Building and Strengthening State Data Systems to Measure Community College and Workforce Outcomes

Calls for creating state data systems on postsecondary, adult education, and workforce development programs and employment outcomes in order to better serve low-income, low-skilled workers. Outlines barriers, effective systems, and policy recommendations

They did explain everything, but I can't remember : the search for relevant information following a heart attack : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts in Nursing at Massey University

This qualitative descriptive study was undertaken to find out what information patients and their partners wanted following a heart attack. There were 17 participants, of whom 11 were patients and six were partners. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants and then thematic content analysis was used to identify the four main themes. The first two themes relate to the experience of having a heart attack and question the widely held belief that it is a dramatic experience and that patients deny what is happening. It seems more likely that the non-specific and insidious onset leaves patients genuinely not knowing what is happening. Women have an additional problem in that once they seek professional help, the medical staff often fail to correctly diagnose that they are having a heart attack. The third and fourth themes relate to the recovery period and show that in spite of a plethora of information provided during cardiac rehabilitation, there is strong evidence that patients and partners fail to receive information that meets their own needs in relation to social, physical and psychological issues. This has an impact on the major adjustments to be made after a heart attack and the coping strategies that are a part of this. An additional problem following discharge is poor communication between health professionals, resulting in anxiety for patient and partners. The role of the cardiac educator emerged as extremely useful and valuable to patients and partners as a support and source of relevant information after discharge. Further support and training for these nurses and expansion of the service would increase their availability to patients and partners. It would also be in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) (1997) recommendations to provide an environment, which supports and motivates people to make lifestyle changes. An additional recommendation is increased flexibility in cardiac rehabilitation with a shift into the primary care setting, thus offering wider opportunities for patients and partners to obtain support and hopefully facilitate the process of adjustment following a heart attack

Ageing, depression, anxiety, social support and the diurnal rhythm and awakening response of salivary cortisol

The present study compared the cortisol awakening response and diurnal rhythm in 24 young healthy students and 48 community-dwelling older adults. The associations with diurnal cortisol and depression, anxiety and social support were also examined in relation to age. Salivary cortisol was measured over the course of one day: immediately upon awakening, 30 min later, and then 3 h, 6 h, 9 h and 12 h post-awakening. Participants completed a questionnaire measuring symptoms of anxiety and depression and social support was assessed. Older adults exhibited a significantly reduced awakening response, overall cortisol levels, area under the curve (AUC) and diurnal slopes than younger adults, resulting in a flatter diurnal rhythm. Younger adults with higher depression scores had significantly higher overall cortisol and higher levels upon awakening and 30 min post-awakening. In the younger adults, anxiety and depression correlated positively with AUC and the cortisol awakening response (CAR). Older adults with lower social support had a reduced AUC where younger adults with lower social support displayed a larger AUC. These findings suggest that the diurnal rhythm and awakening response of salivary cortisol are significantly reduced in older adults and the associations between anxiety, depression and social support and diurnal cortisol vary with age.\ud \u

Population Genetic Structure of Softshell Clams (Mya arenaria) with Regard to a Saxitoxin-resistant Mutation and Neutral Genetic Markers in the Gulf of Maine

The softshell clam, Mya arenaria, is a commercially important bivalve species that is found in soft-bottom intertidal habitats throughout the Gulf of Maine, USA. This species is subjected to seasonal blooms of the toxic algae Alexandrium spp., and acts as a vector for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) during harmful algal bloom (HAB) events. Some clams possess a naturally occurring genetic mutation of their voltage-gated sodium channels that grants them a resistance to the paralytic effects of saxitoxin (STX) produced by Alexandrium spp. The mutation allows these individuals to continue feeding during HABs, and greatly increases their tissue toxicity through bioaccumulation. This work describes the distribution of the resistant mutation in wild clam populations in the Gulf of Maine, and explores the population structure of M. arenaria with regard to the mutation, as well as neutral genetic markers. Analysis of neutral markers revealed no significant population structure within the Gulf of Maine, however M. arenaria does exhibit strong localized structure at the STX-resistant mutation locus. This structure is sustained by differential selective pressure exerted by Alexandrium spp. blooms, despite freely occurring gene flow among clam populations. In Penobscot Bay, one area where the prevalence of the resistant mutation did not match the strength of selective pressure, it is likely that the resistant allele is maintained by gene flow through larval transport from other regions, rather than by seeding of hatchery stock carrying the mutation. This work can aid PSP monitoring efforts by identifying areas where risk is greatest to humans due to high numbers of resistant clams. In addition, distinguishing areas where one genotype is clearly favored over the others may be of interest to seeding programs trying to ensure that their stock is well suited for the location to which they will be transplanted

