Pre-Service Elementary School Teachers’ Perceptions Of Themselves As Learners Of Mathematics And Science

Access the online Pressbooks version of this article here. This study investigated how prospective elementary teachers view themselves as learners of mathematics and science during their last year in a teacher preparation program at an American university. Using drawing and reflections as the method for collecting data, prospective teachers were prompted to draw themselves and reflect on learning mathematics and draw themselves and reflect on learning science prior to and after their mathematics and science methods courses. Drawings (n = 147) were coded according to the presence or absence of several themes including physical objects, teachers, students, and environment. The drawings and reflections indicated that the experience of participating in mathematics and science methods courses taught from a social constructivist perspective positively impacted prospective teachers’ conceptions of themselves as learners and in ways consistent with current research-based pedagogies. The research study described here proposes that prospective teachers’ learning experiences in mathematics and science methods classes might impact how they will teach mathematics and science in their future elementary classrooms

The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Hope, and Well-Being Among Rural Latine Adolescents

Considerable research has demonstrated that minority at-risk youth in rural environments experience more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and are more likely to suffer from poor academic performance and severe mental health issues. Results of recent studies of resilience and social support as potential mitigators of ACEs suggest that hope could also mediate these adverse effects. Hope is a component of motivation critical to goal attainment and coping with loss. This study was conducted to examine the role of hope as a mediator of the relationship between ACEs and well-being among rural Latine adolescents. Using Washington State Department of Health Healthy Youth Survey data, a purposeful sample of rural Latine students in 10th and 12th grades was created to examine the extent to which hope mediated the relationship between ACEs and well-being and indicators of academic risk moderated the mediating relationship. Data were analyzed using logistic regression. Results indicated a significant effect of hope as a mediator when ACEs scores are low, and ACEs and academic risk had a stronger influence on well-being than the mediating effect of hope. Further research on hope and other factors that can mitigate the effect of ACEs on academic performance and well-being is encouraged. The findings of this study could have implications for positive social change by guiding programs to help poor, rural adolescents who experience ACEs develop and practice hope skills that connect to their future and a societal purpose outside their own communities

Influência da relação sangue/anticoagulante e da temperatura de armazenamento em parâmetros plaquetários utilizando o analisador Cell Dyn Ruby®

