28 research outputs found
Learning Outcomes Report
Aim of the study The learning outcomes study, conducted as part of WP3 of the BioApp project, has as objectives: (a) generating a comprehensive list of the learning outcomes; (b) reaching an agreement on the scope and priority of the learning outcomes, and (c) making suggestions for the further development of the Biomedical Design module. Method To address the objectives of the study, the group concept mapping approach was applied. Group Concept Mapping (GCM) is a systematic approach that objectively identifies an expert groupâs shared vision on a particular issue, in our case the Biomedical Design module learning outcomes. The method involved the participants in activities that most professionals are used to: idea generation, sorting of ideas into groups and rating the ideas on some values (e.g., importance and difficulty to achieve). The analysis applied multi-dimensional scaling and cluster analysis to visually depict the expertsâ shared representations on the learning outcomes as thematic groups. One of the distinguishing characteristics of GCM is the visualisation of the results from the analysis. Visualisation allows the emerging data structures and their interrelationships to be grasped. This facilitates decision making. Group Concept Mapping produces three main types of visualisations: conceptual maps, pattern matches and go-zones. Results The following thematic groups (clusters) of learning outcomes emerged from the data: âAttention to the end userâ, âNew approaches to designâ, âDesign processâ, âRegulation and Ethicsâ, âCommercialisationâ, âKnowledge integrationâ, âCommunicationâ, âCollaborationâ, âHigher order skillsâ, âProblem solving processâ, âConnecting domainsâ, and âLearning goalsâ. Five more global areas of interest could be identified after conceptually related clusters were combined: âDesignâ ( including âDesign processâ, âNew approachesâ, and âAttention to end userâ); âMarketingâ (containing âCommercializationâ and âRegulation and Ethicsâ); âInterdisciplinary group dynamicsâ (comprised of âCommunicationâ and âCollaborationâ); âLearning objectivesâ (consisting of âLearning goalsâ, âHigher order skillsâ and âProblem solving processâ) and âCreative combinationâ (which includes âKnowledge integrationâ and âConnecting domainsâ). Furthermore, the learning outcomes could be classified into two major categories: a) technical skills (new advancements in design process with special attention to users, also commercialisation and standardisation), and b) transversal skills, which include working effectively in teams (âcommunicationâ and âcollaborationâ) and creative problem solving (âproblem solving processâ). The rating results indicate that the most important groups of learning outcomes are âHigher order skillsâ and âCommunicationâ. At the same time, however, these outcomes are deemed to be the most difficult to achieve. Other difficult to achieve learning outcomes are âLearning goalsâ, âProblem solving processâ and âConnecting domainsâ. The least important group of learning outcomes is âCommercializationâ and the easiest to achieve is âRegulation and Ethicsâ. The framework of learning outcomes consists of not only learning outcomes related to traditional topics such as âDesign processâ and âCreative problem solvingâ, but also themes not very popular in curriculums on design such as âCommercialisationâ, âStandardisationâ, âRegulationsâ, and âEthicsâ. The results also show there is a moderate correlation between the two values of importance and difficulty to achieve on the cluster level. The clusters âProblem solving processâ, âConnecting domainsâ and âCommercializationâ score lower on importance but higher on difficulty to achieve. In contrast, âRegulation and Ethicsâ scores higher on importance but relatively lower on difficulty to achieve. Conclusions This study provided not only an empirical basis for identifying the main learning outcomes areas for an educational module on Biomedical Design, but also suggested how to operationally define them (through the statements in each cluster). The study emphasizes the need for addressing the highest level of learning taxonomy (analysis, synthesis, problem solving, creativity) when defining learning outcomes. It further reveals the need to teach students to integrate knowledge from different professional domains. However, the overall conclusion must be that the study not only identified learning outcomes for the Biomedical Design module when considered in isolation from the encompassing curriculum, but that the identified learning outcomes can only be effectively achieved when further integration of the module in the curriculum is allowed
Parents' perspectives on the value of assistance dogs for children with autism spectrum disorder: a cross-sectional study
Objective While there is an emerging literature on the usefulness of assistance dogs for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there is a dearth of quantitative data on the value of assistance dog interventions for the family unit and family functioning. Using previously validated scales and scales developed specifically for this study, we measured parentsâ/guardiansâ perceptions of how having an assistance dog affects: (1) child safety from environmental dangers, (2) public reception of ASD and (3) levels of caregiver strain and sense of competence. We also obtained open-ended response data from parents/guardians on benefits and constraints of having an assistance dog. Setting This study was based in the primary care setting, within the context of a specific accredited assistance dog centre in Ireland. Participants A total of 134 parents/guardians with an assistance dog, and 87 parents of children on the waiting list were surveyed. Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary outcome measures were scores on environmental hazards and public reception scales. The secondary outcome measures were scores on caregiver strain and competence scales. Results Parents/guardians of children who have ASD and an assistance dog rate their child as significantly safer from environmental dangers (p<0.001), perceive that the public act more respectfully and responsibly towards their child (p<0.001) and feel more competent about managing their child (p=0.023) compared with parents on the waiting list. There was a concentration of positive feeling towards assistance dog interventions with particular focus on safety and comfort for children, and a sense of freedom from family restrictions associated with ASD. The amount of dedication and commitment required to care for a dog were viewed as the primary constraints. Conclusions Our findings indicate that parents perceive that assistance dog interventions can be a valuable intervention for families with children who have ASD
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Correction to: Identification of novel Y chromosome encoded transcripts by testis transcriptome analysis of mice with deletions of the Y chromosome long arm.
