Heterobilharzia americana in Dogs: Characterizing Clinical Infection, Evaluating Diagnostic Test Performance, and Exploring Novel Methods of Diagnosis

Heterobilharzia americana is a waterborne trematode parasite (Family: Schistosomatidae) of dogs. More complete information regarding clinical, geographic, and diagnostic aspects of this parasite is needed to aid in more effective awareness and diagnosis. A total of 238 cases diagnosed through the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Texas A&M Diagnostic Parasitology Service, and Texas A&M Gastrointestinal Laboratory were reviewed. Cases were distributed primarily in the eastern region of Texas. Clinical signs were diarrhea (67%), weight loss (38%), anorexia/hyporexia (27%), vomiting (22%), hematochezia (20%), lethargy (17%), and polyuria/polydipsia (6%). H. americana was attributed to death in 20 of 39 necropsy cases. Trematode eggs were identified histologically in the small intestine (84%), liver (84%), large intestine (39%), pancreas (35%), lung (9%), lymph node (8%), and spleen (4%). A total of 69 dogs were enrolled in a diagnostic methods comparison study. Relative test sensitivities were 50% (29.1-70.9) for fecal saline sedimentation, 58.3% (36.6-77.9) for PCR of fresh feces, and 95.8% (78.9-99.9) for PCR of fecal sediment. PCR of fresh feces was no more sensitive than fecal saline sedimentation. Circulating anodic antigen was detected in the serum of 8 dogs using the Schistosoma mansoni point-of-care assay (POC-CAA). Circulating cathodic antigen was detected in urine of 7 dogs using the POC-CCA test. Next generation sequencing technology and the Galaxy-based RepeatExplorer computation pipeline were used to discover highly repetitive DNA sequences in the H. americana genome. A novel probe-based real-time PCR diagnostic assay targeting these highly repetitive sequences was developed. No DNA amplification was detected when testing DNA of common parasites indicating that the assay is highly specific. The real-time assay detected 9 samples as positive that were negative by conventional PCR targeting a segment of the 18S ribosomal DNA. Increased awareness of H. americana by veterinarians is crucial for a timely diagnosis. Promising methods to increase test sensitivity include sample concentration before DNA extraction, and using highly repetitive DNA targets in a real-time PCR assay. Circulating antigens were detected in some dogs; however, more sensitive test modalities should be developed in order to make circulating antigens accurate diagnostic targets

Heterobilharzia americana in Dogs: Characterizing Clinical Infection, Evaluating Diagnostic Test Performance, and Exploring Novel Methods of Diagnosis

Heterobilharzia americana is a waterborne trematode parasite (Family: Schistosomatidae) of dogs. More complete information regarding clinical, geographic, and diagnostic aspects of this parasite is needed to aid in more effective awareness and diagnosis. A total of 238 cases diagnosed through the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Texas A&M Diagnostic Parasitology Service, and Texas A&M Gastrointestinal Laboratory were reviewed. Cases were distributed primarily in the eastern region of Texas. Clinical signs were diarrhea (67%), weight loss (38%), anorexia/hyporexia (27%), vomiting (22%), hematochezia (20%), lethargy (17%), and polyuria/polydipsia (6%). H. americana was attributed to death in 20 of 39 necropsy cases. Trematode eggs were identified histologically in the small intestine (84%), liver (84%), large intestine (39%), pancreas (35%), lung (9%), lymph node (8%), and spleen (4%). A total of 69 dogs were enrolled in a diagnostic methods comparison study. Relative test sensitivities were 50% (29.1-70.9) for fecal saline sedimentation, 58.3% (36.6-77.9) for PCR of fresh feces, and 95.8% (78.9-99.9) for PCR of fecal sediment. PCR of fresh feces was no more sensitive than fecal saline sedimentation. Circulating anodic antigen was detected in the serum of 8 dogs using the Schistosoma mansoni point-of-care assay (POC-CAA). Circulating cathodic antigen was detected in urine of 7 dogs using the POC-CCA test. Next generation sequencing technology and the Galaxy-based RepeatExplorer computation pipeline were used to discover highly repetitive DNA sequences in the H. americana genome. A novel probe-based real-time PCR diagnostic assay targeting these highly repetitive sequences was developed. No DNA amplification was detected when testing DNA of common parasites indicating that the assay is highly specific. The real-time assay detected 9 samples as positive that were negative by conventional PCR targeting a segment of the 18S ribosomal DNA. Increased awareness of H. americana by veterinarians is crucial for a timely diagnosis. Promising methods to increase test sensitivity include sample concentration before DNA extraction, and using highly repetitive DNA targets in a real-time PCR assay. Circulating antigens were detected in some dogs; however, more sensitive test modalities should be developed in order to make circulating antigens accurate diagnostic targets

