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Generating and Screening β-Lactones Against Essential Tuberculosis Enzymes
No full textβ-lactone natural products are chemical compounds characterized by strained four-membered rings that can act as potent enzyme inhibitors. β-lactone synthetases are enzymes that utilize ATP and β-hydroxy substrates to drive intramolecular ring closure and subsequent β-lactone formation and represent an attractive route to the asymmetric synthesis of medically relevant β-lactones, particularly against tuberculosis. Research suggests that the structure of β-lactone molecules can halt the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis through covalent inhibition of the Pks13, preventing cell wall integrity. The focus of this project was to transform, express, and purify β-lactone synthetases to use in an assay against lipases similar to Pks13, and Pks13. Our findings suggest that β-lactones do inhibit both porcine pancreatic lipase and candida rugosa lipase, but were inconclusive about Pks13
Dynamics of Family Trauma: Theological Resources for Ministry with Adoptive and Foster Families
No full textAdoption is at the heart of the gospel (e.g., Psalm 68:5-6; 82:3; Eph. 1:4-5; Gal. 4:4-7; Ro. 8:14-17; James 1:27). Many Christians have experienced a rewarding connection with their child as they have answered God’s call to foster or adopt. But there is also a subset of families whose stories have taken a different turn—a darker turn where parents are confused, exhausted, and full of painful emotions. Children who have been abused and/or neglected can carry deep wounds of trauma, and this pain can be directed outward, targeting anyone who would try to help them on their journey to healing. Rather than affirming and strengthening faith, the foster or adoption journey can instead raise deep questions and doubts for parents about themselves, their child, and even God when they direct love and care to their child only to receive just hostility and pain in return. It can also raise deep questions for those who work and interact with these families, whether it be social service workers, teachers, ministry volunteers, pastors, or church members. This project seeks to address a gap in scholarship to explore the experiences and needs of these parents and primary care-givers through an approach that integrates theology, the social sciences, and relevant trauma research so that those who minister to these families can serve them well
Genetic Insights Into Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Polymorphisms and Inherited Thrombophilia: Advancing Precision Screening and Therapeutic Interventions to Optimize Perinatal Outcomes
No full textIntroduction: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms and inherited thrombophilia, such as Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin G20210A, have been implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes, including recurrent pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and preterm birth. This integrative review explores how genetic insights into MTHFR polymorphisms and inherited thrombophilia can guide precision medicine, including both screening and therapeutic intervention, to optimize perinatal outcomes. Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted following Whittemore and Knafl’s methodology. Research databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were searched for studies published or translated to English within the last twenty years that examined MTHFR polymorphisms, inherited thrombophilia, pregnancy outcomes, and precision medicine interventions. A total of twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria, which was synthesized using the Precision Medicine Theory framework. Results: Findings indicate that MTHFR polymorphisms and inherited thrombophilia significantly contribute to complications through hyperhomocysteinemia-induced endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and hypercoagulability. Precision screening strategies, including next-generation sequencing and polygenic risk scoring, improve risk stratification in individuals. Targeted interventions such as vitamin B complex supplementation, methylated folate supplementation, anticoagulation therapy with low molecular weight heparin and acetylsalicylic acid demonstrate improved outcomes in some high-risk individuals. However, the benefits of routine genetic screening and targeted interventions remain inconclusive. Discussion: Precision medicine approaches integrating genetic screening and targeted treatment strategies that are individualized offer a promising avenue to improve perinatal outcomes. Perinatal providers play a critical role in advocating for the advancement of evidence-based genetic screening guidelines and targeted, individualized interventions to further delineate clinical guidelines. Further research is needed to establish standardized genetic screening protocols, assess the cost-effectiveness of precision medicine interventions, and expand genomic studies to more diverse populations and clinical scenarios
Effects of Goat Grazing on Small Mammal Populations
No full textMany methods have evolved over the years to attempt to manage invasive Rhamnus cathartica or buckthorn populations. Goat grazing has been shown to be effective at reducing R. cathartica stems, as well as allowing low amounts of viable seeds to pass through goat digestive tracts. Due to small mammal’s prevalence and ecological niche, they are a popular subject for population studies because they can be an indicator of ecological health. This study examined whether or not there was a difference in small mammal populations between a control plot and an experimental plot grazed by goats. Trapping data from 10 days was used to calculate a Lincoln-Petersen population estimate and Shannon-Wiener biodiversity index value. Population composition through age ratio, sex ratio, and average weight per species between plots was also compared. No significant differences between the plots was found for the studied metrics. The conclusion was drawn that due to the browsing preferences of goats, the small mammal habitats were largely unaffected by goat grazing, resulting in little difference between experimental plots
From the Back of the Room: A Paraprofessional Perspective of Collaboration and Self- Efficacy in the Secondary Classroom
