Pilgrimage During Covid-19: Impacts, Adaptations, and Recovery

Towards the end of 2020, this journal published an issue devoted to the impact of COVID-19. The novel coronavirus was having a devastating effect not only on public health but also on the global religious tourism industry. Places of worship closed, pilgrimage events and activities were cancelled, and travel restrictions limited mobility. A viable vaccination was predicted to be eighteen months away. One contributor even asked, ‘Is this the end of pilgrimage?’ This article re-examines and re-evaluates the impact of COVID-19, taking up some of the themes introduced in the 2020 issue. Focusing on western pilgrimage, with evidence from online English-language articles and social media commentaries, I examine how the global pandemic impacted pilgrimage destinations and their visitors between March 2020 and November 2021. Online media sources documented the different ways pilgrim destinations and pilgrims adapted to the pandemic, revealing how restrictions imposed on religious sites and events led to alternative ways of experiencing pilgrimage. In highlighting four ‘pandemic trends’ which particularly caught the attention of the media, I show that these seemingly new pilgrimage modes are, in fact, not new at all, but reassert medieval precedents or promote trends already emerging in post-secular culture. After considering two case studies – Lough Derg in Ireland and the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France – I offer some tentative conclusions about the relevance of these pandemic pilgrimage trends in a post-pandemic world

Mrub_0860, Mrub_0701 and Mrub_2285 are orthologous to \u3cem\u3eE. coli\u3c/em\u3e b2892, b2562 and b3863 within the RecFOR pathway for Homologous Recombination

This project is part of the Meiothermus ruber genome analysis project, which uses the bioinformatics tool associated with the Guiding Education through Novel Investigation – Annotation Collaboration Toolkit (GENI-ACT) to predict the gene function. We investigated the biological function of the genes Mrub_0860, Mrub_0701,and Mrub_2285. We predicted that Mrub_0860 (DNA coordinates 842934..844868 on the forward strand) encodes for the enzyme single-stranded DNA-specific exonuclease, which is in the first step of homologous recombination via the RecFOR pathway (KEGG map number 03440). The E. coli K12 MG1655 ortholog is predicted to be b2892, which has the gene identifier RecJ. It is predicted that Mrub_0701 (DNA coordinates 675799..676503 on the reverse strand) encodes for the recombinational DNA repair protein, which is in the second step, filament formation, of homologous recombination via the RecFOR pathway (KEGG map number 03440). The E. coli K12 MG1655 ortholog is predicted to be b2562, which has the gene identifier RecO. It is predicted that Mrub_2285 (DNA coordinates 2337447..2341268 on the reverse strand) encodes for the enzyme DNA polymerase I, which is the third step, DNA synthesis and strand invasion, of homologous recombination via the RecFOR pathway (KEGG map number 03440). The E. coli K12 MG1655 ortholog is predicted to be b3863, which has the gene identifier DpoI

Can Birth Weight Influence the Development of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome?

Background: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), a manifestation of the widespread opioid epidemic, has plagued our country, and particularly the region of Northeast Tennessee, for quite some time now. One question among many that seems to baffle almost everyone involved in research on the topic at hand is that why do only 35-40% of opioid exposed pregnancies result in NAS requiring medication while sparing the rest. Is there some discriminatory factor other than in utero opioid exposure involved? Thus, in light of this knowledge, we wanted to investigate whether birth weight at the time of delivery can influence the development of NAS; that is, are neonates of a low birth weight or high birth weight (with respect to gestational age thresholds) more likely to develop NAS. Methods: Therefore, we conducted a retrospective chart analysis of all deliveries within the Mountain States Health Alliance System over a 5 years period between July 1, 2011- June 30, 2016 at all 5 delivery sites in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia (N=18,728). Out of this sample size, we identified 2,392 at-term newborns as positive for prenatal opioid exposure, and then we stratified them into 2 categories: birth weight ≤3.5kg (proxy for low or average birth weight with respect to gestational age thresholds) and birth weight ≥3.5kg (proxy for high birth weight with respect to gestational age thresholds). Thereafter, we ran SPSS statistical analyses involving chi square, t tests, and logistic regression to assess whether one birth weight group was more likely to have a higher incidence rate of NAS compared to the other birth weight group. Results: We found that even after controlling for significant confounders such as marital status, race, and pregnancy smoking, benzodiazepine, and marijuana use, infants who were in the low to average birth weight group (≤3.5kg in this study) were almost twice as likely (statistically significant adjusted odds ratio of 1.95) to develop NAS compared to infants who were in the high birth weight group (≥3.5kg in this study). Our study helps shed some important light on the discriminatory factors for NAS development, with birth weight being a significantly associated clinical factor as we now know. Discussion & Implications: Unfortunately, the mechanism for the transport of opioids across the placenta is complicated, and poorly understood. There may be more ‘unbound or free opioids’ available in infants of low to average birth weight (with respect to gestational age thresholds) compared to infants of high birth weight (with respect to gestational age thresholds) resulting in a higher incidence of NAS in the former population. It is more of a speculation rather than a conclusion to explain the results of our study. However, being equipped with this knowledge that opioid exposed neonates of low to average birth weight (with respect to gestational age thresholds) have a higher risk of developing NAS will allow physicians to identify infants with a higher risk for NAS early, and this will subsequently lead to better outcomes and reduced severity in cases of NAS

Is the relationship between stride length, frequency, and velocity influenced by running on a treadmill or overground?

