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Health Disparity Among American Preschool Children: A Comparison of Body Mass Index Across Selected Ethnic Groups
No full textThe purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between ethnicity and BMI-for-age in preschool children. Obesity rates have been rising for adults and children, with estimates for preschoolers reaching 43 million (de Onis et al., 2010). Various factors influence children’s health in the United States: access to healthcare and healthy food options, safety of outdoor exercise, and socioeconomic status, especially for children of minority background. Prior studies have demonstrated the BMI disparity across ethnic groups—white, black, Asian, and Hispanic—in which Asian-Americans were twice more likely than whites to develop type 2 diabetes. Adulthood weight gain for Asian-Americans showed for every 11 pounds gained there was an 84% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes (Harvard, 2012). To explore health and ethnicity in children, data were collected from preschool participants ranging in age from three to five. Researchers measured height (cm) using a stadiometer and weight (kg) using a standard electronic scale. BMI-for-age was calculated, and was based off of the CDC’s Tool for Schools. Participants completed an activity preference ‘game’ involving pointing to one of two picture options depicting indoor or outdoor activities. A survey was also completed in which the researcher asked their favorite and least favorite activities, specifying inside or outside and sedentary or dynamic activities. Based on existing research, we expect for both European-Americans and Latinos, boys will have greater BMIs than girls. Regarding African-Americans, we predict girls will have a higher BMI than boys. Within gender groups, we expect African-American girls to have the highest BMI, followed by Latino girls, European-American girls, and Asian girls. Regarding boys, we anticipate Latino boys will have the highest BMI, followed by African-American, European-American, and Asian. This work has implications for early intervention programs targeted toward decreasing health disparities based on ethnicity
Investigating Mycobacteriophage-Host Protein Interactions
No full textMycobacteriophages are viruses that infect bacterial cells of the genus Mycobacterium. They possess a multitude of unfamiliar or novel genes – genes encoding protein sequences that do not resemble any previously studied proteins – and thus encode products with functions not readily predicted. We hypothesized that some of those genes encode products that interfere with the normal metabolism of the host cell, possibly through specific phage-host protein-protein interactions, and thus have a role in enabling phage infection. Further, we predicted that those gene products when expressed alone in host cells would still be toxic and impair cell growth. We have investigated unfamiliar genes in two genetically distinct mycobacteriophages, Pumpkin and Vix, and have identified 4 single genes (Pumpkin_115, Pumpkin_119, Pumpkin_142, Vix_80) and several small genomic regions (Pumpkin gene segment 130-133 and Vix gene segments 65-66, 68-72, 87-88) that are cytotoxic to M. smegmatis. We are taking a multi-prong approach to further identify the specific functions associated with these genes and their products and to determine their roles in the infection process: 1) we have identified mutants of M. smegmatis that are resistant to the expression of those genes, 2) we are using E. coli- expressed phage genes to screen for interacting host proteins, 3) we are collecting microscopy data that could identity phage interruption of normal cellular function, and 4) we are in the process of deleting these genes from the phage genome to determine the effect on infection. 24-hour expression of individual cytotoxic phage genes in M. smegmatis resulted in a significant increase in mean host cell length and some subtle effects on cell shape. Ongoing analysis of the mutants has identified a common mechanism of resistance to distinct phage gene expression, while protein-protein interaction studies have not yet identified a potential host target involved in translation
Loline Biosynthesis Gene Expression by Epichloë Fungi Grown under In Vivo and In Vitro Conditions
No full textIt is known that the fungus, Epichloë coenophiala, produces alkaloids, such as lolines, in response to physical damage to its host. I explored presence of the lol-cluster genes (Lol A1, A2, C2, D2, E2, F2, O2, T2, P2, U2) in cultured Epichloë isolates and the inducibility of lol cluster gene expression within Tall Fescue grass (Schedonorus arundinaceus). Isolated cultures of the fungus were procured from Rutgers University and University of Kentucky (UK); additionally, cultures were isolated at Hope College (HC) to be used in the on-site study. RNA was extracted using the Quiagen RNeasy kit following the manufacturer’s protocol. Samples were analyzed using qPCR, to test for expression of specific lol-cluster genes, as well as B-tubulin as a control. Previous studies had only looked for the expression of Lol C in vitro, and had not shown positive results. Ours is the first study to show expression in vitro of lol-cluster genes. Lol A2, E2 and T2 expressed in samples from HC and UK cultures as well as samples drawn in vivo from Tall Fescue grass. Samples from Tall Fescue were collected before it was physically damaged, and then again one week after physical damage. The in vivo Tall Fescue grass samples indicated the inducibility of A2 and O2 (up regulation) and E2 and T2 (down regulation). These indications of inducibility merit further study as lolines can influence preference and performance of herbivores of Tall Fescue
