The Induction of EMT and Activation of Adipose Stem Cells in Correlation with the Secretion of LTBP-1 in Mammary Cells

This work is part of an ongoing study that investigates the upregulation of LTBP-1 in mammary epithelial cells as well as the differentiation of breast adipose stem cells (BASCs) in the presence of TGF-β1. Through immunofluorescence imaging, LTBP-1 is shown to co-localize with fibronectin fibrils in adipose stem cells. Previous work from our lab has shown that blocking fibronectin fibril formation can inhibit Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Thus, targeting of fibronectin assembly could be a potent new therapeutic in cancer treatment. In the current work, we focus on the pharmacodynamics of a FN assembly inhibitor derived from the protein Adhesin F1 (refered to as FUD). FN Fibril area was quantified in samples with different FUD dosages to determine the optimal concentration. The optimal dosage for this inhibitor was obtained for both mammary epithelial cells and breast adipose stem cells through image processing. Additionally, toxicity studies were performed using MTT assays. Results suggest that in both the mammary epithelial cells and the breast adipose stem cells, there is a range of dosing for which FN fibril formation is blocked but toxicity is low

WPS Efforts Underway at the Marine Corps University

This panel presentation will review the WPS efforts underway by Marine Corps University faculty. Moving from macro to micro-level examples, the first presenter will discuss university-wide programs and the second presenter will emphasize the various ways in which WPS has been integrated into the curriculum at the Command & Staff College. The session will begin by tracing the development of a WPS writing award as well as the execution of a WPS Scholars Program – both of which are open to all MCU students and bring together faculty/staff from across the university. The presentation will continue by reviewing specific WPS curriculum efforts at the Command & Staff College– ranging from the delivery of a “Gender, War and Security” elective to the process of integrating WPS considerations into the core curriculum. The speakers’ overarching objective is to share a set of effective WPS interventions in Professional Military Education that could be replicated and built upon by other military education institutions.https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/wps/1013/thumbnail.jp

From the Democratic Republic of the Congo to North Carolina: An Examination of Chronic Disease Risk

Refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo are one of the largest refugee groups globally and in the US, however, there is limited research with this group. Therefore, objectives of this study were to examine: 1) obesity and hypertension rates, 2) diet and lifestyle behavior changes, and 3) diet, lifestyle and social factors of obesity and hypertension risk of Congolese refugees in the US. This cross-sectional data collection utilized a survey developed specifically for this project. Clinical and anthropometric measures including height, weight and blood pressure were also obtained. Data analysis included descriptive and regression analysis. Participants (n=48, \u3e18 years, 55% female) reported consumption of a traditional diet with an emphasis on starchy foods, dark leafy greens, legumes, fish and fruit. Adverse dietary changes and reductions in physical activity were reported. Of the sample 63% were overweight or obese and 91% exhibited elevated blood pressure. Sociodemographic factors including age, sex, and changes to lifestyle (diet, physical activity) were not significantly associated with BMI or diastolic or systolic blood pressure. Findings in this study reveal both lifestyle and clinical risk factors associated with chronic disease as well as potential health care and health literacy barriers. Results from this study may be utilized by practitioners and/or researchers to tailor culturally appropriate future health promotion and/or care to address and reduce health disparities commonly experienced by African refugees

Student Involvement In IEPs

There has been a recent initiative for students to be involved in their Individualized Education Plan. The goal is for students to become self-advocates and learn to develop goals that pertain to their interests. The study examined this process of including students by addressing three questions. First, does student involvement in their IEP lead to greater mastery of IEP goals? Second, does student involvement in their IEP impact academic achievement? Third, in what ways does the Self-Advocacy Strategy, IPLAN, increase student participation in IEP meetings? Three students participated in the study by providing inventory on their strengths, weaknesses, and what helps them learn. They then turned that information into a presentation of their choice to present at their IEP meeting. Each student differed in the amount of inventory they provided, support that was required to complete the presentation, and understanding and application of the inventory in the classroom

Portrait of a Paddler: Profiling Michigan\u27s Water Trail Users

Abstract Over the years, there has been an environmental movement nationwide, particularly in urban areas, with an increased attention on water health and greening cities with trees and open spaces. Public programs such as parks and recreation have long histories in making a conscious effort to better protect and improve environment quality and access. Water in urban areas is gaining attention particularly by non-motorized recreationists and public recreation providers by forming water or blue trails. Increased participation in water sports, such as canoeing and kayaking, has created a greater demand for recreation opportunities (Uunila & Currie, 1999). This research study profiles paddle participants who utilized urban water trails in the Detroit metropolitan area. The study was based on paddlers who use electronic or web-based information to stay connected to the paddling community and recreation opportunities. Listserv registrants were studied as a form of viral marketing. Facebook members were studied to understand the influence of social media on paddling activities and social connectivity. Paddlers who were on a Listserv were more likely to respond to the survey, on average to be over 50 years old, were more familiar with paddling programs sponsored by a local retail store, and were more likely to plan future day paddling trips by researching online, compared to Facebook members. This research showed electronic access to interested recreationists and Facebook members affords valuable communication and research opportunities

