Where no place is home : understanding rural students in higher education

Despite students from rural communities coming in second by less than one percentage point in high school graduation rates among the four geographic locales recognized by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), their enrollment rates in higher education are the lowest of each category falling just over 12 percentage points behind the next closest locale. Extant literature on rural students reveals both internal and external conflicts that students experience as they choose to pursue higher education and once they matriculate onto their campuses. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand how college students from rural communities negotiate these tensions. With rural students enrolling in higher education at rates lower than any other locale recognized by the NCES, those students from rural communities who do matriculate risk marginalization both on campus and as they return to their hometown. Drawing upon concepts from Yosso’s (2005) community cultural wealth model and Anzaldúa’s (1987) Borderlands, I examined how students utilized resources and knowledges from their rural upbringing to navigate the physical, social, and intellectual transitions between their hometown and new college community. With stakeholders in higher education beginning to look to rural students as an answer to enrollment challenges findings from this study can help inform strategies that colleges and universities use to not only recruit but also retain these students.Educational Administratio

Identificação e quantificação de haplótipos intra-hospedeiro e sua correlação com parâmetros sanguíneos em gatos infectados com o vírus da leucemia felina

O vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV) é um Gammaretrovirus que afeta felinos domésticos e selvagens. Sua replicação ocorre na medula óssea e em células linfoides, o que favorece infecções secundárias e reduz a expectativa de vida dos animais infectados. O curso clínico da doença pode ser abortivo, regressivo, progressivo ou focal, e é influenciado principalmente pelo sistema imune do animal infectado. Sendo um retrovírus, o FeLV apresenta uma elevada taxa de mutação, o que gera uma alta produção de variantes virais na população infectada. O sequenciamento de alto rendimento (HTS) pode ser usado para identificar e rastrear as variantes genéticas dentro de uma população viral ao longo do tempo. Compreender a diversidade genética intra-hospedeiro do FeLV é importante para entender a dinâmica evolutiva do vírus e seu impacto no desenvolvimento da doença. A análise filogenética do gene env surgiu como uma abordagem para a diferenciação das variantes do vírus, levando em conta diferenças genéticas em vez da apresentação clínica. Essas variantes, conhecidas como quasispecies ou haplótipos, são uma tentativa do vírus de obter vantagens adaptativas sob pressões seletivas. Neste estudo, o HTS foi usado para identificar haplótipos intra-hospedeiro e avaliar seu impacto nos parâmetros hematológicos em animais infectados pelo FeLV. Foram analisados eritrogramas e leucogramas de 18 gatos infectados por FeLV. O DNA total foi extraído de amostras de sangue, seguido de amplificação por PCR do gene env completo. Após a extração e purificação das bandas de aproximadamente 2,5 kb do gel de agarose, as amostras foram preparadas para HTS. As reads obtidas foram trimadas e alinhadas com a sequência de referência da região SU. Os haplótipos minoritários foram identificados usando o programa CliqueSNV. Eventos de recombinação foram detectados usando vários métodos, e uma árvore filogenética foi construída usando o programa IQ-TREE. Análises estatísticas foram realizadas para avaliar correlações e diferenças entre o número de haplótipos presentes em cada animal e as alterações sanguíneas encontradas. Nenhuma correlação significativa foi detectada entre a idade ou alterações sanguíneas de gatos FeLV-positivos e o número de quasispecies intra-hospedeiro. Ademais, não foi observada diferença significativa entre o número de haplótipos e a presença de anemia. No entanto, foi identificada uma diferença significativa no número de haplótipos entre gatos que apresentavam alteração nos testes hematológicos e aqueles que apresentavam valores dentro dos intervalos de referência.Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a Gammaretrovirus that affects domestic and wild cats. Its replication occurs in the bone marrow and lymphoid cells, which favors secondary infections and reduces the life expectancy of infected animals. The clinical course of the disease can be abortive, regressive, progressive or focal; and it is mainly influenced by the immune system of the infected animal. As a retrovirus, FeLV has a high mutation rate, which generates a high number of viral variants in the infected individual. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) can be used to identify and track genetic variants within a viral population over time. Understanding the intra-host genetic diversity of FeLV is important to comprehend the evolutionary dynamics of the virus and its impact on disease development. Phylogenetic analysis of the env gene has emerged as an approach to differentiate virus variants, taking into account factors other than clinical presentation. These variants, known as quasispecies, are an attempt by the virus to gain adaptive advantages under selective pressures. In this study, HTS was used to identify intra-host FeLV variants and assess their impact on hematological parameters in FeLV-infected animals. Erythro Grams and kilograms of 18 FeLV-infected cats were analyzed. Total DNA was extracted from blood samples using a standard protocol, followed by PCR amplification targeting the entire env gene. Gel bands of approximately 2.5 kb were extracted, purified and prepared for HTS. After quality checking, the obtained reads were trimmed and then aligned with the SU region reference sequence. Haplotypes were identified using CliqueSNV. Recombination events were detected using various methods, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using IQ-TREE. Statistical analyzes were performed to evaluate correlations and differences between the number of haplotypes present in each animal and the blood alterations found. No significant correlation was detected between age or blood changes in FeLV-positive cats and the number of intra-host quasispecies. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed between the number of haplotypes and the presence of anemia. However, a statistical difference was identified when comparing the number of haplotypes between cats with altered blood count and those within the reference range

