Applying Constructivism in Neurodiverse Classrooms

Cognitive development theories differ on how young students can meaningfully process new information and retain that information for future knowledge-building through scaffolding within their zone of proximal development.More traditional theories like the cognitive load theory adhere to the rote memorization approach by categorizing students as passive learners and the teachers as initiators who provide information in a structured,often rigid format,to be stored and retrieved for future application using their working memory.In contrast,the more progressive theories,like constructivism,are premised on the belief that students should proactively initiate their own learning while teachers act more as facilitators.The current trend in government policy under ESSA is to embrace the latter approach in the classroom,which is also more inclusive of all types of students,especially neurodiverse students.Moreover,teachers can utilize the wider range of assistive technology tools to accommodate and support their students’unique learning styles.

Strategies for managing the insufficiency of the proximal landing zone during endovascular thoracic aortic repair

Background The insufficiency of the proximal landing zone (PLZ) is a frequent factor challenging the applicability and efficacy of endovascular repair (EVR) for thoracic aortic disorders. This study discusses two strategies for conquering this challenge.Methods Ten patients underwent EVR for thoracic aortic diseases during a one-year period ending June 30, 2004. Nine patients had DeBakey type Ⅲ dissecting aortic aneurysm (DAA), and one had descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA). The PLZ, defined as the distance from the origin of the left subclavian artery (LSA) to the primary entry tear of the dissection or to the proximal aspect of DTAA, was less than 15 mm in all instances. EVR with intentional coverage of the LSA without any supportive bypass was employed in 6 patients with DAA, and the preliminary right-left carotid and left carotid-subclavian bypass combined with EVR in the DTAA and other 3 DAA cases. Results Technical success was achieved in all the patients. The patient with DTAA died from hemispheric cerebral infarction and subsequent multiple system organ failure following an uneventful recovery from the cervical reconstruction performed 1 week previously. In cases receiving the EVR with intentional coverage of the LSA, in two patients dizziness occurred, which noticeably resolved after intravenous administration of mannitol for 4 to 5 days, and a drop in blood pressure of the left arm was noted in all the cases, but remained clinically silent. No neurological deficits or limb ischaemia developed perioperatively or during the followup, ranging from 3 to 12 months, and complete thrombosis of the thoracic aortic false lumen was revealed on CT at 3 months in the 9 patients with DAA.Conclusions Both the intentional bypass absent coverage of the LSA and the adjunctive surgical bypass appear to be feasible and effective in managing the insufficiency of the PLZ during the endovascular thoracic aortic repair.

Management with the insufficient proximal landing zone for endovascular repair in aortic dissection

Background Sufficient length of the proximal landing zone （PLZ） is the key for a successful thoracic endovascular aortic repair （TEVAR） of an aortic lesion. The aim of this research was to investigate the safety, feasibility, efficacy, and problems of endovascular repair for aortic dissection with insufficient PLZ.Methods The clinical data between August 2005 and February 2010 from patients with insufficient PLZ for endovascular repair of aortic dissection were retrospectively reviewed. According to the classification proposed by Ishimaru, aortic zone 0 was involved in 3 cases, zone 1 in 10 cases, and zone 2 in 11 cases. A hybrid surgical procedure of supraortic debranching and revascularization, directly coverage the orifice of left subclavian artery, or a left common carotid artery chimney graft technique were performed to obtain an adequate proximal aortic landing zone.Results There was no significant difference in risk factors and diameter of the PLZ between Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2. But the length of the PLZ was significantly different in the three groups （P 〈0.01）. There was no significant difference in technical and clinical success rate between the groups.Conclusions The procedure for extending an insufficient PLZ for endovascular repair for aortic arch pathology is feasible and relatively safe. The applicability of TEVAR in such aortic disorders may be expanded.