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First Juvenile Skeleton of Teleoceras aepysoma (Perissodactyla, Rhinocerotidae) from the Gray Fossil Site, Tennessee
No full textThe fossil rhinoceros (Teleoceras aepysoma) material recovered from the Gray Fossil Site (GFS) represents one of the latest known populations of Rhinocerotidae in North America. T. aepysoma is morphologically distinct from other members of the genus, characterized by pronounced supraorbital tubercles and longer, more gracile forelimbs, a feature that stands out in a genus typically characterized by robust, proximodistally shortened limbs. Recent recovery of a subadult skeleton of T. aepysoma (ETMNH 32999) from the Gray Fossil Site offers a new look into the development of this species’ unusual morphology, particularly in the cranium and forelimbs. Sex and age class are assigned to the specimen based on established methods. Comparisons with congeneric juveniles, adult T. aepysoma specimens, and extant rhinoceroses will be made to facilitate examination of ontogenetic and taxonomic differences in skull and limb morphology. These comparisons will further the understanding of this species’ development, as well as add to the scarce published literature describing juvenile fossil rhinoceroses. Results will also set the groundwork for understanding the ecological role of T. aepysoma in the Appalachian forests of the late Hemphillian: a habitat thought to be atypical of Teleoceras
Examining the Role of Health Insurance Coverage in Access to Care: Having a Primary Care Provider
No full textIntroduction: Access to healthcare is a fundamental determinant of overall health outcomes. Health insurance coverage and having a primary care provider (PCP) play crucial roles in ensuring individuals receive timely and appropriate medical care. This study examines the relationship between insurance coverage and the likelihood of having a PCP among Tennessee (TN) residents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using BRFSS 2023 data from TN. The primary outcome was having a PCP, and the main exposure was health insurance coverage. Co-variates included gender, age group, education, income and urbanicity status. Weighted logistic regression was performed. Results: Overall, the study sample included 3184 individuals, aged 18-64 years. Approximately 65% of the study population reported private insurance,7% reported Medicaid coverage, 14% reported other insurance coverage, and 12% reporting not having any source of insurance. Having a PCP was reported by 78.4% of the population. This varied by insurance type with 84.4% among private insurance, 82.4 among Medicaid, 83.3 among other insurance, and 42.5% among uninsured individuals. No differences in reported PCP were noted for Medicaid and other insurance sources compared to private insurance. Individuals with no insurance had a much lower odds of reporting PCP (AOR 0.12; 95% CI 0.09-0.17) than those with private insurance. This relationship persisted after adjusting for covariates (Age, sex, education, income, and urbanicity). Conclusion: Having private health insurance significantly increases the likelihood of a person having a Primary Care Provider. Insurance fosters greater access to healthcare services and is needed to access most health care providers. Efforts to ensure access to insurance among those who do not have insurance remains an important policy goal for improving access to healthcare in TN
Meta-Analysis on Zinc Supplementation in Preterm Infants in Developed vs Developing Countries: Why Zinc Supplementation Matters?
No full textBackground: Zinc is an essential micronutrient critical for numerous metabolic processes, including cellular growth, differentiation, and regeneration. Preterm infants are particularly susceptible to zinc deficiency due to limited placental transfer and higher postnatal losses, which can lead to severe health consequences. There is, however, lack of information that compares the impact of zinc supplementation in preterm infants in developed versus developing countries. Objective: To compare the efficacy of zinc supplementation in improving growth and reducing morbidity in preterm infants in developed and developing countries and to assess the different protocols and outcomes associated with supplementation in these contexts. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases for randomized controlled trials and retrospective studies published from January 1, 2009, through July 1, 2024. Studies included preterm and low-birth-weight infants receiving zinc supplementation, with outcomes measured in growth, morbidity, and neurodevelopment. The risk of bias was assessed independently by two authors. Results: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria, with 10 conducted in developing countries and 3 in developed countries. Zinc supplementation dosages varied from 1.1 mg/kg/day to 12 mg/day. In developing countries, significant improvements were observed in weight gain and length, with some studies also noting enhanced neurodevelopmental outcomes. In developed countries, the focus was more on reducing morbidity rather than growth metrics, with significant reductions in conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis. Conclusion: Zinc supplementation in preterm infants demonstrates significant benefits in both growth and morbidity, with more pronounced effects in developing countries where baseline zinc deficiency is higher. This analysis underscores the necessity of tailored zinc supplementation protocols to address the specific needs of preterm infants based on their geographical and socio-economic context
Effects of Childhood Adversity on Brainwave Activity in Assessing Adult Facial Expression
No full textLifespan effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on individual psychosocial cognition and behavioral health outcomes have become a topic of public interest. A rising awareness of mental health issues has highlighted diverse effects of early trauma. Much of the research has focused on subjective measures of mental well-being; however, there is growing interest in the impact of childhood trauma on physiological brain function. Previous event-related potential (ERP) research has been inconclusive as to the relationship between ACEs and brainwaves; some studies have shown higher amplitude responses to emotional facial expression compared to neutral facial stimuli, while others have found the opposite result. The goal of the current study is to examine physiological effects related to social cognitive dysfunction in college aged participants. Using electroencephalogram (EEG), the face-sensitive N170 ERP was used to examine differences related to their reported amount childhood adversity. Prior to the study, participants completed the Variability in Adverse Childhood Experiences (VACE) scale, which measures ACEs and positive childhood experiences. Participants were instructed to differentiate between negative, positive and neutral adult facial expressions. Participants completed three blocks of 130 trials, in each block one of the facial expressions was defined as the “target,” and their task was to respond “yes” if the image matched the target facial expression and respond “no” if the facial expression was one of the other two facial expressions. Analysis showed statistically significant correlation between N170 amplitudes in the right hemisphere and VACEs. Given the ambiguity surrounding this topic, further research is needed to clarify the relationship between childhood trauma and brainwaves
Predictors of Adolescent Suicide Risk: A Multivariable Analysis of Demographic, Environmental, and Behavioral Factors.
