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Increased Sensitivity to CGRP is Associated with Chronification of Migraine and Post-Traumatic Headache in Male and Female Mice
No full textMigraine is one of the leading causes of disability affecting approximately 15% of the global population. Some individuals are more susceptible to the chronification of migraine with at least 2.5% of the patient population developing chronic migraine (CM) annually. Chronic headache disorders disproportionally affect women, with migraine occurring two to three times more often than in men and presenting with greater attack frequency and severity. These differences raise the possibility of sex-specific mechanisms contributing to migraine pathophysiology. The success of CGRP targeting therapies for both the acute and preventative treatment of migraine highlight CGRP’s crucial role in migraine pathophysiology. Recent findings have demonstrated that CGRP produces female-selective pain, and additionally, acute migraine treatments targeting this peptide exhibit sex-preferential effectiveness that becomes comparable between sexes in chronic conditions. Men appear to experience less therapeutic benefit from CGRP targeting therapies for acute migraine treatment, despite these treatments providing significant relief for women. However, studies further exploring sexually dimorphic mechanisms and incorporating sex-based analysis remains limited, leaving the influence of biological sex on headache chronification largely unexplored. Preclinical studies further support the clinical observations of CGRP-targeting therapies for CM, demonstrating the essential contribution of CGRP for the chronification of migraine. Interestingly, post-traumatic headache (PTH) from mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) seems to share biologic features with migraine, however mechanisms are not fully understood. CGRP also appears to contribute to this headache condition, which shares migraine-like features and responds to migraine-specific therapeutics. Although concussive injuries are more frequently reported in men, women tend to experience worse outcomes and are more likely to develop persistent PTH, defined as injury-associated headaches lasting beyond three months. Differences in the physiology of the trigeminovascular system, specifically CGRP signaling within this system, may underlie susceptibility to headache chronification. This research aims to provide insight into the fundamental mechanisms of the sexually dimorphic nociceptive actions of CGRP and its contribution to migraine and migraine-like headaches as disorders evolve to chronic states
Assessment of Gut Microbiome and Parasite Diversity in Endangered Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
No full textMountain gorillas exist in only two small, fragmented populations totaling approximately 792 km² across the Virunga Massif and Bwindi-Sarambwe ecosystem in East-Central Africa, where protected forest areas are surrounded by densely populated rural regions. As conservation success drives growing gorilla populations, increased competition within forests intensifies pressures at park boundaries, potentially forcing more frequent crop raiding and heightened exposure at human-wildlife interfaces. The close evolutionary relationship that generates conservation empathy also creates significant vulnerability: mountain gorillas are highly susceptible to human pathogens, and novel pathogens introduced into these geographically restricted populations could spread rapidly with catastrophic consequences, as evidenced by Ebola outbreaks that caused 85% mortality in some western lowland gorilla populations. Understanding how human-wildlife contact influences disease risk is therefore critical for the long-term survival of this endangered species.This thesis employs molecular approaches to characterize gastrointestinal microbiome and parasite communities as indicators of health and anthropogenic exposure in Bwindi mountain gorillas. High-throughput 16S and 18S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that bacterial and parasitic community composition varied significantly among gorilla groups, with human proximity explaining more variation than geographic sector or host demographics. Gorillas with high human contact exhibited enrichment of bacteria associated with human carbohydrate metabolism (Sarcina ventriculi, Succinimonas amylolytica) and elevated prevalence of Rhabditida nematodes, an order containing species implicated in chronic wasting syndrome. Microbe-parasite associations were evident, with specific bacterial taxa enriched in parasite-positive individuals, indicating complex host-microbe-parasite interactions. Notably, the absence of Giardia and Trypanosoma indicates these are not current threats, while widespread Blastocystis presence suggests endemic colonization. This study establishes critical baseline data for Bwindi gorillas and demonstrates that conservation success requires integrated management of human-wildlife boundaries, with the identified microbial signatures offering practical tools for early detection of health decline in this endangered population.Thesis not available (per author’s request
Early Intervention and Behavior Change for Adolescent Hypertension Prevention
No full textPurpose. This quality improvement (QI) project aims to promote hypertension prevention in female (including those who identify as female) adolescents aged 14–18 years in Washington County, Utah. The purpose of this DNP project is to promote the importance of improving food choices for hypertension prevention among adolescents aged 14 to 18 (Robinson, 2022). Background. Hypertension affects 3.5% of United States (US) adolescents, with 14% exhibiting elevated blood pressure (Baker-Smith et al., 2018; Flynn et al., 2017). In Washington County, regional data show a 28% prevalence of hypertension among adults aged 18–44, suggesting a need for earlier intervention (United Health Foundation, 2023). Despite clear evidence supporting lifestyle modifications, there is no standardized education on hypertension prevention in local schools. This gap underscores the need for community-based initiatives to address adolescent risk (County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, 2023; Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, n.d.)
