Search

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges and stressors that are testing the resilience of residential life staff in significant ways. Like many colleges and universities, this campus of study provided almost exclusively remote instruction during the 2020-21 academic year while providing housing for approximately 30% of the undergraduate population. In 2021-22, this campus was near the residential capacity while providing mostly in-person instruction. Even with a 97% vaccination rate for students, monitoring the safety and wellness of residents created unique stressors for both professional and paraprofessional staff. The varied impacts of the pandemic brought constant change, and the results of such change were no more apparent than in the 24/7 environments of the residential community. This article explores the depth and breadth of issues related to the stress, coping, and resilience of live-in student staff and identifies variables that contributed to their well-being. Using a mixed methods approach, a comparison was made between student hall staff and the rest of the campus population on self-reported mental health concerns. These data were used to create changes in practice to improve the paraprofessional experience, such as professional staff assuming more in-person responsibilities and making mental health support more readily accessible to paraprofessional staff. [Discussion questions developed by Zakery Earp.]

Cellular senescence leads to the functional decline of regenerative cells such as mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs), which gives rise to chronic conditions and contributes to poor cell therapy outcomes. Aging tissues are associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) dysregulation, including loss of elastin. However, the role of the ECM in modulating senescence is underexplored. In this work, it is shown that tropoelastin, the soluble elastin precursor, is not only a marker of young MSCs but also actively preserves cell fitness and delays senescence during replicative aging. MSCs briefly exposed to tropoelastin exhibit upregulation of proliferative genes and concurrent downregulation of senescence genes. The seno‐protective benefits of tropoelastin persist during continuous, long‐term MSC culture, and significantly extend the MSC replicative lifespan. Tropoelastin‐expanded MSCs further maintain youth‐associated phenotype and function compared to age‐matched controls, including preserved clonogenic potential, minimal senescence‐associated beta‐galactosidase activity, maintained cell sizes, reduced expression of senescence markers, suppressed secretion of senescence‐associated factors, and increased production of youth‐associated proteins. This work points to the utility of exogenously‐supplemented tropoelastin for manufacturing MSCs that robustly maintain regenerative potential with age. It further reveals the active role of classical structural ECM proteins in driving cellular age‐associated fitness, potentially leading to future interventions for aging‐related pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Hypothesis: Multicompartment prolapse is a complex pelvic floor condition that can involve coordination of both urogynecologists and colorectal surgeons. Methods: Concomitant sacrocolpopexy and ventral rectopexy is a safe and effective approach to treating this condition. Results: The combined procedure has high rates of patient satisfaction and symptom improvement, including defecatory dysfunction, sexual health, and overall increased quality of life. Conclusion: Concomitant sacrocolpopexy with ventral rectopexy is safe and improves overall outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the capability of determining the mixed chemical composition of urinary stones using spectral imaging properties of Dual Energy Computed Tomography (DECT) Gemstone Spectral Imaging (GSI) software. Material and Methods: Twenty-six single and 24 mixed composition ex vivo urinary stones with known chemical composition determined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) prior to this project were scanned with DECT imaging and GSI in vitro. The major components of the stones included Uric Acid (UA), Calcium Oxalate (CaOx), Calcium Phosphate (CaP), Magnesium Ammonium Phosphate (MAP), and Cystine (Cys). A histogram to display the distribution of the effective atomic number (Z-eff) of each pixel of the tested area, spectral curve (40– 140 keV, with 10 keV interval) and Hounsfield Units (HU) of each stone scanned was provided with analysis of monochromatic images at 140 keV in the axial plane. Results: The overall pooled sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of DECT for identifying major stone composition were 0.802, 0.831, and 0.807, respectively, with a 95% confidence interval. Accuracy was 100% for identifying UA and Cys stones. Conclusion: DECT is a superior imaging modality when compared to low dose computed tomography kidney ureter bladder scans. It allows for improved characterization of major components of urinary stones, in an accurate, non-invasive approach to pre-treatment. This can translate to urologists having greater confidence in determining patient suitability for medical or surgical management of their renal stones, in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the study was to characterize artificial stones used for research in endourology in terms of radiological properties and hardness, based on stone fragmentation, and to compare them with real stones. Materials and Methods: We built artificial stones using BegoStone Plus™ powder (BEGO, Lincoln, RI), with powder (g)–water (mL) ratios ranging from 15:03 to 15:12. The CT Gemstone