Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Generation And Characterization Of Lipid Nanoparticles For Dna Plasmid Delivery And Pharmacological Characterization, Sahana John

Biotechnology Theses

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have shown promise for delivering nucleic acids like DNA plasmids, but packaging large plasmids remains challenging. The findings and experimental work detailed in this thesis are geared towards providing a proof of concept and providing preliminary confirmation of the guiding principle.

We synthesized LNPs containing cationic lipids (D-Lin-MC3) to encapsulate the large pLVX-ZsGreen and psiCHECK (luciferase) plasmids (~10-14kb) using a microfluidic system. Characterization included size, charge, morphology, plasmid encapsulation efficiency and in vitro/in vivo studies. The LNP-pDNA particles were ~100nm in size with high encapsulation efficiency. The LNPs efficiently transfected 293T cells with low cytotoxicity, enabling strong …

Dissecting The Potential Mechanisms Of Histone Deacetylase 1 Dependent Macrophage Phagocytosis Of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Owusu A. Christian

Biotechnology Theses

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) mediate the removal of acetyl groups from the histones of chromatin and regulate the expression of the genes involved in cancer development and immune cell functions. Our previous study showed that HDAC2 enhances IL-1β production by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infected macrophages by promoting inflammasome activation. HDAC1, on the other hand, regulates macrophage phagocytosis of Mtb. However, the mechanisms by which HDAC1 controls macrophage phagocytosis remain unclear.

Using human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) and Mtb strains, we explore the mechanism of HDAC1 in macrophage phagocytosis of Mtb. Our results showed that blocking HDAC1, either chemically or genetically, …

The Role Of Myocardin And Its Effector Proteins In Tgf-Β Induced Cytoskeletal Remodeling Of Ipf Fibroblasts, Khadijat Abolore Olawuyi

Biotechnology Theses

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by thickening and stiffness around the air sacs. Approved treatments like nintedanib and pirfenidone slow disease progression in IPF and often have tolerability issues. More research is needed to fully grasp the mechanisms behind abnormal cytoskeletal changes in lung cells, notably fibroblasts and epithelial cells, and their role in fibrosis progression. Previous studies suggest that myocardin expression and function, traditionally limited to smooth/cardiac development in physiology, become active in pathophysiological conditions like pleural fibrosis. Myocardin's role in liver and kidney fibrosis is known, but its involvement in IPF is unclear. To get more insights, …

Redesign Of Robotic Walking Training Device To Involve Zero Gravity Capabilities And Daily Activities, Chad Ballard

Mechanical Engineering Theses

Many patients struggle with disabilities that hinder their ability to walk. This project aimed to create a leg assembly capable of variable gravity so that it could be combined with a Robotic Walking Training Device, and lead to better rehabilitation options for patients. This was accomplished by deriving equations of joint torque, creating circuit diagrams for Arduino systems, modeling leg assemblies in CAD, and finally combining it to create a working small-scale prototype. The result of the prototype testing showed accurate movement on each joint, especially the ankle and knee segments, to create virtual zero gravity. In addition to this, …

Malaria, A Burden For Sub-Saharan Africa, Alpha Mamadou Hady Barry

Health and Kinesiology Theses

Malaria has been a worldwide health problem for centuries causing between 1.5 to 2.7 million deaths annually, and mostly affecting children aged 5 and under and pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) (Phillips, 2001). The discovery of malaria parasites by Laveran in 1880 as well as the finding of mosquitoes as vectors for avian malaria by Ross in 1897, made scientific studies about malaria possible. Between 1898 and 1900, the Italian scientists Grassi, Bignami, Bastianelli, Celli, Golgi and Marchiafava discovered human malaria (Cox, 2010). Malaria has been eradicated from developed countries such as the United Staes and most European countries …

Using Pose Estimation To Identify Goalkeeper Movement Timing, Chethan Reddy

Health and Kinesiology Theses

Background: Markerless human pose estimation has the potential to revolutionize sports analytics by providing detailed insights into athlete movement. The research presented in this thesis explores how open source pose estimation can be utilized to identify goalkeeper dive initiation during soccer penalty kicks.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to provide an accessible, low-cost heuristic methodology for identifying goalkeeper dive initiation.

