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The Correlation Between a Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Deficiency in Autism Spectrum Disorder Patients and The Presence of Mental Health Disorders
Get PDF• Currently little literature exists on connection between Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency and mental health disorders
• Reduced enzyme activity associated with certain MTHFR variants contributes to altered folate metabolism, elevated homocysteine levels, and disrupted DNA methylation, all of which are implicated in mental health disorders
• Identifying genetic risk factors could facilitate earlier diagnosis and intervention, leading to improved outcomes
• Relevant results could help reduce stigma and promote greater understanding of challenges faced by patients on the spectru
The Physical and Mental Health Implications on Patients of Childbearing Age Following the Dobbs Deicison
Get PDFBackground: In June 2022, the Supreme Court ruled to overturn Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs v. Jackson case which allowed for individual states to determine the legality of abortion. Thirteen states had “trigger” laws in place that immediately restricted abortion access. Since then, many states have enacted laws restricting access to abortion, increasing the total number of states where abortion is outlawed or heavily restricted.
Hypothesis: The goal of this review was to examine the potential implications of restricted access to abortion care on the physical and mental health of patients of childbearing age, which was hypothesized to be negatively impacted.
Methods: Online databases were accessed, and nine studies met inclusion criteria for this literature review. Inclusion criteria consisted of cross-sectional, case, regression model, retrospective, and prospective studies related to abortion care or the overturn of Roe v. Wade. Studies specific to the Dobbs decision (2020–2024) were included alongside others from 1999–2024.
Results: In restrictive states and states with trigger laws, the loss of abortion rights was associated with a 10% increase in mental distress, higher reported levels of anxiety and depression, and an increase in internet searches for abortion and contraception related terms. Additionally, there was a significant increase in necessary travel time to the nearest abortion facility, delaying care and increasing self-induced abortions.
Conclusion: Overall, the Dobbs decision has had a negative impact on both physical and mental health among individuals of childbearing age. Further research is needed to fully understand the broader implications of these consequences
From Gut to Heart: TMAO as a Predictive Marker for Cardiovascular Risk
Get PDFBackground: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a metabolite produced by gut microbiota from dietary nutrients such as choline and carnitine, has emerged as a potential biomarker linking the gut microbiome to cardiovascular disease (CVD). This review synthesizes findings from 31 studies examining the association between circulating TMAO levels and cardiovascular outcomes.
Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of plasma or serum TMAO concentrations in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality.
Methods: Studies were identified through a systematic search and screened based on inclusion criteria that required human populations, quantification of blood-based TMAO, and analysis of cardiovascular outcomes. A total of 31 studies published in the last 5 years were included.
Results: Elevated TMAO levels were consistently associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events across both general and high-risk populations, including individuals with coronary artery disease, heart failure, and diabetes. Hazard ratios for adverse outcomes ranged from 1.5 to 3.5 in most studies, even after adjustment for traditional risk factors such as lipid levels and renal function. Some studies also observed additive risk when TMAO elevation coexisted with metabolic comorbidities.
Conclusion: TMAO demonstrates strong potential as an independent biomarker for cardiovascular risk stratification. Its integration into clinical practice could enhance precision prevention strategies. However, further research is needed to standardize cut-off levels and explore whether interventions that reduce TMAO levels can improve outcomes
Unusual Path: Gallstone Ileus with Pneumobilia and Jejunal Obstruction
Get PDFWe present a case of a 48-year-old female with two-day history of diffuse abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. She was diagnosed with small bowel obstruction due to gallstone ileus. Diagnosis is usually challenging due to its nonspecific presentation, but computed tomography reveals the classic findings of Rigler’s triad -- pneumobilia, bowel obstruction, and an ectopic gallstone. The patient underwent laparoscopy with enterolithotomy with subsequent resolution of symptoms. Prompt diagnosis through imaging and timely surgical intervention is critical for in preventing complications and improving patient outcomes
Kratom as a Therapeutic Option for Opioid Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review
Get PDFKratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has gained significant attention for its potential role in managing opioid use disorder (OUD). This review examines kratom’s pharmacology, safety profile, addiction potential, and ethical considerations in research, while exploring its future as a therapeutic option. Kratom’s primary alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, act as partial mu-opioid receptor agonists, producing analgesic and sedative effects at higher doses and stimulant-like effects at lower doses. Preclinical and observational studies suggest kratom may alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings, but concerns remain regarding its dependency potential and adverse effects, including gastrointestinal distress, hepatotoxicity, and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. While kratom carries a lower risk of fatal overdose compared to traditional opioids, its safety and efficacy in OUD treatment remain inadequately studied due to a lack of standardized clinical trials and regulatory oversight. Ethical concerns in kratom research include ensuring informed consent, minimizing risks to vulnerable populations, and addressing conflicts of interest in industry-funded studies. Future research must prioritize randomized controlled trials, product standardization, and long-term safety assessments to determine kratom’s viability as an alternative or adjunct to FDA-approved OUD treatments. Effective regulation informed by scientific findings is essential to maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing harm
