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LSVT BIG vs. Boxing: Community Engagement in PD
Full text linkParkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive disease that can impair an individual’s ability to engage fully in community activities. This systematic review aimed to compare the effects of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment BIG (LSVT BIG) and non-contact boxing (NCB) on community engagement among individuals with PD. A comprehensive search was conducted across four academic databases—CINHAL, EBSCO Academic Complete, PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, this review assessed risk of bias and levels of evidence using established, industry-standard tools. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, published between September 2019 and September 2024, focused on either LSVT BIG or NCB, and addressed factors related to community engagement. Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria, categorized as Level IIb (n = 3), Level III (n = 1), Level IIIb (n = 6), and Level IV studies (n = 3). Current research demonstrates improvement with balance, endurance, and mobility, and non-motor outcomes like quality of life (QoL). Evidence indicates that LSVT BIG demonstrates significant improvements in motor symptoms, while NCB offers notable psychosocial benefits
Self-directed Goals for Forensic Patients
Full text linkPatients within a forensic setting experience occupational deprivation. This impacts their mental health outcomes, aggressive tendencies, and overall wellness. The purpose of this study was to explore how the setting and achieving of self-directed goals impact forensic patients’ occupational deprivation. The study was a single-group, pre- and post-test pilot study. Participants completed the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) before and after a 10-week treatment period. Treatment included an educational group therapy session one time a week aimed at goal setting and a one-to-one session once per week aimed at setting goals and achieving them. Observation notes were completed after every group and one to one session. They were reviewed by three researchers to identify common themes. The study was completed at an inpatient forensic hospital. Participants resided on the most stable unit of the hospital due to the long-term nature of their stay. Participants had a variety of severe mental health diagnoses. They were included in the study if they had been hospitalized for a year at the time of recruitment, had not had a behavioral incident that resulted in manual restraints for a year at the time of recruitment, did not have a primary diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder, did not have an imminent discharge date, and had signed the consent form. Nine patients signed the consent form and eight completed the study
Exposure to Gun Violence in Childhood
Full text linkGun violence is a growing public health crisis, with firearm-related fatalities rising to 62.5% from 2012 to 2022. Disparities exist with Black and Hispanic individuals, particularly with males and adolescents facing heightened risks. The 2024 Rhode Island Young Adult Survey recruited 1,008 young adults aged 18-25 years who lived in Rhode Island. Exposure to gun violence is disproportionately high among sexual and/or gender minorities (43.9%) and Hispanic youth (44.2%). Exposure to gun violence in childhood is associated with poor mental health outcomes and substance use disorders in adulthood. Those who were exposed to gun violence in childhood had higher odds of depression (AOR: 1.59[95%CI: 1.16, 2.19]), suicide ideation (AOR: 2.13 [95%CI: 1.41, 3.22]), alcohol use disorder (AOR: 2.98 [95%CI: 1.34, 6.54], and cannabis use disorder (AOR: 1.87 [95%CI: 1.22, 2.88], but not anxiety. These findings highlight the urgent need for evidence-based public health interventions to address the prevalence and associated risks of gun violence in vulnerable populations
The Genetic Role of Panic Disorder
Full text linkPanic Disorder (PD) affects approximately 5% of the population and was characterized by unexpected/recurring panic attacks yet can vary from patient to patient. While environmental factors are significant, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms play a major role in this percentage. It is vital to focus on the genetic mechanisms underlying PD, while emphasizing mutations in the GABA system and their large impact on the neurological system. The GABARAP gene is located on chromosome 17 and is an essential building block for assembling, transporting, and degrading GABA(A) receptors. The gene helps regulate inhibitory signaling to the brain. Disruption to the assembly of subunits into transport-competent GABA, and endocytosis recycling and degradation of the GABA, can cause a mutation within the gene from the amino acids arginine to glutamine, thereby exacerbating PD symptoms. Additionally, epigenetic variations of the GAD1 and GAD2 genes, which influence gamma y-aminobutyric acid (GABA) synthesis, are associated clinically with anxiety disorders (including panic disorder) specifically in the female population. Current treatments and medicative routes lack precision because the disorder was introduced 25 years ago. Vortioxetine, a newly developed antidepressant, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) are some of the most recent treatments. Though treatments have been applied, neuromodulation techniques and psychopharmacological compounds should be a large focus in future studies
The Genetic Role of Necrotizing Fasciitis
Full text linkThis project investigated the possible role of the GAS6 gene (chromosome 13, long arm cytogenetic band 4) regarding increased susceptibility to necrotizing fasciitis, a dangerous soft tissue infection. GAS6 encodes a ligand for TAM receptors known as Mer, Axl, and Tyro3. These regulate the immune system in matters such as inflammatory and immune responses. Issues with immune activation caused by dysfunction of TAM signaling could be a potential cause of tissue damage in necrotizing fasciitis. Overall, the study analyzed the possible genetic predisposition individuals may possess that would make them more vulnerable to acquiring necrotizing fasciitis in particularly sterile environments. Thus, highlighting the need for future research into the effect of genetic risk factors influencing inflammatory pathways and the coinciding results
