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Effect of Monoclonal Antibodies MA-33H1F7 and MA-8H9D4 on PAI-1 in Cells Activated with TGFβ
Get PDFThis study investigates the impact of monoclonal antibody treatment on plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) expression and secretion in transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) activated pleural human mesothelial cells. In this study, we examined total PAI-1 levels in conditioned media from human pleural mesothelial cells under various conditions using immunoblot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques (ELISA). Specifically, we targeted PAI-1 with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) MA-33H1F7 and MA-8H9D4, which bind to unique epitopes on PAI-1. A reduction in PAI-1 levels was observed between control and antibody-treated cells by immunoblot analysis of cell conditioned media. ELISA results also revealed a reduction in total PAI-1 levels in the conditioned media of cells treated with antibodies. A decrease of 30-50% was observed upon addition of 50 µg/mL MA-33H1F7 and 50 µg/mL MA-8H9D4 of each antibody, with a similar reduction at 100 µg/mL concentration. Immunofluorescence (IFC) results corroborated the findings of the ELISA and Immunoblot, but quantification of the PAI-1 detected in IFC demonstrated a lack of statistical significance. This research underscores the complexity of PAI-1 regulation and highlights the need for further elucidation of the effects of antibody targeting on PAI-1 expression in TGFβ activated cells
The influence of smoothness and speed of stand-to-sit movement on joint kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activation patterns
Get PDFBackground: Stand-to-sit (StandTS) is an important daily activity widely used in rehabilitation settings to improve strength, postural stability, and mobility. Modifications in movement smoothness and speed significantly influence the kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activation patterns of the movement. Understanding the impact of StandTS speed and smoothness on movement control can provide valuable insights for designing effective and personalized rehabilitation training programs.
Research question: How do the smoothness and speed of StandTS movement affect joint kinematics, kinetics, muscle activation patterns, and postural stability during StandTS?
Methods: Twelve healthy younger adults participated in this study. There were two StandTS conditions. In the reference condition, participants stood in an upright position with their feet positioned shoulder-width apart on the force plate. Upon receiving a visual cue, participants performed StandTS at their preferred speed. In the smooth condition, participants were instructed to perform StandTS as smoothly as possible, aiming to minimize contact pressure on the seat. Lower leg kinetics, kinematics, and coordination patterns of muscle activation during StandTS were measured: (1) angular displacement of the trunk, knee, and hip flexion; (2) knee and hip extensor eccentric work; (3) muscle synergy pattern derived from electromyography (EMG) activity of the leg muscles; and (4) postural sway in the anterior–posterior (A-P), medio-lateral (M-L), and vertical directions.
Results: Compared to the reference condition, the smooth condition demonstrated greater eccentric knee extensor flexion and increased joint work in both the knee and hip joints. Analysis of specific muscle synergy from EMG activity revealed a significant increase in the relative contribution of hip joint muscles during the smooth condition. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between knee extensor and vertical postural sway, as well as hip extensor work and M-L postural sway.
