6810 research outputs found
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Male Military Survivors of Sexual Assault: Assessing Vulnerabilities and Clinical Considerations
Full text linkThis thesis project attempts to explore the relationship between male sexual trauma in the military and how these adverse experiences can impact an individual. The discussion of masculinity, shame, guilt, statistics regarding the prevalence of sexual assault in the military, reporting, as well as some of the barriers that some men may face having experienced sexual assault in the military will be addressed with the aid of the literature review. From there the psychotherapeutic treatment and modalities will be addressed to determine which works best for this specific population. Further, aspects of advocacy at systemic levels, and micro levels will be discussed. Different aspects of collaborative care are explored in this thesis, as well as some limitations that men who have been sexually assaulted in the military face. The vulnerabilities that men face when experienced sexual assault in the military are expressed thoroughly throughout this project, as there have been numerous amounts of vulnerabilities uncovered. The different factors that play a role in reporting allow for a gap in the literature, and this thesis aims to expand on some of the reasons why reporting male sexual assault in the military is so difficult. This paper will help describe some of the barriers that come with reporting sexual assault in the military for males, and some of the best ways to help treat these individuals that are inclusive to everyone
The conserved role of alanine in sleep and neurodegeneration across flies and humans
No full textAlzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein aggregation, leading to neuronal degeneration and memory loss. Affecting over 24 million people worldwide, there is currently no cure, and treatments offer only temporary relief. Sleep disturbances are linked to AD progression, impairing the brain’s clearance of toxic proteins and promoting neuroinflammation. Changes in blood metabolites may provide new therapeutic targets and biomarkers. This study used the Drosophila melanogaster AD “tau” model to test the ability of a candidate metabolite to rescue dementia-associated phenotypes. The metabolite was supplemented in the ad libitum (AL) diet of our diseased fruit fly model to test for improved sleep and amelioration of neurodegenerative phenotypes. Lifespan assays, healthspan assays (such as activity to evaluate neuromuscular health), and sleep assays were employed. The results showed that the metabolite improves sleep by up to 60% and extends lifespan
Semi-synthesis of Mycothiazole to Improve Stability Leads to a Mixture of Diastereomers to Study the Aging Process
No full textThe mycothiazole chemotype (1) from the marine sponge Cacospongia mycofijiensis is a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor that has lifespan extending properties in C. elegans aging models. Its di-ene-8-ol residue appears essential for its biological activity. Unfortunately, the di-ene-8-ol residue of 1 is also responsible for the lability of 1 which has a shelf life of ≤ 6 weeks. To address this, we sought to make new semi-synthetic analogs of 1 that we believed would be more stable than the natural product. In this study, the structures of these new analogs were elucidated using NMR, HRMS, and optical rotation, and lifespan assays were carried out to determine their effects on the aging process. Our results confirm the generation of two new diastereomers devoid of the diene system that feature hydroxyl and methyl group substituents on position C-4. Specifically, the structures have been identified as 4,4 hydroxy-methyl-mycothiazole (3a and 3b). Both compounds demonstrated a shortened shelf life of \u3c 4 weeks versus natural 1 (\u3c 6 weeks). An in vivo evaluation of 3a and 3b indicated that both compounds do not extend the lifespan of the model organism C. elegans in comparison to compound 1, although compound 3b did reduce mitochondrial respiration. These results indicate the diene system of 1 is required for its life extension properties. Future structure activity relationship (SAR) studies with this chemotype may benefit from semi-synthetic modifications of 1 to identify analogs that serve as chemical probes to study the aging process
Investigating the Role of Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor 3 in Ocular Surface Ion Transport and Fluid Secretion
Full text linkDry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease that drives tear film instability and hyperosmolarity, directly damaging the ocular surface epithelium. Lysophosphatidic acid receptor (LPAR) is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) responsible for Ca2+ and cAMP mobilization via PLC and adenylyl cyclase activation, respectively. LPAR signaling is involved in cell proliferation and wound healing in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) as well as in neuropathic pain. This study aims to investigate expression and functional roles of LPAR3 in ocular surface. Ocular surface potential difference (OSPD) and tear fluid volume measurements were performed in mice with topically applied LPAR modulators. LPAR3 immunostaining was performed in mouse and human cornea and conjunctiva and the mouse lacrimal gland. LPAR stimulated intracellular Ca2+ responses were studied in primary and immortalized HCECs. Topically administered LPAR general agonist (linoleoyl LPA) and LPAR3 selective agonist (2S-OMPT) stimulated Cl- secretion via Ca2+-activated Cl- channels (CaCCs). LPAR3 was expressed in corneal and conjunctival epithelia of mice and humans and the lacrimal gland of mice. Topical LPA eye drop reversed the tear volume decrease in a scopolamine injection acute desiccating stress mouse model. LPAR3 modulates ocular surface ion transport via intracellular Ca2+ elevation through the Gq/PLC pathway. Topical LPA may play a beneficial role in ocular surface homeostasis
The Arrow
No full textIn the sleepy town of Heart’s Bay lives a twelve year old boy named Oliver Blue, a boy with a tendency to live with one foot in the dreamworld and one foot on Earth. Up until now, the summer before seventh grade, this tendency has brought both wonder and hardship to Oliver’s life. But he hasn’t seen anything yet.
Oliver’s parents have just been divorced, prompting he and his mother to move across the city and into a mysterious old building. And as things in Oliver’s reality get turned upside down, so does everything he knows about the world of dream and imagination that he calls home.
