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BIOL114: The Effect of Zinc Oxide on Arabidopsis thaliana growth and development
No full textThe widespread use of zinc oxide (ZnO) in various industries such as cosmetics, and electronics has raised concerns about their potential ecological effects, especially on plant life. As ZnO may enter soil and water systems, understanding its impact on plant growth is critical for assessing potential risks to ecosystems and plant growth. Our experiment investigated the effects of ZnO on the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana, to explore its potential impact on plant development and growth. The experiment was conducted by exposing wild-type and mutant (25026) Arabidopsis seeds to 10g of ZnO per 100g of soil, in a controlled growth environment. Dependent growth variables such as seedling height, width of plant, and leaf count were measured during our experiment. Results revealed that ZnO exposure at high concentrations negatively affected seedling growth, with a significant reduction in height, width, and number of leaves compared to the control plants. The significance of these findings lies in understanding how ZnO interacts with plant systems and influences their growth, which has important implications for agricultural practices and environmental risk assessments related to the use of ZnO in various industries
So Much More Than Summer Camp: The Importance of Environmental Education at Nature Centers
Get PDFIn conjunction with my Westover Honors Thesis, my Bonner Legacy Project focused on the development of environmental education curriculum and programming at Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center [CKBY]. Informed by a review of current climate education, lesson plans and activities were modified in collaboration with CKBY staff to be more climate-focused and aid in the development of systems thinking skills. Activities were compiled and edited to teach concepts, such as food webs, feedback loops, and the greenhouse effect, while also promoting team-building and critical thinking. Educational kits for each activity were created, which include all materials needed as well as a write-up of the lesson to allow for facilitation of the activity by staff and students. The development towards a more student-focused, place-based learning style of outdoor education lays the groundwork for further expansion of CKBY programming and ensures that students receive a quality experience. Nature centers offer the ideal location for the promotion of climate change education based on their direct connection to nature and multigenerational curriculum model. Through this project, CKBY continues to uphold their mission of serving the community as a place for the promotion of environmental education and connection with nature
Literacy Alive: KDP Makes an Impact on our Local Community
No full textLiteracy is a foundational skill that impacts every aspect of a child\u27s academic success and future opportunities. However, many children face barriers to literacy development, including limited access to culturally relevant books, literacy support, and positive community engagement. Research shows that when children see themselves and their cultures reflected in literature, they are more likely to engage with reading, which can lead to higher literacy achievement and a greater sense of belonging (Bishop, 1990; Ladson-Billings, 1995).
The University of Lynchburg’s chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) is committed to addressing these challenges by organizing Literacy Alive! events that connect university students, local schools, children, families, and community organizations. These events will focus on using culturally responsive children\u27s literature to not only improve literacy skills but also foster a sense of community and inclusivity among participants.
Culturally relevant pedagogy, which includes the use of literature that reflects diverse experiences, promotes positive academic outcomes and strengthens students\u27 social and cultural identities (Gay, 2018). By providing children and families with access to diverse books and literacy activities, these events will support reading practices that are responsive to the lived experiences of children in our community. The initiative will strengthen relationships between the university and local schools while supporting literacy development in ways that respect and celebrate the cultural identities of participants (Paris & Alim, 2017).
