An Area-Specific, International Community-Led Approach to Understanding and Addressing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Issues within Supramolecular Chemistry

Diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI/EDI) are pressing issues in chemistry and the natural sciences. In this Essay we share how an area-specific approach is “calling in” the community so that it can act to address EDI issues, and support those who are marginalised. Women In Supramolecular Chemistry (WISC) is an international network that aims to support equality, diversity, and inclusion within supramolecular chemistry. WISC has taken a field-specific approach using qualitative research methods with scientists to identify the support that is needed and the problems the supramolecular community needs to address. Herein, we present survey data from the community which highlight the barriers that are faced by those who take career breaks for any reason, a common example is maternity leave, and the importance of mentoring to aid progression post-PhD. In conclusion, we set out an interdisciplinary and creative approach to addressing EDI issues within supramolecular chemistry

Cancer-associated fibroblasts produce matrix-bound vesicles that influence endothelial cell function

Intercellular communication between different cell types in solid tumors contributes to tumor growth and metastatic dissemination. The secretome of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) plays major roles in these processes. Using human mammary CAFs, we showed that CAFs with a myofibroblast phenotype released extracellular vesicles that transferred proteins to endothelial cells (ECs) that affected their interaction with immune cells. Mass spectrometry–based proteomics identified proteins transferred from CAFs to ECs, which included plasma membrane receptors. Using THY1 as an example of a transferred plasma membrane–bound protein, we showed that CAF-derived proteins increased the adhesion of a monocyte cell line to ECs. CAFs produced high amounts of matrix-bound EVs, which were the primary vehicles of protein transfer. Hence, our work paves the way for future studies that investigate how CAF-derived matrix-bound EVs influence tumor pathology by regulating the function of neighboring cancer, stromal, and immune cells

In-season concussion symptom reporting in male and female collegiate rugby athletes

Symptom inventories are generally only collected after a suspected concussion, but regular in-season monitoring may allude to clinical symptoms associated with repetitive subconcussive impacts and potential undiagnosed concussions. Despite sex-specific differences in symptom presentation and outcome of concussion, no return-to-play protocol takes sex into account. The objective of this study was to monitor a cohort of contact-sport athletes and compare the frequency and severity of in-season concussion-like symptom reporting between sexes. Graded symptom checklists from 144 female and 104 male athlete-seasons were administered weekly to quantify the effect of subconcussive impacts on frequency and severity of in-season symptom reporting. In-season, mean symptom severity score (SSS) (p = 0.026, mean difference of 1.8), mean number of symptoms (p = 0.044, mean difference of 0.9), max SSS (p \u3c 0.001, mean difference of 19.2), and max number of symptoms (p \u3c 0.001, mean difference of 6.8) were higher in the females. The females’ survey results showed differences between elevated and concussed SSS (p \u3c 0.005, mean difference of 28.1) and number of symptoms reported (p = 0.001, mean difference of 6.6). The males did not have a difference in SSS (p = 0.97, mean difference of 1.12) nor in number of symptoms (p = 0.35, mean difference of 1.96) from elevated to concussed athletes. Rugby players report concussion-like symptoms in the absence of a diagnosed concussion in-season. Female athletes reported elevated symptom frequencies with greater severities than the males, but both sexes reported considerable levels throughout the season

Wireless Exercise Monitoring Enhances Cancer Rehabilitation Program

Cancer rehabilitation increases functional capacity (FC) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Exercise monitoring enhances program safety and effectiveness. Advanced monitoring technology and devices may further enhance program quality and integrity. PURPOSE: Examine the use of the Zephyr BioHarness in monitoring and analyzing physiological parameters during a 12-week cancer rehabilitation program. METHODS: Oklahoma cancer survivors (CS) and caregivers (CG) are recruited to participate in the OBU CARES Program, an evidence-based cancer rehabilitation program designed to promote healthy lifestyles, increase FC, and enhance HRQOL. Programming includes an orientation session, fitness testing, exercise prescriptions (ExRx), and supervised exercise sessions. ExRx are designed based on participant goals, participant preferences, fitness test results, and progression; involving a combination of aerobic, anaerobic, resistance training, flexibility, and Neuromotor exercises. Exercise sessions (45min–1hr, 1x wk) are led by the program director, assisted by student-research assistants. Participants are wirelessly monitored via the Zephyr BioHarness, monitoring 7 live parameters (HR, %HRmax, HRV, BR, activity level, core body temperature, posture) and 23 additional parameters recorded in the database. FC evaluated via modified Bruce ETT, hand grip test, Timed Up & Go (TUG) Test, and sit-and-reach test. HRQOL evaluated via the FACIT-SP (v4) and a modified cancer symptom severity survey. RESULTS: 8 CS included in the analysis, completing exercise sessions 65 to ³85% HRmax. Zephyr software works best on a Windows-based system. Biosensor conductivity is dependent upon BioHarness fit and position, sensor wetting or use of hydrogels, and participant body composition. Data accuracy is dependent on percent HR confidence (\u3e80%). Computer monitor size and location should be visible within the exercise area. Participants indicated that the BioHarness was comfortable throughout exercise activities. CONCLUSION: The Zephyr BioHarness is a promising system for cancer rehabilitation programs, with advanced monitoring capabilities. Further study is needed to determine application and effectiveness

