Förderung des Beschreibens von prozessorientierter Diagnostik im naturwissenschaftlichen Sachunterricht – Evaluation eines auf Text- und Videovignetten basierenden Seminars für Grundschullehramtsstudierende

Die Fähigkeit, diagnostische Maßnahmen einer Lehrperson in verschiedenen Unterrichtssituationen beschreiben zu können, ist ein Teilprozess der professionellen Wahrnehmung von prozessorientierter Diagnostik. Diese Fähigkeit kann als eine zentrale Voraussetzung für das Umsetzen eigener prozessorientierter Diagnostik im naturwissenschaftlichen Sachunterricht betrachtet werden. Ein vignettenbasiertes Seminar für Grundschullehramtsstudierende vermochte das Beschreiben von diagnostischen Maßnahmen nur teilweise zu fördern. Der Beitrag berichtet die Ergebnisse der Seminarevaluation, diskutiert eine denkbare Weiterentwicklung des Seminars und wirft methodische Fragen zum Erhebungsinstrument auf

The impact of a construction play on 5- to 6-year-old children’s reasoning about stability.

Theory: Young children have an understanding of basic science concepts such as stability, yet their theoretical assumptions are often not concerned with stability. The literature on theory theory and theory-evidence coordination suggests that children construct intuitive theories about their environment which can be adjusted in the face of counterevidence that cannot be assimilated into the prior theory. With increasing age, children acquire a Center theory when balancing objects and try to balance every object at their middle, succeeding with symmetrical objects. Later, they acquire the basic science concept of stability through learning that the weight distribution of an object is of importance. Thus, they acquire a Mass theory and succeed in balancing asymmetrical objects as well. Fluid and crystallized intelligence might contribute to children’s acquisition of Mass theory. Moreover, their Mass theory might be supported by implementing a playful intervention including (a) material scaffolds and (b) verbal scaffolds. Aims: We investigated which theories children have about stability and whether these theories can be adjusted to Mass theory by implementing a playful intervention. Method: A total of 183 5- to 6-year-old children took part in the study with a pre-post-follow-up intervention design. Children’s Mass theory was assessed with an interview in which children explained constructions’ stabilities. The children received a playful intervention with two differing degrees of scaffolding (material scaffolds or material + verbal scaffolds) or no scaffolding. Results: At first few children used a Mass theory to explain their reasoning. However, after being confronted with counterevidence for the asymmetrical constructions, children changed their explanation and applied a Mass theory. More children in the play group with the highest degree of scaffolding, i.e., material + verbal scaffolds, acquired a Mass theory compared to the other groups. Fluid as well as crystallized intelligence contributed to children’s acquisition of a Mass theory. Discussion: Counterevidence can support children in their acquisition of a Mass theory. A playful intervention with scaffolding supports children even more

Scattered Light Imaging: Resolving the substructure of nerve fiber crossings in whole brain sections with micrometer resolution

For developing a detailed network model of the brain based on image reconstructions, it is necessary to spatially resolve crossing nerve fibers. The accuracy hereby depends on many factors, including the spatial resolution of the imaging technique. 3D Polarized Light Imaging (3D-PLI) allows the three-dimensional reconstruction of nerve fiber tracts in whole brain sections with micrometer in-plane resolution, but leaves uncertainties in pixels containing crossing fibers. Here we introduce Scattered Light Imaging (SLI) to resolve the substructure of nerve fiber crossings. The measurement is performed on the same unstained histological brain sections as in 3D-PLI. By illuminating the brain sections from different angles and measuring the transmitted (scattered) light under normal incidence, SLI provides information about the underlying nerve fiber structure. A fully automated evaluation of the resulting light intensity profiles has been developed, allowing the user to extract various characteristics, like the individual directions of in-plane crossing nerve fibers, for each image pixel at once. We validate the reconstructed nerve fiber directions against results from previous simulation studies, scatterometry measurements, and fiber directions obtained from 3D-PLI. We demonstrate in different brain samples (human optic tracts, vervet monkey brain, rat brain) that the 2D fiber directions can be reliably reconstructed for up to three crossing nerve fiber bundles in each image pixel with an in-plane resolution of up to 6.5 $\mu$m. We show that SLI also yields reliable fiber directions in brain regions with low 3D-PLI signals coming from regions with a low density of myelinated nerve fibers or out-of-plane fibers. In combination with 3D-PLI, the technique can be used for a full reconstruction of the three-dimensional nerve fiber architecture in the brain.Comment: 30 pages, 16 figure

