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Olmesartan and Captopril's Promising Potential in Diminishing Fibrotic Activity of Radiation Induced Pulmonary Myofibroblasts
No full textRadiation induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is an irreversible and progressive lung disorder characterized by abnormal myofibroblast activity. Myofibroblasts make collagen fibers, which normally help repair tissue damage, but excess collagen can make tissues stiff and less functional. Excess collagen, also called "fibrosis" in the lungs causes chronic shortness of breath and decreased oxygenation. For reasons not completely understood, radiation injury seems to trigger the terminal conversion from fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. Radiation induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production likely plays a role in this irreversible conversion. Recent animal studies have shown the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I), Captopril prevents or lessens radiation induced lung injury. However, the way in which Captopril diminishes radiation injury is unknown. The objective of this research was to determine if Captopril and Olmesartan (an angiotensin receptor blocker) can diminish fibrotic activity of radiation induced myofibroblasts, as would be suggested by decreased collagen type I and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cultured fibroblasts. Olmesartan and Captopril are both well tolerated medications, FDA approved to treat high blood pressure. Collagen expression in various experimental and control groups was quantified using qPCR, with inconclusive results because of technical difficulties. This research also analyzed the presence of ROS production in irradiated cells with and without Captopril treatment. The data suggests that ROS production was decreased in irradiated cells that were treated with Captopril. Further in vitro research (utilizing the recently developed protocols) will be essential in understanding the promising potential that both ACE's and ARB's have to diminish fibrotic activity of radiation induced pulmonary myofibroblasts
Evaluating a Multidisciplinary Simulation for Operating Room Personnel
No full textA myriad of personnel is required to staff an operating room (OR), each contributing a specific set of knowledge and skills to ensure safe delivery of care during surgery. Without proper professional development and knowledge, gaps in care can occur. These gaps increase the potential for patients to experience adverse events. Simulation has been shown to improve team dynamics, interpersonal communication, and prioritization skills (Hibberson, et al., 2021). This program evaluation project looked at the current multidisciplinary simulation experience implemented at a midsized, midwestern hospital. The information utilized was gathered from pre-simulation surveys, post-simulation surveys, and a critical indicator and debrief checklist. The pre- and post-simulation survey information was compared to determine the level of knowledge improvement. Critical indicator and debrief checklist results explored how effective team performance was to the emergency being simulated from a communication, teamwork, and simulation specific indicator standpoint. Results include an overall improvement in knowledge following the simulation experience and successful completion of the critical indicator checklist components demonstrating adequate team performance
Servant Leadership and Wisdom: An Action Research of Seniors in Houston County, Minnesota
No full textThe purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between the wisdom of seniors in Houston County, Minnesota and servant leadership characteristics. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with seniors throughout Houston County. Participants were asked a series of questions designed to allow them to share their life experiences and interpretation of wisdom. Questions were developed around the cognitive, reflective, and affective dimensions of wisdom. The resulting transcripts were analyzed individually and comparatively to identify themes of wisdom and the characteristics of servant leadership demonstrated by the participants. It was found that all seniors demonstrated at least one characteristic of servant leadership, with many demonstrating more than one. The experience served as a learning opportunity in which generativity and intergenerational knowledge transfer took place
Weight Bias and Mental Health Counseling: A Program Evaluation
No full textThe purpose of this study was to conduct a summative program evaluation regarding the knowledge of weight bias among counselors-in-training. A presentation was created with background information on weight bias, weight bias internalization, application to mental health counselors, and ways for counselors to challenge weight bias. The presentation was sent out to counselors-in-training at a Midwestern University enrolled in the internship portion of their education. It was hypothesized that a 12-minute program on weight bias would increase participants' knowledge about weight bias. Knowledge after participation received a mean score of 8.6 out of 10, which was an increase from a mean score of 5.2. In addition, 100% of participants indicated that this topic was either extremely important or very important to the field of counseling. This suggests that education and training on weight bias might be important for counselors-in-training
Therapeutic Alliances and Stigma: The Basics for Counselors-in-Training
No full textThe purpose of the present study was to conduct a formative program evaluation providing basic information regarding therapeutic alliances and stigma to counselors-in-training would be beneficial. A presentation was conducted with the following content: definitions of stigma and therapeutic alliances, the impact of stigma willingness to seek treatment and therapeutic alliances, variables which influence stigma, and suggest variables to reduce the impact of stigma on therapeutic alliances. The program was presented to Master's-level mental health counselors-in-training enrolled in a course at a private, Midwestern University (n= 10). It was hypothesized a program providing information about how therapeutic alliances and stigma impact counseling would be helpful for counselors-in-training. Importance of the program topic received a mean score of 4.7 on the 5-point Likert scale, and usefulness of the program was a 4.4 on the 5-point Likert scale. Participants provided positive and constructive feedback of the presentation. The research demonstrated that while the program was important and useful, counselors-in-training want more in-depth information of multicultural aspects of stigma and strategies to work with clients experience public and self-stigma