Introduction: The pre-analytical phase directly influences the laboratory result, such as the method of collection, transport, and storage of biological samples. Therefore, the stability of the biological sample is a crucial and determinant aspect of the quality of results in a clinical laboratory. Studies show that some platelet parameters may suffer alterations in the presence of altered blood/anticoagulant ratio, with increased storage time and/or variations in storage temperature, possibly leading to unrepresentative results. This study aimed to investigate the reliability of platelet parameters regarding the effect of the anticoagulant/blood ratio and storage temperature in samples stored for up to 24 hours after collection using the Cell Dyn Ruby® equipment. Methodology: A total of 351 blood samples were evaluated under different analysis periods: 2, 5, 12, and 24 hours and storage methods: at room temperature (25 ⁰C) and 4 ⁰C, in addition to the analysis of anticoagulant/blood ratio. The Platelet parameters selected were: PLT (total platelet count), MPV (mean platelet volume), PDW (Platelet Distribution Width) and PCT (plateletcrit). The imprecision of the results was evaluated by the CVa (%) within the maximum allowed analytical variation, as well as by the mean difference of the results concerning the baseline sample (2 hours). Results: The total platelet count was the only parameter evaluated that showed reproducibility of results in all conditions analyzed. Regarding the other platelet parameters, it could be observed an imprecision of results emitted by Cell Dyn Ruby® after five hours of storage, both at room and refrigerated temperature. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that pre-analytical factors, such as storage temperature and storage time, can affect the variability of platelet parameters, which may produce erroneous results. Thus, the correct blood/anticoagulant ratio must be respected to avoid the late processing of the sample.Introdução: O resultado laboratorial é diretamente influenciado por etapas da fase pré-analítica, como método de coleta, transporte e armazenamento das amostras biológicas. Desta forma, a estabilidade da amostra biológica é um aspecto crucial e determinante para a qualidade dos resultados de um laboratório clínico. Estudos demonstram que alguns parâmetros plaquetários podem sofrer modificações na presença da relação sangue/anticoagulante alterada, com aumento do tempo de estocagem e/ou alterações na temperatura de armazenamento, podendo levar a resultados não representativos. Portanto, o objetivo desse estudo foi investigar a confiabilidade dos parâmetros plaquetários com relação ao efeito da relação anticoagulante/sangue e da temperatura de armazenamento, em amostras estocadas por até 24 horas após a coleta, utilizando o equipamento Cell Dyn Ruby®. Métodos: Foram avaliados 351 hemogramas, em diferentes tempos de análise: 2, 5, 12 e 24 horas e formas de estocagem: à temperatura ambiente (25⁰C) e à 4⁰C, além da relação anticoagulante/sangue. Foram selecionados os seguintes parâmetros plaquetários: PLT (contagem total de plaquetas), VPM (volume plaquetário médio), PDW (amplitude de variação do tamanho das plaquetas) e PCT (plaquetócrito). A confiabilidade dos resultados foi avaliada pelo CVa (%), dentro da variação analítica máxima permitida, assim como pela diferença de média dos resultados em relação à amostra de base (2 horas). Resultados: A contagem total de plaquetas foi o único parâmetro avaliado que apresentou reprodutibilidade de resultados em todas as condições analisadas. Em relação aos demais parâmetros plaquetários, foi observado imprecisão dos resultados emitidos pelo Cell Dyn Ruby®, a partir de 5 horas de estocagem, tanto em temperatura ambiente quanto refrigerada. Conclusão: Este estudo demonstra que fatores pré-analíticos, como a temperatura de armazenamento e o tempo de estocagem, podem afetar a variabilidade dos parâmetros plaquetários, podendo produzir resultados equivocados. Deste modo, deve-se respeitar a correta relação sangue/anticoagulante e evitar o processamento tardio da amostra

Análise da amplitude de distribuição dos eritrócitos (RDW-CV e RDW-SD) em diferentes intervalos de volume corpuscular médio (VCM) / Analysis of red cell distribution width (RDW-CV and RDW-SD) at different intervals of mean corpuscular volume (MCV)

Introdução: A amplitude de distribuição eritrocitária (RDW) demonstra aplicações únicas de diagnóstico que contribuem para uma melhor compreensão sobre a condição do paciente. O RDW expresso como coeficiente de variação (RDW-CV) e como desvio-padrão (RDW-SD) são dados matemáticos e estatísticos que apresentam diferentes formas de obtenção pelo analisador hematológico. Objetivo: Avaliar as variações do RDW-CV e RDW-SD de acordo com diferentes intervalos do volume corpuscular médio (VCM): microcítico, normocítico e macrocítico. Material e Métodos: Os parâmetros avaliados no estudo foram selecionados do analisador hematológico XN-1000® (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan). Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com diferentes intervalos do VCM: microcítico, normocítico e macrocítico. O grau de variação de anisocitose detectado pelas diferentes expressões de RDW foi calculado em porcentagem de aumento em relação aos valores de referência. Resultados: Nos hemogramas com microcitose, 30 (58%) não exibiram alteração para o RDW-SD, no restante houve discrepância entre o grau de variação de anisocitose detectado pelo RDW-CV e RDW-SD e não houve correlação entre os parâmetros. Na normocitose observou-se maior congruência e forte correlação entre RDW-CV e RDW-SD. Na macrocitose o RDW-SD demonstrou grau de variação de anisocitose superior ao RDW-CV na maioria das amostras, com fraca correlação negativa entre RDW-CV e RDW-SD. Conclusão: O analista clínico deve estar atento aos resultados de RDW-CV e RDW-SD na interpretação de anisocitose, principalmente nos hemogramas microcíticos e macrocíticos.  

