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Zebrafish Exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields
No full textExtremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (ELF-EMFs) are continuously emitted from powerlines and household outlets at 60 Hz. Although exposed to this type of non-ionizing radiation daily, health effects associated with ELF-EMFs have been a subject of debate. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) recommends a limited exposure threshold of 0.083 mT for a radiative frequency of 60 Hz to reduce potential negative reactions, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concludes static ELF-EMF exposure as non-carcinogenic while alternating fields may pose carcinogenic threats. Previously, we characterized the magnetic field of the coils with a direct current of 1.50 A to produce a field of 1.03 mT and constructed two incubation chambers calibrated to environmental conditions conducive for larvae growth. We placed zebrafish embryos in the apparatuses – one as a control without ELF-EMF exposure and one with the ELF-EMF exposure through the associated coils. No morphological effects were observed. The primary objective of this study was to replicate the commonly emitted ELF-EMFs. We applied an alternating current of 2.0 A at 60 Hz to Helmholtz coils to produce a strong, theoretical uniform magnetic field of 1.55 mT to zebrafish larvae over 7 days. The larvae and coils were placed in the formerly constructed incubation chamber, and larvae from the same collection were placed in the identical control chamber without Helmholtz coils. After a week of continuous ELF-EMF exposure, the embryos displayed no significant morphological changes from the control group. Future studies can focus less on structural changes and more on differing cellular responses to ELF-EMFs, such as the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that promote regulated apoptosis or protective effects on neurodegenerative diseases
PD-1 Blockade Induced Bone Loss Occurs in a T-Cell Dependent Manner and May Be Mediated by IFNγ-Driven Osteoclast Activation
No full textPD-1 Blockade Induced Bone Loss Occurs in a T-Cell Dependent Manner and May Be Mediated by IFNγ-Driven Osteoclast Activation
†Elena Amonette1, †Paige Hill1, Gwenyth J. Joseph2, Rachelle W. Johnson2,3
1Belmont University, Nashville, TN; 2Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN; 3Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
†These authors contributed equally to this work
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are becoming increasingly prevalent in the treatment of various cancers due to their ability to reduce tumor mediated T cell death and lengthen the anti-tumor response. One such therapy that is increasingly utilized in clinical settings and across multiple tumor types is the blockade of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). Despite its success in reducing tumor burden, ɑ-PD-1 can cause immune related adverse events, including bone loss and increased fracture risk. However, the mechanism by which ɑ-PD-1 impacts the bone microenvironment is still unknown. To explore this question further, we performed in vivo studies using a C57BI/6 8-week-old female mouse model treated with ɑ-PD-1 to confirm the PD-1-blockade-induced bone loss phenotype seen clinically. Alongside a reduction in bone density, volume, and strength, we also saw an increase in osteoclast resorptive activity, which is likely driving the observed bone loss. In addition, we observed an expansion in interferon-gamma (IFNg)+ T cell populations. Previous work suggests that in settings of chronic inflammation, IFNg may promote osteoclastogenesis which could contribute to increased bone loss. To identify whether T cells were required for ɑ-PD-1 induced bone loss to occur, we repeated this study in a T cell deficient mouse model. Here, we observed no bone loss with ɑ-PD-1 treatment, suggesting a T cell dependent bone loss mechanism. We hypothesize that IFNg stimulates T cells to secrete pro-osteoclastogenic factors that promote the formation of more aggressive osteoclasts in settings of PD-1 blockade, thereby driving the bone loss phenotype observed with ɑ-PD-1 treatment. To further investigate the relationship between T cells, osteoclasts, and IFNg, we performed an in vitro study to examine the effects of IFNg and ɑ-PD-1 on osteoclast differentiation and activity. We isolated and treated bone marrow from WT mice to investigate the impact of IFNg and ɑ-PD-1 on osteoclasts derived from a diverse immune precursor pool