Natural Sciences at Parkland College - Fall 2017

The Parkland College Natural Sciences Department Newsletter for Fall 2017 -- this issue features an article on IR cameras, use of display case, engaging students outside the classroom with the Astronomy Club and the Parkland Science Club, the solar eclipse, updates from the professional development subcommittee for faculty, summaries from events and meetings, a report on Phenotypic Pasticity Research Experience for Community College Students (PRECS) first summer, and a special feature from former professor Rich Blazier, with a special feature on the history of the Natural Sciences Department

Pacifier Use and Breastfeeding: A Qualitative Study of Postpartum Mothers

Objective: Due to the inconclusive evidence supporting the traditional recommendation to avoid early pacifier use among breastfeeding newborns, this study aims to understand what information mothers are receiving from hospital based care providers and their perspectives about pacifier use in the newborn period. Methods: Interviews with mothers of healthy, term newborns during the postpartum hospitalization were conducted in this qualitative study. Results: Qualitative data analysis yielded several major themes that included the following: (1) pacifiers are beneficial for the maternal/infant experience, (2) concerns that pacifiers may interfere with breastfeeding, and (3) concerns about long-term use (including reliance and effect on teeth). Conclusion: Given the maternal perception of benefit and the paucity of high-quality evidence showing harm, further research on the effects of early pacifier use is needed

Signaling of neuronal cell death by the p75NTR neurotrophin receptor

The neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is best known for mediating tropic support by participating in the formation of high-affinity nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor complexes with trkA, however, p75NTR more recently has been shown to act as a bona fide death-signaling receptor, which can signal independently of trkA. This article discusses the evidence for an active role of p75NTR in neuronal cell death and the mechanisms controlling this process, including roles for Bcl-2 family members, the c-jun stress kinase JNK, the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF kappa B), and caspases