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SYNCHROTRON-BASED FE K-EDGE MICRO-XAS AND MICRO-XRF SPECTROSCOPY INVESTIGATION OF ZONED AQUAMARINE AND EMERALD CRYSTALS
No full textAlthough the generalities of the origin of the green color of beryl and emerald and the blue color of the aquamarine variety are known, the role of Fe in causing and influencing them and the relationship between the relative Fe valence state and coordination geometry with intra-crystal color variations are highly unknown. Green and blue colors and their variations in beryl are variably attributed to combinations of Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺ in octahedral, tetrahedral, channel, and/or 6g interstitial sites. Here, the first combined synchrotron-based Fe K-edge micro X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and micro-XRF spectroscopy study of a green color-zoned emerald crystal and a blue zoned aquamarine crystal is presented. Characteristic parameters of XAS pre-edge and EXAFS were determined to identify possible relationships between the relative valence state and coordination environment of Fe, abundance of Fe and other chromophore elements, and intra-crystal color differences. High-resolution micro-XRF elemental mapping of the zoned emerald crystal evidences marked zoning in Fe and Cr contents in bands down to 0.05 mm thick parallel to {0001} and a strong positive correlation between them that decrease from the darker green bottom to the very light green upper zone. Higher Fe contents in the green color compared to the very light green zone darken the color generated by chromophore Cr and in less degree V. Fit centroid energy, integrated intensity, and peak ratios of two pre-edge peaks correlate with Fe intensity and color variation. Centroid energy and integrated intensity relations suggest the occurrence of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ mostly in octahedral coordination in both green color zones, with minor Fe³⁺ in the very light green zone likely located in a tetrahedral site. Increasing centroid, integrated intensity, and pre-edge P2/P1 ratios in the order darker green --> very light green --> red beryl suggest a higher average Fe valence state (Fe³⁺/FeTot) in the very light green than in the green area. EXAFS analysis shows dominance of octahedral Fe, shorter modeled Fe-O distances (avg. 1.94 [angstrom]) for the zoned emerald than the red beryl crystal (avg. 1.98 [angstrom]), and similar Fe-O bond lengths in the two green zones. Modeled Fe-Fe bond distances representing Fe pairs in Al-6g sites are slightly shorter for the green than the very light green zone. Detailed synchrotron micro-XRF chemical maps of the zoned aquamarine crystal reveal delicate (1 mm) zoning in Fe contents that match visible color changes from colorless to pale blue, medium blue, and darker blue. A strong correlation between darkening of the blue color and Fe intensity not seen for Cr, Mn, and V indicates that Fe is the main chromophore. Pre-edge fit centroid energy and integrated intensity indicate the presence of octahedral Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ in all color zones. Iron contents, centroid energy, and integrated intensity and peak height increase in the order colorless --> light blue --> medium blue --> darker blue zones reflecting higher Fe³⁺/[Sigma]Fe in the darker blue color zones. EXAFS modeling confirms mostly octahedral Fe and minor Fe pairs in octahedral and 6g interstitial sites in all color zones. The Fe-Fe bond distance (2.151 [angstrom]) is the longest in the clear zone, whereas the blue zones yield shorter Fe-Fe bond lengths (2.066-2.112 [angstrom]), consistent with closer Fe-Fe pairs generating and darkening the blue color by IVCT. This study provides a new quantitative way to distinguish light from darker green and blue colors in beryl using combined synchrotron micro-XRF and Fe-K pre-edge and EXAFS parameters. It enables to determine relationships between redox state and coordination environment of Fe and elemental abundances that explain color variations in green beryl and emeralds and aquamarine that can be applied to investigate other colors
Mediterranean diet useful to prevent, treat Parkinson’s
No full textMedical and dietetic students often co-author a column for the Daily Reflector under Dr. Kolasa's byline. The students research the topic a reader or patient has asked. Dr. Kolasa reviews their draft for technical accuracy, patient friendly language, people first language. She fact checks the study or other evidence-based reference the student provides. If a physician review is appropriate, Dr. Kolasa requests a colleague from ECU physicians to review the article. The final draft is submitted to the Reflector with the editor having the final say. The headline is written by the Reflector headline writer. The food and nutrition column has run weekly since 1987. Starting in 2020, in addition to the Daily Reflector, the article is published in daily and weekly papers owned by the Adams Publishing Group East (https://adamspg.com)This is a weekly Q and A newspaper column under the byline of Dr. Kathy Kolasa. Today's column is about the scientific connection between your diet and Parkinson's DiseaseNon
Evaluating Heart Failure Knowledge
No full textAim: To evaluate the effectiveness of Krames education on patients with heart failure who have been admitted to the hospital with a heart failure exacerbation.
