Telephone service for providing consumers with information on herbal supplements.
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Community Participation↗
Biomedical subjects
A K Johnston
Publications and source records attributed to A K Johnston.
Meeting the challenge of problem-based learning: developing the facilitators.
Problem-based learning methodologies are now extensively utilized within contemporary nursing curricula. One factor which has been found to be vital to the successful use of these methodologies is the effectiveness of the facilitator. For some teachers, the facilitation of problem-based learning tutorials demands a shift from teacher- to student-centred instruction; for others it requires continuing development of present practice. It is proposed that this transformation or modification of teacher practice can be achieved through the use of group reflection for teacher development. This paper suggests that a group reflective practice strategy for facilitator development is more likely to prepare teachers to meet the demands of problem-based learning than traditional forms of staff development. The strategy proffered for teacher development has two phases: phase one establishes the group and centres discussion on the practice of problem-based learning facilitation; phase two involves critical analysis of personal practice of facilitation in the context of problem-based learning with a view to increased self-knowledge, ultimately leading to a change in practice. Changes to personal practice will be sustained by repeated participation in phase two. Essential to this ongoing participation will be recognition and support from the host organization.
Communication↗
A large-insert (130 kbp) bacterial artificial chromosome library of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe grisea: genome analysis, contig assembly, and gene cloning.
Magnaporthe grisea (Hebert) Barr causes rice blast, one of the most devastating diseases of rice (Oryza sativa) worldwide. This fungus is an ideal organism for studying a number of aspects of plant-pathogen interactions, including infection-related morphogenesis, avirulence, and pathogen evolution. To facilitate M. grisea genome analysis, physical mapping, and positional cloning, we have constructed a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library from the rice infecting strain 70-15. A new method was developed for separation of partially digested large-molecular-weight DNA fragments that facilitated library construction with large inserts. The library contains 9216 clones, with an average insert size of 130 kbp (> 25 genome equivalents) stored in 384-well microtiter plates that can be double spotted robotically on to a single nylon membrane. Several unlinked single-copy DNA probes were used to screen 4608 clones in the library and an average of 13 (minimum of 6) overlapping BAC clones was found in each case. Hybridization of total genomic DNA to the library and analysis of individual clones indicated that approximately 26% of the clones contain single-copy DNA. Approximately 35% of BAC clones contained the retrotransposon MAGGY. The library was used to identify BAC clones containing a adenylate cyclase gene (mac1). In addition, a 550-kbp contig composed of 6 BAC clones was constructed that encompassed two adjacent RFLP markers on chromosome 2. These data show that the BAC library is suitable for genome analysis of M. grisea. Copies of colony hybridization membranes are available upon request.
Ascomycota↗
Predeposit autologous blood transfusion in patients with colorectal cancer: a feasibility study.
Over a 2-year period, a predeposit autologous blood transfusion service was provided for all patients undergoing elective surgery for left-sided colonic or rectal cancer in one hospital. Of 129 such patients, 28 were suitable for autologous donation. Eight of these received autologous blood only, 13 required no transfusion, and seven needed additional homologous blood. Thus, although predeposit autologous transfusion for patients with colorectal cancer is possible, only a very small proportion are likely to derive any benefit which it might confer.
Aged↗