An investigation into the relationship between climate change anxiety and mental health among Gen Z Filipinos

Climate change and mental health concerns are both defining issues of the generation of today. It has been established that the worsening climate causes many environmental disasters and physical health problems. However, its psychological impacts are still not well understood. Climate change has brought about an emerging psychological phenomenon termed ‘climate anxiety’ or ‘eco-anxiety,’ which has been described as a "chronic fear of environmental doom" (Clayton et al., 2017, p. 68) due to the impact of climate change. This predictive cross-sectional study investigated the link between climate change anxiety and mental health among 433 Filipinos. A total of 145 males and 288 females aged 18 to 26 completed the Climate Change Anxiety Scale and the Mental Health Inventory (MHI-38). Results show a significant relationship between climate change anxiety and mental health, with climate change anxiety predicting 13.5% of the overall Mental Health Index variance. Significantly, climate change anxiety was associated with the MHI-38’s global scale of Psychological Distress but not with the global scale of Psychological Well-being. The findings are discussed concerning the broader context of research on the mental health impacts of climate change

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

The Role of the Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathway in Neuronal Development and Survival

Apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, has been shown to be critical to the pathogenesis of a number of diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. I investigated the role of BAX/BAK-dependent apoptosis in neurons in the context of neurodegeneration and maturation. BAX/BAK deficiency in the central nervous system of mice provides the ideal model by which to study the role of apoptosis in neurodegeneration. In a mouse model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis--a neurodegenerative disease that specifically affects motor neurons--deficiency of BAX and BAK preserves viability and function of neurons for an extended period. Moreover, this correlatedwith a delay in symptom onset and extension of lifespan. Therefore, BAX/BAK dependent apoptosis is activated early in the disease process and represents a viable therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases. Regenerative medicine is currently one of the therapeutic strategies being considered for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Using this method, the patient's own stem cells are differentiated in vitro into the affected neuronalsubtype and re-implanted back into the patient. Because of the promise of regenerative medicine, it is critical to understand the signaling pathways mediating the differentiation process in stem cells. Caspase activity has been reported to mediate the differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), and I discovered that this process requires BAX and BAK. BAX/BAK deficient ESCsundergoing differentiation express lower levels of neural markers and higher levels of pluripotency markers. These results indicate that ESCs lacking BAX and BAK are far less effective at differentiating down the neural lineage. Furthermore, engagement of BAX/BAK dependent apoptosis induces differentiation of ESCs. Therefore, the BAX/BAK apoptotic pathway mediates differentiation of stem cells.These results underline the importance of the BAX/BAK apoptotic pathway in the development and survival of neurons. Deficiency of BAX and BAK prolongs survival in the context of neurodegeneration and delays the maturation of stem cells down the neural lineage. The findings of my thesis provide insight into the basic biology of neurons, and how to better treat neurologic disorders

Comparing the Effectiveness between Ivacaftor and GLPG 1837

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal disease that is caused by a defect in the CFTR, or cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. It affects more than 70,000 people world-wide and is life-threatening to those affected. To treat this disease there are two drug classes: correctors and potentiators. Correctors aim to correct the misfolded CFTR proteins, while potentiators aid in increasing ion concentration outside of the cells by keeping the channels open for longer periods of time. The aim of this project was to identify the key differences between two similar potentiator drugs, Ivacaftor (Kalydeco®) and GLPG 1837. The research question posed was: How does a model show the difference in efficacy of GLPG1837 compared to Ivacaftor? The comparison was done through the research and rendering of protein models through the Jmol software. The Jmol files that were used were 6O2P (Ivacaftor) and 6O1V (GLPG 1837) from the Protein Data Bank (PDB), which displayed the drugs in their binding site within the CFTR protein. It was shown that GLPG 1837 contained a sulfur molecule, while Ivacaftor did not. It is believed that this difference is what causes GLPG 1837 to appear more effective than Ivacaftor (in clinical trials) because the hinge region of the CFTR protein also contains a sulfur molecule. These models can be used by providers to explain treatments to patients who are using these medications much more effectively. By providing tools to break down the science behind these medications to all age groups it can further rapport between patient and provider. As well as reduce stress of patients due to a better understanding of their treatment.https://nsuworks.nova.edu/protein_modeling_reports/1006/thumbnail.jp

Impact of antiretroviral drugs on the microbiome: unknown answers to important questions

