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A Multimodal Intervention to Improve Treatment and Clinical Outcomes in Children With Recurrent Otitis Media
Get PDFAcute otitis media is the number one cause for primary health care visits and antibiotic prescriptions in the pediatric population (El Feghaly & Jackson, 2023). Upwards of 27% of children experience multiple episodes of otitis media (OM) that meet recurrent otitis media (ROM) diagnosis criteria (Pelton & Marchisio, 2023). Guided by the Iowa Model (Iowa Model Collaborative, 2017), the project’s purpose was to implement a multimodal intervention to decrease recurrent OM and repeat clinic visits. A comprehensive literature search of 5 databases yielded 16 sources ranging from levels I-IV (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2023). Using the AGREE II and JBI Critical Appraisal Tools, evidence was determined to range from strong to good quality. Evidence showed the importance of conducting a thorough physical assessment of the tympanic membrane, collecting an in-depth patient history, prescribing the most appropriate antibiotic, patient teaching about environmental factors, and referring the patient to an ENT physician based on current clinical guidelines. Participants were recruited at a Northern Indiana urgent care. Patients presenting with a chief complaint of ear pain or ear infection were asked to complete a ROM questionnaire. Guided by responses on the ROM questionnaire, caregivers assessed, diagnosed, and treated patients based on current clinical guidelines for OM. Outcome data were gathered 4 weeks after visits regarding additional OM occurrences, return clinic visits, and follow-ups with ENT referrals. Using a pre-test/posttest design, findings showed a statistically significant decrease in repeat disease reoccurrence (X 2 = 5.714, df = 1, p \u3c .05) and repeat office visits (X 2 = 5.714, df = 1, p \u3c .05). There was no significant change in ROM diagnostic accuracy between the pre-group (n = 35) (94.3%) and post-group (n = 35) (97.1%). The multimodal intervention was shown to be successful
Production and maintenance of proper neuron numbers in the developing and aging retina by Nell2
Get PDFNervous system functionality depends on the generation and maintenance of the proper numbers of neurons. However, the molecular mechanisms that control the number of neurons produced during development and support long term neuronal survival are not fully understood. Nell2 is a multi-modular extracellular glycoprotein predominantly expressed in the nervous system. Nell2 exerts diverse functions in neural development, including regulation of neuronal proliferation and differentiation, and neuronal network formation. Our previous study has shown that Nell2 acts as an inhibitory guidance cue for retinal axons in the eye-specific visual (retinogeniculate) projection. In this study, we investigated the function of Nell2 in neuronal survival by using chick in ovo electroporation and Nell2 knockout mice. Nell2 is strongly expressed in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of chick embryos and in mice. Overexpression of Nell2 in the developing chick retina significantly increased RGC numbers, whereas Nell2 knockdown reduced them. Nell2 did not significantly affect neuronal proliferation. However, Nell2 promoted survival of RGCs in the developing retina by preventing apoptosis. In Nell2 knockout mice, the numbers of RGC significantly decreased in the developing retina, due to increased apoptosis. A continuous decrease in RGC numbers and increase in apoptotic RGCs were found in the aging Nell2 knockout mice. Furthermore, we detected Ros1 expression, a receptor tyrosine kinase that binds to Nell2, in RGCs by immunohistochemistry. These results suggest that Nell2 acts as a survival promoting factor essential for production and maintenance of proper numbers of RGCs, and that Ros-1 may be a receptor for Nell2 in RGCs
Effect of Estrogen on Hyphal-Wall Protein Expression in Candida Albicans
No full textThe commensal fungus Candida albicans can change its morphology to a pathogenic filamentous form under certain conditions and cause systemic infections in critically ill (with elevated estrogen levels) or immunocompromised patients. Pregnant women are also more likely to develop vulvovaginal candidiasis. Both of these observations point to increased estrogen (E2) levels as filament inducing. Several studies have previously investigated the effects of E2 and found conflicting results. However, these studies differ in methods of evaluating filamentation. We aim to provide clarity to estrogen’s effect on C. albicans filamentation by studying C. albicans grown in liquid media exposed to estrogen concentrations near the pathophysiological range using quantitative PCR. We used fetal bovine serum (FBS) as a positive control as FBS is a well established promoter of filamentation. We used the hyphal-wall protein 1 (HWP1) gene, whose expression increases during filamentation, as a filamentous reporter. We set up five experimental conditions: a negative control (yeast media alone), 1 nM estrogen, solvent (EtOH), 10% FBS vol/vol, and both 1 nM E2 and 10% FBS vol/vol. Expression of HWP1 was evaluated using qPCR normalized to expression of 26S rRNA. Our results show a twofold increase in relative HWP1 expression in the presence of estrogen, as well as with FBS (positive control). We found an additive effect of E2 when combined with FBS, producing a threefold increase in relative HWP1 expression. Our preliminary results suggest that estrogen alone may be capable of causing C. albicans filamentation and represent a cue to becoming pathogenic
Evil Twin Attack Mitigation With Virtual Private Networks
Get PDFThis research investigates the technical vulnerabilities that enable successful Evil Twin attacks, focusing on automated bypass techniques for captive portals and the effectiveness of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in mitigating such attacks. Understanding these vulnerabilities is crucial for developing robust security measures. Instead of relying on human subjects accessing different wireless networks, a controlled lab environment was established to simulate realistic network connections and to analyze traffic patterns. This approach allowed for precise control and repeatability of experiments. To emulate client device behavior, an automated Python script was developed. This script attempted various methods to bypass captive portal authentication, including common credential submission techniques and exploitation of potential weaknesses in portal implementation. Wireshark was used to analyze the impact of browser security features, such as HTTPS enforcement and certificate validation, on the success of bypass attempts. The results demonstrate the possibility of a full-tunnel VPN being able to bypass the initial credential sniffing attack often associated with Evil Twin setups. However, the captive portal will still appear in all tested Wireless Security protocols, indicating that while VPNs can protect data in transit, they do not inherently prevent exposure to malicious portals. Further research is needed to explore methods for completely circumventing captive portal redirection in Evil Twin scenarios
Shaping Young Minds: The Role of Picture Books in Promoting Prosocial Behavior
No full textProsocial behavior is essential for fostering empathy, cooperation, and social harmony. Promoting kindness, sharing, and helping others enhances relationships and community well-being. Engaging with prosocial concepts helps children develop emotional intelligence, moral reasoning, and responsibility. Books are a common way to teach these lessons, entertaining while conveying important moral values (Romaniuc & Vechiu, 2023). Encouraging prosocial behavior early on leads to more compassionate adults and healthier societies.
