Yearly Endometriosis Education for Reproductive Nurses

Reproductive and infertility nursing is an ever-growing subspecialty of women’s health where education and nursing resources are often limited and these nurses learn the majority of their skills through experience. Endometriosis is an increasingly common disease that reproductive nurses are encountering in growing numbers. A thorough literary analysis discovered the importance of early diagnosis to aid in a patient’s overall prognosis and long-term success with symptom management. A continuing education curriculum was created and implemented in a reproductive clinic in the South Eastern United States as a yearly learning opportunity for reproductive nurses in an effort to review the fundamentals of endometriosis and discuss the importance of early diagnosis and management

An Exploratory Analysis of Stress, Burnout, and Depression in the IECMH Workforce

A growing trend in the psychological literature has consistently found a strong association between stress, burnout, and depression, especially in populations who are exposed to a high amount of occupational stress. And, while the relationship between stress and burnout has been distinct and strong, the same cannot be said for burnout and depression. Historically, burnout and depression have shared such a strong conceptual relationship that the literature disagreed as to whether they were truly separate mechanisms. However, while the two constructs do present behavioral similarities the underlying mechanisms which direct their presentation are subtly different. Depression is defined as a diagnosable mood disorder, which is implicated from a number of biopsychosocial factors regardless of occupation characteristics, while burnout is defined as an occupational syndrome which presents in response to prolonged exposure stress within one’s vocation specifically. Understanding the relationship between stress, burnout, and depression is relevant for all professionals, but may be especially important to study in sectors interacting with vulnerable populations known to be at risk for burnout. The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) workforce includes professionals who engage and serve children and families, many of whom have experienced trauma and/or have high psychosocial risk. This workforce may be particularly vulnerable to burnout in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, mental health symptoms (including depression) and stress rates have increased for many since the start of the pandemic. The current study aimed to explore perceived stress, burnout, and depression in a population of IECMH professionals, and to test whether depression symptoms act as a risk factor in the context of stress and burnout. The sample consists of 141 clinicians who work in the IECMH field (e.g., child welfare, home visiting, childcare), and who completed self-report measures of current stress, current burnout, and current depression in the summer of 2020. Bivariate correlation indicated significant and large relationships between both perceived stress and burnout (r = .70, p \u3c .001), and depression and burnout (r = .59, p \u3c .001). Given the high collinearity between our predictor (stress) and proposed moderator (depression, r = .80, p \u3c .001), testing for the moderating effect of depression on the link between stress and burnout was unjustified. These results led us to wonder if other factors might better serve as protective factors in the context of stress and burnout and thus we examined the moderating effect of self-compassion on buffering against the relationship between stress and burnout. To explore the possibility of self-compassion weakening this relationship between perceived stress and burnout, simple moderation analyses were conducted in SPSS using Hayes’ PROCESS 4.0 Macro. The overall model results were significant (F(3, 99) = 65.08, R2 = .66, p \u3c .001) and the interaction term was also significant (R2 change = .04, p = .001). Specifically, the relationship between stress (x) and burnout (y) remained significant across all levels of self-compassion, but the strength of the relationship between x and y was strongest when self-compassion was low and weakest when self-compassion was high

Responding positively to plant defences, a candidate key trait for invasion success in the New Zealand grass grub Costelytra zealandica

Occasionally, exotic plant introductions lead to the emergence of an invasive insect within its native geographical range. Such emergence could be explained by a pre-adaptation of the insect to break through the defences of the new encountered host. We investigated the fitness responses of two New Zealand endemic scarabs (Costelytra brunneum and C. zealandica ) when given a diet of an exotic pasture species, Trifolium repens, whose defences were artificially triggered by the phytohormone jasmonic acid. We found differential fitness responses between the two species when they were exposed to a defence-induced diet. We observed a significant weight increase in the invasive species C.zealandica when it was fed with treated roots compared with untreated controls, whereas no significant weight increase was observed in the non-invasive C.brunneum compared with the control treatments. Our study suggests that C. zealandica has a pre-existing ability to tolerate the defence chemicals of its exotic host and, more interestingly, to benefit from them, which may explain why this species has become a serious pest of pasture throughout its native geographical ran