Prognosis of sciatica and back-related leg pain in primary care: the ATLAS cohort

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Evidence is lacking on the prognosis and prognostic factors of back-related leg pain and sciatica in patients seeing their primary care physicians. This evidence could guide timely appropriate treatment and referral decisions. PURPOSE: The present study aims to describe the prognosis and prognostic factors in primary care patients with low back-related leg pain and sciatica. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE: The present study included adults visiting their family doctor with back-related leg pain in the United Kingdom. OUTCOME MEASURES: Information about pain, function, psychological, and clinical variables, was collected. Good outcome was defined as 30% or more reduction in disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire). METHODS: Participants completed the questionnaires, underwent clinical assessments, received a magnetic resonance imaging scan, and were followed-up 12 months later. Mixed-effects logistic regression evaluated the prognostic value of six a priori defined variable sets (leg pain duration, pain intensity, neuropathic pain, psychological factors, clinical examination, and imaging variables). A combined model, including variables from all models, examined independent effects. The National Institute for Health Research funded the study. There are no conflicts of interest. RESULTS: A total of 609 patients were included. At 12 months, 55% of patients improved in both the total sample and the sciatica group. For the whole cohort, longer leg pain duration (odds ratio [OR] 0.41; confidence interval [CI] 0.19-0.90), higher identity score (OR 0.70; CI 0.53-0.93), and patient's belief that the problem will last a long time (OR 0.27; CI 0.13-0.57) were the strongest independent prognostic factors negatively associated with improvement. These last two factors were similarly negatively associated with improvement in the sciatica subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides new evidence on the prognosis and prognostic factors of back-related leg pain and sciatica in primary care. Just over half of patients improved at 12 months. Patient's belief of recovery timescale and number of other symptoms attributed to the pain are independent prognostic factors. These factors can be used to inform and direct decisions about timing and intensity of available therapeutic options

COVID-19 Risk Factors for Cancer Patients: A First Report with Comparator Data from COVID-19 Negative Cancer Patients

none32siSimple SummaryThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a detrimental impact on cancer patients globally. Whilst there are several studies looking at the potential risk factors for COVID-19 disease and related death, most of these include non-cancerous patients as the COVID-19 negative comparator group, meaning it is difficult to draw hard conclusions as to the implications for cancer patients. In our study, we utilized data from over 2000 cancer patients from a large tertiary Cancer Centre in London. In summary, our study found that patients who are male, of Black or Asian ethnicity, or with a hematological malignancy are at an increased risk of COVID-19. The use of cancer patients as the COVID-19 negative comparator group is a major advantage to the study as it means we can better understand the true impact of COVID-19 on cancer patients and identify which factors pose the biggest risk to their likelihood of infection with SARS-CoV2.Very few studies investigating COVID-19 in cancer patients have included cancer patients as controls. We aimed to identify factors associated with the risk of testing positive for SARS CoV2 infection in a cohort of cancer patients. We analyzed data from all cancer patients swabbed for COVID-19 between 1(st) March and 31(st) July 2020 at Guy's Cancer Centre. We conducted logistic regression analyses to identify which factors were associated with a positive COVID-19 test. Results: Of the 2152 patients tested for COVID-19, 190 (9%) tested positive. Male sex, black ethnicity, and hematological cancer type were positively associated with risk of COVID-19 (OR = 1.85, 95%CI:1.37-2.51; OR = 1.93, 95%CI:1.31-2.84; OR = 2.29, 95%CI:1.45-3.62, respectively) as compared to females, white ethnicity, or solid cancer type, respectively. Male, Asian ethnicity, and hematological cancer type were associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 (OR = 3.12, 95%CI:1.58-6.14; OR = 2.97, 95%CI:1.00-8.93; OR = 2.43, 95%CI:1.00-5.90, respectively). This study is one of the first to compare the risk of COVID-19 incidence and severity in cancer patients when including cancer patients as controls. Results from this study have echoed those of previous reports, that patients who are male, of black or Asian ethnicity, or with a hematological malignancy are at an increased risk of COVID-19.openRussell, Beth; Moss, Charlotte L; Palmer, Kieran; Sylva, Rushan; D'Souza, Andrea; Wylie, Harriet; Haire, Anna; Cahill, Fidelma; Steel, Renee; Hoyes, Angela; Wilson, Isabelle; Macneil, Alyson; Shifa, Belul; Monroy-Iglesias, Maria J; Papa, Sophie; Irshad, Sheeba; Ross, Paul; Spicer, James; Kordasti, Shahram; Crawley, Danielle; Zaki, Kamarul; Sita-Lumsden, Ailsa; Josephs, Debra; Enting, Deborah; Swampillai, Angela; Sawyer, Elinor; Fields, Paul; Wrench, David; Rigg, Anne; Sullivan, Richard; Van Hemelrijck, Mieke; Dolly, SaoirseRussell, Beth; Moss, Charlotte L; Palmer, Kieran; Sylva, Rushan; D'Souza, Andrea; Wylie, Harriet; Haire, Anna; Cahill, Fidelma; Steel, Renee; Hoyes, Angela; Wilson, Isabelle; Macneil, Alyson; Shifa, Belul; Monroy-Iglesias, Maria J; Papa, Sophie; Irshad, Sheeba; Ross, Paul; Spicer, James; Kordasti, Shahram; Crawley, Danielle; Zaki, Kamarul; Sita-Lumsden, Ailsa; Josephs, Debra; Enting, Deborah; Swampillai, Angela; Sawyer, Elinor; Fields, Paul; Wrench, David; Rigg, Anne; Sullivan, Richard; Van Hemelrijck, Mieke; Dolly, Saoirs

