6810 research outputs found
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Administering a Mitophagy Inducing Compound (MIC) to Suppress Neuropathology in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
No full textDespite FDA-approved amyloid-beta (Aβ) therapies in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Tau pathology remains untreated and is closely linked to cognitive decline. Mitophagy, the process of mitochondrial degradation, is vital for maintaining neuronal health, and its dysregulation is implicated in AD. Recently, our lab identified a mitophagy inducing compound (MIC) that extends the lifespan of C. elegans. We hypothesized that MIC would significantly mitigate neuropathology in an AD mouse model. In this study, aged 3x-Tg AD mice were fed an MIC-containing diet, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on hippocampal tissue to visualize Aβ and phospho-Tau (pTau) lesions. While MIC had little effect on Aβ, it significantly reduced pTau, including its nuclear and perinuclear localization. These results highlight MIC as a promising candidate for treating tau pathology, addressing an unmet need in AD
Understanding the Intersection Between Alaska Native and Military Cultural Identities: Using Arts-Based Narrative Inquiry with Mixed Methods
Full text linkAmerican Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) peoples have contributed significant efforts towards involvement in the military and have served in the Armed Forces at five times the national average. AI/AN peoples have served with distinction in every major conflict for over 200 years. There has been a pervasive and historical lack of recognition for their service and a lack of awareness of the intersection between Indigenous and military cultures (Ault, 2020; Bennett, 2009; Department of Veterans Affairs, 2020; Harris & Hirsch, 2020; Holm, 2010; Krouse, 2007; Marston, 1972; Nalewicki, 2021; NICOA, 2019; Viola, 2008; Wooda et al., 2021).
This study used arts-based narrative inquiry (ABNI) with a mixed methods design to explore the lived experiences of Alaska Native military veterans and active-duty service members with particular focus on the intersection between two cultural identities: Alaska Native and military. Ten participants agreed to participate in this study and completed two cultural identity surveys, the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure Adapted (MEIM-A) (Kulis et al., 2016), the Ganz Scale of Identification with Military Culture (GIMC) (Ganz, 2018) in addition to completing art-making and narrative story about experiences related to cultural identity before, during, and after serving in the military. Participants completed a follow-up questionnaire, the Art-based Intervention (ABI) (Snir & Regev, 2013), which provided additional insight about thoughts and feelings related to the art process, product, and art materials. Cross-data analysis provided a deep and rich view into the relationship between the survey data, the art-making, and narrative story, supporting a complex intersectionality between these two cultural identities. I hope the outcome of this research study increases understanding and recognition of Alaska Native military service and the importance of including culturally sensitive art therapy into wellness programs designed for military veterans and active-duty members
Optimizing Endogenous GLP-1 Holistically: A nursing led approach to sustainable weight loss without GLP-1 agonist use
Full text linkThe increase in off-label Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drugs, such as semaglutide (Ozempic), for weight loss has sparked concern in regards to the not fully understood drug outcomes and safety. GLP-1 agonists were originally developed to manage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, but have been widely prescribed for obesity management despite minimal research on prolonged use in non-diabetic patients. This study explores how off-label use of GLP-1 agonist drugs exacerbate various adverse health outcomes, highlighting gastrointestinal complications, and the very possible dependency on drugs for weight management. It will also examine the efficacy of nursing-led education on the implementation of holistic lifestyle modifications including dietary changes, exercise, and supplementation when naturally enhancing the body’s endogenous GLP-1 levels and sustaining improved metabolic health. Through a 24-week quasi-experimental design, this study will compare two groups: one receiving GLP-1 agonist drugs for weight loss and another undergoing nursing-led holistic lifestyle modifications. Outcomes to be assessed for progression between the groups include weight loss sustainability, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, and serum GLP-1 levels. This study aims to inform prescribing medical professionals, policymakers, and those seeking weight management strategies about the superior long term results of non-pharmacological, holistic approaches as a safer and more robust alternative to GLP-1 use, overall promoting improved public health outcomes
Eco Tourism in the South Pacific: A Statistical Comparison of Sustainable Practices between Luxury and Non-Luxury Resorts in Fiji
No full textIsland sustainability and climate change mitigation have evolved rapidly as island nations across the globe are forced to respond to climate change. Specifically, sustainable and regenerative tourism have risen to the forefront of climate change mitigation strategies as the negative effects of tourism become more apparent. Increased travel post-COVID-19 has exposed how small islands are particularly vulnerable to current tourist practices. Small island developing states (SIDS) are designated by the United Nations (UN) as a distinct group of 39 Nation states and 18 accompanying members that are especially susceptible to social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities. Building off of the UN SIDS list, the Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (STPF) includes 19 south Pacific countries that have pledged to conduct more sustainable tourism practices. The purpose of this study was to develop a framework for others to analyze resort sustainability, as it details current resort practices and can represent a guideline for other resorts to emulate. The data collected from Fijian resort websites fell into one of the following categories—conservation efforts, energy, water, building, food production, waste management, and community improvement. When comparing the frequencies of sustainable practices employed between luxury and non-luxury resort groups, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups (p \u3c 0.05). Our study concluded that although luxury resorts employed more sustainable practices than non-luxury resorts, luxury resorts must raise their standards if the goals of the STPF and UN are to be truly realized
Developing a Culturally Sensitive Nursing Framework for Muslim Patients Practicing Ramadan: Focusing on Fasting Benefits and Islamic Dietary Recommendations
