Examining Narrative Sonification: Using First-Person Retrospection Methods to Translate Radio Production to Interaction Design

We present a first-person, retrospective exploration of two radio sonification pieces that employ narrative scaffolding to teach audiences how to listen to data. To decelerate and articulate design processes that occurred at the rapid pace of radio production, the sound designer and producer wrote retrospective design accounts. We then revisited the radio pieces through principles drawn from guidance design, data storytelling, visualization literacy, and sound studies. Finally, we speculated how these principles might be applied through interactive, voice-based technologies. First-person methods enabled us to access the implicit knowledge embedded in radio production and translate it to technologies of interest to the human–computer-interaction community, such as voice user interfaces that rely on auditory display. Traditionally, sonification practitioners have focused more on generating sounds than on teaching people how to listen; our process, however, treated sound and narrative as a holistic, sonic-narrative experience. Our first-person retrospection illuminated the role of narrative in designing to support people as they learn to listen to data.

Comparison of abnormalities in the sequence of growth stages in the skeletal maturity index vs cervical vertebral maturation: A retrospective study

ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate the frequency of abnormal progression that could ultimately affect the reliability of the skeletal maturity index (SMI) and the cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) method that are most commonly used analyses for skeletal age assessment. Materials and Methods A retrospective design was used to compare 299 hand-wrist radiographs with 299 lateral skull radiographs regarding the number of abnormalities in the proposed sequence of maturation in the SMI and CVM methods. Results A significantly greater number of abnormalities occurred in the sequence of CVM progression compared with SMI (P < .001). Sex and age did not have an effect. Conclusions Skeletal age assessment based on SMI is more accurate than CVM regarding the progressive sequence of stages.

Inconsistent reporting of life experiences: What people think and how they explain it?

Assessment of life experiences relies mainly on cross-sectional retrospective design, despite the concerns regarding inconsistent reports. Studies suggest that some individuals change their answers when asked repeatedly, but common opinions underlying this behaviour remain unknown. Our study explored personal perceptions regarding inconsistent reporting and identified associated reasons including individual, experiences-related, and design-related characteristics. Seventy-two individuals, enrolled in a longitudinal study about life experiences, answered a measure about general perceptions and involved reasons. Participants seemed to be aware that inconsistent reporting is a common behaviour, which highly impact on research. A cluster analysis revealed two clusters (i.e., variables involved versus not involved). Most disagreed that sociodemographic variables influence inconsistency, whereas memory, mood, valence, impact, mode of data collection, and interviewer features were pointed as key-variables. Our results suggest that inconsistent reporting is not straightforward and it is probably rooted in a varied and complex set of variables.

Blood Eosinophils and Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD

Background. Blood eosinophils predict the response to therapy, risk of exacerbation, and readmission in COPD. This study investigates whether blood eosinophils predict pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) outcomes in COPD. Methods. We categorized patients into eosinophilic (blood eosinophils ≥300 cells/ml) or noneosinophilic (<300 cells/ml). In a retrospective design, we compared changes within and between the two groups on BODE index, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), FEV1, and mMRC dyspnea scale. Results. Of 206 patients enrolled, 176 were included for analysis; 90 were eosinophilic. BODE index improved in both groups: (MD −1.25; 95% CI (−0.45, −4.25), P ≤ 0.001 ) in the eosinophilic and (MD −1.33; 95% CI (−1.72, −0.94), P ≤ 0.001 ) in the noneosinophilic, but a higher BODE index remained in the eosinophilic (4.98); adjusted mean change (β): 0.7 (95% CI (0.15, 1.26), P = 0.01 ). 6MWT improved by 29.3 m in the eosinophilic (95% CI (14.2, 44.4), P ≤ 0.001 ) vs. 115.1 m in the noneosinophilic (95% CI (−30.4, 260.6), P = 0.12 ). FEV1 did not change in the eosinophilic (MD −0.6; 95% CI (−2.64, 1.48), P = 0.58 ), but improved by 2.5% in the noneosinophilic (MD 2.5; 95% CI (0.77, 4.17), P = 0.005 ). There were no significant between-group differences in 6MWT and FEV1; adjusted mean changes (β) were −9.69 m (95% CI (−39.51, 20.14), P = 0.52 ) and −2.31% (95% CI (−5.69, 1.08), P = 0.18 ), respectively. There were no significant within- or between-group changes in the mMRC scale. Conclusion. Although PR improves the BODE index in both eosinophilic and noneosinophilic COPD, a higher eosinophil count (≥300 cells/ml) is associated with a higher (worse) BODE index. Blood eosinophils may predict PR outcomes.

How Much the Swimming Performance Leading to Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Was Impaired Due to the Covid-19 Lockdown?

