59 research outputs found
The mediating effect of task presentation on collaboration and children's acquisition of scientific reasoning
There has been considerable research concerning peer interaction and the acquisition of children's scientific reasoning. This study investigated differences in collaborative activity between pairs of children working around a computer with pairs of children working with physical apparatus and related any differences to the development of children's scientific reasoning. Children aged between 9 and 10 years old (48 boys and 48 girls) were placed into either same ability or mixed ability pairs according to their individual, pre-test performance on a scientific reasoning task. These pairs then worked on either a computer version or a physical version of Inhelder and Piaget's (1958) chemical combination task. Type of presentation was found to mediate the nature and type of collaborative activity. The mixed-ability pairs working around the computer talked proportionally more about the task and management of the task; had proportionally more transactive discussions and used the record more productively than children working with the physical apparatus. Type of presentation was also found to mediated children's learning. Children in same ability pairs who worked with the physical apparatus improved significantly more than same ability pairs who worked around the computer. These findings were partially predicted from a socio-cultural theory and show the importance of tools for mediating collaborative activity and collaborative learning
Developing a National Colorectal Educational Agenda: A Survey of the ACPGBI
AIM: In order to develop its education agenda, the ACPGBI sought the opinion of its members on current coloproctology training needs. The aims of this study were to canvass multi-disciplinary needs and explore the perceived gaps and barriers to meeting them.
METHOD: A learner needs analysis was performed between July 2015 and October 2016. A bespoke electronic survey was sent to 1,453 colorectal health care professionals (ACPGBI membership (1,173), colorectal nurse specialists and allied health professionals (NAHP) (261) and regional chapter-leads (19)) seeking their needs, experiences and barriers to training across the coloproctology disciplines.
RESULTS: 390 responses were received (26.8% overall; 180 consultants/trainees (15%); 196 NAHP (75%); 14 (74%) chapter-leads). Lack of funding and difficulties in obtaining study leave were the most frequently reported barriers to course and conference attendance. Transanal total mesorectal excision and laparoscopic training were the top educational needs for consultants and trainees respectively. 79% of NAHP respondents reported education gaps on a broad range of clinical and non-clinical topics. NAHP lacked information on relevant training opportunities and 27% felt available courses were insufficient to meet their educational needs. Wide heterogeneity in ACPGBI chapter composition and activity was reported. All groups felt the ACPGBI should increase the number of courses offered with coloproctology knowledge updates commonly requested.
CONCLUSION: A series of training needs across the coloproctology disciplines have been identified. These will underpin the development of the educational agenda for the ACPGBI
Labeling Preschoolers as Learning Disabled: A Cautionary Position
The purpose of this article is to explore the issues concerning the adaptation of school-based service delivery concepts for use in early childhood special education programs. The use of categorical labels for determining eligibility for preschool children is not required by law—and may be detrimental. The following concerns are discussed: (a) definitional issues in learning disabilities versus low achievement, (b) the dangers of labeling and low expectation sets, (c) repeated failure to demonstrate movement through a continuum of services (particularly to least restrictive environments), and (d) the efficacy of early intervention and school-based special services for those with mild or suspected developmental disabilities. Research is reviewed concerning definitional and assessment issues utilizing learning disabilities as a construct. Alternatives for describing the characteristics of young children who are significantly at risk or developmentally delayed are provided.Yeshttps://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/manuscript-submission-guideline
The Cholecystectomy As A Day Case (CAAD) Score: A Validated Score of Preoperative Predictors of Successful Day-Case Cholecystectomy Using the CholeS Data Set
Background
Day-case surgery is associated with significant patient and cost benefits. However, only 43% of cholecystectomy patients are discharged home the same day. One hypothesis is day-case cholecystectomy rates, defined as patients discharged the same day as their operation, may be improved by better assessment of patients using standard preoperative variables.
Methods
Data were extracted from a prospectively collected data set of cholecystectomy patients from 166 UK and Irish hospitals (CholeS). Cholecystectomies performed as elective procedures were divided into main (75%) and validation (25%) data sets. Preoperative predictors were identified, and a risk score of failed day case was devised using multivariate logistic regression. Receiver operating curve analysis was used to validate the score in the validation data set.
