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HPLC analysis to assess efficacy of cisplatin, nedaplatin, and oxaliplatin
No full textPlatinum drugs are one of the most widely used agents against cancerous cells. Cisplatin’s chemotherapeutic efficacy is limited by the increase of tumor resistivity and unwanted side effects. Cisplatin’s cytotoxicity is linked to its ability of forming 1,2-intrastrand adducts with adjacent guanine (G) bases. An analytical method to detect and quantify the amount of platinum bound to DNA is necessary to enhance and develop anticancer drugs. In this work, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed to assess the binding of cisplatin, nedaplatin, and oxaliplatin to the dinucleotide dGpdG. By examining the concentration ratios and incubation periods at 37 °C, we measured the amount of platinum drug reacted with DNA (platination rates) indicating the percentage of Platinum-DNA (Pt-DNA) adducts. Cisplatin proved to be the most effective, followed by nedaplatin, and then oxaliplatin. This research has implications in designing more efficient anticancer drugs
Effectiveness of peer-assisted learning strategies on oral reading fluency for students with a learning disability
No full textThe purpose of this study was to examine whether Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS) was an effective method for improving oral reading fluency (ORF) of students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) in familiar text, and whether the ORF skills acquired will generalize to unfamiliar text. Four elementary-aged students with SLD participated in the study. A multiple probe design across students was used to investigate the effectiveness of PALS with
Words Correct Per Minute (WCPM) as the dependent variable across all conditions. Results indicated that PALS was an effective and efficient means of improving ORF for students as all students improved WCPM during the intervention condition and generalized ORF skills to unfamiliar text
Multimodal rehabilitation for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
No full textObjectives: To examine (a) feasibility characteristics of the multimodal training program, (b) outcomes of the program, (c) participants’ integration of treatment for long-term outcomes, and (d) align the findings with occupational adaptation (OA) to refine the program.
Design: A retrospective analysis to determine feasibility, baseline function, and progress following treatment. Focus group analysis to determine themes for long-term outcomes and alignment with OA concepts.
Setting: Outpatient clinic
Subjects: Nineteen female participants, ages 18 - 53 (M = 28.63) completed the multimodal training program. Six out of 19 participated in the focus group.
Intervention: A 50-minute weekly training program across eight weeks using a multimodal approach including education, movement, and mindful self-compassion.
Outcome Measures: Participants completed demographic and medical history and assessment for baseline orthostatic intolerance. At pre-training, post-training, and follow-up testing participants completed the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Lower Extremity Functional Scale, Rand 36-Item Health Survey 1.0, Trail Making Test (A and B), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale – Revised, 10 Meter Walk Test, and grip strength testing.
Results: At baseline, participants were significantly below norms in the areas of daily function (p < 0.001), grip strength (p ≤ 0.001) gait speed (p < 0.001), fatigue (p < 0.001), and quality of life (p < 0.001). Between pre-training and three-month follow-up, participants showed significant improvement across function in daily life tasks (p < 0.01); grip strength in the dominant (p < 0.01) and non-dominant (p < 0.01) hands; gait speed (p < 0.05); levels of fatigue (p < 0.05); cognitive performance (p < 0.05); and quality of life (p < 0.05). Focus group themes revealed many successful outcomes and several areas of ongoing need, specifically around the themes of information, community, growth, and advocacy. The EnRich Life Model was created, utilizing the POTSabilities Method as informed by OA to demonstrate the adaptation process in POTS.
Conclusions: Individuals with POTS face functional challenges that can be significantly improved through multimodal rehabilitation. Specifically, the EnRich Life Model using the POTSabilities method demonstrates a process by which adaptation occurs to increase relative mastery. Opportunities for advocacy could optimize care and quality of life for patients with POTS
Vaccine hesitancy in Hispanic female registered nurses in the San Antonio area
No full textThe purpose of this study was to reveal experiences of vaccine hesitancy of Hispanic female registered nurses working in healthcare facilities in South Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stake’s case study design was chosen to provide a holistic, contextual view including interviews and artifacts that were meaningful to the participants. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit five participants who met the inclusion criteria. All participants were interviewed twice face to face, audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Demographic data was collected to describe the sample. The data were analyzed using Stake methodology and the framework of the SAGE Working Group on Vaccine Hesitancy. Prominent findings across all cases included workplace distrust, lack of employer messaging, changing messaging about personal protective equipment, lack of information, the negative effect of vaccine mandates, a rapidly developed vaccine, and participants who had never previously been vaccine hesitant becoming-hesitant to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. These findings were examined through an ethical lens as well as in the context of structural empowerment and psychological empowerment theories. The participants’ environments were found to be lacking in structural and psychological empowerment, leading to a lack of agency in decision making about protecting themselves from a deadly virus that resulted in distrust in their workplace. When a COVID-19 vaccine was offered, the participants lacked confidence in their workplaces as well as the vaccine itself
Impact of Amd-3100 on Cell Morphology and Movement
No full textHuman cytomegalovirus is a widespread pathogen that infects the majority of the population but causes little disease except in immune-compromised individuals. HCMV encodes a viral cytokine, cmvIL-10, that engages the host cellular IL-10 receptor (IL-10R), inducing downstream signaling. Binding of cmvIL-10 to IL-10R also impacts signaling from other host receptors, especially the chemokine receptor CXCR4 which is essential for development and immune responses. We used a chemical inhibitor of CXCR4, AMD-3100, to study effects of cmvIL-10 on CXCR4 signaling. Human ARPE-19 cells growing in a monolayer were “scratched” to create a wound, then movement of cells filling in the wound was observed using the Incucyte Live-Cell Imaging System. The results show that AMD-3100 impairs cmvIL-10-induced cell movement into the wound, and that the treated cells have a distinct morphology compared to control cells. Further investigation is needed to determine whether AMD-3100 also impairs signaling from the IL-10R during virus infection. (Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Juliet Spencer
Encouraging Home Health Occupational Therapy Practitioners to Promote Sustainable Interventions for the Adult Population
No full textData was collected from home health occupational therapists through an online questionnaire created by the capstone student. The survey asked questions regarding OTPs current understanding of sustainability, current knowledge regarding sustainable health care, and if/how they consider the environment when selecting interventions. Data collected was formatted into a downloadable and printable PDF version to ease accessibility.