Monovalent Ion Parameterisation for the Optimal Point Charge (OPC) Water Model
No full textMolecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to model the structure and movement of macromolecules. The gold standard for MD is to explicitly include water molecules using one of several standard models. Recently, a new water model, Optimal Point Charge (OPC), has been developed with simulation performance that compares better to experiment than existing models in its class (Izadi, Anandakrishnan, Onufriev, J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 2014, 5, 3863-3871). For this new water model to be useful, Lennard-Jones (LJ) parameters must be developed for at least a few monovalent ions. In this study MD simulations were used to develop these parameters. Results are presented including: extensive convergence testing of Hydration Free Energies (ΔGhyd), Lattice Constants (LC), and first peak positions of radial distribution functions (RDF’s); as well as preliminary LJ parameters for six monovalent ions
Nurture with Nature: Effects of Nature Learning on Children’s Activity Preferences and Animal Knowledge
No full textThis study examines children’s affinity for the outdoors based on participation in a six-month nature-based science enrichment program for preschool children. We explore the relationship between nature exposure, children’s active outdoor preferences, and their understanding of animals in the local environment. Previous research evaluated children in 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th grades and showed that the optimal time to encourage compassion for animals was between 2nd to 5th grade, and students between 5th and 8th grade showed the greatest cognitive gains in animal knowledge (Kellert, 1984). Children experience large cognitive gains in preschool and we expect that greater interaction with the natural world will encourage children to enjoy active outdoor activities and promote knowledge of animal species. Participants were recruited from local preschools based on grant funding from the Kellogg Foundation and the Outdoor Discovery Center Macatawa Greenway (ODCMG) in Holland, Michigan. Participants were 229 males and 207 females ages 3-5 years old. Activity preferences were evaluated using an adaption of Leary’s (2009) Preschool Activity Preference measure that distinguishes children’s preferences for sedentary indoor and active outdoor activities using a self-report item and 19 pairs of images. Animal knowledge was assessed using an interview developed by the ODCMG that includes Michigan native and non-native animal species. Completeness of outdoor learning environments at preschool sites were compared by the percent of the grant budget used. Expected outcomes will be that greater preferences for active outdoor activities will correlate positively with correct animal identification. We expect that children who participate in nature-based learning will show greater preference for outdoor active activities and increased accuracy identifying native animals at the conclusion of the program. Outcomes of this study will show the effectiveness of the nature-based science enrichment preschool program and guide recommendations for future planning
Population of 13Be in Nucleon-Exchange Reactions
No full textNeutron-unbound nuclei are traditionally formed by the removal of one or more nucleons from a fast beam of ions. This method often results in a background, which is difficult to separate from the particle of interest. Nucleon-removal entrance-channels also require the ion beam to be more massive than the particle of interest, which presents the additional challenges of the beam being unstable, difficult to make, and low in intensity. In an effort to avoid these obstacles, the present work was done with a more unorthodox entrance-channel called nucleon-exchange. At the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL), a 71 MeV/u 13B beam impinged on a 47 mg/cm2 thick target of 9Be. As a result numerous reactions occurred, including the population of 13Be through the nucleon-exchange entrance-channel. The 13Be nuclei decayed to 12Be and one neutron in approximately 10-21 seconds. The resulting neutrons were detected by either the Modular Neutron Array (MoNA) or the Large multi-Institution Scintillator Array (LISA), while the 12Be nuclei were directed through an array of charged particle detectors by a 4T superconducting sweeper magnet. The four-momentum vectors of the fragment nucleus and the neutron were calculated to determine the decay energy of 13Be. Monte-Carlo simulations consistent with results from previous analyses of 13Be were satisfactorily fit to the decay-energy spectrum. Additionally, the cross-section for the nucleon-exchange entrance-channel was determined to be consistent with the theoretical prediction
Representations of Hope College: An Examination of the Orations of the Class of 1866
