Efficacy of Social Stories™ for Typically Developing Preschool Children

Social Stories™ are short stories that utilize visual and auditory components to demonstrate how to appropriately respond in problematic social situations. Studies have provided evidence of the effectiveness of Social Stories™ in reducing negative behaviors for children with autism; however, limited research exists on the effectiveness of Social Stories™ for other populations of children. The purpose of the present study was to determine the efficacy of Social Stories™ on decreasing undesirable behaviors in typically developing preschool children. The study included 11 children, ages 3 to 5, who were enrolled in a typical preschool classroom at a daycare facility. Initially, teachers completed a survey to identify undesirable behaviors of each participant that interfered with their classroom performance. The researchers and teacher chose one target behavior for each participant based on ratings of frequency of occurrence, severity level, and impact on classroom performance. The behaviors targeted for intervention were common disruptive behaviors considered severely aggressive or extremely harmful. The participants were separated into two groups, a treatment group who received social story intervention and a control group. A Social Story™ was generated for each participant in the treatment group to address the targeted behavior. The five children in the treatment group were read a customized social story twice per school day for six weeks. The six children in the control group did not receive social story intervention. During the six-week experimental period, three behavior observations were completed for all participants. Pre-intervention, mid-point (three-weeks), and post-intervention observations utilized a behavior checklist to record frequency and duration of the target behaviors. In addition, following the six-week intervention period, teachers completed the initial survey again to determine perceptions of frequency of occurrence, severity level, and functional impact of the target behavior for each participant (in both treatment and control groups). Analysis of the behavioral observations demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in frequency of disruptive behaviors for the experimental group. While a decrease in the duration of behaviors was noted, it was not statistically significant. No change in behavior was documented in teachers\u27 subjective ratings. Maintenance of the decreased target behaviors was not demonstrated eight weeks post intervention

Investigating the role of nuclear receptors in hiv/haart-associated dyslipidemic lipodystrophy

The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to manage HIV infection is associated with the development of HIV/HAART-associated dyslipidemic lipodystrophy (HADL). HADL symptoms are comprised of metabolic dysfunctions resulting in hyperlipidemia, fat redistribution, and insulin resistance. The direct interaction of HIV drugs with nuclear receptors involved in metabolic pathways has been largely unexplored. HIV drugs were evaluated for effect on the activation of farsenoid X receptor (FXR), liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRα), pregnane X receptor (PXR) and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor family (PPAR α, γ, and δ). Our results indicate direct inhibition of PPARα and PPARγ activation by protease inhibitors (PIs) in both coactivator recruitment and reporter gene assays. Gene chip analysis demonstrated that saquinavir and ritonavir reduced the expression level of PPARγ target genes in primary human hepatocytes. Partial recovery of mRNA levels of glucokinase (GK) and GLUT2 was achieved when hepatocytes were incubated in combination with the PPARγ agonist troglitazone. Decreased glucose sensing capabilities through PI-mediated inhibition of PPARγ activation may be a contributing factor in symptoms of HADL.PPARα is the nuclear receptor responsible for regulating genes that control lipid homeostasis. Because of this role, PPARα has become a target of interest for the development of drugs to treat diseases such as dyslipidemia, obesity and atherosclerosis. Assays currently employed to determine potency and efficacy of potential drug candidates typically utilize a truncated form of the native receptor, one which lacks the entire N-terminal region of the protein. We report that differences in PPARα full length and ligand binding domain constructs result in differences in binding affinity for coactivator peptides, but have little effect on potency of agonists in both cell free and cell based nuclear receptor assays.Ph.D., Biological Sciences -- Drexel University, 200

Prospectus, May 9, 1979

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF \u2779; All good things must end; Staerkel\u27s farewell; Bookstore heads discussion at recent stu-go meeting; Registration schedule; Tornado season approaching: safety procedures at PC; Health program Tues., May 15; Flynn, graduation speaker; Kelly has new position; Tangora wins election; Energy saving tips can save money and conserve fuel; Do you know when final exams are?; Boyke to perform at PC tomorrow; Parkland College Day at Market Place Mall; McLaughlin captures concert crowd; New program caters to hunger for food service personnel; PC awards banquet tonight at Round Barn; Letter of thanks; Pre-register for classes tomorrow; Congratulations Class Of \u2779; Last Paper Laffs; Classifieds; Campus Paperback Bestsellers; Chuck Mangione at C-U; A day at the races; Cobras stun Danville with 2 shutouts; \u27Still can\u27t win\u27 Cobras take 2nd; Sports editorial: \u27Outlaws\u27 sprint to fans delighthttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_1979/1016/thumbnail.jp