which included activated T cells. Separately, bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) were differentiated from flushed bone marrow and treated independently to investigate the effects of IFNg and ɑ-PD-1 on osteoclasts in the absence of T cells. Our results show that in the absence of T cells, no osteoclast differentiation occurs when treated with IFNg, suggesting T cells are required for IFNg to promote osteoclastogenesis. However, we do see differentiation with IFNg at comparable levels to controls when T cells are present, suggesting T cells are required for IFNg to promote osteoclastogenesis. In addition, we saw an increase in osteoclast size, but not number, upon treatment with ɑ-PD-1, both in the absence and presence of T cells. As osteoclast size directly correlated with resorptive activity, these data support our previous work suggesting that PD-1 blockade increases osteoclast activity but not differentiation. Taken together, our data suggests PD-1 blockade stimulates the production of more resorptive osteoclasts through a T cell dependent mechanism which may be driven by IFNg. Elucidating the relationship between PD-1 blockade, IFNg, T cells, and osteoclasts is important in determining the mechanism of bone loss associated with ɑ-PD-1 treatment of cancer and paving the way for future work to develop ways to minimize skeletal related adverse events
Oops, I Judged You Again: First Impressions and Memory Recall
No full textThe current study investigates how first impressions influence memory recall. Previous research suggests that our first impressions of others can affect cognitive processing, social behavior, and memory recall of events, but the field of how exactly these impressions can affect recall in an academic setting has been sparsely investigated. To further explore this relationship, participants were asked to memorize a sequence of numbers presented by a facilitator. In the positive first impression condition, the facilitator behaved in a friendly, outgoing, and engaging manner. In the negative first impression condition, the facilitator displayed little emotion or interest in the participants. After hearing the sequence of numbers three times, participants completed a multiple-choice memory exercise and a recall task to access memory performance. We predict that participants in the positive first impression condition will display higher recall accuracy compared to participants in the negative condition. These findings may provide a better understanding of how the way we perceive others during initial interactions can influence cognitive processes such as memory recall. The results of this study will be presented at SURS
Implementing a Multidisciplinary Bedside Handoff to Improve Communication and Reduce Errors in Surgical Transfers
No full textBACKGROUND: Breakdowns in communication amongst team members leads to poor patient outcomes (Massa et al., 2021). Commonly cited barriers to communication include lack of standardization and time pressure (Abraham et al., 2023). Multidisciplinary handoffs are a strategy to overcoming barriers, improving team communication and promoting patient safety by 40% (Njambi et al., 2021).
METHODS: This quality improvement project utilized a mixed-methods convergent design using quantitative mid- and post-implementation surveys including qualitative descriptive method. Participants included 53 clinicians across a surgical services department including a hospital operating room, preoperative holding area, and post anesthesia care unit (PACU). An adapted version of the Iowa Implementation for Sustainability Framework was used throughout intervention implementation.
INTERVENTION: The multidisciplinary handoff bundle included a revised door-to-door workflow, and updated handoff communication tool (Rainbow Sheet), implementation of multidisciplinary bedside handoff, and staff education with cue cards to reinforce best practices. Outcomes and insights were collected through mid- and post-implementation surveys.
RESULTS: A 91.75% Rainbow Sheet completion rate was achieved, demonstrating consistent bedside handoff documentation. Staff were satisfied overall with the multidisciplinary handoff, they perceived that the bedside handoff improved communication, and they perceived that bedside handoff improved patient safety.
CONCLUSION: Implementing a bedside handoff that includes the multidisciplinary team strengthens communication amongst the team, changes the way safe transfers of care are viewed by the participating team and aligns evidence with practice regarding patient safety.