International Journal of Exercise Science 10(7): 1067-1075, 2017. The purpose of the study was to compare the relationship between stride length (SL), stride frequency (SF), and velocity while running on a treadmill and overground. Participants (n=10; 22.3±2.6 yrs; 1.71±.08 m; 71.4±15.5 kg) completed a total of 14 runs (7 treadmill, 7 overground) with each run at a different velocity. SL, SF, and velocity data were recorded using wearable technology (Garmin, Fenix2). The outdoor trials occurred first. The treadmill velocities were selected to match the range of velocities used overgroud. SL vs. velocity plots were generated for treadmill and overground data for each participant and fit with a 2nd order polynomial in the form of SL=Av2+Bv+C. Each equation coefficient (i.e., A, B, C) was averaged across participants and compared between treadmill and overground using paired t-tests. The A coefficient (v2 term) was different treadmill vs. overground (p=0.031). Neither B (p=0.136) nor C (p=0.260) coefficients were different treadmill vs. overground. It was concluded that the A coefficient (v2 term) for SL vs. velocity was larger during overground vs. treadmill running. This is an indication that the strategy of changing SL across velocities was different when on the treadmill vs. overground. Specifically, while running on a treadmill, SL continued to increase in a more linear manner than when running overground

A Social Media Give and Take: A Study of What Young Adults Would Give up to Stay Connected

Background: Social media presents both opportunities and risks for young adults. Although they may experience increased connectivity and creativity, excessive use can result in neglect of other aspects of life (e.g., physical activity, sleep). Purpose: Investigate social media usage patterns and addictions among young adults, while exploring what trade-offs they would be willing to make to stay connected on social media. Methods: Participants (N = 750) completed an online survey containing questions concerning demographics, social media usage patterns, relationships with social media, and trade-offs participants would make to remain on social media. A weighted least squares hierarchical multiple linear regression was performed to examine whether usage patterns/addiction predicted total trade-off scores. Results: Most participants (n = 727) had 2+ social media accounts, with Instagram (n = 693) being the most popular. Almost half of the sample (n = 342) reported checking social media 9+ times/day and more than three quarters spend at least one hour/day using social media (n = 626). More participants were willing to make food/drink or hobby-related trade-offs than health or life-related trade-offs. The regression was significant, F(6, 733) = 21.941, p \u3c.001, R2 = .390, with the number of social checks/day (p \u3c 0.05), time/day spent on social media (p \u3c 0.01), and social media addiction (p \u3c 0.001) all predicting increases in the number of trade-offs participants were willing to make. Conclusion: Higher social media usage rates/addiction can increase young adults\u27 willingness to make trade-offs in their personal lives to remain on social media

(POSTER) Combining Design and Entrepreneurial Mindset Development: Motorcycle Detection System

The Motorcycle Detection System will detect and warn drivers of motorcycles driving between lanes at high speeds on the interstate. Its main function would be to significantly reduce the frequency of motorcycle-car accidents on the road. Similar to the blind spot detectors that can be found on many modern cars, the motorcycle detector would minimize the number of accidents and deaths caused by motorcycles lane-splitting. By alerting drivers of motorcycles within a 50 feet radius, motorists would be able to make calculated decisions on the road that they otherwise would not contemplate. Through rigorous market exploration, the team deduced that the minimum viable product must be weatherproof, universally mountable and provide timely visual and auditory feedback. The device would be effective, durable, and most importantly, affordable, as the team believes it has massive international potential. The design project provides our engineering team the opportunity to combine design with entrepreneurial mindset development

Biodegradation of the Alkaline Cellulose Degradation Products Generated during Radioactive Waste Disposal.

The anoxic, alkaline hydrolysis of cellulosic materials generates a range of cellulose degradation products (CDP) including α and β forms of isosaccharinic acid (ISA) and is expected to occur in radioactive waste disposal sites receiving intermediate level radioactive wastes. The generation of ISA's is of particular relevance to the disposal of these wastes since they are able to form complexes with radioelements such as Pu enhancing their migration. This study demonstrates that microbial communities present in near-surface anoxic sediments are able to degrade CDP including both forms of ISA via iron reduction, sulphate reduction and methanogenesis, without any prior exposure to these substrates. No significant difference (n = 6, p = 0.118) in α and β ISA degradation rates were seen under either iron reducing, sulphate reducing or methanogenic conditions, giving an overall mean degradation rate of 4.7×10−2 hr−1 (SE±2.9×10−3). These results suggest that a radioactive waste disposal site is likely to be colonised by organisms able to degrade CDP and associated ISA's during the construction and operational phase of the facility