Following publication of the original article [1], the following error was reported: The actin control panel in Fig. 3 of this paper is reproduced from Fig. 7 of TourĂŠ et al, 2004 [2] by kind permission of the Genetics Society of America. TourĂŠ et al, 2004 used Northern blotting to show that the Y-linked genes Ssty1 and Ssty2 have reduced expression in a range of mouse genotypes with deletions on the Y chromosome long arm. This paper shows that two novel genes, Sly and Asty are also present on mouse Yq and have reduced expression in these deleted genotypes. A further companion paper was published in Human Molecular Genetics (Ellis et al, 2005 [3]) showing that X-linked genes are upregulated in the various deleted genotypes. Since two of the genotypes concerned are sterile and very hard to generate, all the Northern blot experiments in these papers were performed on a single membrane that was stripped and re-probed with a range of different X- and Y-linked genes. The same beta-actin loading control image thus necessarily applies to all the data presented, and was shown in all three papers. We regret that this was not mentioned appropriately in the Methods and figure legends at the time of publication
Convergence and translation: attitudes to inter-professional learning and teaching of creative problem-solving among medical and engineering students and staff
Background: Healthcare worldwide needs translation of basic ideas from engineering into the clinic. Consequently, there is increasing demand for graduates equipped with the knowledge and skills to apply interdisciplinary medicine/engineering approaches to the development of novel solutions for healthcare. The literature provides little guidance regarding barriers to, and facilitators of, effective interdisciplinary learning for engineering and medical students in a team-based project context. Methods: A quantitative survey was distributed to engineering and medical students and staff in two universities, one in Ireland and one in Belgium, to chart knowledge and practice in interdisciplinary learning and teaching, and of the teaching of innovation. Results: We report important differences for staff and students between the disciplines regarding attitudes towards, and perceptions of, the relevance of interdisciplinary learning opportunities, and the role of creativity and innovation. There was agreement across groups concerning preferred learning, instructional styles, and module content. Medical students showed greater resistance to the use of structured creativity tools and interdisciplinary teams. Conclusions: The results of this international survey will help to define the optimal learning conditions under which undergraduate engineering and medicine students can learn to consider the diverse factors which determine the success or failure of a healthcare engineering solution
An assessment of medical studentsâ awareness of radiation exposures associated with diagnostic imaging investigations
Objectives: This study assessed studentsâ awareness of radiation exposures and determined the impact a curriculum in clinical radiology (CICR) had on awareness. Methods: Six hundred seventy medical students at one medical school were studied. CICR was delivered in yearly modules over the 5-year programme. Five hundred twenty-three students (years 1â5), exposed to increasing numbers of CICR modules and 147 students beginning medical school (year 0), represented the study and control groups, respectively. Students completed a multiple choice questionnaire assessing radiation knowledge and radiology teaching. Results: Most students in the study population received CICR but 87% considered they had not received radiation protection instruction. The percentage of correctly answered questions was significantly higher in the study population than the control group (59.7% versus 38%, pâ<â0.001). Students who received CICR achieved higher scores than those who did not (61.3% compared with 42.8%, pâ<â0.001). Increasing exposure to CICR with each year of medical education was associated with improved performance. Conclusions: Assessment of studentsâ awareness of radiation exposures in diagnostic imaging demonstrates improved performance with increasing years in medical school and/or increasing exposure to CICR. Findings support the Euroatom 97 directive position, advocating implementation of radiation protection instruction into the undergraduate medical curriculum
Identification of novel Y chromosome encoded transcripts by testis transcriptome analysis of mice with deletions of the Y chromosome long arm.