The relationship between the CAHSEE and quality of education for Raza students

This thesis addresses the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) and its effects on Raza students. The objective is to understand the relationship between the preparation for the CAHSEE and the preparation of students to become complete learners. This study finds that the emphasis placed on the CAHSEE forced teachers to change their curriculum to focus on the exam, taking away from students\u27 overall quality of education. Intervention courses created to ensure passage of the exam, limit students\u27 exposure to classes as well as on higher order and critical thinking skills. This study also finds that the CAHSEE negatively affects English language learners because they are at a disadvantage due to their lack of mainstream academic language. This study recommends California look into alternate forms of assessment that would ensure that all students have the skills necessary to succeed after high school while narrowing the achievement gap

Effect of labeling bias on ratings of ADHD symptoms

In a study by Fox and Stinnett (1996), labeling bias was defined as the “expectations that others might develop for a person given a particular label.” Research has repeatedly shown that negative characteristics are often attributed to children given a label, even when behavior does not differ from non-labeled peers. This study aimed to add to the understanding of labeling bias, specifically a label of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Teachers were recruited to participate in an online survey in which they were randomly assigned one of three variations of a vignette. The vignettes described two children with either no label, a possible moderate ADHD label, or a possible severe ADHD label. Two videos of scripted, child actors were viewed by each participant. After each video, teachers rated the children’s behavior on the seven item, Hyperactivity/Inattention subscale of the Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS; Gresham & Elliot, 2008) and rated tolerance for the behaviors exhibited. The effect of priming teachers with an ADHD label (or lack thereof) on ratings of behavior was examined. Differences in tolerance ratings for the ADHD scale behaviors were also examined. Lastly, differences in behavior and tolerance ratings among the two videos were analyzed. Results suggest that ADHD label groups had no effect on behavior or tolerance ratings; however, significant effects were found for both behavior and tolerance ratings with regard to videos. The limitations of the current study and implications for future research are discussed

Randomized Comparison of Two Internet-Supported Fertility Awareness Based Methods of Family Planning

Background: The aim was to compare the efficacy and acceptability of two Internet-supported fertility-awareness-based methods of family planning. Study design: Six hundred and sixty-seven women and their male partners were randomized into either an electronic hormonal fertility monitor (EHFM) group or a cervical mucus monitoring (CMM) group. Both groups utilized a Web site with instructions, charts and support. Acceptability was assessed online at 1, 3 and 6 months. Pregnancy rates were determined by survival analysis. Results: The EHFM participants (N=197) had a total pregnancy rate of 7 per 100 users over 12 months of use compared with 18.5 for the CMM group (N=164). The log rank survival test showed a significant difference (pb.01) in survival functions. Mean acceptability for both groups increased significantly over time (pb.0001). Continuation rates at 12 months were 40.6% for the monitor group and 36.6% for the mucus group. Conclusion: In comparison with the CMM, the EHFM method of family planning was more effective. All users had an increase in acceptability over time. Results are tempered by the high dropout rate

THE IMPACT OF THE MEDIEVAL CLIMATIC ANOMALY ON THE ARCHAEOLOGY AT EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE

