Digital Commons Network^™

Retinoic Acid-Mediated Inhibition Of Mouse Coronavirus Replication Is Dependent On Irf3 And Camkk, Justin H. Franco, Ryan A. Harris, William G. Ryan, Roger Travis Taylor, Robert E. Mccullumsmith, Saurabh Chattopadhyay, Zhixing K. Pan

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the shortfalls in our understanding of how to treat coronavirus infections. With almost 7 million case fatalities of COVID-19 globally, the catalog of FDA-approved antiviral therapeutics is limited compared to other medications, such as antibiotics. All-trans retinoic acid (RA), or activated vitamin A, has been studied as a potential therapeutic against coronavirus infection because of its antiviral properties. Due to its impact on different signaling pathways, RA’s mechanism of action during coronavirus infection has not been thoroughly described. To determine RA’s mechanism of action, we examined its effect against a mouse coronavirus, mouse hepatitis …

Sedimentation Of Large, Soluble Proteins Up To 140 Kda For 1h-Detected Mas Nmr And 13c Dnp Nmr – Practical Aspects, Dallas Bell, Florian Lindemann, Lisa Gerland, Hanna Aucharova, Alexander Klein, Daniel Friedrich, Matthias Hiller, Kristof Grohe, Tobias Meier, Barth Van Rossum, Anne Diehl, Jon Hughes, Leonard J. Mueller, Rasmus Linser, Anne-Frances Miller, Hartmut Oschkinat

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Solution NMR is typically applied to biological systems with molecular weights < 40 kDa whereas magic-angle-spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR traditionally targets very large, oligomeric proteins and complexes exceeding 500 kDa in mass, including fibrils and crystalline protein preparations. Here, we propose that the gap between these size regimes can be filled by the approach presented that enables investigation of large, soluble and fully protonated proteins in the range of 40–140 kDa. As a key step, ultracentrifugation produces a highly concentrated, gel-like state, resembling a dense phase in spontaneous liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). By means of three examples, a Sulfolobus acidocaldarius bifurcat- ing electron transfer flavoprotein (SaETF), tryptophan synthases from Salmonella typhimurium (StTS) and their dimeric β-subunits from Pyrococcus furiosus (PfTrpB), we show that such samples yield well-resolved proton-detected 2D and 3D NMR spectra at 100 kHz MAS without heterogeneous broadening, similar to diluted liquids. Herein, we provide practical guidance on centrifugation conditions and tools, sample behavior, and line widths expected. We demonstrate that the observed chemical shifts correspond to those obtained from μM/low mM solutions or crystalline samples, indicating structural integrity. Nitrogen line widths as low as 20–30 Hz are observed. The presented approach is advantageous for proteins or nucleic acids that cannot be deuterated due to the expression system used, or where relevant protons cannot be re-incorporated after expression in deuterated medium, and it circumvents crystallization. Importantly, it allows the use of low-glycerol buffers in dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) NMR of proteins as demonstrated with the cyanobacterial phytochrome Cph1.

Interactions Between Multiple Stressors, Nanomaterials And A Pathogen, In Caenorhabditis Elegans, Jarad Cochran

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NP), which have received interest for use in agriculture, show in vitro and in vivo toxicity at relatively low concentrations. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NP) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) cause adverse effects in model soil organisms under environmentally relevant conditions. In most toxicity assessments of nanomaterials, model organisms are exposed to a single stressor. Though single stressor experiments are essential to understanding the fate and effects of released NP, in nature, organisms are affected by multiple stressors, including pathogens, which might exacerbate or mitigate negative effects of NP exposure. There is limited research on …

Multi-Physics Modeling Of Immersion Cooled Electric Power Apparatuses, Reza Ilka

Theses and Dissertations--Electrical and Computer Engineering

Electric power conversion apparatuses such as electromagnetic transformers and power electronic converters play a backbone role in the global power and energy industries, such as power transmission and distribution, electrified transportation vehicle systems, industry automation, and the like. To investigate the performance (efficiency, reliability, etc.) of such critical power conversion apparatuses, high-fidelity multi-physics modeling becomes critical which involves dedicated coupling among multiple physical domains, including electrical, magnetic, thermal, mechanical, and material engineering. Nevertheless, the majority of the existing models for these power conversion apparatuses focus only on one or two physical domains, and the modeling fidelity needs to be further …

The Effect Of A Community Resiliency Model Education On Resilience, Psychological Empowerment, And Well-Being In Behavioral Health Nurses, Lorrie Smith-Esterle