Design: Quantitative research
Methods: Exclusion criteria included less than one year of heart failure diagnosis, sedating procedure that day, palliative consult, dementia diagnosis, unwillingness to participate, end-stage renal disease, and increased shortness of breath/work of breathing/oxygen demands. Inclusion criteria included at least one heart failure hospital admission, having seen Krames education in the past, willingness to participate, being alert and oriented, being able to talk without getting short of breath, and being close to baseline respiratory status.
Data Sources: I used PubMed and Google Scholar to find a heart failure knowledge test to implement this project.
Results: Diet and nutrition are the most common areas of weakness, while symptoms and behaviors are the most common areas of strength for participants.
Conclusion: The Atlanta heart failure knowledge test is a reliable indicator for testing heart failure knowledge. While Krames education does have the latest guidelines for heart failure education, most patients have trouble retaining the information and need re-education periodically.
Implications for the profession and/or patient care: This study proved the need for periodic knowledge assessment and re-education for patients with chronic conditions.
Impact: The study aimed to improve organizational health literacy by evaluating the knowledge retained by Krames heart failure education. The study showed that organizations need to ensure patients are up to date on the latest guidelines for their chronic conditions to better care for themselves after discharge from the hospital. This study impacted the heart failure patients and the health care providers that serve these participants.D.N.P
EXAMINING RACIAL AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY AMONG THE US ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH WORKFORCE
No full textBackground: Environmental health professionals (EHPs) work in various aspects of EH and are largely employed by state and local health departments. The long history of predominantly White males in the EH profession does not adequately represent the racial and ethnic diversity in the communities they serve. A more diverse and representative EH workforce creates opportunities to enhance cultural sensitivity and gain trust of underrepresented communities. Specific Aims: The aims of the research dissertation are multifold: 1) develop a profile of the EH workforce in the US, 2) analyze associations between minority EHPs and non-minority EHPs responses to job satisfaction, addressing public health issues, supervisory status, and organizational DEI efforts from the Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS), and 3) provide recommendations to increase racial and ethnic diversity in EH. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed to triangulate findings using the largest national public health available database (PH WINS, 2021) and in-depth qualitative interviews with minority EHPs (n=19). In the quantitative analysis, data from the PH WINS was analyzed using SPSS (version 29), and qualitative thematic analyses were conducted using NVIVO version 14. Results: The racial and ethnic composition of the EH Workforce was 64.4% white, 20.7% BIPOC, and 11.3% Hispanic. In quantitative analysis, the most significant relationships identified included race/ethnicity with pay, supervisory status, addressing the social determinants of health, and organizational DEI efforts. In qualitative analysis, key themes to increase minority representation in EH included mentorship, internship opportunities, and marketing/advertisement. Discussion: Progress has been made toward increasing diversity in the workforce through internship programs and research involving undergraduate and graduate students. By including the working EHPs' perspective on diversity, we can validate programs that are already working to increase minority representation in EH as well as implement innovative ideas for future programs