Results
Of the 7426 elective cholecystectomies performed, 49% of these were discharged home the same day. Same-day discharge following cholecystectomy was less likely with older patients (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.15–0.23), higher ASA scores (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.15–0.23), complicated cholelithiasis (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.48), male gender (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.58–0.74), previous acute gallstone-related admissions (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.48–0.60) and preoperative endoscopic intervention (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.34–0.47). The CAAD score was developed using these variables. When applied to the validation subgroup, a CAAD score of ≤5 was associated with 80.8% successful day-case cholecystectomy compared with 19.2% associated with a CAAD score >5 (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
The CAAD score which utilises data readily available from clinic letters and electronic sources can predict same-day discharges following cholecystectomy
Live cell image analysis of cell-cell interactions reveals the specific targeting of vascular smooth muscle cells by fetal trophoblasts
In early pregnancy, fetal trophoblasts selectively invade and remodel maternal spiral arteries. A healthy pregnancy is dependent on this adaptation to allow sufficient maternal blood to reach the placenta and the developing fetus. However, little is known of the role played by trophoblasts in this adaptation process. In this study, the interactions between trophoblast cells (TC) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were examined using novel live cell image analysis methods which allow quantitative assessment of the behaviour of these two cell types in co-culture. TC and VSMC were simultaneously tracked in co-culture and, for each cell type, directionality, speed and the cell-cell interaction were assessed. The overall migratory behaviour of TC was markedly different in the presence of VSMC with co-cultured TC migrating further with directional movement while mono-cultured TC moved more randomly. Furthermore, TC were shown to specifically target VSMC, suggesting that invading TC may initiate targeted vascular remodelling. Analysis of movement behaviour and cell-cell attraction will be useful in other co-culture systems in addition to answering important questions in the reproductive field
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of salicylic acid and cryotherapy for cutaneous warts: an economic decision model
Objectives: To estimate the costs of commonly used
treatments for cutaneous warts, as well as their health
benefits and risk. To create an economic decision model
to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these treatments,
and, as a result, assess whether a randomised controlled
trial (RCT) would be feasible and cost-effective.
Data sources: Focus groups, structured interviews
and observation of practice. Postal survey sent to 723
patients. A recently updated Cochrane systematic
review and published cost and prescribing data.
Review methods: Primary and secondary data
collection methods were used to inform the
development of an economic decision model. Data from
the postal survey provided estimates of the
effectiveness of wart treatments in a primary care
setting. These estimates were compared with outcomes
reported in the Cochrane review of wart treatment,
which were largely obtained from RCTs conducted in
secondary care. A decision model was developed
including a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) and GPprescribed
treatments. The model simulated 10,000
patients and adopted a societal perspective.
Results: OTC treatments were used by a substantial
number of patients (57%) before attending the GP
surgery. By far the most commonly used OTC
preparation was salicylic acid (SA). The results of the
economic model suggested that of the treatments
prescribed by a GP, the most cost-effective treatment
was SA, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio
(ICER) of 2.20 £/% cured. The ICERs for cryotherapy
varied widely (from 1.95 to 7.06 £/% cured) depending
on the frequency of applications and the mode of
delivery. The most cost-effective mode of delivery was
through nurse-led cryotherapy clinics (ICER =
1.95 £/% cured) and this could be a cost-effective
alternative to GP-prescribed SA. Overall, the OTC
therapies were the most cost-effective treatment
options. ICERs ranged from 0.22 £/% cured for OTC
duct tape and 0.76 £/% cured for OTC cryotherapy to
1.12 £/% cured for OTC SA. However, evidence in
support of OTC duct tape and OTC cryotherapy is
very limited. Side-effects were commonly reported for
both SA and cryotherapy, particularly a burning
sensation, pain and blistering.
Conclusions: Cryotherapy delivered by a doctor is an
expensive option for the treatment of warts in primary
care. Alternative options such as GP-prescribed SA and
nurse-led cryotherapy clinics provide more costeffective
alternatives, but are still expensive compared
with self-treatment. Given the minor nature of most
cutaneous warts, coupled with the fact that the
majority spontaneously resolve in time, it may be
concluded that a shift towards self-treatment is
warranted. Although both duct tape and OTC
cryotherapy appear promising new self-treatment
options from both a cost and an effectiveness
perspective, more research is required to confirm the
efficacy of these two methods of wart treatment. If
these treatments are shown to be as cost-effective as
or more cost-effective than conventional treatments,
then a shift in service delivery away from primary care
towards more OTC treatment is likely. A public
awareness campaign would be useful to educate
patients about the self-limiting nature of warts and the
possible alternative OTC treatment options available.
