Digital Commons Network^™

Uncovering The Hidden Diversity Of Antibody Heavy Chains And Their Implications For Autoantibody Mediated Disease., Easton Earl Ford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Understanding the diversity of antibody (IG) molecules at the DNA and RNA level is imperative for understanding immunological processes and disease. Much of the work to uncover IG diversity has been focused on diversity in the variable region of the IG molecule which is crucial for antigen binding. However, the diversity of the constant region responsible for the functions of IG has largely been ignored in the field of immunogenetics. The work presented in this thesis challenges the dogma that the constant region is invariant in terms of genetic diversity. In this thesis we present the development of a long-read …

Molecular Mechanisms Of Exercise-Stimulated Resolution Of Inflammation And Its Dietary Dependence., Ernesto H. Pena Calderin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Diet-induced obesity and adipose tissue (AT) inflammation that ensues sets the stage for systemic metabolic inflammation, disrupted insulin signaling, and eventual type 2 diabetes (T2D) development. At the center of this pathology lies a disruption in endogenous inflammation resolution pathways characterized by an imbalance in lipid mediator production (greater abundance of pro-inflammatory to pro-resolving lipids). Additionally, obese states are characterized by adrenergic deficiency, especially in response to physical activity. Inflammatory processes have been experimentally mitigated by either the pharmacological inhibition of pro-inflammatory signals (i.e., Leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) and its receptor BLT1, which establishes a potent chemotactic stimulus …

Furthering Ascidian Taxonomy Using Molecular Biology, Nicholas Gulnick

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ascidians are our closest invertebrate relatives and comprise nearly 3,000 species separated into three orders: Aplousobranchia (most speciose), Stolidobranchia, and Phlebobranchia (least speciose). Ascidians can be classified as either solitary or colonial organisms. Species delimitation using morphological characters alone has had varied results. Well known, widely distributed, morphological species have turned out to be catch all species comprised of several cryptic species. Molecular markers can help mitigate some of the issues presented by strictly using morphological observations, including resolving the status of cryptic species, and accessing the expert knowledge required to identify a species. By incorporating molecular markers and pairing …

Manipulation Of Cellular Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (Pcna) During Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection, Jessica Packard, Jill A. Dembowski

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a double stranded DNA virus that replicates within the nucleus of host cells. Using accelerated native isolation of proteins on nascent DNA (aniPOND), cellular proteins were found to associate with HSV-1 replication forks. One host factor of interest is proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), the DNA sliding clamp that tethers DNA polymerases and DNA damage response proteins to replicating cellular DNA. Although HSV-1 encodes its own DNA polymerase processivity factor (UL42), PCNA plays a key role in HSV-1 infection. We used commercially available PCNA inhibitors and short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) to investigate how …

Structure-Function Relationships In Neurodegenerative And Infectious Diseases: Biophysical Characterization Of Rna Secondary Structures By Computational Techniques, Kendy Guarinoni

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The research described in this dissertation focuses on the investigation of the structure and dynamics of regions of RNA implicated in two diseases: COVID-19 and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD). Both studies sought to create experimentally corroborated models that were used to characterize the structure and dynamics of the C9orf72 repeat expansion and the s2m region in coronaviruses, respectively and provided the foundation for future work. In our work involving the s2m region of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, we determined that the homology modeling approach commonly used to derive atomistic structures when no coordinates are available yields a …

Relation Between The Negative Cognitive Triad, Perceived Everyday Discrimination, Depressive Symptoms, And Tnf-A In Adolescents., Ashley Ann Marshall Dondanville

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study is based on Beck's cognitive stress-vulnerability model of depression and previous research on (a) the increased risk for severe illnesses associated with TNF-⍺ (i.e., an inflammatory cytokine), (b) the effect of perceived everyday discrimination (PED) on depressive symptoms and TNF-⍺, (c) the association between depressive symptoms and TNF-⍺, (d) and findings that the negative cognitive triad (i.e., negative views of the self, world, and future) serves as a partial mediator between PED and depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study is to integrate Beck’s model and these different research lines by inspecting the associations between the stressor PED …

A Comparison Of Maxent Models For Aedes Aegypti Species Distribution In South America Utilizing Different Bioclimatic And Environmental Variables, Matthew Beer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Aedes aegypti is the principal vector for dengue transmission across large areas of the world. Understanding where this critically important vector lives is paramount to preventing the continued expansion of dengue globally. Using 1981-2010 bioclimatic (bioclim) variables, as well as additional environmental variables and elevation data, multiple MaxEnt models were constructed for Ae. aegypti within the South American continent to identify ecologically important variables and areas of persistent high suitability. All models had acceptable AUC scores (> 0.70), indicating accurate model fitting. Annual mean precipitation and temperature were found to be important model variables; however, when added, humidity became the …

