Digital Commons Network^™

Characterization Of The Role Of Tobacco Deacetylase Enzyme Sip-428 In Mediating Environmental Stress, Zahra Barati

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abiotic stress poses a significant threat to crop productivity and food security. In this study, we focused on understanding the role of SIP-428, a SABP2-interacting protein, in mediating plant responses to environmental stresses. Transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing SIP-428 were subjected to salinity and drought stress. The overexpression of SIP-428 led to diminished growth under both stress conditions, indicating a negative impact on stress tolerance. Specifically, SIP-428 overexpression resulted in a reduction in catalase activity, while peroxidase activity remained unaffected. These findings suggest that SIP-428 plays a negative regulatory role on the catalase activity during abiotic stress, which may contribute to …

Relationship Between Food Security, Nutrition Security, And Diabetes: The Role Of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation, Shreela Sharma

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Inadequate nutrition and poor diet quality are associated with a heightened risk of diabetes. The connection between food insecurity measures and diabetes has been established, with evidence indicating that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation contributes to reductions in food insecurity. Recently developed nutrition security measures, defined as the ability to acquire healthful foods to prevent diseases, and their association with diabetes and SNAP participation are not yet understood.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the relationship between food security and nutrition security in relation to diabetes overall and by SNAP participation and nutrition security as potential modifiers.

METHODS: …

Development And Validation Of A Rule-Based Algorithm To Identify Periodontal Diagnosis Using Structured Electronic Health Record Data, Joel White, Alfa Yansane, Xiaoqian Jiang, Elsbeth Kalenderian, Muhammad Walji

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

AIM: To develop and validate an automated electronic health record (EHR)-based algorithm to suggest a periodontal diagnosis based on the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal Diseases and Conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using material published from the 2017 World Workshop, a tool was iteratively developed to suggest a periodontal diagnosis based on clinical data within the EHR. Pertinent clinical data included clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival margin to cemento-enamel junction distance, probing depth, furcation involvement (if present) and mobility. Chart reviews were conducted to confirm the algorithm's ability to accurately extract clinical data from the EHR, and then …

Assessing Impact Of Food Structure On Oral Tribology And In-Vitro Digestion Of Dairy Products, Lamis Ali

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

In this research, we focused on understanding the critical elements impacting consumer experience and the nutritional value of dairy products, specifically their texture, mouthfeel, and protein breakdown in the gastrointestinal tract. Our study aimed to accomplish two main goals. First, we performed analysis of the tribological attributes of various commercially dairy products. The second objective was to investigate the process of disintegration and protein release in selected dairy products.

The study included an assessment of eight dairy products of varied consistencies: solid like cheddar, cheese curd, and parmesan; semi-solid such as cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and yogurt; and liquid represented …

Contrasting Nitrogen Sources Impact Nitrogen Use Efficiency And Soil Health Under Silage Corn Production In A Semi-Arid Environment, Phearen Kit Miller

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Silage corn production challenges sustainable intensification and soil health in semi-arid environments because the entire aboveground biomass is harvested and removed from the field. An irrigated silage corn field study was conducted over a decade comparing nitrogen fertility sources using a complete randomized block design with four treatments: control with no nitrogen fertilizer (control), low ammonium sulfate at 112 kg N ha⁻¹ (AS100), high ammonium sulfate at 224 kg N ha⁻¹ (AS200), and steer manure compost at 224 kg total N ha⁻¹ (compost). Research focused on the impact of these contrasting nitrogen sources on silage corn production, …

Nutrient Management Of Cannabis In Controlled Environments, Julie A. Hershkowitz

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Cannabis has been cultivated for millennia as a multipurpose crop for food, fiber, and medicine. Secondary metabolites called cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD) and the psychoactive Δ-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-9 THC), are responsible for the medicinal properties of cannabis. The intoxicating nature of THC resulted in legislation prohibiting the possession and production of cannabis within the United States during the 20^th century. As a result, research programs on cannabis production were halted at most institutions. In recent years, cannabis production has become widespread within the US as a result of increasing legalization. However, modern cannabis production nutrient management programs often include …

Survival And Cause-Specific Mortality Of Mule Deer In The Eastern Sierra Nevada, California, Usa, Glenden Taylor

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Survival of adult females is a key driver of population dynamics for ungulate species such as mule deer. Accurate survival estimates are therefore critical knowledge for managers trying to maintain ungulate populations. Additionally, understanding causes of mortality and their effects on populations is vitally important to enacting meaningful and appropriate management decisions. For this project, we estimated annual survival rates of six mule deer herds in the eastern Sierra Nevada, California, USA, and calculated rates of mortality for different causes to better understand factors affecting survival of mule deer in this region.