Spectral Imaging Software® (GE Medical Systems, LLC, Waukesha, WI) was used to evaluate the radiological density in HU and spectral properties. Stone fragmentation was assessed in an in vitro experimental setting. These properties of artificial stones were compared with real urinary calculi. Results: Regarding radiological density in terms of HUs, 15:03 artificial calculi showed similar results when compared with real stones comprising calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate. The 15:03 and 15:04 artificial stones showed similar spectral property results to calcium pyrophosphate stones. The 15:11 artificial stones showed similar stone fragmentation results to real stones comprising uric acid, and 15:03 artificial calculi showed similar results to apatite and cystine stones. Conclusions: Artificial stones are useful for research in endourology. Stones with a powder (g)–water (mL) ratio of 15:03 proved to mimic real hard stones in terms of HUs, atomic number, and stone fragmentation in our study and could be used as artificial hard stones, and 15:11 stones showed similar stone fragmentation to uric acid stones. Our study might suggest that standard Bego stones are useful to investigate different areas in endourology, but not radiological properties because radiological homogeneity is not ensured unless more sophisticated mixing methods are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Merremia umbellata Hallier f. (MU) has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat burns and scales. However, the potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms of action of this plant have not been elucidated. This study aimed to assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the leaf and shoot of MU grown in Bangladesh. The MU extract exhibited antioxidant activities as demonstrated by DPPH and ABTS free-radical-scavenging activities and the total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents. MU extract significantly reduced the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 macrophage. Accordingly, the gene levels of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 were suppressed. The MU extract alleviated the LPS-induced expression of TLR4, NF-κB, and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β). The constituents of a MU extract were tentatively identified using UHPLC-PDA-QTOF/MS techniques. The main compounds were identified as 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, quercitrin, and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid. Molecular docking analysis revealed that these compounds interact with TLR4 protein, with quercitrin showing the highest binding affinity among them. Overall, our findings demonstrate the antioxidant and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of MU and its potential compounds to target the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings are potentially used to further explore promising natural food ingredients that are effective in regulating inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the learning environment of senior high school science laboratory classrooms in Korea, the Science Laboratory Environment Inventory (SLEI) was translated into Korean and administered to 439 students (99 science-independent stream students, 195 science-oriented stream students and 145 humanities stream students). Data analyses attested to the sound factorial validity and internal consistency reliability of the SLEI, as well as its ability to differentiate between the perceptions of students in different classrooms. Students in the science-independent stream generally perceived their science laboratory classroom environment more favourably than did students in either the humanities or science-oriented stream. Associations were found between various measures of students' attitudes to science and their perceptions on SLEI scales; in particular, as in past research in other countries, integration between theory and practical classes was a statistically significant predictor of all attitude criteria when the other SLEI scales were mutually controlled.

Depending on the inflammatory milieu, injury can result either in a tissue's complete regeneration or in its degeneration and fibrosis, the latter of which could potentially lead to permanent organ failure. Yet how inflammatory cells regulate matrixproducing cells involved in the reparative process is unknown. Here we show that in acutely damaged skeletal muscle, sequential interactions between multipotent mesenchymal progenitors and infiltrating inflammatory cells determine the outcome of the reparative process. We found that infiltrating inflammatory macrophages, through their expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), directly induce apoptosis of fibro/adipogenic progenitors (FAPs). In states of chronic damage, however, such as those in mdx mice, macrophages express high levels of transforming growth factor [beta]1 (TGF-[beta]1), which prevents the apoptosis of FAPs and induces their differentiation into matrix- producing cells. Treatment with nilotinib, a kinase inhibitor with proposed anti-fibrotic activity, can block the effect of TGF-[beta]1 and reduce muscle fibrosis in mdx mice. Our findings reveal an unexpected anti-fibrotic role of TNF and suggest that disruption of the precisely timed progression from a TNF- rich to a TGF-[beta]-rich environment favors fibrotic degeneration of the muscle during chronic injury., Acute skeletal muscle damage triggers a transient phase of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling (1), the prompt termination of which is crucial to avoiding pathological fibrosis and consequent tissue degeneration. Recent [...]