BACKGROUND: The male-specific region of the mouse Y chromosome long arm (MSYq) is comprised largely of repeated DNA, including multiple copies of the spermatid-expressed Ssty gene family. Large deletions of MSYq are associated with sperm head defects for which Ssty deficiency has been presumed to be responsible. RESULTS: In a search for further candidate genes associated with these defects we analyzed changes in the testis transcriptome resulting from MSYq deletions, using testis cDNA microarrays. This approach, aided by accumulating mouse MSYq sequence information, identified transcripts derived from two further spermatid-expressed multicopy MSYq gene families; like Ssty, each of these new MSYq gene families has multicopy relatives on the X chromosome. The Sly family encodes a protein with homology to the chromatin-associated proteins XLR and XMR that are encoded by the X chromosomal relatives. The second MSYq gene family was identified because the transcripts hybridized to a microarrayed X chromosome-encoded testis cDNA. The X loci ('Astx') encoding this cDNA had 92-94% sequence identity to over 100 putative Y loci ('Asty') across exons and introns; only low level Asty transcription was detected. More strongly transcribed recombinant loci were identified that included Asty exons 2-4 preceded by Ssty1 exons 1, 2 and part of exon 3. Transcription from the Ssty1 promotor generated spermatid-specific transcripts that, in addition to the variable inclusion of Ssty1 and Asty exons, included additional exons because of the serendipitous presence of splice sites further downstream. CONCLUSION: We identified further MSYq-encoded transcripts expressed in spermatids and deriving from multicopy Y genes, deficiency of which may underlie the defects in sperm development associated with MSYq deletions.RIGHTS : This article is licensed under the BioMed Central licence at http://www.biomedcentral.com/about/license which is similar to the 'Creative Commons Attribution Licence'. In brief you may : copy, distribute, and display the work; make derivative works; or make commercial use of the work - under the following conditions: the original author must be given credit; for any reuse or distribution, it must be made clear to others what the license terms of this work are
Undergraduate medical research: the student perspective
Background: Research training is essential in a modern undergraduate medical curriculum. Our evaluation aimed to (a) gauge students’ awareness of research activities, (b) compare students’ perceptions of their transferable and research-specific skills competencies, (c) determine students’ motivation for research and (d) obtain students’ personal views on doing research. Methods: Undergraduate medical students (N=317) completed a research skills questionnaire developed by the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in Applied Undergraduate Research Skills (CETL-AURS) at Reading University. The questionnaire assessed students’ transferable skills, research-specific skills (e.g., study design, data collection and data analysis), research experience and attitude and motivation towards doing research. Results: The majority of students are motivated to pursue research. Graduate entrants and male students appear to be the most confident regarding their research skills competencies. Although all students recognise the role of research in medical practice, many are unaware of the medical research activities or successes within their university. Of those who report no interest in a career incorporating research, a common perception was that researchers are isolated from patients and clinical practice. Discussion: Students have a narrow definition of research and what it entails. An explanation for why research competence does not align more closely with research motivation is derived from students’ lack of understanding of the concept of translational research, as well as a lack of awareness of the research activity being undertaken by their teachers and mentors. We plan to address this with specific research awareness initiatives
Neighbourhood perceptions of physical activity: a qualitative study
Background: Effective promotion of physical activity in low income communities is essential given the high prevalence of inactivity in this sector. Methods: This study explored determinants of engaging in physical activity in two Irish city based neighbourhoods using a series of six focus groups and twenty five interviews with adult residents. Data were analysed using constant comparison methods with a grounded theory approach. Results: Study findings centred on the concept of 'community contentment'. Physical activity was related to the degree of contentment/comfort within the 'self' and how the 'self' interacts within the neighbourhood. Contemporary focus on outer bodily appearance and pressure to comply with societal expectations influenced participants' sense of confidence and competence. Social interaction, involvement, and provision of adequate social supports were viewed as positive and motivating. However normative expectations appeared to affect participants' ability to engage in physical activity, which may reflect the 'close knit' culture of the study neighbourhoods. Access to suitable local facilities and amenities such as structured and pleasant walking routes was regarded as essential. Indeed participants considered walking to be their preferred form of physical activity which may relate to the minimal skill requirement, ease of access and low financial costs incurred. Conclusion: In the context of physical activity, health promoters need to be conscious of the difficulties that individuals feel in relation to bodily appearance and the pressure to comply with societal standards. This may be particularly relevant in low income settings where insufficient allocation of resources and social supports means that individuals have less opportunity to attend to physical activity than individuals living in higher income settings
Translational pharmacology of an inhaled small molecule ιvβ6 integrin inhibitor for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
The ιvβ6 integrin plays a key role in the activation of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), a pro-fibrotic mediator that is pivotal to the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We identified a selective small molecule ιvβ6 RGD-mimetic, GSK3008348, and profiled it in a range of disease relevant pre-clinical systems. To understand the relationship between target engagement and inhibition of fibrosis, we measured pharmacodynamic and diseaserelated end points. Here we report, GSK3008348 binds to ιvβ6 with high affinity in human IPF lung and reduces downstream pro-fibrotic TGFβ signaling to normal levels. In human lung epithelial cells, GSK3008348 induces rapid internalization and lysosomal degradation of the ιvβ6 integrin. In the murine bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis model, GSK3008348 engages ιvβ6, induces prolonged inhibition of TGFβ signaling and reduces lung collagen deposition and serum C3M, a marker of IPF disease progression. These studies highlight the potential of inhaled GSK3008348 as an anti-fibrotic therapy