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Visualizing hedgehog gene expression in the model organism Daphnia magna using in situ hybridization
No full textThe model organism, Daphnia magna, is a freshwater crustacean with a unique phenotype rarely seen in nature. Daphnia are cyclopic organism, meaning they are an animal with only one eye. Due to this particular characteristic, Daphnia are of particular interest in studying the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, responsible for eye, brain, and midline formation during early embryonic development. We are interested as to the application of this knowledge seeing that cyclopia occurs in humans. Though incompatible with life, cyclopia occurs 1.05 in every 100,000 births. Cyclopia is the most severe form of holoprosencephaly, a group of developmental disorders that result from mutations within the hedgehog gene. Varying rates of expression from hedgehog mutations results in an array of developmental disorders ranging from cyclopia to cleft palette and other midline abnormalities. Since mutations in the hedgehog gene cause potentially life threatening developmental disorders in humans, such as cyclopia, we have chosen to study a naturally cyclopic model organism as a way to better understand the implications of the hedgehog gene. The goal of this research is to visualize hedgehog gene expression within D. magna as a way to better understand the organism’s cyclopic nature. If the Hh gene is responsible for eye development and midline development, then we will see gene expression along the midline and in the head region of the embryos. We also suspect that if hedgehog expression is reduced in daphnia as a result of its cyclopic phenotype, then we might see an area of non-expression within the head region.https://idun.augsburg.edu/zyzzogeton/1017/thumbnail.jp
Energy Medicine Yoga as an Adjunct Therapy for Patients who Suffer from Migraine Headaches
No full textMigraine headaches are characterized by excruciating pain which may make migraineurs miss days of work, social responsibilities such as family and community involvement, and experience a reduced quality of life as a result. Migraines are difficult to diagnose and treat, and many migraineurs use alternative therapies for prevention. Yoga has been shown to improve duration, frequency, and severity of migraines while helping reduce depression and medication usage (John et al., 2007). Energy healing, such as Healing Touch, has been shown to improve chronic pain over time and even enrich subjects lives by providing transformative emotional and psychological changes (Sutherland et al., 2009). Energy Medicine Yoga, created by Lauren Walker (2014) is a combination of both yoga and energy healing and may have a positive synergistic effect on migraines. There is no available research at this time on Energy Medicine Yoga (EMY). Margaret Newman’s theory, Health as Expanding Consciousness, relates to the disease and healing process of migraines. In this project, the author created an EMY class specifically for those who experience migraines. The class was advertised and offered in a community setting in Rochester, Minnesota. Participants were given a handout that illustrates the EMY sequence and provided them with a tool for further home practice. Participants were asked to fill out pre and post questionnaires to help the author evaluate the perceived effectiveness of EMY on migraines. This project has inspired the author to imagine providing integrative treatments to patients with all types of illnesses and offering yoga classes as an adjunct therapy to her patients when she graduates with her Doctor of Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner degree
Non-adherence to Diabetes Medication Among Kenyan Women
No full textNon-adherence to medication is a problem in the healthcare system nationwide, especially in chronic diseases such as diabetes. Treatment and management of diabetes is necessary to repress complications like cardiovascular disease, disabilities, and death. To gain understanding of potential causes of non-adherence to medication among the Kenyan immigrant women with diabetes living in the United States, a team approach whereby healthcare providers and patients collaborate to achieve positive outcomes is essential. A non-adherence to medication project provides opportunities for healthcare providers to learn what is important to patients and how patients view the healing process. Health-related lifestyles, patient-specific perspectives on health and medicines, and access to healthcare are some factors that have contributed to the problem of adherence among Kenyan women in the United States. This project targets the healthcare system to address health inequities among immigrants in the United States. Proper policies and strategies that benefit the affected population should be adopted to promote adherence. As transformational leaders, advanced nurses should continue with education efforts to manage diabetes and offer patients messages tailored to reduce their concerns on medications. Leininger’s Culture Care Theory has demonstrated the necessity of maintaining connections between culture and care to achieve congruent care. This project will allow diabetic Kenyan women in the United States to communicate freely with their healthcare providers without fear of judgment and in an authentic environment that supports different cultures and beliefs
