Anthropology and nursing--the interaction between two fields of inquiry

CaMKII activation persistently segregates postsynaptic proteins via liquid phase separation

Transient information input to the brain leads to persistent changes in synaptic circuits, contributing to the formation of memory engrams. Pre- and postsynaptic structures undergo coordinated functional and structural changes during this process, but how such changes are achieved by their component molecules remains largely unknown. We found that activated CaMKII, a central player of synaptic plasticity, undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation with the NMDA-type glutamate receptor subunit GluN2B. Due to CaMKII autophosphorylation, the condensate stably persists even after Ca²⁺ is removed. The selective binding of activated CaMKII with GluN2B cosegregates AMPA receptors and the synaptic adhesion molecule neuroligin into a phase-in-phase assembly. In this way, Ca²⁺-induced liquid-liquid phase separation of CaMKII has the potential to act as an activity-dependent mechanism to crosslink postsynaptic proteins, which may serve as a platform for synaptic reorganization associated with synaptic plasticity.

Developing faculty expertise in culturally focused care and research

The faculty development program was designed to extend expertise in culturally focused nursing care and research. Its main purposes were to operationalize the concept of culture in clinical practice settings and to stimulate culturally focused nursing research. The program was an interdisciplinary collaborative effort with content grounded in anthropological concepts and research methods. Content was divided into four phases: concepts basic to culturally focused care; use of research findings in the clinical area; methodological issues in culturally focused research; and analysis of culturally focused research proposals. The program resulted in greater integration of the concept of culture into theory and practice and in the development of several funded research proposals.

On the inside looking out--perceptions of the homebound

Losses expressed by homebound older adults resulted from an initial loss of independence. To compensate for losses in independence, the older homebound adults created unique and innovative changes in their homes and lifestyles to remain as independent as possible. Findings suggest the need for coordinated in-home services that are ethically administered to homebound individuals. Emergency services should be available on a 24-hour basis to homebound older adults needing skilled technological nursing services. Nurses must become more actively involved in the development, coordination, and evaluation of comprehensive in-home services for our growing older adult population.