The Influence of Lower Extremity Muscle Fatigue on Baseball Pitching Biomechanics and Performance
No full textBaseball pitching is a complex and dynamic movement involving the lower extremities, trunk, and upper extremities with the goal of throwing the 145 g baseball toward home plate with maximal velocity and accuracy. Previous research has shown a link between elbow and shoulder injury with increased pitch volume, innings pitch in a calendar year, pitch type, and number of months pitched per year (21,32). According to Spotrac, which records the injured list of MLB players and their salaries while on the injured list, 18,369 days were missed by MLB pitchers on the injury list with a throwing-related injury in 2019, which translates into $318,667,058 lost by MLB clubs (35). To date, multiple studies that have investigated the influence of fatigue on pitching kinetics, kinematics, and muscle activation in the different phases of the pitching motion (2,3,8, 24,27,28). However, none of these studies consider the performance aspects of pitching accuracy as well as pitching velocity in a simulated baseball pitching performance in which joint kinematics and muscle fatigue are also recorded. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine how lower extremity fatigue with increased pitch count impacts a pitcher's joint kinematics, muscle activation levels, and pitching performance so that coaches may better be able decide when to take a pitcher out of a game. METHODS: Eleven high school and collegiate pitchers (age: 16.67 ± 0.86 years, height: 1.78 ± 0.08 m, weight: 74.6 ± 14.82 kg) with 11.4 ± 1.59 years of experience participated, two of which had to be excluded due to EMG issues. Data were collected using Noraxon Ultium Lab EMG, IMU, and Ninox 120 video camera. EMG electrodes were equipped to muscle bellies of the stride leg (BF, GAST, SEMI, VL, VM) and drive leg (GM, VL, VM) muscles, with IMU's being equipped to the stride leg (shank and thigh) and throwing shoulder (upper arm and forearm), along with C7. After a warmup, participants were equipped with EMG and performed MVIC testing, and then equipped with IMU. IMU were then calibrated, and participants were given the opportunity to thrown warmup pitches off the mound. Participants threw 14-18 pitch innings with fastball, offspeed, and breakingball randomized like a game scenario. Participants threw a minimum of 60 pitches with a maximum of 105 pitches thrown. After each inning, participant rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recoded. RESULTS: Participants averaged 80 ± 13 total pitches and had a pitch velocity of (fastball 73.29 ± 5.98 mph, 73.76 ± 6.08 mph, offspeed 66.30 ± 5.98 mp, 66.41 ± 6.25 mph, and breakingball 62.81 ± 5.44 mph, 62.87 ± 5.63 mph) and pitch accuracy of (fastball 41.17 ± 25.48%, 37.63 ± 19.67%, offspeed 38.71 ± 30.87%, 28.77 ± 19.43%, and breakingball 30.24 ± 21.70%, 28.90 ± 20.86%) for the first and last innings respectively. Shoulder external rotation for the follow through phase of the pitching motion was significantly different from the first to last inning (p=0.03). There were no other variables that were found to be significantly different from first to last inning CONCLUSION: From the first to last inning, participant median frequency (Hz) for EMG did not significantly change, thus we do not believe that their lower extremity muscles were fatigued. However, we did notice that with no lower extremity fatigue, there were moderate Cohen's D for effect size of the Wind Up and SFC pitching phase for throwing shoulder external rotation. This would indicate that although there was so significant difference, in the Wind Up and SFC phases there were moderate differences in the mean from first to last inning. Overall, this suggests that future studies should investigate how many pitches it takes for a pitcher to fatigue
Prevalence and environmental determinants of Black Gill Disease in Penaeid shrimp within Pamlico sound.
