bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Levels of Satisfaction with Distance Education and On-campus Programs
Authors: Kim Dae Shik , Lee Helen , Skellenger Annette 
Published: January 2019

Introduction The study compared the level of satisfaction of 101 graduates with a distance education versus an on-campus program. Methods A self-administered anonymous survey was used to gather information about satisfaction from the recent graduates of a university personnel preparation program in visual impairments (response rate = 57.7%). The survey measured graduates’ satisfaction with their programs in six subareas: (1) faculty-student interaction, (2) student-student interaction, (3) fairness of evaluations, (4) organization of courses, (5) adequacy of the difficulty of courses, and (6) practicum or internship experience. Results The program modality was not a significant predictor of overall satisfaction with a program once we controlled for the confounding variables, including age, program area, and presence of visual impairments (—.277 – .226, 95% CI). However, it was a significant independent predictor of faculty-student interaction (—.616 – —.012, 95% CI) and student-student interaction (—.875 – —.073, 95% CI). Discussion There was no significant difference in the two groups of graduates’ overall satisfaction with the program, but although the findings are preliminary in nature, the graduates from the on-campus program indicated a higher level of faculty-student and student-student interactions. Implications for practitioners Given the findings of this study, prospective students who are interested in university personnel preparation programs in visual impairments may consider distance education programs an option that may satisfy them. Similarly, these programs may consider continuing their distance education programs as a satisfactory option for many students. However, the lower level of faculty-student and student-student interactions perceived by the distance education graduates may suggest a need to ensure a mechanism that facilitates such interactions more effectively.
Transition to Employment for Students with Visual Impairments: Components for Success
Authors: Crudden Adele 
Published: January 2019

Introduction The study presented here examined rehabilitation providers’ beliefs about services and service delivery strategies that are successful in facilitating the transition from school to competitive employment for youths who are blind or have low vision. Methods Five focus groups were conducted, two with rehabilitation state agency personnel and three with members of professional organizations at their annual conferences. A protocol with four queries about transition services generated data for a content analysis by a team of three researchers. Results The participants identified transition services before age 16, communication among service providers and families, assessment, and the development of specific skills as important factors in facilitating the transition to competitive employment. Parental involvement was also identified as a positive factor in the transition and career planning. Discussion Transition services are not routinely provided before age 16, thus hindering the development of skills and careers. Improved communication among service providers and parents can promote advocacy and the successful transition to work. The qualitative research strategies used in the study did not generate results that can be generalized to other populations or settings or that can be used to evaluate outcomes. The results can be assessed for transferability and to understand the transition process. Implications for practitioners Requiring specific documentation of collaboration between parents and service providers may increase communication among the stakeholders. Increased communication may lead to students’ participation in transition-to-work activities at an earlier age, thus promoting successful transitions.
Training of Paraeducators for Physical Education for Children with Visual Impairments
Authors: Lieberman Lauren J. , Conroy Paula 
Published: January 2019

Introduction Children with visual impairments are often behind their peers in physical and motor skills. It is often necessary for these children to work one to one with a paraeducator to gain the benefits of physical education, improve physical activity and motor skills, and attain the basic standards of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC). Paraeducators are trained to work in classrooms, yet are rarely, if ever, trained in the subject of physical education. The purpose of the study presented here was to determine current training practices for paraeducators in the classroom and what is needed to ensure proper training for physical education for paraeducators who work with children with visual impairments. Methods In the study, 143 professionals and parents were given a validated questionnaire related to the training needs of paraeducators for physical education. Results The results indicated that although the majority of children with visual impairments attended physical education classes with their paraeducators, only 11% of the paraeducators were trained in physical education. The participants thought that the training should consist of safety practices, guiding techniques, teaching strategies, information on visual impairments, and most areas of the ECC. They thought that this information should be delivered in the form of a video or guest speakers and that the children with visual impairments should be included when possible. Discussion Because of the large and varied sample in the study, the information gained could be used to create a training video for paraeducators who work with children with visual impairments in physical education. Implications for practitioners The results of the study highlight areas that should be included as the foundation of training paraeducators for physical education.
A Field Study of a Standardized Tangible Symbol System for Learners who are Visually Impaired and have Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Trief Ellen , Cascella Paul W. , Bruce Susan M. 
Published: January 2019

