Student Wellness Center & SMART Lab: A Student Life & Educational Studies Partnership

The Office of Student Life Student Wellness Center at The Ohio State University defines wellness as an active, ongoing process which involves becoming aware of and taking steps toward a healthier, happier, successful life. To that end, we have partnered with the Department of Educational Studies in the College of Education and Human Ecology to implement wellness programs and engage in wellness-related research for the benefit of Ohio State students. The Wellness Coaching program proposes a new approach to health promotion by orienting programs and services toward a holistic model of wellness that aspires to help students maximize their potential across nine dimensions (career, creative, emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual). The mission of the Stress Management and Resiliency Training lab is to teach and research the efficacy of stress management and resiliency skills to our clients. We provide a number of coaching, computer mediated learning, and group activity services for this purpose. These two services share a space on the fourth floor of the Physical Activities and Educational Services building, located at 305 Annie and John Glenn Ave., providing opportunities for collaboration and partnership. In the spirit of community engagement, we plan to present a poster to show the variety of ways the rare partnership between an academic department and student life office can benefit students through increased services and engaged research. Our staff is comprised of graduate students from different disciplines bringing unique skills and expertise to accomplish our goals: Mackenzie Hogan serves as the graduate administrative associate for the wellness coaching program at Ohio State. She earned her B.A. in community leadership with a minor in education from Ohio State and is currently working on completing her master's in higher education and student affairs. Mackenzie previously worked full-time for the university in the Office of the President. Damon Drew serves as the graduate teaching associate for the Stress Management and Resiliency Training laboratory. He earned his master's of education in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Louisville. He has worked as a clinical counselor in community, school, university, and hospital settings. Blake Marble serves as the associate director of the Student Life Student Wellness Center. In this role, he provides leadership by working with staff and students to create a campus environment that promotes and supports student success and well-being. Blake has served in a variety of roles since joining the Student Life Student Wellness Center team in July 2013, most recently in a leadership capacity addressing high-risk behaviors and enhancing peer education efforts at Ohio State. Blake received his B.S. in exercise science and M.Ed. in administration of higher education from Auburn University.AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Damon Drew, Graduate Teaching Associate, Department of Educational Studies, [email protected] (Corresponding Author); Blake Marble, Associate Director, Student Life Wellness Center; Mackenzie Hogan, Graduate Administrative Associate, Student Life Student Wellness Center.The Office of Student Life Student Wellness Center and Department of Educational Studies have partnered to provide wellness services to Ohio State students. The Wellness Coaching program at Ohio State proposes a new approach to health promotion by orienting programs and services toward a holistic model of wellness that aspires to help students maximize their potential across nine dimensions (career, creative, emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual). The Stress Management and Resiliency Training Lab provides a number of coaching, computer-mediated learning and group-activity services for this purpose. These two services share a space on the fourth floor of the Physical Activities and Educational Services building, which provides opportunities for collaboration and partnership. It is our hope that academic departments and student life offices can use this information to partner and provide more services to students

Navigating Occupational Challenges: First Responders’ Perspectives on Dietary Intake and Behavior

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate first responders' dietary beliefs, habits, and food choices. Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 21 first responders via validated questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29 software.Results: 21 first responders, including 13 law enforcement officers and eight firefighters, participated (age=37.8±10.0 years, height=180.8±6.5 cm, body mass=94.3±13.1 kg, and body mass index=28.9±4.5 kg/m2). Most participants reported being very willing (n=8, 39.1%) or willing (n=7, 33.3%) to change their eating habits. Barriers to healthy eating included busy lifestyles (n=19, 95%), irregular working hours (n=13, 65%), and willpower (n=10, 50%). Participants also placed importance on several food choice factors. Conclusions: First responders reported valuing healthy eating. However, unique barriers challenge them despite their willingness to improve their habits. These data may aid further investigation of healthy eating strategies in these populations

Self-Reported Dietary Habits and Barriers Among First Responders

Firefighters (FFs) and law enforcement officers (LEOs) have a high, lifestyle-related, risk for health conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Nutritional intervention has been identified as a critical area to improve these risk factors. However, there are limited data regarding the dietary habits and barriers of FFs and LEOs. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the dietary habits of first responders and the factors or barriers influencing them. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 21 first responders regarding nutritional habits, factors, and barriers via validated paper-based questionnaires which include; the Perceived Barriers to Healthy Eating, Food Choice Questionnaire, and Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants - Short Version. The questionnaire data were analyzed using SPSS version 29 software. Shapiro-Wilk Test was used to assess normality for all continuous variables. Categorical data are reported as frequencies (n) and total percentages. A chi-square analysis was also used to determine independence (p\u3c0.05) between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 21 FFs (n=7) and LEOs (n=13) (age = 37.7±2.1; height = 180.8±1.4 cm; weight = 94.3±2.1 kg) completed the questionnaires. Commonly reported barriers to healthy eating included busy lifestyles (n=18, 85.7%), irregular working hours (n=12, 61.9%), cost (n=8, 38.09%), and willpower (n=10, 47.6%). Overall, 17 (80.9%) of the respondents placed importance on consuming nutritious food, and 9 (42.8%) placed high importance on having easily accessible food options; 18 (85.7%) emphasized the importance of high protein content, yet 9 (42.8%) followed a high protein diet, while 11 (52.3%) did not follow any particular diet, and 15 (71.4%) reported a willingness to change their eating habits to be healthier. The chi-square analysis revealed no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION: The cohort of FFs and LEOs appear to be knowledgeable regarding what food to consume and value healthy eating. However, busy lifestyles, irregular shift work, cost of food, and willpower are perceived barriers that may challenge first responders when practicing good dietary behaviors, despite the majority expressing the willingness to change their current dietary habits to healthier ones. On the whole, these data provide insight into the barriers experienced by first responders and may aid in further investigation of the implementation of healthy eating strategies in these populations