Keywords: multidisciplinary team, operating room, perioperative, workflow change, communication improvement, error reduction, patient safety
References
Massa, S., Wu, J., Wang, C., Peifer, H., & Lane-Fall, M. B. (2021). Interprofessional training and communication practices among clinicians in the postoperative ICU handoff. The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 47(4), 242–249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcjq.2020.12.004
Njambi, M., Rawson, H., & Redley, B. (2021). A brief intervention to standardize postanesthetic clinical handoff. Nursing & Health Sciences, 23(1), 219–226. https://doi.org/10.1111/nhs.12803
Abraham J., Duffy C., Kandasamy M., France D., Greilich P. (2023). An evidence synthesis on perioperative handoffs: A call for balanced sociotechnical solutions. International journal of medical informatics. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36948060
Shaping Strategy in the Digital Age: The Impact of Consumer Electronic Word of Mouth on Firm Strategic Emphasis
No full textThis research explores how consumer electronic word of mouth (eWOM) influences a firm’s strategic emphasis, focusing on the distinct effects of positive and negative eWOM on value appropriation (e.g., advertising) versus value creation (e.g., R&D). Analyzing over 33 million social media posts covering 39 corporate brands from 2010 to 2020, the authors find that positive consumer eWOM influences firms to prioritize a strategic emphasis on value appropriation, while negative consumer eWOM is associated with a strategic emphasis on value creation. These effects are moderated by product category, market competition, and industry instability. Firms in hedonic categories have attenuated responses to both negative eWOM and positive eWOM, whereas utilitarian product firms have larger strategic emphasis shifts in response to consumer eWOM. Competitive and unstable markets further amplify the effects of eWOM, leading firms to adjust their strategies more aggressively. These findings offer valuable insights for managers to tailor their strategies based on consumer eWOM, product types, and market dynamics
Lost in Transition: An Examination of the Burden of Choice in Samuel Beckett\u27s Dramatic Works
No full textSamuel Beckett\u27s plays, Waiting for Godot and Endgame, provide ample room for applying existential and speech act theories to examine the goals of the characters. In analyzing the exchanges between these characters, the audience becomes aware of the phenomenon of miscommunication and how it alienates the characters. This thesis furthers the discussion of Beckett\u27s intentions regarding the human experience as embodied on stage by examining the text of the plays, rather than any specific performances. Specifically, I develop a framework that identifies a main character within each of the plays discussed, and how the interactions between that main character and the other characters feed into the protagonist\u27s existential crisis. I incorporate ideas as developed by Jean-Paul Sartre regarding existentialist theory as well as John R. Searle\u27s ideas concerning speech act theory. The inconsistency of language and inability to define an overall meaning of their existences frames the frustrations of Beckett\u27s characters. Ultimately, in applying these theories to Beckett\u27s texts, I show how being stuck between two distinct points in an individual\u27s life can cause him to make no choice at all, exacerbating his frustration and keeping him from moving beyond his circumstances
Neighbors, Fear, and the Law: The Trayvon Martin Case and Its Legacy
No full textOn February 26, 2012, 17 year-old Trayvon Martin was walking to his father’s home when he was killed by George Zimmerman, a volunteer with a “neighborhood watch” group. Charged with second degree murder and manslaughter, Zimmerman’s acquittal sparked immediate protests around the country and fueled discussions on race and crime. What, if anything, have we learned and what changes have been made in the law
Doulia Neighborhood: Kittay on Dependency and Community
No full textEva Feder Kittay’s “dependency critique” contends that adequate accounts of the nature of community must include those with cognitive impairments, including severe cognitive impairments, as full members. Most accounts utterly fail this criteria. Kittay uses the concept of a doulia, inspired by the supporting roles that doulas play during childbirth, to suggest a foundation for community life that centers the universality of human dependency and inter-dependency. The resultant view not only recognizes cognitively disabled people as full members of our communities, but also celebrates the care that we all give and receive. Dr. Boyle’s talk with engage philosophical and personal reflections on Kittay’s work
Rhetoric Next Door: How We Talk About the Neighbor
No full textWhat does it mean to be a good neighbor—not just in theory, but in practice, in words, and in Spirit? This talk will explore the rhetoric of the neighbor as both a religious imperative and a cultural practice, drawing attention to the ways we speak about—and to—our neighbors. Using both rhetorical theory and Christian tradition, this lecture will examine the intersections of language, faith, and belonging. Moving beyond critique, this talk will also offer practical strategies for students as they encounter “new neighbors” on campus, in their communities, and in the world. Students will leave with a deeper understanding of the rhetoric of neighborliness and concrete tools for practicing it—through listening, dialogue, and hospitality—in ways that honor both faith and humanity
