Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Improving Handoffs Between Outpatient Clinics And Acute Cancer Care Centers At A Tertiary Oncology Hospital Using A Quality Improvement Methodology, Mini George, Mohamed Ait Aiss, Gabriele Urschel, Maria Franco Vega, Susan Gaeta, Diane Bodurka

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Accrediting agencies recommend safe and accurate transfer of clinical information during care transitions. At our institution, a tertiary care cancer hospital, ambulatory clinic providers use multiple methods for communicating essential information to emergency care providers. Therefore, we initiated a quality improvement project using a standardized electronic handoff during the transfer of care between providers at outpatient clinics and acute cancer care centers. The project was launched in May 2023 and aimed to achieve electronic handoff for 70% or more of ambulatory care patients transferred to emergency care by October 2023. A multidisciplinary team developed an electronic handoff, provided training, and …

Informed Practices And Resources For Facilitating Community-Based Writing Groups, Cassandra M. Normand

Journal of Creative Writing Studies

Community-based writing groups have been found to positively impact attendees’ well-being; however, little research examines informed practices that beginning group facilitators can utilize to facilitate groups. This study interviewed 23 professionals from across the U.S. and compiled main themes for effectively facilitating writing groups. The four themes are as follows: 1). Creating a brave, caring atmosphere is key, 2). Networking is critical, 3). There are individual, group, and organizational challenges, 4). Understanding the facilitator’s role is essential. Through an in-depth discussion of themes, the researcher encourages others to start their own writing groups in their communities.

Solution-Focused Brief Group Counseling As An Effort To Reduce Phubbing Behavior Among High School Students, Awalya Siska Pratiwi, Arbin Janu Setiyowati, Im Hambali, Siti Syazwani Zulkuple

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

The act of phubbing has been observed to disengage from their surroundings, often finding greater comfort in solitude with their mobile phones. The research objective was to ascertain the efficacy of solution-focused brief group counseling to reduce phubbing behavior in high school students. This study employed a quasi-experimental quantitative research methodology with a pretest-posttest control group design. A total of 10 students, exhibiting a high level of phubbing behavior, were divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. The results of the Two-Independent-Sample Test-Mann-Whitney U test are presented in the Asymp .sig column, with a value of …

Rational Emotive Behavior Group Counseling To Reduce Toxic Masculinity In The Patriarchal Culture Of High School Students, Bakhrudin All Habsy, Rukhil Amania, Michael Adeniyi Omoyemiju

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

Toxic masculinity is a social construct in patriarchal societies, characterizing male attitudes that dominate and accentuate gender inequality with women in lower positions, influencing detrimental behavioral patterns. This research aims to examine the effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavior Group Counseling in reducing toxic masculinity behaviors among high school students within the context of patriarchal culture. The study employed an experimental design with a pretest and posttest control group arrangement. From the Toxic masculinity inventory measurements, twelve students with high levels of toxic masculinity characteristics were identified. Subject selection was randomized, with six students in each experimental and control group. Data …

Social Media Usage And Peer Pressure As Predictors Of Substance Abuse Among In-School Adolescents In Kwara State, Nigeria, Mariam Bukola Alwajud-Adewusi, Olayemi Zainab Oduola, Bolanle Ifabiyi

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

Substance abuse among youngsters in Nigeria is worrisome. Its consequences include acute, chronic diseases as well as social and psychological ailments. Immediate intervention is essentially paramount to prevent the future of the younger generation. Thus, this study investigated social media usage and peer pressure as predictors of substance abuse among in-school adolescents in Kwara state, Nigeria. The study was a survey research. The population of this study comprised all in-school adolescents in Secondary Schools in Kwara State which estimated at 247,845. The sample size of 403 participated in the study. An instrument entitled “Social Media Usage, Peer Pressure and Substance …

Psychological Assessment Is Here To Stay, Irving B. Weiner

Archives of Assessment Psychology

Psychological assessment is based on the psychology of individual differences and dates back to the beginnings of scientific psychology. Clinical psychology began as a profession that provided psychological assessment, and through the 1950s assessment was what most clinical psychologists did most of the time. The value and propriety of psychological assessment was subsequently challenged on various grounds, and other activities gradually supplanted diagnostic testing as a preferred career role among clinical psychologists. Despite predictions of its demise, assessment has continued to be the second most frequent professional activity of clinical psychologists, after psychotherapy. Instead of fading away, psychological assessment has …

Wais-Iv Index And Full Scale Intelligence Quotient Score Differences Between Standard And Prorated Scoring Methods, Traci Wimberly Olivier, Charles Golden, Amarilis Acevedo, Victoria I. Sterk, Kristina M. Espinosa, Kayla M. Spengler