Single‐atomic catalysts based on ruthenium have a balanced efficiency for water splitting, but it is necessary to control their activity and durability. In this work, a binder‐free Fe2‐xRuxNb2O6 (FRNO) hybrid catalyst is rationally designed through a facile hydrogel‐crosslinking route. The as‐prepared FRNO catalyst exhibits high electrocatalytic activity and stability when operating under acidic (0.5 m H2SO4) and alkaline (1 m KOH) media. Operando X‐ray adsorption and density functional theory calculations show that FRNO/CC, with its high intrinsic conductivity, promotes the adsorption and dissociation of water on its surface by regulating the charge distribution via charge transfer to the coordinated surface oxygen. This facilitates the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance by stabilizing *OOH adsorption on Ru and Fe. The FRNO/carbon cloth (CC) hybrid catalyst also delivers excellent activity and stability for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and OER in pH‐universal electrolytes with low overpotentials of 30 mV per 82 mV for HER and 200 mV per 260 mV for OER at a current density of 10 mA cm‐2 in acidic/basic medium. Ultimately, the FRNO/CC hybrid catalyst shows good water‐splitting performance, and it is expected to help contribute to the creation of various hybrid electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 3D fibrin-mimicking gelatin fiber is fabricated via electrospinning into ethanol. • The gelatin scaffold can effectively absorb blood and release calcium ion. • Combined hemostatic mechanisms promote clotting, reduce blood loss from 3 mm wound. Hemostasis plays a critical role in wound treatment and surgical operations. Blood coagulation can be facilitated by both physical coagulation, involving fibrin and platelets, and chemical coagulation, promoted by calcium ion release. In this study, we fabricated a 3D gelatin fiber and calcium-releasing gelatin sponge (GFGS) to promote the hemostatic process at the wound site. Fibrin-like gelatin fibers electrospun on an ethanol bath were able to form 2–5 µm fibers that maintained a 3D structure and did not dissolve in water. These fibers, which were not densely packed, created a porous space that could entangle with red blood cells, thereby expanding the binding sites. The uncrosslinked gelatin sponge undergoes dissolution upon contact with blood, facilitating blood infiltration and the localized release of calcium ions to enhance the coagulation process. The GFGS demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and hemostatic effects, reducing blood loss by five times compared to regular gauze in a 3 mm diameter wound. By modifying the collector of the electrospinning device and the crosslinking methods, we were able to create a scaffold where gelatin fibers do not adhere to each other and maintain a 3D structure. Additionally, by crosslinking the gelatin to release calcium ions, we were able to enhance the hemostatic effect. This is expected to rapidly prevent and treat wounds occurring after interventional surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an integrated design and fabrication strategy for the development of hierarchically structured biomechanically and biologically functional tissue scaffold. An integration of β-TCP incorporated fluffy type nanofibers and biodegradable interpenetrating gelatin-hydrogel networks (IGN) result in biomimetic tissue engineered constructs with fully tunable properties that can match specific tissue requirements. FESEM images showed that nanofibers were efficiently assembled into an orientation of IGN without disturbing its pore architecture. The pore architecture, compressive stiffness and modulus, swelling, and the biological properties of the composite constructs can be tailored by adjusting the composition of nanofiber content with respect to IGN. Experimental results of cell proliferation assay and confocal microscopy imaging showed that the as-fabricated composite constructs exhibit excellent ability for MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation, infiltration and growth. Furthermore, β-TCP incorporated functionalized nanofiber enhanced the biomimetic mineralization, cell infiltration and cell proliferation. Within two weeks of cell-seeding, the composite construct exhibited enhanced osteogenic performance (Runx2, osterix and ALP gene expression) compared to pristine IGN hydrogel scaffold. Our integrated design and fabrication approach enables the assembly of nanofiber within IGN architecture, laying the foundation for biomimetic scaffold. • Biomimetic scaffold with channel-like macroporous architecture is developed. • First time bioactive fluffy type nanofibous mesh is integrated with GelMA hydrogel. • Nanofibers were efficiently assembled an orientation of hydrogel network. • Fibers do not interrupt the macroporous architecture of GelMA. • The pore architecture, stiffness, modulus, and the bioactivity can tailored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over 86% of American Indian and Alaska Native elders live in urban metropolitan areas, yet the extant epidemiological data on cognition and aging in this racial and ethnic population has been collected in reservation communities and may have limited generalizability to the larger population. Multi‐faceted, high quality data are needed to assess risk and protective factors in this underserved and understudied population. Method: We intend to collect medical history, lifestyle and behavioral history, neurocognitive battery, anthropometric measures, blood and urine samples, cranial 3T MRI, rsfMRI, and wrist actigraphy data from 1200 urban‐dwelling Native elders (age 55 and older) across 5 major metropolitan areas: Anchorage, AK; Seattle, WA; San Bernardino, CA; Phoenix, AZ; and Oklahoma City, OK. This initial cohort will be the first in a NIA‐funded longitudinal cohort study to evaluate the brain and cognitive health of this population as they advance in age. Result: Originally funded in the summer of 2019, data collection was initially delayed due to the pandemic, but was initiated at one site (Phoenix) in the summer of 2021 and is now underway at all 5 field sites, with a total of 260 participants enrolled as of the time of this writing. Conclusion: This study represents the largest effort to characterize the cognition and brain health of a generalizable sample of urban‐dwelling American Indian and Alaska Native elders to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since North Korea possessed nuclear weapons, the Obama administration has pursued more drastic policy to defeat North Korea's nuclear strategy but its process is not fulfilling the obligation without producing [...]

