Transforming Children's Oral Health: The Impact Of Oral Healthcare Policies On Virginia Medicaid Dental Health Outcomes., Anita M. Kumar

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract: Transforming Children's Oral Health: The Impact of Oral Healthcare Policies on Virginia Medicaid Dental Health Outcomes.

Objectives: This dissertation uses Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) administrative files at the individual and provider level from fiscal years (FY) 2011 to 2021 to systematically study the effect of recently implemented oral health policies (EBD guidelines on sealants, CMS updated quality measures, expansion of Medicaid oral healthcare for qualifying pregnant women) on oral health outcomes of Virginia Medicaid-enrolled children.

Methods: The studies employ a difference in differences regression methods (negative binomial, Poisson, and logistic) to examine the effects of oral health …

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury In Yucatan Minipigs: Assessing Changes In Approachability And Mechanical Nociception Following Diffuse Central Fluid Percussion Injury, Mark D. Pavlichenko

Theses and Dissertations

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major healthcare concern affecting millions. Symptoms of TBI include sensory sensitivity and social changes that may persist long-term. Due to similarities in cytoarchitecture, metabolism, and inflammation, higher order minipig models are advantageous for translational TBI research, however, there remains a shortage of information regarding their behavioral and sensory sequelae following injury. Therefore, in this study, we assessed changes in sociability and somatosensation in adult male and female Yucatan minipigs for up to one-week following a sham or central fluid percussion injury (cFPI). Specifically, the voluntary human approach task (VHAT) and the forced human approach …

Longitudinal Analysis Of Maternal Depression, Physical Work Demand, And Working Hours Before, During, And After Pregnancy On Offspring Blood Pressure Trajectories, Medhin Tsegaye Haile

Theses and Dissertations

Overall Abstract

Background: Pediatric high blood pressure (BP) is a growing global concern, with 1 in 7 adolescents in the U.S. experiencing elevated BP or hypertension. Maternal lifestyle factors, including depressive symptoms, physically demanding work, and work hours during pregnancy, may influence offspring BP trajectories. However, prior studies often focus on single time points or specific age groups, limiting understanding of long-term effects. This study investigates the associations between maternal depressive symptoms, physically demanding work-related factors, and work hours before, during, and after pregnancy with offspring systolic blood pressure (SBP) trajectories from early childhood to adolescence.

Methods: We utilized …

Cellular Metabolism Is A Viable Therapeutic Target For Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis, Josly Pierre-Louis Odoom

Theses and Dissertations

Herein, we provide evidence for cellular metabolic reprogramming as a driver of radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF). We are the first to identify a distinct metabolic signature for RIPF in a cohort of patients with radiographic sequela. We also used a RIPF mouse model to detect the metabolic pathways that enrich during pathogenesis. Our previous work highlighted the importance of lactate, a derivative of the glycolysis end-product pyruvate. Consequently, we took a special interest in the effects of radiation on the glycolysis pathway. We learned that radiation accelerates and reprograms glycolysis to an anabolic state in a pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2)-dependent …

Examining Parent Behavior And Adolescent Outcomes In A Pediatric Obesity Intervention, Madison W. Weinstock

Theses and Dissertations

Pediatric obesity is a major public health concern that affects over 14.4 million children and adolescents in the United States. Multiple short- and long-term health complications are associated with obesity. Therefore, effective treatment methods are needed in order to ameliorate the effects of said complications, particularly among adolescents. This dissertation investigated potential associations between parent eating behaviors and the outcomes of adolescents enrolled in a pediatric weight loss trial (TEENS+; PI: Bean, R21HD084930). The TEENS+ intervention offered a comprehensive behavioral weight intervention for parent-adolescent dyads. Given the well-established importance of parents in the development of an adolescent’s health behavior, this …

Correlates Of Coffee And Energy Drink Use Among Individuals With Severe Alcohol Use Disorder, Enkelejda Ngjelina

Theses and Dissertations

Research on caffeine consumption among college students and young adults has primarily focused on caffeinated energy drinks (EDs) and their combination with alcohol, demonstrating a strong association with heavy and problematic alcohol use. However, little attention has been directed toward older adults. Furthermore, studies have shown that regular ED consumers are more likely to meet the criteria for alcohol dependence compared to their peers. Despite this association, little is known about ED consumption among individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), particularly those undergoing treatment, and even less is understood about other caffeine sources such as coffee. This study aimed to …

