Digital Commons Network^™

Predictors Of Arterial Stiffness In Law Enforcement Officers, Jason Michael Keeler

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among law enforcement officers (LEOs) is slightly higher than the general population. Furthermore, the prevalence of CVD doubles among LEOs following retirement compared to the general population. The measure of arterial stiffness serves as an independent risk factor that has prognostic value for future incidence of CVD. However, there is limited research on lifestyle, occupational, and demographic factors that may be associated with increased arterial stiffness in LEOs. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to compare the level of arterial stiffness among LEOs versus the general population and to identify lifestyle, occupational, and …

Role Of Sex Chromosomes In Sexual Dimorphism Of Angii-Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms, Yasir Alsiraj

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), a permanent dilation in the abdominal region of the aorta, is a highly sexually dimorphic disease. AAAs prevalence is ranging from 4-10 fold higher in males than females. Defining the mechanistic basis for reduced (in females) or increased (in males) AAA formation and progression may uncover potential therapeutic targets. The majority of studies examining sexual dimorphism focus on the role of sex hormones. However, genes residing on sex chromosomes, in addition to sex hormones, may contribute to sexual dimorphism of AAAs. For example, the X chromosome contains about 5% of the whole genome, but the role …

Assessing Malnutrition In Liver Disease Patients Being Evaluated For Transplant Using The Nutrition Focused Physical Exam, Madison Hilgendorf

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Patients with liver disease have an increased risk for malnutrition because of side effects of the disease. The Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) was developed for nutrition professionals to aid physicians in a nutrition-based diagnosis of malnutrition. The purpose of this study was to examine the NFPE for its validity in liver disease patients being evaluated for transplant. In addition, the NFPE was used to assess incidence and severity of malnutrition in end stage liver disease patients and compare these results to already developed malnutrition tools such as the Patient Generated-Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), Triceps Skinfolds (TSF), Mid-Arm Circumference (MAC), …

Stories Of Strength: Chicago Latin@S' Navigation Of Health, Well-Being, And Chronic Disease, Lilian L. Milanés

Theses and Dissertations--Anthropology

Health inequalities take many forms related to race, gender, socioeconomic status, ethnic, language and many other axes throughout communities around the world. Type two diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are examples of conditions (among many others) that disproportionately affect Latino@s in the U.S.. The research of this dissertation is based on fieldwork conducted throughout several predominantly Latin@ neighborhoods in Chicago, IL. This dissertation examines how Latin@s in Chicago navigate health and well-being, and how they engage in agentive strategies in the face of chronic disease. I recorded individual life histories and semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and participant observation …

Hypertension Prevalence Trends Among Mexican-Americans: Nhanes 1999-2016, Sandra S. Valencia

All Master's Theses

Hypertension is a grave health issue affecting millions of adults in the United States (US). Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to cardiovascular disease, including stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. Current National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2016 data reports that 29% of US adults above the age of 18 have hypertension. The objective of this project was to determine current and past hypertension prevalence trends among Mexican Americans (MAs) and non-Hispanic whites (NH-Whites) using NHANES data from 1999 to 2016, as well as the current American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) blood pressure guidelines of …

Mechanisms And Potential Therapy On Disrupted Blood Pressure Circadian Rhythm In Diabetes, Tianfei Hou

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

Arterial blood pressure (BP) undergoes a 24-hour oscillation that peaks in the active day and reaches a nadir at night during sleep in humans. Reduced nocturnal BP fall (also known as non-dipper) is the most common disruption of BP circadian rhythm and is associated with increased risk of untoward cardiovascular events and target organ injury. Up to 75% of diabetic patients are non-dippers. However, the mechanisms underlying diabetes associated non-dipping BP are largely unknown. To address this important question, we generated a novel diabetic db/db-mPer2^Luc mouse model (db/db-mPer2^Luc) that allows quantitatively measuring of mPER2 protein oscillation …

Food Allergy In Youth: A Primer For Allied Health Professionals, Philip Welch, Lauren Maziarz, Macy Mccartney, Chelsea Raker

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Many youth struggle with the physical, mental, and social burdens of food allergy. The exact cause of food allergies is unknown, but several theories exist such as the “couch potato theory”, “hygiene hypothesis”, “microflora theory”, and “alarmins” theory. This non-systematic literature review summarizes the problem of youth food allergy and provides guidance to allied health professionals.