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The Arrow is many things. From one angle it is a whimsical, comforting journey through the labyrinth that is the middle road, the pathway which winds between dreams and reality, childhood and adulthood, and sometimes even compassion and contempt. One might also say that The Arrow is a story about worlds torn apart, as well as the struggle that follows to mend and find peace. But perhaps most of all The Arrow is a tale, written for all ages, about the magical, dreaming child within—a fire of light that may dim with age, but which may also be rekindled
A Blessing in Disguise
No full textBeginning a poetic journey from the love of music has greatly enhanced my natural ability to piece together my words. I try to find balance between naturally writing and writing with more form and purpose. The journey towards finding balance has been more than gratifying. This piece shall be a showcase of my chaotic but blissful journey
Mentorship Treasure Chest: Toolbox of Resources to Support Mentee & Mentor Connection
No full textThis review delves into the pivotal role of mentorship in shaping the professional trajectory of occupational therapists, with a specific focus on the Dominican Occupational Therapy Alumni Mentoring Program (DOTAMP). Aligned with the mentorship definition posited by the American Occupational Therapy Association, this project aims to outline challenges encountered by recent graduates in transitioning to professional practice. This project aimed to enhance the effectiveness of DOTAMP by incorporating research-informed principles and refining its guidance approach.
The project development team proposed a solution that introduces the \u27Mentorship Treasure Chest\u27 (MTC) — a comprehensive toolbox shaped by validated sources that underscore the positive impact of structured formal mentorship. By integrating external and internal factors gathered from mentorship research, the MTC aspires to optimize the DOTAMP, offering a structured framework to fortify mentee-mentor relationships. This exploration contributes nuanced insights to the broader discourse on mentorship within occupational therapy, providing practical avenues for program refinement and fostering continual professional maturation in the field
Reducing Paternal Stress in the NICU: The Role of Supportive Nursing Interventions
No full textThe neonatal intensive care unit, also known as the NICU, is a special unit where newborn babies can receive intensive medical care. An infant’s hospitalization in the NICU often creates significant stress for parents, emphasizing the importance of supportive nursing interventions to help alleviate this stress to improve family well-being. Primary research articles regarding nursing interventions to reduce this stress for the mothers and nursing interventions that involve family-centered care were explored. However, there remains limited research on nursing interventions to reduce this stress specifically for the fathers. This proposal aims to explore the supportive needs of fathers with infants in the NICU and what interventions NICU nurses are implementing to support fathers and reduce their stress. An exploratory descriptive qualitative design will be used, with semi-structured interviews and a sample of 15 fathers and 15 NICU nurses. Fathers will be asked about stressors, the support needs from the NICU nurses, and how well these needs are met, while nurses will discuss what interventions they implement to support fathers and what they find to be effective in their stress reduction. Thematic analysis will be used, and anticipated data could potentially reveal shared and unique perspectives on paternal stress, paternal support needs from nurses, and understanding of nursing interventions to reduce paternal stress. This study aims to support the development of tailored nursing interventions for fathers, ensuring that adequate support is provided for both mothers and fathers who have infants in the NICU
Nurses’ Perception on the Gut-Brain Axis and its Implications on Mental Health
Full text linkBackground: Most medical interventions recommended for patients with anxiety and depression include pharmacological treatments and psychotherapy. Thus, undermining the existence of modifiable risk factors, such as diet. Despite being an area of growing research, the gut-brain axis is a very broad topic among the healthcare field. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate registered nurses’ perceptions and understanding of the gut-brain axis and its implications for mental health management. Methods: This proposed exploratory descriptive study will conduct research among fifteen registered nurses, each with at least two years of experience in specialties such as gastroenterology, psychiatry, or hospital care. They will participate in semi-structured interviews lasting 45–60 minutes. These interviews will assess their knowledge of the gut-brain connection, attitudes toward nutrition-based interventions, and approaches to incorporating dietary education into patient care. Data Collection and Analysis: The data will include participants\u27 responses from interviews that will be recorded and transcribed to identify patterns and themes using content analysis. The findings of the study will offer insight into the current understanding and knowledge gaps of nurses regarding the relationship between gut health and mental health. Conclusion: Although there is research surrounding the gut-brain axis, there is a gap in the understanding and perceptions of nurses around this topic. The results of this study can bring more attention to a primarily nutrition-based intervention. Thus, allowing nurses to create individualized treatment plans focusing not only on pharmacological treatments but also on a modified diet to improve patient mental health outcomes
Integrating Health Education and Scabies Prevention in Correctional Facilities: A Path to Safer Inmate Populations
Full text linkScabies is a highly transmissible skin infestation that represents a significant public health issue in correctional institutions. Inmates are particularly susceptible to scabies outbreaks due to factors such as high population density, cramped living conditions, limited access to healthcare, and frequent turnover of inmates. Addressing scabies in correctional facilities is vital for protecting inmate well-being, making it essential to explore the most effective ways to tackle this issue. This research aims to determine whether nurse-led educational training sessions for inmates can enhance their knowledge of scabies and effectively reduce its manifestations. This research proposal will use a quantitative-quasi research approach with a convenient sample of 200 inmates from Marin County Jail and be conducted over 6 months. The participants will be divided based on the prison wings they live in: Wing B will be the control group and Wing A will be the experimental group. The control group will receive standard care, while the experimental group will attend educational sessions with nurses 3 times a week, over the course of 6 weeks. An understanding of scabies, personal hygiene practices, and perspective on the issue will be measured using the KAP survey tool prior to the study and after the 6 weeks to determine the impact of the teaching sessions. Electronic Health Records (EHR) of the inmates will also be monitored during the study to track all cases of scabies. The researchers anticipate that nurse-led education will significantly reduce scabies, contributing to better health outcomes within this population