Adrian College

We present the first mixed-method study to explore the experiences of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) students studying psychology in the UK. We co-created a survey with undergraduate student research assistants, which was completed by 195 students, of which 106 were from BAME backgrounds and 89 were from White backgrounds. All students were studying psychology as undergraduate or postgraduate students at two UK universities. Using the survey, we compared BAME and White students’ experiences and views about their curriculum, delivery of teaching, personal tutoring support, course resources, peer relationships, representation, course community, approaches to study, and their engagement. We found differences in how well represented students felt in the curriculum and amongst their peers according to university and ethnicity. Following the survey, 27 BAME students took part in focus group interviews. Using a thematic content analysis approach, these students reported category themes of issues with representation within the curriculum, pedagogy, and staff representation. Challenges in their sense of belonging to the department and university were also reported. The study indicates that all psychology students are calling for psychology departments to enhance their curriculum’s ethnic representation and anti-racist pedagogy. Meanwhile, BAME students are calling for efforts to enhance a sense of belonging and awareness of BAME-related issues amongst staff and their peers. This bolsters the importance of work to diversify the psychology curriculum and highlights the implications of a lack of diversity in future psychology careers and mental health support.

Background: Occupational stress is a prevalent issue among nursing professionals, often resulting from high workloads, shift rotations, and emotional demands. While the psychological effects of stress are well-documented, its physical manifestations, particularly dermatological symptoms, remain underexplored. Psychodermatology examines the bidirectional link between psychological stress and skin health, offering insight into how chronic work stress may contribute to conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. This study investigated the relationship between work-related stress and psychodermatological symptoms among nurses in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Methods: A descriptive-correlational research design involving 92 full-time registered nurses from two hospitals was employed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising demographic variables, the Work-Related Stressor Scale, a psychodermatological symptom checklist, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Descriptive statistics, Pearson and Spearman correlations, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify associations and predictive factors. Results: Nearly half (49%) of the participants reported experiencing psychodermatological conditions, with acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and eczema being most prevalent. Moderate levels of occupational stress were observed, especially in emotional exhaustion, job insecurity, and lack of administrative support. A strong positive correlation was found between overall stress levels and symptom severity (r = 0.728, p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified emotional distress exposure, job insecurity, role ambiguity, and workload as significant predictors of symptom severity. Years of service and shift type were also associated with stress levels and dermatological outcomes. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a significant link between occupational stress and stress-related skin conditions among nursing professionals. These results highlight the need for holistic occupational wellness programs that address stress's psychological and physical manifestations. Targeted interventions focusing on stress management, workload regulation, and skin health promotion are recommended to enhance nurses’ well-being and professional performance.

Objective: This study examined sex differences in subacute plasma biomarkers in adolescents post-concussion and their associations with post-concussion symptom (PCS) burden. We hypothesized that biomarker levels would differ by sex and relate to PCS severity. Setting: Participants were recruited from outpatient settings as part of the Concussion Assessment, Research, and Education for Kids (CARE4Kids) multi-site observational study. Participants: Adolescents 11 to 17.99 years with a concussion based on Concussion In Sport Group criteria were eligible. Participants were assessed 7 to 35 days post-injury and required to report at least one PCS exceeding pre-injury baseline. A total of 339 participants (174 females, 145 males) with both blood biomarkers and PCS data were analyzed. Design: Plasma levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein, neurofilament light chain (NFL), ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase (UCH-L1), tau, and phosphorylated tau at threonine 181 (p-tau181) were measured and compared between sexes. PCS severity was assessed using the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory, 2nd Ed (PCSI-2) Retrospective Adjusted Post-Injury Difference (RAPID) scoring system. Main Measures: Primary outcomes were sex differences in biomarker levels and their associations with RAPID scores. Results: Females had significantly higher tau (females: M = 6.18, SD = 8.02; males: M = 4.55, SD = 5.53; P = .012) and lower p-tau181/tau ratios (females: M = 6.18, SD = 8.02; males: M = 4.55, SD = 5.53; P = .002) after adjusting for age, BMI, and days post-injury. In both sexes, cognitive symptoms were associated with higher p-tau181. In females, emotional symptoms were associated with elevated NFL and UCH-L1. In males, physical and overall symptoms were associated with lower NFL, UCH-L1, and p-tau181. Conclusion: This study highlights sex-specific biomarker differences during adolescent concussion recovery and the importance of understanding how sex differences may influence symptom burden and recovery trajectories. Future research should examine hormonal influences on biomarker profiles and prolonged symptomatology.

Increasing reliance on adjunct faculty at post-secondary institutions makes successful mission integration important. This case study surveys seventy adjunct instructors at a four-year small private Catholic institution to determine how to improve adjunct faculty mission integration on campus to meet the unique needs of this faculty group. Gappa and Austin's "Essential Elements of Faculty Work" framework (2010) was used to determine a priori codes, identify faculty integration issues, as well as potential solutions. The researcher found issues regarding resource allocation, as well as voice and recognition. To address these issues, participants recommended more frequent and accessible campus meetings and a more comprehensive mentoring program. In addition, literature provides several models at community colleges that have already incorporated many suggestions, which four-year institutions could use to design their adjunct instructor programs to improve integration.

Leucine is a critical amino acid stimulating myofibrillar protein synthesis (MyoPS). The consumption of higher leucine-containing drinks stimulates MyoPS, but we know less about higher leucine solid foods. Here, we examined the effect of short-term resistance exercise training (STRT) combined with supplementation of a protein and leucine-enriched bar, compared with STRT alone, on integrated (%/day) rates of MyoPS and anabolic protein signaling. In a nonblinded, randomized crossover trial, eight young adults performed four sessions of STRT without or while consuming the study bar (STRT+Leu, 16g of protein containing ∼3g of leucine) for two 4-day phases, separated by 2 days nonexercise (Rest) washout. In combination with serial muscle biopsies, deuterated water permitted the measurement of MyoPS and protein signaling phosphorylation. MyoPS during STRT (1.43±0.06%/day) and STRT+Leu (1.53±0.06%/day) were greater than Rest (1.31±0.05%/day), and MyoPS during STRT+Leu (1.53±0.06%/day) was greater than STRT alone (1.43±0.06%/day). STRT+Leu increased the ratio of phosphorylated to total mechanistic target of rapamycin and 4EBP1 compared to Rest. Engaging in STRT increased integrated MyoPS and protein signaling in young adults and was enhanced with increased protein intake derived from a leucine-enriched protein bar. This study was registered atclinicaltrials.govas NCT03796897.