Digital Commons Network^™

Garlic Inhibits Inflammation During Dengue Infection, Alex R. Hall

Theses and Dissertations

Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that causes significant human disease and mortality in the tropics and subtropics. There has been a recent global trend of increased epidemic activity, and DENV infection is considered a serious emerging health problem worldwide. A relatively unexplored approach to develop new treatments for dengue virus infection and the prevention of severe disease development is through investigation of natural medicines. Inflammation plays both beneficial and harmful roles during the host response to dengue virus infection. Several studies have proposed that it is the oxidative stress response induced by dengue virus infection that is responsible …

Functional Role Of The Homeobox Transcription Factor Six1 In Neoplastic Transformation Of Human Keratinocytes, Maria Hosseinipour

Theses and Dissertations

The homeobox transcription factor SIX1 contributes to both tumor development and progression. Numerous studies have determined that the inappropriate expression of embryonic genes, in particular transcription factors, contributes to carcinogenesis. SIX1 is essential for the development of numerous organs including the auditory and olfactory system as well as the kidney, by promoting proliferation, survival and migration of progenitor cells during embryogenesis. SIX1 has also been shown to increase cancer cell proliferation, survival and invasion. The aberrant expression of SIX1 occurs in numerous adult and pediatric cancers. We have previously determined that our in-vitro model system for HPV16-mediated tumorigenesis shares many …

Individual Differences In Markers Of Cholinergic Signaling Correlating To Fear And Extinction Learning, Grace C. Jones

Theses and Dissertations

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) results when individuals are exposed to a life threatening event, assault, serious injury, or other traumatic incident. Individuals with PTSD are impaired in their ability to extinguish fear memories, resulting in intrusive symptoms that impair their ability to live otherwise healthy lives. It remains unclear why some individuals exposed to traumatic events develop PTSD while others do not. Acetylcholine has been shown to play a critical role in fear learning, but its role in fear extinction is not well understood. This study utilized a rat model of fear learning and extinction to determine if individual differences …

The Regulation Of Glycoprotein130 Dependent Inflammatory Cytokines One Basal And Mechanical Stimuli Induced Protein Synthesis In Myotubes And Skeletal Muscles, Song Gao

Theses and Dissertations

Maintaining skeletal muscle mass has a well-documented role in health and quality of life. Two members of IL-6 family of cytokines, IL-6 and LIF, and have a paradoxical role in skeletal muscle mass regulation: short term elevation of IL-6 and LIF plays a key role in mechanical stimuli induced muscle growth and muscle hypertrophy, while the long term elevated IL-6 and LIF regulate muscle wasting during cancer cachexia by disrupting muscle protein turnover regulation. The regulation of muscle protein synthesis is an important determinant of mechanical stimuli induced muscle hypertrophy and muscle wasting during cancer cachexia. IL-6 family of cytokines …

Reimagining The Stacks: Classroom Technology And Library Collaboration For Writing In The Disciplines, Jossalyn Larson, Daniel C. Reardon

Journal of Student Success in Writing (Archived)

This article details the process by which one university redesigned a first year writing course to better promote discipline-specific and best-practice research techniques. The program offers experiential learning activities through scholarly collaboration, using library staff as mentors, producing an open-access peer-reviewed student journal, and emphasizing face-to-face interaction of peer research communities. It has the potential to establish for students in high school, community colleges and universities that research writing is fundamentally about joining and contributing to a conversation.

Impact Of Prenatal Exposure To Antidepressants On Adverse Birth Outcomes, Sudeepti Pahuja

Theses and Dissertations

BACKGROUND: There has been an increase in the diagnosis of depression and the use of antidepressants, especially in women of childbearing age, in the past decade. This has drawn attention to the potential impact of depression and antidepressants on pregnancy and fetal development.

OBJECTIVE: (i) To determine the impact of prenatal exposure to antidepressant on the risk of adverse birth outcomes. (ii) To assess the effect of type of antidepressants on the risk of adverse birth outcomes using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as the referent group. (iii) To assess the effect of duration and time of prenatal exposure …

Prenatal Methylmercury Exposure Through Rice Consumption In Rural China, Chuan Hong

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Methylmercury is one of the most toxic forms of mercury, which severely afflicts the developing fetus. Methylmercury exposure occurs not only through fish consumption but also through rice consumption. However, rice does not contain the same beneficial micronutrients that fish/shellfish has. Therefore, prenatal methylmercury exposure through maternal rice consumption may potentially increase adverse health effects on the developing fetus.

Objectives: The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the magnitude of prenatal methylmercury exposure through rice consumption and the relationship between maternal mercury biomarkers and birth outcomes.

