In Other Languages: Toward a Critical Pedagogy of Visual Discourse

The language of visuality, despite its ubiquitous “voice” in contemporary global life, is all but ignored in education theory. This paper proposes a theoretical framework for critical pedagogic study of visual meaning structures and interpretation, drawing on psychoanalytic theory, critical theory, and notions of multiliteracy

Autism & Cancer: Interventions and Interpersonal Communications

Panel Chair: Scott Cheney, Collin Colleg

Understanding harmony and technology in music education

This study set out to evaluate the use of a particular computer interface for the teaching of musical harmony to school children aged between 13 and 14 years. The study looked at a number of specialised technical issues concerning music education and human computer interaction, but in this paper we will focus on some of the broader issues that emerged. One general hypothesis the study tested was that an appropriate computer interface can encourage students to discover harmony by empirical enquiry, within a conventional classroom setting. We believed that the computer software could become incorporated into the music lesson and be seen by the pupils as just another instrument which assisted with the learning of harmony. In general, the use of computers in music education can in some respects have advantages over the "real instruments" in that lack of instrumental fluency need not impede progress and hence decrease motivation of the less musically able students. A secondary advantage may be that computer enthusiasts take music lessons more seriously

Towards non-invasive characterisation of re-endothelialisation and restenosis following coronary stenting : an in vitro investigation using impedance spectroscopy

Following the permanent implantation of a coronary stent, optimal arterial wall healing is characterised by re-endothelialisation, the regrowth of a functional Endothelial Cell (EC) monolayer over the exposed stent surface, which reduces the risk of thrombosis. However restenosis, arising from the proliferation and migration of medial Smooth Muscle Cells (SMCs) can cause luminal narrowing to reoccur. Previous research has suggested that the stent itself could be used as an electrode and, when combined with non-invasive impedance spectroscopy techniques, monitor post stenting recovery. This could then inform clinicians on cell regrowth without the need for invasive imaging techniques. In this study we investigated the feasibility of this concept using two in-vitro models representing the cellular regrowth scenarios: re-endothelialisation and restenosis. Primary porcine ECs and SMCs were seeded onto platinum electrodes and electrical impedance spectroscopy measurements were made for up to 10 days in the frequency range 1 KHz to 100 KHz. Endothelium function was assessed through the measurement of the impedance response of confluent EC monolayers to the addition of a gap junction enhancer, dipyridamole, or an inhibitor (heptanol or carbenoxolone). Our results show that confluent, stent surface comparable populations of SMCs and ECs give rise to distinct impedance signatures, providing a novel method of non-invasively characterising these cell types. Gap junction inhibition of EC monolayers dose dependently reduced total impedance. Conversely dipyridamole’s enhancing effect on gap junction formation caused an increase in total impedance. These novel findings show the importance of intercellular gap junction communication in maintaining EC barrier function. Our current work is focused on the translation of this technology towards in-vivo monitoring of in-stent restenosis and recovery of a functional endothelium

Long-term treatment with galcanezumab in patients with chronic migraine: results from the open-label extension of the REGAIN study

Galcanezumab; Chronic migraine; Preventive treatmentGalcanezumab; Migraña crónica; Tratamiento preventivoGalcanezumab; Migranya crònica; Tractament preventiuBackground Galcanezumab, a monoclonal antibody to calcitonin gene-related peptide, was found to be safe and efficacious for the preventive treatment of chronic migraine based on the randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind period of the REGAIN study. Long-term safety and efficacy were assessed in an open-label extension. Methods Patients 18–65 years old with chronic migraine completing the 3-month double-blind period of REGAIN could enter a 9-month open-label extension (OLE; months 4–12). Upon entering the OLE, patients received a 240-mg galcanezumab loading dose, then 120 mg at the next month, with flexible dosing thereafter (120 or 240 mg/month). The primary efficacy measure was the mean change in the number of monthly migraine headache days from double-blind baseline to month 12. Other endpoints included response rates (based on percent reduction in monthly migraine headache days from double-blind baseline to month 12), safety and tolerability. Results Of patients who completed double-blind treatment, 1022 (99%) entered the OLE, with 81% completing month 12. From a baseline of 19.4 monthly migraine headache days at the beginning of the double-blind period, patients at month 12 in the previous placebo, 120-mg, and 240-mg galcanezumab groups had a mean change of −8.5, −9.0, and −8.0, respectively (SE = 0.43 to 0.55, within-group p’s < .001). At month 12, the percentage of patients with ≥50% response was 57%, 57%, and 53%, respectively. Percentage with ≥75% response was 32%, 31%, and 30%, respectively. Percentage with 100% response was 8%, 6%, and 6%, respectively. There were no significant new safety findings during the open-label period. The incidence of discontinuation from the OLE due to adverse events was 5%. Conclusion Galcanezumab was effective, safe, and well-tolerated, with high adherence, for up to 12 months of treatment in patients with chronic migraine