Stress First Aid Training to Increase Peer and Self-Support of Nurses in Their First Year of Practice
No full textBackground: In 2024, 30.2% of newly hired registered nurses left their positions within a year. Stress is often cited as a significant contributing factor to nurses leaving the profession. New nurses face unique demands as they adjust to the profession, which can contribute to stress and burnout. The Transition Shock Theory describes the overwhelming experience that new nurses face during their first year of practice, and research shows that peer support can help alleviate these feelings. Stress First Aid is a framework for peer support. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve new graduate nurses' knowledge of Stress First Aid (SFA), increase their confidence in assessing their peers for stress injury, and increase the use of peer and self-support tools during the first year of nursing practice at Tucson Medical Center (TMC). Methods: Fourteen nurse residents at TMC in their ninth month of residency were recruited for this training. Participants completed a pre-knowledge check and SFA survey, attended a 40-minute in-person SFA training class, and received weekly email reminders with SFA tips and workbook activities for five weeks. Data collection included knowledge checks at three time points and SFA surveys at two time points. The knowledge check was a five-question quiz covering SFA content, and the SFA survey assessed confidence in using SFA tools and recognizing stress injuries. Results: All fourteen participants completed the initial assessments and immediate post-training knowledge check. Six participants (43%) completed the 5-week knowledge check, and seven participants (50%) completed the 5-week SFA survey. Knowledge scores improved from a mean of 3.43/5 (68.6%) pre-training to 4.72/5 (94.5%) immediately post-training, with sustained improvement at 4.17/5 (83.4%) after five weeks. The SFA survey showed improvements in all six measured areas, with the greatest improvements in familiarity with the stress continuum (mean Δ: +1.72), and using SFA tools (mean Δ: +1.14). Conclusions: This quality improvement project demonstrated improved knowledge of SFA, increased use of SFA tools, and improved confidence in assessing peers for stress injuries. The training showed sustained knowledge retention and positive participant feedback, supporting the continuation of SFA training for new nurses at TMC. Future implementation should address retention challenges and consider additional strategies for knowledge reinforcement and participant engagement
Enhancing Emergency Department Response to Human Trafficking through Staff Education and Training
No full textBackground: Human Trafficking is a public health crisis internationally (Department of Homeland Security, 2022). Many victims seek medical care during their captivity in the ED (Janssen & Steinour, 2020). ED RNs are uniquely positioned to recognize and advocate. Providing these RNs with targeted education on HT can change the current practice gap and improve ED response. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project is to increase Emergency Department (ED) clinical nurses' knowledge of recognizing signs of human trafficking (HT) and strategies to address suspected HT in the ED. Methods: Participants were ED-registered nurses (RNs) at Banner Ironwood Medical Center (BIMC). A pre- and post-survey using Qualtrics was embedded in the educational presentation that measures ED RN’s confidence, ability, and knowledge related to HT identification and response in the Emergency Department. Results: The educational intervention improved RN confidence and ability, as well as knowledge of human trafficking recognition and response. The sample size was (n=3). Overall knowledge accuracy increased from 66.7% pre-intervention to 100% post-intervention, representing a 33.3% improvement. Confidence/ability scores also increased from M=2.89 (SD=0.77) to M=3.94 (SD=0.60). Conclusions: A brief targeted educational intervention improved ED RN staff knowledge, confidence, and ability in recognizing and responding to human trafficking. Findings support the integration of a focused, trauma-informed training into routine ED education to strengthen clinical readiness and enhance early identification of trafficking victims
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma-Informed Care: Enhancing Provider Knowledge
No full textBackground: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are strongly associated with chronic physical and mental health conditions that can persist into adulthood. Despite the growing recognition of their impact, many healthcare providers lack the training and tools to address ACE-related trauma in clinical practice. Educating providers on ACEs can strengthen provider-patient relationships, promote resilience, and improve health outcomes by integrating trauma-informed approaches into routine care. Purpose: This quality improvement project evaluated the impact of provider education on increasing awareness and understanding of ACEs and their long-term health implications. The goal was to assess whether brief ACE-focused education could enhance provider knowledge and readiness to implement ACE screening in a primary care setting. Methods: A pre- and post-intervention design was used with a sample of 25 providers. The intervention consisted of a 15-minute educational session based on the ACEs Aware Provider Toolkit, followed by a two-week implementation period. Provider knowledge and confidence in discussing and applying ACE concepts were measured through pre- and post-education surveys, and follow-up feedback was collected after the implementation phase. Results: Thirteen pre-education and seven post-education surveys were completed. The average score increased from 3.93 (pre-education) to 4.61 (post-education), reflecting a mean improvement of 0.68 points on a five-point scale. The largest gains were in familiarity with the ACEs Aware Provider Toolkit (+1.98), understanding the relationship between ACEs and long-term health outcomes (+1.25), and knowledge of adult ACE screening (+1.22). No ACE screenings were completed during the two-week implementation period, though post-intervention feedback from three providers highlighted barriers such as limited time, competing priorities, and patient reluctance to discuss trauma, but all participants recommended continuing ACE education and screening efforts at the clinic. A three-day follow-up period conducted after direct provider outreach resulted in 11 completed screenings, showing more than half of these patients had high ACE scores (≥4). Conclusions: Although no ACE screenings were conducted in the initial two-week period, the three day follow-up results highlighted the increased number of patients with elevated ACE scores. Reinforcing the importance of routine ACE screening. The educational session improved provider awareness and understanding of ACEs, laying groundwork for continued trauma-informed approaches in care delivery. Longer implementation periods and stronger on-site support may enhance screening adoption and sustainability