The Genetic Architecture Of Cervical Change During Pregnancy: From Modeling To Mechanism — Does The Cervix Mediate Maternal Risk For Spontaneous Preterm Birth?, Hope M. Wolf

Theses and Dissertations

This project leverages clinical data and biospecimens from a prospective longitudinal cohort of pregnant women to study the genetic and phenotypic relationships between cervical shortening and the duration of pregnancy. Sonographic cervical length (CL) was measured throughout pregnancy in a cohort of 5,160 Black/African American women in Detroit, Michigan. Maternal DNA samples were sequenced with a next-generation low-pass whole genome platform. The heritability of cervical change during pregnancy and its genetic correlation with gestational age at delivery (GAD) were estimated using Genome-Wide Complex Trait Analysis. These estimates suggest that cervical change is heritable (h²CL = 51%) and highly polygenic trait. …

Social Networks As Predictors Of Musculoskeletal Injury In U.S. Army Soldiers (Snap-Mski), Kristen L. Zosel

Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) are the leading cause of medical non-readiness among U.S. Army Soldiers, costing the Military Health System an estimated $4.7 billion annually in direct and indirect costs. Current MSKI mitigation efforts focus on individual attributes such as body mass index and gender. However, emerging research highlights the significance of social ties on health outcomes and behaviors. This study examined the patterns of MSKI within military social networks and how social interactions, along with health behaviors such as sleep, physical activity (PA), and diet, co-occur in Soldiers with and without MSKI. METHODS: Phase 1 involved a cross-sectional sociocentric …

The Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach With Contingency Management: Examining The Effectiveness Of Relapse Prevention Program For Adolescents, Gwendolyn Bullard

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to examine the efficacy of the adolescent community reinforcement approach with and without contingency management to improve the lives of adolescents with substance use disorder in relapse prevention programs. Adolescents with substance use disorder do not have access to effective continuing care and relapse prevention in rural towns in the state of Georgia. There is no ongoing care for adolescents with substance use disorder that incorporates a comprehensive treatment plan that includes community reinforcement approaches along with contingency management.

Relying on a multi-element research design, the researcher investigated the interaction between the adolescent community reinforcement …

Parent Participation In Student Academics And Behaviors At An Urban Early Learning Center Utilizing The Two-Generation Approach To Education, Angela E. Hamilton

Theses and Dissertations

The problem in the study was students living in low-income areas, below the poverty level, were vulnerable to experiencing less academic and behavioral success in school. The purpose was to understand how the experiences of parents engaged in a twogeneration approach impacted the success of students living in poverty. The early education and care of young children, especially those of low socioeconomic status, was essential for child development. Children who attended these programs were more likely to develop the necessary skills to become lifelong learners. When children attended early childhood education programs, it helped prepare them cognitively and socially prior …

Advancing Polymer Sustainability Through Custom Interpenetrating Polymer Network Synthesis, Processing, And Design, Alexandra Maria Lehman-Chong

Theses and Dissertations

The need for improving polymer sustainability is as ubiquitous as the role of polymers in modern society. Interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) design flexibility offers opportunities for improved polymer sustainability while balancing desired polymer properties for various applications. This work investigates the structure-property-processing relationships of IPNs judiciously designed under the framework of the polymer life cycle. Sustainable polymer design was largely considered at the feedstock and manufacturing stages while considering overall polymer performance. Chemicals from bio-based feedstocks were used to design a full simultaneous polybenzoxazine-epoxy IPN, focusing on the effects of monomer and polymer structure on polymer properties. Processing-property relationships were …

Improving The Quality Of Micronutrient Food Composition Data In Sub-Saharan Africa Using Predictive Analytics, Junior Mbuyamba Muka

Theses and Dissertations

High-quality food composition data are indispensable for decision making in several health, agricultural, and nutrition-related activities. Analytical data are the most accurate type of food composition data (FCD). Yet, most food composition databases (FCDBs) compiled in Sub-Saharan Africa only contain a small amount of analytical data collected from foods consumed in this region. Most of the data are either borrowed / copied from FCDBs collected in other parts of the world, calculated, imputed, or presumed data. Even with these alternative types, FCDBs in Sub-Saharan Africa have not reached a satisfactory level of completeness, as they still have missing data for …