No full textAdolescents encounter numerous mental health challenges with suicide being a leading cause of death among young people. The factors contributing to suicide risk in this age group are multifaceted, necessitating a comprehensive approach to identifying key predictors. This study examines the demographic, environmental, and behavioral influences on adolescent suicide risk. Gaining insight into these predictors is crucial for designing effective mental health programs that address the unique vulnerabilities of adolescents experiencing multiple risk factors. This study utilized data from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) to examine factors associated with adolescent suicide risk. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between independent variables and suicide risk, with adjusted odds ratios calculated to interpret predictor-outcome relationships. To ensure representativeness, weighting was applied to account for the complex sampling design of the YRBSS survey. A total of 19,336 adolescents participated in the study, with 51.9% identifying as male and 48.1% female. Overall, 7.2% of respondents reported suicidal behaviors. The majority were aged 15 to 17 years, with racial/ethnic distribution as follows: 64.1% White, 13.3% Black, 7.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 4.3% Asian. Significant predictors of suicide risk included female gender (OR = 2.41, 95% CI: 2.14–2.71), obesity (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.13–1.50), experiences of sexual violence (OR = 4.23, 95% CI: 3.60–4.97), exposure to physical violence at home (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.36–1.83), inadequate sleep (\u3c 8 hours) (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.89–2.68), and cigarette smoking (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.54–2.47). The findings of this study highlight the complex interplay of demographic, environmental, and behavioral factors in suicidal risk. Addressing suicide prevention requires comprehensive strategies that target individual risk factors while considering their interactions with environmental and behavioral influences to effectively reduce suicide risk among young people
Unleashing a Swarm: Characterizing the Mechanisms by which Neutrophil Swarming Restricts Fungal Hyphae
No full textNeutrophils, a critical effector cell of innate immunity, utilize many mechanisms to combat infection. These cells employ a strong arsenal of tools, such as phagocytosis, NET production, and reactive oxygen species production, to eliminate pathogens within the body. Neutrophil swarming, a collective process of many neutrophils synchronizing their activities to target a single pathogen, has also been recently characterized. Although the molecular events triggering swarming have been characterized against artificial clusters of Canida albicans yeast, the biological relevance to this function remains unclear. We hypothesized that C. albicans hyphae, a larger morphology that is highly relevant to human disease and virulence during infection, would be a potent swarm inducing target and therefore a better system to elucidate the molecular mechanisms engaged during swarming. Unfortunately, swarming events against fungal hyphae are poorly characterized. To address this knowledge gap, we leveraged a microscale printing assay to target fungal hyphae and elucidate molecular pathways that neutrophils might use to induce swarming. To do this, 8x8 grids of Poly-l-lysine spots were printed using a Picospotter (PolyPico, Galway, Ireland) onto glass slides and C. albicans hyphae were attached to each spot. Confocal timelapse microscopy was used to monitor human neutrophil responses against these targets. Isolated human neutrophils were treated with inhibitors to target specific signaling pathways that are important for swarming function. We found that hyphae were indeed able to induce potent swarming responses. We found that by inhibiting spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK), Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), or cellular receptor CD18, neutrophils were unable to either induce or maintain swarming responses, which compromised the restriction of hyphal growth. Lastly, we observed interesting insights into pioneer neutrophil interactions with hyphal cells. This assay allowed us to further understand the biology behind neutrophil swarming and contribute to understanding the role swarming plays against infectious fungal pathogen
Exploring Tennesseans’ Generational Differences in Attitudes Toward Abortion