An Investigation of Reply Network Positions, Perceived Social Support, and Quality of Life in Online Eating Disorder Support Communities
No full textOnline support groups (OSGs) provide an opportunity for individuals with eating disorders (EDs) to connect with similar others and exchange support. Despite their importance, little quantitative research has examined the impact of OSG participation on this population. To address this research gap, this dissertation employed a mixed-methods design, integrating social network analysis and survey methodologies, to investigate how members’ online network positions are related to their perceived social support from the OSG and quality of life across three ED communities on Reddit.In Study 1, I constructed large-scale directed reply networks for each of the three ED communities, based on who responded to whom in the community. Results showed that these reply networks demonstrated high reciprocity and local clustering coefficients, and a strong bow-tie structure featured by a large strongly connected component. In addition, two subnetworks—the triggering post subnetwork and the recovery post subnetwork—were scrutinized. In Study 2, a path model grounded in social support theory, common-identity and common-bond theory (Prentice et al., 1994), and the transtheoretical model (Prochaska & Velicer, 1997) was tested. The model examined the relationships between users’ network centrality, perceived social support from the group, and health-related quality of life, whereas interpersonal bonding and group identification served as parallel mediators. Readiness to change, perceived health stigma, and the community’s stance on recovery were considered as moderators. A total of 287 OSG users completed a Qualtrics questionnaire, and their survey responses were linked to their behavioral trace data on Reddit. Results revealed that the path model varied based on the community’s recovery orientation. For the participants in the non-recovery-oriented OSG (a general support group without imposing recovery), occupying a central position in the reply network demonstrated a positive total effect on perceived support from the OSG. However, for the participants in the explicitly recovery-focused OSGs, holding a central position in the reply network had a negative total effect on their perceived support from the OSG. No significant relationships were found between greater perceived support from the OSG and improved health-related quality of life across all communities
MODERNIZING FLIGHT TEST COCKPIT DISPLAY FUNCTIONALITY USING IADS RTSTATION
No full textIn this paper, Curtiss-Wright will describe how we have upgraded an existing nEUP-2000
engineering unit processor installation with our new NXDP-4000 next-generation data
processor. The NXDP offers the ability to use the full desktop version of IADS RTStation
onboard a test aircraft. This allows the pilot or onboard flight test engineers to take
advantage of IADS sophisticated data visualization and analysis capabilities to display
critical data in real-time.International Foundation for TelemeteringProceedings from the International Telemetering Conference are made available by the International Foundation for Telemetering and the University of Arizona Libraries. Visit https://telemetry.org/contact/ if you have questions about items in this collection
COTS TELEMETRY SIMULATION AIRCRAFT POD
No full textWeapon testing on advanced Test Ranges presents unique challenges in acquiring decision-quality
data from the system under test in support of mission readiness. In many cases, Test platform data is
difficult to obtain prior to the mission, and some test scenarios only allow a single opportunity for
data collection. This situation limits the ability of the Test Ranges to conduct mission simulations,
rehearsal and training for key Test Range staff. To address these challenges, a Telemetry and Flight Termination System (TMFTS) Pod has been
developed using Commercial Off-The-Shelf components (COTS) and has been designed to be flown
on military or civilian aircraft equipped with standard 14” pylons. The system enables realistic
training and trial workup exercises by providing airborne telemetry and flight termination functions,
effectively simulating the Test platform Flight Termination System (FTS).International Foundation for TelemeteringProceedings from the International Telemetering Conference are made available by the International Foundation for Telemetering and the University of Arizona Libraries. Visit https://telemetry.org/contact/ if you have questions about items in this collection
AUTONOMOUS CONTROL IN BEETLEWEIGHT COMBAT ROBOTICS USING COMPUTER VISION
No full textBeetleweight Combat Robotics is an event-driven sport consisting of two or more opposing, three pound robots in an enclosed arena, traditionally remotely controlled by a pilot. A novel alternative to the standard human pilot is an autonomous control algorithm using computer vision via a top down orthographic camera. A closed-loop control algorithm is implemented, in which robots in an arena are detected and subsequent motion correction is calculated and relayed to the autonomous robot. Autonomous control carries the benefit of removing human reaction time while increasing command frequency, which improves the resolution of control over a standard human pilot. A Combat Robotics arena provides a consistent testing ground for autonomous control where com plex object interaction is analyzed with computer vision. Consequently, this experience enables motivated engineers in the Wildcat Robotics Club at the University of Arizona to gain experience with computer vision and develop the skills required to advance the state of self driving technology in motorized vehicles.International Foundation for TelemeteringProceedings from the International Telemetering Conference are made available by the International Foundation for Telemetering and the University of Arizona Libraries. Visit https://telemetry.org/contact/ if you have questions about items in this collection