11 research outputs found
Inflammatory resolution: New opportunities for drug discovery
Treatment of inflammatory diseases today is largely based on interrupting the synthesis or action
of mediators that drive the hostâs response to injury. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, steroids
and antihistamines, for instance, were developed on this basis. Although such small-molecule
inhibitors have provided the main treatment for inflammatory arthropathies and asthma, they are
not without their shortcomings. This review offers an alternative approach to the development of
novel therapeutics based on the endogenous mediators and mechanisms that switch off acute
inflammation and bring about its resolution. It is thought that this strategy will open up new
avenues for the future management of inflammation-based diseases
General Didactics and Instructional Design: eyes like twins A transatlantic dialogue about similarities and differences, about the past and the future of two sciences of learning and teaching
The origin of accretionary lapilli.
Experimental investigations in a recirculating wind tunnel of the mechanisms of formation of accretionary lapilli have demonstrated that growth is controlled by collision of liquid-coated particles, due to differences in fall velocities, and binding as a result of surface tension forces and secondary mineral growth. The liquids present on particle surfaces in eruption plumes are acid solutions stable at 100% relative humidity, from which secondary minerals, e.g. calcium sulphate and sodium chloride, precipitate prior to impact of accretionary lapilli with the ground. Concentric grain-size zones within accretionary lapilli build up due to differences in the supply of particular particle sizes during aggregate growth. Accretionary lapilli do not evolve by scavenging of particles by liquid drops followed by evaporation â a process which, in wind tunnel experiments, generates horizontally layered hemispherical aggregates. Size analysis of particles in the wind tunnel air stream and particles adhering to growing aggregates demonstrate that the aggregation coefficient is highly grain-size dependent. Theoretical simulation of accretionary lapilli growth in eruption plumes predicts maximum sizes in the range 0.7â20 mm for ash cloud thicknesses of 0.5â10 km respectivel
An analysis of peer, self, and tutor assessment in problem-based learning tutorials
Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore self-, peer-, and tutor assessment of performance in tutorials among first year medical students in a problem-based learning curriculum. Methods: One hundred and twenty- five students enrolled in the first year of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Program at the University of Queensland were recruited to participate in a study of metacognition and peer- and self- assessment. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from the assessment of PBL performance within the tutorial setting, which included elements such as responsibility and respect, communication, and critical analysis through presentation of a case summary. Self-, peer-, and tutor assessment took place concurrently. Results: Scores obtained from tutor assessment correlated poorly with self- assessment ratings (r = 0.31 - 0.41), with students consistently under- marking their own performance to a substantial degree. Students with greater self-efficacy, scored their PBL performance more highly. Peer- assessment was a slightly more accurate measure, with peer- averaged scores correlating moderately with tutor ratings initially (r = 0.40) and improving over time (r = 0.60). Students consistently over-marked their peers, particularly those with sceptical attitudes to the peer-assessment process. Peer over-marking led to less divergence from the tutor scoring than under-marking of one's own work. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, first-year medical students in a problem-based learning curriculum were better able to accurately judge the performance of their peers compared to their own performance. This study has shown that self-assessment of process is not an accurate measure, in line with the majority of research in this domain. Nevertheless, it has an important role to play in supporting the development of skills in reflection and self-awareness