Building e-learning communities: The case of VirRAD

This paper discusses the development of virtual communities and especially e-learning communities. In particular, this paper is inspired by VirRAD European project, and presents the intermediate results that have raised from the definition of this virtual radiopharmacy community

Virtual Learning Communities - Theory and Practice: the Case of VirRAD

In this paper we discuss the development of virtual communities and especially virtual learning communities, taking into account basic community requirements as well as social factors of e-learning. This paper has been inspired by the VirRAD European project and presents the intermediate results that have raised form the definition of a virtual community for the vocational training of radiopharmacists. We therefore present the user requirements that form the functional specification of such an environment along with the role model that provides a mindful but solid distribution of the access level in the system

Advances in the diagnosis and classification of gastric and intestinal motility disorders

Disturbances of gastric, intestinal and colonic motor and sensory functions affect a large proportion of the population worldwide, impair quality of life and cause considerable health-care costs. Assessment of gastrointestinal motility in these patients can serve to establish diagnosis and to guide therapy. Major advances in diagnostic techniques during the past 5-10 years have led to this update about indications for and selection and performance of currently available tests. As symptoms have poor concordance with gastrointestinal motor dysfunction, clinical motility testing is indicated in patients in whom there is no evidence of causative mucosal or structural diseases such as inflammatory or malignant disease. Transit tests using radiopaque markers, scintigraphy, breath tests and wireless motility capsules are noninvasive. Other tests of gastrointestinal contractility or sensation usually require intubation, typically represent second-line investigations limited to patients with severe symptoms and are performed at only specialized centres. This Consensus Statement details recommended tests as well as useful clinical alternatives for investigation of gastric, small bowel and colonic motility. The article provides recommendations on how to classify gastrointestinal motor disorders on the basis of test results and describes how test results guide treatment decisions