Method: A literature search of the relevant literature from years 2000 through 2017 was conducted using PubMed with the key words “food allergy”, “youth”, and “management”.

Results: Youth with food allergy may experience anxiety, social isolation, bullying, and depression, in addition to life-threatening …

The Effect Of Breastfeeding And Rooming-In Care On Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, Rachel Boyer, Lindsay Gal, Mahaylie Cline

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Concurrent with a rise in opioid abuse during pregnancy is an increase in the number of babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Despite this crisis, no single treatment has been identified for NAS. This paper sought to analyze and synthesize research evaluating the effectiveness of breastfeeding and rooming-in care on the need and length of pharmacologic treatment and length of hospital stay for neonates with NAS. Twenty-six peer reviewed research articles published between 2006 and 2017 were selected from PubMed and CINAHL for analysis. The studies focused on neonates with NAS born to mothers addicted to opioids or undergoing …

Exploring H.Pylori Seropositivity As A Risk Factor For Type 2 Diabetes, Virginia Chaidez, Yumou Qiu

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: In the US, the percentage of adults with diagnosed diabetes are higher in members of racial and ethnic minority groups compared to non-Latino Whites. Understanding why such disparities exist has been less forthcoming.

Methods: Secondary data analysis was conducted using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2000 cross-sectional data.

Results: H.pylori seropositivity was highest in Mexican Americans (43.7%), lowest in non- Hispanic Whites (18.1%). Diabetes was highest in non-Hispanic Blacks (5.9%); lowest in non-Hispanic whites (4.3%). H.pylori seropositivity was associated with greater likelihood of having type 2 diabetes (1.927, 95% CI 1.142, 3.257) compared to H.pylori negative …

Parkinson's Disease: Promoting Wellbeing Through Creation Health, Rupelin Pichot

DNP Research Projects

There are approximately 1.5 million Americans affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD). In spite of medications and technological advances in managing the disease, patients with PD still live poor quality lives. Therefore, effective natural interventions are essential in promoting wellbeing and quality of life among PD patients. This research study aimed to examine the usefulness and efficacy of a PD brochure designed especially for PD patients and their caregivers by utilizing CREATION Health (CH) principles to promote wellbeing and quality of life in patients with PD. This study employed mixed methods of quantitative and qualitative research designs to evaluate the design, …

Evaluation Of A Handheld Gluten Detection Device, Steve L. Taylor, Julie A. Nordlee, Shyamali Jayasena, Joseph L. Baumert

Department of Food Science and Technology: Faculty Publications

A portable, handheld gluten detection device, the Nima sensor, is now available for consumers wishing to determine if gluten is present in food. By United States regulation, gluten-free foods should contain < 20 ppm of gluten. Thirteen gluten-free foods (muffins, three different types of bread, three different types of pasta, puffed corn snack, ice cream, meatballs, vinegar and oil salad dressing, oatmeal, and dark chocolate) were prepared; each food was spiked on a weight-to-weight basis with gluten levels of 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 100 ppm before processing or preparation. Unprocessed and processed foods were tested with the handheld gluten sensor and by two gluten-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) on the basis of the R5 and G12 monoclonal antibodies, respectively. The portable gluten detection device detected gluten in all food types at the 30-ppm addition level, failing to detect gluten in only 5 (6.4%) of 78 subsamples. At the 20-ppm addition level, the portable gluten detection device failed to detect gluten in one type of pasta but detected gluten residues in 63 (87.5%) of 72 other subsamples. The device was able to detect gluten at the 10-ppm addition level in 9 of the 13 food matrices (41 of 54 subsamples, 75.9%) but not in the three types of pasta and the puffed corn snack. The gluten-sensing device did not perform reliably at the 5-ppm addition level in 11 of 13 food matrices (exceptions: ice cream and muffins). In contrast, the ELISA methods were highly reliable at gluten addition levels of ≥ 10 ppm in all food matrices. The portable gluten detection device yielded a low percentage of false-positive results (4 of 111, 3.6%) in these food matrices. Thus, this handheld portable gluten sensor performed reliably in the detection of gluten in foods having ≥ 20 ppm of added gluten with only 18 (5.9%) of 306 failures, if results of the one type of pasta are excluded. The device worked with greater reliability as the gluten levels in the foods increased.