Dissonance and Accord Between Black Faith Leaders’ and Community Members’ Perceptions of Structural and Institutional Barriers in HIV

Historically, the Black church has acted as the leader and social service provider in the black community. Despite the church’s successes in providing support to alleviate health disparities, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has remained largely ignored. Research has shown that rather than just providing information about high risk HIV behavior, underlying inequities also need to be addressed. This analysis contains data from four separate qualitative focus groups containing faith leaders and community members and preliminary quantitative data from community members. Responses from community members and faith leaders are compared and reported relating poverty, violence, HIV, and other inequities within their neighborhoods. The analysis focuses on the common themes of perceived barriers and future recommendations given by the community members and faith leaders. Community members and faith leaders both identified structural barriers and inequalities. With regards to HIV services, community members were concerned with confidentiality as well as availability and extent of services. Faith leaders discussed possible conflicts with church teachings and funding. Both groups acknowledged the impact of stigma. These findings highlight greater environmental factors that impact HIV services in black ministries, but also includes changes that could be addressed by ministries at the local level

TIME TRENDS IN OVERALL DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK FACTORS BY ORGANIZED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION IN ADOLESCENT GIRLS

Many youth are involved in organized physical activity (PA); however, the impact of these activities on daily PA, body fat, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors is not well understood. Purpose: To compare the overall daily PA and CVD risk factors of girls who participate in organized activities to non-participants throughout adolescence. Methods: Data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study, a 10-year observational study of Black and White girls (N=2379), were analyzed. Organized PA was defined as participation in classes/lessons and sports (0, <4, 4-19.99, &#8805;20 MET times/wk). Outcomes included daily PA (3-day diary), body fat (bioelectrical impedance analysis), lipids, glucose, insulin, and blood pressure. Longitudinal data were examined for each outcome using a mixed model with repeated measures. Girls were also categorized by the number of years they reported &#8805;4 MET times/wk of organized PA. Outcomes and risk clustering at 18-19y were evaluated with ANOVA and logistic regression, respectively, by number of participation years. Results: Organized PA and participation*time*race were related to change in daily PA and body fat (p < 0.0001). Although daily PA declined for Black girls, those with &#8805;20 MET times/wk had higher PA levels than all other girls (p < 0.0001). Change differed by sports participation in White girls (p=0.019); those involved &#8805;20 MET times/wk demonstrated better maintenance of daily PA. Black girls with &#8805;20 MET times/wk had significantly lower body fat than non-participants (p=0.002).White non-participants had higher body fat than those with 4-19.99 MET times/wk (p=0.006). Accumulated organized PA was related to daily PA and body fat at 18-19y. Girls who never reported participation had significantly lower daily PA at 18-19y than all other groups (p < 0.02), and significantly higher body fat at 18-19y compared to girls who reported 4y of sports participation (p=0.038). Organized PA was not related to change in other CVD risk factors or risk factor clustering at 18-19y (OR=1.05, 95% CI=0.87-1.27, p=0.59). Conclusion: Organized PA was related to daily PA and body fat for Black and White girls throughout adolescence. Appealing options should be made available and participation encouraged

Austin's high-tech industry: played out or just beginning?

