PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES FOR E-HELPERS: A TELEPRACTICE RESOURCE

The primary purpose of this study was to craft and validate a set of core competencies necessary for an e-Helper to possess. A review of the literature guided the creation of the initial competencies. Following expert review, the competencies were revised and formatted into an online survey which was sent to respondents in four target groups: (a) school administrators who had adopted telepractice as a service delivery model; (b) SLPs experienced in telepractice within a school setting; (c) current e-Helpers, and (d) scholars experienced in telepractice. Sixty percent (21 out of 35) of the competencies were rated as “important” by 76-100% of respondents. The remaining competencies could be more or less important dependent on workplace requirements

A combination of soluble helper factors bypasses the requirement for stimulator cells and induces nonspecific cytotoxic T cell responses

The specificity of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses generated in the presence of lymphokines was studied. Thymic responder cells were activated in the presence of stimulator cells that differed in their metabolic activity. After 5 days of culture, the cytotoxic response was estimated in a 4-h 51Cr-release test. Coculture of thymic responders with irradiated splenic stimulator cells in the presence of interleukin 2(IL 2) led to preferential cytolysis of target cells that expressed the same histocompatibility antigens as the cells used for sensitization. Addition of T cell cytotoxicity-inducing factor 1 (TCF1), however, to those cultures made the presence of stimulator cells unnecessary and induced cytotoxic responses against all target cells tested, including target cells syngeneic to the responder cells. This activation was neither due to contaminating mitogen nor to the effect of heterologous serum in the assay system. The conclusion of these findings was that either polyclonal activation of CTL was induced by TCF1 or that some specific CTL clones differentiated into unrestricted killer cells under the influence of TCF1

Results of a Survey Offering Clinical Insights into Speech-Language Pathology Telepractice Methods

A telepractice survey was administered to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Special Interest Group 18 Telepractice affiliates and attendees of the Waldo County General Hospital Speech-Language Pathology Telepractice Training program in Maine, USA over the summer of 2016.   Sixty-seven respondents completed the survey.  The survey explored demographics of clients and clinicians, costs and equipment, learning opportunities, use of the client’s environment and caregivers/e-helpers, and method adaptations in telepractice.  The results of the survey provide information on the current state of telepractice methods in speech-language pathology from experienced practitioners.  This information may be used to develop telepractice models and to prepare speech-language pathology graduate students in the delivery of telepractice methods. Keywords: eHealth, Telehealth, Telemedicine, Telepractic

A Feasibility Study of the WHO Digital Mental Health Intervention Step-by-Step to Address Depression Among Chinese Young Adults

Background: Chinese young adults experience barriers to mental health treatment, including the lack of treatment providers and stigma around treatment seeking. Evidence-based digital mental health interventions are promising and scalable alternatives to face-to-face treatment for this population, but lack rigorous evidence to support scale-up in China. Aim: The study was a feasibility study for a large-scale RCT of Step-by-Step, a behavioral activation-based, mental health intervention to address depression and anxiety symptoms in Chinese young adults. It sought to assess feasibility of recruitment and of delivery of Step-by-Step in a University setting, to assess acceptability of the intervention, and to examine potential effectiveness. Method: An uncontrolled, feasibility trial was conducted to assess the feasibility and acceptability of Chinese Step-by-Step for Chinese University students with elevated depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 scores at or above 10) in Macao, China. Data was collected at two different time points (i.e., baseline and 8-weeks after baseline), administered via questionnaires embedded in an interventional mobile application. Participation rate and dropout rate were measured. Depressive and anxiety symptom severity, well-being, and self-defined stress were assessed. Satisfaction with the program was assessed using qualitative interviews. Results: A total of 173 students were screened, 22.0% (n = 38) were eligible, and 63.2% of them (n = 24) started the intervention. The dropout rate by post-test was 45.8%. Results from completers showed that Step-by-Step was potentially effective in reducing depressive and anxiety symptom severity, and self-defined stress. Students were generally satisfied with the program, but also offered suggestions for continued improvement. Qualitative feedback was reported within the RE-AIM framework, covering recruitment, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance. Amendments to the program were made according to the feedback (e.g., adding notification for new session, modify the time zone). Conclusion: A minimally guided Step-by-Step protocol and the study procedure were successfully pilot tested for use for Chinese University students. The intervention was acceptable and no adverse events were reported. The results support the potential effectiveness and feasibility of a large-scale evaluation of the program

TAXATION - INCOME TAX - DEDUCTIONS - ORDINARY AND NECESSARY BUSINESS EXPENSES - COMMISSIONS PAID TO SENATOR FOR SECURING PUBLIC CONTRACTS

Taxpayer, a gravel company, employed as salesman a state senator, who obtained several contracts with the State Highway Commission of Louisiana. The Board, of Tax Appeals disallowed deductions for the commissions paid therefor, on the ground that the payments were for using personal influence with a governmental department, pursuant to a contract which is contrary to public policy. Held, in absence of evidence that the state senator agreed to or attempted to use any personal or political influence, the commissions paid to him are deductible business expenses. Alexandria Gravel Go., Inc. v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, (C. C. A. 5th, 1938) 95 F. (2d) 615, reversing 35 B. T. A. 323 (1937), one judge dissenting

TAXATION - INCOME TAX - EXEMPT REORGANIZATIONS - WHEN IS A REORGANIZATION BONA FIDE UNDER THE RULE OF GREGORY v. HELVERING

An individual wished to buy certain patents from a corporation, and at his instigation, the corporation transferred them to a newly-organized patent holding company, which issued its shares directly to the stockholders of the transferor corporation. On discovery of disadvantages from this scheme, the buyer requested that the new corporation be dissolved and that the patents be assigned by the original patentee individually. Petitioner and all other shareholders sold their stock in the new corporation to the patentee in exchange for his notes, and he dissolved the corporation, receiving the patents on liquidation. The patents were then sold for cash, which was used to pay off the notes. Petitioner returned as capital gain her profit from the sale of the stock. The commissioner, who was upheld by the Board of Tax Appeals, contended that the organization and dissolution of the patent holding company should be ignored and that the distribution of patents be taxed as an ordinary dividend. Held, the transaction was a reorganization within the meaning of section 112 (i) (1) (B) of the Revenue Act of 1928 so that no gain was recognized on distribution to her of the stock of the new corporation in pursuance of the plan of reorganization. Lea v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, (C. C. A. 2d, 1938) 96 F. (2d) 55, reversing 35 B. T. A. 243 (1937)