Detection Of Flagellated Protozoa Belonging To The Trypanosomatidae Family In Sand Flies Collected From Songkhla Province, Southern Thailand, Komson Chinwirunsirisup

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Autochthonous leishmaniasis cases in Thailand are increasing dramatically, the disease is caused by two major of Leishmania species; L. orientalis and L. martiniquensis. Leishmaniasis is transmitted to the vertebrate hosts through the bite of the infected female sand fly. Moreover, other trypanosomatid protozoa have also been reported in this insect vector. In 2016, Trypanosoma sp. has been detected in sand fly from Songkhla province, where the leishmaniasis case has been reported. The aims of this study are to investigate the potential vectors of trypanosomatids in this area using morphological and molecular identification based on the Cytb gene. The parasites were …

Novel Insights Into The Contribution Of Cellular Senescence To Cancer Therapy: Reversibility, Dormancy And Senolysis., Tareq Saleh

Theses and Dissertations

Cellular senescence a specialized form of growth arrest that contributes to the pathogenesis of several aging-related disorders including cancer. While by definition tumor cells are considered immortalized, they can undergo senescence when exposed to conventional and targeted cancer therapy. Therapy-Induced Senescence (TIS) represents a fundamental response to therapy and impacts its outcomes. However, TIS has been considered a positive therapeutic goal since senescent tumor cells are expected to enter a state of permanent growth abrogation. In this work we examined the hypothesis that a subpopulation of senescent cells can re-acquire proliferative potential after a state of senescent dormancy, indicating that …

Counterregulatory Effects Of Ptx3 On Inflammation And Cellular Aging, Aaron L. Slusher

Theses and Dissertations

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a vital regulator of innate immune function that has been shown to counterregulate pro-inflammatory signaling and protect against the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Less is known about how PTX3 may mitigate against CVD risk by regulating the pro-inflammatory response at the cellular level. Therefore, this dissertation details four manuscripts which aimed to examine the capacity of PTX3 to regulate the innate immune response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from healthy adults. Manuscript 1 examined the capacity of PTX3 to alter the inflammatory milieu following in vitro stimulation of isolated PBMCs with the pro-inflammatory …

Effects Of The Na-Cl Co-Transporter (Ncc) In Western Diet Induced Metabolic And Cardiac Dysfunction, Zachary S. Cutter

Theses and Dissertations

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine known to be involved in maintaining metabolic homeostasis; however, also capable of inducing cardiac dysfunction. Additionally, IL-18, has been shown to bind to a novel receptor, the Na-Cl Co-transporter (NCC). We hypothesized that NCC mediates IL-18 metabolic and cardiac signaling in mice. Using male C57BL/6J mice, we compared the metabolic and cardiac function changes after at least 8 weeks of high-saturated fat high sugar diet (Western Diet) in NCC knockout (NCCKO), IL-18 knockout (IL-18KO), and wild-type mice. We show that NCCKO mice have significantly increased body weight gain from baseline, no difference in fasting …

Spoon Nails: Still Seen In Today's World, Bushra Moiz

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Koilonychia is a nail abnormality characterized by thin, brittle, and spoon-shaped nails. It is frequently observed in chronic iron deficiency secondary to malnutrition, chronic blood loss, or malabsorption. It may also be idiopathic or related to occupation and rare systemic disorders. Presence of koilonychia should prompt investigations for iron deficiency.

Limb Salvage For Diabetic Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease, Jamie Jesse Johnson

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Diabetes is rapidly increasing throughout the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) (2017), the total number of patients diagnosed with diabetes is 23.1 million, patients with undiagnosed diabetes are 7.2 million, for a combined total number of patients with diabetes exceeding 30.2 million and growing.

