Effects on Retention of Students with Learning Disabilities Utilizing Services at Community Colleges

Retention of students with learning disabilities in community college has become a concern to college officials. In this study retention rates and grade point averages of students with learning disabilities at community college were observed. This is a quantitative study and there was no interaction with participants. Data was collected through databases utilized by the urban, northeastern community college. Correlations between utilizing services and counseling and retention rate and GPA were calculated utilizing SPSS. It was discovered that there were weak correlations between retention status and accommodation and services use as well as GPA and accommodation and services use. There were moderately strong correlations between GPA between semesters, cumulatively and retention status

A Study of the Curriculum Content for the Clothing Occupations Program at Northampton High School

The data obtained from this study provided answers to the following questions: 1. Does the clothing occupation curriculum at Northampton High School provide knowledge and skills for entry level jobs? 2. Is the availability of jobs in the clothing occupation field abundant on the Eastern Shore? 3. Does the clothing occupation curriculum at Northampton High School provide the necessary training in proper attitudes and work habits for successful employment

Growing the pipeline of Men of Color in medicine

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare professions suffer from an imbalance in the number of culturally and ethnically diverse providers and the populations they serve. This poster presentation will illustrate our commitment to mitigating the dearth of underrepresented men in medicine. Currently, African Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population, but only 4% of U.S. doctors and less than 7% of U.S. medical students. (Of active U.S. doctors in 2013, 48.9% were white, 11.7% were Asian, 4.4% were Hispanic or Latinx, and 0.4% were American Indian or Alaska Native.) (HBR, August 10, 2018). In 1986, 57% of black medical school graduates were men — but by 2015 that number had declined to just 35%, even as the total number of black graduates in all fields had increased. Although Latinos are the fastest growing ethnic group in the nation, the rate of Latino doctors as compared to the population has steadily declined in recent years. In 1980, there were 135 Latino physicians for every 100,000 Latinos, but by 2010 the number had dropped to 105 for every 100,000, a 22% decline. (nbcnews, February 11, 2015). Since minority health professionals are more likely than Whites to practice in minority and medically underserved areas, a more diverse health workforce could help to improve access to healthcare. (KFF, October 2008). Objective: Our program aims to offer opportunities for African American and Hispanic male undergraduate science majors at Cabrini University to engage in research at PCOM and to expose them to the intricacies of working in a professional laboratory. Method: In the summer 2019, the Office of Diversity and Community Relations and Division of Research and Science at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) partnered with Cabrini University, an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution, to pilot the inaugural African American and Hispanic Male Undergraduate Research initiative. Studies show that African American and Hispanic males are under-represented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) educational programs and careers. Existing research has suggested that a lack of access to advanced science courses and professional environments could be one reason for the disparity. Addressing these crises and challenges require intentionality, innovation, resources, and partnerships. Since launching this initiative, we have paired six Cabrini interns with PCOM faculty mentors. Results: One of our graduates is currently employed as a Lab Assistant at PCOM and another is pursuing a graduate degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Another has enrolled in one of the top nursing programs in the country. The other interns are still students at Cabrini University and plan to pursue careers in medicine and biotechnology. We will share lessons learned about the power of partnerships in leading this social change work

Lucky Girls: Unintentional Avoidance of Adolescent Pregnancy Among Low-Income African-American Females

To describe lucky adolescents who unintentionally avoid pregnancy. DESIGN AND METHODS . The second phase of a descriptive qualitative study in which 17 low-income African-American females ages 19 to 26 participated in open-ended interviews on how they avoided pregnancy as adolescents. RESULTS . Constant comparative analysis revealed that five of the girls avoided pregnancy because they were “lucky“ that others insisted they use contraceptives. These lucky girls were unaware of sexual risks, but used contraceptives because they complied with decisions made by their parents, grandparents, and partners. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS . Lucky girls are at risk for adolescent pregnancy because they abdicate decision making to others and are likely to be overlooked in practice because they are using contraceptives. Promoting self-protection includes assessment, knowledge, skills-building strategies, and health-promoting contracts between the nurse and adolescent.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/73296/1/j.1744-6155.2002.tb00171.x.pd

