Characterization and ontogeny of cholecystokinin and estrogen receptor immunoreactive circuits in the brain

The anatomical localization and ontogeny of cholecystokinin (CCK), an abundant neuropeptide, and the estrogen receptor were examined in Monodelphis domestica, the Brazilian short-tailed opossum. An indirect immunohistochemical procedure was used to identify cholecystokinin-like immunoreactive (CCK LI) cell bodies and fibers. Somato containing CCK immunoreactivity were observed in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, thalamus, midbrain, and brainstem. CCK LI fibers had a wide distribution in the adult Monodelphis brain. The only region of the brain that did not contain CCK LI fibers was the cerebellum. Male opossums had a significantly higher density of CCK LI neuronal elements than that found in the females. The earliest expression of CCK immunoreactivity was in fibers in the dorsal brainstem of 5 day old opossum pups. This early expression of CCK LI in regions of the brain involved in feeding behavior correlates with the necessity of Monodelphis young to feed at a relatively early age. The wide distribution and varied patterns of onset of expression of CCK LI structures indicates CCK may have many functions in the opossum brain. A second series of studies examined the distribution of estrogen receptor-like immunoreactive (ER LI) cells in the brains of adult and developing male and female Brazilian opossums using Abbott H222 rat monoclonal estrogen receptor antibody. We believe specific regions of the Brazilian opossum brain may serve as substrata for the action of estrogen in the adult. Estrogen receptor immunoreactive cells were first observed in the dorsomedial and ventromedial hypothalamus of the opossum ten days after birth (10PN). The number of ER LI cells increased to the 60PN time point in all regions that contain ER LI cells in the adult opossum. Estrogen receptors are present in early development of the Monodelphis brain and may mark the beginning of a critical period for sexual differentiation of the opossum brain. No sex difference was noted for ER LI cells and ER LI was not colocalized with CCK LI. This data indicates that estrogen may not directly modulate CCK expression in Monodelphis domestica. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.

Novel affordances of computation to the design processes of kinetic structures

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 1996.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 44-45).This paper is a discourse into the relationship between the process, computational tools and the role which symbolic structure can play in both. I argue the relationship of the process and tools is dialectic, whereby the tools we utilize in design develop new heuristics, the methodologies in tum, if reflectively understood, can be more aptly facilitated through the development of novel tools. The tools and the process then evolve together. A theory is laid out exploring the human visual information processing systems pertinence to the limitations in mental three-dimensional imaging and transformation operations relevant to the operations of drawing and mental visualization within the architectural design processes, substantiating the designers "necessity" to d raw (by traditional means, but more importantly here, through the inclusive integration of CAD within the process). The "necessity" to draw is explored as a re-presentational process to the visual system predicated upon the existence of a structured internal "library" of diagram-like representations. I argue that the ways we utilize such idiosyncratic libraries is predicated upon the ways in which we go about structuring the perceived "experienced" world around us into "symbol systems". And finally, the ways we utilize our reflective understanding of the heuristic transformations of these "symbols" within the design process in the context of a CAD environment are explored as a means to an enhanced understanding of that which is being designed and consequently as a vehicle for the development of future CAD systems to better facilitate such methodologies of designing. A personal design process of several kinetic structures is carried out in order to arrive at a localized process analysis within computer-aided design environment. Through an interactive, reflective process analysis, conclusions are drawn as to the affordances and limitations of such tools as suggestive of the operations a CAD environment might perform so as to better foster future methodologies of designing. The design "experiments" are utilized as a vehicle to understand the process. Specifically three kinetic projects are exploited for the prototypical "operations" they display. When difficulties or mental limitations are encountered with the operations, specific "tools" are developed to facilitate the limitation or to overcome the problem.by Michael A. Fox.M.S

Service organisation for people with dementia after an injurious fall: challenges and opportunities

Introduction People with dementia are more likely to fall and less likely to recover well after a fall than cognitively intact older people. Little is known about how best to deliver services to this patient group. This paper explored current service provision to help inform the development of a new intervention. Methods Qualitative approaches were used to explore the views and experiences of people with dementia, family carers and professionals providing services to people with dementia following an injurious fall. These data were analysed using a thematic, iterative analysis. Findings While a wide range of services potentially relevant to people with dementia was identified, there were no dedicated services for people with dementia with fall related injuries in our three geographical areas. Factors influencing service uptake included a lack of knowledge of local provision amongst professionals and underdeveloped information sharing systems. Some aspects of current service organization were incompatible with the needs of people with dementia. These include an emphasis on time-limited interventions; lack of longer-term follow-up; and service delivery in environments that could be challenging for people with dementia. Conclusions Care pathways for people with dementia who fall are fragmented and unclear. This is likely to preclude people with dementia from receiving all appropriate support and contribute to poor recovery following a fall. The findings highlight the need for new approaches to service organisation and delivery which address the specific needs of people with dementia who fall