Student Achievement In The State Of Tennessee Through Virtual Learning In Asynchronous, Bisynchronous, And Hybrid Approaches, Lindsey Weeden

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was used to investigate the differences in asynchronous, bisynchronous, and hybrid learning environments in student achievement in online schools. Utilizing quantitative data analysis, the research examines student growth data, chronic absenteeism, graduation rates, and ACT scores across these modalities. The research holds significant implications for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders in enhancing the quality of online education. The results may contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding effective pedagogical practices in the digital age by providing evidence-based insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each instructional mode. By addressing the challenges of the digital divide, the results may be used …

Dengue And Climate Change: Assessing Potential Future Areas Of Concern For Transmission In The United States, Matthew Beer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Global climate change severely impacts human life, particularly health, as rising temperatures and extreme weather affect physical and mental well-being. Climate change can also alter the risk factors and epidemiology of infectious diseases, notably vector-borne diseases (VBDs), including those transmitted by mosquitoes. The Aedes mosquito, responsible for dengue, poses a significant threat due to its prevalence vector. Dengue prevention lacks effective methods beyond vector control, and the current vaccine has limitations, emphasizing the need for intensified research and prevention strategies to mitigate the expanding dengue burden worldwide. The goal of these studies was to establish a novel risk index …

Exploring The Experiences Of Hiv Positive Pregnant Women On Prevention Of Vertical Transmission Of Hiv/Aids In Rural Malawi, Gertrude Finyiza

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be the primary conduct that HIV is transmitted to children worldwide. The problem of HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is having a great impact on the world's children. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Malawi continues to be a serious public health issue, especially for expectant mothers. The health outcomes of mothers and children remain significantly threatened by vertical HIV transmission, even with improvements in preventive and treatment efforts. The purpose of this thesis was to explore the experiences of HIV-positive pregnant women in Malawi. I conducted semi structured interviews with thirteen …

School Nurses And Administrators Perceptions Of School Preparedness: A Focused Ethnography, Deborah Horton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Disasters are dangerous for schools where many children are located in one area. Children were significantly impacted by a biological incident during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, and more recently the COVID-19 pandemic. Research is needed to determine the values, perceptions, and beliefs of school disaster preparedness through a cultural lens.

Methods: A focused ethnography was used to interview school administrators and nurses from April-December 2022 to explore and understand the unique culture of school disaster preparedness. Data was analyzed according to Leininger’s Four Phases of Data Analysis.

Results: Twenty-four participants from K-12 public schools were interviewed resulting in …

Impact Of An Electronic Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Catch-Up Module For Women With Criminal-Legal System Involvement, Shawana Moore

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Cervical cancer can often be prevented with targeted strategies such as Pap smear screenings and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, now also recommended for those aged 27-45 who have not received the vaccine previously. However, women involved in the criminal-legal system often miss out on primary and secondary prevention measures and are at increased risk for the development of cervical cancer caused by HPV. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of an electronic HPV catch-up module for women in the criminal-legal system aged 27-45. The study, guided by the Health Belief Model, …

Omani Camels From A Cultural And Genomics Perspective, Al Muatasim Al Zadjali

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Dromedarian camel, Camelus dromedarius, is native to the Arabian Peninsula, including the Sultanate of Oman. These camels are used for food, milk, as well as show and racing competitions. Despite their economic and cultural importance research on camels in Oman is limited. The goal of this study was to examine their genomic variation, relationship with camels in other parts of the Arabian Peninsula, and to determine if selective breeding has led to the establishment of distinct breeds in Oman. Information was compiled from multiple sources to produce a comprehensive review on the breeding, management, economic and cultural use, …

Tongue-Tie: Impact On Oropharyngeal Function During Swallow., Kolbie A. Vincent

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Swallowing is an intricate process involving over 50 muscle pairs and numerous nerves, with dysphagia resulting from deficits in various stages (Hennessy & Goldenberg, 2016). Lingual restriction may adversely impact swallowing function, affecting bolus preparation, size, and overall efficiency. Tongue-tie can pose challenges to speech, chewing, and swallowing (Becker & Mendez, 2022; Chaubal et al, 2011; García-Pola, M. J., et al., 2002). This pilot study seeks to determine how tongue-tie affects swallowing function in an adult male, and whether surgical revision of a submucosal lingual tether leads to measurable changes in oropharyngeal swallow function. Results showed inconsistent changes in diameter …