Abordaxe fisioterápico no asma infantil

[Resumen] Objetivo: analizar qué intervenciones se están llevando a cabo por parte de la fisioterapia en la patología del asma. Material y métodos: revisión de artículos en los cuales se lleven a cabo intervenciones de fisioterapia en niños asmáticos. La búsqueda se efectuó en las bases de datos Pubmed, PEDro, Web of Science y Scopus, seleccionando artículos publicados entre 2013 y 2017 en lengua inglesa, portuguesa y española. Resultados: se seleccionaron 6 artículos, la mayoría de calidad intermedia, con variabilidad en el número de sujetos en cada estudio. La población que se seleccionó comprende desde el nacimiento hasta los 18 años. Las terapias fisioterápicas empleadas son variables. Se realiza en todos los casos un tratamiento enfocado al abordaje de las capacidades físicas por medio de diferentes programas de entrenamiento que cada estudio enfocó de forma diferente. Los aspectos más evaluados han sido la función pulmonar, la calidad de vida y la disnea, medidos a través de diferentes test y pruebas funcionales. Se obtienen resultados positivos en el manejo del asma con cada uno de estos programas de entrenamiento físico. Conclusiones: existen múltiples programas de intervención fisioterápica sobre el asma. Se llevan a cabo programas de entrenamiento de la musculatura inspiratoria, entrenamiento aeróbico, anaeróbico, de fuerza y equilibrio por parte de la fisioterapia en el abordaje de esta patología y todos presentan beneficio sobre ella. Asimismo, se objetivó que el programa de tratamiento que engloba un entrenamiento basado en ejercicio aeróbico y ejercicios respiratorios presenta una mayor eficacia.[Abstract] Objective: to analyze what interventions are being carried out by physiotherapy in the pathology of asthma. Material and methods: review of articles in which physiotherapy interventions are carried out in asthmatic children. The search was carried out in the Pubmed, PEDro, Web of Science and Scopus databases, selecting articles published between 2013 and 2017 in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Results: Six articles were selected, most of intermediate quality, with variability in the number of subjects in each study. The population that was selected comprises from birth to 18 years. The physiotherapeutic therapies used are variable. In all cases, a treatment focused on addressing physical abilities is carried out through different training programs that each study focused on differently. The most evaluated aspects have been pulmonary function, quality of life and dyspnea, measured through different tests and functional tests. Positive results are obtained in the management of asthma with each of these physical training programs. Conclusions: There are multiple programs of physiotherapy intervention on asthma. Training programs for inspiratory musculature, aerobic, anaerobic, strength and balance training are carried out by physiotherapy in the approach to this pathology and all have benefit over it. Likewise, it was found that the treatment program that includes a training based on aerobic exercise and breathing exercises is more effective.[Resumo] Obxectivo: analizar que intervencións se están a facer por parte da fisioterapia na patoloxía da asma. Material e metodoloxía: revisión de artículos nos que se fagan intervencións de fisioterapia en nenos asmáticos. A búsqueda efectuouse nas bases de datos Pubmed, PEDro, Web of Science y Scopus, seleccionando artículos publicados entre 2013 y 2017 en lingua inglesa, portuguesa e española. Resultados: seleccionáronse 6 artigos, a maioría de calidade intermedia, con variabilidade no número de suxeitos en cada estudo. A poboación que se seleccionou comprende dende o nacemento ata os 18 anos. As terapias fisioterápicas empregadas son variables. Realizouse en todos os casos un tratamento enfocado á abordaxe das capacidades físicas por medio de diferentes programas de entrenamento que cada estudo enfocou de forma diferente. Os aspectos máis avaliados foron a función pulmonar, a calidade da vida e a disnea, medidos a través de diferentes test e probas funcionais. Obtéñense resultados positivos no manexo do asma con cada un destes programas de entrenamento físico. Conclusións: existen múltiples programas de intervención fisioterápica sobre a asma infantil. Lévanse a cabo programas de entrenamento da musculatura inspiratoria, entrenamiento aeróbico, anaeróbico, de forza e equilibrio por parte da fisioterapia no abordaxe desta patoloxía e todos presentan beneficio sobre ela. Así mesmo obxectivouse que o programa de tratamento que engloba un entrenamento baseado no exercicio aeróbico e exercicios respiratorios presenta unha maior eficacia.Traballo fin de grao (UDC.FCS). Fisioterapia. Curso 2017/201