Evidence for behavioural interventions addressing condom use fit and feel issues to improve condom use : A Systematic Review

© CSIRO 2019. Open Access Article (CC BY-NC-ND)Continuing high rates of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in many countries highlight the need to identify effective behavioural interventions. Consistent and correct use of male condoms is a key strategy for the prevention of STIs. However, some men report problems with condom fit (e.g. the size and shape of the condom) and feel (e.g. tightness, irritation, sensitivity), which inhibits their use. We conducted a systematic review to identify existing interventions addressing condom use fit and feel problems. We searched electronic databases for peer-reviewed articles and searched reference lists of retrieved studies. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. These were generally small-scale pilot studies evaluating behavioural interventions to promote safer sex with men aged under 30 years, addressing, among other things, barriers to condom use relating to fit and feel. There were significant increases in the reported use of condoms, including condom use with no errors and problems. Improvements in some condom use mediators were reported, such as condom use self-efficacy, knowledge, intentions and condom use experience. There were mixed findings in terms of the ability of interventions to reduce STI acquisition. Behavioural interventions addressing condom fit and feel are promising in terms of effectiveness but require further evaluation.Peer reviewe

The impact of a ward pharmacist in a surgical ward of a private hospital in the Eastern Cape

Medication errors are becoming problematic in both hospital and outpatient settings worldwide. Inappropriate use of medication can cause harm to the patient and maintaining high levels of quality patient care is essential to protect all patients. Clinical pharmacy practice contributes to improved patient care by optimising medication therapy; and promoting health, wellness and disease prevention. The involvement of a pharmacist at a ward level has been shown to improve patient care; reduce mortality and morbidity rates; decrease healthcare costs; minimise medication errors; and improve outcomes of drug therapy. However, clinical pharmacy is a fairly new practice in South Africa and there are limited studies available. This study aimed to evaluate the perceived benefits of a ward-based pharmacist on the provision of pharmaceutical care to patients in a hospital setting and to consequently implement a ward-based pharmacy service. The objectives of the study were: (1) to assess, via a questionnaire, the perceptions and attitudes of medical practitioners and nurses to ward-based pharmacy prior to and after implementation of a ward-based pharmacy service, (2) to implement a ward-based pharmacy service in a selected hospital ward; (3) to document and analyse the nature of the work and activities that a ward pharmacist undertakes, and (4) to document and analyse the frequency and nature of ward pharmacist interventions. The study was conducted in a surgical ward of a private hospital in the Eastern Cape. The study design was an intervention study, using a mixed-methods design, with a convergent approach. A convenience sample of 106 patients was obtained over the eight week study period. Participation was voluntary and confidentiality was maintained at all times. Four data collection tools were used during the study and a pilot study was conducted to ensure their validity and reliability. The