortality. However, differences in comorbidity profile by race and ethnicity in COPD patients have not been fully elucidated. Methods Participants aged 40 to 79 years with spirometry-defined COPD from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2007–2012) and from the Korea NHANES (2007–2015) were analyzed to compare the prevalence of comorbidities by race and ethnicity group. Comorbidities were defined using questionnaire data, physical exams, and laboratory tests. Results Non-Hispanic Whites had the highest prevalence of dyslipidemia (65.5%), myocardial infarction (6.2%), osteoarthritis (40.1%), and osteoporosis (13.6%), while non-Hispanic Blacks had the highest prevalence of asthma (24.0%), hypertension (70.2%), stroke (7.3%), diabetes mellitus (DM) (23.3%), anemia (16.4%), and rheumatoid arthritis (11.9%). Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension, stroke, DM, anemia, and rheumatoid arthritis after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and smoking status, while Hispanics had a significantly higher prevalence of DM and anemia, and Koreans had significantly lower prevalences of all comorbidities except stroke, DM, and anemia. Conclusions COPD-related comorbidities varied significantly by race and ethnicity, and different strategies may be required for the optimal management of COPD and its comorbidities in different race and ethnicity groups