11549 research outputs found
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Executive Summary: Optimizing Breastfeeding in a Family Practice Office, A Quality Improvement Initiative to Promote Breastfeeding Support
No full textBackground: Breastfeeding offers benefits for the child, mother, society, and the environment. However, breastfeeding rates still fall short of targets. Factors influencing these rates include maternal and clinician lactation support, education, and self-efficacy.
Aim Statement: A family practice clinic aims to enhance its breastfeeding support by providing an evidence-based, online lactation education and support program for clinicians and families.
Methods: Quality improvement methodologies utilizing the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice
Intervention: Online implementation of HUG Your Baby, the Roadmap to Breastfeeding Success, in a primary care office
Results: The program increased clinicians' knowledge and confidence to teach families about breastfeeding, and confirmed that it was convenient, easy to use, and evidence-based.
Conclusions: This project supports the use of an online breastfeeding education and support program in the primary care setting
Psychological Distress and Adverse Childhood Experiences among US Women with Concurrent Reproductive Trauma and Infertility
No full textBackground: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that occur during childhood, including forms of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction (i.e. divorce, parental incarceration, substance use). Previous evidence suggests that pregnancy loss may be associated with ACEs and mental health disorders; however, to our knowledge, no studies have considered the associations between ACEs and psychological distress in women with concurrent reproductive trauma (CRT), defined as pregnancy loss during infertility.
Purpose: To compare relationships between ACEs, stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms among women with concurrent reproductive trauma and women with infertility only.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design with follow-up was used to recruit 99 U.S. women aged 18-49 with infertility through convenience and snowball sampling. Participants were recruited on infertility-related support groups on Facebook, Instagram influencers sharing the study information with followers, and at healthcare and fertility care clinics with administrator approval. A REDCap survey included demographics, an ACEs questionnaire, and measures of infertility-related stress (COMPI-FPSS), perceived stress (PSS-4), anxiety (GAD-7) depression (PHQ-8), and PTSD (PC-PTSD-5). Statistical analysis using SPSS 28 included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and chi-square test for independence.
Results: There were no statistically significant differences in psychological distress mean scores between CRT and infertility-only groups. Four of the 10 ACE items were statistically higher in the CRT group than the infertility-only group. Women with CRT were more likely to experience 2+ ACEs than women with infertility-only (p = .001). Infertility-only group with 2+ ACEs had significantly higher levels of stress, PTSD, anxiety, and depression, with clinically significant higher depression and PTSD symptoms, compared to those with 0-1 ACEs. CRT group with 2+ ACEs had significantly higher anxiety and depression, with clinically significant higher moderate or severe depression.
Discussion: Women with CRT and infertility-only experience similar levels of psychological distress; however psychological distress varies with the addition of an ACE history. Women with CRT were more likely to experience 2+ ACEs compared to women with infertility-only; however, women with infertility with 2+ ACE were more likely to experience clinically significant psychological distress. ACE history may be an important epigenetic factor with reproductive trauma
INVESTIGATION INTO THE ORTHO-FUNCTIONALIZATION OF 2-ARYLOXYPYRIDINES USING α-KETO AMIDES VIA PLATINUM-ASSISTED C-H ACTIVATION
No full textTransition metals are commonly used to catalyze thermodynamically unfavorable reactions, decreasing the activation energy required to break stable bonds and reform new bonds. Activation of a C-H bond can lead to the formation of more reactive C-X bonds, where X=N, O, Cl, Br, I, and Si, allowing for further reactivity or synthesis. Platinum was used as a catalyst as it serves as a soft Lewis acid, in an organic soluble cis-bis(benzonitrile)dichloroplatinate(II), cis-Pt(PhCN)2Cl2, in order to facilitate in C-H activation.
Aryloxypyridines have been used as the scaffolding in several bioactive compounds, from insecticides to human enzyme inhibitors. α-keto amides have shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, rendering them great candidates for study. The α-keto amides were introduced to the reaction as 2-(dialkylamino)-2-oxoacetyl chloride, as chlorine serves a good leaving group. By utilizing the pyridyl nitrogen as a directing group, the platinum catalyst can undergo rapid ligand exchange and bind itself to the aryloxypyridine. The platinum facilitated C-H activation by the interaction with the 2-(dialkylamino)-2-oxoacetyl chloride, functionalizing an ortho-position on the aryl ring.
An array of different 2-aryloxypyridines was tested, with different functional groups at the ortho-, meta-, and para-positions, in order to determine the effects of resonance, induction, and steric hindrance had on the overall reaction. Three different α-keto amide containing acylating agents were tested to see how the size of the dialkyl groups performed in reactivity, where alkyl=methyl, ethyl, and isopropyl. A range of 14% to 88% was found for products using 2-(diethylamino)-2-oxoacetyl chloride, a range of 13% to 57% was found for products using 2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoacetyl chloride, and a range of 19% to 84% was found for products using 2-(diisopropylamino)-2-oxoacetyl chloride.