Socioeconomic position and self-rated health among female and male adolescents: The role of familial determinants in explaining health inequalities. Results of the German KiGGS study

Objective: Although health inequalities in adolescence are well documented, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Few studies have examined the role of the family in explaining the association between the family’s socioeconomic position and adolescents’ self-rated health. The current study aimed to explore whether the association between socioeconomic position and self-rated health was mediated by familial determinants. Methods: Using data from wave 2 of the”German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents” (KiGGS) (1,838 female and 1,718 male 11- to 17-year-olds), linear regression analyses were conducted to decompose the total effects of income, education, occupational status, socioeconomic position index and adolescents’ subjective social status on self-rated health into direct effects and indirect effects through familial determinants (family cohesion, parental well-being, parental stress, parenting styles, parental obesity, smoking and sporting activity). Results: A significant total effect of all socioeconomic position indicators on self-rated health was found, except for income in male adolescents. In female adolescents, more than 70% of the total effects of each socioeconomic position indicator were explained by familial mediators, whereas no significant direct effects remained. The most important mediator was parental well-being, followed by family cohesion, parental smoking and sporting activity. In male adolescents, the associations between income, parental education, the socioeconomic position index and subjective social status were also mediated by familial determinants (family cohesion, parental smoking, obesity and living in a single-mother family). However, a significant direct effect of subjective social status remained. Conclusion: The analysis revealed how a family’s position of socioeconomic disadvantage can lead to poorer health in adolescents through different family practices. The family appears to play an important role in explaining health inequalities, particularly in female adolescents. Reducing health inequalities in adolescence requires policy interventions (macro-level), community-based strategies (meso-level) and programs to improve parenting and family functioning (micro-level).Peer Reviewe

VENTILAÇÃO PULMONAR E SUA RELAÇÃO COM MEDIDAS DO QUOCIENTE RESPIRATÓRIO E PERCENTUAL DE GORDURA: ESTUDO PRELIMINAR

A ventilação pulmonar depende da interação dos compartimentos torácico e abdominal, havendo incremento de trabalho ventilatório na presença de acúmulo de gordura nesta região corporal. O objetivo foi avaliar a relação da ventilação pulmonar com marcadores do quociente respiratório (QR) e o percentual de gordura (%G) em trabalhadores da agroindústria e produtores rurais. Com delineamento transversal, foram avaliados dezoito trabalhadores do município de Santa Cruz do Sul/RS, sendo selecionados dados de %G e do teste ergoespirométrico (protocolo de Bruce), obtendo-se resultados diretos do consumo de oxigênio (VO2), dióxido de carbono produzido (VCO2) e ventilação pulmonar (VE). Os dados foram analisados no software SPSS, sendo as correlações obtidas pelo teste de Pearson, com nível de significância p < 0,05. Os resultados indicam associação regular entre VE com as variáveis de VO2 (r = 0,564 e p = 0,015) e %G (r = -0,540 e p = 0,021). Já entre a VE e o VCO2 foi evidenciada associação forte (r = 0,775 e p < 0,001). A associação inversa entre VE e %G sugere a redução da capacidade ventilatória quando há aumento da massa gorda, o que pode ser em consequência da restrição mecânica da caixa torácica adjunto à baixa capacidade de trabalho dos músculos ou tolerância aos exercícios físicos

Aptidão cardiorrespiratória e fatores de risco cardiovasculares: um estudo com escolares de Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brasil.