Methods: A total of 398 pregnant women were recruited at parturition in …

Depressive Symptoms Association With Health Outcomes And Treatment In Older Americans With Diabetes, Lashonda Jovon Williams

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Diabetes remains the 7th leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes is a major public health concern of its own, but when you add the comorbidity of depression, diabetes outcomes are amplified. This dissertation examines how depressive symptomatology and treatment for depression are associated with selfreported health (SRH) and diabetes control.

Methods: Chi-square and logistic regression were used to analyze data from the Health and Retirement Study (2012). We assessed the associations between SRH and diabetes control with depressive symptomatology data.

Results: In our sample (n=4374), 19% of respondents reported high depressive symptomatology and …

Embodied Madness: Contextualizing Biological Stress Among 19th And 20th-Century Institutionalized Euro-American Women, Madeline M. Atwell

Theses and Dissertations

The late 19th and early 20th-centuries in the United States were periods in which white women of middle and low socio-economic status were admitted into insane asylums at a higher rate than men for the first time in recorded history. An existent body of literature helps us to comprehend the social and cultural climate in which the institutionalization of women was both acceptable and commonplace; yet few studies have paired this research with the information that can be revealed on the bones of those institutionalized. A sample of 53 institutionalized women from the Robert J. Terry Anatomical Collection were analyzed …

Multilevel And Multisectoral Processes Of Implementing Nutritionsensitive Ideology And Programming In Ethiopia’S Development Landscape, Andrea Marie Warren

Theses and Dissertations

This research sought to understand the ways in which ideas and discourses in international development are adapted in a country context. Our particular focus was on how ideas at the international and national level become reality at the subnational and community levels. We primarily examined the sensitization of Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Program to nutrition across sectors and down levels of government as a way to understand how the global momentum around nutrition, particularly multisectoral or nutrition-sensitive initiatives, can be translated into action.

The first manuscript delves further into the operational realities of implementing multisectoral nutrition-sensitive programming among the neglected …

Improving Peptide Identification By Considering Ordered Amino Acid Usage, Ahmed Al-Qurri

Theses and Dissertations

Proteomics has made major progress in recent years after the sequencing of the genomes of a substantial number of organisms. A typical method for identifying peptides uses a database of peptides identified using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The profile of accurate mass and elution time (AMT) for peptides that need to be identified will be compared with this database. Restricting the search to those peptides detectable by MS will reduce processing time and more importantly increase accuracy. In addition, there are significant impacts for clinical studies. Proteotypic peptides are those peptides in a protein sequence that are most likely to …

Racism Across The American South: The Association Between Racism On Twitter, Rurality, & Black Mortality, Jarrod Bullard

Theses and Dissertations

Racism can be understood as a system of dominance and power designed to uphold the racially privileged of society. One can be exposed to racism through various mechanisms including the Internet and social media. Evidence indicates that exposure to racism is associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes as well as unhealthy behaviors. Current literature studying the effects of racism focus primarily on experienced or perceived racism. Furthermore, the geographic influence of racism on health at the county level and across levels of rurality is currently unknown. The purpose of this study was twofold; 1.) To explore the geographic …

Characterization Of The Suf Fe-S Pathway In Escherichia Coli, Naimah Bolaji

Theses and Dissertations

Iron is an essential transition metal required by almost all organisms for use as a cofactor in many metabolic processes such as respiration and photosynthesis. Iron can be combined with elemental sulfur to form an iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster. In bacterial pathogens, Fe-S cluster cofactors carry out critical functions and the Fe-S cluster biogenesis pathway is essential for their survival. In E. coli, the Suf pathway assembles Fe-S clusters under conditions of iron starvation and oxidative stress. While some mechanistic details of the Fe-S cluster biogenesis have been well-characterized, the process of in vivo iron donation remains unclear. Iron storage proteins …

Early Economic Hardship, Maternal Support, And Depressive Symptoms Among Black Young Adults, Mia Brantley

Theses and Dissertations

Substantial associations between childhood economic hardship and adult mental health have been acknowledged within social science research. However, there is a scarcity of research examining this relationship among Black Americans, as well as the sociocultural factors that may assist Black Americans in dealing with the effects of childhood economic hardship. This study suggests that family structure, specifically maternal support, may be a significant resource for Black Americans in the face of early economic adversity and mental health outcomes. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a nationally representative sample of Black Americans, this study outlines …

Marginal Structural Cox Model For Survival Data With Treatment-Confounder Feedback, Yanan Zhang

Theses and Dissertations

In an observational longitudinal study, there can be time-varying exposure/treatment and time-varying confounders. When the confounders affect the exposure and prior exposure also has an impact on levels of confounders, there is treatment confounder feedback. To admit estimation of unbiased causal effects, these conditions need to be hold, exchangeability, positivity, consistency. The traditional method of conditioning on potential confounders does not meet these 3 conditions. Therefore, parameter estimates from traditional Cox model are biased casual effect estimates when the treatment confounder feedback exists. The marginal structural Cox model can be used to address this issue. By calculating and including inverse …