Psychometric properties of the abbreviated version of the Scale to Assess Unawareness in Mental Disorder in schizophrenia

Background: The Scale to Assess Unawareness in Mental Disorder (SUMD) is widely used in clinical trials and epidemiological studies but more rarely in clinical practice because of its length (74 items). In clinical practice, it is necessary to provide shorter instruments. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the abbreviated version of the SUMD. Methods: Design: We used data from four cross-sectional studies conducted in several psychiatric hospitals in France. Inclusion criteria: a diagnosis of schizophrenia based on DSM-IV criteria. Data collection: socio-demographic and clinical data (including duration of illness, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and the Calgary Depression Scale); quality of life; SUMD. Statistical analysis: confirmatory factor analyses, item-dimension correlations, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, Rasch statistics, relationships between the SUMD and other parameters. We tested two different scoring models and considered the response ‘not applicable’ as ‘0’ or as missing data. Results: Five hundred and thirty-one patients participated in this study. The 3-factor structure of the SUMD (awareness of the disease, consequences and need for treatment; awareness of positive symptoms; and awareness of negative symptoms) was confirmed using LISREL confirmatory factor analysis for the two models. Internal item consistency and reliability were satisfactory for all dimensions. External validity testing revealed that dimension scores correlated significantly with all PANSS scores, especially with the G12 item (lack of judgement and awareness). Significant associations with age, disease duration, education level, and living arrangements showed good discriminant validity. Conclusion: The abbreviated version of the SUMD appears to be a valid and reliable instrument for measuring insight in patients with schizophrenia and may be used by clinicians to accurately assess insight in clinical settings

Mediator Kinase Disruption in MED12-Mutant Uterine Fibroids From Hispanic Women of South Texas

Context: Mutations in the gene encoding Mediator complex subunit MED12 are dominant drivers of uterine fibroids (UFs) in women of diverse racial and ethnic origins. Previously, we showed that UF-linked mutations in MED12 disrupt its ability to activate cyclin C-CDK8/19 in Mediator. However, validation of Mediator kinase disruption in the clinically relevant setting of MED12-mutant UFs is currently lacking. Objective: The objective of this study was twofold. First, to extend the ethnic distribution profile of MED12 mutations by establishing their frequency in UFs from Hispanic women of South Texas. Second, to examine the impact of MED12 mutations on Mediator kinase activity in patient-derived UFs. Methods: We screened 219 UFs from 76 women, including 170 tumors from 57 Hispanic patients, for MED12 exon 2 mutations, and further examined CDK8/19 activity in Mediator complexes immunoprecipitated from MED12 mutation-negative and MED12 mutation-positive UFs. Results: MED12 exon 2 mutations in UFs from Hispanic women are somatic in nature, predominantly monoallelic, and occur at high frequency (54.1%). We identified a minimal cyclin C-CDK8 activation domain on MED12 spanning amino acids 15 through 80 that includes all recorded UF-linked mutations in MED12, suggesting that disruption of Mediator kinase activity is a principal biochemical defect arising from these pathogenic alterations. Analysis of Mediator complexes recovered from patient UFs confirmed this, revealing that Mediator kinase activity is selectively impaired in MED12-mutant UFs. Conclusions: MED12 mutations are important drivers of UF formation in Hispanic women of South Texas. MED12 mutations disrupt Mediator kinase activity, implicating altered CDK8/19 function in UF pathogenesis.Peer reviewe

ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF DESALINATION FOR SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: A REVIEW OF PREFILTRATION AND MICROBIAL DESALINATION CELL TECHNOLOGY

Gemstone Team NOSALTOur research project has addressed the global need for greater accessibility to potable drinking water, specifically within the regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Initially, we planned to design a unique desalination system that was composed of a pre-filtration unit, a microbial desalination cell (MDC) and a post-desalination treatment unit. When in-person lab work was no longer feasible due to COVID-19 guidelines, we refocused our project to review the construction, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of the different designs of potential prefiltration units and MDC configurations. Our review of potential prefiltration systems included both chemical and physical separation methods, and the review of the MDC included the air cathode, biocathode and stacked configurations. While researching the technical details of the prefiltration and MDC systems, we also considered the cultural and societal impacts of introducing a technology such as the MDC into our project region. Our project started as an analysis of an emerging technology, but as the team has grown, the project has transformed into a comprehensive review of the emerging microbial desalination technology and the societal impacts of implementing it into some of the water scarce regions of coastal sub-Saharan Africa

