Digital Commons Network^™

Individualized Healthcare And Health Disparities: An Examination Of Health Disparities Related To Short-Term Response To Food Insecurity In Low-Income, Urban Communities, Valen R. Diaz

Honors Scholar Theses

The U.S. has seen a spike in chronic diseases along with worsening health outcomes. There are many factors at play to create these circumstances, especially regarding the social determinants of health, like socioeconomic status, access to food, and geographic location. Another concern is health disparities, particularly regarding obesity, and the fact that food access and neighborhood food environments contribute to these disparities. This paper gives a broad overview of American food culture and then focuses on the local food environment in urban, low-income communities, regarding both food deserts and food swamps. There is also a discussion about the response of …

Assessing Food Security Across Connecticut Towns For 2009, Kendall Erskine

Honors Scholar Theses

Assessing Food Security Across Connecticut Towns for 2009 Food security is an increasingly critical issue in the United States with health-related issues consistently on the rise. Community food security, an extension of household food security, should be measured in order to better understand the food systems of towns and cities in Connecticut.

This study measured community food security on the town level in Connecticut through quantifying approximately 40 indicators of food security including socio-demographic factors, community food resources, household food security, food resource accessibility, food availability and affordability, and community food production resources. The towns and cities in Connecticut are …

Frontiers Of Oncology: Biobanking Resources For The 21St Century, Jill Barnholtz-Sloan, Mark R. Chance

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Finding A Link Between The Hormones Of The Somatotropic Axis And Growth Rate Of Juvenile Steller Sea Lions, Katherine Denise Hebert

Honors Scholar Theses

The decline of the Western population (144 degrees west longitude) of Steller sea lions is hypothesized to be the result of impaired nutritional status and decline of growth rate, especially in juveniles and subsequent natality. Because changes in components of the somatotropic axis can be predictive of nutritional status and growth rate in this species, 2 groups of free-ranging juvenile Steller sea lions were captured in Prince William Sound, AK. Group 1 (n = 30) was initially captured at 5 mo and recaptured at 10 mo of age, whereas group 2 (n = 9) was captured at 7 and 8 …

Characterizing The Role Of The Bacterial Metallothionein, Smta, In Mammalian Infection, Stephanie R. Davis

Honors Scholar Theses

Mammalian metallothioneins (MT) are induced by various immunomodulatory molecules and are involved in a spectrum of immune processes such as essential metal homeostasis, detoxification of certain heavy metals, inflammation, and immune cell trafficking [1-3]. A bacterial metallothionein, SmtA, shares some sequence homology with mammalian MT as well as its metal-binding capabilities [4]. In addition to its ability to sequester heavy metals, eukaryotic MT has also been shown to scavenge free radicals such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS, RNS), interfering with their toxic effects on cells and potentially influencing their regulatory roles in cell proliferation and differentiation [5, 6]. …

Contribution Of Dietary Supplements To The Nutritional Status Of College Students, Caroline Yu

Honors Scholar Theses

Little is known about the prevalence of dietary supplement usage among college students. Though taking dietary supplements can cover nutrient shortages not achieved through diet alone, it is often recommended to improve the quality of one's diet rather than rely on supplements. The main objective of this research study was to determine the prevalence of dietary supplement use among college students in relation to a variety of demographic and lifestyle variables, and to find out what portion of total nutrient intake is supplied by supplements. Subjects were all recruited from the University of Connecticut, and each participant completed a health …

Characterization Of Differentiation Of Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells, Amanda C. Lopez

Honors Scholar Theses

In American society, dairy products are vital for nutrition and the economy. Optimizing the process of producing milk can benefit the consumers, producers, and the animals involved. Understanding the mechanisms of the development of the mammary gland can increase the efficiency of milk production, as well as improve animal health.

Mammary epithelial cells (MEC) are the functional unit of the mammary gland. Although, there is a well-established MEC cell line, known as MAC-T, the use of a primary cell line is preferred because it more closely mimics an in vivo model. To better understand how mammary cell differentiation is regulated, …

Team Physicians’ Practice Beliefs Regarding The Recognition And Treatment Of Exertional Heat Stroke, Lindsey Mcdowell

Master's Theses

Recognition and Treatment of Exertional Heat Stroke: A Perspective from the Team Physician

McDowell LH, Mazerolle SM, Casa DJ, Pagnotta KD, Armstrong LE: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT

Context: Rectal temperature assessment (T_re) and cold-water immersion (CWI) are the gold standards for the recognition and treatment of exertional heat stroke (EHS), but athletic trainers (ATs) are reluctant to implement them regularly into clinical practice. ATs work under the guidance of a physician, but little information is available regarding the perceptions of the aforementioned methods from the team physician’s perspective. Objective: To investigate team physicians’ practice beliefs regarding the …

2011 May 7-8

Commencement Programs

No abstract provided.

