Search

Since 2004, middle and high school students have been monitoring the effects of ground-level ozone by collecting data on observable leaf injury on cutleaf coneflower ("Rudbeckia laciniata") and crownbeard ("Verbesina occidentalis") in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This project is part of an ongoing citizen-science effort in which different groups of students assist researchers in tracking impacts throughout the growing season. Through this ozone-biomonitoring project, student participants gain understanding of the impacts of ground-level ozone on both plants and human health. In this article, the authors present an inquiry-based activity that follows the 5E learning cycle model. (Contains 8 figures and 9 online resources.)

Documentary Shows Pitfalls In Process of Seeking Asylum Susan Sachs [*] Well-Founded Fear A Two hour film by Shari Robertson and Michael Camerini P.O.V. -- Television With A Point of [...]

Susan Sachs [*] With tuberculosis rampant in much of the developing world and immigration from those countries at a record high, public health officials are calling for large-scale TB screening [...]

This document, titled "Reducing Costs Within an Integrated Health Care System: The Biosimilar Way," discusses the process of converting patients with chronic or debilitating diseases from expensive biologic drugs to less expensive but highly similar biosimilars. The article emphasizes the importance of physician and patient education, as well as addressing challenges such as prior authorization requirements and insurance payer preferences. The workgroup established best practices, including physician engagement, standardized educational materials, and data collection for root cause analysis. The outcomes of this initiative at Sharp HealthCare include high biosimilar conversion rates, significant cost avoidance, and the ability to allocate savings towards programs for vulnerable patient populations. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: This paper celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Western Institute of Nursing, the nursing organization representing 13 states in the Western United States, and envisions a preferred future for nursing practice, research, and education. Background: Three landmark calls to action contribute to transforming nursing and healthcare: the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010; the Institute of Medicine report Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health; and the report Advancing Healthcare Transformation: A New Era for Academic Nursing. Challenges abound: U.S. healthcare remains expensive, with poorer outcomes than other developed countries; costs of higher education are high; our profession does not reflect the diversity of the population; and health disparities persist. Pressing health issues, such as increases in chronic disease and mental health conditions and substance abuse, coupled with aging of the population, pose new priorities for nursing and healthcare. Discussion: Changes are needed in practice, research, and education. In practice, innovative, cocreated, evidence-based models of care can open new roles for registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses who have knowledge, leadership, and team skills to improve quality and address system change. In research, data can provide a foundation for clinical practice and expand our knowledge base in symptom science, wellness, self-management, and end-of-life/palliative care, as well as behavioral health, to demonstrate the value of nursing care and reduce health disparities. In education, personalized, integrative, and technology-enabled teaching and learning can lead to creative and critical thinking/decision-making, ethical and culturally inclusive foundations for practice, ensure team and communication skills, quality and system improvements, and lifelong learning. Conclusion: The role of the Western Institute of Nursing is more relevant than ever as we collectively advance nursing, health, and healthcare through education, clinical practice, and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]