This presentation highlights the ability of KDP to bridge gaps between the university and the local community, offering a platform for shared learning and fostering a deeper sense of connection among participants due to in part to a DIIG grant awarded from the university. We will share how our Literacy Alive projects contributed to a more inclusive, engaged, and literate community, making literacy a shared responsibility and a joyful, culturally enriching experience for all
A Clinical Overview of Endometriosis
Get PDFEndometriosis, the finding of endometrial tissue in areas of the body other than the interior of the uterus, affects about 10% of menstruating women worldwide and is a common reason for dysmenorrhea and infertility. The underlying pathophysiology is not fully known but thought to be mostly due to retrograde menstruation through the oviducts into the abdominopelvic cavity. Other major pathogenic theories include vascular and lymphatic spread and coelomic metaplasia. Patient symptoms may include dysmenorrhea, dyschezia, dyspareunia, pelvic pain, infertility, and fatigue, but patients can also be asymptomatic. Endometriosis is difficult to diagnose, and although it is possible to visualize certain endometriosis lesions with transvaginal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography, the standard for diagnosis remains histological appearance from lesions biopsied during laparoscopy. Management of endometriosis should be individualized and involve a multimodal approach. Treatment may involve analgesics, hormonal medications, non-hormonal medications, lifestyle changes, laparoscopic surgery to remove lesions, or even hysterectomy. The purpose of this clinical review article is to give an overview of the proposed pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and management of endometriosis
Common Misconceptions in Hormone Therapy (HT) Treatment in Menopause
Get PDFABSTRACT The purpose of this review is to address the misconceptions surrounding Hormone Therapy (HT) in menopause largely surrounding the findings from Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). The review explores the history of HT, the risks and benefits, along with current guidelines for HT and non-hormonal options. A comprehensive search was conducted using electronic databases focusing on the effect of HT on breast cancer, cardiovascular health, bone health, and quality of life. Studies that analyzed the implications from the WHI were included as well as the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) current recommendations and guidelines for treatment options in menopause. Findings from the WHI initially raised concern for an increased risk of certain cancers and thromboembolic risks, however, subsequent analysis of that data and in observational studies support HT as a safe, viable option when initiated within a specific timeframe, individualized care, and with specific routes for transmission. This review highlights the importance of clinical education to mitigate biases and improve delivery of care to this patient population which spends over 40% of their lifetime in this menopausal phase. By dismantling outdated fears, this review aims to provide clinicians with the tools to confidently provide care to this patient population. Shared decision making and accurate information are pivotal for advancing menopausal care and the needs of this large population. Keywords: menopause, hormone therapy, women’s health initiative, cardiovascular risks, breast cancer, osteoporosis, timing hypothesi
America\u27s Physician Shortage: Look to PAs, Not Abroad
No full textThe United States has long addressed physician shortages by recruiting international medical graduates (IMGs), often from low- and- middle income countries. This brain drain deprives already fragile health systems and adds to worldwide health disparities. New state legislation has eased licensing standards for IMGs and generated variable training pathways creating patient safety risk in underserved groups. At the same time, the U.S. has a sustainable, highly trained, and proven ready workforce: physician associates (PA). Created in the 1960s to address physician shortages, PAs undergo intensive graduate-degree education, uniform clinical education, and national certification on par with physicians. Nonetheless, obsolete laws governing supervision hinder their full exercise of practice. Updating PA practice statutes and aligning workforce funding to invest in PAs presents an ethical, and long-lasting remedy to the physician shortage. Doing so would neither deplete global talent nor rob world medical resources. Enabling PAs to practice to the full depth of their education will fortify U.S. healthcare with maintaining essential world medical resources intact
Post Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) related depression and anxiety
No full textThis article aims to examine the prevalence, significant factors, and clinical significance of depression and anxiety in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Depression and anxiety are common after an SCI. These problems are difficult to recover from and, as such, can have a negative impact on a patient’s quality of life. This article stresses the need for early diagnosis and treatment with both cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacological treatments for those with SCI. Mental health can be improved through this method. A comprehensive search of studies in PubMed was conducted. In 10 peer-reviewed articles, researchers uncovered findings concerning the mental health effects of SCI on patients. The studies, which span from 2019 to 2024, analyzed topics such as spinal cord injury, depression, “anxiety,” and “mental health outcomes.” The result revealed that up to 60% of SCI patients suffer from symptoms of depression, while 45% have anxiety disorders. Significant key factors that contribute to mental health disorders are chronic pain, loss of independence, and lack of sufficient social support. The quality of life can be negatively affected, and recovery time may be reduced if depression and anxiety are not addressed, according to the studies. Thus, the likelihood of experiencing other health issues can be elevated. The use of early intervention strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacological management is crucial to address these mental health issues. Future research should focus on developing better options for addressing mental health issues in this population at risk