No full textThis non-experimental, quantitative study investigated the relationship between secondary paraprofessionals\u27 self-reported perceptions of collaboration and self-efficacy in secondary classrooms. The purpose was to explore statistically significant differences in self-efficacy, while controlling for demographic and work-related variables, including years of experience, level of education, age, gender, race, ethnicity, number of students served in a day, number of classroom teacher partners in a day, teacher or administrative supervisor, part-time/full-time status, and percent of time worked with students in a classroom in a typical week. Grounded in Bandura\u27s social cognitive theory (1977), the research design utilized survey data from secondary paraprofessionals in Minnesota. Linear multiple regressions were conducted to examine the relationship between perceptions of collaboration and paraprofessionals’ self-efficacy. The findings revealed that collaboration sparked intellectual stimulation, which enhanced measures of self-efficacy in instructional strategies and classroom management. Additionally, the study found that the collaborative domain of professional relationships had a greater impact on measures of self-efficacy than professional networks, and that years of experience significantly and positively influenced paraprofessional measures of self-efficacy. A key finding indicated that self-efficacy measures declined when paraprofessionals were supervised by licensed special education teachers or principals. These results underscored the importance of fostering effective collaboration, particularly in domains of intellectual stimulation and professional networks, to enhance paraprofessional measures of self-efficacy. Additionally, they highlighted the need to support special education teachers and principals in their roles as paraprofessional supervisors to positively influence measures of self-efficacy and, ultimately, improve students’ outcomes
The Giving Tree
No full textThe Giving Tree is an observable delineation of self. A pastiche of personality and spirit. As we grow, we collect illustrations of who we are and who we are bound to become. Like the night sky garners the stars, we have underdeveloped pictures of mismatched friends we no longer talk to, crinkled birthday cards that have a ghost’s handwriting and a glittery number you can’t fathom being anymore, or abraded books you can inimitably hear your mother read while your half-asleep body lay tucked in your twin-sized bed inherited from your older brother. The Giving Tree is the voice of what was, what is, and what is to become. It holds tight to memories and the building blocks, which were once fashioned of foam and kalidoscopic color but now are clean-cut brick and cobblestone. In times of mention, humanity must desire the gratitude of the foundation; where we started. What could have sparked our fascination of storytelling other than the bound paper given ever to us by the canopy?https://spark.bethel.edu/raspberry-monday-art-award/1001/thumbnail.jp
Citizenship and Education: Teaching Controversy in Secondary Civics Education
No full textThis thesis explores how contemporary political and ideological disputes shape secondary civics education in the United States, with particular attention to the tensions between parental rights, state authority, and the professional duties of teachers. Through a review of the intellectual history, policy and legal developments, and education literature, this review addresses how civics educators navigate their responsibilities amid increasing polarization and controversy over curriculum. The reviewed literature emphasizes instructional strategies that support students in engaging critically with contentious topics through inquiry, deliberation, and structured dialogue. These methods not only promote civic understanding but also prepare students for meaningful participation in democratic life. The review underscores that decisions about what knowledge is appropriate for instruction in public schools are shaped by a complex interplay of public discourse, local and state governance, and professional expertise. Future research should explore the long-term effects of legislative restrictions on controversial topics and their impact on students’ civic reasoning and democratic participation
Effective Reading Comprehension Strategies for Secondary Students With Disabilities in the General Education Setting
No full textConcern regarding the quality of reading instruction continues to be a topic addressed by researchers, educators, administrators, and policymakers. Historically, there have been many avenues reported to teach reading comprehension skills. This study reviews researched-based strategies for secondary students with reading deficits in the general education setting; specifically, students who receive special education services and participate in general education courses. To make progress in reading skills and have access to general education content, students benefit from explicit reading comprehension that includes vocabulary, pre-reading, active reading, and post-reading strategies. This information equips educators and educational staff with research-based strategies, tools, and instructional methods to support special education students in general education courses
School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports as a Framework for Equity: Addressing the Discipline and Academic Achievement Gap in Minnesota Schools
No full textIn response to state-level legislative initiatives, many Minnesota schools have implemented Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to improve student behavior and school climate, guided in part by the assumption that these improvements will lead to higher academic achievement. This study explored the possible association between PBIS implementation and academic proficiency among third-grade students, focusing on reading and mathematics outcomes on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA). A t-test was conducted to determine whether statistically significant differences existed in MCA proficiency rates between elementary schools that had implemented PBIS with fidelity and those that had not. Results indicated no significant differences in proficiency rates for either subject. These findings suggest that while PBIS may improve behavioral or climate-related outcomes, its influence on academic performance remains unsubstantiated
The Effect of Extracurricular Engagement on Academic Performance, Personal Growth, and Positive Behaviors in Students
No full textExtracurricular activities play a significant role in student development. They drive learning, encourage friendships, and build confidence. For many students, clubs, sports, or group activities enhance their potential and help them develop crucial skills. Without such involvement, important growth opportunities may be missed. Opportunity for involvement, however, can depend greatly on factors such as socioeconomic status, accessibility, cultural expectations and racial or ethnic identities. Ensuring all students have access to extracurricular activities is an important step for overall success. This thesis will examine how extracurricular activities prevent school dropout, develop essential skills such as leadership and adaptability, and encourage school engagement. It will also consider how participation can enhance mental, social, and emotional well-being, preparing students for future success. While these benefits are significant, it is equally important to research the potential negative effects of participation to help students maintain balance and avoid stress or burnout