Paclitaxel inhibits the activity and membrane localization of PKCα and PKCβI/II to elicit a decrease in stimulated calcitonin gene-related peptide release from cultured sensory neurons

Peripheral neuropathy is a dose-limiting and debilitating side effect of the chemotherapeutic drug, paclitaxel. Consequently, elucidating the mechanisms by which this drug alters sensory neuronal function is essential for the development of successful therapeutics for peripheral neuropathy. We previously demonstrated that chronic treatment with paclitaxel (3–5 days) reduces neuropeptide release stimulated by agonists of TRPV1. Because the activity of TRPV1 channels is modulated by conventional and novel PKC isozymes (c/nPKC), we investigated whether c/nPKC mediate the loss of neuropeptide release following chronic treatment with paclitaxel (300 nM; 3 and 5 days). Release of the neuropeptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), was measured as an index of neuronal sensitivity. Following paclitaxel treatment, cultured dorsal root ganglia sensory neurons were stimulated with a c/nPKC activator, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu), or a TRPV1 agonist, capsaicin, in the absence and presence of selective inhibitors of conventional PKCα and PKCβI/II isozymes (cPKC). Paclitaxel (300 nM; 3 days and 5 days) attenuated both PDBu- and capsaicin-stimulated release in a cPKC-dependent manner. Under basal conditions, there were no changes in the protein expression, phosphorylation or membrane localization of PKC α, βI or βII, however, paclitaxel decreased cPKC activity as indicated by a reduction in the phosphorylation of cPKC substrates. Under stimulatory conditions, paclitaxel attenuated the membrane translocation of phosphorylated PKC α, βI and βII, providing a rationale for the attenuation in PDBu- and capsaicin-stimulated release. Our findings suggest that a decrease in cPKC activity and membrane localization are responsible for the reduction in stimulated peptide release following chronic treatment with paclitaxel in sensory neurons

What causes a low TSH level with a normal free T4 level?

Subclinical hyperthyroidism (SCH) is defined as a low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level with normal free T4 and free T3 levels in patients without specific symptoms of hyperthyroidism. There is no evidence that treating SCH results in improved cardiovascular outcomes and evidence is insufficient that it improves neuropsychiatric outcomes (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C). Bone mineral density may be increased with treatment of SCH (SOR: B, based on one randomized clinical trial)

Strategies to address the complex challenge of improving regional and remote children’s fruit and vegetable consumption

Fruit and vegetables (F&V) are imperative for good health, yet less than one per cent of Australian children consume these food groups in sufficient quantities. As guided by Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), this paper aimed to: (i) understand key informant perspectives of the amount, types and quality of F&V consumed by rural and remote Western Australian (WA) children; and, (ii) determine strategies that could increase F&V consumption among rural and remote WA children. This qualitative study included 20 semi-structured interviews with health, school/youth and food supply workers, focusing on topics including: quantity and type of F&V consumed and strategies to increase children’s consumption. A thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo qualitative data analysis software (Version 10, 2014. QSR International Pty Ltd., Doncaster, Victoria, Australia). Key informants reported children consumed energy-dense nutrient-poor foods in place of F&V. Strategy themes included: using relevant motivators for children to increase their preference for F&V (i.e., gaming approach, SCT construct of ‘expectations’); empowering community-driven initiatives (i.e., kitchen gardens, SCT construct of ‘environment’); increasing food literacy across settings (i.e., food literacy skills, SCT construct of ‘behavioural capacity’); developing salient messages and cooking tips that resonate with parents (i.e., parent newsletters, SCT construct of ‘self-control’); increasing F&V availability, safety, and convenience (i.e., school provision); and, considering the impact of role models that extend beyond the family (i.e., relatable role models, SCT construct of ‘observational learning’). Overall, a comprehensive strategy that incorporates relevant motivators for children and families, supports local initiatives, reinforces the range of role models that are involved with children and creates healthier environments, is required to increase F&V consumption among children

Investigating primary preservice teachers’ ultraviolet radiation awareness and perceived ability to teach sun safety

Issue addressed Sun protection practices in Australian primary schools remain inconsistent. Therefore, this study investigates primary PSTs sun protective sun behaviours, ultraviolet (UV) radiation awareness and perceived ability to teach sun safety. Methods A convenience sample of undergraduate PSTs (N = 275; mean age = 23.13 years) enrolled at one Western Australian university completed an online survey. Descriptive analyses provided features of the data. Factors associated with sun protection behaviours and perceived knowledge and skill to teach sun safety were explored using multivariable logistic regression models. Results Lesser than 10% of participants reported using sun protective measures daily (midday shade use: 6.5%; sunscreen: 7.6%; hat: 4.4%). Only 56.3% reported they understand the UV index, with 68.0% rarely/never using it to aid sun protection. Under half the participants reported they felt they had the knowledge (38.5%) or skills (40%) to effectively teach sun safety in primary schools. Regression analysis revealed gender, undergraduate, year and skin sensitivity were not predictors of UV index use (P \u3e .05) or perceived knowledge of sun safety (P \u3e .05). Skin sensitivity was the strongest predictor for shade usage (P = .02), hat usage (P = .05) and perceived skill to teach sun safety (P = .02). Conclusions Survey data indicate UV radiation is inconsistently understood by PSTs. Many felt that they did not have the required knowledge or skill to teach sun safety effectively. So what? Improving PSTs UV radiation knowledge while at university is a potential opportunity to improve sun safety delivery in primary schools. A targeted intervention for PSTs is warrante