Drug-induced Hyperpigmentation due to Levofloxacin
No full textDrug-induced hyperpigmentation is responsible for up to 20% of acquired hyperpigmentation cases, especially among the elderly population. The pathogenesis varies depending on the medication involved and may include melanin accumulation, drug deposition, production of special pigments, and iron deposition. We report the case of an elderly, immunocompromised patient with a history significant for leukemia presenting with black-blue hyperpigmentation of the upper and lower extremities, associated with iron deposition following levofloxacin exposure
The Future is Inclusive
No full textVictoria McClendon THE FUTURE IS INCLUSIVE 2024-2025 Stephanie Lezotte, Ph.D. Master of Arts in Higher Education This research explores the role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education, specifically focusing on the impact of inclusion through Rowan University’s Unified Sports program. DEI programs are designed to support historically underrepresented groups, including students of color, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, and other marginalized communities. This study examines the importance of DEI in fostering inclusive educational environments and investigates the consequences of removing such programs. A qualitative case study approach is employed, involving group interviews with students and faculty involved in Unified Sports, to understand their perspectives on DEI and how it shapes their experiences. The research highlights the multifaceted nature of DEI, demonstrating that it is not limited to race or ethnicity but encompasses a broader spectrum of underrepresented groups. It also addresses the political opposition to DEI and the historical context of systemic inequities in education. The findings underscore the significance of DEI for creating a sense of belonging and support for diverse student populations and emphasize the detrimental effects of its removal from higher education institutions. Through this study, the researcher aims to provide valuable insights into how DEI programs contribute to a more inclusive and equitable academic experience for all students
Tell Me How You Really Feel: A Case Study on Restorative Practices
No full textRestorative Practices are gaining popularity as the primary form of handling student discipline. In the past, school districts have heavily relied on exclusionary practices, such as suspension and expulsions. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explore and understand how educators make sense of restorative practices in an urban intermediate school serving students in fourth to sixth grade. The guiding framework for this study was Sensemaking Theory. Sensemaking theory helps researchers to understand how participants make sense of their experiences. Ten teachers, from an urban intermediate school, participated in this study through semi-guided interviews, observations, and document collection. According to the data, the participants in this study had a positive experience with restorative practices. Due to the disruption of redistricting, it took around three years for the teachers to see changes in student behavior. The practice recommendations are for educators to involve the voices of parents and students. As the staff of ABC Intermediate School collaborated, they can create a strong environment for restorative practices by working with parents and students
Quality Over Quantity-Current Challenges of Robotic Surgery in Poland
No full textSince its introduction in 2010, a dynamic growth of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) has been observed in Poland. The number of healthcare institutions implementing RAS has tripled in the last 36 months, with 80 surgical robots currently utilized on a national scale. While urological procedures dominate RAS utilization (73%), adoption in gynecology (12.2%) and gastrointestinal surgery (8.5%) is rising, driven by recent National Health Fund reimbursement policies. However, significant fragmentation and alarmingly low numbers of individual RAS procedures were identified: 47.7% of surgeons perform less than 40 cases annually. Parallel to expanding the robotic surgery reimbursement program, several standardized actions are warranted to further facilitate and optimize modern surgical practices in Poland. Regional disparities in access and underutilization of robotic systems, followed by a lack of a centralized and standardized registry to evaluate surgical and oncological outcomes, represent the main challenges to integrating robotic surgery nationally. Addressing these, followed by implementing structured training and uniform evaluation frameworks for clinical and oncological outcomes, are critical to maximizing the potential of surgical robotic systems in Poland
Providing Instructional Literacy Videos Increases Literacy and Parent Engagement
No full textAbstract MaryJoAnn Wilks Providing Instructional Literacy Videos Increases Literacy and Parent Engagement 2023-2025 Thesis chair Susan Browne, Ed.D., Professor, Department Critical Literacy, Technology & Multilingual Education Master of Arts in Reading Education This qualitative research project explored the impact of a family literacy program designed to enhance third-grade students’ reading skills through the use of instructional videos and at-home literacy activities. Conducted in the town of Bridgeton, New Jersey, the study focused on themes of preparation, motivation, and participation to examine how families engaged with the program and supported their children\u27s learning. Data were collected through observations, parent feedback, and student assessments, with particular attention to changes in reading comprehension and overall engagement with literacy. The findings indicated that when families were provided with clear, accessible instructional tools, students demonstrated noticeable improvements in their reading abilities and a stronger motivation to participate in literacy activities. In addition to measurable academic gains, the research revealed the importance of family involvement and the potential for educators to extend learning beyond the classroom. Parents reported feeling more confident in helping their children at home, and students expressed greater enjoyment in reading. These results suggest that family literacy programs that integrate digital resources can serve as powerful tools to bridge home and school learning. The study concludes with a call for more teachers to implement similar strategies in their own classrooms and for communities to invest in sustainable family literacy initiatives that support long-term educational success