Master of Science

thesisMyasthenia Gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular autoimmune disease primarily associated with the presence of antibodies directed toward receptors embedded in the motor end-plate at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). These antibodies cause blockage, dysfunction, and degradation of acetylcholine receptors (AChR) leading to muscle weakness and fatigability. Three main types of AChR antibodies have been identified and are referred to as binding, modulating, and blocking. Detection of acetylcholine receptor antibodies through the use of a radio-label has become standard procedure in most laboratories. Known drawbacks are associated with radioimmunoassay; cost of radioisotopes, hazards to laboratory professionals, and manufacture and disposal of radioactive materials have prompted investigation into replacement assays. In 2009, scientists described a method of detecting AChR modulating antibodies using flow cytometric techniques. They utilized fluorescently-labeled molecules to aid in the detection of modulated AChR and to confirm the presence of AChR modulating antibodies. We postulate that similar techniques could enable the conversion of the AChR blocking assay to flow cytometry as well. Described here is a high-throughput immunofluorescent flow cytometric assay designed for the detection of AChR blocking antibodies. Three-hundred-twenty-four sera were tested on both the AChR blocking radio-assay and the new immunofluorescent flow cytometric assay. Analysis of the results revealed a 96.9% concordance between the two assay methodologies. Our results indicate that a new immunofluorescent flow cytometric AChR blocking antibody assay is not only feasible, but clinically comparable in both sensitivity (91%) and specificity (99%) when compared to radio-assay

Workshop - Virtual Involvement Plan

This is a Workshop offered during the AIS 2021 National Student Leadership Conference (SCLC)

The zoonotic potential of dogs in Aboriginal communities in Central Australia.

This article reviews the established zoonoses from dogs, and identifies the potential burden of speculative zoonoses of canine origin in Aboriginal communities in Central Australia. A variety of organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites including protozoa, ectoparasites and helminths (worms) have possible zoonotic capability; these organisms are discussed. Observational research was conducted in seven Aboriginal Town Camps of Alice Springs to describe the human and dog interactions and behaviours, and risk factors for transmission. Information was also gathered on the cultural significance of dogs to Aboriginal people in the community under observation. The relationship between Aboriginal people and their dogs appears to be not only one of companionship, but involves other more complex cultural factors. The contribution dogs make to infections and infestations of Aboriginal people in communities throughout Australia remains unclear. Education and dog health programs have an important role in reducing the risk of canine-related human morbidity in Aboriginal communities.Sharyn Gaskin, Richard Bentham, Nancy Cromar and Howard Fallowfiel

Mental health deserves better:resisting the dilution of specialist pre‐registration mental health nurse education in the United Kingdom

This article aims to draw attention to increasing genericism in nurse education in the United Kingdom, which sees less specialist mental health education for mental health nursing students and offers opposition to such direction. In 2018, the Nursing and Midwifery Council produced the ‘Future Nurse’ standards which directed changes to pre‐registration nurse education. This led to dissatisfaction from many mental health nurses, specifically regarding reduced mental health content for students studying mental health nursing. Concerns have been raised through public forum and evolved into a grassroots national movement ‘Mental Health Deserves Better’ (#MHDeservesBetter). This is a position paper which presents the perspective of many mental health nurse academics working at universities within the United Kingdom. Mental health nurse academics collaborated to develop ideas and articulate arguments and perspectives which present a strong position on the requirement for specialist pre‐registration mental health nurse education. The key themes explored are; a conflict of ideologies in nursing, no parity of esteem, physical health care needs to be contextualized, the unique nature of mental health nursing, ethical tensions and values conflict, implications for practice, necessary improvements overlooked and the dangers of honesty and academic ‘freedom’. The paper concludes by asserting a strong position on the need for a change of direction away from genericism and calls on mental health nurses to rise from the ashes to advocate for a quality education necessary to ensure quality care delivery. The quality of mental health care provided by mental health nurses has many influences, yet the foundation offered through pre‐registration education is one of the most valuable. If the education of mental health nurses does not attend to the distinct and unique role of the mental health nurse, standards of mental health care may diminish without assertive action from mental health nurses and allies

Physical Health and Mental Health, Considerations for Paramedics

The physical health needs of people with a diagnosis of mental illness should be a concern for all health professionals, as the life expectancy for people with a mental illness diagnosis is 15-20 years younger than those without, this is predominantly attributed to poor physical health. This paper explores the complexity surrounding this issue and offers insight into ways paramedics can consider these needs, by promoting physical well-being and avoiding diagnostic over shadowing

Linear Thinking

Catalog for the exhibition Linear Thinking held at the Seton Hall University Walsh Gallery, June 4 - July 19, 2012. Curated by Jeanne Brasile. Includes an essay by Jeanne Brasile. Includes color illustrations

Detectability of gravitational wave events by spherical resonant-mass antennas

We have calculated signal-to-noise ratios for eight spherical resonant-mass antennas interacting with gravitational radiation from inspiralling and coalescing binary neutron stars and from the dynamical and secular bar-mode instability of a rapidly rotating star. We find that by using technology that could be available in the next several years, spherical antennas can detect neutron star inspiral and coalescence at a distance of 15 Mpc and the dynamical bar-mode instability at a distance of 2 Mpc.Comment: 39 pages, 4 EPS Figures, some additional SNRs for secular instabilities, some changes to LIGO SNRs, Appendix added on the asymptotic expansion of energy sensitivity, corrected supernova rates. Results available at http://www.physics.umd.edu/rgroups/gen_rel_exp/snr.html Submitted to Phys. Rev.