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Olympic Athletes or Beauty Queens? The Sexualization of Female Athletes
Get PDFThe Olympic Games is one of the most watched sporting events in the modern era. The games provide a highly publicized international stage where the competitors are representatives of their country. Media outlets present a visible discourse in the way male and female representatives are portrayed (Messner, Duncan, Jensen. 1993). While male athletes are applauded for their strength, agility and skill, female athletes are sexualized. From the midriff baring bikinis of beach volleyball to the leggy leotards of gymnastics, women\u27s entertainment value stems from the sexualization of their bodies instead of their athletic abilities (Kane, M. J. 1996). While male uniforms most often favor longer shorts and baggy t-shirts, female uniforms usually consist of tight-fitting leotards, spandex, short dresses, or skirts. In addition to providing entertainment value, these uniforms ensure that female athletes adhere to societal norms regarding what a woman should look like. Despite engaging in the exact same physical activity as their male counterparts, female athletes are expected to appear feminine. On the world\u27s most public stage, these female athletes are treated more as models than fierce competitors
Ecosystem Metabolism in Small Ponds: The Effects of Floating-Leaved Macrophytes
Get PDFSmall ponds constitute a significant number of standing water bodies on earth and may contribute to CO2 uptake or release into the atmosphere. Despite their importance, few studies have examined ecosystem metabolism in ponds, especially in ponds that may be dominated by floating-leaved macrophytes. In this study, we examined ecosystem metabolism by measuring changes in dissolved oxygen levels every 10 min from late May through late October for four shallow ponds (0.5–1.5 m) in east-central Minnesota, USA. Ponds had varying levels of floating-leaved macrophytes from sparse (\u3c1% coverage) to abundant (61% coverage). We found significant dierences in a number of physical/chemical factors including P, N, DOC, water temperature and light penetration. We also found significant dierence in gross primary production (GPP—average ranged from 2.2 to 5.5 mg O2/L/day), respiration (R—average ranged from 6.8 to 3.6 mg O2/L/day) and net ecosystem production (NEP—average ranged from 1.5 to 0.1 mg O2/L/day) among the ponds. On average, all of the ponds were heterotrophic (R \u3e GPP). While it appeared that floating-leaved macrophytes provided a significant impact on ecosystem metabolism, there was not a one-to-one correspondence between the amount of macrophytes and the level of ecosystem metabolism
Participatory Art and Aging: Proposal for Dementia Prevention Strategy
Get PDFAs the population age increases, and Alzheimer\u27s disease death rates increase, the need for dementia prevention therapies grows in relevance and necessity. A cooperative model for teaching Conceptual art to older adults is proposed as a dementia prevention strategy. Preventive benefits of the proposed strategy are preliminarily suggested to improve: l) cognitive reserve (CR), where a strong CR has been associated with longer lasting functionality in dementia patients; 2) cognitive lifestyle, a behavioral measure of CR; and 3) neuroplasticity, with promoting neuroplasticity being the goal of many non-pharmacological dementia prevention studies. Texts on art therapy, Conceptual art, social practice, neuroplasticity, brain reserves, aging, and dementia were analyzed. The research showed that CR is difficult to assess; but it is linked to cognitive lifestyle, which is measured by the Lifetime of Experience Questionnaire (LEQ). High LEQ scores indicate a more cognitive lifestyle and correlate with reduced dementia risk. Since Conceptual art encompasses cognitively challenging tasks, it could be used as a part of a cognitive lifestyle to reduce dementia risk. The cooperative model of participatory art facilitates Conceptual art in group therapy by encouraging interpersonal discourse, for a combination of social and cognitive enrichment, which has been linked to positive health outcomes, specifically lowered dementia risk. This research is limited by the lack of studies on using art therapy for dementia prevention. The hypothesis could be fully realized by conducting a comparative longitudinal study measuring the cognitive capabilities of older adults engaged in conceptual-participatory art therapy, versus other cognitive therapy, versus no therapy
Unity Through Division: A Revision of the Haudenosaunee\u27s Policy of Neutrality
Get PDFThe Haudenosaunee people, otherwise known as the Five Nations of Iroquois, negotiated separate treaties with the English and French in 1701. Scholars asserted Haudenosaunee desires to sit on their mats and smoke in peace, was to maintain their political sovereignty, repress internal factionalism, and play off\u27 the European powers for their own economic gain. Nonetheless, their implicit assumptions of the cultural and political structures of the Great League of Peace and Power and Iroquois Confederacy, particularly that all Five Nations were centralized under one policy of neutrality, is inconsistent with the reciprocal and decentralized posture of the Haudenosaunee. By understanding the specific consequences of the Beaver Wars for each of the Five Nations, this essay argues that the Grand Settlement in Montreal and Albany was not a policy of neutrality, but rather a case of unity through division
A Collaboration between Neural Networks and Reinforcement Learning: Applying Concepts to a Brick Breaking Game
Get PDFThe intent of this work is to explore the interactions of artificial neural networks and digital games. It details the development of an artificial neural network trained upon a brick breaking game like the Atari game Breakout. This network was designed with the goals of not dropping the ball and maximizing the game score. Full game and network integration was not completed. However, two versions of the network were developed to move the paddle to the right or left based on the ball\u27s point of impact on the paddle. In preliminary testing using manual inputs, these networks eventually learned to return the expected output 100 percent of the time. Next steps in the development of this neural network include the addition of multiple inputs, the ability to output a distance for the paddle to move, and full integration with the brick breaking game
Decreasing Delirium Through Music: A Randomized Pilot Trial
No full textBackground Management of delirium in intensive care units is challenging because effective therapies are lacking. Music is a promising nonpharmacological intervention. Objectives To determine the feasibility and acceptability of personalized music (PM), slow-tempo music (STM), and attention control (AC) in patients receiving mechani- cal ventilation in an intensive care unit, and to estimate the effect of music on delirium.
