Rett Syndrome

Rett syndrome is a thief! It robs little girls of their projected life. It lulls their families into a false sense of security while their little girls develop normally for 6 to 18 months. Then it insidiously robs them of their skills and abilities until they are trapped in a body that won't respond. These little girls are called "silent angels" (Hunter, 2007). Rett syndrome (RS) was originally identified in 1966 by the Austrian neurologist Andreas Rett, but his research and findings were written in an obscure form of the German language the medical world could not and did not translate. It wasn't until 1983, that Rett syndrome was re-identified and labeled as its own disorder (Hunter, 2007). The Rett Syndrome Research Foundation (2006) summarizes the condition best with: Rett syndrome is a debilitating neurological disorder diagnosed almost exclusively in females. Children with Rett syndrome appear to develop normally until 6 to 18 months of age when they enter a period of regression, losing speech and motor skills. Most develop repetitive hand movements, irregular breathing patterns, seizures and extreme motor control problems. Rett syndrome leaves its victims profoundly disabled, requiring maximum assistance with every aspect of daily living. There is no cure. (Retrieved October 14, 2008 from http://www.rsrf.org/about_rett_syndrome/) Research is ever going to regards to Rett syndrome. What is known as of now is that Rett syndrome is caused by a mutation of the gene MECP2. It is not passed down in families and it knows no ethnic boundaries. The majority of Rett girls live to adulthood (RSRF, 2006). The male child doesn't usually survive birth with Rett syndrome

Crystalluria in various groups of sportsmen

This thesis examines various groups of athletes to assess whether they are at risk with regard to kidney stone formation. Particle size distribution analysis (Coulter counter), ultra-structural analyses (SEM) and urine analysis were conducted. The background to various factors relating to stone formation is discussed as well as the general theory behind the techniques employed. The methods utilized and data obtained are described. Particle size distribution analysis and scanning electron· micrographs suggest that marathon runners and cyclists may be at risk with respect to stone formation. Dehydration and urinary tract trauma are thought to occur in the former whereas dehydration only is operative in the latter. Results obtained from Na/Ca ratio analyses are found to correspond with the particle size analyses thereby suggesting that this ratio may have potential as a useful index of stone-forming risk. The enormous spread of values amongst each class of athlete shows, however, that physical exertion is not the sole factor affecting the Na/Ca ratio

Explaining the difference in the self-esteem of students with learning disabilities who receive pull-out services and those who do not receive pull-out services in a private school setting.

Students with learning disabilities are a minority group in the private school setting. In order to accommodate students with learning disabilities, private schools provide pull-out services. Pull-out services involve students being pulled from the classroom to work with the resource teacher to receive various accommodations. Students who are eligible for accommodations are those who have been formally diagnosed with a learning disability or students who are in the process of being tested for a learning disability. While the special education setting has been the topic of a great deal of research, the research is lacking, nonetheless (Terman, Larner, Stevenson, & Behrman, 1996). Students must be placed in the environment where they will experience the most success. Although success is often measured according to academics, it is of equal importance to consider the emotional needs of students. In order to create a sense of value and well-being, there is a critical need for counselors and educators to foster students’ self-esteem and confidence (Goleniowska, 2014). Moreover, self-esteem and confidence are vital to the prevention of depression and isolation (Baumeister, Storch, & Geffken, 2008). The purpose of this study was to explain the difference in the self-esteem of students with learning disabilities who receive pull-out services and those who do not receive pull-out services in a private school setting. Students with learning disabilities who receive pull-out services were postulated to have a lower self-esteem than students with learning disabilities who do not receive pull-out services. Self-esteem was measured with Brown and Alexander’s (1991) Self-Esteem Index. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was utilized to determine the difference in self-esteem among students with learning disabilities that do and do not receive pull-out accommodations. Qualitative analysis was employed to gather information pertaining to the feelings of participants relative to receiving pull-out services. Study results revealed no statistical significance in the difference in self-esteem among students with learning disabilities that do and do not receive pull-out accommodations. However, qualitative analysis uncovered themes surrounding negative feelings regarding pull-out services and self-esteem. Study limitations as well as recommendations for future research were discussed. Recommendations for future research serve as a reminder of the gaps in the existence of qualitative data inclusive of input from students with disabilities. The exclusion of student voice surrounding pull-out services negates counselors’ ability to tend to the needs of their students. Hopefully, the current study will propel further research on the relationship between pull-out services and self-esteem

The association between age and long term cosmetic effect of treatment with botulinum toxin

Cosmetic treatment with botulinum toxin type A injections is the top non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the U.S. Many patients are beginning treatment at a younger age to prevent the development of facial wrinkles associated with aging. However, there is limited data to support the use of prophylactic botulinum toxin injections. Patients beginning treatment at a younger age have fewer wrinkles requiring fewer units to treat, which reduces the overall cost of treatment. Patients also maintain higher levels of self- esteem by preventing or delaying the onset of facial wrinkles that can negatively impact their appearance. This study proposes that patients receiving botulinum toxin injections at a younger age (< 35) will have higher satisfaction with treatment outcomes. By demonstrating an association between starting age of injections and patient satisfaction, this study aims to provide merit for clinical trials studying the effectiveness of prophylactic botulinum toxin injections for cosmetic indications

An Investigation of the Practical Challenges to Using Molecular Genetic Techniques to Identify the Parasite Burdens of Vertebrate Animals from Non-Invasive Sampling