Recessions ; High technology industries

Apply Now!: Utilizing Application Date to Predict College Enrollment

Using Perna’s (2006) college choice model as the conceptual framework, the researcher utilized two data analyses to complete this study. First, multiple regressions were performed on three groups of variables: entrance examination, core high school gpa, and cumulative high school gpa; gender, ethnicity, and residency; and first-generation status and Mississippi congressional district. Second, a chi square test was completed to discover how likely it is that a student’s application date is related to the acceptance rate (likelihood of acceptance) and yield rate (likelihood of matriculating) of the University of Mississippi freshman class

THE SHROOM FAMILY MEMBER, APXL, BINDS ACTIN AND LOCALIZES TO SITES OF CELL ADHESION

The actin cytoskeleton is essential for a vast array of cellular processes and behaviors including migration, cell division, cell adhesion, intracellular trafficking, and maintenance of cell shape. Regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics is achieved through the actions of a diverse group actin-binding proteins. The actin-binding protein Apxl, is a member of the Shroom protein family, which also includes Apx and KIAA1202. Shroom, the most well-characterized member of this family, binds and bundles actin stress fibers and is required for apical constriction of the neuroepithelium during neural tube closure in mice and Xenopus embryos. Apxl was named for its similarity to Apical Protein Xenopus (Apx), a regulator of an amilioride-sensitive sodium channel. All Shrm family members possess at least two of three conserved domains; a N-terminal PDZ domain, a centrally located ASD1 (APX/Shroom Domain) and a C-terminal ASD2 domain. Because of its similarity to Shroom, mouse Apxl was sequenced and cloned in order to begin initial characterization of the protein. Western blot analysis has shown that mAxpl is expressed in the majority of adult tissues. Immunofluorescence analysis of frozen sections has demonstrated that Apxl is specifically expressed in multiple populations of polarized cells, such as the neuroepithelium, vascular endothelium, and the epithelium of renal tubules. The subcellular localization of Apxl was investigated and Apxl was found to reside at the plasma membrane of non-adherent cells and in the apical compartment of polarized cells, possibly through interactions with cortical actin or members of the apical junctional complex. Analysis of Apxl deletion proteins has revealed that the ASD1 domain is crucial for proper localization,while the requirement for the PDZ domain varies in different cell lines. Cytochalasin D treatment of Rat1 fibroblasts has indicated that disruption of the actin cytoskeleton perturbs Apxl localization. Additionally, Apxl directly binds actin through its ASD1 domain in F-actin cosedimentation experiments. Apxl is expressed in multiple polarized cell types where it binds cortical actin and localizes to the apical junctional complex. Although the biological function of Apxl is unknown, its expression pattern, subcellular localization, and similarity to Shroom suggest that Apxl may play a role in regulation of cellular architecture throughout development

An online learning module about obesity and bariatric care for occupational therapy practitioners and students

Due to the rising rates of obesity present in the United States, occupational therapy practitioners will likely be seeing this population more frequently in a variety of health care settings. A thorough search of the evidence literature identified that occupational therapy practitioners were found to be lacking education on the topics of obesity and bariatric care and how to effectively assist this population. Furthermore, occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant academic curriculums were found to be lacking education in the areas of safe patient handling with the obese population. Clients who are obese also expressed dissatisfaction with the health care that they have been receiving due to the identified barriers. Through an online educational program, called Bariatrics, obesity, and occupational therapy: How can we help? (BOOTH) the following topics will be integrated through a case study approach for occupational therapy practitioners and occupational therapy students: 1. general knowledge on the topics of obesity, 2. common co-morbidities, 3. bariatric equipment, 4. safe patient handling recommendations, 5. obesity related stigma, and 6. techniques for occupational therapy evaluation and intervention. Through completion of the online obesity and bariatric care education modules, students and practitioners will have heightened knowledge of how to safely assist this population to optimize client independence and reduce work related injuries. In doing so, occupational therapy will be identified as a vital resource for clients who are obese in health care settings, telehealth, and primary care