Introduction The study reported in this article tracked the learning rate of 43 children with multiple disabilities and visual impairments who had limited to no verbal language across seven months of classroom-based intervention using a standardized set of tangible symbols. Methods The participants were introduced to tangible symbols on a daily basis during a seven-month field study. The tangible symbols were embedded into the curriculum during daily classroom routines and were used in addition to any other forms of expressive or receptive communication that were already in place in the classroom. The data were collected daily from teachers and therapists. Throughout the seven-month period, data were recorded for 30,220 opportunities to use tangible symbols. The participants had 2 to 9 recorded opportunities to use tangible symbols per day throughout the study. Results Over a four-month period, the participants identified 46% of the tangible symbols to which they were exposed, and cognitive, language, play, and symbolism skills were not factors related to the successful acquisition of tangible symbols. The strongest predictor of outcome was independent ambulation, and seven symbols were the most often identified. In addition, decontextualized pre- and posttesting proved less effective as a measurement tool than did daily classroom probes immediately following activities. Discussion The results suggest that even children with the most severe impairments were able to identify the use of many of the tangible symbols. Implications for practitioners One implication of this research is that data collection allows teachers or therapists to measure progress in the acquisition of tangible symbols objectively and that it fosters the development of goals for the students’ Individualized Education Programs.
Predictors of Employment Outcomes for People with Visual Impairment in Taiwan: The Contribution of Disability Employment Services
Authors: Jang Yuh , Wang Yun-Tung , Lin Meng-Hsiu , Shih Kevin J. 
Published: January 2019

Introduction We investigated the employment status and identified factors that may affect the employment outcomes of people with visual impairments in Taiwan. Methods A retrospective, ex post facto design study was conducted. The sample included 313 visually impaired clients who commenced and “closed” (completed) disability employment services between 2008 and 2010 in a metropolitan area in Taiwan. Results Two hundred and seventy-one out of 313 (87%) clients were gainfully employed after receiving services. Among those employed, 224 clients were employed as massage practitioners. Factors that increased the likelihood of successful employment outcomes after receiving services included more postemployment services, fewer pre-employment services, and having a vocational qualification. Discussion This study provides some empirical support documenting the association between the provision of employment services and employment outcomes among people with visual impairments in Taiwan. Implications for practitioners The importance of disability employment services programs, a major component of vocational rehabilitation services, within the overall operation of rehabilitation is their capacity to provide direction, focus, and meaning to other therapies or services. The results of this study may lead employment specialists to reexamine their case services practices. Knowledge of factors that may affect clients’ rehabilitation may help employment specialists to better estimate how much support and training are needed and better assess their clients’ employability.
Effects of Xiaotan Tongfu decoction on hepatic metastasis in obesity-associated colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhao Ying , Xiu Lijuan , Li Yongjin , Lu Ye , Wang Xiaowei , Wei Pinkang 
Published: January 2019

Objective This study was performed to assess the influence of obesity on colorectal cancer (CRC) and investigate the efficacy of Xiaotan Tongfu (XTTF) decoction to CRC treatment. Methods BALB/C mice were used to establish an obesity-associated CRC model by a high-fat diet and tumor implantation. The tumors were harvested from mice inoculated with CT26 cell suspension. Body weight, liver weight, hepatic metastasis, and histological changes were observed. Immunohistochemical analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to measure the levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3). Results Obesity influenced the secretion of IGFs and aggravated CRC, while XTTF decoction inhibited the process of hepatic metastasis in CRC by upregulating the secretion of IGF-1/IGF-1R and downregulating the secretion of IGFBP-3. Conclusions This study provides evidence that XTTF decoction can serve as a candidate curative treatment for CRC.
Galanin expression is down-regulated in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Lei , Fang Penghua , Chai Chenghua , Shao Lijuan , Mao Haiyan , Qiao Dawei , Kong Guimei , Dong Xiaoyun , Shi Mingyi , Zhang Zhenwen , Bo Ping 
Published: January 2019