Methods A randomized controlled trial was performed in an academic medical-surgical intensive care unit. After particular inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, patients were randomized to groups listening to PM, relax- ing STM, or an audiobook (AC group). Sessions lasted 1 hour and were given twice daily for up to 7 days. Patients wore noise-canceling headphones and used mp3 players to listen to their music/audiobook. Delirium and delirium severity were assessed twice daily by using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) and the CAM-ICU-7, respectively.
Results Of the 1589 patients screened, 117 (7.4%) were eligible. Of those, 52 (44.4%) were randomized, with a recruitment rate of 5 patients per month. Adherence was higher in the groups listening to music (80% in the PM and STM groups vs 30% in the AC group; P = .01), and 80% of patients surveyed rated the music as enjoyable. The median number (interquartile range) of delirium/ coma-free days by day 7 was 2 (1-6) for PM, 3 (1-6) for STM, and 2 (0-3) for AC (P = .32). Median delirium sever- ity was 5.5 (1-7) for PM, 3.5 (0-7) for STM, and 4 (1-6.5) for AC (P = .78).
Conclusions Music delivery is acceptable to patients and is feasible in intensive care units. Further research test- ing use of this promising intervention to reduce delirium is warranted. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2020; 29:e31-e38
What are the Clinical Implications on the Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Human Health: A Literature Review
No full textBackground: In recent years, fasting has gained popularity among athletes, clinicians, nutritionists, and the general public in hopes that lifestyle modifications improve physical health, mental well-being and the quality of life. Although this seems like a new trend, fasting has been practiced for centuries. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate fasting and how this practice may benefit physical health and mental well-being in the 21st century. Methods: A database search was carried out using Elsevier, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. The search terms/keywords used were “aging,” “Alzheimer’s disease,” “cognition,” “cognitive disorders,” “dementia,” “effects on memory,” “fasting,” “intermittent fasting,” “learning,” “metabolism,” “multiple sclerosis,” “prolonged fasting,” and “time-restricted feeding.” Results: Analysis of the articles indicates dietary approaches have a significant effect on the control and treatment of many health conditions, including diabetes mellitus, mood disorders, and obesity, among others. Conclusion: Fasting has shown a similar response to manufactured drugs for the management and treatment of health-related conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, without the adverse effects sometimes caused by medications. Therefore, fasting could potentially ameliorate the health condition of highly motivated adults. However, the effects and safety of fasting cannot be generalized to every patient population, and the practicality of fasting is difficult to accomplish by many people. Continued research on the effects of fasting on the body and mind are needed to obtain a better understanding of this practice and the potential risks and benefits to human health
Current prospects and outlook of CRISPR/Cas technology in clinical therapy
Get PDFGene editing capabilities have expanded enormously since researchers first demonstrated the robust, accurate, and efficient endonuclease activity of the CRISPR/Cas riboprotein enzyme. Since this gene editing technique was first described in 2013, the prospect of gene therapy as a viable clinical tool has improved immensely. CRISPR/Cas techniques and the methods by which they are delivered into cells, have evolved rapidly since the technologys inception, and successful, intentional genetic alterations of numerous mammalian cell lines have been reported. As a research tool, CRISPR/Cas9 has already proven itself indispensable in a brief period of time. While there are not numerous clinical trials involving CRISPR/Cas technology, CRISPR has absolutely contributed to the acceleration and expansion of gene therapy-based clinical trials in the past five years. Here, the current capabilities of CRISPR/Cas gene editing are evaluated as they relate to the clinical setting, including potential for CRISPR/Cas to function as: a new cancer therapeutic agent, a means of correcting or relieving genetic disease, and a potent disrupter of antimicrobial resistance genes in virulent MDR bacterial strains. Additionally, the future possibilities of CRISPR/Cas-related therapies, and issues preventing the achievement of these therapies in the clinical setting, are discussed
Ethically Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy in Pediatric Populations