No full textPenaeid shrimp are one of the most ecologically and economically important species in North Carolina estuaries as well as the whole Southeastern United States. These species have historically brought in large amounts of revenue to North Carolina; in 2022, the shrimp fishery brought in over 10 million dollars to the State. Penaeid shrimp also serve other fisheries by being an important prey item for economically and ecologically important fish species like Flounder and Drum. As penaeid shrimp are ecologically and economically important, it is imperative that any threats to local shrimp populations are tracked. A recent threat to penaeid shrimp in the Southeast U.S. is a parasitic illness called Black Gill Disease. In the southeastern U.S., Black Gill Disease is the result of melanization and inflammation of shrimp gill tissue as a result of an infection by a parasitic ciliate species Hyalophysa lynni. Hyalophysa lynni is assumed to be native to the Gulf of Mexico, but has expanded its range northward, potentially facilitated by climate change, where warming temperatures have created more favorable conditions at its northernmost ranges. With the recent appearance of black gill disease in North Carolina, detection methods must be accurate to avoid underestimation of black gill impacts on the shrimp population and increase understanding of the disease impacts in this area. In chapter 1 of this thesis, two methods of detection (microscopy and genetics) are compared to determine the most efficient and accurate approach to identify infected shrimp. These methods are also discussed within the context of the current "on the boat" monitoring efforts conducted by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries during the P195 survey. I hypothesized that a combination of microscopy and molecular techniques would provide the most accurate estimation of black gill disease prevalence. I found microscopy to be both efficient and accurate in detecting all stages of infections as well as being a more affordable and time efficient detection method when compared to PCR. Statistical analysis supported that there was not much difference between detection methods in their abilities to quantify black gill disease prevalence. Based on sequence data, my work successfully confirmed the cause of sBG in Pamlico Sound to be the ciliate Hyalophysa lynni, the same species that is suspected to be the cause of sBG in other states. Moreover, my data showed that microscopy and PCR results strongly aligned with one another (97% agreement). In Chapter 1, I also applied microscopy-based prevalence data to describe spatial and temporal patterns of black gill disease in Pamlico Sound as observed throughout the project. I also designed a descriptive black gill severity scale, which can be used to assist in future projects and aid fishery agencies in their monitoring efforts by standardizing severity scales. By determining the most accurate and efficient black gill disease detection method, projects and fishery-based agencies can apply these methods to increase their understanding and accurate monitoring of the disease. In chapter 2 of my thesis, I aimed to fill a knowledge gap regarding how white shrimp Penaeus setiferus respond to lower salinities and abrupt declines in salinity. To do so, I conducted an experiment exposing shrimp to varying low salinities and monitoring them for common stress behaviors and survival. Penaeus setiferus (commonly referred to as "white shrimp") occurs in the Atlantic from the Chesapeake Bay to the Gulf of Mexico and is a common fishery for many of these states. This species of Penaeid shrimp moves between brackish estuaries and ocean waters at specific life stages. Due to this movement, it is generally assumed that Penaeus setiferus has a relatively broad salinity tolerance range, though there is a lack of literature describing how well it survives and responds to low salinities. My experiment exposed white shrimp from Eastern NC to three low-end salinities (2ppt, 5ppt, 15ppt) to determine if there were significant survival and behavior changes. I hypothesized that lower salinities would result in higher mortality rates and increased stress behaviors. I observed that shrimp placed in 15 ppt treatments showed the least mortality and stress behaviors while shrimp placed in 2 ppt showed the highest mortality and stress behaviors. These results could be important for understanding changing salinity levels in estuaries as a result of climate change and increases in episodic storm events, and the ways that species may respond to these rapid changes
Use of Modular Therapy to Treat Anxiety for School Age Students with Autism
No full textAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder characterized by challenges with social communication, interpersonal skills, sensory stimulation, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Because of these challenges, the social demands of school can produce anxiety in some children with ASD. Although practitioners use several evidence-based interventions to treat autism, there are few evidence-based treatments to address the anxiety symptoms commonly associated with individuals with ASD. This study aims to determine the extent to which perceived anxiety levels decrease for school-age children with autism who also present with anxiety-related concerns, the extent to which children with ASD rate the usefulness of the intervention, and measure parent and teacher satisfaction with the intervention and perceived behavioral outcomes. The school psychology researcher will use a modified version of the Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Conduct Disorders (MATCH-ADTC) to include more visuals, schedules, and social stories. In addition, the researcher intends to determine the effectiveness of the intervention by collecting data on the students' engagement (determined by the practitioner) and feedback on the students' experience (determined by the student)
DEFINING PASSIONATE LEADERSHIP: AN ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTIVENESS
