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- All Subjects: Stress
- Creators: School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences
- Resource Type: Text
Veterans are approximately 30% more likely than non-veterans to suffer from severe hearing impairment. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, which is increasingly common among military service men and women, has been linked to significant cognitive and psychological impairment and can be worsened by the same sounds that trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, tinnitus and PTSD often present as comorbidities, and recent studies suggest these two disorders may share a common neurological pathway. Additional studies are required to better understand the connection between hearing loss and impaired cognitive function such as that observed in with PTSD. Here, we use the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to explore the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive function. Negative geotaxis climbing assays and courtship behavior analysis were used to examine neurobehavioral changes induced by prolonged, intense auditory stimulation. Preliminary results suggest that exposure to loud noise for an extended period of time significantly affected Drosophila behavior, with males being more sensitive than females. Based on our results, there appears to be a potential connection between noise exposure and behavior, further suggesting that Drosophila could be an effective model to study the link between hearing loss and PTSD.
The decision to disclose or not disclose information is a personal choice. When medical information is learned, a patient has to make decisions about disclosure. This qualitative research project has the goal of understanding how Latinx participants' cultural values, experiences from this community, and other factors influence the decision to disclose in a romantic relationship. Twelve interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide and the main themes found from analysis of the data cultural and relational influencers. This thesis serves as a resource for healthcare professionals to better understand their Latinx patient population in times where disclosure is encountered.
The decision to disclose or not disclose information is a personal choice. When medical information is learned, a patient has to make decisions about disclosure. This qualitative research project has the goal of understanding how Latinx participants' cultural values, experiences from this community, and other factors influence the decision to disclose in a romantic relationship. Twelve interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide and the main themes found from analysis of the data cultural and relational influencers. This thesis serves as a resource for healthcare professionals to better understand their Latinx patient population in times where disclosure is encountered.