While books are vital to children\u27s learning, the language within them is often underexplored. Books expose children to various concepts, and they apply the knowledge they gain to real-world situations (Strouse et al., 2018). Our study focuses on the number of prosocial words in picture books.
We analyzed the top 50 picture books from four Indiana counties (N=200) based on library circulation data. Two counties are urban, and two are rural. After transcribing the books, we used LIWC to identify prosocial terms.
Given that children in urban areas likely have more opportunities to socialize, we predict that books from urban counties will contain more prosocial terms. We test this hypothesis using paired samples t-tests, along with frequency and descriptive statistics, to examine the prevalence of prosocial references in the picture books
Finding Potential Binary Stars in a Hubble Space Telescope Sample of Very Hot White Dwarfs
Get PDFThis project is the first step in determining precise temperatures for hot white dwarf stars using ultraviolet spectra from the Hubble Space Telescope. A way to get the temperature of a hot white dwarf is through performing binary modeling. This project used a list of hot white dwarfs that was obtained from Hubble Space Telescope Heritage project named, A Treasury Far Ultraviolet Survey of the Hottest White Dwarfs , and evaluated if there was periodic variation in brightness or not. The list contained coordinates, which were put into the database Zubercal to obtain photometric (brightness) data and a light curve (or plot of brightness over time). The photometric data was used to determine if there was brightness variability present and whether that variability was periodic, or changed in a regular, repeating pattern. For any white dwarfs that showed periodic variability, their photometric data was used with a Python code to get a more accurate and precise period. If the white dwarf still showed signs of periodic variability, then it was plotted to the period that was found along with a fitted sine curve
What systemic and instructional barriers prevent the effective integration of ELL students\u27 cultural backgrounds and interests into classroom instruction, and what strategies can educators use to overcome these challenges?
No full textWhat systemic and instructional barriers prevent the effective integration of ELL students\u27 cultural backgrounds and interests into classroom instruction, and what strategies can educators use to overcome these challenges
Why do students at Valparaiso University choose to major in education, change their major to education, or leave the education program, and what factors influence these decisions?
No full textImpact of Exercise Programs on Overall Function in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
No full textBackground: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that breaks down the protecting covering of nerves, known as myelin (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2024). Those who are diagnosed with MS are typically between the ages of 20-40 years old, and women are more likely than men to have MS (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2024). At the time of the publication of these articles, there is no cure for MS, but evidence has shown that exercise can help manage its symptoms. The focus of this modified systematic review aimed to assess whether a structured exercise program would enhance overall function, beyond just physical function, in individuals with MS when compared to an intervention.
Methods: The inclusion criteria for the study encompassed all individuals with MS, regardless of the type, and exercise interventions. Studies must have been conducted within the last 10 years and be peer-reviewed. The exclusion criteria included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, case studies, conference proposals, conference presentations, and articles not published in English. The sources for the study were databases such as EBSCO, PubMed, and MEDLINE.
Results: In the 15 articles that were included in the review, exercise programs showed positive outcomes for managing strength, fatigue, motor and cognitive function.
Conclusion: The studies reviewed suggest that exercise could be beneficial for individuals diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. However, additional research is needed to fully comprehend the long-term effects of exercise programs on overall function and disease management in those with MS
Optimizing Resource Planning for the Perfect Cup
No full textYaggy Road Roasting Co currently relies on a largely-manual system to track coffee orders, supplies, and production status. This creates additional overhead, as order fulfillment and production planning are not seamlessly integrated, leading to increased labor and potential delays. Without an automated system, tracking inventory levels, scheduling roasting, and ensuring timely fulfillment requires significant manual effort that is prone to error.
This project aimed to develop a fully automated tracking and fulfillment system to optimize resource utilization, reduce labor costs, and improve overall operation. A key objective was to integrate order demand with real-time inventory levels, allowing for more precise scheduling of time-sensitive roasting processes. Automating these functions enables the company to maintain better stock control, reduce waste, and ensure that coffee production aligns more closely with incoming orders.
To improve the overall functionality and usability of this product, we implemented it into a website, thereby allowing higher platform independence for the software. Primary goals for the project included a sleeker design, usage logging, and better product inventory management to help aid future coffee roasting needs. These goals derive from the existing, limited solution.
Several challenges had to be addressed during the project, including working within a constrained timeline, assessing whether to keep, replace, or extend the company’s existing partial solution, and gaining a deep understanding of their current workflow. By tackling these issues, the goal was to create a streamlined system that enhances efficiency, reduces manual effort, and ultimately improves the overall workflow of Yaggy Road Roasting Co