Archives of Assessment Psychology

Standard scoring methods for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) require that all core subtests be used to compute index scores, yet it is possible to prorate certain indices using a reduced number of subtests. The purpose of this study is to explore differences in WAIS-IV Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, and Full Scale IQ Index scores as a result of using standard versus prorated scoring methods. Participants were 149 adults, ages 18 to 84 who were previously administered the WAIS-IV. Protocols were scored using standard scoring methods and then re-scored using each alternate proration combination for Verbal Comprehension, …

The Mmpi-Arc And Mmpi-Af Scales: Psychometric Properties Of The Mmpi-2-Rf’S Restructured Clinical (Rc) And Higher Order Factor Scales When Adapted For Use With Archival Adolescent Mmpi Data., Susan L. Trumbetta, P. Kevin Bolinskey, Irving I. Gottesman

Archives of Assessment Psychology

Objective: To explore the psychometric properties of MMPI-adapted versions of the MMPI-2-RF’s RC and factor scales when applied to archival adolescent MMPI data. Method: We explored the internal consistency, temporal stability, and convergent and criterion validity of newly derived MMPI-adapted RC scales and MMPI-adapted higher-order factors (MMPI-ARC and MMPI-AF) using data from the first normative adolescent MMPI samples: 3,971 ninth graders assessed in Minneapolis public schools in 1947-1948 and 11,329 ninth graders assessed statewide in 1954. Results: Most MMPI-ARC and MMPI-AF scales showed good internal reliability, which did not vary uniformly with the proportion of available items. The MMPI-ARC scales …

Assess The Impact Of Prophylactic Measures And Adjunctive Medications In Preventing Covid-19 Infections And Lowering The Rates Of Affected Cases Worsening :A Comparative Study, Zainab Najim Abdul-Nabi, Nadheerah F Neamah, Noora Sgheerghaleb

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Repurposed medications were the only means of aiding in the prevention and initial treatment of COVID-19 infections in the lack of effective treatment, objective: The goal of this study is to determine whether preventive measures affect the rate of COVID-19 infection in the contact people and whether age, sex, and medication use correlate to prognosis.

Methods

The questionnaire responses were used as a source of data, and 829 patients have a full recovery. With the exception of 114 volunteers who interacted with COVID-19 patients, the patients served as respondents; however, their outcomes were negative.

Results

The use …

How Is The Psychological Well-Being Of The Prospective Counselor: The Perma-Profiler, Yessika Nurmasari, Moh. Khoerul Anwar, Muhsin Muhsin, Do Mai Lam

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

Well-being is one of the factors that prospective counselors continue to develop themselves and their profession. The research aims to provide an overview of the psychological well-being of prospective counselors. The study used the PERMA-Profiler measurement, distributed to Islamic Counseling Guidance students at UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung. The data were analyzed by quantitative descriptive with simple random sampling. The attachment indicator (E) is the largest at 7.48, followed by the positive emotion indicator (P) at 7.44, the meaningfulness indicator (M) with a score of 7.39, the relationship indicator ® with a score of 7.21, the achievement indicator (A) with …

Lateral Flow Immunoassay Test Strips And Vibrational Spectroscopy For Mobile Detection Of Fentanyl, Sophia Rau

D.U.Quark

There is an increasing number of opioid-related crime scenes, resulting in more evidence that must be tested in a forensic laboratory. New fentanyl analogs are constantly being created, posing significant challenges for drug identification. This increase in drug-related crime and new substances cannot be effectively managed using current forensic technologies. There is a need for on-scene substance testing of unknown substances to improve the speed of testing of collected evidence and for the safety of responders. This review evaluates the impacts of fentanyl test strips, infrared absorption spectrometers, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectrometers as portable forensic instruments. The development and …

Forearm Muscle Alterations During Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction, Jacob Hutchison, Mark Timmons, Brandon Jones

Appalachian Student Healthcare Research Review

Background: This study evaluated the relationship between grip strength and forearm skeletal muscle architecture during maximal grip contractions. Grip strength is a gauge for many different health related attributes, yet research on muscle architecture has been primarily completed in lower limb studies. This study aims to develop a better understanding of how biomechanical architecture of muscle operates to produce force during maximal isometric contractions of the forearms.