Due to the wide range of product yields from these reactions, a series of thermal degradations studies were conducted to determine how fragile the different 2-(dialkylamino)-2-oxoacetyl chloride were at the reaction temperature of 155°C. While the 2-(dialkylamino)-2-oxoacetyl chlorides were stable by themselves at 155°C, they underwent rapid degradation under the presence of cis-Pt(PhCN)2Cl2, as the acylating agents underwent decarbonylation
The Nexus of Anxiety, Social Media Use, and Political Affiliation
No full textThis study investigated the interplay between anxiety, social media use, and political affiliation among 125 undergraduate psychology students. Using the GAD-7 anxiety scale, Social Media Use Scale, and the Ideological Consistency Scale, we explored the relationships between these variables. Results revealed a moderate positive correlation between anxiety levels and social media use. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, political affiliation had no effect on the other variables. These findings contribute to our understanding of the complex interactions between psychological well-being, digital media consumption, and political perspectives
HOW MURALS ILLUSTRATE NORTHERN IRELAND'S POLITICAL AND SECTARIAN CONFLICT THROUGH POLITICAL AND NON-POLITICAL MESSAGES
No full textBelfast, Northern Ireland murals have become a significant form of expression in their community over the past few decades and reflect historical tensions between Loyalist and Republican communities in the region (Jarman, 1998). This study examined how murals in Belfast serve as visual representations of the political and sectarian conflict, particularly focusing on Loyalist, Republican, and non-aligned murals. Using a purposive sampling method using the ‘Murals of Northern Ireland’ collection from ‘The Claremont Colleges Digital Library’ database (Crowley, 2021), 93 murals (Loyalist n=30, Republican n=31, and non-aligned n=32) are sampled. To ensure intercoder reliability, two independent coders coded these murals to find common themes, symbols, and messages. The location of each mural was contrasted to the ratio of Catholic representation in specific regions, using the ‘Religious Distribution in Belfast’ map (Johnson, 2001). Based on the location of the mural, this study found that there was fairly consistent representation of political and non-political messages in highly Catholic and highly Protestant areas. The key findings of this study revealed that Loyalist murals predominantly focus on British identity and Northern Ireland’s union with the United Kingdom while Republican murals focus on their strong connection to the Republic of Ireland, emphasizing resistance and commemorating fallen members. In contrast, non-aligned murals address broader themes of peace, reconciliation, and cultural expression. This research demonstrates that murals in the city of Belfast serve both as a reflection of Belfast’s historical divisions and a medium for post-conflict reconciliation, with a clear movement toward reducing overtly political content in favor of more inclusive, peace-oriented messages
Accessibility Advances at ECU Sensory Room in Joyner Library
No full textThis project aimed to provide essential resources to neurodiverse students at East Carolina University, fostering a sense of inclusion within the university community. To develop an effective resource that addresses the needs of the neurodiverse population without ostracizing them, we conducted interviews with many students and faculty members. These discussions offered valuable insights into the experiences of neurodiverse individuals on campus and identified additional resources that needed to be developed. Through a combination of interviews and internet research, our team recognized the importance of creating a centralized resource to help both neurodiverse students and their peers. We designed a sensory room equipped with various features, such as alternative seating and sensory tools to provide students with options for decompressing during the typical school day in East Carolina University’s Main Campus Library (Joyner Library). Building on the positive feedback received from the initial Sensory Room in Joyner Library, we inspired the conversion of six study rooms into alternative study spaces closely modeled after the original sensory room. This initiative aims to enhance the overall campus experience for neurodiverse students, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported
Exploring the graduate research experience: Perspectives of PhD Students in a Nursing Program
No full textLess than 1% of nurses hold a PhD in nursing, and many who begin these programs do not graduate. PhD-prepared nurses frequently serve in academic roles, educating future nurses and addressing the nursing shortage. This highlights the importance of research focused on supporting student success in PhD programs. At East Carolina University’s (ECU) College of Nursing (CON), PhD students can work as graduate research assistants during their studies. Graduate research assistants collaborate with faculty across different stages of the research process, which can shape their academic and career trajectories. To explore this experience the following research question was developed: how did the experience of serving as a graduate research assistant impact PhD nursing students’ academic progress and nursing career? An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was utilized. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire through REDCap, followed by a virtual focus group conducted via Teams. During qualitative data analysis, holistic coding was used during first cycle coding followed by sub-coding. Six themes evolved while analyzing the data. Academic progress was influenced by opportunities to apply classroom material, fund their education, and receive support from the faculty. Nursing career was influenced by the development of relationships, personalizing their practice as a nurse scientist, and the ability to make informed career decisions post-graduation. These insights could inform strategies to improve PhD student retention and encourage engagement in similar roles post-graduation. Future studies could benefit from examining faculty perspectives on the graduate research assistant program and exploring similar experiences at other institutions
CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE PRACTICES: INFLUENCING TEACHERS’ DISCIPLINARY AND INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES
No full textABSTRACT
Rashida V. Brown, CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE PRACTICES: INFLUENCING
TEACHERS’ DISCIPLINARY AND INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES (Under the direction of
Dr. Matthew Militello). Department of Educational Leadership, December, 2024.