Molecular genetic techniques have become popular methods in ecology and wildlife conservation research. Advances in molecular genetic methods, particularly PCR (polymerase chain reaction), make it possible to amplify the numbers of specific DNA sequences from a sample with only a few original copies. Theoretically, the specificity of this approach should make it possible for wildlife biologists to identify and quantify the parasite and disease burden of endangered animals without being limited by the rarity of collaborators with expertise in the taxonomy of obscure parasite taxa. Because PCR requires just a small amount of DNA, the added benefit of a molecular genetic approach is that non-invasive sampling methods can be used that do not harm the endangered animals. My research involved two related projects. First I attempted to separate, morphologically identify, sequence, and isolate DNA from nematodes present in fecal samples collected non-invasively from the Baird’s tapir in Belize. This attempt was not successful but I did discover several practical obstacles to this type of work that made me wonder about the success rate of molecular parasitology in other studies of wildlife species. The second project was a systematic review of the literature of the practical challenges associated with using molecular genetic methods to identify parasitic nematodes in fecal samples of domestic and wild animals, and humans. This literature review led me to the conclusion that non-invasive sampling methods are only beneficial when the sequence of the studied nematode has already been named through prior research

Leaders Fostering Resiliency In Schools

This single case study of a school district described how school leaders created educational programs and practices that feature elements of a caring environment wihtin which students were frequently offered choices in their learning experiences. Data from a survey, school observations, interviews and formal documents were analyzed using a mixed method qualitative approach of triangulation, expansion and complementarity methods of analysis. The study determined that a caring environment with student choices existed in the district and its programs and practices were consistent with the literature on resiliency. The study also found the environment that developed through several critical events over eighteen years translated a vision into the organizational mission and belief. The leadership role was characterized by commitment to vision, mobilization of structure, a superintendent's stable tenure, and a proliferation of programs in a small school district size

Estrogen Nanoparticles in Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury affects more than 12,000 individuals in the US annually. Currently, no FDA approved drug treatment is available for the acute care of these individuals. Estrogen (E2), as a naturally occurring steroid hormone, is a potential answer. As a highly pleiotropic agent, E2 is known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, angiogenic, and neurotrophic properties, making it ideal for use in the treatment of a highly complex, multi-faceted condition such as SCI. Safety concerns around the use of high doses of E2 have limited its application clinically. To address these concerns, a nanoparticle delivery approach was used. Low doses of E2 (25 - 2.5 μg) were formulated in nanoparticles and embedded into gel patches that were placed directly on contused spinal cord tissue, allowing for focal delivery. Plasma E2 levels revealed exposure profiles distinct from traditional dose routes, potentially conferring increased efficacy. To further understand novel early, intermediate, and chronic neuroprotective mechanisms that E2 exerts, a 6hr, 48hr, and 28 day rat model of SCI was utilized. In the peracute (6hr) model, cytokine and chemokine profiling was conducted in plasma, tissue, and CSF which allowed for identification of biomarkers as well as novel targets of E2 regulation. Data revealed a panel of factors regulated by E2, including IL-6, MCP-1, and GRO-KC, etc. The intermediate model was used to test the hypothesis that E2 may drive neuroprotection through modulation of glial cell response. Data suggest E2 decreases various markers of glial cell reactivity and inflammation. Finally, a chronic model was used to assess the potential of a single low dose nanoparticle delivered E2 to drive improvements in locomotor function. The lowest single dose at which functional improvements may be seen, was found to be 5.0 μg of E2. These findings illustrate the ability of focally delivered nanoparticle formulated E2 to reduce plasma exposures to physiologically relevant levels while maintaining efficacy in a functional model. Taken together, these findings may help advance E2 into clinical evaluation at safer doses, thus providing a treatment options for SCI individuals

A Comparative Analysis of Existing Management Systems Utilized in Budget Control and Resource Allocation in Higher Education

Due to effects of current inflation, university administrators have been forced to cope with increased costs and decreased earnings. Those responsible for budget control and resource allocation have tried to administer their finances with respect to fiscal dilemmas and yet preserve the quality of higher education . In order to accomplish this objective, various types of management systems adapted to practical financial planning and budgetary techniques have been utilized by universities. This study was conducted to determine the types of management approaches employed by institutions of higher education. Specifically, the purposes of this study were: (1) to identify existing management systems used in budget control and resource allocation; (2) to assess the effectiveness of the management. systems identified by administrators in charge of business and finance within selected public four-year universities in the United States: and (3) to suggest guidelines for establishing qualified resource and budgetary management systems. Questionnaires were mailed to a randomly selected sample of 216 university administrators of business and finance. A 45.8 percent response rate was obtained. The returned instruments were grouped according to administrators who identified use of a financial management system and those who designated none. The former category contained 92.9 percent while only 4 percent maintained that no approach for budget control and resource allocation existed An analysis of the data collected indicated that numerous financial management systems were being employed by universities, The mean effectiveness ratings for each method indicated that financial administrators generally perceived their system to be moderately successful. Performance budgeting was the most successful while formula budgeting was seen as least successful. Incremental budgeting represented the methodology most often practiced. Data were provided which indicated financial administra­tors needed to improve budgetary and resource allocation systems

A qualitative inquiry on the impact of family preservation programs

This project focuses on the impact of family preservation programs on family functioning through a qualitative follow up study of the Child Abuse Prevention Intervention and Treatment (CAPIT) program at Pacific Clinics in Yucca Valley, California. The results found that family functioning (particularly in areas of interpersonal skills and communication) had improved since completion of the program. Improvement was correlated with the service content of the program and with counselor characteristics. Due to limitations, including sample size (n=9), results cannot be generalized