Full text linkBackground: Muslims practice Ramadan, a month-long period of fasting from dawn to dusk, yet many healthcare providers lack knowledge of its principles and practices. Hospitals lack formal education on caring for fasting Muslim patients, leading to a knowledge deficit in cultural competence and sensitivity of Islamic practices. Purpose: This paper proposes a research design for a nurse education program on Ramadan fasting to promote cultural competence and sensitivity in nursing care. The proposed research aims to educate nurses on Islamic practices, particularly Ramadan, to bridge the cultural competency gap. The literature review also explores the health benefits of fasting and Islamic dietary guidelines. Method: A quantitative quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test survey design will be used, with approximately 50-75 licensed registered nurses. Participants must be actively employed with a minimum of one year of work experience in various specialty areas related to direct and indirect patient care. They will be randomly selected from hospitals within a large healthcare network in the Bay Area. A confidential electronic survey will determine their demographics and understanding regarding Ramadan fasting and Islamic dietary guidelines using a Likert scale. Results: The collected data will be used to gauge competence levels before and after the education intervention. The findings of the research study will offer insight into the understanding and knowledge gaps of nurses regarding healthcare of fasting Muslim patients. Conclusion: Implementing a culturally competent nursing framework on Ramadan fasting and Islamic dietary guidelines is relevant to nursing care as it enhances knowledge on diverse patient populations. This research proposal will contribute to positive patient health outcomes and increased patient satisfaction
TechBio Industries: Healthcare Manufacturer Takes a Strategic Leap During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Full text linkCharles Chuck Benson, CEO of TechBio Industries, recollected an early Monday morning in March 2019 when he boarded a flight from San Francisco to Philadelphia to meet with the CEO of MedX Supply Chain. During the meeting, MedX requested TechBio to cut prices by 15%, threatening to source their products from a Chinese manufacturer. MedX reasoned that 60% of the market did not care about the quality of disposable lab products. Consequently, TechBio lost most of MedX\u27s contracts, causing their sales to drop from 30 million in about a year
Vino Mundo: Introducing wines of the world to Costa Rica
Full text linkGuillermo Aguilar, owner and founder of the Costa Rican restaurant Vino Mundo, turned off his computer and stood up from his chair. Sales at Vino Mundo had slowed down following the global pandemic, and Guillermo was exploring ways to revitalize his business. The ideas he had most recently considered included a new marketing strategy for the restaurant and creating an institute to educate Costa Ricans about wine and train individuals to become sommeliers. Guillermo left his office and then walked out to the restaurant’s patio to take in the beautiful panoramic views of San Jose. He had quite a few things to consider in June 2023
Developing a Nursing Early-Intervention Bundle to Decrease the Prevalence of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome
No full textPost-intensive care syndrome (PICS) has become an increasingly recognized challenge in critical care as more patients survive prolonged mechanical ventilation and lengthy ICU stays. Although lifesaving interventions support recovery from the primary illness, many patients develop new or worsened physical, cognitive, or psychological impairments after discharge. These complications often limit independence, slow recovery, and create long-term burdens for both patients and families. Research shows that early, consistent nursing interventions, such as delirium prevention, early mobility, mental health support, and family communication, can reduce the risk of PICS. The absence of a unified and standardized approach results in inconsistent practices and missed opportunities for early intervention. This study proposes a structured, nurse-driven early intervention bundle integrated into Epic documentation to promote early assessment, strengthen continuity of care, and reduce PICS incidence among mechanically ventilated ICU patients.https://scholar.dominican.edu/nursing-student-research-posters/1178/thumbnail.jp
Investigating Mitochondrial Proteins’ Function in Mitoribosome Assembly and Nucleoid Dynamics in S. cerevsiae Utilizing Fluorescent Imaging
No full textIn eukaryotes, mitochondria have their own ribosomes called mitoribosomes (MRC), that synthesize proteins essential for oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Mutations to mitochondrial ribosomal proteins (MRP) or assembly factors can lead to various pathologies including cardiomyopathies, hearing loss, and cancer. However, the process by which the mitochondrial ribosome is assembled remains largely unknown. So far there are only ~20 MRC assembly factors being identified. In contrast, its counterpart in cytosol, the cytosolic ribosomal assembly requires over 200 assembly factors, implying that more assembly factors for the mitochondrial ribosomes await to be identified. This study focuses on exploring the protein components involved in MRC assembly and nucleoid dynamics in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae). To facilitate the studying of MRC, we took advantage of a yeast knockdown strain to alter mitochondrial structure to discern the compartments of the mitochondria. Ribosomes are assembled in the nucleolus of the nucleus, and we hypothesize a similar MRC assembly condensate is present in the mitochondria near nucleoids. To observe the dynamics of nucleoids in S. cerevisiae, we took advantage of the fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) of fluorescently tagged mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) associated protein, Abf2. Overall, this study expands the knowledge base of MRCs by finding assembly factor localization and determining the dynamics of nucleoids
Prepared to Protect: Improving Cardiac Emergency Response through Education and Action Planning in Youth Club Sports
Full text linkSudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in youth sports, illuminating the essential demand for adequate emergency response, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) usage, and comprehensive emergency action plans (EAPs). Research shows that despite the importance of prompt intervention, the majority of youth club sports programs outside of the school setting lack the training and resources needed to respond effectively to SCA incidents. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of an educational seminar that includes CPR/AED training and EAP simulation exercises in improving participants’ knowledge, skills, and confidence in managing cardiac emergencies. A quasi-experimental pre- and post-test design will assess the changes in SCA knowledge, CPR/AED skill performance, and EAP implementation. Validated questionnaires, skill assessments, and observational checklists will be collected from a sample of 64 parents, coaches, officials, and athletes before, after, and 6 months following the training. It is expected that the training improves the knowledge and compliance of emergency protocols, enhancing the safe nets of youth club sports