Backgound and Objectives: The practice of physical activity and the potential benefits of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) should be considered as primary prevention of chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to relate CRF with risk factors causing cardiovascular diseases (obesity and hypertension) and arterial hypertension), in the municipality of Santa Cruz do Sul – RS. Method: the study of transversal character, utilized a sample of 1666 students, aged 7 – 17 years. The CRF was evaluated through the general resistance test (9 minutes); for cardiovascular risks factors, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was taken into consideration, along with anthropometric evaluations that indicate obesity, like the BMI, the sum of cutaneous flaps (ΣCF), body fat percentage (%BF), waist circumference and waist-hip ratio (WHR). Results: a high percentage of children with unsatisfactory cardiorespiratory fitness was found (70.9% for the boys and 69.4% for the girls). By comparing the CRF with cardiovascular risk factors (obesity and hypertension), it is observed that students with satisfactory cardiorespiratory fitness have better averages for BMI, WC, ΣCF,% F, SBP for both sexes, and DBP, for males. Found only a weak correlation between age (r = 0.431, pJustificativa e Objetivos: A prática de atividade física e os potenciais benefícios sobre a aptidão cardiorrespiratória (APCR) devem ser considerados como prevenção primária de doenças crônico-degenerativas. O objetivo deste estudo foi relacionar o nível de APCR com os fatores de risco para as doenças cardiovasculares (obesidade e hipertensão arterial), em escolares do município de Santa Cruz do Sul – RS. Método: o estudo de caráter transversal, utilizou uma amostra de 1666 escolares, com idades entre 7 e 17 anos. A APCR foi avaliada através do Teste de Resistência Geral (9 minutos); como fatores de risco cardiovascular, foi considerada pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica e avaliações antropométricas que indicam obesidade, como índice de massa corporal, somatório de dobras cutâneas (ΣDC), percentual de gordura (%G), circunferência da cintura e relação cintura quadril (RCQ). Resultados: foi encontrada alta porcentagem de escolares com APCR insatisfatória (70,9% entre os meninos e 69,4% entre as meninas). Ao comparar a APCR com os fatores de risco cardiovasculares (obesidade e hipertensão), observa-se que os escolares com aptidão cardiorrespiratória satisfatória apresentam melhores médias para a IMC, CC, ΣDC, %G, PAS para ambos os sexos, e PAD, para o sexo masculino. Foi encontrada correlação fraca somente entre as variáveis idade (r= 0,431;

Ginástica Laboral: efeitos de um programa de ginástica laboral sobre a flexibilidade em trabalhadores de diversos setores de um hospital de ensino da região do Vale do Rio Pardo/RS

A Ginástica Laboral (GL) é uma atividade física realizada durante a jornada de trabalho, com exercício de compensação aos movimentos repetitivos, à ausência de movimentos, ou a posturas desconfortáveis assumidas durante o período de trabalho. Objetivo: verificar possíveis efeitos de um programa de GL sobre a flexibilidade em trabalhadores de diversos setores de um hospital de ensino da região do Vale do Rio Pardo/RS. Método: estudo semi-experimental realizado em diversos setores de um hospital, de março de 2014 a maio 2015, em que foram avaliados 42 indivíduos, do sexo feminino, com idade entre 22 e 58 anos, que participavam do programa de GL. Para a coleta de dados, foi aplicado o teste sentar e alcançar (sit and reach) e o teste do manguito rotador (ombro direito e esquerdo) em três momentos: 1 (antes da intervenção com GL); 2 (logo após o término da intervenção) e 3 (quatro meses, após a intervenção). Resultados: a flexibilidade diferiu na comparação entre os momentos 1 e 2 e entre os momentos 1 e 3, em todos os testes aplicados, demonstrando que o programa de GL melhorou os níveis de flexibilidade dos trabalhadores. Não foi observada diferença significativa entre os momentos 2 e 3. Considerações finais: o programa de GL melhorou os níveis de flexibilidade dos trabalhadores, mantendo esses níveis semelhantes seis meses após o término da intervenção

Saúde e ludicidade: um estudo sobre a intensidade da frequência cardíaca em crianças de 6 a 9 anos em Santa Cruz do Sul - RS