DNP Projects

Background: Resilience, well-being, and psychological empowerment are associated with improvement in job satisfaction and nurse retention rates. The Community Resiliency Model (CRM) can promote emotional regulation, well-being, and create an internal state of balance in response to work-related stressors. Educating nurses on how to use CRM enables the recognition of changes in thoughts, emotions, sensations, and internal or external stimuli, which can promote resilience, well-being, and psychological empowerment.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate evaluate the effect of a resiliency education using the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) on resilience, psychological empowerment, and well-being of behavioral health nurses. …

Improving Structural Empowerment Through The Co-Creation Of A Professional Governance Program Of Nurse Managers And Front-Line Nurses, Michelle Van Outer

DNP Projects

Abstract

Background: Professional governance is a model in healthcare systems where nurses are involved by participating in decisions that lead their practice. Participation in professional governance has been shown to improve nursing practice, employee satisfaction, nursing autonomy, and patient outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate nurses’ perceptions of empowerment when front-line nurses are involved with their nurse managers in the design and structure of an inpatient state psychiatric hospital’s professional governance program.

Conceptual Framework: Kanter’s theory of empowerment will guide this project. As individuals feel more empowered, the success of the organization increases. Kanter suggests that …

Improving Dental Students' Knowledge And Confidence In Treating Tobacco Use, Victoria Pierce

DNP Projects

Background: Tobacco use can lead to numerous chronic health conditions. Healthcare professionals in the dental field are in a unique position to broach this issue with patients. Research shows that dental students do not feel equipped to provide tobacco cessation care, citing lack of education on the subject among their top reasons for this.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate changes in dental students’ knowledge and confidence related to treating tobacco use after participation in an educational intervention about the 5A’s, behavioral counseling, and first-line prescription medications.

Methods: This quality improvement initiative utilized a quasi-experimental survey design …

An Educational Intervention On Provider Knowledge Of Hypertension Guidelines And Home Blood Pressure Monitoring, Alison Claire Oesterritter

DNP Projects

Background: While hypertension is the leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, disease control remains suboptimal. In the U.S., 47% of adults have hypertension, but only 25% are controlled. Despite having quality evidence-based guidelines, many recommendations are not implemented due to clinical inertia, or the tendency to not change therapy when targets aren’t met. Research has shown that this can be overcome with educational programs. Purpose: To provide training on hypertension guidelines and home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) to overcome clinical inertia and improve patient outcomes related to hypertension. Methods: The project was a quasi-experimental, pre- and post- …

The Impact Of Lung Cancer Screening Education On Knowledge And Screening Rates In A Kentucky Cancer Survivorship Clinic, Alexandra Isler

DNP Projects

Background: Lung cancer is a significant problem in Kentucky, which ranks fourth in the nation in adults who currently smoke. Early detection, through lung cancer screening, can prevent untimely deaths. Several barriers to screening exist including lack of knowledge and awareness among patients regarding lung cancer screening. By increasing knowledge, at risk patients can take the necessary steps to decrease incidence of late stage diagnoses.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate patients’ knowledge of lung cancer screening and referral and screening rates before and after one-on-one patient education.

Methods: This was a quality improvement project that used …

Implementation Of An Education Intervention Aimed At Intensive Care Unit Providers To Improve Knowledge Of And Screening For Cognitive Impairment Related To Post-Intensive Care Syndrome, Terry Harrod

DNP Projects

Abstract

Background: Post intensive care syndrome is a condition that can lead to a range of physical,

cognitive, and psychiatric issues and is frequently undiagnosed. Educating Nurse Practitioners,

Physician Assistants, and Physician Fellows who work in the ICU about post intensive care

syndrome and a cognitive screening tool like the MoCA can significantly enhance their

understanding and ability to diagnose a component of this syndrome.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention

regarding post intensive care syndrome among ICU nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and

physician fellows treating patients within the ICU.

Methodology: …

The Effects Of Yoga On Anxiety And Sleep Quality Levels Among College Students, Larisa Lucas Mullins

DNP Projects

Background: College students have poor sleep quality due to a newfound sense of freedom, exposure to new influences, or poor sleep hygiene (Dinis & Barganca, 2018). Specifically, evidence supports a correlation between sleep latency in onset or lack of nighttime sleep and increased anxiety (Dinis & Barganca, 2018). Yoga has been shown to decrease anxiety, stress symptoms, and depression (Mullen et al., 2021). Teaching yoga techniques and encouraging routine yoga practice to college students may improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety.