We estimated baseline annual survival using Cox proportional …

Determination Of Factors Influencing Microbial Food Safety Risks Of Additive Manufacturing And 3d Printing Of Food, Allyson Nichole Hamilton

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The burgeoning field of 3D food printing introduces opportunities for customizing the physicochemical properties of food, offering tailored solutions in color, shape, and texture. Despite its potential, the implications of this technology on food safety, particularly the efficacy of manufacturer-recommended cleaning protocols for stainless steel food ink capsules, the transferability of pathogens from a contaminated food ink capsule into the food ink based on macronutrient composition of the food, and the impact of storage conditions on pathogen viability, have not been thoroughly investigated. This dissertation provides a comprehensive analysis of these aspects, focusing on the control of foodborne pathogens and …

Physico-Chemical, Organoleptic, And Antioxidant Properties Of Black Soybean Flour (Glycine Soja (L.) Merrit) Flakes With The Addition Of Bangle (Zingiber Purpureum Roxb.), Ika Dyah Kumalasari, Nurkhasanah Nurkhasanah, Sepitriani Sepitriani

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Flakes are products that are generally made from cereals. In this study, we are interested to use black soybean (Glycine soja (L) Merrit) and bangle (Zingiber purpureum Roxb.) as flakes ingredients. Black soybeans have high antioxidant components, while bangle contains high antioxidant and fiber components, which enables it to capture free radicals. This study aimed to find the most favorable formula with good physical, chemical, and organoleptic characteristics, which also has the highest antioxidant activity. We used the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) method and the variation of formulation used was the ratio of black soybean flour to bangle …

Exopolysaccharides Of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated From Labneh: Characterization, Bioactivities, And Effects On Gut Microbiome And Fermented Milk Rheology, Mohammed Tarique

Dissertations

Exopolysaccharides (EPS), produced by Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), are carbohydrate polymers with unique physicochemical properties and various biological activities widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries. This dissertation is aimed to (1) screen 42 new isolates from traditional yogurt-like products (Labneh) for their probiotic nature and identify the LAB strains using 16S rDNA sequencing; (2) optimize the conditions like pH, temperature, time, and quantity of sucrose for the growth of EPS produced by four selected LAB isolates; (3) purify and characterize EPS for the contents and investigate the bioactivities of the partially purified EPS; (4) study the effects of the …

Phenolic Compounds In Date Fruits (Phoenix Dactylifera L.), Muneeba Zubair Alam

Dissertations

This study investigated the phenolic compounds in date fruits, mainly soluble and hydrolyzable compounds, and insoluble melanin. Soluble (27.5–54.0 mg/100 g FW) and hydrolyzable (24.0–78.5 mg/100g FW) phenolic compounds were determined in 18 cultivars using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Phenolic acids were predominant in both fractions while flavonoids were mainly present in the soluble phenolic fraction and the proanthocyanidin B1 and B2 were only present in the hydrolyzable fraction. Four total antioxidant activity assays (total phenolic content, ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH) gave different results for both the soluble and hydrolysable fractions of 26 date fruit cultivars, which …

Fueling Performance: Tailored Nutrition Strategies For Female Athletes, Capri Pezzella

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This project aims to explore the unique nutritional considerations for female athletes, with a focus on optimizing performance and addressing specific physiological needs. Through comprehensive research, the project will identify strategies for optimizing iron intake to prevent anemia, managing calcium and vitamin D for bone health, and addressing menstrual cycle-related changes in energy expenditure and nutrient needs. Practical recommendations will be made to help female athletes maximize their potential and support their overall health.