An Exploratory Study of the Impact of Gender on Health Behavior Among African American and Latino Men With Type 2 Diabetes

This study explores gender values and beliefs among Latino and African American men with diabetes and examines how these values and beliefs may influence their health behaviors. Participants were recruited from individuals who participated in one of three Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health Detroit Partnership diabetes self-management interventions. One focus group was conducted with African American men (n = 10) and two focus groups were conducted with Latino men (n = 12) over a 3-month period. Sessions lasted 90 minutes, were audiotaped, and analyzed using thematic content analysis techniques. Two themes emerged that characterize gender identity and its relationship to health behavior in men: (a) men’s beliefs about being men (i.e., key aspects of being a man including having respect for themselves, authority figures, and peers; fulfilling the role as breadwinner; being responsible for serving as the leader of the family; and maintaining a sense of chivalry) and (b) influence of gender values and beliefs on health behavior (i.e., the need to maintain a strong image to the outside world, and the need to maintain control of themselves served as barriers to seeking out and engaging in diabetes self-management behaviors). Results suggest that gender values and beliefs may have implications for how health behaviors among men with diabetes. Future research should study the direct impact masculine identity has on health behaviors among men with diabetes.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (#R18 DK 078558-02).National Institutes of Health/NIDDK and Diversity Supplement (#R18 DK 078558-02).Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/153294/1/Hawkins Watkins Kieffer Spencer Piatt Nicklett et al 2017 An Exploratory Study of the Impact.pdfDescription of Hawkins Watkins Kieffer Spencer Piatt Nicklett et al 2017 An Exploratory Study of the Impact.pdf : Main articl

Neuropsychological Change After a Single Season of Head Impact Exposure in Youth Football

Objectives: Head impact exposure (HIE) in youth football is a public health concern. The objective of this study was to determine if one season of HIE in youth football was related to cognitive changes. Method: Over 200 participants (ages 9–13) wore instrumented helmets for practices and games to measure the amount of HIE sustained over one season. Pre- and post-season neuropsychological tests were completed. Test score changes were calculated adjusting for practice effects and regression to the mean and used as the dependent variables. Regression models were calculated with HIE variables predicting neuropsychological test score changes. Results: For the full sample, a small effect was found with season average rotational values predicting changes in list-learning such that HIE was related to negative score change: standardized beta ( β) = -.147, t(205) = -2.12, and p = .035. When analyzed by age clusters (9–10, 11–13) and adding participant weight to models, the R2 values increased. Splitting groups by weight (median split), found heavier members of the 9–10 cohort with significantly greater change than lighter members. Additionaly, significantly more participants had clinically meaningful negative changes: X2 = 10.343, p = .001. Conclusion: These findings suggest that in the 9–10 age cluster, the average seasonal level of HIE had inverse, negative relationships with cognitive change over one season that was not found in the older group. The mediation effects of age and weight have not been explored previously and appear to contribute to the effects of HIE on cognition in youth football players

Using path analysis to model the process of change in HbA1c among African Americans and Latinos in a community health worker diabetes intervention

ObjectiveTo examine which components of a culturally tailored community health worker (CHW) intervention improved glycemic control and intermediate outcomes among Latina/o and African American participants with diabetes.MethodsThe sample included 326 African American and Latina/o adults with type 2 diabetes in Detroit, MI. CHWs provided interactive group diabetes self-management classes and home visits, and accompanied clients to a clinic visit during the 6-month intervention period. We used path analysis to model the processes by which each intervention component affected change in diabetes self-efficacy, diabetes-related distress, knowledge of diabetes management, and HbA1c.ResultsThe group-based healthy lifestyle component was significantly associated with improved knowledge. The group-based self-management section was significantly associated with reduced diabetes-related distress. Intervention class attendance was positively associated with self-efficacy. Diabetes self-management mediated the reductions in HbA1c associated with reductions in diabetes distress.ConclusionsPath analysis allowed each potential pathway of change in the intervention to be simultaneously analyzed to identify which aspects of the CHW intervention contributed to changes in diabetes-related behaviors and outcomes among African Americans and Latinas/os.Practice implicationsFindings reinforce the importance of interactive group sessions in efforts to improve diabetes management and outcomes among Latina/o and African American adults with diabetes