A novel skin cancer prevention strategy: Preservice teachers\u27 perceptions of a sun safety intervention and experiences in schools

Issue addressed: Teachers play a vital role in developing children\u27s sun protection routines however upskilling preservice teachers (PSTs) while at university has not yet been trialled as a targeted skin cancer prevention strategy. Hence, this study investigated PSTs perceptions and experiences of sun safety following a brief pilot intervention and placement in primary schools in Western Australia. Methods: This study used a triangulation mixed methods design. Participants (n = 161) completed a post intervention survey which was analysed quantitatively. A random sub-sample was invited to participate in focus groups (three groups, n = 21) and one-on-one interviews (n = 4). This data was transcribed and uploaded in NVIVO software for thematic analysis. Results: Participants felt the intervention increased their awareness of the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) with many feeling more knowledgeable, skilled and confident to teach sun safety in school settings. Most reported clear sun safety messages in their placement schools. However, only 34.4 % reported they had been briefed on the school\u27s sun safety procedures. There was consensus among PSTs that sun protection in primary schools needs to be improved to maximise the protection of children from harmful UVR overexposure. Participants supported a need for consistent sun protection messaging across primary schools with greater emphasis on education rather than compliance management to sun protection. Conclusion: Enhancing existing teacher education programs to include more rigorous curriculum content and pedagogical approaches to sun protection education is a novel skin cancer prevention strategy and could feasibly support PSTs self-efficacy to effectively deliver sun safety curriculum in Australian schools

Targeted Teacher Education to Improve Primary Preservice Teachers’ Knowledge and Understanding of UV and Effective Sun Protection Measures for Children

Teachers are responsible for children at school during peak ultraviolet (UV) times of the day. It is paramount that teachers have knowledge and understanding of UV to effectively protect themselves and their students. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of a short intervention on preservice teachers’ sun protective behaviours, knowledge and perceived skill to teach sun safety. Participants (n =161; median age=20 years) attended a 45-minute preservice teacher sun safety intervention and completed pre- and post-test surveys. Post-intervention, most participants indicated they felt: i) more informed about the dangers of UV and risks of developing skin cancer (93.3%); ii) more knowledgeable about the importance of sun protection (92%); and iii) more skilled to teach sun safety (87.4%). Our findings indicate that the targeted preservice teacher sun safety education intervention improved understandings of UV, effective sun-protective practices, and their perceived skills to teach sun safety

Mapping Alternative Impact: Alternative approaches to impact from co-produced research

No abstract available

The Grizzly, January 30, 1996

The Ruby is Dead • Research Conference Originates at Ursinus • The Soul of the Matter • Ursinus Recital Featured Two Organists • The Ursinus Blackout • Heefner Organ Recital Series Kicks Off • The Bear Facts About the Ursinus Mascot: Part 1 • Study Abroad: More Than Just an Academic Experience • Women\u27s Hoops Struggling • Bears In Thick of Playoff Race • Anecdotes of a Wagon Lost in Denver • Bears Nationally Ranked • Bears Look Tough to Beat as Centennial Tourney Hostshttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1372/thumbnail.jp

The Grizzly, October 25, 1994

Service: It\u27s Not Greek to Them • Ursinus Cross Country Team Involved in Accident • Five Lives Claimed at Bloomsburg Frat House • Pi Omega Delta Captures Banner for Blood Drive • Democrats in Danger: Election for House and Senate too Close to Call • United States and North Korean Timetable for Nuclear Disarmament • Freshman Class Officers Ready to Make a Difference • Lopate Shares Humor and Insight • Berman Museum Celebrates its Fifth Anniversary • Choir to Sing on Saturday • An Open Letter to All Greeks • Basketball Woes • A Few Inches From Drowning • A Philly Fan • UC Soccer Gets Back on Track • Intramural Updatehttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1344/thumbnail.jp

The Grizzly, September 20, 1994

Sweeping Changes for Pledging • Berry \u27Suspends\u27 Campaign • Selling of a Folk Tradition • Clinton Shows Decisiveness • Plane Crashes Into White House • Campus Organizations Unite • Sororities: Disturbing the Peace or Boosting Self-Esteem? • Attention Seniors! • Ursinus Represented at Miss America Pageant • Apathy • Wismer Observations • A Personal Look at Who\u27s Among Us • New Works at Berman • CAB Update • Jazz Group Bright Moments to Perform Saturday • Voice of Ursinus Reborn • Ellie Keeps Mail Room Running Smoothly • The Lights are on, but Nobody\u27s Home • Program Offers Cultural Exchange • Martial Arts Club Available for Students • Taking Advantage of an Opportunity • UC Field Hockey Blanks Davis and Elkins • UC Football Impressive in Winhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1340/thumbnail.jp