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Glowing Insects: Examining Predator and Prey Invertebrates Located in the Cloud Forest of Mindo, Ecuador
No full textIn the cloud forest of Mindo, Ecuador I examined a variety of terrestrial macroinvertebrates to determine if they glowed under UV light. This phenomenon of glowing is called biofluorescence and bioluminescence. Biofluorescence is where the species does not produce its own light while bioluminescence is the result of a chemical reaction allowing the organism to produce its own light. I hypothesized that predatory invertebrates are more likely to glow in comparison to prey invertebrates as this may act as camouflage used to stalk prey. Alternatively, the glowing could be used as a form of communication between predators. This study was conducted over a five night period. Each night I walked a transect shining a blacklight on different species within approximately 1m of the trail. Any invertebrate organism that glowed were then recorded and on a scale of 1-5, the extent of glowing was recorded. A scale rating of 1 was less than 19% glowing while a 5 was 80-100% glowing. Finally, the organism was photographed. Results indicated more prey invertebrates were found to glow than predator invertebrates. In total there were 91 prey invertebrates glowing and only 18 predatory species. Overall Lepidoptera has the highest richness of glowing species. Prey species having more species glowing could be due to sexual signaling, camouflage from predators, or simply a coloration feature without adaptive significance. Further research is needed to examine the role glowing may have in predator-prey relationships of the Ecuadorian cloud forest
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling and Simulation of Various Bolus and Infusion Doses of Cangrelor
Get PDFBackground: Cangrelor (Kengreal(R) is a non-thienopyridine parenteral antiplatelet drug approved as an adjunct for the reduction of periprocedural myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis risk in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). It is also used off-label for bridging in patients who are off their antiplatelet agents prior to surgery. Cangrelor blocks the binding of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) by reversibly binding to P2Y12 receptors on platelet surfaces. In comparison to other P2Y12 antagonists, cangrelor has a rapidly reversible platelet inhibition effect with a short half-life of approximately 3-5 minutes. Data on simultaneous PK/PD modeling of cangrelor are, however, lacking. The aims of this study are, therefore, to propose a method for simultaneous PK/PD modeling and to simulate the PK/PD of alternative bolus and infusion doses of cangrelor. Methods: Plasma concentration versus time and pharmacodynamic response versus time data were extracted with PlotDigitizer from the publications of Akers et. al. (J Clin Pharmacol. 2010 Jan;50(1):27-35.) and Gelbenegger et. al. (Thromb J. 2022; 20: 19.), respectively. These data were used to generate 100 random samples at each time point from a log-normal distribution using R 4.2.3. These data would be simultaneously fit into a one-compartment pharmacokinetic model with linear elimination and a direct effect sigmoidal Imax model. Modeling and simulation would be performed to determine exposure and effect at various bolus and infusion doses of cangrelor using Monolix and Simulx (Lixoft, France). Results, Discussion & Conclusion: Pending
Keywords: Cangrelor, P2Y12 antagonist, non-thienopyridine, platelet inhibition, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, simulatio
Active Cooks
No full textIn Hardin County, there is evidence of obesity in the youth, unbalanced diets, and food insecurity, based on results from the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). Active Cooks is a project meant to educate the youth about nutrition, hands-on cooking experiences, knowledge of nutrition, and self-efficacy for cooking. In other communities, previous studies have found that students gained confidence in their cooking skills and nutrition knowledge when performing hands-on activities. This project specifically focuses on enhancing education related to cooking and nutrition to help children feel more comfortable with making food choices and making food for themselves. Our study population is aimed at participants in grades three through six, more specifically working with the third grade students at Ada Elementary School. The project methods include an informed consent form to be completed by the parents and surveys to be completed by the students before and after the classes. The class for students involves educating about healthy food choices and the creation of healthy snacks. Analysis of the results will involve comparing the responses of the pre and post survey to gauge whether the classes increased the student’s knowledge of nutrition and self-efficacy
Evaluating the Effect of Skipping Ticagrelor Doses and Need for Bolus Doses upon Treatment Resumption through Population PK/PD Simulation
Get PDFTicagrelor (Brilinta (R)) is the first reversibly binding oral P2Y12 receptor antagonist. It is used, mostly in combination with aspirin, in patients with acute coronary syndromes to reduce thrombosis. The manufacturer of ticagrelor recommends discontinuing it at least 5 days before any surgery when possible. While the effect of dose interruptions on the risk of thrombosis is not directly studied, it is important to understand the impact of skipping doses on ticagrelor\u27s PK/PD profile for clinical-decision making. The objectives of the current study were to simulate the impact of therapy interruption on the PK/PD of ticagrelor and examine the need for loading dose administration when therapy is resumed. Population PK/PD parameters were based on data from the ONSET/OFFSET study and published in the literature. The PD of ticagrelor was described using a sigmoidal direct-response Imax model. A population PK/PD model describing the relationship between ticagrelor dose, plasma concentrations, and platelet inhibition was simulated with Simulx (Lixoft, France). Simulations were performed on 2000 patients by fixing PK parameters to their population estimates and allowing PD parameters to vary. The expected platelet inhibition was simulated after a loading dose of 180 mg followed by a maintenance dose of 90 mg twice daily for a 15-day course of treatment. Doses were stopped on day 8 for 0-5 days and treatment was resumed with or without a loading dose. Simulation results were evaluated for their potential to achieve a minimum of 80% platelet inhibition.
Key Words: Ticagrelor, P2Y12 receptor antagonist, Platelet inhibitions, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Population PK/PD, Imax, Skipping dos
ICAPP Explains: The Presidential Cabinet
Get PDFWith the election having concluded, the Presidential transition process has just begun. Donald Trump will take several steps to prepare his administration, and one of the most significant is creation of his Presidential Cabinet. The Presidential Cabinet is a collection of the highest-ranking executive branch officials, and plays an often-unrecognized role in the functioning of the executive branch of government
Ohio Fracking Expansion
Get PDFWe live in a privileged time in human history where many Americans live in homes and cities powered by electricity with supermarkets stocked with food that is safe to eat. It is something commonplace that the average person struggles to be mindful of what systems are in place to ensure that we do not have to want or worry about energy powering our communities or food powering our bodies. Federal and state government agencies have many departments that regulate our natural resources, the environment, our agriculture, and our energy production. All of these systems provide us with goods that make our lives more convenient, but they come with consequences. To feed people, we need energy to fuel equipment to plant and harvest crops efficiently and sustainably. To generate the energy needed to provide electricity across the nation, many resources are used, including land and environmental resources. One of the ways America generates energy is through a process that is often talked about but seldom explained: fracking
