Spelling and grammar in secondary-school pupils in Flanders and the Netherlands : correlating knowledge with attitude and metacognition.

A recent longitudinal survey into the learning of grammar and spelling in Flemish and Dutch secondary schools ([1]) has shown that the spelling and grammatical knowledge of Y11-Y12 students (n=362; aged 17-18 years) falls short of the final attainment targets, especially for grammar. Additional research now focuses on the possible correlation between spelling and grammar results on the one hand, and attitude and metacognition, on the other. Therefore, alongside the spelling and grammar tests, participants were asked to sit a test on attitude (In your opinion, how important is spelling/grammar in the curriculum?) and one on metacognition (How confident are you about your spelling/grammar test?). Participants used a Likert scale, ranging from 1 (not important/not sure) to 5 (very important/very sure). Four research questions could be answered: What is the attitude of Y11-Y12 students towards the importance of spelling and grammar in the curriculum in general? What is the correlation between attitude and scores for the spelling and grammar tests? What is the metacognition/self-efficacy of Y11-Y12 students in the spelling and grammar tests? What is the correlation between metacognition/self-efficacy and scores for the spelling and grammar tests? In general, the results of this study suggest there is a positive correlation between both knowledge and attitude, and between knowledge and self-efficacy. Moreover, pupils seem to have a more positive attitude towards spelling than towards grammar, and they are also better at assessing their levels of spelling than their levels of grammar. Again, this study does not correlate with the teachers' beliefs that students cannot assess their own strengths and weaknesses correctly [2]

Extensive review of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of ace-inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in children with renal impairment

Background/Aims: Childhood hypertension is affecting around 2 to 4% of the paediatric population, where 90% of the Western cases is caused by renal impairment. ACE-inhibitors (ACE-I) and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB’s) are most frequently prescribed for blood pressure reduction. Both therapeutics are currently being used off-label, despite being available for over three decades. The aim of this study is to retrospectively summarize and to compare findings of conducted pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) studies investigating all drugs of the ACE-I and ARB’s classes, including a potential recommendation for improved study design. Method: This review focused on the clinical trials investigating PK and PD properties of ACE-I and ARB’s. 60 studies were selected, including 19 randomized controlled trials. Analysis was conducted with a focus on trial design and endpoints, i.e. safety and efficacy. Results: Between ACE-I and ARB’s, geographical location, drug intake and formulations were comparable. Study population differed, for example studies on ARB’s focused on both primary and secondary hypertension, where studies on ACE-I focused on secondary hypertension. Sampling regimens varied, where studies investigating the PK of ARB’s were frequently based on single dosing at non-steady state. For both classes, low reporting of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (23.3%) and the exclusion of participants with an eGFR under 30 was apparent. Individual antihypertensive effects of ACE-I could be verified in 77 children, where around 90% achieved a blood pressure decrease of ≥ 6 mmHg. ACE-I were generally well tolerated when considering safety parameters and serious adverse events. Limited studies investigated the long-term effects of ACE-I and ARB’s on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Conclusion: Standardization of methodology and reporting of results is imperative for PKPD studies, to allow a better comparison of results and to aim towards appropriate labelling. Inclusion across and stratification for age categories and eGFR ranges is recommended

The Influence of Everyday Acoustic Environments on the Challenging Behavior in Dementia: A Participatory Observation Study in Nursing Homes

Challenging behavior (CB) is a group of behaviors, reactions and symptoms due to dementia, which can be challenging for the caregivers. The study aims to research the influence of acoustics on CB in people with dementia (PwD). An ethnographic method was used to study the daily life of PwD in their nursing homes with a specific focus on how people react to everyday environmental sounds. Thirty-five residents were included in the sample based on purposeful, homogeneous group characteristics and sampling. Empirical data were collected using 24/7 participatory observations. The collected data were analyzed using a phenomenological–hermeneutical method: a naïve understanding, a structural analysis and a comprehensive understanding. The result shows that the onset of CB depends on whether the resident feels safe and is triggered by an excess or lack of stimuli. The excess or shortage of stimuli and whether and when it affects a person is personal. It depends on various factors, the person’s state and the time of day, the nature of the stimuli, familiarity, or strangeness is also a determining factor for the onset and progression of CB. The results can form an essential basis for developing soundscapes to make the PwD feel safe and reduce CB.</jats:p