Objective To investigate whether galanin and its three receptors (Gal-R1, Gal-R2, Gal-R3) contribute to development of gastric cancer. Methods Preoperative and postoperative fasting venous blood samples were collected from 34 patients with gastric cancer and 13 healthy individuals. Plasma galanin contents, as well as expression levels of galanin and its receptors, were quantitatively examined in a cohort of human gastric cancer tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues. Results Statistically significantly lower galanin levels were found in the preoperative samples from patients with gastric cancer, compared with postoperative samples from these same patients, as well as with samples from healthy donors. Furthermore, galanin and Gal-R1 expression levels were dramatically reduced in gastric cancer tissues, compared with corresponding adjacent tissues, whereas Gal-R2 and Gal-R3 levels remained unchanged. Furthermore, galanin mRNA and protein expression levels in the preoperative samples from patients with gastric cancer were significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, tumor node metastasis stage, and size of the gastric cancer. Conclusions Overall levels of galanin and Gal-R1 expression were down-regulated in patients with gastric cancer; local levels were also specifically downregulated in gastric cancer tissues. Galanin and its receptor, Gal-R1, may contribute to development of gastric cancer.
Layered learning pharmacy practice model in Ethiopia
Authors: Chargualaf Michael J , Giao Tieumy T , Abrahamson Anna C , Steeb David , Law Miranda , Bates Jill , Nedi Teshome , Muluneh Benyam 
Published: January 2019

Purpose Ethiopia is home to a growing population of more than 100 million people. Healthcare in the region functions with a shortage of oncologists. Pharmacists as well as other healthcare providers can assist with expanding patient access to cancer care. A pilot project was proposed to provide education, determine areas to expand pharmacy services in oncology, and recommend interventions at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital and Addis Ababa University. Methods A layered learning practice model comprising of a clinical pharmacist, a post-graduate year two oncology pharmacy resident, and two fourth-year student pharmacists was constructed for the experience. Through collaboration with the College of Pharmacy at Addis Ababa University, an international experience was developed to provide education and advance pharmacy practice at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. Results Based on findings from a needs assessment, the participants collaborated with key stakeholders to develop practices and procedures for the implementation of high-dose methotrexate and for comprehensive chemotherapy order review. In addition, 17 didactic lectures were provided to nine students enrolled in the Master of Pharmacy in Pharmacy Practice at the College of Pharmacy at Addis Ababa University. Conclusion This experience provided educational and clinical impact using a layered learning practice model, consisting of a clinical pharmacist, pharmacy resident, and pharmacy students in an international setting. There is significant potential for clinical pharmacy to positively impact patient care in the oncology setting in Ethiopia. Future initiatives for advancement include the safe handling of hazardous agents, additional therapeutic drug monitoring, and outpatient oncology pharmacist practice.
Effect of Deformation Methods on the Accuracy of Deformable Image Registration From Kilovoltage CT to Tomotherapy Megavoltage CT
Authors: Nobnop Wannapha , Chitapanarux Imjai , Wanwilairat Somsak , Tharavichitkul Ekkasit , Lorvidhaya Vicharn , Sripan Patumrat 
Published: January 2019

Introduction: The registration accuracy of megavoltage computed tomography images is limited by low image contrast when compared to that of kilovoltage computed tomography images. Such issues may degrade the deformable image registration accuracy. This study evaluates the deformable image registration from kilovoltage to megavoltage images when using different deformation methods and assessing nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient images. Methods: The kilovoltage and the megavoltage images from the first day and the 20th fractions of the treatment day of 12 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were used to evaluate the deformable image registration application. The deformable image registration image procedures were classified into 3 groups, including kilovoltage to kilovoltage, megavoltage to megavoltage, and kilovoltage to megavoltage. Three deformable image registration methods were employed using the deformable image registration and adaptive radiotherapy software. The validation was compared by volume-based, intensity-based, and deformation field analyses. Results: The use of different deformation methods greatly affected the deformable image registration accuracy from kilovoltage to megavoltage. The asymmetric transformation with the demon method was significantly better than other methods and illustrated satisfactory value for adaptive applications. The deformable image registration accuracy from kilovoltage to megavoltage showed no significant difference from the kilovoltage to kilovoltage images when using the appropriate method of registration. Conclusions: The choice of deformation method should be considered when applying the deformable image registration from kilovoltage to megavoltage images. The deformable image registration accuracy from kilovoltage to megavoltage revealed a good agreement in terms of intensity-based, volume-based, and deformation field analyses and showed clinically useful methods for nasopharyngeal carcinoma adaptive radiotherapy in tomotherapy applications.
Valuing e-inclusion: Social media and the social networks of adolescents with intellectual disability
Authors: White Pippa , Forrester-Jones Rachel 
Published: January 2019