All school students deserve an equitable, rigorous, and meaningful education experience. Too often, in classrooms, traditionally underachieving students do not have that experience. In the qualitative participatory action research project and study, I examined the degree to which culturally responsive practices (CRP) using equity-driven strategies influenced teachers’ disciplinary and pedagogical practices. The theory of action (ToA) posited: if teachers can identify culturally responsive practices and take intentional steps to analyze their current practices, then they can effectively implement CRP in their classrooms.
In the participatory action research (PAR) project and study, based upon action research and equity-based protocols, the data sources included observations, post-observation conversations, field notes from meetings, community learning exchange (CLE) artifacts, and reflective memos. After analyzing data from two cycles of inquiry, the finding is: Connections between teachers and students through use of proximity, nonverbals, and effective discipline moves were uneven and largely ineffective; as a result, disciplinary practices dominated the classroom experience. The finding contributes to our knowledge and skill in shifting narratives and practices related to culturally responsive pedagogy. Teachers need to attend to students with a culturally responsive discipline stance (Hollie, 2018) that supports instructional outcomes. If teachers cannot engage students in content due being inundated with behavior issues, they cannot focus on student learning, a key determinant in the trajectory of students’ lives and well-being
Understanding the Use of Emerging Technology in the Middle School Art Classroom
No full textThis study explores the use of emerging technology in middle school art classrooms. It is intended to assist the Wake County Public School System’s Middle School Professional Learning Community identify where their members most need support accessing resources and guidance for emerging technology integration. The research methods included a survey and an interview. A sample size represented the middle school art teachers within the county. 22 teachers completed the survey, and two were interviewed. The participating art teachers gave insights into factors that influence their perspectives of technology integration and opinions on the support received from the professional learning community and school system. Art teachers indicated a need for technology-oriented professional development opportunities, the facilitation of technology training to promote digital citizenship for their students, potential collaborations between art and career and technical education departments, and funding for both installations and maintenance of technologies. Overall, the findings highlighted the need for increased guidance and support from the professional learning community and school system to help teachers integrate technology effectively into their art classrooms
Characterizing the Binding of Toxic Heavy Metal Cadmium to Human Cardiac Troponin C: Insight into Wild-type Conformational Dynamics via Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry and Thiol Quantification of Truncated N-domain Constructs Using Ellman’s Reagent
No full textDivalent cadmium, Cd(II), is a toxic heavy metal ion that can disrupt biochemical pathways through its ability to mimic essential metals or bind adventitiously to various proteins. An emerging body of evidence suggests that the soft acid Cd(II), contrary to the predicted behavior postulated by the Hard-Soft Acid-Base (HSAB) theory, often shows a binding preference for oxygen-rich sites in proteins, many of which natively bind the hard acid calcium, Ca(II). Given the demonstrated link between Cd(II) exposure and cardiovascular disease, human cardiac troponin C (hcTnC)—a Ca(II) binding EF-hand protein essential for heart muscle contraction—has been chosen as a model to characterize such Cd(II) binding. This study expands the current understanding of Cd(II) interaction with this system by examining the potential role of sulfhydryl-containing cysteine residues at positions 35 and 84—located in EF-hand loop I and the linker region, respectively—in disulfide formation or Cd(II) coordination. To explore these interactions, native-PAGE analyses and thiol quantification with Ellman’s reagent (also referred to as DTNB) were conducted on truncated wild-type and cysteine-replacement mutant N-domain hcTnC constructs. Furthermore, this study observed the conformational dynamics of full-length wild-type hcTnC in the presence and absence of Ca(II) or Cd(II) via hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) to gain insight into structural changes that occur upon metal binding.
DTNB and native-PAGE results indicate that in the truncated N-domain, disulfide bond formation is negligible, and Cd(II) does not bind to cysteine residues C35 or C84 at stoichiometric ratios, though it subtly interacts with both thiols (~20%) at excess metal concentrations. These findings support a recent model of Cd(II) binding to hcTnC, suggesting that these cysteines do not play a primary role in Cd(II) coordination. Additionally, peptide-level HDX-MS revealed that both Ca(II) and Cd(II) elicit the canonical reduction in exchange at predicted binding sites, consistent with the current model which suggests Cd(II) binds to Loops III and IV in the C-domain and Loop II in the N-domain. Moreover, both metals also induced non-canonical, although not unprecedented, promotion of deuterium uptake in regions away from the binding site of the N-domain, suggesting an allosteric response, albeit with distinct differences noted between the essential and toxic metals. Taken together, these findings advance the ongoing investigation into Cd(II) binding to hcTnC, offering new insights into how this heavy metal may exert its toxicity and impact subsequent protein-protein interactions within the troponin complex