In play, the child live experiences, performs social and emotional exchanges, assisting in their full development. The study is to describe the characteristics that mark the heart rate of children, during the course of recreational activities different Ways. They are subjects of this study, 30 students of both sexes, aged between 6 and 9 years old, belonging to a private school in the village of Santa Cruz do Sul. The methodological approach is descriptive and exploratory, and often made collection of heart rate at rest and during exercise in children, during the course of recreational activities and after the organization of the study data. The results show that the activity that increased intensity oh heart rate in children was the catch-up, reaching an average of 184,37 BPM for boys and girls 196,64 BPM. The activity increased less than the intensity of heart was to assemble the puzzle, reaching an average of 113,79 BPM for boys and girls 133,73 BPM. It was concluded that in all recreational activities of the circuit, the girls had higher heart rate higher than boys, both at home, and during activity and recovery.No brincar, a criança vivencia experiências, realiza trocas sociais e afetivas, auxiliando no seu desenvolvimento integral. Este estudo transversal objetiva descrever as características que demarcam as possíveis alterações da frequência cardíaca em crianças, durante a realização de atividades lúdicas, de diferentes modalidades. São sujeitos deste estudo, 30 escolares de ambos os sexos, com idade compreendida entre 6 à 9 anos, pertencentes a uma escola particular, da zona urbana de Santa Cruz do Sul. Foram realizadas medidas de frequência cardíaca de repouso, em esforço (durante a realização de atividades lúdicas) e de recuperação (dois minutos após a atividade). Os resultados revelam que, a atividade que mais elevou a intensidade da frequência cardíaca nas crianças foi a de pega-pega, alcançando uma média de 184,37 BPM nos meninos e 196,64 BPM nas meninas. A atividade que menos elevou a intensidade da frequência cardíaca foi a atividade de montar quebra-cabeça, alcançando a média de 113,79 BPM nos meninos e 133,73 BPM nas meninas. Concluiu-se que, em todas as atividades lúdicas do circuito, as meninas apresentaram níveis de frequência cardíaca mais elevados que os meninos, tanto no repouso, como durante a atividade e na recuperação. Além disso, é importante ressaltar a importância que as atividades lúdicas podem exercer na melhoria dos indicadores de saúde destas crianças, visto que a grande maioria das atividades elevou a freqüência cardíaca das crianças, a níveis de esforços moderados ou intensos

Branch-Specific Microtubule Destabilization Mediates Axon Branch Loss during Neuromuscular Synapse Elimination

Developmental axon remodeling is characterized by the selective removal of branches from axon arbors. The mechanisms that underlie such branch loss are largely unknown. Additionally, how neuronal resources are specifically assigned to the branches of remodeling arbors is not understood. Here we show that axon branch loss at the developing mouse neuromuscular junction is mediated by branch-specific microtubule severing, which results in local disassembly of the microtubule cytoskeleton and loss of axonal transport in branches that will subsequently dismantle. Accordingly, pharmacological microtubule stabilization delays neuromuscular synapse elimination. This branch-specific disassembly of the cytoskeleton appears to be mediated by the microtubule-severing enzyme spastin, which is dysfunctional in some forms of upper motor neuron disease. Our results demonstrate a physiological role for a neurodegeneration-associated modulator of the cytoskeleton, reveal unexpected cell biology of branch-specific axon plasticity and underscore the mechanistic similarities of axon loss in development and disease

Validation of the Brief Confusion Assessment Method for screening delirium in elderly medical patients in a German emergency department

Background Delirium is frequent in elderly patients presenting in the emergency department (ED). Despite the severe prognosis, the majority of delirium cases remain undetected by emergency physicians (EPs). At the time of our study there was no valid delirium screening tool available for EDs in German‐speaking regions. We aimed to evaluate the brief Confusion Assessment Method (bCAM) for a German ED during the daily work routine. Methods We implemented the bCAM into practice in a German interdisciplinary high‐volume ED and evaluated the bCAM's validity in a convenience sample of medical patients aged ≥ 70 years. The bCAM, which assesses four core features of delirium, was performed by EPs during their daily work routine and compared to a criterion standard based on the criteria for delirium as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Results Compared to the criterion standard, delirium was found to be present in 46 (16.0%) of the 288 nonsurgical patients enrolled. The bCAM showed 93.8% specificity (95% confidence interval [CI] = 90.0%–96.5%) and 65.2% sensitivity (95% CI = 49.8%–78.7%). Positive and negative likelihood ratios were 10.5 and 0.37, respectively, while the odds ratio was 28.4. Delirium was missed in 10 of 16 cases, since the bCAM did not indicate altered levels of consciousness and disorganized thinking. The level of agreement with the criterion standard increased for patients with low cognitive performance. Conclusion This was the first study evaluating the bCAM for a German ED and when performed by EPs during routine work. The bCAM showed good specificity, but only moderate sensitivity. Nevertheless, application of the bCAM most likely improves the delirium detection rate in German EDs. However, it should only be applied by trained physicians to maximize diagnostic accuracy and hence improve the bCAM's sensitivity. Future studies should refine the bCA