Understanding Contributing Factors to Child Drownings in Public Pools in Australia: a Review of National Coronial Records

This study examined the incidence and circumstances associated with child drowning in public pools in Australia; and identified the frequency and nature of coroners’ recommendations. Retrospective case-series analysis of child (aged 0-10 years) unintentional drowning deaths in public pools were conducted based on Coronial data. A total of 12 child drownings were identified. A lack of supervision was recognized as the key contributing factor in 92% of cases, with the caregiver responsible for multiple children (83%); older children supervising younger children (17%); and a busy pool environment (25%) consistently linked with in-adequate supervision. To address drownings in public pools it is essential that coroner recommendations reach 1) aquatic centres so they can improve their practices; and 2) aquatic stakeholders so that strategies can be developed. Strategies that highlight techniques to assist caregivers responsible for multiple children and how best to provide supervision in a busy pool environment should be a focus

“Feedback is indeed a dainty dish to set before the Trust”: Comparing how online patient feedback is responded to and used across three hospital Trusts in England

Patients are increasingly reporting about their healthcare experiences in an unsolicited manner online. This emerging resource may offer valuable opportunities for organisational learning. Our study aimed to compare how online patient feedback was responded to and used for improvement in three hospital Trusts. Ethnographic data were collected across three hospital Trusts in England, recruited according to the way they responded to online patient feedback. Findings from three case studies were brought together using a reflexive thematic analysis approach, via a multi-case analysis. Three key themes were highlighted. Firstly, the organisational rationale for engaging with patient feedback influenced levels of compassion felt for feedback providers, and in turn, the extent feedback was valued and learned from. Secondly, multidisciplinary collaboration between patient experience teams and the wider organisation helped to disseminate ownership felt for feedback and overcome ‘contextual blindness’. Thirdly, the risk of patient feedback falling into an ‘abyss’ was reduced when staff prioritised learning over and above collecting and reporting data, and when managers disseminated a passion for improvement. Overall, online feedback was considered a courageous step into the unknown. However, these barriers could be culturally overcome. Our multi-case analysis demonstrates that there is still a way to go for some organisations to culturally embrace online patient feedback as a valued means to improve. However, we present five key suggestions to inform policy and practice and support the use and usefulness of online patient feedback for organisational learning. Experience Framework This article is associated with the Policy & Measurement lens of The Beryl Institute Experience Framework (https://theberylinstitute.org/experience-framework/). Access other PXJ articles related to this lens. Access other resources related to this lens

Who are the Older Adults Who Drown in Western Australia? A Cluster Analysis Using Coronial Drowning Data.

Drowning amongst older people is a growing concern. Exploring demographic and other factors associated with unintentional drowning incidents amongst older adults may assist to identify key target groups and refine prevention strategies. This study sought to examine the heterogeneity of older individuals who have drowned and identify population subgroups in Western Australia (WA). A cluster analysis was used to segment the population by examining coronial data 2001-2018 (n = 93). Analysis identified four groups; 1) ‘men who boat & fish in company’ 2) ‘affluent men with poor health’ 3) ‘non-drinkers who boat and fish’, and 4) ‘older men, who slipped or fell’. Males aged 65-74 years were particularly at-risk while participating in various aquatic activities such as boating, fishing (incl. rock-fishing) and swimming/recreating. This study provided insights into an underserved area and will directly inform the development of new strategies for this target group in WA

From the Farm to the Clinic

Oral presentation describing the need and development of a farm to clinic program to address chronic disease and food insecurity in Eastern North Carolina by connecting local NC agriculture to community-based health clinics

Retrospective stable isotope analysis reveals ontogenetic population subdivision among white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) from Australia.

For marine top predators which are undergoing systematic population declines, identifying intraspecific population variation in diet and movement of a species has important implications for understanding their ecological effects on community structure. White sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) are an apex predator found throughout temperate to tropical ocean regions. At the global scale, geographically isolated white shark populations have been shown to demonstrate unique behaviours from intra individual variation to distinct subpopulation movements whereby two groups of individuals reside in separate coastal regions. In Australia two discrete subpopulations of white sharks have been proposed based on satellite/acoustic tagging and population genetics, but given tagging studies are generally short term, data are limited to characterize the extent of ontogenetic divergence. To quantify subpopulation diet-habitat behaviour of white sharks, stable isotope profiles (δ15N and δ13C) conserved in vertebrae (n=82) were used to create retrospective ontogenetic trophic-habitat fingerprints for individuals sampled east and west of the Bass Strait. Preliminary results demonstrate distinct isotopic separation between sharks sampled in eastern (13.99+/- 0.78 δ15N, n=42) and western (12.47 +/- 1.17 δ15N, n=27) regions, but both populations showed strong oscillatory trends equating to similar niche variation. Data further indicate mature females could be occupying the same habitat during gestation, juvenile phases occupy distinct coastal regions and as animals mature, habitat occupied by the two sub populations converges. Elucidating lifelong feeding and movement patterns will allow informed decisions for regional management plans