Get PDFVaccines are highly regarded in the scientific and medical community for their efficacy in the prevention of disease; yet the prevalence of misinformation and mistrust surrounding vaccines is growing in communities around the world. Specifically observed in the United States (US) as an increase in vaccination exemption rates, this trend of vaccine hesitancy is leading to an increasing number of parents and caregivers to either refuse or delay vaccinations from the recommended schedule. As a result, an increasing number of outbreaks of diseases such as measles and pertussis, thought to be on the verge of elimination, have spiked. While health professionals direct attention to this issue, it is important to have a firm understanding of the epidemiology of vaccine hesitancy; as well as a familiarity with leading strategies in addressing it. As much of the focus is placed upon efficacy of interventions, it is equally important to recognize the ethical implications of these interventions and how they improve or impede the patient-provider relationship. Interventions of education, presumptive language, motivational interviewing, mandatory vaccine policy, and modified vaccination schedules were evaluated for efficacy and compliance with the four pillars of medical ethics: patient autonomy, beneficence non-maleficence, and justice. Consistent themes throughout the literature found that the most important element for improving vaccination efficacy is ensuring a level of trust between the parent/caregiver and provider
Comparison of Non-NSAID Pain Management in the Treatment of Patients with Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis
Get PDFObjective: To compare the efficacy of other modalities and interventions versus standard first-line therapy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain management in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis
Methods: Perform literature reviews outlining patients suffering from Grade II or higher KOA using the Kellgren-Lawrence classification system and currently experiencing symptoms of pain, stiffness, and impaired physical functioning. Use data and results from various studies to compare improvement of symptoms from these modalities versus improvement of NSAIDs alone.
Results: Weight loss and physical activity should remain the mainstay of early osteoarthritis treatment to help slow disease progression and symptoms of KOA. Duloxetine has been shown to be non-inferior to treatment with NSAIDs and improved patient physical functioning and quality of life. Oral and intra-articular corticosteroids remain superior or equal in pain reduction but have a shorter duration of action and greater adverse reactions when taken long term. Ozone therapy is best used in post-operative pain management or severe flares of osteoarthritis to quickly reduce pain and inflammation, long term therapy is not recommended over NSAIDs. Glucosamine does not decrease pain related to KOA but when used concomitantly with NSAIDs can increase physical function, quality of life, and also slow disease progression. LP-PRP injections have greater efficacy and resulted in lower WOMAC total scores at three, six, and twelve-month intervals when compared to ozone, hyaluronic acid, and corticosteroid injections. LP-PRP injections also have greater or equal efficacy of hyaluronic acid plus oral NSAIDs at one year. PRP therapy also has some evidence to suggest disease modifying potential. Hyaluronic acid injections resulted in less joint line tenderness and better physical functioning when compared to NSAID therapy alone, however, reduction in pain was not statistically significant. Prolotherapy was shown to be equally effective as PRP injections at pain reduction but requires serial injections. Benefit of prolotherapy is its safety profile and cost effectiveness. Finally, stem cell therapy resulted in lower WOMAC total scores when compared to hyaluronic acid injections. T2 MRI mapping indicates the ability of mesenchymal stem cells to regenerate cartilage and slow disease progression.
Conclusion: NSAIDs remain the most efficient means of pain reduction but do not result in statistically significant increases in physical function or quality of life. Hyaluronic acid can increase the patients physical functioning if used alone or in combination with NSAID therapy. Oral glucosamine sulfate, if taken daily, can reduce the progression of osteoarthritis but provides no pain relief if taken alone or without NSAIDs. Oral or intra- articular corticosteroids should be reserved for severe flares of pain in which the patient is unable to perform daily activities secondary to disability. Adverse reactions and possible further joint degeneration remain the biggest concern. Duloxetine should be considered in patients suffering chronic and refractory pain related to KOA and can be used in addition to NSAIDs to provide long term relief. Clinically the use of ozone therapy is not relevant and pain reduction can be achieved in other modalities, use of ozone is best reserved for post-operative management to reduce inflammation. PRP injections are clinically relevant and provide statistically significant reductions in pain and disease progression. Use should be considered in patients who have failed other conservative KOA treatments. Finally, the use of mesenchymal stem cells does alter disease progression and reduce pain, but clinically its use is not relevant because the harvesting and cost are greater than other effective therapies currently. More evidence is needed to support its clinical use. In conclusion, alternative modalities should be considered if therapy with NSAIDs is not providing adequate reductions in pain or the goals of the patients are not being met. The aforementioned modalities are safe and effective adjuvant therapies to manage patients with symptomatic KOA