The aim of this study was to analyze the progression and stability in the performance of world-ranked swimmers from 2015 to 2020, and the impairment induced by the COVID-19 lockdown. An observational retrospective design over five consecutive competitive seasons was selected. FINA’s male Top-50 who were qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games were considered in freestyle, backstroke, backstroke, and butterfly events. A total of 515 male swimmers and 2060 season-best performances were analyzed. All data was retrieved from two open-access and public websites (Swimrankings and Swimcloud). Repeated measures ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post-hoc test was performed to analyze the variation between seasons. Stabilization in performance was assessed using spearman correlation coefficients. A significant improvement in performance ≈0.5-2.5% was found in most of the strokes and race distances until the 2018-2019 season. The 2020 lockdown impaired the performance by 1-2%. Moderate to high associations were found in the 2017-2018 season when considering the 2019-2020 performance. The breaststroke was the only stroke with a moderate-high stability (r > 0.40) in all race distances considering the overall time period. It can be concluded that world-ranked swimmers’ performance was impaired by 1-2% due to the COVID-19 lockdown, returning to levels that were reached two years earlier.

Profile of dermatology inpatients and admissions over a four year period in a tertiary level government teaching hospital in North India

Background: Although dermatology is mostly an outpatient specialty, some patients with severe skin disease need hospital admission for management. There is a paucity of data regarding the profile of these dermatology in-patient admissions. Aims: We studied the profile of patients admitted to the dermatology ward of our tertiary care government hospital in North India. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of discharge sheets of patients admitted in the dermatology ward from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017. Results: Discharge sheets of 2032 admissions for 1664 patients were analyzed. The most common diagnoses in the admitted patients were immunobullous disorders (576, 28%), connective tissue diseases (409, 20%), infections, including leprosy and sexually transmitted infections (179, 8.8%), psoriasis (153, 7.5%) and reactive arthritis (92, 4.5%). The mean duration of admission was 13.95±11.67 days (range 1-118 days). Two hundred and fifty-six patients (15.38%) were re-admitted, accounting for 368 (18.11%) re-admissions. Patients with immunobullous disorders (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.29-2.28) and psoriasis (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.02-2.55) were more likely to be re-admitted. Adult patients, those who were admitted for more than four weeks, those who had comorbidities, and those who developed a complication during the hospital stay also had a greater likelihood of being re-admitted. Limitations: The retrospective design of the study, and the non-availability of data regarding transfers to other specialties or intensive care units and deaths were the main limitations of this study. Conclusion: This study describes the profile of patients admitted in a dermatology ward of a tertiary care centre center in North India. The patient profile and admission characteristics associated with a higher probability of re-admission were identified.

Clinical Outcomes of Posterior Percutaneous Endoscopic Cervical Foraminotomy and Discectomy Assisted with SNRB in Treating Cervical Radiculopathy with Diagnostic Uncertainty

BACKGROUND: Selective nerve root block (SNRB) has been used to facilitate the diagnostic process when radiologic abnormalities are not correlated with clinical symptomatology in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Meanwhile, minimally invasive posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical foraminotomy and discectomy (PPECFD) has been widely used to treat cervical radiculopathy because of its advantages. However, combination of these 2 procedures in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy with diagnostic uncertainty has not been reported. OBJECTIVES: To examine the clinical outcomes of PPECFD assisted with SNRB in patients who had cervical radiculopathy with diagnostic uncertainty. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective design was used. SETTING: This study was conducted in a university-affiliated tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China. METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients with cervical radicular pain who had diagnostic uncertainty were included (January 2018 to January 2019). Diagnostic SNRB was performed to identify the responsible nerve root(s). PPECFD was selected as the treatment when the SNRB result was positive. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and modified Macnab criteria. Pre- and post-operative radiologic and clinical parameters were evaluated. Other information was retrieved from the electronic records. RESULTS: All patients had successful SNRB procedures. Four were excluded from the analysis because of the negative results of the SNRB. Among the remaining 26 patients who underwent the subsequent PPECFD surgery, the mean follow-up was 14 months. Compared with preoperative values, the mean VAS scores for radicular arm pain and neck pain, as well as the NDI score, improved significantly. According to the Macnab criteria, 22 patients (84.6%) had excellent or good results. No major peri- and postoperative complications were observed. LIMITATIONS: This study used a retrospective design with relatively small sample size and medium follow-up duration. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic SNRB may be a helpful tool to identify the origin of cervical radicular pain for patients with diagnostic uncertainty. With the guidance of SNRB, PPECFD is likely to be an effective and safe option for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy with diagnostic uncertainty. KEY WORDS: Cervical radiculopathy, selective nerve root block, percutaneous endoscopic cervical foraminotomy and discectomy, diagnostic, uncertainty

Profil Pasien Eritroderma di Rumah Sakit Pertamina Bintang Amin Periode Januari 2016 – Desember 2019