Methods: This study uses high-definition single camera broadcast footage (1080p resolution, 50 frames per second) of all 41 penalty kicks attempted during the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup. We isolated each penalty kick from kicker run-up to kick …

Role Of Myocardin Effector Genes On The Progression Of Cytoskeletal Remodeling And Phenotype Switching Of Hpmcs, Kasumi Sato

Biotechnology Theses

Pleural fibrosis (PF) is characterized by thickening of the pleura around the lungs due to mesothelial cells transitioning into myofibroblasts. Our research delved into the role of Myocardin (MYOCD) in this transition, revealing Twinfilin 1 (TWF1) and Leiomodin 1 (LMOD1) as significant genes influenced by MYOCD. In our investigation, we explored how TWF1 and LMOD1 impact cytoskeletal changes in human pleural mesothelial cells (HPMCs) induced by Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). Knocking down TWF1 resulted in reduced expression of Calponin 1 and alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA), while LMOD1 knock-down suppressed α-SMA expression. Inhibition of TWF1 hindered stress fiber formation but …

Cerebral Vasomotor Reactivity To Assess Brain Dysregulation In Post Covid Neurological Syndrome, Musharaf Mohiuddin

Health and Kinesiology Theses

Background: COVID-19 has wide-ranging physiological effects, with many patients complaining of persistent asthenia following recovery from the acute phase of the infection. The frequent term for this is Long Haul COVID (LHC). While we have tools to measure effects on general physiology in human subjects, a metric for cerebral dysregulation is lacking. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is closely regulated in the healthy young person. Dysregulation has been well described in many conditions, including Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES), and is associated with neurological deficits. Cerebral Vasomotor Reactivity was used as a tool to assess this dysregulation.

Methods: Transcranial Doppler (TCD) …

Targeting Brd4 In The Treatment Of Pleural Fibrosis, Joy Adewumi

Biotechnology Theses

Pleural fibrosis (PF) is a respiratory disorder that refers to the thickening and scarring of the pleura. Currently, there is a lack of pharmaceutic treatment options for PF. Pleural mesothelial to mesenchymal transition (MesoMT) is a critical process that contributes to the development of PF. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), a transcriptional and epigenetic regulator, has recently been implicated in a wide range of lung injuries. However, whether BRD4 is involved in regulating MesoMT and the development of PF remains unclear and was explored in this study. Primary human pleural mesothelial cells (HPMCs) were used to test the role of BRD4 …

Effects Of Interleukin-22 (Il-22) On Necroptosis, Inflammatory Responses, And Metabolism Of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Stimulated Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mouse Macrophages, Bismark Owusu-Afriyie

Biotechnology Theses

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infects one-third of the world’s population and causes nearly 1.3 million deaths per year. Limited information is available about the immune responses during Mtb infection in type 2 diabetic hosts. Our laboratory developed an experimentally induced type 2 diabetes (T2DM) model in wild-type C57BL/6 mice and found that IL-22 and type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) reduce inflammation and mortality of Mtb-infected T2DM mice. Our laboratory also found that Mtb-infected alveolar macrophages (AMs) from T2DM mice undergo necroptosis compared to Mtb-infected AMs of non-T2DM mice. In the current study, we determined whether …

Functional Impact Of Ethyl-Β-D-Glucuronide On Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Stimulated Lung Macrophages, Charles Inaku

Biotechnology Theses

Chronic alcohol abuse has been shown to alter immune defense mechanisms in humans and mice which makes the host susceptible to infections, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. However, limited information is available on the mechanisms involved in alcohol-mediated host immune system dysfunction.

In this study, we determined the effects of ethyl-β-d-glucuronide (EtG), an alcohol-derived metabolite, on immune response of mice lung macrophages. We measured cytokine and chemokine production by gamma-irradiated mtb (γ-mtb) stimulated mice lung macrophages in the presence or absence of EtG. We also determined the effect of EtG on the metabolic state of γ-mtb stimulated mice lung macrophages. …

Assessment Of Dental Anxiety And Phobia In University Students And Dental Hygiene Clinic Population In East Texas, Gangavaigai Guruparankumar

Health and Kinesiology Theses

Background. Dental anxiety is a persistent and irrational fear of dentists or dental treatment. It can manifest in a variety of ways, including avoiding the dentist, which can lead to poor dental health and decreased oral health-related quality of life (Murad et al., 2020). Furthermore, DA is an understudied problem in adults and knowledge about its prevalence is lacking as well as about the causes of dental phobia.