No full textLeadership is a widely studied discipline, with various styles and theories recognized and their efficacy argued. Currently, transformational leadership is often viewed as a positive impact leaving theory. Researchers such as Robert Vallerand have also ventured to explore passion and break down what makes passion a positive or negative factor in a person's life. However, little scholarly research discusses the cross-section of passion and leadership and how this could be an effective leadership style. This research aims to define passionate leadership, create a theory based on current research on these two subjects, and expand on the rare passionate leadership studies that exist. It also seeks to determine if passionate leaders effectively impact followers and, potentially, the workplace. This research required closely evaluating previous scholarly leadership and passion research through grounded theory. Grounded theory is used to tie together secondary research by creating common themes or codes to determine overall significance. The codes used in this research were basic leadership information, effective leadership, passion definitions, and fields and careers. Through the review of data, conclusions were found when codes overlapped and information became repetitive. For example, preliminary research showed that harmonious passion, as opposed to obsessive, is the target passion leaders should desire to embody to experience success. Overall, creating a definition can expand the leadership studies field and thus improve the workplace. Many people have passion for what they do, have the opportunity to lead, and can leave positive impacts because of it. If employers can understand the benefits of passionate leadership and in which career fields these leaders are most important, they can build training that improves culture and employee wellbeing
Identification of galectin-1 as a marker for claudin-low breast cancer and implications for tumor progression
No full textTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer. Patients with TNBC have a high rate of metastasis and mortality due to the lack of targeted therapies and resistance to chemotherapy. This research aimed to develop reliable models of metastatic TNBC to investigate targetable proteins and pathways. The 2225L and T11 murine tumor lines, which are highly analogous to human basal-like and claudin-low TNBC subtypes, were serial passaged heterotopically and orthotopically in syngeneic mice to generate lines that would consistently metastasize to the lung. Immunochemical and transcriptomic methods were used to define the immune microenvironment of the primary and metastatic tumors and to compare tumors with variable metastatic potential. Both resulting 2225LM and T11 tumor lines displayed an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment characterized by high myeloid-to-lymphocyte ratio (CD11b+:CD3+) and elevated expression of protumor cytokines compared to control tissues. Subsequent analysis of T11 primary and metastatic claudin-low breast tumors employed a discovery-based proteomic approach that detected significant differential galectin-1 expression compared to normal control tissues. Label-free quantitation, Western immunoblot, and ELISA confirmed galectin-1 identity and elevated expression in primary and metastatic tumors compared to normal control tissues. Mass spectrometry spatial mapping and immunohistochemistry revealed high localization of galectin-1 in T11 metastatic lung foci. Transcriptomic analysis of mouse and human breast cancer subtypes showed significant and differential galectin-1 expression in claudin- low primary tumors compared to other breast cancer subtypes. Galectin-1 is an N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc)-binding protein that promotes anti-inflammatory actions and has a wide range of reported intracellular and extracellular activities, but its role in breast cancer has not been well studied. We next evaluated galectin-1 effects on CD11b+ myeloid cells, based on their high proportion in T11 tumors, using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models. The CD11b+ murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 was susceptible to galectin-1-induced apoptosis in vitro in a dose-dependent, carbohydrate-specific manner. However, ex vivo assays with murine CD11b+ peritoneal exudate cells showed no effect on apoptosis. In vivo systemic administration of galectin-1 allosteric inhibitor OTX008 in T11-tumor-bearing mice slowed tumor growth but did not affect the percentage of infiltrating myeloid populations. Fluorescence microscopy evaluation of overall tumor apoptosis and CD3+ and CD11b+ cell apoptosis in primary tumors at sacrifice showed no statistical difference between the OTX008 treatment and the vehicle control groups. These findings suggest that galectin-1 does not affect CD3+ or CD11b+ immune cell infiltration or apoptosis in claudin-low primary tumors. Larger in vivo studies and analysis of different drug regimens, smaller tumors and metastatic models are indicated. Future studies focusing on alternative actions of galectin-1 in claudin-low breast cancer, including its potential effects on tumor proliferation and angiogenesis, should be conducted to explore its viability as a therapeutic target
Search strategy for Attrition Rates of Minority Medical Students Scoping Review
No full textCurrent research has shown minority medical students are more likely to withdraw from medical school. However, there is less literature explaining the attrition rates of minority and marginalized medical students in current medical education. Understanding these factors is crucial for implementing effective interventions that increase minority student retention and graduation rates. This study seeks to understand the factors that contribute to minority medical student attrition and retention rates, and to offer solutions to narrow the gap in medical education disparities among minority and marginalized students in comparison to white counterparts