Purpose: This project's purpose was to evaluate the effect of yoga education and videos on sleep quality and …

Electroconvulsive Therapy: Improving Psychiatric Rn Knowledge And Attitudes Using An Educational Module, Garrett Payne

DNP Projects

Abstract

Background: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a robust, versatile treatment option for many psychiatric disorders and diseases, but systemic low levels of knowledge and negative attitudes exist towards the procedure among healthcare workers, specifically among psychiatric RNs. The negative attitudes surrounding ECT are most attributable to a misunderstanding of its uses, efficacy, procedures, and safety. Psychiatric RNs hold more negative beliefs and misconceptions about ECT than any other group of healthcare workers who directly care for patients receiving the treatment. Psychiatric RNs also demonstrate poor understanding of ECT treatment procedures and outcomes. Current evidence-based practice shows that providing psychiatric RNs …

Nurse Management Competency Training For Frontline Nurse Leaders, Travis Drake

DNP Projects

Background: Growing evidence shows that front line nurse leaders take on their role with minimal education and training. Healthcare facilities are pressed for resources and time to allow for proper development of these leaders.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to provide novice nurse leaders with a condensed management development program utilizing key American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL) nurse manager competencies. This abbreviated program was developed focusing on three key competencies of finance, innovation, and human resources. The impact of the program was measured by comparing self-assessment prior to any of the education and after the entire program …

The Effects Of Potassium Fertilization Regime On High Tunnel Tomato Production, Sapana Pandey

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

A two-year field experiment (2022-2023) was conducted at the University of Kentucky Horticulture Research Farm in Lexington, KY to study the effects of potassium (K2O) fertilization rates on tomato yield and ripening disorders in determinate and indeterminate varieties (‘BHN-589’ and ‘Big Beef’, respectively). In the first year, K2O rates representing the soil test result-based commercial recommendation (0 lbs/acre) and sequentially greater rates (150, 300, and 450 lbs K2O/acre) were applied. In the second year, K2O rates were increased based on lack of fruit quality response and were 0, 300, 600, and 900 lbs K2O/acre. Leaf tissue nutrients, tomato yield, and …

Silicon Fertilization In Cool-Season Turfgrasses, Cheng Qian

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

Previous studies of the benefits of silicon (Si) supplementation in turfgrass have yielded inconsistent results. This dissertation aimed to assess the benefits if Si supplementation in cool-season turfgrass under more well controlled conditions than many previous studies. The first study assessed the effect of Si supplementation on biomass production and Si accumulation of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) in buffered Hoagland’s media (pH 6) with four sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) treatments (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mM Si). The two species responded differently to Si supplementation in terms of biomass. Bentgrass biomass was …

Utilizing Mixed Methods To Examine Black Graduate Students’ Experiences With Multicultural Supervision In School Psychology, Larraine Graham

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

Multicultural supervision is essential in preparing psychologists-in-training to provide ethical, multiculturally competent practices to diverse populations. In the field of school psychology, Black graduate students remain underrepresented despite increasing diversity in schools. While there are many resources for establishing best practices in multicultural supervision in related fields, there is a lack of literature in school psychology, especially that examines Black graduate students’ experiences. Therefore, the purpose of the current study is to attend to the gap in the literature and better understand Black graduate students’ experiences with the supervisory relationship, satisfaction with supervision, and multicultural competency skill development. The current …

Building Children's Connection To Nature In The Schools: A Piloted Nature-Based Intervention, Alexis Bird

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

Nature-based interventions (NBI) have demonstrated positive effects on a range of student outcomes, including enhanced prosocial behaviors, decreased levels of stress, and improved mood and concentration. Further, school-aged children’s participation in NBIs supports students’ reconnection with the natural world. Although schools represent an ideal setting to engage students from diverse backgrounds in NBI activities, existing research is limited in understanding the effects and feasibility of integrating NBIs within school settings. This study aimed to explore the effects of NBI activities administered within a school program on students’ sense of connectedness with nature and their overall wellbeing. Additionally, participants were interviewed …

Development Of Glutathione-Responsive Disulfide-Containing Poly(Beta-Amino Esters) With Varied Hydrophilicity And Acrylate Functionality, Anastasiia Aronova

Theses and Dissertations--Chemical and Materials Engineering

Smart biomaterials are becoming promising for therapeutic deliveries due to their ability to respond to changes in the environment. Redox-responsive hydrogels are a promising type of smart polymer that can swell and degrade according to cellular oxidative stress levels. Glutathione, abundant in cells, is crucial in redox-responsive biomaterials, serving as a key reactive molecule. This study explored the degradation kinetics of glutathione-responsive poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) polymers created through a single-step Michael addition. We examined how disulfide content influences the degradation kinetics of these PBAE networks. Additionally, we investigated how the hydrophilicity and functionality of acrylate affect the degradation of disulfide-containing …