Managing the Curb: Understanding the Impacts of On-Demand Mobility on Public Transit, Micromobility, and Pedestrians

In recent years, innovative mobility and shifts in travel and consumption behavior are changing how people access and use the curb. Shared mobility—the shared use of a vehicle, bicycle, scooter, or other mode—coupled with outdoor dining, curbside pick-up, and robotic delivery are creating new needs related to the planning, management, and enforcement of curb access. This study examines curb planning and management from several angles, such as safety, social equity, and multimodal connections. This research employs a multi-method approach to identify the changing needs for curb space management and how to meet these needs through new planning and implementation policies and strategies. As part of this study, the authors conducted 23 interviews. Respondents were chosen to represent public, private, and non-profit sector perspectives. Additionally, the authors employed a survey of 1,033 curb users and 241 taxi, transportation network company (TNC), and public transportation drivers. The study finds that changes in mode choice and curbside use can result in a variety of impacts on access, social equity, congestion, device management, pick-up and drop-off, and goods delivery, to name a few. The curb also has the potential to be disrupted by emerging modes, such as robotic delivery vehicles (also known as personal delivery devices) and automated vehicles. As these emerging developments continue to impact the curb, it is becoming increasingly important for policymakers to have an appropriate framework for planning and managing curb space in urban areas

Predictors of Cardiometabolic Disease Risk Factors in Professional Firefighters

The leading cause of mortality (~50% of deaths) among on-duty firefighters is sudden cardiac death. Firefighters with adequate cardiorespiratory fitness levels (among other muscular fitness metrics) and lower body fat percentage (BF%) are likely to better combat on-duty cardiac events and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Individuals with higher VO2max values may be at lower risk noted by lower oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers, which may be more ideal predictors of CVD risk compared to traditional biomarkers (i.e., blood glucose and lipids) among the fire community; however, more research is needed to elucidate. PURPOSE: This study examined the relationship between fitness metrics, body fat percentage, and traditional and non-traditional biomarkers among professional firefighters. METHODS: Ninety-eight professional, male firefighters (age = 36.26 ± 9.08 yrs; height = 179.53 ± 7.06 cm; waist circumference = 37.99 ± 4.13 cm; BF% = 24.39 ± 5.21; years of experience = 11.81 ± 8.00 yrs) from a local fire department were studied VO2max was estimated from total treadmill exercise time using the Foster equation.. Fitness metrics including muscular strength, endurance, and power variables were also measured. Fasted blood samples were analyzed for concentrations of lipids, glucose, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP). To assess the relationship between fitness metrics and AOPP, CRP, and HOMA-IR, ordinary least square regression analyses were used. RESULTS: VO2max values were inversely (p \u3c 0.05) related to AOPP, HOMA-IR, and CRP. Waist circumference was positively correlated to AOPP concentrations and HOMA-IR, while increased BF% was significantly related to increased CRP concentrations. CONCLUSION: High VO2max values were significantly related to lower AOPP, CRP, and HOMA-IR. Additionally, high waist circumference and BF% values were related to increases in oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Firefighters are encouraged to maintain high cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) and lower BF% to reduce CVD and, ultimately, on-duty sudden cardiac death risk

Myo/Nog Cells Give Rise to Myofibroblasts During Epiretinal Membrane Formation in a Mouse Model of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy.