Methods: Sixteen individuals participated in this investigation (12 males, 4 females, mean age: 20.6 ± 2.5 years, mean height: 177.8 ± 8.3cm, mean weight: 79.2 ± 17.6Kg). Participants tested grip strength by performing …

Assessment Of The Relationship Between Particulate Matter Level And Respiratory Diseases In Dogs And Cats In Bangkok, Thailand, Nattawan Tangmahakul, Janenisa Klomklao, Damisa Thanyapornsombat, Tuangphon Lertsubkhajohn, Wiphawa Piboonlapudom, Satraporn Mettaviparee, Sirilak Disatian Surachetpong

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Particulate matter (PM) 2.5 has become a serious pollution concern in many countries, including Thailand. Due to its small particle size, PM2.5 can penetrate deep into pulmonary tissues, posing health risks to humans. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that PM2.5 may also cause respiratory diseases in dogs and cats. This study aimed to evaluate a relationship between PM2.5 levels and the number of dogs and cats visiting due to respiratory problems in Bangkok, Thailand, and to investigate potential environmental factors that may contribute to these health outcomes. A total of 184 dogs and 73 cats were included in the study. Medical …

Impact Of Colostrum Lactose Concentration In Relation To Metabolomic Profiles On Kid Growth Performance Of Black Bengal Goats, Tien Thi Phuong Vo, Chollada Buranakarl, Sumonwan Chamsuwan, Sumpun Thammacharoen, Morakot Nuntapaitoon, Sarn Settachaimongkon

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Colostrum composition, including lactose concentration in relation to metabolomic profiles on kids’ growth performance of Black Bengal goats, has not yet been elucidated. Macronutrients, including lactose and metabolomic profiles, were determined in 37 colostrum samples using MilkoScan and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance technique, respectively. Kids’ growth performance, including birth weight, average daily gain at 0–4 weeks (ADG0-4W), 4–8 weeks (ADG4-8W), and wean weight were determined. A total of 51 metabolites were detected in the colostrum. From the general linear model for univariate analysis, kids born from multiple litter sizes showed lower ADG during the first month postpartum (P = 0.004). …

Is There A Role Of Adding Defibrillation To Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy For Primary Prevention In Patients With Heart Failure And Reduced Ejection Fraction?, Hong Yee Lim, Yew Chung Chan, Wee Lee Chin, Soot Keng Ma

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a major global health concern, and the mortality rate remains high despite advances in medical and device therapies. Cardiac resynchronization therapy with a pacemaker (CRT-P) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapies have demonstrated efficacy in improving outcomes for patients with heart failure, but their roles in combination for primary prevention remain under ongoing investigation. This review explores the current literature on the role of adding defibrillation to CRT for primary prevention in HFrEF patients. We examine key studies, mechanisms of action, and clinical outcomes to evaluate the benefits, risks, and future directions of …

Future Perspective Of Pulse Field Ablation For Atrial Fibrillation, Ka-Ying Li, Ho-Ting Ngan, Chu-Pak Lau, Hung-Fat Tse

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

Pulse field ablation (PFA) represents cutting edge technique in cardiac electrophysiology designed to treat arrhythmias. Unlike traditional catheter ablation methods that rely on thermal energy to create heart lesions, PFA employs pulsed electric fields to trigger irreversible electroporation, resulting in precise tissue ablation. This comprehensive review explores the mechanisms and clinical uses of PFA, emphasizing its potential benefits over conventional ablation techniques and exploring its limitations. It also examines clinical data on current PFA devices, which offer consistent procedural outcome and lower risk of thermal related complications. These developments have driven rapid advancements of modern PFA catheters, with future innovations …

Analysis Of Skeletal Trauma: Examining Current And Potential, Maia Stevenson

D.U.Quark

Skeletal trauma is an important component of death investigations which is often discovered through postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) scanning. The analysis of skeletal trauma is a key process in the medicolegal field which could provide information on the cause and manner of death of the individual. Though PMCT provides useful imaging data for discovery, there is a lack of reliable technological tools for analyzation of such data. More definitive skeletal reconstruction tools and injury mechanism categorization tools would increase the efficiency of the post-mortem examination process. This review observes the current methods of discovering skeletal trauma through PMCT and surveys …

Analysis Of Differentially Expressed Genes (Deg) And Upstream Regulator Proteins Indicates That Inhibition Of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (Tgfb1) Is A Potential Target For Acne Inversa, Weri Veranita, Siva Fauziah, Siti Nurbaya

Indonesian Journal of Medical Chemistry and Bioinformatics

Acne inversa (AI) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by painful nodules, abscesses, and scarring, primarily in intertriginous areas. This study aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for managing acne inversa based on the analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEG). The expression targets of these genes were then validated for their potential as biomarkers, and upstream regulator proteins (URPs) were identified from the resulting DEG. DEG analysis on the GEO dataset GSE122592 (acne inversa vs. healthy donor skin) revealed five DEG that can serve as biomarkers for acne inversa, with a sensitivity and specificity of (100%). These DEG—IL10, GZMB, …

Crossword: Test Your Biology!, Sukie Weinger

Osmosis Magazine

Biology themed Crossword Puzzle.

Intelligence Without An 'I': "I Think, Therefore I Am", Darshan Shah

Osmosis Magazine

From Billie Eilish hits to corny Pinterest tattoos, Rene Descartes’ famous dictum is embedded in modern Western consciousness. But, like all philosophy, it operates within a paradigm of assumptions about the world that remain open to challenge. Over centuries of Cartesian influence, these assumptions have become invisible in our philosophies and sciences, informing the very questions we ask about intelligence and where we search for it in the world.