According to the CDC (2016), approximately 8.5 million people in the United States have peripheral artery disease (PAD), which includes 12-20% of individuals who are older than age 60. According to a study performed by Swaminathan et al. (2014), 186,000 patients underwent lower extremity amputation (LEA). Data also shows that patients …

The Impact Of Circadian Misalignment On Cardiometabolic Health, Cynthia Marie Mills

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

The circadian system is important in all living organisms because it generates a 24-hour rhythm for physiological and behavioral processes enabling anticipation and adaptation to daily changes in the environment. The prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases, which are linked to lifestyle choices, has been rising at an alarming rate. Modernization and globalization are two of many factors to blame for lifestyle changes resulting in circadian disruption. The purpose of this literature review is to explore circadian misalignment with regards to its mechanism and impact on cardiometabolic health and to determine possible interventional measures. The primary focus is on lifestyle change, particularly …

Comparing The Effectiveness Of A Low Carbohydrate Diet And Metformin On Glycosylated Hemoglobin Reduction In Type Two Diabetes Mellitus, Ashley Schultz

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

In this study, a low carbohydrate diet and metformin pharmacotherapy were compared to determine their effect on HbA1c in the type two diabetic patient. Several high quality studies were examined along with each treatment's effect on mainly HbA1c, but also other parameters such as body weight, cholesterol, and fasting and post prandial blood glucose levels. The study showed that both the low carbohydrate diet and metformin pharmacotherapy were effective at lowering HbA1c in the type two diabetic patient. The low carbohydrate diet showed a 0.2% increase in HbA1c all the way to a 2.2% decrease in baseline HbA1c in the …

Associations Among Acne Vulgaris And Western Diet, Kate Meredith Suda

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatologic conditions, especially among the adolescent population. The pathogenesis of acne is largely multifactorial, with heredity and hormones strongly contributing to one’s risk of developing the chronic inflammatory skin condition; it is related to excess sebum production by sebaceous glands, inflammation within comedones, and hyperproliferation of Propionibacterium acnes. High prevalence rates of acne in the adolescent population cannot be attributed to heredity alone, but by the influence of Western diet that overstimulates a key conductor of metabolism, the growth factor-sensitive kinase known as mTORC1. Many investigations show associations between acne and Western …

Perceptions Of Health Professionals In Ghana On The Role Of The Community In Chronic Disease Management, Jesuseme Omoruan

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The prevalence of chronic disease has been on the rise in various developing countries. This study is an exploratory investigation of the perceptions of health professionals in Kumasi, Ghana on the role of the community in chronic disease management. Using the Chronic Care Model as a framework, the objective of the study was to examine the extent of community-healthcare system in chronic disease management and to explore the barriers to and facilitators of community involvement in chronic disease management. By exploring the availability of community resources that positively contribute to the management of these patients, the study fills an existing …

What’S Coming For Health Science And Policy In 2018? Global Experts Look Ahead In Their Field, Soumya Swaminathan, Robin S. Room, Louise C. Ivers, Graham Hillis, Rebecca F. Grais, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, Peter Byass

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

No abstract provided.

Time On Androgen Deprivation Therapy And Adaptations To Exercise: Secondary Analysis From A 12-Month Randomized Controlled Trial In Men With Prostate Cancer, Dennis R. Taaffe, Laurien M. Buffart, Robert U. Newton, Nigel Spry, James Denham, David Joseph, David Lamb, Suzanne K. Chambers, Daniel A. Galvao

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objectives

To explore if duration of previous exposure to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with prostate cancer (PCa) undertaking a year-long exercise programme moderates the exercise response with regard to body composition and muscle performance, and also to explore the moderator effects of baseline testosterone, time since ADT, and baseline value of the outcome.