Little is known on how different antiretroviral (ARV) drugs affect the gut microbiome in HIV infection; and conflicting data exists on the effect of ARV drugs on residual inflammation/immune activation and microbial translocation. Gut microbiome involvement in the transmission and pathogenesis of HIV infection is increasingly being recognized. Various studies have shown that antiretroviral therapy (ART) is unable to restore gut health despite effective suppression of plasma HIV viremia. Indeed, the resolution of residual inflammation and gut microbial translocation is partial under ART. Very recent studies have provided new evidence that ARV combinations can differentially affect the gut microbiome, immune activation and microbial translocation. Furthermore, a recent article uncovered a link between drug metabolism and specific microbial species indicating that microbes can directly metabolically degrade ARV drugs when administered topically. There are still many unanswered questions regarding ARVs and the gut microbiome. It is, therefore, critical for researchers to address the effect of distinct ARV drugs on the microbiome and vice versa: the effects of the microbiome on ARV drug metabolism, and speculate about possible therapeutic avenues

Comparing the Effectiveness of Ivacaftor and GLPG1837

Cystic Fibrosis is a fatal autosomal recessive genetic disease that effects more than 70,000 people worldwide. This disease is caused by a mutation within the CFTR causing an excess of mucus within the lungs, and effects other cells that produce bodily fluids (i.e. sweat and digestive fluids). The aim of this project was to identify the key differences between two similar potentiator drugs, Ivacaftor (Kalydeco®) and GLPG1837, that are used in the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis. The research question posed was: How does a model show the difference in efficacy of GLPG1837 compared to Ivacaftor? The comparison was done through the research and rendering of protein models through the Jmol software. The Jmol files of the drugs were taken from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). The files that correlate to the drugs are 6O2P (Ivacaftor) and 6O1V (GLPG1837). The files displayed the drugs within the CFTR channel attached to their binding sites. Additionally, further research was done on their respective chemical compositions through PubChem. The noticeable differences between the two drugs were their chemical composition, despite binding to the same active site within the CFTR. There is sulfur found within the hinge region (binding site) of the CFTR. Due to GLPG1837 containing a sulfur molecule and sulfur’s high binding affinity for itself, this appears to be the cause of GLPG1837’s increased efficacy over Ivacaftor. Due to the noticeable difference of the drugs displayed in the models it is concluded that an efficacy can be shown between the medications through modeling. Furthermore, it’s recommended that models such as these be used in the process of providers explaining treatments to patients who are using these medications. By providing tools to break down the science behind these medications to all age groups it can further rapport between patient and provider. As well as reduce stress of patients due to a better understanding of their treatment.https://nsuworks.nova.edu/protein_modeling_reports/1004/thumbnail.jp

Murine Gammaherpesvirus 68 Open Reading Frame 24 Is Required for Late Gene Expression after DNA Replication▿

Open reading frame 24 (ORF24) of murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) is conserved among beta- and gammaherpesviruses; however, its function in viral replication has not been defined. Using MHV-68 as a model, we have identified ORF24 as being essential for viral replication. An ORF24-null virus was generated and shown to be defective in late gene expression. Expression of early genes, as well as viral genome replication, was not affected. Furthermore, the defect in late gene expression was likely due to a deficiency in transcription. Thus, we have identified an MHV-68 protein, ORF24, that is essential for the expression of viral late proteins yet dispensable for viral DNA replication

A cost minimization model for a multi-component product closed loop supply chain considering big data dimensions