Effect Of Timing Of Energy Intake On Blood Glucose And Body Composition In Women With Overweight Or Class One Obesity, Michael Wade Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Overweight and obesity has increased in the U.S. Unfortunately, this increases the risk of metabolic dysfunction, such as diabetes. Meal timing has recently shown promise as viable options to minimize the risk of overweight or obesity and metabolic dysfunction. The primary purpose of this study, therefore, was to investigate the effect of timing of energy intake on blood glucose in females with overweight or class one obesity (BMI=27-35 kg/m2). This study utilized crossover design with two conditions counterbalanced in random order. Participants completed two 2-week 1500kcal dietary interventions: 1) a big breakfast diet or BB (50% of energy intake between …

The Development Of A Young Adults Cancer Patient Peer Match Application, Mojde Kalantari

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the challenges and needs of young adult cancer patients, along with potential online resources to aid them, that includes social media, public and private organizations, and mobile applications. The focus of this research narrows down to communication and social networking mobile applications, particularly those with peer matching features. Although there are only three social apps in this category, a comprehensive analysis was undertaken. The research aims to underscore the need for a dedicated mobile application that connects young adult cancer patients with the same diagnosis. In response to this need, a mobile app named "YA Peer Match" …

The Effects Of Intermittent Fasting On Female Athletes: A Systematic Review, Courtnie Scarbrough

Theses and Dissertations

The intermittent fasting diet has a historical past, but recently, it has regained popularity as a weight loss strategy for the general public. Athletes have also picked up this specialized diet in search of a competitive edge. There are ample studies testing athletes of all levels, but most do not include females or report sex-specific results. This systematic review aimed to identify current research on the effects of intermittent fasting in the understudied population of female athletes. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in three databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, …

Hypothalamic Manipulation Of The Anuran Hpg Axis: Alternative Hormones And A Non-Invasive Administration Route For Amphibian Assisted Reproductive Technologies (Art), Erin Michelle Saylor

Theses and Dissertations

Amidst the amphibian extinction crisis, in situ and ex situ amphibian species conservation initiatives utilize assisted reproductive technologies for optimal genetic management of captive and wild populations. Development of effective, simple, low-cost methods for obtaining gametes for artificial fertilization, sperm biobanking, or natural breeding alleviates obstacles for institutions or programs to apply reproductive technologies. Objectives herein include investigating the efficacy of alternative hormones for inducing spermiation, an alternative hormone administration route for inducing ovulation, exploring the physiological effects of hormone therapy, and utilizing sperm from deceased animals for biobanking.

The Experiences Of Teachers In Predominantly Black Schools, Kennetra Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Teachers want to be in schools where their identities are authentically affirmed. However, some educators in predominantly Black schools perceive that they are not always afforded the same level of value and respect as their colleagues in mostly White or mixed schools. Instead, teachers in predominantly Black schools seem to have experiences associated with frustrations that often go unheard of or dismissed for various reasons. Schools with predominantly Black student populations are often associated with challenges in retaining teachers, commonly referred to as teacher retention or teacher turnover. This turnover can have an impact on the academic progress of the …

Development Of An Automated Delivery System To Apply Copper Sulfate Crystals Using Precision Dry Fertilizer Application Technology, Kevin Charles Wise

Theses and Dissertations

The digenetic trematode, Bolbophorus damnificus, poses a substantial threat to catfish aquaculture, causing significant economic losses. Infestations lead to suppressed feed consumption, secondary bacterial infections and poor production performance. Survey data reveals widespread infestation in the in the southeastern United States. Current control strategies involve the application of a concentrated copper sulfate solution to reduce snail populations which serve as the first intermediate host of the trematode life cycle. This study aimed to improve treatment efficacy by developing a granular copper sulfate application system. A modified Gandy fertilizer applicator, equipped with a programmable control system, demonstrated accurate distribution of copper …

Evaluation Of Cultivar Susceptibility And In-Furrow Fungicide Efficacy For Management Of Southern Blight Of Soybean, Adam Joseph Connor

Theses and Dissertations

Southern Blight (SB), caused by the fungus Athelia rolfsii, has increasingly impacted Mississippi soybean production with estimated economic losses in recent years rising from $181,616 in 2016 to $9,508,412 in 2021. Currently, there are no recommended fungicides and no known commercially available cultivar resistance. Eleven cultivars were evaluated for their response to the presence of Athelia rolfsii in the 2021 field trial. An in vitro fungicide assay was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of five fungicides to determine the respective EC50. These fungicides were then evaluated in combination with three cultivars, one mild, one moderate, and one severe in the …

