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STUDENTS SPEAK: A QUALITATIVE EXAMINATION OF THE INTERSECTION OF IDENTITY AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN A UNIVERSITY SETTING
Get PDFSexual violence remains a public health concern in the United States. Much of the research has focused on gender-binary individuals, despite the heightened vulnerability of Black, transgender, and nonbinary (BTN) individuals due to societal stigma and discrimination. Campus climate surveys have been recommended by the Obama Administration to address sexual violence, though they often underrepresent BTN students, failing to capture their unique experiences. This study aims to bridge this gap by focusing on the intersection of gender and racial identities, using an intersectional stigma framework to explore the prevalence and impact of sexual violence on BTN students and advocate for more inclusive institutional responses. The present study sought to better understand the unique experiences of BTN students via a qualitative research design using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three participants participated in individual interviews. Eleven subordinate themes were identified, which reflected three superordinate themes identified from college students. Participants highlighted key themes on SV at college campuses, focusing on BTN students\u27 experiences and systemic issues. They emphasized patriarchal norms perpetuating SV, inadequate institutional responses, and BTN students\u27 challenges in reporting due to stigma and mistrust. Cultural factors like Greek life contribute to an unsafe environment. The findings underscore the need for proactive campus leadership and inclusive environments to address SV effectively
Rewiring the Sex-Determination Pathway During the Evolution of Self-Fertility.
Get PDFAlthough evolution is driven by changes in how regulatory pathways control development, we know little about the molecular details underlying these transitions. The TRA-2 domain that mediates contact with TRA-1 is conserved in Caenorhabditis. By comparing the interaction of these proteins in two species, we identified a striking change in how sexual development is controlled. Identical mutations in this domain promote oogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans but promote spermatogenesis in Caenorhabditis briggsae. Furthermore, the effects of these mutations involve the male-promoting gene fem-3 in C. elegans but are independent of fem-3 in C. briggsae. Finally, reciprocal mutations in these genes show that C. briggsae TRA-2 binds TRA-1 to prevent expression of spermatogenesis regulators. By contrast, in C. elegans TRA-1 sequesters TRA-2 in the germ line, allowing FEM-3 to initiate spermatogenesis. Thus, we propose that the flow of information within the sex determination pathway has switched directions during evolution. This result has important implications for how evolutionary change can occur
The Role of Furan Moieties on the Thermal Decomposition and Char Formation of Intrinsically Fire-Resistant Epoxy Thermosets for Composites
No full textFire-retardant chemicals added to epoxy thermosets used as coatings, adhesives, and fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) negatively impact performance and the environment. This dissertation takes a novel approach to mitigate the flammability of these systems by designing intrinsically fire-resistant epoxies via the incorporation of furan moieties. Glycidyl amines based on furfuryl amine and judiciously selected derivatives of furfuryl amine were synthesized to produce furan-based di-epoxies (FDEs) that were cured by anionic polymerization and with amine curing agents. The furan ring was found to impart additional reactivity for cross-linking and to induce char-forming reactions at higher temperatures. More importantly, the placement of the furan moiety within the network and the degree of substitution of the ring were found to influence thermal decomposition and char formation. Based on these results, a reaction pathway was proposed to explain the thermal decomposition and char formation of furan-containing systems. The decomposition associated with these network attributes was linked to flammability using micro-combustion calorimetry. FRPCs were prepared and tested using cone calorimetry and appropriate ASTM standards to demonstrate the intrinsic fire protection offered by FDEs. The results of this research lay the groundwork for designing furan-based epoxy thermosets with even greater fire protection capability
A Systematic Review on Belimumab’s Effectiveness, Improved Health Outcomes and Quality of Life in Patients with Lupus Syndromes
