Carroll Scholars
Not a member yet
8566 research outputs found
Sort by
Ethanol Induced Apoptosis in Zebrafish Embryos and Prevention Through Sulforaphane Exposure
No full textAbstract only.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) are severe developmental disorders that are present in 2 out of every 100 children born in the US. FASDs are caused by exposure to ethanol in the womb, which triggers the formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) that interfere with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and glutamate metabolism. Both are essential for the regulation of synaptogenesis during development. Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes that prevent ROS damage. Nrf2 expression can be increased with exposure to sulforaphane, a small molecule drug, and has been shown to prevent damage from oxidative stress when organisms are exposed to environmental toxins. Oxidative stress, which causes FASDs, through damage to mRNA, tRNA and glutamate metabolism, leading to apoptosis. Increased expression of Nrf2 has also been demonstrated to protect against tRNA associated damage. Both oxidative stress and damage to RNA contribute to apoptosis in the neural crest. Apoptosis leads to many of the defects in FASDs. Because Nrf2 protects against damage from oxidative stress, sulforaphane exposure, which upregulates Nrf2, will likely protect against apoptotic neurodegeneration. To examine this, a group of zebrafish embryos will be exposed to ethanol (1.25%), an additional group will be exposed to ethanol and sulforaphane (40μM), and a control group will be exposed to neither. If Nrf2 protects embryos from apoptotic neurodegeneration, then zebrafish embryos exposed to sulforaphane and ethanol will exhibit reduced apoptosis compared to zebrafish embryos exposed to only ethanol
Sharing, Understanding, and Exchanging Perspectives: An Autoethnographic Journey Through Chronic Illness, Diagnosis, and the Dialogues of Patient / Doctor Relationships
No full textSharing, Understanding, and Exchanging Perspectives: An Autoethnographic Journey Through Chronic Illness, Diagnosis, and the Dialogues of Patient / Doctor Relationships, explores the experiences of patients suffering from Nutcracker Syndrome (NCS), a rare vascular compression syndrome, through the lens of autoethnography. NCS, along with other vascular compression syndromes, is frequently misdiagnosed or dismissed by healthcare professionals, resulting in prolonged suffering, emotional distress, and delayed treatment. Through a combination of personal narrative and analytical reflection, I examine my decade-long journey to diagnosis, including the challenges of advocating for my own health in the face of medical gaslighting and misdiagnosis. I also integrate findings from a survey of individuals diagnosed with NCS, highlighting common themes of frustration, isolation, and the emotional toll of not being believed by healthcare providers. The paper delves into the broader implications of how social structures, medical norms, and communication patterns contribute to patient experiences of dismissal and delayed care. Autoethnography serves as a powerful tool in connecting personal health struggles with larger cultural and societal issues, emphasizing the importance of patient advocacy, timely diagnosis, and compassionate care. This study not only adds to the existing body of research on rare medical conditions but also contributes to the discourse on improving patient-provider relationships, particularly for those navigating complex, often misunderstood diseases like NCS. Ultimately, the paper calls for greater awareness, improved diagnostic processes, and more empathetic healthcare practices to alleviate the suffering of those affected by underdiagnosed and overlooked conditions
The Justification of Government Violence Against Its Citizens Using Leviathan, On Violence, and Selected Parts from The Human Condition and The Origins of Totalitarianism
Full text linkA government’s use of violence has played an integral part in shaping societies. It has affected the way people think, respond to events, and live. Two authors, Hannah Arendt and Thomas Hobbes discuss some of the impacts of this violence in their works: On Violence and Leviathan. Hobbes, writing from the perspective of the English Civil War, believes that because of the social contract, an authority does have the right to use violence. To him, people within a society have given up their rights to give an authority power in return for a promise of security and stability. However, Hannah Arendt offers a different take on this subject in her work and writes that while a government’s use of violence can be justified, it should be discouraged from using it. Through their writings, both authors highlight the importance of understanding what role the government plays in relation to the rest of society, and highlight the impact that the government’s use of violence has
The Effect of Diet Intervention or Probiotic Supplementation on the Gut Microbiome and Stress, Anxiety, or Depression Levels: A Systematic Review
Full text linkObjective: To review relevant literature regarding gut microbiome health and impacts on stress, anxiety, and depression in adults.