VI. North Korea Military Techniques and U.S. Strategy for Balance of Power in Northeast Asia Since North Korea possessed nuclear weapons, the Obama administration has pursued more drastic policy to [...]

Acute skeletal muscle injury triggers an expansion of fibro/adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) and a transient stage of fibrogenesis characterized by extracellular matrix deposition. While the perpetuation of such phase can lead to permanent tissue scarring, the consequences of its suppression remain to be studied. Using a model of acute muscle damage we were able to determine that pharmacological inhibition of FAP expansion by Nilotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor with potent antifibrotic activity, exerts a detrimental effect on myogenesis during regeneration. We found that Nilotinib inhibits the damage-induced expansion of satellite cells in vivo , but it does not affect in vitro proliferation, suggesting a non cell-autonomous effect. Nilotinib impairs regenerative fibrogenesis by preventing the injury-triggered expansion and differentiation of resident CD45 − :CD31 − :α7integrin − :Sca1 + mesenchymal FAPs. Our data support the notion that the expansion of FAPs and transient fibrogenesis observed during regeneration play an important trophic role toward tissue-specific stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: People living with dementia may experience and express pain in different ways to people without dementia. People with dementia are typically prescribed fewer analgesics than people without dementia indicating a potential difference in how pain is identified and treated in these populations. The objectives of this study are to (1) investigate the prevalence of analgesic load, pain and daytime sedation in people with and without dementia in Australian residential aged care facilities (RACFs), and (2) investigate the clinical and diagnostic associations between analgesic load, pain and daytime sedation in people with and without dementia in Australian RACFs. Methods/analysis: This will be a cross-sectional study of 300 permanent residents of up to 10 low-level and high-level RACFs in South Australia with and without dementia. Trained study nurses will administer validated and dementia-specific assessments of self-reported and clinician-observed pain, sedation and other clinical and humanistic outcomes. Medicine-use data will be extracted directly from each resident's medication administration chart. Binary and multinominal logistic regression will be used to compute unadjusted and adjusted ORs and 95% CIs for factors associated with pain, analgesic load and daytime sedation. These factors will include dementia severity, behavioural and psychological symptoms, quality of life, resident satisfaction, attitudes towards medicines, activities of daily living and nutritional status. Ethics and dissemination: Institutional ethics approval has been granted. The findings will be disseminated through public lectures, professional and scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journal articles. The findings of this study will allow for a better understanding of the prevalence and factors associated with analgesic use, pain and other outcomes in residential care. The findings of this study will be used to inform the development and implementation of strategies to improve the quality of life of people with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the experiences of Asian American college students in the U.S. Racial discrimination faced by the students; Feelings of professors towards them; Inadequate resources and diversity among staffs; Suggestions for higher education professionals.

