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Targeting Obesity: The Role of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Achieving Sustainable Weight Loss
Get PDFThis review critically evaluates the effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist pharmacotherapy in managing obesity. Obesity is a health epidemic that affects 100 million Americans, and it puts individuals at higher risk for numerous health comorbidities over a lifetime. A comprehensive literature review was completed by utilizing PubMed and its clinical queries function to locate relevant research. The research information was narrowed down with a focus on obesity management and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for therapy. Numerous current clinical studies and trials were incorporated into this review. Many clinical trials substantiated the benefits of this pharmacotherapy for the management of obesity. The findings demonstrate that the three Food and Drug Administration-approved glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists pharmacotherapies for obesity management are highly effective and safe for eligible patients. On average, lifestyle changes and behavioral therapy typically yield a 5% to 10% weight reduction. However, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist medications can achieve about an 8% to 21% weight reduction. Additionally, the cardiovascular benefits of therapy are evident by decreasing risks of strokes and heart attacks in patients with preexisting conditions. These benefits were accompanied by mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. It can be concluded that these medications are the ideal treatment for obese patients who have failed with lifestyle changes. However, there is a lack of medical guidance for the length of therapy duration and also the potential for weight gain after discontinuation of therapy. More research and studies need to be completed that explore the length of treatment. This review bolsters the readers\u27 understanding of the benefits of glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists for obese patients and how they can initiate therapy now for eligible patients
Unraveling the Mystery: A Case Study on Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Get PDFThe incidence of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) has dramatically increased in the last two decades. This article reviews the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of EoE, enhancing clinician awareness and recognition of the condition
Synthesizing Palladium-Unnatural Amino Acid Complexes: Structural Analysis and Potential for Anti-Cancer Biological Activity
Get PDFCisplatin is a potent anticancer drug that has been widely used in the treatment of several cancers. The drug works by stopping the DNA replication process in cancer cells, preventing them from rapidly multiplying. Despite its effectiveness in treating many cancers, cisplatin has several toxic side effects that hinder its use. Platinum is the central metal in cisplatin, but research has not explored other transition metals, specifically palladium, as an alternative central metal in similar structural complexes. Palladium, being a more reactive species than platinum, offers the potential for a new and improved anticancer drug through the formation of palladium-non-natural amino acid complexes. This study aims to investigate palladium-based complexes synthesized with the non-natural amino acids: 3-(2\u27-Pyridyl)-L-alanine, 3-(3\u27-Pyridyl)-L-alanine dihydrochloride, and 3-(4\u27-Pyridyl)-L-alanine. The use of non-natural amino acids is intended to overcome synthetic challenges previously encountered with the natural amino acids, which have led to poor crystalline structures. Through synthesis the palladium complexes were successfully created as seen in the full analytical characterization that included ¹H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Due to solubility issues, the complex could not be tested against the NCI-60 cell line panel to ensure anti-cancer activity. This research represents a new approach in cancer treatment, as palladium-based complexes have not been widely studied and tested as new anticancer drugs. The findings from this study could contribute to the development of more effective cancer treatments, advancing research into metal-based drugs, and potentially overcoming some of the limitations associated with cisplatin
An Examination of the Effect of Cloth Material on the Efficiency and Success of Tick Dragging Protocol in Lynchburg Va.
Get PDFTicks serve as a major vector of arthropod-borne pathogens that could affect human populations. Ixodes scapularis, Amblyomma americanum, Dermacentor variabilis, and Haemaphysalis longicornis populations have been commonly reported in the state of Virginia, and can carry pathogens potentially fatal to humans. I. scapularis serves as a vector of Borrelia burgdorferi (the bacterium that causes Lyme disease), A. americanum has been found to carry Ehrlichia chaffeensis (the bacterium that causes Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis), D. variabilis can carry Rickettsia rickettsii (the bacterium that causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever), and H. longicornis has been found to transmit protozoan Theileria orientalis to livestock. Over the last several decades, increasing global temperatures and the migration and expansion of host organisms’ ranges have led to greater distribution of tick species across the U.S. Therefore, it is important to monitor tick populations in order to study changes in pathogen prevalence among communities in contact with humans. Since 2021, the University of Lynchburg’s Biology Department has been performing tick collection with the use of canvas tick drag apparatuses purchased from BioQuip in an attempt to monitor pathogen prevalence in the Central Virginia region through microbial DNA sampling. Unfortunately, these drag cloths have been unsuccessful in collecting ticks, and one hypothesis for this failure is that the rigidity of the canvas material is unsuitable for tick collection. The purpose of this study is to increase the efficiency of tick collection protocol by testing the effectiveness of alternative cloth materials. Three cloth materials (corduroy, flannel, and muslin cloth) selected for their varying textural qualities were tested against the existing canvas. Tick sampling was performed at four local park sites in Lynchburg, VA between the months of August-November of 2024. Plots of 400-m2 were sampled at each site, and each cloth material visited each location twice over the sampling period. Collected ticks were counted and identified to species, life stage, and sex if possible. Reaffirming our prior assumptions, canvas was found to perform significantly worse when compared to all other tested cloth materials. However, no further effect was found between cloth material or location on the mean number of ticks collected. Over the course of the sampling period larvae were primarily collected, with collection of adult and nymph life stages dwindling past mid-September. Primarily H. longicornis were collected, with A. americanum the only other species collected during sampling, aligning with species composition data provided by the Virginia Department of Health. Although statistical analysis was unable to identify a drag cloth of superior performance, observations on ease of use in the field indicate muslin is most efficient for tick dragging protocol. Modifications to standard tick dragging protocol made during this study will allow for the University of Lynchburg to more efficiently monitor pathogen prevalence among tick species in the Central Virginia region
