Indigenous Methodology in Practice: Starting a Community-Based Research Center on the Yakama Reservation

In our paper, we examine the process, possibilities, and tensions of building a new community-based research center at a small liberal arts college on the Yakama Reservation. We view our work with the Center for Native Health & Culture as an example of human rights-based educational transformation, as our work is about honoring indigenous land, community, and values. This mission stands at odds with Western educational approaches, which typically view indigenous peoples, cultures, and well-being as a side note to frequently marginalized campus diversity initiatives. Our work to establish the new research center takes up the challenge of placing indigenous peoples’ health and culture at the center of the academic enterprise. We, as academics engaging in this work on traditional Yakama homeland, are uniquely situated to analyze and articulate this form of academic decolonization work. We draw from the interwoven liberation model proposed by Falcón and Jacob to critically examine our center’s work process and product to articulate our indigenous methodology in practice. Our indigenous methodology is guided by three principles: (a) understanding the importance of partnerships; (b) viewing our work in terms of building on existing strengths within campus and local tribal communities; (c) engaging in work that promotes a vision of academic excellence that has a “good spirit” and inspires all parties involved. We conclude by discussing some of the challenges faced in doing decolonizing work, and affirm the urgent need to further indigenize the academy

Theorizing Indigenous Student Resistance, Radical Resurgence, and Reclaiming Spiritual Teachings about Tma’áakni (Respect)

Indigenous dispossession and environmental devastation are intertwined outcomes of settler colonialism’s cycle of violence. However, indigenous people continue to draw from cultural and spiritual teachings to resist such forms of violence, and engage in what Leanne Simpson calls “radical resurgence.” Our paper analyzes the Yakama elders’ teachings about Tma’áakni (Respect), to examine principles and forms of indigenous resistance and resurgence, demonstrated by indigenous students in support of the NoDAPL(No Dakota Access PipeLine) movement. Elders’ teachings, which are rooted in spiritual traditions held by indigenous peoples since time immemorial, are useful for understanding and articulating the importance of the contemporary indigenous student activism. We assert that indigenous people, drawing from intergenerational forms of teaching and learning, provide systemic alternatives that can simultaneously protect the sacred, and heal social and ecological devastations by reclaiming indigenous cultural teachings and traditions that resist settler colonial paradigms

Lecture capture: An effective tool for universal instructional design?

Student enrolment and instructional accommodation requests are rising in higher education. Universities lack the capacity to meet increasing accommodation needs, thus research in this area is required. In Ontario, new provincial legislation requires that all public institutions, including universities, make their services accessible to persons with disabilities. The objective of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is to provide universal access for students with disabilities. The purpose of this case study is to understand the experiences of students regarding the ability of a lecture capture technology to align with the principles of Universal Instructional Design (UID). Data were collected using a mixed-method research design: (a) an online questionnaire, and (b) individual face-to-face interviews. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) literature provides a useful background to explore AODA legislation and universal accessibility vis-à-vis lecture capture technologies. Results indicate that lecture capture can align both with the principles of UID and AODA.  Il existe une recrudescence des inscriptions étudiantes et des demandes d’adaptations éducatives en enseignement supérieur. Les universités n’ayant pas la capacité de répondre aux besoins d’adaptations croissants, il y a un besoin de recherche dans ce domaine. La nouvelle législation provinciale de l’Ontario, au Canada, exige que toutes les institutions publiques, y compris les universités, rendent leurs services accessibles aux personnes handicapées. L’objectif de la Loi sur l’accessibilité pour les personnes handicapées de l’Ontario (LAPHO) est de fournir un accès universel aux étudiants en situation de handicap. La présente étude de cas vise à comprendre, à partir des expériences des étudiants, la capacité de la technologie d’enregistrement de cours magistraux à s’aligner avec les principes de Conception universelle de l’apprentissage (CUA). Les données ont été colligées par des méthodes de recherche mixtes : 1) un questionnaire en ligne; et 2) des entretiens individuels. La littérature sur l’avancement des connaissances en enseignement et en apprentissage (ACEA) fournit le contexte de cette étude et permet d’explorer la LAPHO et l’accessibilité universelle en regard des technologies d’enregistrement de cours magistraux. Les résultats indiquent que l’enregistrement de cours magistraux peut être conforme aux principes de la CUA et de la LAPHO

Epidemiology of the lymphatic-dwelling filarioid nematode Rumenfilaria andersoni in free-ranging moose (Alces alces) and other cervids of North America