Chromatic periodic activity down to 120 MHz in a Fast Radio Burst

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are extragalactic astrophysical transients whose brightness requires emitters that are highly energetic, yet compact enough to produce the short, millisecond-duration bursts. FRBs have thus far been detected between 300 MHz and 8 GHz, but lower-frequency emission has remained elusive. A subset of FRBs is known to repeat, and one of those sources, FRB 20180916B, does so with a 16.3 day activity period. Using simultaneous Apertif and LOFAR data, we show that FRB 20180916B emits down to 120 MHz, and that its activity window is both narrower and earlier at higher frequencies. Binary wind interaction models predict a narrower periodic activity window at lower frequencies, which is the opposite of our observations. Our detections establish that low-frequency FRB emission can escape the local medium. For bursts of the same fluence, FRB 20180916B is more active below 200 MHz than at 1.4 GHz. Combining our results with previous upper-limits on the all-sky FRB rate at 150 MHz, we find that there are 3-450 FRBs/sky/day above 50 Jy ms at 90% confidence. We are able to rule out the scenario in which companion winds cause FRB periodicity. We also demonstrate that some FRBs live in clean environments that do not absorb or scatter low-frequency radiation.Comment: 50 pages, 14 figures, 3 tables, submitte

A cross-sectional study of the development of volitional control of spatial attention in children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) results from a 1.5- to 3-megabase deletion on the long arm of chromosome 22 and occurs in approximately 1 in 4000 live births. Previous studies indicate that children with 22q11.2DS are impaired on tasks involving spatial attention. However, the degree to which these impairments are due to volitionally generated (endogenous) or reflexive (exogenous) orienting of attention is unclear. Additionally, the efficacy of these component attention processes throughout child development in 22q11.2DS has yet to be examined.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Here we compared the performance of a wide age range (7 to 14 years) of children with 22q11.2DS to typically developing (TD) children on a comprehensive visual cueing paradigm to dissociate the contributions of endogenous and exogenous attentional impairments. Paired and two-sample t-tests were used to compare outcome measures within a group or between groups. Additionally, repeated measures regression models were fit to the data in order to examine effects of age on performance.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We found that children with 22q11.2DS were impaired on a cueing task with an endogenous cue, but not on the same task with an exogenous cue. Additionally, it was younger children exclusively who were impaired on endogenous cueing when compared to age-matched TD children. Older children with 22q11.2DS performed comparably to age-matched TD peers on the endogenous cueing task.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These results suggest that endogenous but not exogenous orienting of attention is selectively impaired in children with 22q11.2DS. Additionally, the age effect on cueing in children with 22q11.2DS suggests a possible altered developmental trajectory of endogenous cueing.</p