Quaternary Ammonium Compound Resistance Of Klebsiella Pneumoniae And Klebsiella Quasipneumoniae Strains Isolated From The International Space Station, Natasha Svetlana Sushenko

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The International Space Station (ISS) has been continuously inhabited for twenty-three years and harbors a diverse population of microorganisms under conditions of microgravity, elevated radiation, and relative isolation, including Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) opportunistic pathogens. To sanitize surfaces on the ISS, astronauts use a combination of four antimicrobial quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). As the stresses of space flight are known to stimulate virulence and antimicrobial resistance in bacteria, the frequent use of QAC disinfectants on the ISS is of concern to NASA. This not only poses risks to astronauts during future long-term space travel, but there is also a concern …

Mixed Methods Approach To Assess ‘Placental Opioid-Enhancing Factor’ Activity Within ‘Alternative’ Health Contexts Of Human Maternal Placentophagy, Jacob C. White

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Rats with elevated opioid levels experience an even greater increase in pain threshold after placenta or amniotic fluid consumption via placental opioid-enhancing factor (POEF) in the afterbirth. POEF only enhances opioid hypoalgesia; it cannot produce hypoalgesia alone. Although the POEF molecule remains unidentified and its efficacy in humans is unknown, it could be a safe, novel pain treatment. People who consume placenta as an alternative postpartum health practice are ideal for testing POEF bioactivity. Though rat models show that bioactive POEF is highly sensitive, some forms of the practice in humans may conserve POEF.

This project is the first attempt …

The Optimal Timing Of Abscisic Acid Treatment In Arabidopsis Under Drought And Salt Stress, Khelia Gihozo

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

As climate change intensifies, harsh environmental conditions, such as increased drought and salt levels, will pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity globally. It is important to develop strategies for plants to tolerate these adverse conditions. This study aims to investigate how well the timing of abscisic acid (ABA) treatment can promote resistance to salt and drought in Arabidopsis thaliana grown on Murashige and Skoog agar medium. The study evaluates both wild-type and transgenic lines overexpressing the DREB2A gene, a transcriptional activator involved in the stress response of plants. Plants were exposed to drought and salt stress as they matured. Followed …

Examining The Effects Of Food Supply On Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea Virginica) Larval Performance And Settlement Potential In Delaware Bay And Mississippi Sound, James C. Klein

Master's Theses

Oyster population maintenance and growth require sufficient larval stocks capable of timely development, growth, and successful metamorphosis, whereby larval performance and settlement potential determines the capacity for a larval cohort to effectively establish into an existing population. Exogenous factors influencing larval performance include temperature, salinity, and particularly food supply. Regarding food, a sufficiently abundant and nutritionally balanced diet composed of protein, lipids, and carbohydrates is critical for successful metamorphosis. The influence of exogenous factors on Crassostrea virginica settlement potential were examined in Delaware Bay and Mississippi Sound by incorporating in situ environmental conditions and food supply metrics into a well-established …

Utilization Of The NuTrack System To Objectively Evaluate Changes In Active And Passive Behaviors Of Group-Housed Nursery Pigs Exposed To An Endotoxin Challenge, Aaron Holliday

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in activity of group-housed, newly weaned pigs challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). At weaning, pigs (n = 192, 5.73 ± 1.8 kg) were stratified by sex, litter, and body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to one of three treatments (16 pigs/pen, 4 pens/treatment): 1) Saline-injected (SAL), 2) 50% challenged [50%-LPS) – only half of the pigs in a pen (8 pigs) were challenged with LPS and 3) 100% challenged (100%-LPS) – all pigs in a pen were challenged with LPS. Pigs in the SAL and 32 in the 50%-LPS treatment received a 3.0 …

Using Annual Forages To Replace Declining Cool-Season Grass Pasture Availability, Jonathon Matthew Jenkins

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

As land area in grain crop production increases in the US Midwest, perennial pasture availability decreases but the demand increases. Matching the seasonal growth patterns of C₃ and C₄ plant species to grow forages that are complementary allows producers to fill production gaps in otherwise monoculture systems and possibly increase overall productivity. One way to fill the forage production gap of C₃ grass dominated pastures is by producing a warm-season, annual forage in a separate field. However, with continual reductions in land availability, this may not be an option. Using two studies, our objectives were to improve …

Evaluation Of Essential Oils And Their Major Components For Disease Resistance, Serkan Tokgöz