The Raphe Pallidus and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis Gate Seasonal Changes in Thermoregulation in the Hibernating Arctic Ground Squirrel (Urocitellus parryii)

Thermoregulation is necessary to maintain energy homeostasis. The novel discovery of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in humans has increased research interests in better understanding BAT thermogenesis to restore energy balance in metabolic disorders. The hibernating Arctic ground squirrel (AGS) offers a novel approach to investigate BAT thermogenesis. AGS seasonally increase their BAT mass to increase the ability to generate heat during interbout arousals. The mechanisms promoting the seasonal changes in BAT thermogenesis are not well understood. BAT thermogenesis is regulated by the raphe pallidus (rPA) and by thyroid hormones produced by the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis. Here, we investigate if the HPT axis and the rPA undergo seasonal changes to modulate BAT thermogenesis in hibernation. We used histological analysis and tandem mass spectrometry to assess activation of the HPT axis and immunohistochemistry to measure neuronal activation. We found an increase in HPT axis activation in fall and in response to pharmacologically induced torpor when adenosine A1 receptor agonist was administered in winter. By contrast, the rPA neuronal activation was lower in winter in response to pharmacologically induced torpor. Activation of the rPA was also lower in winter compared to the other seasons. Our results suggest that thermogenic capacity develops during fall as the HPT axis is activated to reach maximum capacity in winter seen by increased free thyroid hormones in response to cooling. However, thermogenesis is inhibited during torpor as sympathetic premotor neuronal activation is lower in winter, until arousal when inhibition of thermogenesis is relieved. These findings describe seasonal modulation of thermoregulation that conserves energy through attenuated sympathetic drive, but retains heat generating capacity through activation of the HPT axis

Consultation and illness behaviour in response to symptoms: a comparison of models from different disciplinary frameworks and suggestions for future research directions

We all get ill and social scientific interest in how we respond – the study of illness behaviour – continues unabated. Existing models are useful, but have been developed and applied within disciplinary silos, resulting in wasted intellectual and empirical effort and an absence of accumulation of knowledge across disciplines. We present a critical review and detailed comparison of three process models of response to symptoms: the Illness Action Model, the Common Sense Model of the Self-Regulation of Health and Illness and the Network Episode Model. We suggest an integrated framework in which symptoms, responses and actions are simultaneously interpreted and evaluated in the light of accumulated knowledge and through interactions. Evaluation may be subconscious and is influenced by the extent to which the symptoms impose themselves, expectations of outcomes, the resources available and understanding of symptoms' salience and possible outcomes. Actions taken are part of a process of problem solving through which both individuals and their immediate social network seek to (re)achieve ‘normality’. Response is also influenced by social structure (directly and indirectly), cultural expectations of health, the meaning of symptoms, and access to and understandings of the legitimate use of services. Changes in knowledge, in embodied state and in emotions can all be directly influential at any point. We do not underestimate the difficulty of operationalising an integrated framework at different levels of analysis. Attempts to do so will require us to move easily between disciplinary understandings to conduct prospective, longitudinal, research that uses novel methodologies to investigate response to symptoms in the context of affective as well as cognitive responses and interactions within social networks. While challenging such an approach would facilitate accumulation of knowledge across disciplines and enable movement beyond description to change in individual and organisational responses

Future global mortality from changes in air pollution attributable to climate change

Ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are associated with premature human mortality1-4; their future concentrations depend on changes in emissions, which dominate the near-term5, and on climate change6,7. Previous global studies of the air quality-related health effects of future climate change8,9 used single atmospheric models. However, in related studies, mortality results differ among models10-12. Here we use an ensemble of global chemistry-climate models13 to show that premature mortality from changes in air pollution attributable to climate change, under the high greenhouse gas scenario RCP8.514, is likely positive. We estimate 3,340 (-30,300 to 47,100) ozone-related deaths in 2030, relative to 2000 climate, and 43,600 (-195,000 to 237,000) in 2100 (14% of the increase in global ozone-related mortality). For PM2.5, we estimate 55,600 (-34,300 to 164,000) deaths in 2030 and 215,000 (-76,100 to 595,000) in 2100 (countering by 16% the global decrease in PM2.5-related mortality). Premature mortality attributable to climate change is estimated to be positive in all regions except Africa, and is greatest in India and East Asia. Most individual models yield increased mortality from climate change, but some yield decreases, suggesting caution in interpreting results from a single model. Climate change mitigation will likely reduce air pollution-related mortality