Leading collaborative professional enquiry : implications for teachers, chartered teachers and their managers

This research explores the implications of the practice of collaborative professional enquiry on professional re-formation and development. A series of case studies focuses on four aspiring Chartered Teachers as they lead collaborative enquiries in two schools. The case studies take account of the experiences of the teachers in the collaborative groups, as well as the managers in both schools. Using a Foucauldian theoretical framework, relations of power between all participants are explored. This reveals that active positioning is in operation. The Chartered Teachers are positioned in an ‘in-between’ space: neither teacher nor manager, and this appears to have allowed them to construct and negotiate new possibilities, contributing to their developing professional identities. While this challenged the established hierarchies in schools, the teachers reported that undertaking collaborative professional enquiry under the leadership of the Chartered Teachers, benefitted themselves and their pupils, appearing to offer opportunities to demonstrate an active professionalism which was in contrast to the expectations of their managers. The findings raise several issues for consideration by the profession. These include a recommendation that collaborative professional enquiry is encouraged as a core pedagogical resource. The research also highlights the need for policy makers to take account of the way power is exercised in and on schools when developing new policies and evaluating the success of current ones. It is argued that genuine and open dialogue is necessary and it is recommended that the national CPD framework should reconsider the current practice of supporting distinctive pathways within the profession.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Uptake of hepatitis C specialist services and treatment following diagnosis by dried blood spot in Scotland

Background: Dried blood spot (DBS) testing for hepatitis C (HCV) was introduced to Scotland in 2009. This minimally invasive specimen provides an alternative to venipuncture and can overcome barriers to testing in people who inject drugs (PWID). Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine rates and predictors of: exposure to HCV, attendance at specialist clinics and anti-viral treatment initiation among the DBS tested population in Scotland. Study design: DBS testing records were deterministically linked to the Scottish HCV Clinical database prior to logistic regression analysis. Results: In the first two years of usage in Scotland, 1322 individuals were tested by DBS of which 476 were found to have an active HCV infection. Linkage analysis showed that 32% had attended a specialist clinic within 12 months of their specimen collection date and 18% had begun anti-viral therapy within 18 months of their specimen collection date. A significantly reduced likelihood of attendance at a specialist clinic was evident amongst younger individuals (<35 years), those of unknown ethnic origin and those not reporting injecting drug use as a risk factor. Conclusion: We conclude that DBS testing in non-clinical settings has the potential to increase diagnosis and, with sufficient support, treatment of HCV infection among PWID

Leading wellness in healthcare:A qualitative study of leadership practices for wellness in hospital settings

Ways of dealing with workplace stress and enhancing healthcare workers wellness are sought globally. The aim of this study was to explore healthcare leaders\u27 practice in relation to the implementation of a workplace wellness program called SEED in the context of multiple crises (bushfires and COVID-19) affecting a local health district in New South Wales, Australia. Practice theory informed interviews (n = 23), focus groups (n = 2) and co-analysis reflexive discussions (n = 2) that were conducted with thirteen leaders and twenty healthcare workers. A pragmatic approach to program implementation for healthcare workers\u27 wellness explored the process and actions that resulted from leadership practice in an inductive thematic analysis. Preliminary themes were presented in the co-analysis sessions to ensure the lived experiences of the SEED program were reflected and co-interpretation of the data was included in the analysis. Three key themes were identified. 1) Leading change-implementing a wellness program required leaders to try something new and be determined to make change happen. 2) Permission for wellness-implicit and explicit permission from leaders to engage in wellness activities during worktime was required. 3) Role-modelling wellness-leaders viewed SEED as a way to demonstrate leadership in supporting and caring for healthcare workers. SEED provided a platform for leaders who participated to demonstrate their leadership practices in supporting wellness activities. Leadership practices are critical to the implementation of healthcare wellness programs. The implementation of SEED at a time of unprecedented crisis gave leaders and healthcare workers opportunities to experience something new including leadership that was courageous, responsive and authentic. The study highlighted the need for workplace wellness programs to intentionally include leaders rather than only expect them to implement them. The practices documented in this study provide guidance to others developing, implementing and researching workplace wellness programs