The Grizzly, April 12, 1994

Djibouti Represented by Ursinus • Battle Over Taxes Intensifies • Anniversary Celebration Continues • 1994 Ruby • Wellness Fair to be Held • Medieval Fest Held for Physically Challenged • Phi Beta Kappa\u27s New Inductees • USGA Responding to Student Needs • Senior Spotlight: Barbara Lampe • Bears Sweep F&M • Men\u27s Tennis Coming Together • Golf Team Undefeated • Lurie Buys Eagles • UC Frosh Assaulted by Phanatichttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1335/thumbnail.jp

Genetic and Epigenetic Factors at <i>COL2A1</i> and <i>ABCA4</i> Influence Clinical Outcome in Congenital Toxoplasmosis

Background: Primary Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy can be transmitted to the fetus. At birth, infected infants may have intracranial calcification, hydrocephalus, and retinochoroiditis, and new ocular lesions can occur at any age after birth. Not all children who acquire infection in utero develop these clinical signs of disease. Whilst severity of disease is influenced by trimester in which infection is acquired by the mother, other factors including genetic predisposition may contribute. Methods and Findings: In 457 mother-child pairs from Europe, and 149 child/parent trios from North America, we show that ocular and brain disease in congenital toxoplasmosis associate with polymorphisms in ABCA4 encoding ATP-binding cassette transporter, subfamily A, member 4. Polymorphisms at COL2A1 encoding type II collagen associate only with ocular disease. Both loci showed unusual inheritance patterns for the disease allele when comparing outcomes in heterozygous affected children with outcomes in affected children of heterozygous mothers. Modeling suggested either an effect of mother's genotype, or parent-of-origin effects. Experimental studies showed that both ABCA4 and COL2A1 show isoform-specific epigenetic modifications consistent with imprinting. Conclusions: These associations between clinical outcomes of congenital toxoplasmosis and polymorphisms at ABCA4 and COL2A1 provide novel insight into the molecular pathways that can be affected by congenital infection with this parasite.</p

Characteristics and sources of fluorescent aerosols in the central Arctic Ocean

The Arctic is sensitive to cloud radiative forcing. Due to the limited number of aerosols present throughout much of the year, cloud formation is susceptible to the presence of cloud condensation nuclei and ice nucleating particles (INPs). Primary biological aerosol particles (PBAP) contribute to INPs and can impact cloud phase, lifetime, and radiative properties. We present yearlong observations of hyperfluorescent aerosols (HFA), tracers for PBAP, conducted with a Wideband Integrated Bioaerosol Sensor, New Electronics Option during the Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) expedition (October 2019–September 2020) in the central Arctic. We investigate the influence of potential anthropogenic and natural sources on the characteristics of the HFA and relate our measurements to INP observations during MOSAiC. Anthropogenic sources influenced HFA during the Arctic haze period. But surprisingly, we also found sporadic “bursts” of HFA with the characteristics of PBAP during this time, albeit with unclear origin. The characteristics of HFA between May and August 2020 and in October 2019 indicate a strong contribution of PBAP to HFA. Notably from May to August, PBAP coincided with the presence of INPs nucleating at elevated temperatures, that is, &amp;gt;−9°C, suggesting that HFA contributed to the “warm INP” concentration. The air mass residence time and area between May and August and in October were dominated by the open ocean and sea ice, pointing toward PBAP sources from within the Arctic Ocean. As the central Arctic changes drastically due to climate warming with expected implications on aerosol–cloud interactions, we recommend targeted observations of PBAP that reveal their nature (e.g., bacteria, diatoms, fungal spores) in the atmosphere and in relevant surface sources, such as the sea ice, snow on sea ice, melt ponds, leads, and open water, to gain further insights into the relevant source processes and how they might change in the future.</jats:p