Objectives. This study aimed to explore and compare the prevalence and factors of DA and dental phobia between a university population and a dental clinic population in northeast Texas.

Methods. This is …

Prevalence And Beliefs Associated With Vaccine Hesitancy Among Muslim-Americans, Marina Ali

Health and Kinesiology Theses

Background. Vaccine hesitancy hinders the eradication of preventable illnesses. Furthermore, there are gaps in public health research on vaccine hesitancy among Muslims in heterogenous societies.

Objective. This study aimed to determine whether socioeconomic demographics, political beliefs and trust in public institutions were associated with vaccine hesitancy beliefs. Additionally, two models were applied to determine which factors had the strongest influence in rejecting vaccines.

Method. Participants were recruited through Facebook group posts. Seventy-three responses were received. Sixty-three responses met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Participants rated their opinions on political beliefs, religious practices, trust in institutions …

Commitment To Collaboration: Development Of A School Nursing Collaboration Instrument, Jodi S. Bullard

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Registered nurses (RNs) have an ethical responsibility to collaborate, thereby promoting the scope of nursing practice and working to positively influence health outcomes. This responsibility encompasses RNs employed as school nurses (SNs). Examples of SN collaboration with campus, school district, and community health partners exist. However, SNs’ commitment to collaboration in these relationships has not been examined.

Chapter 2, “COVID-19: Planning and Postpandemic Partnerships,” explores surges in school nursing partnerships that occur during healthcare emergencies. The significance of partnering with SNs in the school, school district, and community setting is discussed. The need to develop school nursing partnerships that extend …

Estimating Rotator Cuff Injury Risk During Rear-End Vehicle Collisions Using Opensim, Brandon Fugger

Health and Kinesiology Theses

Automobile collisions in the United States lead to a staggering number of fatalities and injuries every year. Rear-end collisions account for over a quarter of all injury-producing collisions and often involve shoulder injuries. There is little, if any, research utilizing modern computational human body models to analyze rotator cuff injury risk during rear-end impacts. The goal of this research is to simulate rear-end impact crash forces using OpenSim and analyze the injury mechanism and risk to the rotator cuff muscles. OpenSim is an open-source software used for biomechanical modeling and simulation that enables the analysis of muscle behaviors that are …

Modifiable Health Disparities And Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors In Latino Migrant Seasonal Farmworkers: A Meta-Analysis, Cindy Mendez

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States (U.S.). Existing literature concluded that Latino migrant seasonal farmworkers endure higher rates of adverse health disparities and chronic diseases than the general U.S. population. However, research on the Latino migrant seasonal farmworkers’ modifiable health disparities (i.e., alcohol use and smoking) and cardiovascular disease risk factors (i.e., high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and overweight/obesity) is scarce, particularly studies comparing male and female Latino migrant seasonal farmworkers. PURPOSE: This meta-analysis had two aims. First, examine whether male or female Latino migrant seasonal farmworkers in the U.S. have …

Generation Of Chimeric Rhinoviruses Presenting Sars-Cov-2 Broadly Neutralizing Epitopes And Their Antigenicity Characterization, Danish Ansari

Biotechnology Theses

The global COVID pandemic is not yet fully under control as there were over 21 million new cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections and over 50,000 deaths globally as of January of 2022. A heavily mutated variant of concern, Omicron is responsible for most of these cases which demands an urgency for a new vaccine. NIH reports over 180 vaccine candidates that use various strategies currently in development. However, a recurring concern with these vaccines is that the continuous viral mutations decrease the efficacy of vaccines. Therefore, we proposed to construct a human rhinovirus (HRV) based chimeric virus containing highly conserved, broadly …

Evaluating Healthcare Student Learning Performance During The Initial Year Of The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study, Maria D. Garcia-Villarreal