Background: Social media is a growing phenomenon, yet people with intellectual disability (ID) may not experience comparable access to this communication technology. Adolescents with ID may benefit from e-inclusion, especially as individuals with ID are at risk of having smaller social networks. Materials and Methods: The Social Network Guide was adapted to measure social media usage and used to examine the interpersonal relationships of adolescents with and without ID. Results: Adolescents with ID held smaller social networks with less developed informal relationships. However, friendship quality was comparable or superior to typically developing peers. Adolescents with ID interacted with a smaller percentage of contacts using social media. Social media use was predictive of the number of reported friendships and did not significantly predict critical comments. Conclusions: Findings suggest that adolescents with ID have comparable access to social media but use these sites to interact with a smaller number of social contacts.
Use of hemoadsorption in sepsis-associated ECMO-dependent severe ARDS: A case series
Authors: Kogelmann Klaus , Scheller Morten , Drüner Matthias , Jarczak Dominik 
Published: January 2019

Introduction Acute respiratory distress syndrome in the context of severe sepsis and septic shock represents a serious clinical disorder. A recent case series in patients with septic shock and renal failure receiving hemoadsorption treatment showed rapid hemodynamic stabilization and increased survival, particularly in pneumonia patients and in those where therapy was started early. We hypothesized that patients suffering from pneumonia and refractory acute respiratory distress syndrome to the extent that they required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support could possibly demonstrate the most pronounced benefit from the treatment. Methods We assessed the association of hemoadsorption treatment with hemodynamics, ventilation, and outcome variables in a set of patients with septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, need for veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and continuous renal replacement therapy. Results Key observations include a significant stabilization in hemodynamics as evidenced by a marked decrease in catecholamine need, which was paralleled by a clear reduction in hyperlactatemia. Respiratory variables improved significantly. In addition, severity of illness and overall organ dysfunction showed a considerable decrease during the course of treatment. Observed mortality was approximately half as predicted by APACHE II. Treatment with CytoSorb was safe and well tolerated with no device-related adverse events. Discussion This is the first case series reporting on outcome variables associated to CytoSorb therapy in critically ill patients with septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and continuous renal replacement therapy. Based on our observations in this small case series, CytoSorb might represent a potentially promising therapy option for patients with refractory extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-dependent acute respiratory distress syndrome in the context of septic shock.
Artificial intelligence for the real‐time classification of intrapapillary capillary loop patterns in the endoscopic diagnosis of early oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Everson M , Herrera LCGP , Li W , Luengo I Muntion , Ahmad O , Banks M , Magee C , Alzoubaidi D , Hsu HM , Graham D , Vercauteren T , Lovat L , Ourselin S , Kashin S , Wang Hsiu-Po , Wang Wen-Lun , Haidry RJ 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundIntrapapillary capillary loops (IPCLs) represent an endoscopically visible feature of early squamous cell neoplasia (ESCN) which correlate with invasion depth – an important factor in the success of curative endoscopic therapy. IPCLs visualised on magnification endoscopy with Narrow Band Imaging (ME‐NBI) can be used to train convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to detect the presence and classify staging of ESCN lesions.MethodsA total of 7046 sequential high‐definition ME‐NBI images from 17 patients (10 ESCN, 7 normal) were used to train a CNN. IPCL patterns were classified by three expert endoscopists according to the Japanese Endoscopic Society classification. Normal IPCLs were defined as type A, abnormal as B1–3. Matched histology was obtained for all imaged areas.ResultsThis CNN differentiates abnormal from normal IPCL patterns with 93.7% accuracy (86.2% to 98.3%) and sensitivity and specificity for classifying abnormal IPCL patterns of 89.3% (78.1% to 100%) and 98% (92% to 99.7%), respectively. Our CNN operates in real time with diagnostic prediction times between 26.17 ms and 37.48 ms.ConclusionOur novel and proof‐of‐concept application of computer‐aided endoscopic diagnosis shows that a CNN can accurately classify IPCL patterns as normal or abnormal. This system could be used as an in vivo, real‐time clinical decision support tool for endoscopists assessing and directing local therapy of ESCN.