The capstone student created a Google Slides presentation for practitioners, an online learning module with quizzes, videos, voice over audio, and interactive activities. Content includes what sustainability is, OT’s scope of practice, how sustainability fits within the scope of practice, OT models, theories, frameworks, and interventions centered on sustainability and either focus on improving the environment or decreasing their impact. The survey resulted in identifying strengths in knowledge and areas for improvement that, in turn, informed the online learning module in that more attention was given to lesser-known topics. Learners have the option to turn on “live captions” using Google Chrome and picture descriptions were provided where necessary.
Finally, the capstone student created a clinical reasoning pocket guide that includes definitions of environmental and sustainability reasoning and the opportunity for practitioners to fill in their own intervention ideas and how to implement the terms. A video is available for practitioners to view how to utilize the guide.Occupational Therapists for Environmental Actio
Advocacy and Research for Technological Advancements in Prosthetic Devices
No full textThis abstract encapsulates a study focused on addressing the discomfort experienced by users of prosthetic devices through the integration of electromagnets. This capstone project employs a condensed scoping review methodology to explore the challenges faced by users with current prosthetic systems, the potential of electromagnets to mitigate these challenges, and factors influencing their implementation. The review highlights the potential benefits of electromagnets and sensor gauges in enhancing comfort, control, and usability for prosthetic users, aiming to push the boundaries of prosthetic innovation. By examining the impact of electromagnetics, strain gauges, and other sensor outputs on the efficacy of a proposed lower limb prosthesis design, the study seeks to contribute to advancing prosthetic technology and laying the groundwork for future research and development in the field. Through a deliberate focus on unmet needs and technological advancement, the study aspires to bridge the gap between individuals with limb differences and their able-bodied counterparts, ultimately aiming to enhance their holistic well-being and quality of life.Hanger Clini
Educating Parents of Children With Down Syndrome Through Occupational Therapy Videos
No full textThe capstone project involves the creation of videos that provide education on occupational therapy content for parents to implement at home for their child with Down syndrome. My goal was to increase knowledge and accessibility to occupational therapy, and to provide training on how parents can implement evidence-based OT interventions with their child at home. These videos can empower parents with the knowledge to promote and instill a sense of independence for their child with Down syndrome.Gigi's Playhouse Housto
EmpowerPOTS: Enhancing Self-Advocacy and Knowledge for Better Outcomes
No full textPostural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a form of autonomic nervous system dysfunction that presents with symptoms related to orthostatic intolerance that impact quality of life, occupational participation, and occupational performance. POTS has a high symptom burden, is often discredited, and has limited evidence-based interventions. Through an extensive literature review, needs assessment, and collaboration with stakeholders, it was discovered that educating patients on their diagnosis, as well as training them on how to advocate for their needs, will allow them to have informed expectation for their care and take an active role in their treatment. Comprehensive resources including an educational handout, a self-advocacy resource bank, and a recorded educational seminar were developed based on this discovery. The outcomes measures of the resources have demonstrated positive responses from stakeholders, including individuals with POTS, healthcare providers, and content experts. Feedback on the resources highlighted their clarity, usefulness, and potential to improve knowledge and self-advocacy skills among the target population. These resources can be provided to patients to increase knowledge and self-advocacy skills, thereby improving long-term health outcomes. In addition, bringing these resources to the attention of healthcare providers will not only enable them to become knowledgeable about POTS themselves but also encourage them to support their patients' self-advocacy efforts. All capstone resources may also serve as a starting point for occupational therapists to begin implementing self-advocacy interventions when treating patients with POTS, and ideally empower occupational therapists to feel more comfortable treating this patient population.Dysautonomia Internationa
Keeping Current in Contemporary Social Problems with an OER
No full textIn this PowerPoint-aided session, I will discuss efforts made toward keeping course content current despite an aging OER.
In my once-a-week, 3-hour long, face-to-face Social Problems class we draw on the textbook for foundational material like general theories and historical data. Students are required to read the chapter before each class. We then begin class with a 20-minute news round-up. In the first half of the semester that round-up comes from Reuters. In the second half of the semester students (individually or in groups depending on class size) select a news source for each class period. Next, students write about what they learned in the chapter and make connections to the news of the day. After having time to organize their thoughts in writing, students share what they learned in a group conversation. Once that conversation fizzles out it is time for a quiz using Plickers Cards. Students are partnered with one other student (one group of three if there is an odd number) and given a series of 10 questions, one at a time. First, they provide an individual answer, I tell them how many have it right, then they talk it over, then they have a chance to change their answer before I give the answer and a bit of lecture on the topic.
By incorporating current news and educating students about bias in reporting we are able to keep Contemporary Social Problems contemporary