Actions of Trace Amines in the Brain-Gut-Microbiome Axis via Trace Amine-Associated Receptor-1 (TAAR1)

Trace amines and their primary receptor, Trace Amine-Associated Receptor-1 (TAAR1) are widely studied for their involvement in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders despite being found in the gastrointestinal tract at physiological levels. With the emergence of the "brain-gut-microbiome axis," we take the opportunity to review what is known about trace amines in the brain, the defined sources of trace amines in the gut, and emerging understandings on the levels of trace amines in various gastrointestinal disorders. Similarly, we discuss localization of TAAR1 expression in the gut, novel findings that TAAR1 may be implicated in inflammatory bowel diseases, and the reported comorbidities of neuropsychiatric disorders and gastrointestinal disorders. With the emergence of TAAR1 specific compounds as next-generation therapeutics for schizophrenia (Roche) and Parkinson's related psychoses (Sunovion), we hypothesize a therapeutic benefit of these compounds in clinical trials in the brain-gut-microbiome axis, as well as a potential for thoughtful manipulation of the brain-gut-microbiome axis to modulate symptoms of neuropsychiatric disease

Synthesis and Structure of N(Hydroxyethyl)ethylenediammonium Sulfite Monohydrate

A reaction between sulfur(IV) oxide and aqueous N(2hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine yields onium sulfite of composition (HOCH2CH2NH2CH2CH2NH3)SO3 ⋅ H2O, which has been characterized by Xray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The threedimensional structure of the salt is stabilized by numerous hydrogen bonds, such as NH⋅⋅⋅O and OH⋅⋅⋅O

THE IMPACT OF RUSSIA'S INVASION OF UKRAINE ON THE ALIGNMENT OF SMALL STATES

The 2022 Russo–Ukraine War has pushed international politics toward an atmosphere of competition and conflict that is pressuring states to pick a side of one of the emerging great power blocks. However, globalization has altered the global environment, and the logic of international alignments is not as straightforward as it was during the Cold War. This thesis investigates the changes in strategic postures and alignment choices of European small states in response to this increasingly complex international system. It aims to elucidate the rationales of countries that have hedged their alignments with institutions like the European Union and how these behaviors relate to frameworks in international relations theory. Through a paired comparison, this thesis finds that Serbia’s and Hungary’s authoritarian regimes have leveraged their geopolitical positions and relative safety from external threats to adopt a hedging strategy that extracts benefits from association with Western institutions and their adversaries China and Russia. These diversified partnerships appease key domestic constituencies within these states, and gain them political and economic benefits. This practice of “hedging for profit,” as well as its roots and logic, should be considered when analyzing the behaviors of other states that reside along the boundaries of the major poles of great powers.Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.Lieutenant, United States Nav

Rewriting midlife: Stories of women\u27s health

Midlife represents a complex developmental stage with long term implications for health and wellness. It is a time that holds special significance for the current generation of baby boom women who have been socialized by the events and circumstances of a unique historical period that differs substantially from that of previous generations. Despite its significance, a combination of gaps and distortions has made midlife an empty place in the life cycle, subject to myths and stereotypes that marginalize aging women and render them invisible. In large measure, a broad social discourse about midlife has been superseded by a narrow biomedical discourse about menopause. This study utilizes an innovative application of narrative inquiry, based on practical knowledge derived from everyday experience, to elicit a holistic, contemporary model of women\u27s health at midlife. An integration of individual, reflective writing and collective story-telling in small group settings establishes connections and differences that encourage women to find their own voices and become the recognized experts of their own lives. The methodology is consistent with principles of participatory action research that promote individual emancipation and social change. Findings indicate that women seize upon midlife as a point of departure from the past, and attempt to reconstruct traditional beliefs and practices about work, family, and aging as well as their own health in ways that reflect their current reality. The concept of being at risk for certain diseases, as a consequence of possible genetic predisposition, appears as a central concern. Women particularly appreciate the relational aspects of the group process, which offers mutual support, shared knowledge, and validation of experience