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Research and policy in the field of teacher education recommend that special education (SPED) programs include opportunities for candidates to practice in supervised field experiences. Such field experiences (a) engage candidates in professional practice, (b) reduce their anxiety, (c) gain confidence, and (d) allow them to view themselves as educators. However, there is a lack of research on the characteristics of field placements in SPED. As a result of the dearth in the literature, the researchers discussed the results of an exploratory single survey study of 42 faculty members from institutes of higher education (IHE) from across the United States (US). Results found variability of data from institutions in 18 different states. The characteristics of field placements and the responsibilities of the teacher candidate (TC), university supervisor (US), and clinical supervisor (CS) are described. Lastly, the mean number of hours in each placement was calculated and described for Bachelor of Science in Education (BSED) programs, along with implications and future research.

The article discusses the intricacies of ultrasound probe disinfection, highlighting its critical importance in patient safety and regulatory compliance. Topics include policy and procedure development, the selection of key stakeholders, and considerations for establishing a robust high-level disinfection (HLD) program, ensuring compliance with standards like those of The Joint Commission (TJC).

The article focuses on the critical importance of implementing robust high-level disinfection (HLD) programs for ultrasound probes to mitigate nosocomial infection risks. Topics discussed include the current state analysis (CSA), policies and procedure development, and steps to establish and maintain a strong HLD process.

Hypertension is a major public health issue affecting 68 million adults in the United States. Lifestyle modifications including complementary therapies such as the movement based mind body practice of yoga have become increasingly popular in the United States and have been considered as a potential alternative to medication in blood pressure reduction. We completed a pilot study in 2009 which showed meaningful decreases in 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure readings after a 12 week period of yoga participation. Based on data from our pilot study we are now completing The Lifestyle Modification and Blood Pressure Study (LIMBS II) which is a phase 2 randomized controlled trial designed to determine the effects of yoga therapy and enhanced lifestyle modification on lowering blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and stage 1 hypertensive subjects. Using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, LIMBS II aims to compare the effects on blood pressure reduction in subjects randomized for 24 weeks to one of the three following groups: yoga therapy versus blood pressure education program (sodium restriction and walking program) versus a combination program that involves components of both groups. LIMBS II will also examine the impact that changes in blood pressure have on cerebral blood flow. If successful, the LIMBS study will determine if yoga therapy combined with enhanced lifestyle modification will result in clinically meaningful decreases in blood pressure and thus can be implemented as an alternative to drug therapy for patients with prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)