Two future RCTs are recommended for consideration:
a trial of SA compared with nurse-led cryotherapy in
primary care, and a trial of home treatments. Greater
understanding of the efficacy of these home treatments
will give doctors a wider choice of treatment options,
and may help to reduce the overall demand for
cryotherapy in primary care
BeWo cells stimulate smooth muscle cell apoptosis and elastin breakdown in a model of spiral artery transformation
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of salicylic acid and cryotherapy for cutaneous warts: an economic decision model
Objectives: To estimate the costs of commonly used
treatments for cutaneous warts, as well as their health
benefits and risk. To create an economic decision model
to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these treatments,
and, as a result, assess whether a randomised controlled
trial (RCT) would be feasible and cost-effective.
Data sources: Focus groups, structured interviews
and observation of practice. Postal survey sent to 723
patients. A recently updated Cochrane systematic
review and published cost and prescribing data.
Review methods: Primary and secondary data
collection methods were used to inform the
development of an economic decision model. Data from
the postal survey provided estimates of the
effectiveness of wart treatments in a primary care
setting. These estimates were compared with outcomes
reported in the Cochrane review of wart treatment,
which were largely obtained from RCTs conducted in
secondary care. A decision model was developed
including a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) and GPprescribed
treatments. The model simulated 10,000
patients and adopted a societal perspective.
Results: OTC treatments were used by a substantial
number of patients (57%) before attending the GP
surgery. By far the most commonly used OTC
preparation was salicylic acid (SA). The results of the
economic model suggested that of the treatments
prescribed by a GP, the most cost-effective treatment
was SA, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio
(ICER) of 2.20 £/% cured. The ICERs for cryotherapy
varied widely (from 1.95 to 7.06 £/% cured) depending
on the frequency of applications and the mode of
delivery. The most cost-effective mode of delivery was
through nurse-led cryotherapy clinics (ICER =
1.95 £/% cured) and this could be a cost-effective
alternative to GP-prescribed SA. Overall, the OTC
therapies were the most cost-effective treatment
options. ICERs ranged from 0.22 £/% cured for OTC
duct tape and 0.76 £/% cured for OTC cryotherapy to
1.12 £/% cured for OTC SA. However, evidence in
support of OTC duct tape and OTC cryotherapy is
very limited. Side-effects were commonly reported for
both SA and cryotherapy, particularly a burning
sensation, pain and blistering.
Conclusions: Cryotherapy delivered by a doctor is an
expensive option for the treatment of warts in primary
care. Alternative options such as GP-prescribed SA and
nurse-led cryotherapy clinics provide more costeffective
alternatives, but are still expensive compared
with self-treatment. Given the minor nature of most
cutaneous warts, coupled with the fact that the
majority spontaneously resolve in time, it may be
concluded that a shift towards self-treatment is
warranted. Although both duct tape and OTC
cryotherapy appear promising new self-treatment
options from both a cost and an effectiveness
perspective, more research is required to confirm the
efficacy of these two methods of wart treatment. If
these treatments are shown to be as cost-effective as
or more cost-effective than conventional treatments,
then a shift in service delivery away from primary care
towards more OTC treatment is likely. A public\ud
awareness campaign would be useful to educate
patients about the self-limiting nature of warts and the
possible alternative OTC treatment options available.
Two future RCTs are recommended for consideration:
a trial of SA compared with nurse-led cryotherapy in
primary care, and a trial of home treatments. Greater
understanding of the efficacy of these home treatments
will give doctors a wider choice of treatment options,
and may help to reduce the overall demand for
cryotherapy in primary care
Treatment of Fungal Peritonitis with a Combination of Intravenous Amphotericin B and Oral Flucytosine, and Delayed Catheter Replacement in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
Dimensionality Reduction via Isomap with Lock-Step and Elastic Measures for Time Series Gene Expression Classification
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