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Essential oils (EOs) are natural hydrophobic compounds, which are highly complex, typically comprising 20 to 60 constituents, with two or three main components making up 20% to 95% of their composition, alongside other minor constituents. Research has firmly established the potent antibacterial and antifungal properties of EOs and their primary components. To assess their efficacy, one EO, nutmeg oil, and seven main components, including safrole, toscanol, safraleine, cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, carvone, and thymol, were tested against four economically significant fungal pathogens (Alternaria solani, Fusarium graminearum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Sclerotiorum sclerotiorum), one oomycete pathogen (Phytium ultimum …

The Effect Of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Of The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex On Muscle Fatigue Resistance, Taylie Thompson Liddell

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) delivered to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) can increase endurance time in lower body cycling tasks. The purpose was to examine the effect of DLPFC-tDCS on the time to task failure (TTF) of a fatiguing contraction performed by hand muscles. The study used a double-blind, randomized, SHAM-controlled, crossover design. Participants completed two experimental sessions on separate days with a washout between sessions. All facets of the experiments were identical except the stimulation condition (DLPFC-tDCS or SHAM) that was given concurrent with the fatiguing contraction. The fatiguing contraction involved gripping a manipulandum with the index finger …

The Mitochondrial Membrane Potential As A Screening Tool For Immunostimulation, Kendra Mcglothen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The rise of neuroinflammatory disorders highlights the importance of early detection and intervention for more effective treatment options. Neuroinflammation is associated with the pathogenesis of many neurological disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and Multiple Sclerosis. There has been a focus on neurons to advance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of neuroinflammation and its role in neurodegeneration. However, recent studies have highlighted the pivotal role of glial cells, particularly microglia, in neuroinflammation due to their active participation in the immune response. This study investigates glial-specific indicators of morphology, metabolic changes, and drug efficacy in neuroinflammatory conditions. By analyzing …

The Influence Of Dual Sources Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation On Muscle Fatigue, Janriek Asuncion Bognot

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied unilaterally to the cerebellum (ctDCS) can improve several aspects of human motor performance. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of dual source tDCS delivered bilaterally over the cerebellar cortices (dsc-tDCS) on the time to task failure (TTF) of a fatiguing contraction. The study utilized a double-blind, randomized, SHAM-controlled, within-subjects, crossover design and participants were given either dsc-tDCS or SHAM stimulation in two different experiments held 7 days apart. Every aspect of the two experiments was the same except the type of stimulation (dsc-tDCS or SHAM) delivered during the fatiguing contraction. …

The Influence Of Bihemispheric Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation On Muscle Fatigue, Ananya Singh Chauhan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Unilateral transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) using two electrodes placed over the primary motor cortex (M1) and the contralateral supraorbital (SO) region (M1-SO montage) has been shown to decrease the progression of muscle fatigue. The primary purpose was to determine the impact of bihemispheric tDCS (bi-tDCS) applied over the left and right M1s (bi-tDCS) on the time to task failure (TTF) of a precision-grip task. The study implemented a double-blind, randomized, SHAM-controlled, within-subjects design. A total of 20 participants performed two experimental sessions (bi-tDCS and SHAM conditions) separated by a one-week washout. During each experimental session, a fatiguing isometric contraction …

The Influence Of Bilateral Dual Source Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation On The Progression Of Muscle Fatigue, Eliza Clinton

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied unilaterally to the primary motor cortex (M1) can significantly prolong the time to task failure (TTF) of a fatiguing contraction. The primary purpose of the study was to examine the influence of bilateral dual source tDCS (dstDCS) applied over the left and right M1s (ds-tDCS) on the TTF of a precision grip task. This was accomplished through the utilization of a double-blind, randomized, SHAM-controlled, within-subjects design. Fourteen participants completed two experiments (ds-tDCS and SHAM stimulation conditions) with a seven-day washout period between sessions. Each experiment involved the performance of a sustained isometric fatiguing contraction …

The Effect Of Dual Source Premotor Cortex Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation On Muscle Fatigue In Hand Muscles, Valentino Contini