Zealandan Interview With Dr.Kristine Grayson From Aotearoa New Zealand, Paxton Mills

Osmosis Magazine

ZealandDr. Kristine Grayson, Associate Professor of Biology, has been passionate about science and travel, particularly toAotearoa New Zealand, for some time.

The Undergraduate Research Experience At Ur, Eve Snyder

Osmosis Magazine

toAnyone who has attended the University of Richmond (UR)can attest to the unparalleled experience that is conducting research. Here, the focus is on nurturing well-versed scientists that are capable of critical thinking, deductive reasoning, and problem solving.

Campus As A Living Lab At Ur: What’S Working & What’S Next, Jack Dupuy

Osmosis Magazine

Living labs—real-world experimental environments where diverse stakeholders ranging from local communities and businesses to universities and governments can collaboratively develop, test, and refine solutions—have become an increasingly popular method for tackling complex societal challenges in areas such as energy, urban planning, and environmental sustainability. Unlike controlled laboratory settings, living labs leverage real-world conditions to test innovations in authentic contexts, fostering systemic change by aligning research with local needs.

Droughts, Destruction, And Displacement: How Climate Change Exacerbates Violence In The Sahel, Stevi Dugas

Osmosis Magazine

February 2023 through January 2024 marked the first 12- month period that global average temperatures exceeded the 1.5°C benchmark proposed in the Paris Climate Agreement, indicating early signs of coming dangerously close to exceeding a permanent 1.5°C increase in global average temperatures. Permanently exceeding the 1.5°C benchmark is expected to lead to increasingly frequent and dangerous extreme weather events such as droughts and wildfires, while also increasing the risk of climate tipping points such as collapse of coral reef systems (UN, n.d.). Though no place is safe from the effects of climate change, few places on Earth will be hit …

Monty Hall Problem: Will You Win A Car?, Tien Nguyen Chu

Osmosis Magazine

Suppose you’re on a game show. There are three closed doors. Behind one is a brand-new car; behind the other two, goats. You pick a door. The host, who knows what’s behind all the doors, opens one of the remaining doors to reveal a goat. Now you’re offered a choice: stick with your original door or switch to the other unopened one. What should you do? Will changing your choice increase your chances of winning the car - or or does it make no difference at all?

Myth Or Fact: Does Teethwhitening Really Work?, Garrett Mayover

Osmosis Magazine

Teeth whitening has rapidly gained popularity as one of the most sought-after dental cosmetic procedures today. Once an exclusive treatment performed primarily by dental professionals, it has now expanded into the mainstream market, with store shelves stocked full of “natural” alternatives and “affordable” whitening strips. But the pressing question remains: do these strips actually work, or are they just a marketing gimmick? This article aims to uncover the truth. We will first explorethe science behind teeth whitening and then delve into the effectiveness andpotential drawbacks of these popular over-the-counter products.

The Science Behind Covid Testing, Zion Kim

Osmosis Magazine

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared a COVID-19 pandemic (“CDC…”, 2024). We all remember the days we had to wear masks, shove cotton swabs into our noses and mouths, and quarantine ourselves from others after being infected by the COVID-19 virus. We take this test all the time and trust their accuracy, but we never stop to ask how they work. We all know that a double line indicates an infection of COVID-19, but why?

Arsenic & The Princess Bride: How Your Body Handles Poison, Martin Jara

Osmosis Magazine

It’s a simply iconic scene from a simply iconic movie; in the cult classic film The Princess Bride, the protagonist Westley faces off against the scoundrel Vizzini in a battle of wits to rescue his true love. The challenge is simple: each man is given a chalice, one of them containing poisonous iocane powder. Colorless, odorless, tasteless, and soluble in water, Vizzini must choose the unpoisoned chalice off wits alone. However, he chooses wrong, dying instantly.

Not Human Enough: The Origins Of The Uncanny Valley, Franklin Young

Osmosis Magazine

Why do we feel creeped out when we see something almost human—like a lifelike robot or a bad CGI character? This phenomenon, known as the uncanny valley, describes the uncomfortable emotional response humans experience when encountering entities that appear nearly, but not quite, human. First introduced by Japanese robotics professor Masahiro Mori in 1970, the concept suggests that as objects become more humanlike in appearance, our emotional response to them becomes increasingly positive —until reaching a point where subtle imperfections trigger strong feelings of revulsion.

The Neurobiology Of Schizophrenia: Reduced Brain Volume And Its Implications, Erlinda Sali

Osmosis Magazine

Schizophrenia is a neurological disorder that is highly complex and often misunderstood. Characterized by hallucinations and delusions, disorders of thought and speech, behavior, and emotions, schizophrenia is more complex than how the media portrays it.