A Conceptual Decentralized Identity Solution For State Government, Martin Duclos

Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, state governments, exemplified by Mississippi, have significantly expanded their online service offerings to reduce costs and improve efficiency. However, this shift has led to challenges in managing digital identities effectively, with multiple fragmented solutions in use. This paper proposes a Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) framework based on distributed ledger technology. SSI grants individuals control over their digital identities, enhancing privacy and security without relying on a centralized authority. The contributions of this research include increased efficiency, improved privacy and security, enhanced user satisfaction, and reduced costs in state government digital identity management. The paper provides background on digital …

Current And Future Perceived Needs And Concerns For Older Adults Aging In Place In Mississippi: Intergenerational Perspectives, Muhammad Riaz

Theses and Dissertations

The study's purpose was to identify the perceived needs and concerns of three generations in a family with an older adult aging in place in Mississippi. This mixed-methods study used snowball sampling in addition to recruitment by community leaders such as Extension agents to collect data through semi-structured interviews and structured questionnaires that asked about current and future problems among aging adults in rural communities in Mississippi. Three generations of Mississippians participated in the study, including older adults (G1; n = 22), adult children (G2; n = 23), and young adult grandchildren (G3; n = 19). Quantitative data were analyzed …

Paternal Programming: The Role Of Seminal Plasma In Pregnancy Hemodynamics And Offspring Growth, Rebecca Michele Swanson

Theses and Dissertations

Seminal plasma is commonly known to serve as a transport medium for sperm as it moves through the female reproductive tract for fertilization, however, more recent evidence demonstrates seminal plasma induces an expansive inflammatory response in the uterus. Murine models have found this inflammatory response is important for clearing pathogens and poor-quality sperm, eliciting the secretion of cytokines, chemokines, and embryokines that aid in embryo attachment and growth, placental angiogenesis, and blunting maternal immunity to the embryo. However, there is minimal research on the impacts of seminal plasma uterine priming in bovine, and more specifically embryo growth, uterine blood flow, …

Effects Of Supplementing Sources Of Zinc On Digestibility Parameters Of Beef Steers, Arminda Spikes James

Theses and Dissertations

Zinc (Zn) has numerous functions and life sustaining processes depend on the presence of Zn within the body. Zinc sulfate is a common form of Zn supplemented in the beef industry. Inorganic sulfate based minerals have been associated with negative rumen effects, mainly, decreased rumen fermentation and protozoa numbers. Our studies concluded no difference in digestibility of three different forms of Zn (zinc glycinate, zinc sulfate, and zinc hydroxychloride). Although overall digestibility did not change, there were specific mineral concentration differences after steers consumed concentrate treatment for 10 days. These differences implied that the mineral fed was consumed and absorbed …

Effects Of Wet Aging On Water-Soluble Flavor Compounds, Descriptive Flavor, Consumer Acceptability, And Willingness-To-Pay Of Beef Longissimus Lumborum Steaks, Shangshang Wang

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effects of wet aging on water-soluble flavor compounds, descriptive flavor, consumer acceptability, and willingness-to-pay of beef strip steaks. Twenty USDA Select boneless beef loins (NAMP #180) were dorsally divided into four equal portions, which were randomized to receive either 0, 7, 14, or 21 d of wet aging. Short-chained peptide concentration increased from 4.11 mg/g on d 0 to 5.12 mg/g on d 7 (P = 0.011) and subsequently increased to 7.14 mg/g on d 21 (P < 0.001). Cooked beef contained 1.85 mg/g less short-chained peptides than raw beef (P < 0.001). Wet aging for 21 d increased the concentrations of amino acids, which are precursors for the Maillard reaction, including methionine, threonine, cystine, serine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine (P < 0.001). Wet aging decreased the nucleotide concentrations (P ≤ 0.003) and increased hypoxanthine concentration, a compound that imparts bitter flavor (P …

Opportunities For Mental Health Interventions In Rural Mississippi Communities During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Quantitative Analysis, Brice Fortinberry

Theses and Dissertations

COVID-19 presented unique challenges for rural Mississippi communities including impacts on the mental health of rural individuals. This research study aimed to identify opportunities for mental health interventions to provide health promotion professionals with quantitative data on the accessibility and the likelihood of engagement with mental health-fostering behaviors. A secondary objective of this research was to categorize these behaviors within the constructs of the Social Ecological Model. Demographics for rural Mississippi communities were collected and displayed, and using multivariate analyses including Spearman’s correlation and a Mann-Whitney U test the correlation between mental health fostering behaviors and demographic factors was obtained. …