Cannabis & Insomnia
Full text linkAs cannabis becomes more accessible and popular, it is important to know how it affects cannabis users and their sleep patterns. It is important to ask how cannabis impacts insomnia, and if there are negatives or positives of using cannabis to help insomnia. Many people use cannabis as an agent to help with insomnia. It is important to research and understand if it helps people sleep better or if it results in more struggles with insomnia. The data was collected with a digital, cross-sectional, quantitative survey given to 1,022 participants who were between the ages of 18-25 years old and who lived in Rhode Island. The results are that as cannabis use increases, insomnia also increases. There were different prevalence rates of insomnia depending on frequency of cannabis use. Further research can investigate the effects of insomnia and cannabis use in a more direct way
Meeting Micronutrient Needs of Children Aged Six Months to Five Years
Full text linkEnsuring nutritional adequacy and developing positive dietary behaviors during early childhood is critical for establishing lifelong healthy habits (Hasnin, Dev, & Tovar, 2020). Children aged six months to five years rely exclusively on their caregivers for their dietary needs and food environment. Micronutrient needs for children aged six months to five years greatly vary as children grow rapidly during this stage of life. Children begin learning self-feeding by the age of one and establish meal patterns (Mahmood, Flores-Barrantes, Moreno, Manios, & Gonzalez-Gil, 2021).
Primary sources of energy and micronutrients dramatically shift from milk at one to two years to solid foods at three to six years (Bailey, Fulgoni, Shah, Patterson, Gutierrez-Orozco, Mathews, & Walsh, 2021). These shifts can lead to micronutrient deficiencies and indicate that children of this age range are particularly vulnerable (Bailey et al., 2021). This review sets out to answer the following question: What are the best practices to ensure children aged six months to five years meet adequate micronutrient intake?
A search of the literature was conducted highlighting the following themes: micronutrient recommendations and deficiencies, food environment factors and challenges, and best practices for the delivery of foods. Included in this literature review are 12 peer-reviewed articles which were selected from a group of 15 peer-reviewed articles. Two literature reviews, one systematic review, four observational peer-reviewed articles, two quantitative peer-reviewed articles, one interview-driven peer-reviewed article, and two survey/questionnaire-driven peer-reviewed articles were included in the review. The period of time covered in this review ranges from 2001 to 2020.
General conclusions include a link between low introduction of isolated fruits and vegetables in older infancy to low vegetable consumption and higher intakes of sweet beverages in toddlers and children, the failure of child-care facilities to ensure children meet nutrient recommendations (even if they meet CACFP requirements), a need for specific food introduction protocol at child-care facilities, and a need for parental support resources in healthy food behavior modeling
Bridging the Gaps in Nutritional Development: A Literature Review on Toddler Nutrition Interventions
Full text linkOptimal nutrition in early childhood is essential for achievement of developmental milestones all of which encompass established benchmarks of physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. The field of early childhood nutrition is dedicated to devising strategies that ensure young children receive the necessary nutrients for their ideal development. Despite advancements in areas such as the availability of diverse food options on the market, educational programs for young parents, and nutrition-focused school initiatives, nutritional deficiencies remain a significant challenge. These deficiencies hinder the ability of toddlers to thrive both physically and mentally, impacting their overall growth and developmental potential.
Recent research has led to the development of numerous programs and interventions designed to address these deficiencies and enhance the overall well-being of the toddler population. The early childhood interventions aim to foster healthy habits early on, which can greatly improve quality of life. However, the sheer number of diverse strategies currently employed among various populations poses not only opportunities but also a few significant challenges. Among those challenges is the discernment involved in tailoring a group or collection of interventions in order that they fit the unique social and cultural needs and values of distinct communities in ways that are both effective and sustainable. Involving parents, educators, and policy makers in the design of these crucial interventions will help ensure their success. Additionally, applying innovative technology and data in their design will facilitate the identification of areas for improvement as well as the personalization of available interventions to individual toddlers’ health and dietary needs.
The following literature review examines how diet and feeding practices affect toddler growth, from ages one to three specifically. Further research into toddler dietary practices and health habits can guide caregiver practices and create supportive environments, whether that be at home, childcare, school, or within broader community settings, ultimately fostering healthier growth and development during this critical stage of life. This can avoid illness and disease not only at this stage of life but promote lifelong healthy habits that continue their best contributions to overall well-being, supporting physical, mental, and emotional health well into adulthood. The review conducted below was driven by this research question: What are effective nutritional strategies for not only addressing but also preventing nutrient deficiencies in toddlers (ages one to three) that will likewise positively impact toddler development