A series of severe and prolonged droughts occurred throughout the Northern Hemisphere between approximately 1150 BP to 600 BP. This phenomenon is referred to as the Medieval Climatic Anomaly and has been shown to have differentially impacted various regions of the world. Previous studies have suggested causal links between the Medieval Climatic Anomaly and observed culture change. The goal of this study was to examine the Antelope Valley region of the Mojave Desert for evidence of impacts on human populations related to the Medieval Climatic Anomaly. To achieve this goal, a sample selection of archaeological sites was chosen from lands within Edwards Air Force Base. These sites represented occupations which occurred immediately before, during, and after the Medieval Climatic Anomaly. Site assemblages were analyzed and compared by cultural period, with cross-comparisons made of artefactual and ecofactual constituents. Site densities and areal extents were also examined and compared. These analyses showed the emergence of trends concurrent with the introduction of the Medieval Climatic Anomaly. The data supports the hypothesis that humans who populated the Antelope Valley region of the Mojave Desert during this period may have engaged in population aggregation, with a tethered nomadism subsistence strategy. The data also shows evidence that upon the amelioration of the environment after the Medieval Climatic Anomaly, site characteristics within the region saw a significant shift. While the evidence generated by this study does suggest a link between climatic change experienced during the Medieval Climatic Anomaly and change observed within the archaeology of the Antelope Valley, it does not suggest climate as a sole, or even primary, causal factor. Rather, the intent of this study was to identify one possible variable responsible for observed change that occurred in the region. With this in mind, the Medieval Climatic Anomaly was found to have been significant enough to have either directly or indirectly impacted the prehistoric occupants of the study region

Functional Genomics Profiling of Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma MicroRNAome as a Potential Biomarker.

Though bladder urothelial carcinoma is the most common form of bladder cancer, advances in its diagnosis and treatment have been modest in the past few decades. To evaluate miRNAs as putative disease markers for bladder urothelial carcinoma, this study develops a process to identify dysregulated miRNAs in cancer patients and potentially stratify patients based on the association of their microRNAome phenotype to genomic alterations. Using RNA sequencing data for 409 patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas, we examined miRNA differential expression between cancer and normal tissues and associated differentially expressed miRNAs with patient survival and clinical variables. We then correlated miRNA expressions with genomic alterations using the Wilcoxon test and REVEALER. We found a panel of six miRNAs dysregulated in bladder cancer and exhibited correlations to patient survival. We also performed differential expression analysis and clinical variable correlations to identify miRNAs associated with tobacco smoking, the most important risk factor for bladder cancer. Two miRNAs, miR-323a and miR-431, were differentially expressed in smoking patients compared to nonsmoking patients and were associated with primary tumor size. Functional studies of these miRNAs and the genomic features we identified for potential stratification may reveal underlying mechanisms of bladder cancer carcinogenesis and further diagnosis and treatment methods for urothelial bladder carcinoma

Embracing Borderlands Identity: The Significance of Latina Graduate Student Discourse in Academia

Latina students will share personal narratives, academic insights, and research experiences, to dissect how their identities influence their perspectives, research questions, and approaches to scholarship. This dialogue will contribute to deeper understanding of how students can approach the richness of Latinx experiences to challenge and reshape existing academic paradigms

Perceived Psychological Stress and Trait Mindfulness Among First-Year Doctor of Physical Therapy Students

Stress is an increasing problem that can have negative consequences for healthcare students and professionals. The demanding expectations of health professionals begin even before they enter the healthcare workforce. Health professional students are susceptible to stress in their didactic and clinical education due to high academic workloads and performance demands. The research problem addressed in this study is the high stress levels of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. Previous research demonstrates that first-year DPT students experience high stress levels and may be unable to manage them effectively. Prolonged exposure to high stress levels can negatively affect students’ physical and mental health, and academic performance, thereby leading to burnout. Protection against stress can come from trait mindfulness, one’s inherent tendency to be mindful, which has been previously linked to nonreactivity and flexible responses to stimuli. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between five facets of trait mindfulness and perceived psychological stress among first year DPT students. The study adopted a quantitative methodology and a correlational research design to examine these relationships. Data were collected using two validated self-report survey instruments: the Five Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that Nonjudging of Inner Experience (p=.003) facet of trait mindfulness was the strongest predictor of students’ perceived psychological stress. Physical therapy programs should use the findings from this foundational study to introduce tailored mindfulness interventions and practice into the DPT curriculum. Improving students’ coping strategies for managing stress would better prepare them for their future roles as healthcare professionals. Keywords: Trait Mindfulness, DPT programs, perceived psychological stress DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-30-06 Publication date:October 31st 2023