Active Learning in Introductory Economics: Do MyEconLab and Aplia Make Any Difference?

This paper reports experiment results of teaching large classes of introductory economics with modern learning technology such as MyEconLab or Aplia. This new technology emerges partially in response to the enrollment pressure currently facing many institutions of higher education. Among other things, the technology provides an integrated online teaching and learning environment that allows active learning through student direct participation in the learning process as well as interaction with their instructor, peers, and the outside Internet. Our results showed that, for the classes in the experiment, modern learning technology could make a difference in helping students improve their class mark averages by a small but statistically significant amount of 2% regardless whether the technology was used as a required or optional course component. We noted that students responded more favorably when the technology component was given more weight in the marking scheme

Mechanisms of enhanced non-viral gene delivery to human mesenchymal stem cells induced by glucocorticoid priming

Background: Because of unique roles in wound healing, trophic tissue support, immunomodulation, differentiation ability, and immune privileged status, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), which can be easily derived from many adult tissues (e.g. bone marrow (BMSCs) and adipose tissue (AMSCs)), are under intense study for the applications of cell and gene therapeutics, as well as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine1. Genetic modification of hMSCs could allow for targeted delivery of transgenic therapeutic factors or genetically-guided differentiation. Non-viral gene delivery (i.e. cationic polymer- and lipid-mediated) is safer and more flexible than immunogenic and mutagenic viral vectors2, but it is less effective, especially in hMSCs (i.e. maximum 10-30% transfection)3. As part of an approach to understand molecular mechanisms of non-viral gene delivery4 and ‘prime’ cells to be more receptive to transfection5, our lab recently demonstrated that transgene expression from lipofected hMSCs can be increased about 10-fold by priming cells, 30 mins before plasmid DNA (pDNA) transfection, with 100 nM dexamethasone (DEX), a glucocorticoid (Gc) drug, relative to EtOH vehicle control (VC)6. This work investigates the mechanisms by which Gc priming enhances non-viral gene delivery, which are currently unknown. Studies provide insights into the biological processes of Gc priming and transfection to inform future gene delivery technologies, and characterize a simple protocol to significantly enhance non-viral gene delivery of therapeutic transgenes for future clinical applications. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

“It’s a puzzle!” Elementary School-AgedYouth Concept-Mapping the Intersections ofCommunity Narratives

We present a concept-mapping activity, developed within a youth Participatory Action Research (yPAR) after-school program, to demonstrate how the activity contributed to young people’s conceptualization of social structures as interconnected. We analyze fieldnotes from the Change 4 Good yPAR program, which includes primarily Latina/o 4th and 5th grade students attending a California public elementary school. We discuss the concept-mapping activity in terms of its processes and outcomes, and how youth constructed interconnected meanings from thematic community narratives

Malignant ventricular arrhythmias induction by programmed electrical stimulation of the right ventricular outflow tract only during type 1 brugada ECG maximization

OBJECTIVE: The role of electrophysiology study in Brugada syndrome (BS) sudden cardiac death risk stratification remains controversial and seems to depend on the phenotypic expression of the channelopathy. Ajmaline has a key role in the diagnosis of BS. We observed that programmed electrical stimulation (PES) of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), only when type 1 BS ECG is unmasked by ajmaline administration, induces ventricular arrhythmias. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of ventricular fibrillation induction by PES of the RVOT when type 1 BS ECG is revealed by ajmaline, in a patient with a baseline dynamic intermittent type 1 and 2 BS ECG. CONCLUSIONS: The heterogeneous clinical presentations of BS are due to the underlying mechanisms. PES of the RVOT during positive ajmaline test maximizes the channelopathy and therefore sudden cardiac death risk-stratification in BS

Nurse Perceptions of Caring and Professional Governance

Background: Caring, a characteristic of an effective work environment, and clinical nurse control over the professional governance of nursing practice results in higher nursing retention and better patient outcomes. Although the concepts of caring and professional governance of nursing practice, and their discrete associations with patient outcomes, are widely studied, little to no research is published on the nature of the relationship between caring and professional governance of nursing practice. Without understanding this relationship, it is challenging to explore the impact of this relationship on nursing practice and patient outcomes. Aims: The purpose of this study was to describe nurse perceptions of the relationships of caring and professional governance of nursing practice and identify characteristics of nursing roles and experiences and institutional descriptive factors that influence nurse perceptions of the relationship between caring and professional governance of nursing practice. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we examined the relationship between nurse perception of professional governance and nurse perception of caring culture. We recruited registered nurses (N=123) to complete a survey that included a demographic questionnaire, the Index of Professional Nursing Governance (IPNG) 3.0, and the Relational Caring Questionnaire – Professional Form (RCQ-PF). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and linear regression. Findings: We found a statistically significant moderate correlation of .472 (p = .000) between the RCQ-PF and IPNG 3.0 total scales and determined age and employment status impacts the relationship between nurse perceptions of caring and professional governance. For every one unit increase of the RCQ-PF (caring), the IPNG 3.0 (professional governance) increased by 22.54 (95% confidence interval (CI), 13.33 – 31.75). Conclusions: Practicing nurses can apply this knowledge by bundling actions into daily practice. Educators can teach the importance of both concepts in professional nursing, adding the conceptual framework to this discussion. Nurse researchers can build on this foundational knowledge, exploring factors that impact the relationship and, eventually, the impact of the relationship on outcomes. Further studies can distinguish key components that can be leveraged to retain nurses and enrich the caring environment and the clinical nurse’s control over professional governance of nursing practice, thus resulting in better outcomes