Get PDFAutoimmune diseases are prevalent disorders that many individuals within the United States suffer from. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common autoimmune disease that has a high incidence in women of child-bearing age. Management for lupus depends on the anatomical location SLE manifests, the severity of disease, and the tolerance that one has for certain adverse effects. Glucocorticoids are commonly used to manage lupus. Currently, long term glucocorticoid usage is associated with devastating adverse effects, so current treatment options aim to mitigate corticosteroids use to improve quality of life while maintaining favorable health outcomes. New management for SLE include biologics such as Belimumab which offer improved health outcomes and decreased adverse effects. This research aims to explore the treatment options offered for lupus and demonstrate the benefits of Belimumab in patients with SLE. This review utilized the resources available from JAMA, PubMed, and ScienceDirect as primary databases. Clinical trials show that Belimumab is effective at mitigating clinical manifestations of SLE and slowing disease progression while also decreasing lupus flares that necessitate glucocorticoid treatments. Decreased usage of corticosteroids within SLE management improves quality of life by decreasing prevalent adverse effects. The goal of this review is to show that Belimumab should be considered early in treatment regimens for SLE patients to decrease adverse health outcomes and avoid long term side effects from current treatment options. This review should demonstrate the benefits that come with Belimumab, while also considering adverse effects and barriers that come with healthcare costs associated with SLE treatment
Barriers in Obtaining a Naloxone Co-prescription for Patients Who Are Prescribed Opioids for Pain Management
Get PDFAs the prevalence of chronic pain rises, the number of patients prescribed opioids is increasing. Consequently, the rate of opioid overdose has increased, becoming a public health concern.For these reasons, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommended co-prescribing naloxone, a medicine that reverses the effects of opioid overdose.While this medication can be lifesaving, it is not accessible or available to everyone in need of it. A systematic review of existing literature pertaining to the barriers in patients receiving naloxone was conducted to evaluate the major obstacles in patients receiving a naloxone co-prescription. The results show that the major deterrents include financial cost, geographic location, education, and stigma. Based on these findings, it is recommended that more trainings, information, and awareness should be distributed about naloxone to increase familiarity and decrease stigma in many communities
Case Report: Hidden Posterior Dislocation of the Clavicular Head
Get PDFReported is a case of a 24-year-old male who presented with left shoulder pain and decreased range of motion of the same shoulder upon awakening, diagnosed with a posterior dislocation of the proximal clavicle, with the clavicular head residing in the mediastinum. In the conscious, ambulatory, young adult it is arguably much more common for major bony trauma involving the upper extremity and shoulder to present with pain, deformity, and a known mechanism. This is an example that lacks all three of these characteristics and highlights the importance of details in the physical examination as well as clinical gestalt
To decipher genomic evolution of dengue virus and to probe the activation mechanism of a HER2 directed chimeric antigen receptor toward computer aided drug design (CADD)
Get PDFThis study encompasses three significant chapters focusing on diverse yet interconnected aspects of pharmaceutical research. Chapter 1 delves into the complexities of drug development, emphasizing the challenges and the pressing need for advanced technologies to streamline the process. Computational methods like Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) extend their scope beyond small molecules, aiding in the design of intricate biomolecules vital for biomedical advancements, especially in immunotherapy. Chapter 2 introduces the Near-Neutral Balanced Selectionist Theory (NNBST) validated through analysis of Dengue virus evolution. The unique features observed align with NNBST, surpassing existing theories. This approach offers a deeper understanding of viral evolution dynamics, identifying conserved segments critical for vaccine development and shedding light on potential drug targets, amplifying the battle against Dengue. Finally, Chapter 3 focuses on molecular dynamics simulations of a novel anti-HER2 Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) for HER2-positive cancer treatment. The proposed Binding Induced Domain Dynamics Switch (BIDDS) unveils a new signal transduction mechanism, revolutionizing the understanding of CAR activation. This breakthrough not only challenges existing models but also opens avenues for broader applications in receptor-based therapies. These chapters collectively represent a multidisciplinary approach merging computational techniques, evolutionary biology, and molecular dynamics simulations, promising significant contributions to drug development, viral evolution understanding, and therapeutic advancements in cancer treatment