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Single source transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to increase the time to task failure (TTF) fatiguing contractions when applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and to the primary motor cortex (M1). The primary purpose was to determine whether dual source tDCS delivered bilaterally over the premotor cortices (pmc-tDCS) could increase the TTF of a fatiguing contraction performed by hand muscles. A double-blind, randomized, SHAM-controlled, crossover design was used for this study with each participant performing two experimental sessions held on separate days a week apart. The only difference between the two sessions was the type of …

Porphyromonas Gingivalis Inactivates Anti-Viral Immunity At The Oral And Respiratory Epithelium., Carlos J. Rodriguez Hernandez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The host microbiome plays an important role in fine-tuning host immune responses in a manner that ultimately impacts outcomes in viral infection. Symbiotic relationships between commensal bacteria and host epithelial and immune cells prime interferon (IFN) signaling, modulating the nature and intensity of the immune response to viral infections at mucosal barrier surfaces. In this doctoral thesis, I explore how dysbiotic shifts in the oral microbial communities modulate antiviral responses at the oral and oro-respiratory mucosal barriers. I identified that in response to a viral challenge, gingival epithelial cells (GECs) preferentially induced type III IFNs (IFN-λ), a newly described family …

The Effects Of Ammonia On The Functionality Of Bovine Granulosa Cells, Micah Henrie

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

It is common practice in the livestock animal production industries to feed high levels of protein to maximize the yield of each animal in production. However, diets high in protein can cause decreased reproductive success within these animals. The causes behind this decrease are not fully understood. Increased dietary protein leads to increased levels of both ammonia and urea in the blood of the animal. These increased metabolite levels may be a possible explanation for the decline in reproductive success. The goal of this study is to identify how various levels of ammonia affect the function of bovine granulosa cells …

Impact Of Sustained Calorie Restriction And Weight Cycling On Body Composition In High-Fat Diet-Fed Male And Female C57bl/6j Mice, Daniel L Smith, Yongbin Yang, Luis M Mestre, Beate Henschel, Erik Parker, Stephanie Dickinson, Amit Patki, David B Allison, Tim R Nagy

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate body composition changes with weight cycling (WC) among adult C57BL/6J mice with diet-induced obesity.

Methods: A total of 555 single-housed mice were fed a high-fat diet ad libitum (AL) from 8 to 43 weeks of age. The 200 heaviest mice of each sex were randomized to the following four groups: ever obese (EO, continued AL feeding); obese weight loser (OWL, calorie-restricted); obese weight loser moderate (OWLM, body weight halfway between EO and OWL); and WC (diet restricted to OWL followed by AL refeeding cycles). Body weight and composition data were collected. …

Prevalence Of Distal Symmetrical Polyneuropathy By Diabetes Prevention Program Treatment Group, Diabetes Status, Duration Of Diabetes, And Cumulative Glycemic Exposure, Christine G Lee, Adam Ciarleglio, Sharon L Edelstein, Jill P Crandall, Dana Dabelea, Ronald B Goldberg, Steven E Kahn, William C Knowler, Maxwell T Ma, Neil H White, William H Herman, Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Objective: To assess associations between distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) and Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) treatment groups, diabetes status or duration, and cumulative glycemic exposure approximately 21 years after DPP randomization.

Research design and methods: In the DPP, 3,234 adults ≥25 years old at high risk for diabetes were randomized to an intensive lifestyle (ILS), metformin, or placebo intervention to prevent diabetes. After the DPP ended, 2,779 joined the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS). Open-label metformin was continued, placebo was discontinued, ILS was provided in the form of semiannual group-based classes, and all participants were offered quarterly lifestyle classes. Symptoms …

Optimization Of Pre-Enrichment And Screening Methods For The Detection Of Salmonella Enterica In Meat Analog Products, Kylie Sacapano

Food Science (MS) Theses

With the growing demand and variety of meat analogs on the commercial market, there is a need to revisit the methodology for the detection of foodborne pathogens in these products. The current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory methods for Salmonella enterica detection in meat analogs follow the Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) and are time-consuming and costly, requiring pre-enrichment using lactose broth (LB) with a surfactant (e.g., Triton X-100). Therefore, this study aimed to optimize pre-enrichment and screening methods for the detection of Salmonella in meat analogs by comparing the current FDA reference methods to updated techniques. To achieve this, …