Exploring Influencing Factors On The Adoption Of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions During Pandemics: Covid-19 As An Example., Ahmed Abdulmohsen I Alobaydullah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Pandemics are associated with loss of life, hospitalizations, and disruption to people’s social and economic lives. As the 2019 pandemic illustrates, COVID-19 can be prevented by pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). Recommended measures such as wearing a mask, washing hands, social distancing, and self-quarantine have been proven to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Identifying the factors associated with adherence to NPIs is the first step in understanding which levers of change to pull when designing health promotion interventions such as health communication campaigns. This dissertation explores these factors and proposes a health communication framework during pandemics. Research Questions: …

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 …

Investigation Of Avaren-Fc's Therapeutic Potential Against Ovarian Cancer., Katarina Lee Mayer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes the investigation of Avaren-Fc (AvFc), a novel lectin-based therapeutic fusion protein consisting of the recombinant Avaren lectin and the Fc region of human IgG1, against ovarian cancer. AvFc possesses selectivity toward tumor associated N-linked high-mannose-type glycans. The present study demonstrates AvFc’s in vitro activity against OVCA cell lines via antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and its ability to extend the survival of mice challenged with murine ID8 OVCA cells after repeated systemic administration. Furthermore, AvFc treatment in this model was found to increase the presence of peritoneal leukocytes, suggesting a shift toward an improved antitumor immune response. Another key …

The Implications, Magnitude, And Development Of Traumatic Brain Injury For Individuals Undergoing Treatment For Opioid Use Disorder, Hannah G. Mitchell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There is an established bidirectional relation between substance use and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Despite the high rate of prescribing opioids for pain management following a TBI and the epidemic of opioid use disorder (OUD) in the United States, scarce research has specifically analyzed the association between TBI and OUD. In a series of three interrelated manuscripts, the present study will first examine the prevalence and features of TBIs among persons seeking treatment for OUD. Next, the present study will evaluate the association between TBI and indicators of risky health behaviors and OUD severity, including the risk of overdose and …

Cost Saving And Resource Limited Public Health Interventions In Southeast Asia, Amanda Blackwelder

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Public health interventions are any activity with the objective of improving human health such as preventing or curing disease, reducing the severity or duration of a disease, or assisting in regaining function after a disease or injury. These interventions are known to be impactful; however, those living with the highest burden of disease such as individuals in low- and middle-income countries have limited money and resources to successfully implement these interventions. Southeast Asian countries are among some of the middle-income countries effected by the lack of affordable interventions. The aims of this study were to assess cost saving and …

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Perceptions Of How Providing Patient Care During The Covid-19 Pandemic Affected Their Own Mental Health, Linda Cabage

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Public health concerns were prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regarding rising cases of anxiety and depression among adults. U.S. healthcare providers were especially affected by the unrelenting demands on their time and service. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) provided patient care during the pandemic to meet the increasing need for mental health services as people began experiencing mood disturbances such as anxiety, depression, and grief. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceived effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of PMHNPs. A qualitative design using the interpretive description method allows researchers to …

Perinatal Buprenorphine Effects On Offspring Growth, Opioid Withdrawal, And Brain Morphology In Rats, Parker Barnes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Opioid use disorder (OUD) impacts 5.6 million people in the US. Buprenorphine (BUP) is a commonly prescribed opioid medication used to treat OUD, including in pregnant women. However, opioid use during pregnancy is associated with poorer infant outcomes including reduced fetal growth, neurodevelopmental deficits, and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Recent clinical data suggests that providing mothers with a lower dose of BUP may result in fewer negative outcomes in infants. Here, a preclinical rodent model of low-dose perinatal BUP exposure was used to study offspring health outcomes in the neonate, juvenile, and adolescent offspring. Dams were given clinically relevant …

Inhibition Of Pro-Inflammatory Lipid Mediators By Yersinia Pestis., Amanda Brady

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Yersinia pestis causes the human disease known as plague. A key manifestation of plague is a delayed inflammatory response. Because this delay in inflammation is required for virulence, I was interested in defining the molecular mechanisms used by Y. pestis to evade immune recognition. Eicosanoids are produced early during infection and necessary to initiate a rapid inflammatory response. Despite the importance of these lipids in mediating inflammation, the role of eicosanoids during plague has not been previously investigated. Using an intranasal mouse model infection, I determined the kinetics of eicosanoid synthesis during pneumonic plague. I further demonstrated that LTB_{4 …}

Exploring The Correlates And Predictors Of Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy And Uptake Among People Living With Hiv/Aids In Tennessee, Charles Olomofe

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background

The administration of the COVID-19 vaccines has met with resistance and hesitance from different population groups including people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). It is concerning to know that PLWHAs are showing a higher rate of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy than the general population. The objective of this study is to synthesize the literature and determine the correlates and predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among PLWHA using primary and secondary data.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted to identify and summarize studies on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among PLWHA using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) Extension for …