Human Resource Development Theses and Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a mass interruption to daily life lasting almost an entire academic year. Return to normalcy was hard won and phased over the following academic year. Neither time-period offered “traditional” learning experiences in academic institutions. The extent to which the operational shut-down affected academic institutions and their learners is just now beginning to be elucidated. Human resource development (HRD) is uniquely positioned to apply established and newly developed theories and applications to the study of this phenomenon. One particular case lends itself to observation. A major academic medical center launched a technology-driven state-of-the-art simulation education center mere …

The Relationship Between Perceived Stress And Academic Self-Efficacy To The Academic Performance Of Undergraduate Nursing Students, Ashley J. Pierre

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

When nursing students fail and are required to repeat a course in a pre-licensure nursing program, they are at risk for attrition. While nursing student attrition is a problem with recognized consequences to the student, school, and profession, the incidence of students who fail a required course and need to repeat it has had little attention. Despite research addressing students' experiences with course failure, little describes strategies and interventions to support the retention and success of these students. The first manuscript, Student Repeaters in Baccalaureate Nursing Programs: A Concept Analysis, provided a foundation that enhanced the conceptual understanding of nursing …

The Impact Of Race/Ethnicity On Occupational Stress In East Texas Certified Nursing Assistants, Jackie Schniederjan Mcdonald

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Significance: Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide direct care to those who live in long-term care facilities. As the population ages, the need for CNAs has grown. Nurse researchers have studied turnover and occupational stress, but no studies have examined racial/ethnic differences in CNA stress in East Texas.

Design / Purpose Statement: A convergent parallel mixed methods study was planned to address occupational stress experienced by CNAs in East Texas long-term care facilities. The Work Stress Scale and demographic questions were used to compare levels of reported occupational stress between racially diverse CNAs. However, lack of response to interview invitations necessitated …

The Perceptions Of People With Dementia, Care Partners, Cnas/Sitters, And Providers During The Covid-19 Pandemic Up To Now: A Multiple Case Study, Gaudensia Awuor

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

The perceptions of people with dementia, care partners, CNAs/sitters, and providers during the COVID-19 pandemic until now can be useful in formulating better ways to care for people with dementia in future disasters or pandemics. The study explored the perceptions of people with dementia, care partners, CNAs/sitters, and providers during the COVID-19 pandemic, from onset until now, to help formulate better ways to care for people with dementia during a pandemic or disaster. Algase’s Need-driven Dementia-compromised Behavior Model guided this comparative, multiple-case study. Six people with dementia, six care partners, five CNAs and one sitter, and six providers were interviewed …

Micro-Rna Analysis Of Extracellular Vesicles Secreted By Alveolar Macrophages And Epithelial Cells In Response To Cadmium, Anisha Bhakta

Biotechnology Theses

Inhalation of cadmium (Cd) has been an environmental health concern with the increase in industrial activities and smoking. Cd exposure is known to affect several organs such as lungs, kidneys, and liver. In this study, we wanted to understand if Cd inhalation exposure can affect the lungs and other organs in the body. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles secreted by all living cells and are known to carry toxicants between organs. We investigated whether Cd exposure could affect exosome biogenesis and their composition. Cd exposure did not affect the viability of A549, a lung epithelial cell line and macrophages derived from …

Isolation And Characterization Of Α-Hcd7 Scfv Expressing Exosomes And Synthesis Of Hybrid Exosome-Liposome For Analyses, Sahil Patel

Biotechnology Theses

The goal of this thesis project is to isolate and characterize exosomes that express anti-human CD7 (α-hCD7) single chain variable fragment (scFv), which will be further utilized for T celltargeted gene editing. To reach this goal, exosomes from HEK 293 cells and Jurkat cells were isolated and characterized with different methodologies. To obtain α-hCD7 scFv-expressing exosomes, the HEK 293 cells were subjected to transfection of custom-plasmid pDisplay-αhCD7 scFv, and the expression of α-hCD7 scFv on the HEK 293-derived exosomes were then confirmed by immunogold staining, western blotting, and flow cytometry. To transfect 293 cells, calcium phosphate transfection was utilized, and …

Nursing Students' Moral Courage Development Through Incivility Simulation Education, Melissa Madden

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of an incivility simulation intervention and incivility educational module would increase nursing students’ perceived moral courage more than an incivility educational module alone.

Hypotheses: Nursing students’ moral courage scores would increase more in response to an incivility simulation intervention and educational module than for those who received the incivility educational module intervention alone.