The integration of forward and reverse flows in a closed loop supply chain has led to more uncertainties such as order forecasting, information distortion, demand forecasting, and varying return and return quality behavior. The rise of digitization in supply chain management holds reasonable cause to believe that the adoption of Big Data Analytics (BDA) into the CLSC would be a viable solution. Big Data, through its dimensions of Variety, Velocity, and Volume, has the potential to increase the accuracy of decision-making in procurement, create more precise forecasts in demand, increase the probability and quality of returns. Despite the abundant gains that may be realized, current literature and mathematical modelling on BDA capable CLSCs are scarce and barely tackle the potential effect on the operational decisions a manufacturer must make when facing the aforementioned uncertainties. To address this gap, a mixed integer nonlinear programming mathematical model for a multicomponent product in a CLSC with BDA integration was constructed from the manufacturer’s point of view. The system considers uncertainties across Procurement, Demand Management, Collection, and Recovery, such as order allocation, demand forecasting, return uncertainty, and recovery failure. The unique feature of this study includes the operationalization of the three dimensions of Big Data, which take on intensity values among low (0.00-0.34), medium (0.35-0.66), or high categories (0.67-1.00). These intensity levels are further integrated into per activity effects, which are observed across the aforementioned uncertainties. Due to the integrative nature of Big Data wherein the dimensions of Variety, Velocity, and Volume coexist, a sensitivity analysis was conducted across seven key combinations (MMM, MLH, MLM, HLM, HLH, HML, HMM) that demonstrated behaviors with the most variation. It was found that the systems with BDA prioritized recycled raw materials and met order targets across 6/7, excluding MLH. This revealed that the system benefits from the order flexibility provided by the procurement effect only when the reverse flow activity effects are at par or supersede the average. Further, regardless of linear or seasonal, it was found that the uplift to actual market demand is proportional to the demand effect. Across all systems, the demand forecast was at par with the actual market, showing that BDA maximizes demand potential for optimality. In terms of collection, BDA was able to uplift return behavior, with more growth experienced in the customer segment with low initial return probability. This shows that BDA is able to transform underutilized areas to enhance the chances of return. When the collection effect realized through BDA is larger, the total amount of incentives disbursed to consumers decreases, showing how the data investment reduces variable costs in the long run. Lastly, higher recovery effects maximize the amount of units recycled and remanufactured as opposed to disposed, showing that in CLSCs that aim to reduce material costs through takeback may benefit largely from BDA integration. All seven systems realize the investment payback period in a maximum of four years, showing the financial rewards of the set-up. Across the system combinations, the HMM system holds the best collective performance across CLSC operations and cost savings. For future research on closed loop supply chain systems with the presence of Big Data Analytics, it is recommended that the scope is expanded into other functions that carry uncertainty, such as logistics and production planning. Further, it is encouraged that researchers innovate methods that create new methods to operationalize the quantitative impact BDA brings. Future researchers are encouraged to explore the relationship of BDA with dynamic demand, return, and collection, as well as expand the objective function to model more trade-offs

ORF18 Is a Transfactor That Is Essential for Late Gene Transcription of a Gammaherpesvirus

Lytic replication of the tumor-associated human gammaherpesviruses Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus has important implications in pathogenesis and tumorigenesis. Herpesvirus lytic genes have been temporally classified as exhibiting immediate-early (IE), early, and late expression kinetics. Though the regulation of IE and early gene expression has been studied extensively, very little is known regarding the regulation of late gene expression. Late genes, which primarily encode virion structural proteins, require viral DNA replication for their expression. We have identified a murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) early lytic gene, ORF18, essential for viral replication. ORF18 is conserved in both beta- and gammaherpesviruses. By generating an MHV-68 ORF18-null virus, we characterized the stage of the virus lytic cascade that requires the function of ORF18. Gene expression profiling and quantitation of viral DNA synthesis of the ORF18-null virus revealed that the expression of early genes and viral DNA replication were not affected; however, the transcription of late genes was abolished. Hence, we have identified a gammaherpesvirus-encoded factor essential for the expression of late genes independently of viral DNA synthesis

The significance of cultural orientation to the psychological readjustment of overseas Filipino workers

The study focused on how the change in culture affects the OFW\u27s psychological readjustment back to their country of origin. The study measured the effects of the predictor variables, perceived cultural distance (PCD) and cultural conflict (CC), with the covariates, status in the country, and length of vacation/resettlement, towards the outcome variables depression (DEP), anxiety (ANX), stress (STR), and social relationship (SOC) of the OFW. A total of one hundred and three (n=103) questionnaires were distributed to the respondents who were currently on vacation in the Philippines or have permanently resettled: 69 out of 103 OFWs who were staying in the country for good (33.01%). The study conducted multiple regression analyses, in examining the relationship of the respective variables. The study was unable to support that perceived cultural distance and cultural conflict have a significant relationship towards stress, anxiety, and depression. However, the study was able to demonstrate that as perceived cultural distance increases, the quality of social relationships of OFWs with their peer and relatives back home increases as well. Additionally, cultural conflict does not affect the quality of social relationships. Findings suggest that there is insufficient evidence to prove that cultural conflict affects the social relationship of the OFW