PURPOSE: Myo/Nog cells are the source of myofibroblasts in the lens and synthesize muscle proteins in human epiretinal membranes (ERMs). In the current study, we examined the response of Myo/Nog cells during ERM formation in a mouse model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). METHODS: PVR was induced by intravitreal injections of gas and ARPE-19 cells. PVR grade was scored by fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography, and histology. Double label immunofluorescence localization was performed to quantify Myo/Nog cells, myofibroblasts, and leukocytes. RESULTS: Myo/Nog cells, identified by co-labeling with antibodies to brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor 1 (BAI1) and Noggin, increased throughout the eye with induction of PVR and disease progression. They were present on the inner surface of the retina in grades 1/2 PVR and were the largest subpopulation of cells in grades 3 to 6 ERMs. All α-SMA-positive (+) cells and all but one striated myosin+ cell expressed BAI1 in grades 1 to 6 PVR. Folds and areas of retinal detachment were overlain by Myo/Nog cells containing muscle proteins. Low numbers of CD18, CD68, and CD45+ leukocytes were detected throughout the eye. Small subpopulations of BAI1+ cells expressed leukocyte markers. ARPE-19 cells were found in the vitreous but were rare in ERMs. Pigmented cells lacking Myo/Nog and muscle cell markers were present in ERMs and abundant within the retina by grade 5/6. CONCLUSIONS: Myo/Nog cells differentiate into myofibroblasts that appear to contract and produce retinal folds and detachment. Targeting BAI1 for Myo/Nog cell depletion may be a pharmacological approach to preventing and treating PVR

“I’d got self-destruction down to a fine art”: Exploring the lived experience of low energy availability in athletes and exercisers

Objectives: Low energy availability (LEA) occurs when energy intake is insufficient to support optimal physiological functioning, once exercise activity has been accounted for. This research aimed to develop understanding of the lived experience of LEA by exploring factors influencing its onset, pertinent characteristics of the experience, and facilitators and barriers to overcoming LEA. Design: A qualitative design consisting of in-depth, semi-structured interviews was employed to develop rich, detailed insights into the experience of LEA. Methods: Using purposive sampling, 13 athletes (M age = 31.2, SD= 5.5 years; female n = 11, male n = 2) took part in semi-structured interviews, conducted face-to-face (n = 8) or via Skype (n = 5). All athletes were sub-elite (n = 11) or elite-level competitors (n = 2) in their primary sports (distance running; n= 11; rugby n = 1; and dance n = 1). Data were analysed inductively and thematically. Results: Psychological stressors and societal/situational pressures were commonly reported antecedents of LEA. The lived experience was characterised by six themes: disordered eating/eating disorders; exercise behaviours; personality characteristics; psychological consequences; physiological impairments; and professional education/advice. Significant others appeared to facilitate recovery efforts, whilst cognitive dissonance was identified as a barrier to overcoming LEA. Conclusions: These findings contribute to a growing body of literature concerning LEA in athletes and provide novel insights into psychological and physical experiences from the perspective of information-rich cases. The research provides avenues for future work and development of tailored educational interventions for prevention and treatment of LEA among sport participants

Viral Single-Strand DNA Induces p53-Dependent Apoptosis in Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are primed for rapid apoptosis following mild forms of genotoxic stress. A natural form of such cellular stress occurs in response to recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) single-strand DNA genomes, which exploit the host DNA damage response for replication and genome persistence. Herein, we discovered a unique DNA damage response induced by rAAV transduction specific to pluripotent hESCs. Within hours following rAAV transduction, host DNA damage signaling was elicited as measured by increased gamma-H2AX, ser15-p53 phosphorylation, and subsequent p53-dependent transcriptional activation. Nucleotide incorporation assays demonstrated that rAAV transduced cells accumulated in early S-phase followed by the induction of apoptosis. This lethal signaling sequalae required p53 in a manner independent of transcriptional induction of Puma, Bax and Bcl-2 and was not evident in cells differentiated towards a neural lineage. Consistent with a lethal DNA damage response induced upon rAAV transduction of hESCs, empty AAV protein capsids demonstrated no toxicity. In contrast, DNA microinjections demonstrated that the minimal AAV origin of replication and, in particular, a 40 nucleotide G-rich tetrad repeat sequence, was sufficient for hESC apoptosis. Our data support a model in which rAAV transduction of hESCs induces a p53-dependent lethal response that is elicited by a telomeric sequence within the AAV origin of replication