Erythroderma is an inflammation of the skin that affects 90% or more of the skin surface area, and can be accompanied by squama. Several case reports found the incidence of erythroderma in men is greater than in women, with cases 2:1 to 4:1, and an average age of 41–61 years. Erythrodermic therapy must be adapted to the conditions of the disease. The mortality rate depends on the cause of erythroderma. Due to the lack of research data on erythroderma, researchers want to see more of the characteristics of the disease. Objectives To determine the profile of Erythroderma patients at Pertamina Bintang Amin Hospital in the period 2 January 2016 - 31 December 2019. Method This study used an observational descriptive method with a retrospective design, sampling with total sampling. Results This study showed that the highest incidence of erythroderma occurred in 2016 many as 11 people (50.0%). The majority of erythrodermic patients were male many as 13 people (59.1%). Erythrodermic patients >60 years of age occupy the highest position in the age distribution many as 14 people (63.6%). The highest cause of erythroderma was the expansion of the disease by 11 people (50.0%). Management mostly given to erythrodermic patients was oral corticosteroids + moisturizers + antihistamines as many as 12 people (54.5%).Conclusion: Highest incidence in 2016, Erythrodermic patients >60 years of age occupy the highest ,The majority of erythrodermic patients were male, cause of erythroderma was the expansion of the disease, Management mostly given to erythrodermic patients was oral corticosteroids + moisturizers + antihistamines.

Atypical Antipsychotic Induced Weight Gain in Schizophrenic Patients

Atypical antipsychotics are widely prescribed and have the potential to cause weight gain, which may result in the development of metabolic syndrome. Also, it is important to monitor the use of atypical antipsychotic for metabolic disturbance. The purpose of this study is to determine the side effects of atypical antipsychotics in increasing body weight in schizophrenia patients after 4 weeks of use. Furthermore, a retrospective design was conducted and data were collected based on consecutive sampling in 80 adult psychiatric inpatients (20 women and 60 men) with initial diagnoses of schizophrenia and with the same daily nutrition. The patients were hospitalized from January to March 2019, within the term (over 4 weeks) of initiation atypical antipsychotic. The patient body weight was collected before and 4 weeks after the treatment of atypical antipsychotic. The results showed that patients (20 women and 60 men) receiving atypical antipsychotic had a mean age of 35.6 years and a percentage of 70% women and 56% men had a weight gain of 1–5 kg over 4 weeks. The mean weight observed among our subjects increased from 57.55±10.743 kg to 59.83±12.205 kg after initiating treatment (p=0.001). However, the dual combination of atypical antipsychotics risperidone and clozapine are the most widely atypical antipsychotic used with a percentage equal to 91.25%, 3.75% clozapine, and 5% risperidone. Furthermore, it can be concluded that atypical antipsychotics use for at least 4 weeks can cause weight gain in schizophrenic patients. Pharmacist and doctors are recommended to monitor the metabolic side effects due to the atypical antipsychotic use. Keywords: Atypical antipsycotic, schizophrenia, weight gain Antipsikotik Atipikal Menginduksi Peningkatan Berat Badan pada Pasien Skizofrenia AbstrakAntipsikotik atipikal banyak diresepkan dan berpotensi menyebabkan kenaikan berat badan yang dapat menyebabkan sindrom metabolik. Ada kebutuhan klinis yang mendesak untuk memantau penggunaan antipsikotik atipikal terhadap gangguan metabolisme. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efek samping antipsikotik atipikal dalam meningkatkan berat badan pada pasien skizofrenia setelah pemakaian 4 minggu. Melalui desain retrospektif, data dikumpulkan dengan consecutive sampling pada 80 pasien rawat inap psikiatri dewasa (20 wanita dan 60 pria) dengan diagnosis awal skizofrenia dan dengan pengaturan nutrisi harian yang sama. Pasien dirawat di rumah sakit sejak Januari 2019 sampai dengan Maret 2019, dalam jangka menengah (lebih dari 4 minggu) pemberian antipsikotik atipikal. Data berat badan pasien dicatat sebelum dan 4 minggu sesudah pemakaian antipsikotik atipikal. Pasien (20 wanita dan 60 pria) yang menerima antipsikotik atipikal memiliki usia rata-rata 35,6 tahun, semua pasien dengan persentase 70% wanita dan 56% pria memiliki kenaikan berat badan 1–5 kg selama periode 4 minggu. Berat rata-rata yang diamati di antara subyek meningkat dari 57,55±10,743 kg menjadi 59,83±12,205 kg setelah memulai pengobatan (p=0,001). Antipsikotik atipikal yang paling banyak digunakan adalah kombinasi antipsikotik atipikal risperidon clozapin dengan persentase sebesar 91,25%, clozapin 3,75%, risperidon 5%. Kami menyimpulkan bahwa penggunaan antipsikotik atipikal selama setidaknya 4 minggu dapat menyebabkan penambahan berat badan pada pasien skizofrenia. Apoteker dan dokter direkomendasikan untuk memantau efek samping metabolik akibat penggunaan antipsikotik atipikal.Kata kunci: Antipsikotik atipikal, peningkatan berat badan, skizofrenia