quantitative data was analysed statistically while the qualitative questions were analysed through coding the various responses. The results of the study showed that medical practitioners and nurses of a surgical ward had a positive attitude towards ward pharmacy both prior to and after the implementation of a ward pharmacy service. There were ward pharmacist interventions made in 50% (n=106) of the patients who participated in the study. A large percentage (57%; 50; n=87) of the ward pharmacist interventions were pharmacist-initiated interventions to optimise patient care while prescribing errors (51%; 19; n=37) were the most commonly occurring medication error. The majority of the medication items involved in the interventions (34%; 34; n=101) were related to the anti-microbial medication class. Overall, there was a 73% (36; n=49) acceptance rate of the ward pharmacist interventions that were made to both the medical practitioners and nurses. There were a number of factors that had a significant relationship with a ward pharmacist intervention being required which included: (1) number of medication items (p=0.001; Chi² test; p<0.0005 Student’s t-test), (2) length of hospital stay (p<0.0005; Chi² test), (3) presence of one or more chronic disease states (p=0.003; Chi² test) and (4) presence of one or more allergies (p=0.028; Chi² test). The ward pharmacist interventions were shown to be of clinical significance and to have a positive impact on the patients concerned. It can be concluded that the ward pharmacy service was beneficial to the patients, medical practitioners and nursing staff

Effect of the Coriolis Force on the Hydrodynamics of Colliding Wind Binaries

Using fully three-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations, we investigate the effect of the Coriolis force on the hydrodynamic and observable properties of colliding wind binary systems. To make the calculations tractable, we assume adiabatic, constant velocity winds. The neglect of radiative driving, gravitational deceleration, and cooling limit the application of our models to real systems. However, these assumptions allow us to isolate the effect of the Coriolis force, and by simplifying the calculations, allow us to use a higher resolution (up to 640^3) and to conduct a larger survey of parameter space. We study the dynamics of collidng winds with equal mass loss rates and velocities emanating from equal mass stars on circular orbits, with a range of values for the ratio of the wind to orbital velocity. We also study the dynamics of winds from stars on elliptical orbits and with unequal strength winds. Orbital motion of the stars sweeps the shocked wind gas into an Archimedean spiral, with asymmetric shock strengths and therefore unequal postshock temperatures and densities in the leading and trailing edges of the spiral. We observe the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability at the contact surface between the shocked winds in systems with orbital motion even when the winds are identical. The change in shock strengths caused by orbital motion increases the volume of X-ray emitting post-shock gas with T > 0.59 keV by 63% for a typical system as the ratio of wind velocity to orbital velocity decreases to V_w/V_o = 2.5. This causes increased free-free emission from systems with shorter orbital periods and an altered time-dependence of the wind attenuation. We comment on the importance of the effects of orbital motion on the observable properties of colliding wind binaries.Comment: 12 pages, 17 figures, accepted for publication in Ap