Introduces the articles published in the Spring 2002 issue of the journal 'New Directions for Student Services.' Experiences of three undergraduate Asian Americans in college campus; Diversity of Asian American students; Impact of racial identity on the students.

Proposes a model based on psychosocial student development theory for the Asian American students. Pictorial representation of the psychosocial model; Impact of developing racial identity on the students; Influence of interdependence with family on their social and emotional lives in college.

Objective: To evaluate the operative outcome and prognostic factors in patients over the age of 65 years who suffered from post-traumatic acute subdural haematoma. Material and methods: Forty patients (22 males, 18 females) over the age of 65 years who had undergone surgical evacuation of post-traumatic acute subdural haematoma at Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, between January 1995 and July 1998, were retrospectively studied. Major pre-operative clinical parameters and computed tomography (CT) findings were statistically analysed for prognostic significance. Results: Twenty-four (60%) patients died, eight (20%) had poor functional survival and eight (20%) had good functional survival. Pre-operative Glasgow coma scale score (GCS), pupillary reactivity, the presence of significant mid-line shift and obliteration of the basal cistern on CT scan had reached statistical significance in predicting outcome. A preoperative GCS of 5 or below and the finding of an obliterated basal cistern on CT scan were incompatible with good functional survival. Conclusion: Post-traumatic subdural haematoma in patients over the age of 65 years had a poor operative outcome, especially in those patients who showed evidence of severe brain stem compression prior to surgical intervention. &figfu5; &figfu6; &figfu7; &figfu8; &figfu9;. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we developed a novel biliary stent coating material that is composed of tri-layer membrane with dual function of sustained release of paclitaxel (PTX) anticancer drug and antibacterial effect. The advantages of using electrospinning technique were considered for the even distribution of PTX and controlled release profile from the nanofiber mat. Furthermore, film cast method was utilized to fabricate AgNPs-immobilized PU film to direct the release towards the tumor site and suppress the biofilm formation. The in vitro antibacterial test conducted against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria species showed excellent antibacterial effect. The in vitro drug release study confirmed the sustained release of PTX from the tri-layer membrane and the release profile fitted first order with correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.98. Furthermore, the release mechanism was studied using Korsmeyer–Peppas model, revealing that the release mechanism follows Fickian diffusion. Based on the results, this novel tri-layer membrane shows curative potential in clinical development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we present a novel strategy to fabricate high porous fluffy type Poly ( L -lactide) (PLA) nanofibrous scaffold for tissue regeneration. Low-density nanofibrous scaffold was fabricated by electrospinning the blend of PLA and lactic acid (LA), followed by selective leaching of LA. Digital images, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) images, Infra-red (IR) spectra, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curves revealed the formation of the low density biomimetic nanofibrous mesh. In vitro cell compatibility results indicated that as-fabricated PLA nanofibrous scaffold enhanced the cell proliferation and growth compared to the corresponding two-dimensional nanofibrous scaffold. Furthermore, confocal microscopy images showed that cells seeded on the fluffy type nanofibrous mesh infiltrated throughout the depth of the scaffold, compared to no penetrating growth for the two-dimensional scaffold. The fabrication of such fascinating materials may provide new insights into the design and development of the low density nanofibrous scaffolds for various tissue engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]