Nutrition Knowledge and Fad Diet Occurrences Among Undergraduate Students
No full textSocial influences have been an increasing field of nutritional studies over the past ten years. The researchers were interested in determining a correlation between social media usage and participation in “trending” or fad diets by undergraduate students at Viterbo University, a college with a high percentage of STEM majors. Using an anonymous Qualtrics survey, information was collected from enrolled undergraduate students at Viterbo between the ages of 18 and 23 on demographic, social media usage, perception of various fad diets (Keto, gluten-free, paleo/Whole 30, intermittent fasting, low carb, and high protein), and current dietary intake. There were 46 respondents, mostly (89.13%) in STEM fields. All but one student used social media, primarily Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and 97.73% saw fitness or food- and nutrition-related content on social media at least a few times per month. While 84.09% of participants found this information credible, 69.77% stated that they did not feel the need to try a diet based on the physical appearance factors resulting from the influence of social media. However, as 54.76% reported feeling more self-conscious about their diet following completion of the survey, the researchers find this to be inconsistent. Overall, students reported easy access to nutrition-related information that they view as credible via social media, despite saying there is little to no real influence to change. This information may be helpful for academics at Viterbo and other universities to note when planning curriculum for STEM students related to social influences on behaviors
Examining Professional Counselor Identity Across Educational and Professional Settings
No full textA national study occurred on counselor professional identity utilizing the Professional Identity Scale in Counseling - short version (PISC-S). Data was analyzed from three groups of participants (N = 82): Master�s level, Doctoral level, and Counselor Educators. Results indicated significant differences in professional identity between sample groups and with specific subscales of the PISC-S. Results of the MANOVA indicated the main effect for the sample groups was significantly different. However, attitude toward profession among the sample groups were all similar. The results of the ANOVA on professional knowledge were significant with the mean of professional knowledge for master�s level being significantly smaller than for counselor educators. Moreover, engagement in counseling profession and professional competency were significant. Findings could help further understand professional identity development and scaffolded learning at various phases in counselor education
Warning Signs and Prevention Measures for Rural Male Suicide
No full textThe purpose of this study was to conduct a formative program evaluation regarding a program on warning signs and prevention measures related to rural male suicide. A program was created with the following content: Defining rural, explanations for higher rates of suicides among rural men, discussion on rural male culture, possible suicide prevention measures and protective factors for rural males. The program draft was sent out to a combination of mental health professionals and counselors in training (n = 25). It was hypothesized that mental health professionals would find a program on rural male suicide warning signs and prevention measures helpful. Helpfulness received a mean score of 4.5 out of five and 23 out of the 25 participants indicated they were either likely or very likely to encourage participation in the program. This demonstrates one way that counselors can reach out to different populations with a focus on prevention
Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans: A Needs Assessment
No full textThis needs assessment sought to determine the availability of and need for various treatment strategies utilized by counselors providing mental health services to veterans diagnosed with PTSD in the La Crosse, WI area. Responses were collected via online survey and provided information related to current strategies being integrated in the treatment process, available educational resources, and considerations for needed treatment modalities in the community. Results revealed current utilization of evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT) with adequate resources for further educational and training opportunities. Furthermore, participants identified gaps in available evidence-based treatment options; specifically, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and prolonged exposure (PE) were reported to be gaps in provided mental health care. Improved availability and awareness of trainings in these particular areas will aid in the reduction of gaps in care and enhance treatment outcomes for veterans with PTSD
Supporting Adolescents Through Parental Divorce With Support Groups: A Program Evaluation
No full textThe purpose of this study was to conduct a formative program evaluation regarding a psychoeducation group for adolescents who are experiencing the impact of parental divorce. Therefore, a program was created with the following content: Identifying self-esteem qualities and strengths, coping skills for a changing family, feelings about splitting time between homes, and hopefulness. The draft was sent out to a combination of professionals that work with adolescents such as, counselors, social workers, and teachers regarding the need for supporting adolescents experiencing parental divorce (n = 9). It was hypothesized that professionals are likely to refer adolescents to a five-week group to navigate parental divorce. Clarity and organization received a mean score of 4.6 out of five, and 95% of participants confirmed the usefulness and importance to refer adolescents to a support group and encourage participation in this program. This demonstrates one way that counseling professionals can collaborate with related populations to advocate while also providing transitional support