Reiki Training for the Informal Caregivers of Adult Hospice Patients
No full textCaregiving can have a profound impact on those providing end-of-life care for family members and loved ones. For both hospice patients and their caregivers, the difficult circumstances present at the end of life may be detrimental without adequate support and resources. A holistic approach is required to meet these individuals physical, psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual needs. Reiki training is a safe, cost-effective intervention that can be used to manage distressing symptoms and the physical and emotional challenges patients and caregivers experience during the end of life. Reiki training can also be used to enhance the positive aspects of the caregiving role. The theoretical concepts in Margaret Newmans Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness guided the use of Reiki within the realm of hospice care. The first step of this scholarly project included an evaluation of the practice of Reiki, perceived barriers, and the feasibility of a Reiki training program through the experience of professional hospice caregivers and Reiki practitioners. The Reiki practitioners helped to validate the findings in the literature regarding Reiki practice and establish a connection to hospice care. Both the professional hospice caregivers and Reiki practitioners found Reiki training to be an effective and feasible intervention for informal caregivers to provide at the end of life. However, the professional hospice caregivers identified cost and lack of understanding of Reiki as potential barriers to implementing a Reiki training program in the hospice care setting. As healthcare resources continue to decline, identifying new and unique ways to improve practice approaches will become the hallmark of advanced nursing practice. Through the delivery of holistic care and interventions, the integrative family nurse practitioner can help improve the outcomes for hospice patients and their informal caregivers throughout the dying process
Cognitive Control Errors in Nonhuman Primates Resembling Those in Schizophrenia Reflect Opposing Effects of NMDA Receptor Blockade on Causal Interactions Between Cells and Circuits in Prefrontal and Parietal Cortices
Get PDFBackground: The causal biology underlying schizophrenia is not well understood, but it is likely to involve a malfunction in how neurons adjust synaptic connections in response to patterns of activity in networks. We examined statistical dependencies between neural signals at the cell, local circuit, and distributed network levels in prefrontal and parietal cortices of monkeys performing a variant of the AX continuous performance task paradigm. We then quantified changes in the pattern of neural interactions across levels of scale following NMDA receptor (NMDAR) blockade and related these changes to a pattern of cognitive control errors closely matching the performance of patients with schizophrenia. Methods: We recorded the spiking activity of 1762 neurons along with local field potentials at multiple electrode sites in prefrontal and parietal cortices concurrently, and we generated binary time series indicating the presence or absence of spikes in single neurons or local field potential power above or below a threshold. We then applied causal discovery analysis to the time series to detect statistical dependencies between the signals (causal interactions) and compared the pattern of these interactions before and after NMDAR blockade. Results: Global blockade of NMDAR produced distinctive and frequently opposite changes in neural interactions at the cell, local circuit, and network levels in prefrontal and parietal cortices. Cognitive control errors were associated with decreased interactions at the cell level and with opposite changes at the network level in prefrontal and parietal cortices. Conclusions: NMDAR synaptic deficits change causal interactions between neural signals at different levels of scale that correlate with schizophrenia-like deficits in cognitive control
Under Pressure: Hydraulic Fracturing
Get PDFModern hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a relatively new technique that has unlocked previously unviable sources of natural gas. It involves the rapid injection of large volumes of fluids into shale formations thousands of feet below the surface to force open fractures, creating pathways for the gas to flow into the well. The recent escalation in fracking operations has already made shale formations a major source of natural gas, but the fracking process could potentially lead to groundwater contamination. This paper explores concerns over the toxic narure of fracking chemicals, the leakage of produced water and natural gas into aquifers, and the disposal of fracking wastewater. Because the fracking techniques used today developed recently, available data on the impacts of fracking is limited. Researchers have begun to evaluate the mechanisms by which groundwater contamination could occur through regional studies and probability-based risk assessments. Thus far, the greatest risks are not directly related to the actual creation of fractures; most risk for contamination comes from activities indirectly related to fracking, such as poor gas well construction and improper disposal of wastewater. These kinds of risks can be minimized through improved industrial practices. However, the development and implementation of better practices depends greatly on adequate regulations, and current laws may not suit the unique nature of fracking. With further study, the risks of fracking can be better evaluated and managed, but current data does not show fracking to be inherently dangerous to groundwater