Pneumocephalus – Epidural Injection Nightmare
Get PDFPneumocephalus (pneumatocele or intracranial aerocele) is defined as the presence of air in the intracranial space and most commonly occurs after a traumatic event (most commonly head or facial injury), epidural injection, cranial surgery, However, it may also be spontaneous. Classified into simple and tension types, the presentation varies based on severity and progression. Pneumocephalus with onset less than 72 hours prior to presentation is defined as acute, in contrast to a delayed presentation greater than the given timeframe. Symptoms vary based on the amount of air that is present as well as the exact location within the cranial cavity. Large accumulations of intracranial air can lead to headache, nausea, dizziness or neurologic deficit. The condition is a medical emergency and management can be challenging as pneumocephalus can resemble other neurologic conditions. Diagnostic procedures such as epidural injection have been associated with pneumocephalus development. Non-traumatic pneumocephalus can be secondary to bony defect, malformations, infection, tumor, and intravenous air injection. Here we present the case of a 42-year-old patient who presented to the ED with a new onset seizure and a history of a recent epidural cervical spine injection for pain management purposes
The Benefits and Risks of Pudendal Nerve Block and Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation in Pudendal Neuralgia
Get PDFContext: Pudendal neuralgia is a chronic neuropathic pain syndrome worsening throughout daily activities. Although temporarily relieved when standing or lying down, it is often misdiagnosed, improperly treated, and/or refractory to treatment leading to a negative impact on quality of life. The lack of research in proper diagnosis and interventional management (such as dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS) and pudendal nerve block) further contributes to the delay in relief from the chronic pain. Objective: The goal of this scoping review is to assess if research exists on benefits and risks of pudendal nerve block and dorsal root ganglion and their effectiveness both individually and in comparison to each other in the management of pudendal neuralgia. Methods: An organized review of current literature evaluated the benefits of pudendal nerve block and dorsal root ganglion in treatment of pudendal neuralgia. The search was performed using the database Pubmed. The following search terms were utilized: “pudendal neuralgia”, “pudendal neuralgia dorsal root ganglion stimulation”, “pudendal neuralgia and pudendal nerve block”, “pudendal neuralgia and pudendal nerve block benefits”, “pudendal neuralgia treatment”. Systemic reviews, case reports, clinical trials, and review trials were included in our analysis. Articles that did not focus on either pudendal neuralgia or the use of pudendal nerve blocks or DRGS were excluded. Results: There were limited studies that focused on the use of DRGS for pudendal neuralgia compared to pudendal nerve blocks. Conclusion: Though the benefits and disadvantages of each treatment were assessed in the studies, there is no research directly comparing the two treatment options leading to lack of current recommendations or guidelines based on treatment efficacies. Future directions: Further research needs to be conducted on use of DRGS as well as a comparison study to acknowledge its effectiveness compared to pudendal nerve blocks
IMPACT OF SOCIAL INTEGRATION ON STUDENT PERSISTENCE IN COMMUTER STUDENTS
Get PDFThe purpose of this study is to quantitatively examine the ways in which social integration impacts student persistence in the commuter student population on the Glassboro campus at Rowan University. Additionally, this study examines the levels of social engagement in the commuter student population and in what ways is their engagement impacted. The sample consisted of 159 participants who commute to Rowan University’s main campus who are enrolled as undergraduate students. Participants were surveyed utilizing a Qualtrics survey that was distributed to students starting in December of 2023 and ending in February 2023. The survey consisted of questions about the population’s demographics, levels of actual engagement versus desired engagement, challenges that impact their ability to get involved, and events that contribute to their persistence to continue at Rowan University. The survey data was then analyzed to better understand commuter students’ social engagement and well as what areas of social engagement contribute the most to their persistence. The results indicate that aside from peer interactions, social integration has little impact on commuter students’ overall persistence. The research suggests that there is a need to create alternative opportunities to increase commuter student engagement as well as explore what other areas outside of social integration contribute to commuter student persistence to help support their success