South Dakota State University One Hundred-Twenty-Fifth Annual Undergraduate Commencement, May 7, 2011, Brookings, South Dakota, South Dakota State University

Commencement Programs

Please be advised that the names listed in the program do not serve as official confirmation of meeting the graduation requirements. The 125th South Dakota State University Annual Undergraduate Commencement ceremony will commence with introductions by University President David L. Chicoine. Serving as honorary marshals are Joyce Fjelland, Assistant Professor of Nursing, and Nels Granholm, Distinguished Professor of Biology and Microbiology. The commencement address will be delivered by Senator John Thune. Provost Laurie Nichols, Vice President for Academic Affairs, will extend recognition to student honors. Commissioning of Army and Air Force officers will be by Lt. Col. Carleton Hirschel. Former …

Parental Involvement: Parent Perceptions And Teacher Perceptions., Penelope Odum Herrell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of parents and teachers regarding effective parental involvement with elementary students based on Epstein et al.'s (2009) 6 typologies of parental involvement. The population consisted of 77 teachers in a particular east Tennessee school district and the parents of 889 students enrolled in kindergarten through 6^th grade. Parents and teachers were asked to indicate the effectiveness of 4 activities within each of the 6 parental involvement categories: parenting, communicating, volunteering, learning at home, decision making, and collaborating with the community. Parents and teachers were asked to rank each activity …

Religious Commitment As A Predictor Of Lower Blood Pressure In High-Risk Pregnancies Of Southern Appalachia., Anna Vadimovna Ermakova

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Extensive literature review inspired a mediational model of the relationship between Religiosity/Spirituality (R/S) and Blood Pressure (BP) tested through secondary analyses of data from the TIPS program. Participants included 205 (92.1% Caucasian; age M=23.72, SD=5.33) pregnant Southern Appalachian women drawn from the region's at-risk pregnancy population. The only variables correlated with BP were women's weight (r=.430, r=.467, p<.01, for diastolic and systolic BP, respectively) and prenatal care use (r=.138, p<.05, with diastolic BP), but not R/S. Multiple regression analyses confirmed participant weight as the only significant independent predictor of BP. Previous findings of health benefits of R/S cannot be assumed to generalize to pregnant women without further study. Limitations of this study and possible explanations for the findings are discussed.

The Acculturation Of Sudanese Refugees In Maryville Tennessee: Has Self-Sufficiency Been Achieved?., Caitlin Ts Teaster

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In 2000, a small group of refugees from Sudan were sponsored by three local churches in Maryville, Tennessee. The churches worked with the Bridge Organization in order to orchestrate the refugees' departure from Africa to Maryville. At the time of their sponsorship, it was believed that the Sudanese population in Maryville would be self-sufficient within two years of arrival. This study uses one-on-one, open-ended interviews and a paper-pencil questionnaire with the Sudanese population and a focus group with the American sponsors to assess the extent that the Sudanese refugee population in Maryville has become self-sufficient. While individual success depends on …

The Effect Of Total Work Performed During Acute Heavy Resistance Exercise On Circulating Lymphocytes In Untrained Men, Neil A. Kelly Jr

Master's Theses

Lymphocytes are one of many leukocytes which exert a biphasic response to acute intense resistance exercise. Exercise volume (i.e. total work) has been shown to have an immunomodulatory effect. This study evaluates the effect of total work performed during an intense resistance exercise protocol on lymphocyte concentrations in the circulation. Untrained, college-aged (18-35) males who performed high amounts of work (HW) were compared to those who performed low amounts of work (LW). Resistance exercise testing consisted of 6 sets of 10 repetitions of the squat exercise with 2 minutes rest between sets. Both HW and LW performed the same relative …

Parent Education Trainings For Youth Sports: A Look Into Administrators Feelings About Need For Trainings, Christopher W. Woodside

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Efficacy Of Exercise Interventions On Cancer-Related Fatigue And Depression Among Adult Cancer Survivors: A Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Control Trials, Justin C. Brown