Background: Moose (Alces alces) are a culturally and economically valued species in Minnesota, where the northeast population has decreased by 60 % since 2006. The cause of the decline is currently unclear; however, parasites, predation, and climate change have all been implicated. Nematode parasites are important pathogens in North American moose, potentially causing severe disease and mortality. Recent spread of Rumenfilaria andersoni, a filarioid nematode of moose, has been documented in Finnish cervids; however, little is known about the epidemiology of this parasite in North America. Methods: To investigate the prevalence and distribution of R. andersoni, 584 blood samples were collected from live-captured and dead animals and screened microscopically for the presence of microfilariae using a modified Knott's test. Microfilariae were identified based on morphological characteristics. A subset of Knott's-positive animals was subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with filarioid-specific primers targeting the first internal transcribed spacer region (ITS-1) of the rRNA gene cluster. Results: Rumenfilaria microfilariae were present in 20.5 % of Minnesota moose (n = 352), with slight fluctuations observed over four years. Minnesota white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) (n = 2) and moose (n = 44) from Alaska, Montana, Washington, Maine, and New Hampshire also harbored R. andersoni, suggesting this parasite occurs widely throughout North American moose herds, and white-tailed deer can serve as a patent host. Sequence analysis of cervid blood (moose, n = 15; white-tailed deer, n = 1) confirmed the identity of R. andersoni and revealed the existence of two distinct clades. Genetic comparisons of R. andersoni isolates from North America and semi-domesticated Finnish reindeer found the two groups to be closely related, supporting previous hypotheses that R. andersoni was recently introduced into Finland by the importation of deer from the United States. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge these observations represent the first report of R. andersoni within the contiguous United States and reveal this nematode as a common parasite of North American moose and white-tailed deer. Although the implications of R. andersoni infection on moose health is unclear, increased awareness of this parasite will help prevent unintentional introduction of R. andersoni into naive populations via the translocation of wild and captive cervids.Peer reviewe

Soluble ectodomain of neuroligin 1 decreases synaptic activity by activating metabotropic glutamate receptor 2

Synaptic cell adhesion molecules represent important targets for neuronal activity-dependent proteolysis. Postsynaptic neuroligins (NLs) form trans-synaptic complexes with presynaptic neurexins (NXs). Both NXs and NLs are cleaved from the cell surface by metalloproteases in an activity-dependent manner, releasing a soluble extracellular fragment and membrane-tethered C-terminal fragment. The cleavage of NL1 depresses synaptic transmission, but the mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. Metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2) are located primarily at the periphery of presynaptic terminals, where they inhibit the formation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and consequently suppress the release of glutamate and decrease synaptic transmission. In the present study, we found that the soluble ectodomain of NL1 binds to and activates mGluR2 in both neurons and heterologous cells, resulting in a decrease in cAMP formation. In a slice preparation from the hippocampus of mice, NL1 inhibited the release of glutamate from mossy fibers that project to CA3 pyramidal neurons. The presynaptic effect of NL1 was abolished in the presence of a selective antagonist for mGluR2. Thus, our data suggest that the soluble extracellular domain of NL1 functionally interacts with mGluR2 and thereby decreases synaptic strength

Differential effects of dietary supplements on metabolomic profile of smokers versus non-smokers.

BackgroundCigarette smoking is well-known to associate with accelerated skin aging as well as cardiovascular disease and lung cancer, in large part due to oxidative stress. Because metabolites are downstream of genetic variation, as well as transcriptional changes and post-translational modifications of proteins, they are the most proximal reporters of disease states or reversal of disease states.MethodsIn this study, we explore the potential effects of commonly available oral supplements (containing antioxidants, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids) on the metabolomes of smokers (n = 11) compared to non-smokers (n = 17). At baseline and after 12 weeks of supplementation, metabolomic analysis was performed on serum by liquid and gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy (LC-MS and GC-MS). Furthermore, clinical parameters of skin aging, including cutometry as assessed by three dermatologist raters blinded to subjects' age and smoking status, were measured.ResultsLong-chain fatty acids, including palmitate and oleate, decreased in smokers by 0.76-fold (P = 0.0045) and 0.72-fold (P = 0.0112), respectively. These changes were not observed in non-smokers. Furthermore, age and smoking status showed increased glow (P = 0.004) and a decrease in fine wrinkling (P = 0.038). Cutometry showed an increase in skin elasticity in smokers (P = 0.049) but not in non-smokers. Complexion analysis software (VISIA) revealed decreases in the number of ultraviolet spots (P = 0.031), and cutometry showed increased elasticity (P = 0.05) in smokers but not non-smokers.ConclusionsAdditional future work may shed light on the specific mechanisms by which long-chain fatty acids can lead to increased glow, improved elasticity measures and decreased fine wrinkling in smokers' skin. Our study provides a novel, medicine-focused application of available metabolomic technology to identify changes in sera of human subjects with oxidative stress, and suggests that oral supplementation (in particular, commonly available antioxidants, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids) affects these individuals in a way that is unique (compared to non-smokers) on a broad level

