Systematic Review: Comparative Efficacy of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to Other Augmentative Communication Systems in Increasing Social Communication Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Purpose: This systematic review aims to compare the efficacy of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to other forms of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in increasing social communication skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods: A systematic review of the literature on PECS and other forms of AAC written between 2007 and 2018 was conducted. Studies were selected based on the established inclusionary and exclusionary criteria. The inclusionary criteria incorporated subjects with a formal diagnosis of ASD under the age of 18. Exclusionary criteria included individuals with severe sensory, motor, and/or other medical conditions that may have affected their use of PECS. 25 articles of varying study designs were critically appraised for validity and reliability to minimize bias. Results: Results suggest that both PECS and other forms of AAC are conducive to improving social communication in children (\u3c18 \u3eyears) with ASD. Advancements in conversation initiation, requesting behaviors and joint attention were noted, resulting in a global increase in communication interactions. However, studies demonstrated mixed results with specific consideration of rate of acquisition, modality preference, and overall effectiveness of the system. Conclusion: Synthesis of results from the 25 studies suggest that both PECS and other AAC systems show favorable outcomes for encouraging social-communicative behavior. The clinical implications of these results suggest the implementation of an AAC system may be client dependent. Single design designs were included in this review due to the lack of research in the areas of ASD and AAC. Further research of this comparison should be conducted on larger populations of children with ASD to improve clinical decision making to target social communication and increase generalizability.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/csdms/1000/thumbnail.jp

Humanity\u27s unlikely Heroine: Examining Eve in John Milton\u27s \u27Paradise Lost\u27 and Paradise Regained

This essay explores the biblical world of John Milton’s poetry through the eyes of the only woman given dialogue in his most famous works, Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained. Eve has often been read with scrutiny and judgment, with many readers and scholars dismissing her character as weak and uninteresting. The paper draws on sources from several scholars, but it works primarily with the actual text of Milton’s epics themselves. The argument of this paper seeks to counter those beliefs and provide a thorough analysis of Eve’s character and development throughout Paradise Lost, as well as her impact on the characters at the beginning of Paradise Regained

Victory Conditions

Follow a not-scientist as she bluffs her way onto a research vessel in the Caribbean and into a world of data, research, and the unknown

Interprofessional Care Plan for Alex Simpson

Poster documenting an interprofessional approach among Social Work, Osteopathic Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy students to provision of care for an uninsured patient with multiple health needs.https://dune.une.edu/cecespring2020/1008/thumbnail.jp

Statin Treatment In Specific Patient Groups: Role For Improved Cardiovascular Risk Markers

Ample evidence supports the use of statin therapy for secondary prevention in patients with a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), but evidence is wanting in the case of primary prevention, low-risk individuals, and elderly adults 65+. Statins are effective in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which has long been a target for treatment decisions. We discuss the weakening dependence between cholesterol levels and mortality as a function of age and highlight recent findings on lipoprotein subfractions and other superior markers of ASCVD risk. The efficacy of statins is compared for distinct subsets of patients based on age, diabetes, ASCVD, and coronary artery calcium (CAC) status. Most cardiovascular risk calculators heavily weight age and overestimate one’s absolute risk of ASCVD, particularly in very old adults. Improvements in risk assessment enable the identification of specific patient populations that benefit most from statin treatment. Derisking is particularly important for adults over 75, in whom treatment benefits are reduced and adverse musculoskeletal effects are amplified. The CAC score stratifies the benefit effect size obtainable with statins, and forms of coenzyme Q are discussed for improving patient outcomes. Robust risk estimator tools and personalized, evidence-based approaches are needed to optimally reduce cardiovascular events and mortality rates through administration of cholesterol-lowering medications

Efficacy Of Statin Therapy In The Elderly

Statins are one of the most heavily prescribed medications. The 2018 ACC/AHA guidelines support statin therapy for most older adults, but recommendations are less clear for those over 75. The literature was systematically reviewed for evidence of the efficacy of statin treatment in different patient populations. Significant evidence was found supporting a decreasing association between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and mortality as well as decreasing statin efficacy with increasing age. The consequences of unnecessary statin therapy can be severe for older adults. Improved methods for evaluating atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, such as using negative markers to help identify those who may not benefit from statin therapy, should be more widely employed.https://dune.une.edu/pharm_studpost/1001/thumbnail.jp

Native Voices Rising: A Case for Funding Native-led Change

Native American organizations face enormous challenges to their communities, their lands and environment, and their basic rights as Indigenous peoples. They face these challenges with limited support from the broad spectrum of America's philanthropic institutions. Far too many foundations simply give little to nothing at all in support of Native causes, a situation that requires corrective action designed to close the enormous gap between foundation giving and the needs of Native communities. The low level of charitable foundation funding (.3%) going to Native causes, and the need to garner more support for Native organizing and advocacy work, in particular, prompted the Common Counsel Foundation and Native Americans in Philanthropy to jointly sponsor this research project that is focused on Native organizations which undergird the following five movements: Environmental Justice, Subsistence in Alaska, Native Engagement in the Urban Context, Media and Voter Engagement. The organizations varied considerably in experience and the methods they use to pursue change. They fulfill many roles in their respective communities, such as: advocates, organizers, service providers, and community builders. A key role is that they serve as places where people can acquire knowledge and skills that enable them to assume leadership roles in the organization and in the community. Leadership development is essential to maintaining and advancing these movements. Most importantly, Native self-determination and sovereignty is reinforced through the work of these organizations. To accomplish these goals, three sets of data were compiled. First, Native organizations in the targeted movements were contacted to obtain basic information that could be used to write brief thumbnail sketches about their organizations that included mission statements, current organizing and advocacy efforts, and contact information. Second, in-depth interviews were conducted with approximately 10 organizational leaders in each of the five movements to build a deeper understanding of how the organizations pursue their organizing and advocacy agendas, and seek change in their communities. Third, case studies of ten exemplary organizations, two in each movement, were compiled to illustrate the magnitude of the work. Representatives of 501(c)3 organizations, organizations using fiscal agents, and a few tribal governments and village councils participated in the study. In total, 146 organizations responded. Representatives from 49 of these organizations gave more intensive, in-depth interviews. Thumbnail sketches of all 146 organizations, the 10 case studies, as well as contextual information about each movement are contained in the full report