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of Emergency Medical Technicians Practice And Beliefs Regarding The Recognition And Treatment Of Exertional Heat Stroke, Kristin Applegate

Master's Theses

Context: Current Evidence Based Practice (EBP) supports the use of rectal thermometry (T_re) for an accurate diagnosis and cold water-immersion (CWI) for the treatment of Exertional Heat Stroke (EHS) for an optimal outcome. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) play a critical role for the diagnosis and treatment of EHS as they may be the first to arrive on scene, however there is limited data regarding their implementation of EBP.  Objective: Investigate current practice regarding EHS by EMS professionals and explore the relationship that exists between EMS and Athletic Trainers (ATs).  Design: A basic qualitative design using in-person focus groups. …

The Healthcare Needs Of Patients In Rural Kaduna, Nigeria, Jaime Stevens

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Expression Analysis Of The Imprinted Gene Transketolase-Like 1 In Mouse And Human, Amy F. Friss

Master's Theses

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon resulting in differential gene expression based on parental origin. Recently, transketolase-like 1 (TKTL1) has been identified as an X-linked imprinted gene. TKTL1 functions in the nonoxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), which maintains glutathione in a reduced state through the generation of NADPH. Previous studies on transaldolase, the other critical enzyme in the nonoxidative branch of the PPP, suggest that TKTL1 may affect the cell’s ability to reduce glutathione. This study provides evidence that TKTL1 overexpression inhibits glutathione reduction. Intriguingly, aberrant glutathione levels are associated with autism. Additionally, studies involving …

Examining Influences On Undergraduate Athletic Training Students Career Decisions Post Graduation, Kerri E. Gavin

Master's Theses

Context: Career opportunities for athletic training students (ATSs) have significantly increased over the past few years. However, it commonly appears that ATSs are opting for a more diversified professional experience after graduation. With the diversity in available options, an understanding of career decision is imperative. Objective: The purpose of our study was to investigate, using the theoretical framework of socialization, the influential factors behind the post graduation decisions of the senior ATS. Design: Qualitative design using internet-based, structured interviews and follow-up semi-structured phone interviews. Setting: Web-based management system. Patients or Other Participants: 22 ATSs (16 females; 6 males), who graduated …

Comparison Of An Ultrasonic And A Non-Ultrasonic Endodontic Irrigation Protocol: A Clinical Study, Christopher M. Beus

Master's Theses

The use of irrigation as a method of rendering canals bacteria free continues to be a source of investigation. Recent data suggests that an activated irrigation protocol such as passive ultrasonic irrigation can result in decreased intracanal bacteria. In addition, studies have shown that the activation of various irrigants such as NaOCl and Chlorhexidine can increase the sum antimicrobial effect. The purpose of this randomized, double blinded, prospective in-vivo clinical study was to compare the results of a non-activated irrigation protocol (NAI) using only NaOCl 1.5% to a passive ultrasonic irrigation protocol (PUI) using NaOCl 1.5%, EDTA 17% and Chlorhexidine …

The Effect Of Betaine Supplementation On Performance And Muscle Mechanisms, Jenna M. Apicella

Master's Theses

Background: Recent research has shown that betaine supplementation can increase strength and power performance. To further investigate the ergogenic effects of betaine supplementation a balanced, randomized, double-blind, repeated measures crossover study was designed to examine select hormonal and muscle signaling responses during supplementation.

Methods: Twelve recreationally active men (age, 19.7 ± 1.23 years; height, 172.6 ± 5.61 cm; weight, 84.27 ± 15.3 kg; body fat, 18.7 ± 7.0%; BMI, 28.2 ± 4.0) with a minimum of 3 months of resistance training including back squat and bench press participated in the study. A within crossover design was utilized and subjects were …

Correlations Between Body Composition Components And Bone Mineral Content In Untrained Young Men And Women, Erin L. Burtner

Master's Theses

PURPOSE: Low bone mineral content has been linked to the development of osteoporosis in humans. Research is divided as to whether fat or lean mass plays a more significant role in the development of bone mass. Physical activity has also been shown to increase bone mineral content in adolescents and combat the loss of bone density with aging. The purpose of this study was to examine correlations that exist between bone mineral content and anthropometric and performance measurements in untrained young men and women. METHODS: 78 untrained males (age 22.3±3.7) and 56 females (age 22.8±3.7) completed a battery of baseline …