Single-Atom Catalysts For Electrochemical Energy Conversion: Copper Single-Atom Catalyst For Oxygen Reduction Reaction And Quantification Of Site Density By Co Stripping Voltammetry, Dawatage Perera

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

Fuel cells are considered a promising technology for achieving cleaner and more sustainable energy production and utilization. However, one of the current major challenges is the economic viability associated with the extensive use of Pt group metal (PGM) catalysts, particularly on the cathode side. Therefore, non-PGM single-atom catalysts (SACs) have received considerable attention as alternatives for PGM catalysts in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which occurs at the cathode of the fuel cell. Among various SAC structures, the non-PGM/nitrogen-doped carbon-based structure (M-N-C) stands out for its excellent ORR performance.

Chapter 2 illustrates the use of copper metal in place of …

Synthetic Strategies Toward The Development Of Stable Gold-Based Anticancer Agents And Their Mechanistic Insight, Adedamola Arojojoye

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

Despite notable advancements in the design and synthesis of novel chemotherapeutic drugs, cancer continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States. Metallodrugs, especially Au complexes, have played a prominent role in the search for the next generation of chemotherapeutic agents. Herein, I report on the synthetic strategies towards the rational design of stable Au (Au)-based agents, study their reactivity in biological environment, and offer insights into the cytotoxic mechanism of action in cancer. Chemotherapeutic Au compounds exist mainly in +I or +III oxidation states. Repurposing of the Au(I) FDA approved auranofin for the treatment of diseases …

Synthesis, Functionalization, And Application Of Polymeric Membrane Blends Of Polysulfone, Poly-Ether Ether-Ketone, And Natural Fiber Additive Biochar For Optimal Water Treatment., Abelline Katusiime Fionah

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

According to the Center for disease control (CDC), an estimated 1.7 to 2.2 million persons die from waterborne diseases annually. The majority of individuals dying from diseases resulting from unsafe drinking water, such as diarrhea and gastroenteritis, are children. This has in turn created a global water crisis. Different methods have been developed to treat contaminated water in response to the global water crisis such as adsorption, filtration, ozonolysis, catalysis, etc. Of the methods available, filtration via polymeric membranes has been one of the most successfully applied. A membrane is a thin semi-permeable barrier (often made of a polymer) used …

Fundamental Studies Of Optical Properties And Electrocatalytic Properties Of Low Dimensional Nanomaterials Carbon Nano Dots And 2d Transition Metal Dichalcogenides, Nadeesha Kothalawala

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

Low dimensional nanomaterials are widely used in a variety of applications such as opto-electronics, energy production and storage, and bio-medical applications due to their unique optical, catalytic, electronic, and mechanical properties. Most of the nanomaterials offer a plethora of modifications in their structure, composition, morphology, and dimensionality that can lead to the manipulation of their physiochemical properties. This dissertation presents insight into two types of compelling nanomaterials: carbon nanodots (CND) and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD), investigating their optical and electrocatalytic properties respectively.

Carbon nanodots (CND) are a promising class of photoluminescent nanomaterials that hold a significant potential in many optoelectronic …

Effects Of Increasing Dietary Arginine Supply During The Three First Weeks After Weaning On Pig Growth Performance, Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations, And Health Status, Jorge Y. Perez-Palencia, Christian D. Ramirez-Camba, Keith Haydon, Kristine L. Urschel, Crystal L. Levesque

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

A total of 425 weaned pigs (Exp. 1: 225 pigs [5.8 ± 0.9 kg]; Exp. 2: 200 pigs [6.1 ± 1.2 kg]) were used to determine the optimal dietary standardized ileal digestible (SID) arginine (Arg) level in early nursery diets based on growth and health responses. The basal diet in Exp.1 was formulated to meet SID Arg recommendation (0.66%; NRC, 2012) and in Exp. 2, SID Arg was set to simulate current industry practices for feeding nursery pigs (1.15 %). Basal diets were supplemented with 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9%, and 1.2% of l-arginine to provide five levels of dietary SID Arg. …

Neural Hyperactivity During Value-Based Decision-Making In People With Daily/Near Daily Cannabis Use, Miranda Ramirez

Theses and Dissertations--Psychology

Value-based decision-making involves the coordinated effort of multiple brain regions to guide future choices based on past experiences. These processes are disrupted in cannabis use disorder, where individuals continue to use cannabis despite negative consequences. Reinforcement learning (RL) paradigms can be used to capture changes in the value of available options and may inform how the brain is impacted by frequent cannabis use. This study combined fMRI with behavioral modeling of probabilistic choice task data to compare value-based choices between young adults reporting daily/near daily cannabis use (CAN) and controls (CTRL). Participants selected one of two options reinforced ($0.25) at …