Conclusion: Smooth StandTS facilitates enhanced knee eccentric control and increased joint work at both the hip and knee joints, along with increased involvement of hip joint muscles to effectively manage falling momentum during StandTS. Furthermore, the increased contributions of knee and hip joint work reduced postural sway in the vertical and M-L directions, respectively. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of targeted StandTS rehabilitation training
A Qualitative Exploration of Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Hesitancy in Selected Rural Communities in Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: The post-pandemic management of COVID-19 infections and any emergent outbreaks is because this endemic disease remains a public health concern. Vaccine hesitancy may continue to hamper efforts to respond to any new disease outbreaks and future epidemics. This qualitative study aimed to explore the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in Kenya to gain deeper insights into this issue. Methods: This study was implemented in western Kenya using key informant interviews. Fourteen (14) key informants were purposively selected for this study. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. The interpretation of findings was conducted within the framework of the Health Belief Model. Key findings: Knowledge was a critical factor in combatting misinformation and fostering vaccine acceptance among participants in this study. Misinformation included rumors that the vaccine lowers immunity and was intended for population control. Cues to action included influence from political and opinion leaders and observing the loss of life among unvaccinated individuals. Perceived barriers to vaccine uptake included fear of vaccine safety, side effects, long waiting times at the time of our study, fear of contracting COVID-19 at vaccination sites, family/spousal influence on vaccine uptake and fear of the unknown with the vaccine. Conclusions: The findings from this study provide insight into areas for targeted strategies for managing COVID-19 vaccinations and future pandemics. Within the framework of the Health Belief Model, this study identified salient barriers and facilitators of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy that may be helpful to inform future pandemic responses
Improving Seventh Grade Mathematics Achievement Using Differentiated Instructional Strategies
Get PDFThe Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice conducted a comprehensive assessment of differentiated instruction implemented within a school district in East Texas, focusing on its impact on student achievement in mathematics. The initial evaluation was followed by a subsequent improvement iteration that concentrated on the specific differentiated instructional strategies of formative assessment and small group instruction, supported by job-embedded professional learning, and their effects on student performance. Both iterations employed a mixed-methods case study design utilizing an embedded experimental model with a one-phase approach. The study’s methodology allowed for a robust analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, providing a comprehensive understanding of the instructional interventions. The findings from the initial iteration indicated a positive impact on student achievement, demonstrating the potential efficacy of differentiated instruction. However, the second iteration revealed a decline in student achievement, underscoring the complexities of sustaining instructional improvements over time. Moreover, the data underscored the critical need for targeted professional development focused on instructional strategies. While the initial application of differentiated instructional strategies showed promise, the subsequent decline in achievement points to the importance of continuous professional development and support for educators. This study underscores the dynamic nature of instructional improvement and the need for ongoing efforts to refine and enhance teaching practices
DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PORTABLE POWER AND DESALINATION UNITS POWERED BY RENEWABLE ENERGY
No full textFreshwater scarcity is a critical global issue, especially in remote areas or areas impacted by natural disasters. Water desalination is one of the most effective methods to provide fresh water where it is needed. However, large-scale desalination plants cannot provide fresh water in the case of a natural disaster far from the plant\u27s location. To address this, portable desalination units powered by renewable energy sources can be developed to supply potable water and power as a by-product for emergency situations. This work explored the application of different desalination methods, including reverse osmosis (RO) and electrodialysis (ED), in conjunction with renewable energy sources within a portable system. The aim was to improve both the environmental sustainability and operational efficiency of a portable desalination unit while providing fresh water and energy where and when needed. This work consisted of three phases. Phase I aimed to improve the efficiency of a first-generation solar-powered, RO-based portable desalination unit. Phase II focused on testing and implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to determine the best operational parameters of the desalination unit under different feed salinity and intermittent solar power. Furthermore, this phase compared the effectiveness of ANN and ANFIS for unit modeling and optimization. Finally, Phase III aimed to investigate the potential of ED technologies for portable desalination applications. To achieve this goal, a second portable desalination unit was built focusing on ED desalination. The ED unit was tested experimentally at different feed flow rates and power to assess the unit’s efficiency under different operational conditions
High Nurse to Patient Ratio (NPR) Effect on Nurse Job Dissatisfaction and Burnout
Get PDFThis project explores the critical importance of optimal nurse-to-patient ratios in acute care settings, emphasizing their impact on nurse burnout, job dissatisfaction, and overall patient care quality. Analysis shows the necessity for healthcare institutions to reassess and adjust staffing practices to enhance both employee well-being and patient outcomes (Lasater et al., 2021). Evidence based practice reveals that balanced nurse-to-patient ratios lead to reduced nurse burnout, increased job satisfaction, and improved patient care and satisfaction (White et al., 2019). To achieve these outcomes, I recommend implementing evidence-based staffing models tailored to different units\u27 specific needs, conducting regular employee satisfaction surveys to monitor the impact of staffing changes, and regularly assessing patient satisfaction to ensure the effectiveness of staffing adjustments. Additionally, we suggest implementing training and support programs for nurses, particularly new hires, to ease transitions and reduce turnover rates.
