A conceptual framework for implementation fidelity

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Implementation fidelity refers to the degree to which an intervention or programme is delivered as intended. Only by understanding and measuring whether an intervention has been implemented with fidelity can researchers and practitioners gain a better understanding of how and why an intervention works, and the extent to which outcomes can be improved.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The authors undertook a critical review of existing conceptualisations of implementation fidelity and developed a new conceptual framework for understanding and measuring the process. The resulting theoretical framework requires testing by empirical research.</p> <p>Summary</p> <p>Implementation fidelity is an important source of variation affecting the credibility and utility of research. The conceptual framework presented here offers a means for measuring this variable and understanding its place in the process of intervention implementation.</p

Galactose-α-1,3-Galactose–Specific IgE Is Associated with Anaphylaxis but Not Asthma

Rationale: IgE antibodies to the mammalian oligosaccharide galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-gal) are common in the southeastern United States. These antibodies, which are induced by ectoparasitic ticks, can give rise to positive skin tests or serum assays with cat extract

Instructional Planning Modifications to Meet Social Distancing Requirements: Secondary and Post-Secondary Options

Secondary and post-secondary science and engineering educators share common class arrangements with both a laboratory and lecture component, coordinating both components so they build upon each other to create meaningful learning experiences. The COVID-19 pandemic forced educators to convert lectures and exams to online delivery. Doing so came with trade-off decisions about sacrificing laboratory experience goals of hands-on practice, problem-solving, and learning concepts at a deeper, tactile level. Due to rapidly changing conditions, educators faced course redesign to accommodate social distancing and virtual learning requirements. In this study, a team of undergraduate college students including one secondary science preservice teacher planned a set of lessons for STEM outreach to a K–12 audience. The team faced challenges in planning meaningful learning experiences in the face of COVID-19 uncertainty. Options for secondary and post-secondary educators to consider are provided in this article

Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose Specific IgE is Associated with Anaphylaxis but not Asthma.

RATIONALE: IgE antibodies to the mammalian oligosaccharide galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) are common in the southeastern United States. These antibodies, which are induced by ectoparasitic ticks, can give rise to positive skin tests or serum assays with cat extract. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between IgE antibodies to alpha-gal and asthma, and compare this with the relationship between asthma and IgE antibodies to Fel d 1 and other protein allergens. METHODS: Patients being investigated for recurrent anaphylaxis, angioedema, or acute urticaria underwent spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), questionnaires, and serum IgE antibody assays. The results were compared with control subjects as well as cohorts from the Emergency Department (ED) in Virginia (n=130), northern Sweden (n=963), and rural Kenya (n=131). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients in Virginia with high titer IgE antibodies to alpha-gal had normal lung function, low levels of eNO, and low prevalence of asthma symptoms. Among patients in the ED and children in Kenya, there was no association between IgE antibodies to alpha-gal and asthma (odds ratios 1.04 and 0.75, respectively). In Sweden, IgE antibodies to cat were closely correlated with IgE antibodies to Fel d 1 (r=0.83), and to asthma (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results provide: i) a model of an ectoparasite-induced specific IgE response that can increase total serum IgE without creating a risk for asthma, and ii) further evidence that the main allergens that are causally related to asthma are those that are inhaled