Acceptability and design of video-based research on healthcare communication: evidence and recommendations

Objectives: To contribute to understandings about acceptability and risks entailed in video-based research on healthcare communication. To generate recommendations for non-covert video-based research on healthcare communication − with a focus on maximising its acceptability to participants, and managing and reducing its risks. Methods: A literature review and synthesis of (a) empirical research on participant acceptability and risks of video recording; (b) regulations of professional and governmental bodies; (c) reviews and commentaries; (d) guidance and recommendations. These were gathered across several academic and professional fields (including medical, educational, and social scientific). Results: 36 publications were included in the review and synthesis (7 regulatory documents, 7 empirical, 4 reviews/commentaries, 18 guidance/recommendations). In the context of research aiming in some way to improve healthcare communication: •Most people regard video-based research as acceptable and worthwhile, whilst also carrying risks. •Concerns that recording could be detrimental to healthcare delivery are not confirmed by existing evidence. •Numerous procedures to enhance acceptability and feasibility have been documented, and our recommendations collate these. Conclusion and practice implications: The recommendations are designed to support deliberations and decisions about individual studies and to support ethical scrutiny of proposed research studies. Whilst preliminary, it is nevertheless the most comprehensive and detailed currently available

Instructions to BBF RFC Authors

This BioBricks Foundation Request for Comments (BBF RFC) provides in- formation about the preparation and submission of BBF RFCs to The Bio- Bricks Foundation (BBF)

Evaluation of ACCMIP Outgoing Longwave Radiation from Tropospheric Ozone Using TES Satellite Observations.

We use simultaneous observations of tropospheric ozone and outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) sensitivity to tropospheric ozone from the Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) to evaluate model tropospheric ozone and its effect on OLR simulated by a suite of chemistry-climate models that participated in the Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate Model Intercomparison Project (ACCMIP). The ensemble mean of ACCMIP models show a persistent but modest tropospheric ozone low bias (5-20 ppb) in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) and modest high bias (5-10 ppb) in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) relative to TES ozone for 2005-2010. These ozone biases have a significant impact on the OLR. Using TES instantaneous radiative kernels (IRK), we show that the ACCMIP ensemble mean tropospheric ozone low bias leads up to 120mW/ sq. m OLR high bias locally but zonally compensating errors reduce the global OLR high bias to 39+/- 41mW/ sq. m relative to TES data. We show that there is a correlation (Sq. R = 0.59) between the magnitude of the ACCMIP OLR bias and the deviation of the ACCMIP preindustrial to present day (1750-2010) ozone radiative forcing (RF) from the ensemble ozone RF mean. However, this correlation is driven primarily by models whose absolute OLR bias from tropospheric ozone exceeds 100mW/ sq. m. Removing these models leads to a mean ozone radiative forcing of 394+/- 42mW/ sq. m. The mean is about the same and the standard deviation is about 30% lower than an ensemble ozone RF of 384 +/- 60mW/ sq. m derived from 14 of the 16 ACCMIP models reported in a companion ACCMIP study. These results point towards a profitable direction of combining satellite observations and chemistry-climate model simulations to reduce uncertainty in ozone radiative forcing

NMR Investigation of Structures of G-Protein Coupled Receptor Folding Intermediates

Folding of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) according to the two-stage model (Popot et al., Biochemistry 29(1990), 4031) is postulated to proceed in 2 steps: Partitioning of the polypeptide into the membrane followed by diffusion until native contacts are formed. Herein we investigate conformational preferences of fragments of the yeast Ste2p receptor using NMR. Constructs comprising the first, the first two and the first three transmembrane (TM) segments, as well as a construct comprising TM1-TM2 covalently linked to TM7 were examined. We observed that the isolated TM1 does not form a stable helix nor does it integrate well into the micelle. TM1 is significantly stabilized upon interaction with TM2, forming a helical hairpin reported previously (Neumoin et al., Biophys. J. 96(2009), 3187), and in this case the protein integrates into the hydrophobic interior of the micelle. TM123 displays a strong tendency to oligomerize, but hydrogen exchange data reveal that the center of TM3 is solvent exposed. In all GPCRs so-far structurally characterized TM7 forms many contacts with TM1 and TM2. In our study TM127 integrates well into the hydrophobic environment, but TM7 does not stably pack against the remaining helices. Topology mapping in microsomal membranes also indicates that TM1 does not integrate in a membrane-spanning fashion, but that TM12, TM123 and TM127 adopt predominantly native-like topologies. The data from our study would be consistent with the retention of individual helices of incompletely synthesized GPCRs in the vicinity of the translocon until the complete receptor is released into the membrane interior