Sustainable Agriculture

The Sustainable Agriculture team is dedicated to developing alternative and sustainable agricultural solutions to alleviate poverty in western Africa. The team is currently working with Sheltering Wings in Yako, Burkina Faso and Trans World Radio in Parakou, Benin. Both clients currently have a working aquaponics system, but the type of system varies between clients. Sheltering Wings has a flood and drain system and Trans World Radio has an ebb and flow system. Throughout this year, our team has focused on reducing power consumption and costs for our clients. The development of the ebb and flow prototype was a consequence of this mission as we reduced power consumption by one pump using a manual siphon. We have also worked towards lowering the costs of water quality testing kits by introducing a Nutrient Film Technique with basil plants. Lastly, we have strived to research best practice methods for fish food making and fish feeding in order to keep the biology of the prototypes healthy. To support present and future clients, the year will conclude with final deliverables for the ebb and flow prototype including an operations and maintenance manual, a construction manual, and a troubleshooting manual.https://mosaic.messiah.edu/engr2021/1016/thumbnail.jp

Factors Affecting Implementation of an Evidence-Based Practice in the VA: Illness Management and Recovery

Objective: Illness management and recovery (IMR) is an evidence-based practice that assists consumers in managing their illnesses and pursuing personal recovery goals. Although research has examined factors affecting IMR implementation facilitated by multifaceted, active roll-outs, the current study attempted to elucidate factors affecting IMR implementation outside the context of a research-driven implementation. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 20 local recovery coordinators and 18 local IMR experts were conducted at 23 VA medical centers. Interviews examined perceived and experienced barriers and facilitators to IMR implementation. Data were analyzed via thematic inductive/deductive analysis in the form of crystallization/immersion. Results: Six factors differed between sites implementing IMR from those not providing IMR: awareness of IMR, importer-champions, autonomy-supporting leadership, veteran-centered care, presence of a sensitive period, and presence of a psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery center. Four factors were common in both groups: recovery orientation, evidence-based practices orientation, perceived IMR fit within program structure, and availability of staff time. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: IMR can be adopted in lieu of active implementation support; however, knowledge dissemination appears to be key. Future research should examine factors affecting the quality of implementation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved

Force Characterization and Manufacturing of a Dynamic Unilateral Clubfoot Brace

Clubfoot is a musculoskeletal birth defect characterized by an inward twisting of an infant’s feet. Currently, a series of casts are used to correct the clubfoot, and a boots-and-bar brace is used to maintain the correction. However, this method has concerns with compliance, comfort, and social stigma. Hope Walks and their clinic in Kijabe, Kenya are interested in implementing a new maintenance brace that addresses these concerns. Mr. Jerald Cunningham, CPO, designed and is utilizing a unilateral clubfoot maintenance brace called the Cunningham Clubfoot Brace. He asserts his brace reduces treatment time, lessens social stigma, and increases child mobility. However, to date, there is not enough published research on its biomechanics and patient success rates to confirm his findings. The Cunningham Clubfoot Brace Collaboratory project seeks to validate the effectiveness of the Cunningham design through biomedical testing and increase brace availability through sustainable manufacturing. To do this, the team is measuring the biomechanical forces applied by the brace with multiple force sensor systems and an infant foot model. The team is assisting Mr. Cunningham in his plans to use injection molding to increase brace production by scanning and creating CAD files of the brace. The team is also completing a failure and reuse analysis of the Cunningham Brace for the clinic in Kijabe. Furthermore, the ongoing clinical study at CURE International\u27s hospital in Kijabe, Kenya, and Dr. Emily Farrar’s research paper will provide greater insight into the effectiveness of the Cunningham Brace. These collaborative efforts will allow for further understanding of the effectiveness of the Cunningham Brace and its acceptance as an alternative clubfoot maintenance brace.https://mosaic.messiah.edu/engr2021/1001/thumbnail.jp

Dynamically Programmable Magnetic Fields for Controlled Movement of Cells Loaded with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Cell-based therapies are becoming increasingly prominent in numerous medical contexts, particularly in regenerative medicine and the treatment of cancer. However, since the efficacy of the therapy is largely dependent on the concentration of therapeutic cells at the treatment area, a major challenge associated with cell-based therapies is the ability to move and localize therapeutic cells within the body. In this article, a technique based on dynamically programmable magnetic fields is successfully demonstrated to noninvasively aggregate therapeutic cells at a desired location. Various types of therapeutically relevant cells (neural stem cells, monocytes/macrophages, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells) are loaded with iron oxide nanoparticles and then focused at a particular site using externally controlled electromagnets. These experimental results serve as a readily scalable prototype for designing an apparatus that patients can wear to focus therapeutic cells at the anatomical sites needed for treatment