Internally-Developed Teen Smoking Cessation Programs: Characterizing the Unique Features of Programs Developed by Community-Based Organizations

We have compared the unique features of teen tobacco cessation programs developed internally by community-based organizations (N=75) to prepackaged programs disseminated nationally (N=234) to expand our knowledge of treatment options for teen smokers. Internally-developed programs were more likely offered in response to the sponsoring organization’s initiative (OR=2.16, p<0.05); had fewer trained cessation counselors (OR=0.31, p<0.01); and were more likely found in urban areas (OR=2.89, p=0.01). Internally-developed programs more often provided other substance-abuse treatment services than prepackaged programs and addressed other youth-specific problem behaviors (p≤0.05). Studies that examine the effectiveness of internally-developed programs in reducing smoking and maintaining cessation for teen smokers are warranted

Prospectus, December 13, 1978

SEASON\u27S GREETINGS; Merry Christmas from the Prospectus Staff; Two PC paintings taken from campus Monday; State is accepting grant applications; Duet coming to PC Dec. 17; PC dinner dance is cancelled; Applications being accepted; Final exams are Dec. 15-21; PC Speech Team captures fifth; Joseph Cronin speaks at Parkland on education; St. Nick\u27s origins revealed in story; The Spirit of Christmas; That Christmas Feeling; Extra second to be added to clocks at the end of the last day of this year; Toys for tots a success; Holiday customs differ; Christmas tree owners...Avoid fire hazards with hints; Hannukah and X-mas to be celebrated on same day this year; Mother hopes to avoid Christmas gift hassles with letter to Santa; Yuletide Favorites!; Theft of painting shocks the artist; The birth of Christ-- What if it happened today?; WPCD Top 15 for the Week of Dec. 11; Ice storm turns Parkland into sparkling wonderland; Classifieds; Riding is fun...riding is costly!; Christ born in spring; 11 tie in contest; Loved Ones; Women basketball lose three in a row last week; Hartman resigns editorship; Fast Freddy Bowl Contest; PC basketball team holds 4-1 record Additional material: image Edition 2 literary magazinehttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_1978/1000/thumbnail.jp

The perception of shape from shading in a new light

How do humans see three-dimensional shape based on two-dimensional shading? Much research has assumed that a ‘light from above’ bias solves the ambiguity of shape from shading. Counter to the ‘light from above’ bias, studies of Bayesian priors have found that such a bias can be swayed by other light cues. Despite the persuasive power of the Bayesian models, many new studies and books cite the original ‘light from above’ findings. Here I present a version of the Bayesian result that can be experienced. The perception of shape-from-shading was found here to be influenced by an external light source, even when the light was obstructed and did not directly illuminate a two-dimensional stimulus. The results imply that this effect is robust and not low-level in nature. The perception of shape from shading is not necessarily based on a hard-wired internal representation of lighting direction, but rather assesses the direction of lighting in the scene adaptively. Here, for the first time, is an experiential opportunity to see what the Bayesian models have supported all along

Comparative Effectiveness Trial of an Obesity Prevention Intervention in EFNEP and SNAP-ED: Primary Outcomes

There is a need to disseminate evidence-based childhood obesity prevention interventions on a broader scale to reduce obesity-related disparities among underserved children. The purpose of this study was to test the comparative effectiveness of an evidence-based obesity prevention intervention, Hip-Hop to Health (HH), delivered through Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) versus the standard curriculum delivered by the programs (Standard Nutrition Education (NE)). A nonequivalent control group design was delivered to compare the effectiveness of HH to NE on weight gain prevention and health behavior outcomes at EFNEP and SNAP-Ed sites. One hundred and fifty-three caregiver–child dyads (n = 103 in the HH group; n = 50 in the NE group) participated in the study. HH is an evidence-based dietary and physical activity intervention for low-income preschool children. The NE curriculum provided lessons for children that are consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010. Data were collected on demographics, anthropometrics, and behavioral variables for parent–child dyads at baseline and postintervention. Mixed model methods with random effects for site and participant were utilized. No differences in child or caregiver diet, physical activity, or screen time by group were found. No between-group differences in child BMI z-score were found; however, caregivers in the HH group lost significantly more weight than those in the NE group. Results from this trial can inform future dissemination efforts of evidenced-based programs for underserved families