No full textAs the first graduating class of Hope College, the class of 1866 set the precedence for what it meant to be a student of Hope College. In the First Commencement, which took place on July 17, 1866, each of the eight graduating men gave a speech on a variety of topics ranging from hope to liberty to the progression of the life of man. However, even with such different topics, one can see recurring values and themes throughout all of the pieces. The first and most prevalent theme is that of Christianity and the coming of the kingdom of God on Earth. The next is the importance of education and enlightenment in individual advancement and the advancement of mankind as a whole. Finally, there is an impression of national pride, for both the Netherlands and the United States, seeing as almost all of these men were Dutch immigrants or descended from Dutch immigrants. These themes can be seen as a representation of Hope College itself, as a college in the United States rich with Dutch heritage and focused on education and Christian values
Spanish Linguistics in the Medical Field: Interpretation
No full textThe current study explores Spanish linguistics in the medical field and the crucial role of the medical interpreter in patient-doctor communication. Given that it is estimated that Latinos will make up 30% of the population in the United States by 2050, bridging the linguistic gap in the medical field is an urgent need not only due to language barriers but also sociocultural differences. The role of an interpreter extends far beyond simply translating words; he or she must also recognize a situation as bicultural and not simply bilingual. Difficulties arise with access and quality of interpretation in hospital settings, where there is already a lack of time for patient-doctor interaction. Studies have found that the use of a professional interpreter can result in increased patient satisfaction, use of services, comprehension, cooperation, and general state of health. However, there remain areas that still need to be addressed, including providing patients with the means to accurately inform their doctors about all of their symptoms and training healthcare professionals to be more culturally competent. With both current findings and future recommendations in mind, the role of an interpreter must shift from being a conduit of information to being an advocate of the patient and his or her needs. This will result in access to better medical care for all
Statistical Analysis of Lake Sturgeon Data to Find Association and Correlation
No full textThe lake sturgeon is an ancient species of fish native to the Great Lakes Region. They were considered a nuisance fish by fishermen beginning in the 1800s and were treated as such. This led to a rapid decline in the species, which eventually placed them on the U.S. Endangered Species list. Efforts have been made to restore the population and have been showing signs of payoff. In order to better understand what exactly is happening with these fish, data has been collected over a wide range of aspects about lake sturgeon. Using data collected by the Black Lake Streamside Research Facility in 2011, this project’s goal was to analyze the data in an effort to find any correlation between two relationships. These relationships were between incubation temperature and adult length and body area, as well as the relationship between yolk sac area and adult length and body area. Using Hope College’s Statistical Applets, we performed a statistical test of multiple means, as well as a theory-based test of multiple means. The tests concluded that a higher incubation temperature of sturgeon eggs does not influence body length or body area of an adult sturgeon, and the correlation between yolk sac area, body length, and body area was extremely weak
Test-Retest Reliability of Postpartum Depression Risk Factors Questionnaire (PDRFQ) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
No full textStudies have suggested that postpartum depression can lead to adverse outcomes. Having a reliable tool to assess for postpartum depression would assist in evidenced-based screening for risk factors and associated symptoms to facilitate timely interventions. Previously, validation of the PDRFQ and EPDS was performed and allowed for the evidence-based use of both tools together in nursing practice. The purpose of this study is to examine test-retest reliability of the PDRFQ+EPDS, a 19-item questionnaire, in order to implement the revised version into routine postpartum nursing care. The nursing theory used to shape this study is Betty Neuman’s Systems Model, focusing on stressors and reactions that weaken the lines of defense and resistance, ultimately affecting basic structure. This is a prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study which is part of a larger longitudinal validation study. Mothers will be enrolled during their postpartum hospital stay and asked to complete a second copy of the PDRFQ+EPDS while inpatient to provide test-retest reliability when compared to the previously completed PDRFQ+EPDS, given as part of routine care. A convenience sample of n=x postpartum mothers will be recruited from a Midwest hospital. SPSS 21 software will be used to analyze data to determine test-retest reliability. Results are pending. Conclusions are pending. Limitations include convenience sampling, limited generalizability, and self-reporting. The primary implication is confirming reliability of the revised PDRFQ+EPDS for implementation into nursing practice