Factors that Impact Glycemic Control in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
Get PDFThe incidence of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is increasing worldwide and is diagnosed disproportionately in adolescent populations. Additionally, studies show that adolescents with T1D experience worse glycemic control during this developmental period. Maintaining glycemic control in patients with T1D decreases the risk of developing future diabetic-related complications. Factors such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and medical comorbidities influence disparities in maintaining glycemic control in adolescents. The recognition of these factors on the management of T1D through an integrative team approach leads to increased glycemic control and decreased diabetic- related complications. This paper explores the effects of psychosocial factors and addresses recommendations for effective interventions through multidisciplinary care. The literature reviewed in this paper indicates that improving healthcare access, implementing behavioral interventions, and increasing the use of diabetic technologies in adolescent populations have improved glycemic control and decrease disparities in healthcare outcomes. A multidisciplinary team increases patient education and aids in managing and screening for comorbidities. Team-based management of T1D also provides behavioral specialists that can implement strategies that improve self-management skills and familial involvement. Modern diabetic technology has given patients the tools to increase their healthcare access. It has been shown to improve their self-management skills and has allowed providers to individualize treatment plans further using data analytic software. Improving glycemic control in adolescence relies on physical and emotional support from healthcare providers and caregivers
Idiopathic Gastroparesis: Lifestyle Modifications Versus Pharmacotherapy
Get PDFIdiopathic gastroparesis is a chronic symptomatic motility disorder of the stomach of unknown cause characterized by delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction, with the majority of gastroparesis cases being classified as idiopathic. Idiopathic gastroparesis continues to be a challenging diagnosis to manage and difficulty remains in treating associated symptoms that result in decreased quality of life. Current non-invasive recommendations for the treatment of idiopathic gastroparesis are lifestyle modifications, including dietary adjustments to follow a gastroparesis diet, and pharmacotherapy prescribed for symptomatic relief. Metoclopramide is currently the only medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States specifically for the indication of treating gastroparesis. Other medications are prescribed off-label for the indication of idiopathic gastroparesis or are prescribed to target specific symptoms. Response to treatment is both individualized and unpredictabe, ad edicai ide-effects may necessitate discontinuance. In the treatment of adults with idiopathic gastroparesis, it has been concluded that lifestylemodifications, pharmacotherapy, or both may improve, eliminate or fail to improve the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, early satiety, and poor appetite. Ultimately, risks and benefits of each option need to be discussed and shared decision-making needs to occur to establish a treatment regimen and management plan for patients with idiopathic gastroparesis
A Proposal to Implement Assertive Community Treatment Into a Primary Care Shelter Clinic
Get PDFIndividuals who are experiencing homelessness and severe mental illness have a difficult time accessing healthcare systems. Without mental health treatment and stable housing, individuals develop multiple needs that must be addressed during an individual visit. Without treatment for mental health symptoms, individuals may experience a negative impact on their quality of life and the ability to get basic needs met. Community organizations have an obligation to provide integrated care with a goal to improve overall health for this population. As nurse leaders there is an opportunity to be advocates and implement innovative ideas to improve care. In a large adult men’s shelter clinic, a nurse manager developed a proposal to implement Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services within a primary care shelter clinic. This proposal was written to support the shelter staff who reported an increased need for mental health services among residents living within the shelter. After researching the grant proposal process for ACT, requirements for ACT services, and the benefits, it was determined that the shelter clinic would not be able to accommodate an entire ACT team; it could still provide added mental health services to improve overall health to individuals experiencing homelessness and severe mental illness residing within the shelter. Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Care provided the framework as the human need to belong is a core concept in providing care to marginalized groups of people. This project supports the importance of providing integrated care to build relationships that can improve engagement