Methods: Primary sources used were extracted from PubMed and Google Scholar and were assessed for decreased stress, anxiety, and depression with improved gut health. Interventions included diet changes or probiotic supplementation.
Results: The reviewed literature supported the idea that a diet targeting gut microbiome health or probiotic supplementation increases the healthy bacteria in the gut. This change in gut health was shown to decrease stress, anxiety, and depression levels. A randomized controlled study found that a group with a diet intervention that focused on gut health had a 32% reduction in stress while there was no significant change in the control.
Conclusion: Diet changes focusing on gut health or probiotic supplementation are associated with lowered levels of stress, anxiety, and depression
Un Modo de la Moda: Shaping Social Constructs and Changing Societal Classes Through Clothing as Symbolism in Hispanic Literature
Full text linkLiterature has long been a medium to explore symbolism and identity. Hispanic literature is exemplary of the genre as it ranges from Latin America to Europe, providing broad perspectives on what it means to be human. While literature is not a visual art, the words weave a story that materializes characters from their personalities to the clothes they wear. Regarding clothing, sometimes symbolism can come from simple garments such as a slip, stockings, or an apron. In addition to being in the title, clothing plays other roles in “La camisa de Margarita” (“Margaret’s Slip”) by Ricardo Palma, “Las medias rojas” (“The Red Stockings”) by Emila Pardo Bazán, and El delantal blanco (The White Apron) by Sergio Vodanović. Garments transcend literature, with real world examples of fashion breaking the mold from the concept of majismo in Spain, to the Zoot Suit Riots in Los Angeles, and, lastly, to the political campaign of los descamisados (sans-culottes/the shirtless ones) in the speeches of Eva Perón. In the book Gender and the Boundaries of Dress in Peru, Blenda Femenías analyzes clothing in terms of anthropology, seeing the intersection of women, artistry, and power as “a unified form of cultural expression.” Considering this, what does wearing this common clothing symbolize for women as characterized in Hispanic literature? In this presentation I will argue that clothing is a way to reject the pre-established social construct of classes, changing the roles played by women in society and in their own lives
The Impact of Healthcare Access and Education on the Prevalence of Obstetric Fistulas in Underserved Populations
No full textObstetric fistulas are a consequence of prolonged or obstructed labor. They are more prevalent among women in low-income communities with limited access to high-quality healthcare and education. An obstetric fistula is a tear between the birth canal and bladder or rectum. This condition can result in urine and/or fecal incontinence, and in addition to physical symptoms this condition often leads to significant psychological and social challenges such as stigma and depression. While the exact global prevalence is unknown, studies highlight that women in low-income countries, such as Ethiopia, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, and Afghanistan, are disproportionately affected. To address this issue, our research employs a PICOT question to investigate the link between healthcare access and obstetric fistula incidence in underserved populations. During this research, it was found that women living in countries of low-income such as Ethiopia, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, and Afghanistan with lower levels of education and resources are significantly less likely to have awareness and prevention of obstetric fistulas. The majority of women in these studies who had obstetric fistulas were of young age and living in rural areas. Reducing stigma surrounding obstetric fistulas through community education, healthcare provider training, and increased access to high-quality healthcare within these communities will reduce the prevalence of obstetric fistulas, a preventable condition
Rural vs Urban: Impact of Healthcare Access on Health-Related Outcomes of Chronic Conditions
No full textRural populations have continuously been subjected to limited access to healthcare services when compared to urban populations. This disparity is thought to contribute to inferior health-related outcomes in the population of rural adults who have a chronic disease. A chronic disease affects physical/mental health, leads to functional restrictions, and requires continuous treatment/monitoring. Thus, prompting the need to address rural health inequities that are essential for improving outcomes, reducing preventable deaths, and advancing healthcare access across all populations. The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) review is to examine whether, adults with chronic disease, living in a rural area compared to an urban area impacts access to healthcare services and influences health outcomes. This review synthesizes data from peer-reviewed studies and national health statistics to explore how location affects chronic disease management. Findings consistently demonstrate that rural residents are more likely to face barriers such as fewer providers, limited screening, and delayed diagnoses. Nurses and healthcare professionals can use the findings of this EBP review to identify and proactively address the unique challenges faced by patients in rural settings. By recognizing that geographic location significantly impacts access to care and chronic disease outcomes, clinicians can tailor interventions that are more equitable and accessible