Methods: The NLN Jeffries Simulation Theory framed the proposed intervention using a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test comparison group design. A convenience sample of 66 students was utilized from one university across two classes. The Moral Courage …

A Mixed Methods Study Of Cultural Competence Among Nursing Students In Kenya, Sylvia Waweru

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Significance and Background: Kenya has been experiencing an increase in cultural and ethnic diversity. As a result of cultural differences, health disparities among ethnic groups in Kenya are increasing. A component of patient centered care involves the incorporation of cultural aspects of health and illness in the delivery of nursing care. Understanding cultural competence of nursing students will provide guidance on educational needs related to cultural competence.

Purpose:. The purpose of this study was to assess nursing students’ cultural competence (CC) in the areas of cultural awareness, knowledge, sensitivity, skills, encounters and desire. Nursing students’ views on caring for …

Exploring Social Media Usage And Its Effects On College Students' Mental Health: A Mixed-Methods, Intervention Study, Kimanh Le

Health and Kinesiology Theses

Background: Social media can cause detrimental effects to college students’ mental wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to examine UT Tyler students’ social media usage and its effects on mental health such as depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, and the fear of missing out (FoMO). The researcher wanted to see if one specific social media site, Instagram, had more deleterious effects compared to other social media platforms and if reducing time usage would help improve mental health.

Methods: A mixed-methods, intervention design was used. An online quantitative survey link, which contained questions about demographics, social media usage, and mental health …

Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Regulation Of Induction Of Inflammatory Mediators By Organic Dust Extract In Lung Epithelial Cells, Maxine Stenhouse

Biotechnology Theses

Previous studies have indicated a link between respiratory symptoms and diseases and organic dust exposure in agricultural workers. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor activated by a wide variety of exogenous and endogenous compounds, is known to be involved in the metabolism of toxic chemicals and recently in the modulation of immune and inflammatory responses. To better understand mechanisms of pathogenesis of respiratory symptoms and diseases, the role of AhR in the regulation of induction of inflammatory mediators by poultry organic dust extract in airway epithelial cells was studied. The role of AhR was studied by investigating the …

Exploring Substance Use And Frequency In International Students Through The Lens Of Acculturation And Social Cognitive Theory, Queenette Chimeucheya Otamiri

Health and Kinesiology Theses

Design/Objective: The research is a quantitative exploratory cross-sectional survey among international students. The goal of the research was to explore the relationship between acculturation and patterns and prevalence of substance use among the participants.

Background: There is a paucity of data regarding the influence of acculturation on recreational drug consumption and the prevalence of substance use in the United States among international college students. College students are a high-risk population for drug abuse. Substance abuse among youth is a global problem that has detrimental consequences for one’s health, family, community, and educational and professional life (Makanjuola et al., …

Impact Of Emotional Intelligence On Interprofessional Teamwork, Interprofessional Communication, And Interprofessional Leadership, Kathleen M. Cox

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this body of work was to explore relationships among emotional intelligence (EI) and interprofessional (IP) competency domains to enhance IP team dynamics and communication.

Background: Decentralization of healthcare delivery may hinder effective handoffs creating opportunity for miscommunication of vital information and subsequent medical errors. Fostering effective communication is paramount for IP teams; however, differing communication styles can promote misunderstanding and conflict. Behavioral aspects of team dynamics and communication that comprise EI may be a solution but are rarely addressed in educational and safety programs.

Methods: Included in this portfolio are three manuscripts that help elucidate …

Complementary Or Alternative Medicine Usage Of Mothers Seeking To Prevent Coronavirus Illness Or Manage Symptoms: Identifying Relationships Existing Between Mental Constructs And Concepts Of The Health Belief Model, Gabrielle Frachiseur

Health and Kinesiology Theses

Background: Mothers are the central supportive structure in most households. Mothers can become overwhelmed by informational overload when selecting the most appropriate modalities of care to provide for their families during the pandemic. The researcher sought to discover the prevalence of complementary or alternative medicine usage (CAM) for the prevention of coronavirus illness or symptoms management. Additionally, the researcher sought to identify the relationship between three additional mental constructs; knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, and constructs of the Health Belief Model, that could affect CAM adoption.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was dispersed to 5 private Facebook groups. The survey was targeted …