Mind Games: The Psychological Fallout of Sudden Job Loss and Survivor Syndrome in Academia
Get PDFLayoffs in academia are an emerging concern with growing consequences for faculty and staff. While much is known about the effects of downsizing in corporate contexts, academic institutions differ substantially in structure, mission, and workplace dynamics, creating the potential for the psychological impact of layoffs in these environments to be uniquely severe. This study addresses a notable gap in the literature by examining how mass layoffs affect both victims (those laid off) and survivors (those who remain) in academic settings. Participants were university faculty and staff from two small liberal arts colleges in the southeastern U.S., divided into three groups: control (no layoff experience) (n = 12), survivors (n = 25), and victims (n = 6). All participants completed validated scales measuring depression, anxiety, stress, sleep quality, and substance use, along with questions assessing care-seeking behaviors. One-way ANOVAs and post hoc tests were used to assess group differences. Results revealed that survivors reported significantly higher levels of stress and anxiety compared to controls and victims. Sedative use was also notably higher among victims, and care-seeking behaviors were most frequent among survivors. These findings suggest that remaining employed after a layoff may result in greater psychological strain than losing one’s job, possibly due to survivor syndrome, increased workload, and job insecurity. Additionally, the reluctance of victims to participate (as noted by the small n) may indicate fear of retaliation, pointing to long-term effects on trust and openness in academic communities. This study provides critical early data on the psychological outcomes of downsizing in higher education and highlights the urgent need for targeted mental health support and institutional accountability during organizational restructuring
A Theoretical Model to Decrease Stress and Anxiety and Improve Mental Health and Well-Being in Physical Therapy Students: A Grounded Theory Study
No full textAnxiety, stress, and depression are increasingly prevalent among Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, exceeding rates observed in their age-matched peers. This growing concern has prompted recommendations for physical therapy educators to implement strategies aimed at reducing anxiety and improving students’ mental health and well-being. However, there is a lack of research on the specific nature and implementation of such programs within DPT curricula. This grounded theory study developed a theoretical model describing how programs, activities, and resources implemented throughout a DPT program could improve the mental health and well-being of students who experience increased stress, anxiety symptoms, and depression symptoms during the program. at a small, private, not-for-profit university in the southeastern U.S. The study addressed the central question: What are the integral components of a theoretical model for a DPT program to improve the mental health and well-being of students facing increased psychological distress? Data collection involved questionnaires with current students (n = 96), and questionnaires, one-on-one interviews, and focus group discussions with graduates (n = 41, n = 18, n = 13, respectively) of the program. A rigorous multi-step analysis was conducted, employing constant comparison and open, axial, and selective coding to uncover concepts, themes, and categories. The resulting theoretical model highlighted the factors contributing to stress, anxiety, and depression among DPT students and demonstrated how coping strategies and targeted interventions could alleviate psychological distress. This model provides a framework for educators to design and implement evidence-based initiatives to enhance the mental health and overall well-being of DPT students
Implementing a Team Based Model by Inclusion of Physician Associates and Nurse Practitioners During the establishment of A Physician Residency Program at a Federal Quality Healthcare Center
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Idiopathic Transverse Myelitis: A Case Report
Get PDFThe objective of this paper is to review a case report for a patient with idiopathic transverse myelitis. This rare disease can easily be forgotten based on the vagueness of symptoms and as the presentation can vary drastically. In this case, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test was ordered after a patient presented with a sensory deficit from the level of his chest to his toes that showed a 1.5 centimeter (cm) intramedullary spinal cord lesion at the level of T1. From the imaging, the differential diagnosis included transverse myelitis, a demyelinating lesion, and primary neoplasms such as ependymoma and astrocytoma. Further imaging, laboratory tests, and infusion of corticosteroids led to the diagnosis of idiopathic transverse myelitis as there was no other identifiable cause and the lesion shrunk after administration of corticosteroids. Unlike this case, myelopathies can involve motor aspects of sensation that can significantly impair quality of life and increase the urgency for diagnosis and resolution of symptoms, which is why early identification of this diagnosis and the etiology is critical
COVID-19 and the Increased Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults
Get PDFThe COVID-19 virus and sequelae are responsible for causing significant hospitalizations, long term complications, and mortality. While some recover without incident from COVID-19, there are those that suffer complications and lingering side effects, one in particular is coagulopathy leading to ischemic stroke. Although the incidence of ischemic stroke in young adults under 55 has generally been increasing over the past few decades due to the increase in modifiable risk factors, the overall stroke risk in young adults is still substantially lower than that of older adults. There is evidence to suggest that during and after infection with COVID-19, adults are at an increased risk of stroke due to coagulopathy, however most have underlying stroke risk factors such as atrial fibrillation, hypertension, hyperlipidemia or diabetes. Stroke workup, diagnosis and management essentially remain the same regardless of whether the patient has COVID-19 or not. Vigilance of clinicians to identify these young adults with COVID-19 presenting with stroke symptoms and early intervention is paramount in reducing delays in care and ultimately producing better patient outcomes. More research is needed to determine exactly how much of an increased risk of stroke there is in adults under 55 and just how long the increased risk lasts after infection with COVID-19