Effects of Tea Tree Oil on Metabolic Rate and Reduction of Reactive Oxygen Species in Mus musculus
Full text linkMelaleuca oil, commonly known as Tea Tree Oil (TTO), has been a homeopathic treatment shown to reduce inflammation and prevent bacterial or fungal infections while promoting wound healing in mammals. The TTOs mechanism of antiinflammatory action has been shown to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mice. However, TTO's ability to decrease ROS over a range of concentrations is unknown. We hypothesize that mice exposed to higher concentrations of TTO will result in lower levels of oxidative stress measured by a Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The assays will quantify the transcription of genes controlling mechanisms that reduce ROS. The mice will be divided into experimental groups: high exposure to TTO (820 ppm), low exposure to TTO (410 ppm), and control with no TTO exposure. The three groups will be exposed to UVB light six hours a day to ensure the mice are experiencing oxidative stress and to increase the production of ROS. Urine will be collected from mice to quantify the presence of oxidative stress using the TBARS assay. Metabolic rates will be measured each week using a Field Metabolic System (FMS). Information from this data can then be used to help evaluate the appropriate concentration levels of TTO required for effectiveness as a homeopathic treatment
Perry Canyon Mine Closure: Waste Rock Cap and Cover Design
No full textThe senior engineering class at Carroll College was tasked with completing the closure of an abandoned mine site in Perry Canyon, 32 miles outside of Reno, Nevada. This project will be done for the Bureau of Land Management and the design will be implemented in the near future. The task of the waste rock team was to design the cap and cover system for the existing waste rock pile next to the historic mine adit. The completion of this design includes regrading the waste rock pile slope, picking a geosynthetic design for the cap system, and locating topsoil material suitable for the effective cover system. The regrading of the waste rock pile will work in tandem with revegetation efforts to help prevent erosion of the new cover soils. The geosynthetic system will prevent acid mine drainage from leaking off the waste rock pile and into the ground and surface water of the surrounding site. This project will be done using CAD software and surface data provided by the University of Nevada. The geosynthetic system will be implemented from research done through Agru America Geosynthetics, and the final design will include detailed drawings of the cap and cover system, as well as the associated cost analysis
Navigating Neutrality: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Spanish Civil War
Full text linkThe Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939 is considered to be one of the most vicious intrastate conflicts in European history. The conflict consisted of two opposing groups: Republicans and Nationalists. While the Republicans fought to protect the existing liberal democracy of Spain, the Nationalists sought to restore the former Spanish monarchy. Although an intrastate conflict at its core, the Spanish Civil War had many international actors involved on both sides. However, a neutral intermediary worked bilaterally on both sides of the conflict: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Founded in 1863 at the Geneva International Conference by Jean Henry Dunant, the ICRC was created to provide a wartime humanitarian assistance network. The ICRC always had jurisdiction to provide humanitarian assistance to international conflicts, but struggled to find legal backing to enter into intrastate conflict to provide assistance. This paper examines the evolution of the ICRC, specifically within the context of its humanitarian assistance during the Spanish Civil War. It argues that the ICRC was able to make a significant humanitarian contribution to the war through internal reforms, negotiations between Republicans and Nationalists, evacuations, and medical aid. The paper analyzes a combination of primary and secondary source documents to provide background on the internal reforms necessary for the ICRC to be able to intervene. The Spanish Civil War tested the capacity and abilities of the ICRC to effectively deliver aid to combatants and civilians in warzones, proving to be critical in the trajectory of future ICRC interventions