Changes In Young Adults’ Perspective On Ageism After Participating In A Virtual Nutrition Education Program With Older Adults, Julianne Hensley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The growing older adult population has led to increased ageist tendencies among younger generations. Previous research suggests that ageism is associated with cognitive and physical decline among older adults. This mixed-methods research project examined changes in ageist perceptions among graduate student facilitators and undergraduate nutrition ambassadors after participating in a training that included information about healthy aging, addressing ageism, and communicating with older adults. Results from a secondary data analysis of pre-test/post-test data and thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with facilitators of Socially Nutritious, a virtual nutrition education program for older adults, indicate that ageist perceptions decreased after the …

Regulation Of Cd4 T Cell Functions By Ncrna-Mediated Signaling Pathways During Chronic Viral Infections, Lam Nguyen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

CD4 T cell homeostasis and competency are critical for the effectiveness of antiviral immunity. However, CD4 T cells derived from people living with HIV (PLWH) and individuals with chronic HCV infection often exhibit an inflammaging phenotype, evidenced by persistent inflammation, immune activation, exhaustion, senescence, and cellular apoptosis. Despite intensive investigations, the molecular mechanisms underlying CD4 T cell dysfunction in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-controlled PLWH and HCV-infected patients remain poorly understood. By investigating the roles of non-coding (nc)RNA transcripts in regulating the functions of CD4 T cells derived from PLWH and HCV-infected patients, we demonstrated that long non-coding (lnc)RNA - growth arrest-specific …

The Correlational Effects Of Academic And Demographic Factors On Nursing Students’ Attrition, Progression, And Completion At A University College Of Nursing, Adebusola A. Obafemi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

High United States nursing student attrition rates have attracted political, organizational, and social interest for numerous reasons. This attrition places financial burdens on the students, results in revenue loss for the college, and exacerbates the existing nursing shortage. Students' success in a nursing program is crucial for nurses to practice nursing. The purpose of this retrospective study was to explore the effects of academic performance and demographic/categorical factors on nursing students' progression and completion at a University College of Nursing in the Southern United States. The target population consisted of students enrolled at the University College of Nursing from January …

Attrition And Turnover Intentions Of Paramedic Program Directors In The State Of Texas, Jacob Charles Braddock

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Prehospital care currently finds itself in a critical crisis as the number of emergency medical technicians continues to decline nationwide. This is especially alarming as such shortages have been exacerbated in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency medical service agencies are looking to educational institutions to ensure that an adequate number of providers are entering the field. These institutions are led by program directors, who oversee all aspects of the program. However, these individuals are also leaving the role at alarming rates nationwide. The purpose of this action research study was to take a qualitative descriptive approach to explore …

Effectiveness Of Antibiotic Stewardship For Healthcare Providers At Urgent Care Clinics, Helen T. Adewole

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine; however, the overuse in urgent care and primary care significantly contributes to the global burden of infections resistant to available antimicrobial medicines. Approximately 30% of the antimicrobials prescribed in acute care settings are unnecessary. Patient demand for antibiotics has seemingly skyrocketed following the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Practitioners must be knowledgeable about antibiotic stewardship initiatives, such as the wait-and-see approach, to reduce antibiotic overuse and improve the trajectory of antibiotic resistance and patient health outcomes. The gap in practice was the limited awareness of scientific evidence-based tools to partner with patients and improve antibiotic prescription patterns. …

Improving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Education In Undergraduate Nursing Programs, Robin E. Roberts

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ongoing competency validation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills is not a routine practice in nursing school. Basic Life Support training and certification is obtained before or during nursing school with little opportunity for practice. Poor quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills can affect the confidence level of the performer and the patient outcome. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of training nursing faculty on the adoption of cardiopulmonary resuscitation technology into nursing school curriculum to provide improved cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills to nursing students. Using a pretest-posttest, this study followed the Kirkpatrick model of evaluation of continuing education, which …

Cationic Charge-Shifting Polymers As Improved Vectors For Nucleic Acid Delivery, Alexander Fortenberry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This work investigates the development and application of charge-shifting polycations for gene delivery, focusing on their synthesis, characterization, and applications for in vitro mRNA delivery. Utilizing poly(2-vinyl-4,4-dimethylazlactone) (PVDMA), this study explores modifications with various reactive handles, such as alcohol, thiol, and amine groups, to create cationic amide-, ester-, and thioester-functionalized polycations. These modifications aim to exploit the charge-shifting capabilities of the polycations to form stable polyplexes with nucleic acids, promoting the efficient intracellular release of the genetic cargo.Initial studies first examine the charge-shifting properties of PVDMA-based polycations under different pH and temperature conditions. This work highlights the potential of these …