Influence Of Oral Contraceptives On Alcohol Use In Young Adult Women, Ashley Strzelecki

Theses and Dissertations--Psychology

Rates of heavy drinking and Alcohol Use Disorder are rising dramatically in young adult women, making it important to better understand female-specific risks for problematic drinking. Circulating levels of ovarian hormones are one potential mechanism influencing alcohol use in women. Many young adult women use oral contraceptives (OCs) that alter endogenous hormone levels, and little is known about how OCs and the synthetic hormones they contain may influence alcohol use. This dissertation consists of three studies that investigated alcohol consumption in women using OCs and explored potential mechanisms through which OCs may influence alcohol use. Study 1 compared self-reported alcohol …

The Experience And Regulation Of Posttraumatic Shame Among Women With Interpersonal Trauma Histories, Jordyn M. Tipsword

Theses and Dissertations--Psychology

Posttraumatic shame – an emotion stemming from harsh attitudes about the self after trauma – is central to PTSD for many women following physical or sexual assault or abuse (interpersonal trauma [IPT]). However, knowledge of the frequency, intensity, and stability of shame in the daily lives of women post-IPT is lacking. Additionally, while some work has explored shame-specific emotion regulation (ER), or processes aimed at changing emotional responses, it remains unclear which ER strategies are effective in reducing shame, and the role of PTSD severity in shame regulation also remains unexplored. This project explored daily experiences and regulation of posttraumatic …

Hormonal Effects On Adhd Symptoms In Adolescents Across The Menstrual Cycle, Ashley G. Eng

Theses and Dissertations--Psychology

Background: Females with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) become particularly impaired during adolescence, experiencing increased rates of depression and anxiety, as well as important public and personal health outcomes like increased suicide attempts, risky sexual behavior, and substance use. However, female-specific risk factors for ADHD have been vastly understudied despite this increased impairment and comorbidity. One particularly understudied risk factor is the dramatically rising and fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones during late puberty that begin cycling monthly. In adult women, rapid decreases in estrogen levels increase risk for ADHD symptoms across the menstrual cycle, particularly for those with high trait impulsivity. Preliminary …

Disinhibition And Bac Estimation As Predictors Of Risky Driving Behavior While Intoxicated, Sarah Heymsfeld

Theses and Dissertations--Psychology

Alcohol-related driving fatalities persist as a public health problem in the United States. Recent studies have begun focusing on driver risk-taking as a factor in DUI occurrences and consequent driving fatalities. Key factors that could contribute to risky intoxicated driving are a lack of self-awareness concerning intoxication levels and consequent risk in addition to alcohol-induced increases in the driver’s impulsivity. Fifty young adult drivers received 0.65 g/kg of alcohol (target BAC = 80 mg/dl) or a placebo in a counterbalanced order on two different days and performed a simulated driving test that measured driver risk-taking as reduced distance to other …

Establishing The Feasibility Of Crowdsourcing To Study Value-Based Decision-Making In Substance Use Disorders, Thomas Shellenberg

Theses and Dissertations--Psychology

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are characterized by repeated choices to use drugs despite adverse consequences. Value-based decision-making theory posits that choices are guided by predicted values of available options which are updated based on outcomes. Computational modeling of reinforcement learning (RL) during choice tasks has shown promise for uncovering latent mechanisms of decision-making. Recruiting people with SUD is difficult, but crowdsourcing offers an alternative for accelerating data collection. However, the validity of computational modeling using online choice task data has not been well-established. This thesis aimed to use the online crowdsourcing platform Prolific to 1) compare online and in-person choice …

Menstrual Cycle Phase And Hormonal Effects On Emotional Eating In Females With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Urveesha Nirjar

Theses and Dissertations--Psychology

Previous research has shown that cyclical fluctuations in ovarian hormones can predict changes in ADHD symptoms as well as eating behaviors, particularly emotional eating across the menstrual cycle. Previous studies have so far only examined the effects of estrogen (E2), progesterone (P4) and cycle phase in predicting individual symptoms or disorders such as ADHD or eating disorders or related behaviors separately. The aim of this study is to examine how emotional eating is influenced by naturally occurring hormonal and cycle changes in a sample overrecruited for ADHD. Seventy-eight individuals (assigned female at birth) with menstrual cycles overrecruited for ADHD provided …