Global Health Perspectives in Physical Therapy Education: A Qualitative Report on a Service Learning Experience in Guatemala

Authors: Winter F Wildt-Bailey, SPT; Adriana Sandoval, SPT; Holly J Roberts, PT, DPT, GCS, NCS Global Health Perspectives in Physical Therapy Education: A Qualitative Report on a Service Learning Experience in Guatemala Purpose: Doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students at the University of Puget Sound traveled to Zacapa, Guatemala to deliver physical therapy services for 5 days as part of an elective course introducing students to physical therapy and health care delivery from a global health perspective. Participants journaled about their experiences, responding to prompts provided by the course professor/clinical instructor. The purpose of this research was to explore the impact of the experience by identifying common themes among the journal entries. Methods: Ten student physical therapists (SPT), 9 females, 1 male, mean age 29yrs (range 25-40) at the end of their second year of a three-year DPT program consented to allow their journals to be included in this report. Two SPTs noted recurring themes that emerged in the de-identified journal entries. Results: Five common themes emerged among the journal entries: 1) Cultural Bias: recognizing cultural biases, the impact they have on patient care, and identifying strategies for addressing them; 2) Healthcare Disparities: recognizing disparities in access to healthcare, patient education, and resources between the U.S. and Guatemala; 3) Confidence and Competency: overcoming feelings of inadequacy as novice clinicians and appreciating the extent of knowledge and skill gained through didactic coursework; 4) Identity: reaffirming one\u27s decision to pursue a physical therapy career and that it aligns with one\u27s values and identity; and 5) Skills Development: adapting to working with limited resources, and developing effective communication skills with a language barrier. Conclusions: Reflection is a central tenet of service learning. The personal reflections of DPT students participating in a short-term service learning trip to Guatemala as part of an elective course in global health perspectives revealed the experience allowed students to recognize and address cultural biases, recognize healthcare disparities, build professional confidence and competence, reaffirm professional goals, and develop important skills in communication and healthcare delivery. Clinical Relevance: The results of this qualitative report are consistent with literature examining the benefits of experiential learning in healthcare education. They demonstrate the potential for an international service learning experience to facilitate development of cultural competence, clinical reasoning skills, communication skills, and confidence in one\u27s knowledge and abilities. Keywords: global health, service learning, experiential learning References: Benson JD, Provident I, Szucs KA. An experiential learning lab embedded in a didactic course: outcomes from a pediatric intervention course. Occ Ther Health Care. 2013; 27:46-57. Knecht-Sabres LJ. Experiential learning in occupational therapy: can it enhance readiness for clinical practice? J Exp Educ. 2013; 36:22-36. Paterson C, Chapman J. Enhancing skills of critical reflection to evidence learning in professional practice. Phys Ther Sport. 2013; 14:133-138. Seif G, Coker-Bolt P, Kraft S, Gonsalves W, Simpson K, Johnson E. The development of clinical reasoning and interprofessional behaviors: service-learning at a student-run free clinic. J Interprof Care. 2014; 28(6):559-564. Smith S, Crocker A. Experiential learning in physical therapy education. Adv Med Educ Pract. 2017; 8:427-433. Village D, Clouten N, Millar AL, Geigle A, et al. Comparison of the use of service learning, volunteer, and pro bono activities in physical therapy curricula. J Phys Ther Educ St Louis. 2004;18(1):22-28

U-M Bicentennial Early Faculty research project 1837-1845

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP)http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/116112/1/UM_BicentennialEarlyFaculty_research_1837-1845.pd

Physical and psychological symptoms of quality of life in the CHART randomized trial in head and neck cancer: short-term and long-term patient reported symptoms

The randomized multicentre trial of continuous hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy (CHART) versus conventional radiotherapy in patients with advanced head and neck cancer showed no good evidence of a difference in any of the major clinical outcomes of survival, freedom from metastases, loco-regional control and disease-free survival. Therefore an assessment of the effect of treatment on physical and psychological symptoms is vital to balance the costs and benefits of the two treatments. A total of 615 patients were asked to complete a Rotterdam Symptom Checklist and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, which cover a variety of physical and psychological symptoms, at a total of ten time points. The data consisted of short-term data (the initial 3 months) and long-term data (1 and 2 years). The short-term data was split into an exploratory data set and a confirmatory data set, and analysed using subject-specific and group-based methods. Differences were only claimed if hypotheses generated in the exploratory data set were confirmed in the confirmatory data set. The long-term data was not split into two data sets and was analysed using a group-based approach. There was evidence of significantly worse symptoms of pain at day 21 in those treated with CHART and significantly worse symptoms of cough and hoarseness at 6 weeks in those treated conventionally. There was also evidence to suggest a higher degree of decreased sexual interest at 1 year and sore muscles at 2 years in those treated with conventional radiotherapy. There is no clear indication that one regimen is superior to the other in terms of ‘quality of life’, generally the initially more severe reaction in the CHART group being offset by the longer duration of symptoms in the conventionally treated group. © 1999 Cancer Research Campaig