Bias in the physical examination of patients with lumbar radiculopathy

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>No prior studies have examined systematic bias in the musculoskeletal physical examination. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of bias due to prior knowledge of lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging findings (MRI) on perceived diagnostic accuracy of the physical examination for lumbar radiculopathy.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This was a cross-sectional comparison of the performance characteristics of the physical examination with blinding to MRI results (the 'independent group') with performance in the situation where the physical examination was not blinded to MRI results (the 'non-independent group'). The reference standard was the final diagnostic impression of nerve root impingement by the examining physician. Subjects were recruited from a hospital-based outpatient specialty spine clinic. All adults age 18 and older presenting with lower extremity radiating pain of duration ≤ 12 weeks were evaluated for participation. 154 consecutively recruited subjects with lumbar disk herniation confirmed by lumbar spine MRI were included in this study. Sensitivities and specificities with 95% confidence intervals were calculated in the independent and non-independent groups for the four components of the radiculopathy examination: 1) provocative testing, 2) motor strength testing, 3) pinprick sensory testing, and 4) deep tendon reflex testing.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The perceived sensitivity of sensory testing was higher with prior knowledge of MRI results (20% vs. 36%; p = 0.05). Sensitivities and specificities for exam components otherwise showed no statistically significant differences between groups.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Prior knowledge of lumbar MRI results may introduce bias into the pinprick sensory testing component of the physical examination for lumbar radiculopathy. No statistically significant effect of bias was seen for other components of the physical examination. The effect of bias due to prior knowledge of lumbar MRI results should be considered when an isolated sensory deficit on examination is used in medical decision-making. Further studies of bias should include surgical clinic populations and other common diagnoses including shoulder, knee and hip pathology.</p

Observer performance in Computed Tomography head reporting

Aim: To audit the reporting results of a cohort of radiographers (n=6) completing an accredited academic programme in clinical reporting of Computed Tomography (CT) head examinations. Methods: An audit of retrospective academic image case banks and prospective random clinical workload case banks. Both the academic test banks and clinical workload banks included a wide range of normal and abnormal cases of different levels of difficulty and pathology. Abnormalities included: haemorrhage, fractures, lesions, infarctions, degeneration, and normal variants from a variety of referral sources. True positive and negative, as well as false positive and negative fractions were used to mark the reports, which were analysed for accuracy against a reference standard. Further interobserver variability was assessed using Cohens Kappa, one-way analysis of variance and Tukey for multiple comparisons and significance testing at 95% confidence intervals. Results: The mean accuracy score for all radiographers (n=6) and reports (n=3,008) was 90.7% (95%CI 88.3%-93.0%). Mean sensitivity and specificity rate was 86.9% (95%CI 85.8%-88.2%), and 94% (95%CI 89.6%-98.3%) respectively. The most common errors were associated with herniation, lacunar infarctions and subtle fractures (false negatives) and involutional changes, subtle infarctions, and ventricular dilation (false positives). Conclusions: The results suggest appropriately trained radiographers can successfully undertake to report CT head examinations to a high standard. The adoption of both academic and clinical workload image banks that reflect disease examples and the prevalence that may logically be encountered in practice offers the potential for an accurate measure of performance of radiographer’s abilities

A National Evaluation of Community-Based Youth Cessation Programs: End of Program and Twelve-month Outcomes

Most youth cessation treatment research consists of efficacy studies in which treatments are evaluated under optimal conditions of delivery. Less is known about the effectiveness of youth cessation treatments delivered in real-world, community based settings. A national sample of 41 community-based youth cessation programs participated in a longitudinal evaluation to identify site, program, and participant characteristics associated with successful cessation. Validated quit rates were comparable to those in randomized controlled trials; 7-day abstinence at the end of program averaged 14% and 30-day abstinence at 12 months averaged 12%. Multivariate GEE models explored predictors of smoking cessation at the end of the programs and at 12 months. Results showed correlates of both short- and long-term cessation. Findings point to the importance of both individual and community-level variables, including motivation, opportunities for and encouragement to engage in activities outside of academics, having youth participate in treatment before they become highly dependent smokers, and community norms and ordinances that discourage youth purchase, use and possession of tobacco. Providing evidence-based treatment to youth in community-based settings results in successful cessation.Keywords: Youth smoking cessation, Program evaluation, Community health promotion program