No full textIntroduction Most adults in the U.S. believe abortion should be legal. Despite this, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, leading to multiple states in the U.S. banning abortion with few exceptions including Tennessee. Previous research has found that the youngest age groups [Gen Z] have more positive attitudes and acceptability toward abortion. This study explores the generational differences in attitudes toward abortion in Tennessee. Methods The study was conducted by the Applied Social Research Lab (ASRL) at East Tennessee State University from July 10th-17th, 2024. The final sample size included 701 Tennessee residents who were 18 years or older. The final data are weighted by various demographics in order to ensure that the data accurately represents the state’s population. Chi-square tests were utilized to detect significant differences between the four generations surveyed (Boomers, aged 60+; Gen X, 44-59; Millennials, 23-43; Gen Z, 18-27). Results A majority (60.8%) of respondents believed that a range of safe, effective, and affordable methods of abortion care should be available to women in their community. Specifically, Gen Z agreed more than other generations that abortion care should be available (p=\u3c0.0001). When asked if a women should go to jail for an abortion, or if a man should go to jail for helping a pregnant person attain an abortion, Boomers disagreed more than other generations (p=0.0003; p=0.0007). Discussion These findings suggest that, in Tennessee, Gen Z and Boomers are more likely to have more supportive attitudes towards abortion care than Millennials and Gen X. While a majority of Tennesseans believe abortion should be accessible, Tennessee laws do not reflect this, as Tennessee has one of the strictest bans in the country. Future research on Boomers’ attitudes toward abortion and the influence of the era they were born may be warranted
The Experience of Hearing Loss at the Movies
No full textFor years, movie theaters have offered viewers an escape from reality and an opportunity for sociability. Individuals with hearing impairments may not be able to connect in the same way, without the appropriate assistive devices. Until today, researchers have only investigated noise levels/risks at movie theaters. This study’s primary goal is to investigate the availability and adoption of accommodation options by assessing movie theater efforts (or lack thereof) in promoting inclusivity of the movie-going experience. The secondary goal is to provide a sample of noise levels to attest adherence (or lack thereof) to regulations and if any suggested risks are posed for noise-induced hearing loss. A sample size of 25 movie theaters in the Southeast Appalachia region was selected and a thorough website/social media evaluation for advertisement of accommodation options was completed. Some data was unattainable for one theater due to extensive damage from Hurricane Helene. The remaining 24 theaters were contacted by call, email, or in-person to assess accommodations, staff knowledge about their use, and if visited, the overall performance/accuracy of the accommodations. For the study\u27s secondary goal, measurements of total run time, LAeq, Lmax, LCpeak, time-weighted average (TWA), dose, and projected dose were recorded at the 14 visited theaters using the NIOSH Sound Level Meter (SLM) app on an iPhone 13 Pro. Data collection is complete and analysis is underway. Some preliminary observations reveal 1) closed caption and personal amplifier devices are the most common accommodations for those with hearing loss, 2) most theaters have at least one type of accommodation available but inadequate (or lack of) advertising/signage highlighting them, and 3) although movie theaters seem to remain within advisable NIOSH and OSHA values, the SLM did detect peaks exceeding this level suggesting some risk for significant noise exposure
Forest School Educators’ Approaches and Perceptions of Teaching, Learning, and Children\u27s Behaviors: A Qualitative Multiple-Case Study
Get PDFThis qualitative multiple-case study explored five forest schools in the East Tennessee region of the United States. The aim of this research study was to further the understanding of forest schools. The purpose of this study was to understand and describe forest school educators’ approaches and perceptions to teaching and learning in relation to behavior management, the environment, and challenging behavior, as well as the ways in which forest school educators engage children in learning. This multiple-case study utilized a demographic survey, observations, photographs, focus groups, and semi-structured interviews to collect data. Data were analyzed using two-cycle coding, which revealed eleven code categories that were used to address the study’s three research questions. Using the eleven code categories, within-case analysis was completed on each of the five participating forest schools. Next, a cross-case analysis was completed using the eleven code categories to identify similarities and differences in the cases. From the cross-case analysis, three themes emerged. These themes included learning in the outdoor environment, educators’ valuing play, and developing social-emotional skills. The results of the data analysis indicated forest school educators provided sensory rich, hands-on learning opportunities with natural materials. They use children’s choice and children’s interests to encourage engagement and minimize behavior problems. They focus on building relationships and developing trust with young children. Additionally, most forest school educators approach challenging behavior from a teaching and learning point of view, striving to help young children learn appropriate social skills and emotional reactions. Study limitations and future research ideas are also included