ABSTRACT
One promising frontier within the field of Medical Botany is the study of the bioactivity of plant metabolites on human health. Although plant metabolites are metabolic byproducts that commonly regulate ecological interactions and biochemical processes in plant species, such metabolites also elicit profound effects on the cellular processes of human and other mammalian cells. In this regard, due to their potential as therapeutic agents for a variety of human diseases and induction of toxic cellular responses, further research advances are direly needed to fully understand the molecular mechanisms induced by these agents. Herein, we focus our investigation on metabolites from the Cucurbitaceae, Ericaceae, and Rosaceae plant families, for which several plant species are found within the state of Florida in Hillsborough County. Specifically, we compare the molecular mechanisms by which metabolites and/or plant extracts from these plant families modulate the cytoskeleton, protein trafficking, and cell signaling to mediate functional outcomes, as well as a discussion of current gaps in knowledge. Our efforts to lay the molecular groundwork in this broad manner hold promise in supporting future research efforts in pharmacology and drug discovery.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: This study explored experiences of bulbar (speech, voice and swallowing) symptoms in Australian adults with Myasthenia Gravis (MG), and the relationship between these symptoms and community participation and quality-of-life. Further, it examined access to and experiences with speech-language pathology (SLP) services, and awareness and perceptions of the SLP's role.Method: A cross-sectional mixed methods online survey collected data using researcher-designed questions and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including the Dysarthria Impact Profile (DIP), Voice Handicap Index (VHI), Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI), Community Integration Questionnaire-Revised (CIQ-R), and Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life-Revised 15 (MG-QOL15r). Analyses included descriptive and non-parametric statistics, and content analysis.Result: Participants were 111 adults with MG living in Australia. 74% of respondents reported experiencing symptoms of speech difficulties but only 20% of those were referred to SLP services. Similarly, 85% of respondents reported experiencing swallowing difficulties, but only 26% were referred to SLP. Voice handicap (VHI) was strongly correlated with the psychosocial impact of dysarthria (DIP) and dysphagia handicap (DHI). Increased voice and dysphagia handicap were moderately correlated with worse quality-of-life. There was generally poor awareness of the SLP's role and many were reluctant to attend SLP appointments.Conclusion: These findings highlight unmet consumer needs for MG-related bulbar symptoms, and a lack of awareness of SLP services. It is suggested that, in addition to other strategies, consumer education and increased awareness are required to address these unmet needs.
Subject(s)
Deglutition Disorders , Myasthenia Gravis , Speech-Language Pathology , Adult , Australia , Cross-Sectional Studies , Deglutition Disorders/etiology , Dysarthria , Humans , Myasthenia Gravis/complications , Quality of Life , Speech-Language Pathology/educationABSTRACT
ABSTRACTThe purpose of the scoping review was to synthesize peer-reviewed literature of daughters' experiences of maternal bereavement. The search was conducted across eight databases and included peer-reviewed, qualitative research that reported on daughters' experiences of the death of their mother. The review identified 21 studies. Experiences included recurrent grief including secondary losses, difficulties establishing and maintaining relationships, and intrapersonal and daily lifestyle changes. Implications for maternal loss during adolescence, and recommendations for those supporting women whose mothers have passed away have been provided. Further research is needed to identify the experiences of loss at different developmental stages.
Subject(s)
Bereavement , Mother-Child Relations , Adolescent , Female , Grief , Humans , Mothers , Nuclear FamilyABSTRACT
It is recognised that delirium is common among older adult inpatients and correlated with negative outcomes. The gold standard care for delirium management is achieved using multicomponent interventions. Which components work best is not yet well defined. During the COVID-19 outbreak, a paediatric ward was repurposed to treat adult patients. Paediatric nurses and play specialists remained on the ward. It was observed that the paediatric ward aesthetic and the team's dedicated approach to cognitive stimulation and sleep promotion improved well-being among older adult patients. We propose that elements of paediatric care, primarily deployment of a play specialist, could be incorporated into a multicomponent intervention for delirium prevention and management.