Phytocannabinoids, neuroprotection and the blood-brain barrier

The blood brain barrier (BBB) is central to the neurovascular unit (NVU) where it creates a semi-permeable barrier between neuronal tissue and the vascular networks that feed the brain. In neurodegenerative conditions and ischaemic stroke, the BBB becomes compromised and as a result its permeability increases. This not only exacerbates neuronal damage at the site of injury but also causes unwanted extravasation of peripheral immune cells into the brain, fuelling the overactivation of the immune response. Endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids have both displayed neuroprotective effects, attenuating damage in a range of models including Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, amyloid lateral sclerosis and ischaemic stroke. The current study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective properties of emerging phytocannabinoids; specifically focusing on the BBB and NVU in the context of ischaemic stroke pathophysiology. A four-cell blood brain barrier model was constructed consisting of; human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs), astrocytes, pericytes and neurons. Cells were cultured on collagen coated transwell inserts and permeability was assessed using transepithelial resistance (TEER). A systematic review was conducted to examine work on the neuroprotective properties of minor phytocannabinoids, aside from cannabidiol (CBD) and delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). Following on from this, in vitro experiments were conducted using minor phytocannabinoids with the most neuroprotective potential; cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). Inserts or monocultures (four cell model and pericyte, HBMECs and neuronal monolayers) were subjected to either a 4 h oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) protocol or an 8 h OGD (astrocyte monocultures), to model ischaemic stroke in vitro. Media was analysed for various chemokines and cytokines using enzyme-linked immunoassays or multiplex assays. From the systematic review, emerging phytocannabinoids cannabidivarin (CBDV) and cannabigerol (CBG) were found to display efficacy in various neurogenerative conditions and of the limited available mechanistic data, were found to mediate some of their effects through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARy). Data showed CBDV (300 nM-10 µM) attenuated MCP-1 levels in HBMEC monolayers, as well as reducing IL-6 (30 nM, 1 µM and 10 µM; p<0.05) and VEGF (10 nM- 10 µM; p<0.01) levels in astrocyte monocultures post OGD. CBG (10 nM-3 µM; p<0.0001) also reduced levels of IL-6 secreted by astrocytes and decreased levels of DNA damage response proteins including Chk1, Chk2, H2A.X and p53 post OGD. Neither CBG, nor CBDV reduced levels of IL-6, VEG or IL-8 in pericytes compared to the vehicle control post OGD. Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) was also investigated and was found to decrease IL-6 in pericyte monocultures which was mediated, at least in part, by 5-HT1A activation. In a four-cell model of the BBB, CBDA offset increases in permeability vs the vehicle control and offered direct protection to neurons, as shown by a lack of propidium iodide (PI) staining in CBDA treated cells, indicating live cells are present. Data presented in this thesis show minor phytocannabinoids CBDV, CBG and CBDA provide protection against OGD mediated damage, with CBDA also offering protection against increases in permeability of the BBB post OGD. These novel data warrant further investigation into the neuroprotective properties of phytocannabinoids, particularly in ischaemic stroke

Parental interpretations of “childhood innocence”: implications for early sexuality education

Despite general recognition of the benefits of talking openly about sexuality with children, parents encounter and/or create barriers to such communication. One of the key barriers is a desire to protect childhood innocence. Using data collected during focus group discussions with parents and carers of young children, the current study explores parental interpretations of childhood innocence and the influence this has on their reported practices relating to sexuality-relevant communication with young children aged between 4 and 7 years old. Childhood innocence was commonly equated with non-sexuality in children and sexual ignorance. Parents displayed ambiguity around the conceptualisation of non-innocence in children. Parents desire to prolong the state of childhood innocence led them to withhold certain sexual knowledge from their children; however, the majority also desired an open relationship whereby their child could approach them for information

Density Probability Distribution Functions in Supersonic Hydrodynamic and MHD Turbulence

We study the probability distribution function (PDF) of the mass density in simulations of supersonic turbulence with properties appropriate for molecular clouds. For this study we use Athena, a new higher-order Godunov code. We find there are surprisingly similar relationships between the mean of the time-averaged PDF and the turbulent Mach number for driven hydrodynamic and strong-field MHD turbulence. There is, however, a large scatter about these relations, indicating a high level of temporal and spatial variability in the PDF. Thus, the PDF of the mass density is unlikely to be a good measure of magnetic field strength. We also find the PDF of decaying MHD turbulence deviates from the mean-Mach relation found in the driven case. This implies that the instantaneous Mach number alone is not enough to determine the statistical properties of turbulence that is out of equilibrium. The scatter about the mean-Mach relation for driven turbulence, along with the large departure of decaying turbulence PDFs from those of driven turbulence, may illuminate one factor contributing to the large observed cloud-to-cloud variation in the star formation rate per solar mass.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, published in ApJL; corrected sign in eqn. (4