A Tool for Developing Questionnaire Content

CD-DIAL, a community survey unit at Iowa State University Extension, has developed a process for generating the content of data collection instruments such as surveys and focus groups. This participative process uses three statements and the knowledge of community or organization members to identify significant issues and collect useable data for program development, long range planning, and evaluation. The goal, the setting, a description of the three statements, and examples of typical outcomes are described

Use of Machine Learning for Non-Invasive Identification of Tumors

Under Utah Valley University (UVU) Physics Department the Center for Imaging and Biophotonic Experiments Advancing Medicine. (CIBEAM) is focused on techniques for early cancer detection. The undergraduate based research project with the instruction of Dr. Vern Hart has developed a methodology using the scattering profile of a laser through a specimen to classify between different cancer cell types with machine learning algorithms. This technique works by passing a near-infrared (NIR) laser through a cell monolayer and collecting the scattering profile. Thousands of images are collected for the purpose of training a artificially intelligent convolution neural network as well as to build a testing dataset for verification. Additionally, this group has focused on involving many students in various research thanks to the many facets required for this project such as lasers, fabrication, 3D printing, cell growth, and machine learning

LMDA Canada Newsletter, May 2004

Contents include: Letter from LMDA Canada Chair, Creative Dramaturgy and New Play Development: A Preview of Canadian Theatre Review 119 Summer 2004, LMDA Canada Meeting Friday March 5 2004, LMDA Canada Membership Listhttps://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/lmdanewsletter/1031/thumbnail.jp

Personalising care of adults with asthma from Asia:a modified e-Dephi consensus study to inform management tailored to attitude and control profiles

Mundipharma Pte Ltd provided funding for the e-Delphi Process. The process was run and coordinated by the Respiratory Effectiveness Group (REG).Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Marjolin's ulcers: theories, prognostic factors and their peculiarities in spina bifida patients

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Due to improved care, more and more children born with spina bifida in rural Kenya are surviving into adulthood. This improved survival has led to significant challenges in their lifestyles, especially the need to ensure pressure ulcer prevention and treatment. Malignant degeneration of pressure ulcers in spina bifida patients is very rare. The author describes the clinical presentation of two pressure ulcer carcinomas that are at variance from classical descriptions.</p> <p>Materials and methods</p> <p>An internet/Medline/PubMed search of English literature for theories on Marjolin's ulcer evolution and prognostic features of Marjolin's ulcers was performed.</p> <p>A chart review of two young adults with spina bifida who had presented to the author's hospital between 2004 and August 2010 with chronic pressure ulcers found to be Marjolin's ulcers on histo-pathological examination was performed, and the clinical features are reported.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The two ulcers appeared clinically benign: one was a deep ulcer, while the other was shallow; both had normal, benign-appearing edges, and a foul smelling discharge. The two ulcers were surrounded by induration and multiple communicating sinuses, with no evidence of chronic osteomyelitis. The internet search revealed a total of nine theories on Marjolin's ulcer development, as well as seven clinical and four histological prognostic features.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The multifactorial theory, a coalescence of a number of proposed theories, best explains the evolution of Marjolin's ulcers. Poor prognostic features include pressure ulcer carcinomas, lesions and location in the lower limbs/trunks, all present in the two patients making their prognosis dim: this is despite the surgical margins being clear of tumor. Benign appearance, induration and presence of multiple communicating sinuses are features that have not been previously described as presenting features of pressure ulcers carcinomas.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>There is need for spina bifida patients and their guardians/caretakers to receive a close follow-up throughout life; health education focused on pressure ulcer prevention as well as early treatment of pressure ulcers when they occur, will avert the development of Marjolin's ulcers, and save lives.</p

PERCEIVE: PrEdiction of Risk and Communication of outcome following major lower limb amputation - a collaboratIVE study

Major Lower Limb Amputation (MLLA) is a life changing event with significant morbidity and mortality. Inaccurate risk prediction can lead to poor decision making, resulting in delay to definitive surgery, or undertaking amputation when not in the patient’s best interest. We aim to answer: In adult patients undergoing MLLA for chronic limb threatening ischaemia or diabetes, how accurately do health care professionals prospectively predict outcomes after MLLA, and how does this compare to existing prediction tools? Methods A multicentre prospective observational cohort study is being delivered through the Vascular and Endovascular Research Network. Dissemination was via an existing network of contacts and social media. Consecutive data will be collected for seven months from site launch date, including demographic data and pre-operative outcome predictions from surgeons, anaesthetists, and allied healthcare professionals. Follow-up data will comprise 30-day (mortality, morbidity, MLLA revision, surgical site infection, and blood transfusion) and 1-year (mortality, MLLA revision and ambulation). The accuracy of surgeons’ predictions will be evaluated and compared to pre-existing risk prediction scoring tools. Results PERCEIVE launched on 01/10/2020 with 23 centres (16 UK, 7 international) registered to collect data. 50 other centres (27 UK, 23 international) have expressed interest/are pursuing local audit/ethical approval. We aim to collect data on clinicians estimate of outcomes for over 500 patients. Discussion This study will utilise a trainee research network to provide data on the accuracy of healthcare professionals’ predictions of outcomes following MLLA and compare this to the utility of existing prediction tools in this patient cohort

ROLE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL IN ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

This research examines the relationship of social capital, measured at the community level, to community and economic development outcomes. We empirically examine the independent influence of social capital on development outcomes as well as social capital's interactive effect with other community characteristics including human capital, economic, and locational factors