Financially, the hospital will initially incur an estimated cost of 620,000 from reduced lost productivity, turnover rates, and training costs will lower the net cost to about $1,005,000. Over one to two years, long-term cost savings will offset the initial expenditure, making the investment worthwhile. Implementing these recommendations is essential as improved nurse well-being directly correlates with better patient care, reduced turnover rates lower recruitment and training costs, and improved staffing and employee satisfaction lead to better patient outcomes and financial savings for the hospital (Lasater et al. 2021)
Optimizing Attention Bias Training for Depression
Get PDFDepression has been associated with a negative attention bias. Attention bias modification (ABM) interventions among individuals with depression have demonstrated promising but inconsistent findings in reducing negative attention bias and decreasing depression symptoms. These inconsistent results may be partly due to impaired attention functioning that is common in depression. Mindfulness has demonstrated attention benefits, which may enhance the ability for individuals with depression to benefit from ABM interventions. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of a train-positive dot-probe task ABM intervention when compared to a placebo dot-probe task, both preceded by a series of brief mindfulness activities, among a sample of student participants with mild, moderate, moderate-severe, and severe self-reported depression symptoms (n = 51). Participants were randomly assigned to the train-positive (n = 28) or control (n = 23) ABM condition. It was hypothesized that after a short series of mindfulness activities, the train-positive ABM condition would report a larger depression symptom reduction, increased reaction times (RT) to positive stimuli, and larger event related potential (ERP) amplitudes following positive stimuli from pre- to post-training when compared to the control condition. Results partially supported hypotheses. Participants in the training condition self-reported a greater reduction in depression symptoms from pre- to post- training when compared to the control condition. However, hypotheses for RT and ERP data were not supported. Implications of results for attention bias research are discussed
COMPARISON OF FISH AND MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES IN NATURAL AND CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS IN THE RED RIVER BASIN IN TEXAS AND LOUISIANA
Get PDFThis project plans to compare and contrast wetlands in northeast Texas and western Louisiana within the Mississippi River basin through sampling avian, fish, macroinvertebrate, amphibian, and reptile communities as well as hydrology, soil chemistry, and periphyton/algae biomass. The portion of the project that this study focuses on evaluated the fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages and their relationships within easement, natural and agricultural wetland types. A total of 15 wetlands were sampled consisting of 10 easements, 4 natural, and 1 agricultural wetland. The objectives of this project were to compare and contrast fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages in order to begin creating a national-scale ecological monitoring and assessment framework for wetland structure and function. Macroinvertebrate sampling consisted of a 5-minute kick net outlined by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and fish sampling varied from barge to backpack shocking depending on the size of the wetland. Although fish are not typically key indicators of wetland health, their communities were sampled as a complement to macroinvertebrate samples. There were no significant differences among the sites with reference to the fish or macroinvertebrate communities sampled when analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis, permutational multivariate ANOVA, Non-metric multidimensional scaling, and redundancy analysis
Remote Jobs: Working from Home, an Increasing Trend
No full textThe Hibbs Institute\u27s September 2024 brief, Remote Jobs: Working from Home, an Increasing Trend, examines the evolution of teleworking in the United States, with a particular focus on East Texas. The report highlights that, following the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 12% of employees work remotely most or all of the time, while 29% follow a hybrid model. Educational attainment significantly influences telework prevalence, with 73.2% of remote workers holding a bachelor\u27s degree or higher. Industries such as Information, Finance & Insurance, and Professional & Business Services exhibit the highest teleworking rates. Geographically, Vermont, Maryland, and Colorado lead in remote work adoption, whereas Texas ranks 20th, with 27% of its workforce engaged in remote jobs. Regionally, Smith County has experienced a 39% increase in remote job postings since March 2020, indicating a growing acceptance of flexible work arrangements in East Texas
Earliest Ancient Maya salt production in southern Belize: excavations at Jay-yi Nah
Get PDFSalt works along the Yucatan coasts of Mexico and Belize provide a record of salt production for inland trade during the height of Late Classic Maya civilisation (AD 550–800). At the Paynes Creek Salt Works in Belize, production focused on the creation of salt cakes by boiling brine in pots supported over fires in dedicated salt kitchens. Underwater excavations at the Early Classic (AD 250–550) site of Jay-yi Nah now indicate there was a longer and evolving tradition of salt making in the area, one that initially employed large, incurved bowls to meet local or down-the-line trade needs before inland demand for salt soared