Frequency Of Injuries With Periodized Resistance Training In Young Untrained Men And Women, Sarah A. Neuschwander

Master's Theses

64 men and women completed a 32 week periodized training program designed to improve lean body mass, muscle size and strength. 37 men, average age 23.6 years (SD ±3.2), height 176.68 cm (SD±6.2), weight 78.9 kg (SD±15.1) and 27 women, average age 22.7 years (SD ±3.4), height 163.9 cm (SD±6.7) weight 64.8 kg (SD±12.4) resistance trained 3 times a week with NSCA certified strength and conditioning specialist, performing a series of planned total body workouts. Injuries were documented in the subjects personalized workout log by the trainers. The injury definition included any complaint of perceived pain in which the subject …

A Study Of Persistence In The Northeast State Community College Health-Related Programs Of Study., Allana R. Hamilton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to identify factors that were positively associated with persistence to graduation by students who were admitted to Health-Related Programs leading to the degree associate of applied science at Northeast State Community College. The criterion variable in this study was persistence, which was categorized into two groups the persister group (program completers) and the nonpersister (program noncompleters) group. The predictor variables included gender, ethnic origin, first- (or nonfirst-) generation-student status, age, specific major program of study, number of remedial and/or developmental courses taken, grades in selected courses (human anatomy and physiology I and II, microbiology, …

Teacher Self-Efficacy And Student Achievement As Measured By North Carolina Reading And Math End-Of-Grade Tests., Wayne M. Eberle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teachers continue to experience an increased sense of responsibility as it relates to job performance while still being required to produce at the same level with relation to student performance. This can cause an increase in personal stress and result in lowered feelings of self- worth, having a negative impact on service delivery to children and overall job performance.

Bandura (1997) defined self-efficacy as a judgment of one's ability to organize and execute given types of performances. Furthermore, he suggests that the outcomes people anticipate depend largely upon their judgments of how well they will be able to perform in …

An Examination Of Third And Fourth Grade Tcap Scores And The Universal Breakfast Program In Unicoi County Tennessee., Harold Lamar Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of standardized test scores on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) of students enrolled in Unicoi County Schools, that offers a universal breakfast program, compared with mean scores of students in both public and private schools in the state of Tennessee during the 2007-2008 school year. Test results of 404 Unicoi County third and fourth graders were examined with only the mathematics and reading and language arts sections of the TCAP used in this research. The State means were calculated using data collected from TCAP mathematics and reading and language …

Flow Cytometric Analysis Of Crayfish Hemocytes., Sarah Kathryn Allen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Crayfish exhibit innate immune responses via hemocytes and their products. There are 3 hemocyte populations: hyaline cells, granular cells, and semigranular cells. Hemocytes from laboratory housed, untreated crayfish (normal crayfish) have been quantified on the basis of cell type, cell size, and cell granularity using Flow Cytometry. These data present the first overall picture of normal hemocytes from Red Swamp Crayfish with regard to cell type, cell size, and cell granularity and will serve as a baseline for all future studies in our lab. Experiments using crayfish injected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, or crayfish saline alone showed …

Comparative Study Of Reading First Schools Reading Achievement To Non-Reading First Schools., Wandaleen Adams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was any significant increase in the reading achievement of Reading First third grade students compared to the reading achievement of the third grade reading students in Non-Reading First schools located in southwest Virginia for 2004-2009. The Standards of Learning (SOLs) reading test scores were compiled from the Virginia Standards of Learning test scores that are available to the public from the Virginia Department of Education website. The elementary schools chosen for this study have a similar number of disadvantaged students and similar demographics. The reading achievement was being examined after …

The Effects Of The Vitamin E Isomers Gamma Tocopherol And Gamma Tocotrienol On The Nfkb Pathway In The Pc-3 Cell Line., Brittney Rudder

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Regions along the Mediterranean and Southern Asia have lower prostate cancer incidence compared to the rest of the world. It has been hypothesized that one of the potential contributing factors for this low incidence includes a higher intake of vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols). This study examines the potential of gamma tocopherol (GT) and gamma tocotrienol (GT3) to reduce prostate cancer proliferation by examining their effects on the NFκB pathway. NFκB is known to inhibit apoptosis in cancer cells. Our data shows that both GT and GT3 are capable of down regulation of NFκB precursors and up regulation of Caspase …