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Presents the authors' varying perspectives as teacher researchers reflecting on their first-time implementation of a cross-age, primary-grade literacy project. Identifies several themes as important sites of difference among the teacher-researchers. (SR)

Background. Common locomotor deficits observed in people poststroke include decreased speeds and abnormal kinematics, characterized by altered symmetry, reduced sagittal-plane joint excursions, and use of compensatory frontal-plane behaviors during the swing phase of gait. Conventional interventions utilized to mitigate these deficits often incorporate low-intensity, impairment-based or functional exercises focused on normalizing kinematics, although the efficacy of these strategies is unclear. Conversely, higher-intensity training protocols that provide only stepping practice and do not focus on kinematics have demonstrated gains in walking function, although minimal attention toward gait quality may be concerning and has not been assessed. Objective. The present study evaluated changes in spatiotemporal and joint kinematics following experimental, high-intensity stepping training compared with conventional interventions. Design. Kinematic data were combined from a randomized controlled trial comparing experimental and conventional training and from a pilot experimental training study. Methods. Individuals with gait deficits 1 to 6 months poststroke received up to 40 sessions of either high-intensity stepping training in variable contexts or conventional lower-intensity interventions. Analyses focused on kinematic changes during graded treadmill testing before and following training. Results. Significant improvements in speed, symmetry, and selected sagittal-plane kinematics favored experimental training over conventional training, although increases in compensatory strategies also were observed. Changes in many kinematic patterns were correlated with speed changes, and increased compensatory behaviors were associated with both stride length gains and baseline impairments. Limitations. Limitations include a small sample size and use of multiple statistical comparisons. Conclusions. Improved speeds and selected kinematics were observed following highintensity training, although such training also resulted in increased use of compensatory strategies. Future studies should explore the consequences of utilizing these compensatory strategies despite the observed functional gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failure to adhere to complex antiretroviral regimens can lead to resistance and treatment failure among HIV-positive persons. In this study of the feasibility of an automated two-way messaging system to improve adherence, participants received multiple short daily messages designed to remind, educate, encourage adherence, and solicit responses concerning side effects and self-reported adherence. Twenty-five participants remained in the study for a median of 208 days, receiving 17,440 messages and replying to 14,677 (84%). Participants reported missing one or more doses on 36% of 743 queries and reported medication side effects on 26% of 729 queries. Participants expressed high satisfaction with the messaging system and reported that it helped with medication adherence. The study suggests that it is feasible to use an automated wireless two-way messaging system to communicate with HIV-positive patients over an extended period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Focuses on the plans of American Nurses Association (ANA) to upgrade the nursing profession in the United States by downgrading diploma-prepared nurses to technical status. Comparison of the proposal with the 1985 resolution; Implementation of the plan; Concern of ANA on the improvement of the economic status of nurses.