Patients and Methods

In a multicentre randomized controlled trial, 100 men who had previously undergone either 6 months (short-term) or 18 months (long-term) of ADT in combination with radiotherapy, as part of the TROG 03.04 RADAR trial, were randomized to 6 months supervised exercise, followed …

Flavonoid-Rich Apple Improves Endothelial Function In Individuals At Risk For Cardiovascular Disease: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial, Nicola P. Bondonno, Catherine P. Bondonno, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Michael J. Considine, Ghassan Maghzal, Roland Stocker, Richard J. Woodman, Natalie C. Ward, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Kevin D. Croft

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Scope

The cardioprotective effects of apples are primarily attributed to flavonoids, found predominantly in the skin. This study aimed to determine if acute and/or chronic (4 weeks) ingestion of flavonoid-rich apples improves endothelial function, blood pressure (BP), and arterial stiffness in individuals at risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Methods and results

In this randomized, controlled cross-over trial, acute and 4 week intake of apple with skin (high flavonoid apple, HFA) is compared to intake of apple flesh only (low flavonoid apple, LFA) in 30 participants. The primary outcome is endothelial function assessed using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, …

Association Of Body Mass Index With Blood Pressure Among 1.7 Million Chinese Adults, Khurram Nasir

All Publications

No abstract provided.

Venous Ulcer, Irene Dorthy Santoso, Hanny Nilasari, Shannaz Nadia Yusharyahya

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Leg ulcers one common problem in the adult population to geriatric with a prevalence about 1-2%. The pattern of life which tends to be sedentary, less activity, obesity, increased the incidence of leg ulcers. The duration of healing and recurrence occurs in majority of patients contributed the decline in quality of life for patients with venous ulcers. Diagnosis, latest treatment and prevention are essential to discuss.

Cdc Grand Rounds: National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Als) Registry Impact, Challenges, And Future Directions, Paul Mehta, D. Kevin Horton, Edward J. Kasarskis, Ed Tessaro, M. Shira Eisenberg, Susan Laird, John Iskander

Neurology Faculty Publications

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rapidly progressive fatal neurologic disease. Currently, there is no cure for ALS and the available treatments only extend life by an average of a few months. The majority of ALS patients die within 2–5 years of diagnosis, though survival time varies depending on disease progression (1,2). For approximately 10% of patients, ALS is familial, meaning it and has a genetic component; the remaining 90% have sporadic ALS, where etiology is unknown, but might be linked to environmental factors such as chemical exposures (e.g., heavy …

Prevalence And Incidence Of Health Risk Factors Among Adolescent Girls, Kylah Pollard, Mohammed Chowdhury, Sarai Bauguess

The Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research

Heart Disease has many different risk factors, including hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol. Research has shown that hypertension can be identified as early as adolescence, and preventative measures can be instilled in this age. However, the relationship between hypertension, high cholesterol, race, and income have not been studied in detail among adolescents. The present study analyzed the effects of different health factors on blood pressure and cholesterol levels in Caucasian and African-American girls ages 9-21 years old, the prime of adolescence. The dataset was part of a larger study completed by the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute …

Possible Breakdown Of Dopamine Receptor Synergism In A Mouse Model Of Huntington's Disease, Samantha F. Kennedy

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

The model of basal ganglia function proposed by Albin, Young and Penney (1989) describes two anatomically independent motor pathways, the direct and indirect. However, under normal conditions striatal dopamine (DA) is required for the expression of motor behavior, and DAergic control of the two pathways (via D1 and D2 receptors, respectively) is dependent on co-activation. We tested for a possible breakdown of D1/D2 synergism using transgenic R6/1 mice bearing the human huntingtin allele (Htt). Motor stereotypy, observed prior to the onset of HD-related symptoms, was rated on a 5-point scale following activation of: A) D1 receptors alone, B) D2 receptors …

Neighborhood Cohesion, Neighborhood Disorder, And Cardiometabolic Risk, Jennifer N. Robinette, Susan T. Charles, Tara Gruenewald

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Perceptions of neighborhood disorder (trash, vandalism) and cohesion (neighbors trust one another) are related to residents’ health. Affective and behavioral factors have been identified, but often in studies using geographically select samples. We use a nationally representative sample (n = 9032) of United States older adults from the Health and Retirement Study to examine cardiometabolic risk in relation to perceptions of neighborhood cohesion and disorder. Lower cohesion is significantly related to greater cardiometabolic risk in 2006/2008 and predicts greater risk four years later (2010/2012). The longitudinal relation is partially accounted for by anxiety and physical activity.