Increased Coding Potential Of Bovine Herpesvirus 1, Victoria Jefferson

Theses and Dissertations

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) costs the cattle industry millions of dollars in costs in treatment and loss every year in the United States. A significant pathogen often contributes to BRD is Bovine Herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), a double stranded DNA virus with the ability to establish latency in the trigeminal ganglia and neurons. Primary infection with BoHV-1 results in immunosuppression that increases the risk of secondary bacterial infection and pneumonia. Because herpesviruses infect their hosts for life and can be reactivated in times of stress, BoHV-1 can present a recurring risk of BRD. The following research aims to expand the knowledge …

Improved Herbicide Selectivity In Tomato By Safening Action Of Benoxacor, 2,4,6-T, Melatonin, And Fenclorim, Tabata Raissa De Oliveira

Theses and Dissertations

Safeners protect crops by enhancing their ability to metabolize various compounds, including herbicides. They primarily work by increasing the crop's tolerance to herbicide damage, activating herbicide-metabolizing proteins, and aiding in their detoxification. This study aimed to investigate the chemical effects of safeners in tomato cultivation and focus on injury reduction and tissue protection. The experiment followed a randomized factorial design (5x4) with four replications repeated twice. We evaluated the effects of herbicides (dicamba, 2,4-D, metribuzin, and sulfentrazone at 1/100) and safeners (benoxacor, fenclorim, melatonin, 2,4,6-T, and an untreated control). Safeners were applied to the seeds before sowing, and herbicides were …

The Role Of Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2d In Beta-Cells: Implications For Glucose Homeostasis And Cell Survival, Jacqueline Elise Crabtree

Theses and Dissertations

Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2D (Mef2D) is a member of the Mef2 family. As a transcription factor, Mef2D regulates the expression of genes that impinge on cellular viability, tissue development, and fuel metabolism. Interestingly, Mef2D function appears to be tissue dependent. The function of Mef2D appears to be tissue-specific, with differences in activity in the immune system, neuronal tissue, and muscle. Here, we review the published literature describing the role of Mef2D across tissues. Little is known about the role of Mef2D in the beta-cell. To determine the function of Mef2D in the beta-cell, we built overexpression and knockdown cell lines. …

The Effect Of Percussive Massage On The Maintenance Of Skeletal Muscle Health During Limb Unloading, Mohadeseh Ahmadi

Theses and Dissertations

A period of skeletal muscle disuse leads to muscle mass and strength loss and compromised metabolic health. Several studies suggest that passive mechanical stimulation may protect against the detrimental effects of disuse in skeletal muscle. This study assessed the effect of the twice-daily application of percussive massage in mitigating the adverse effects of muscle disuse during ten days of leg unloading. Seventeen participants (7 women and 10 men; 18-35 yrs.) were randomly assigned to either control or massage groups, both undergoing leg unloading. The data revealed that both groups similarly experienced significant reductions in muscle strength (-14%±5.9; p<.0001), quadriceps volume (-4.2%±2.8; p<.0001), myofiber cross-sectional area (-8.2%±1.8; p<.0001), and maximal mitochondrial respiration (-20%±9.1; p<.0001). Fatty acid-supported respiration decreased in the control group (-30.4±18.5%; p= 0.0008) and remained unchanged in the massage group. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) flux normalized to oxygen consumption exhibited a significant interaction between group and time, particularly in the absence of ADP, where H2O2 flux increased only in the control group (control: 29.9±26.5%, massage: -13±22.6%; p=0.01). There was no change in the H2O2 flux after the addition of ADP. In conclusion, ten days of limb unloading resulted in diminished muscle size, strength, and mitochondrial respiration. Percussive massage was insufficient to prevent the loss of muscle mass, force production, or carbohydrate-supported respiration. However, it exhibited potential protective effects against the decline in mitochondrial fatty acid-supported respiration.

Soil Health In American Sports Fields, Miria C. Barnes

Theses and Dissertations

Healthy soils are essential for sustaining the world's ecosystems and maintaining human lifestyles. The adoption of biological, chemical, and physical analyses to assess soil health is a relatively new concept with a paucity of scientific work assessing how these metrics are affected by field management in urban systems Soil samples (n = 110) were collected from a diverse range of sports fields and, for comparative purposes, golf courses, farm fields, non-sport urban, undisturbed forest, and non-vegetated sandy soils. The samples were then analyzed using biological, chemical, and physical metrics to determine if there were significant differences between sport/golf venues and …