The Impact Of Autoimmune Disease On Breast Cancer Survival, Samantha Truman

Theses and Dissertations

Background Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for women in developed countries, while autoimmune disease effects approximately 10 million people in the United States, of which approximately 80% are female. Both diseases are associated with hormonal risk factors and are related to the divergent effects of the cellular and humoral immunity that is associated with the T-helper 1 and T-helper 2 immune response. To investigate the potential implications that autoimmune disease may have on breast cancer-specific mortality, we have conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of women who were diagnosed with breast cancer between January 1, …

Hemodynamic Regulation Of Cardiac Valve Development, Vinal Menon

Theses and Dissertations

It is well established that valvulogenesis is a result of a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Hemodynamics is one such environmental stimulus that is well documented to influence the development of heart valves. Using advanced imaging modalities, such as optical coherence tomography, investigators have better understood the effects of altering hemodynamic loads in the embryonic (avian) heart. However, the field of valvulogenesis is currently stagnant with a paucity of studies aiming to understand the molecular mechanisms influenced/affected by hemodynamic stimuli. Deciphering these pathways is critical from a valve development perspective, but also becomes vital as potential therapeutic targets, …

Impact Of Leadership Education On Perceptions Of Job Readiness In Undergraduate Students, Christine R. Palmer

Theses and Dissertations

Based on previous findings from employers, undergraduate students, and universities regarding workforce readiness, action is needed to improve students’ knowledge and skills in areas such as professionalism, communication, problem solving, and leadership. The increase in undergraduate leadership education curricula and programs over the past few decades has been significant. While research has been done on the relationship between leadership education and specific knowledge and skillsets, further research is needed on the impact of leadership education on perceived job readiness. This paper outlines the purpose, background, methodology, and findings of an action research study on the relationship between leadership education and …

Students Diagnosed With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Study Of On-Task And Off-Task Behaviors In Traditional Versus Montessori Classrooms, Sara-Frances Crow Lail

Theses and Dissertations

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a common neurobehavioral disorder in childhood, negatively impacts academic and social functioning, both of which later influence adulthood (Bose, 2013). This action research study focuses on comparing the prevalence of on-task and off-task behaviors exhibited by elementary age students diagnosed with ADHD in a traditional classroom structure versus a Montessori classroom structure. While much time and research has been conducted to assist educators in meeting the needs of students with learning disabilities through interventions, less research has focused on non-conventional educational environments as an alternative for children with ADHD. In this study, on-task and off-task …

Muscle Inflammatory Signaling Regulates Eccentric Contraction-Induced Protein Synthesis During Cancer Cachexia, Justin Perry Hardee

Theses and Dissertations

Cancer-related cachexia is a complex metabolic syndrome that involves the unintentional loss of skeletal muscle mass that cannot be reversed by standard nutritional intervention. Skeletal muscle mass depletion directly impacts patient survival and life quality, and therefore treatments that preserve muscle mass and function may have significant implications for cancer patient treatment and survival. Systemic and muscle inflammation has been implicated in the regulation of skeletal muscle homeostasis, and the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and muscle gp130 receptor signaling have established roles in cancer-induced muscle wasting. Resistance exercise is a nonpharmacological treatment that can improve physical function and metabolic health in …

The Effects Of Power On The Processing Of Identity Threat, Matthew Facciani

Theses and Dissertations

Identity theory provides a useful foundation for understanding how social factors influence the acceptance of evidence. This is because identity theory provides a framework of how we process information from other people depending on what social positions we occupy. The current study explored how the perception of power impacts the processing of an identity threat with college student participants (N=217). High power was predicted to decrease acceptance of identity-threatening information, and low power was predicted to increase acceptance of identity-threatening information. However, the study yielded non-significant effects of power on the acceptance of identity-threatening information. Results did show that individuals …

A Study Of Hepatic Purinergic Receptor X7 Molecular Mechanisms In Ectopic Intestinal Inflammation In Environmental Nafld, Varun Chandrashekaran

Theses and Dissertations

Due to the increased consumption of unhealthy foods rich in sugar and fat along with a highly sedentary lifestyle the prevalence of obesity has steadily increased in the United States and the rest of the world. In America about one third of the adult population is obese putting them at a greater risk for diseases such as cancer, cardio-vascular disorders, inflammation and metabolic diseases such as diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD can be classified into two major categories non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis depending on the extent of damage which ranges from simple fat accumulation …

Effects Of Language For Learning On Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Diana M. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Language for Learning (LL) is an oral language curriculum that uses Direct Instruction (DI) methodology. DI is well researched, but only limited studies exists on the use of LL with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study used a multiple baseline research design, across four, four-year-old participants, to measure the effects of LL on the language development of young children with ASD. This study also measured the generalization of learned skills to the narrative language of the participants. Finally, changes in the participants language microstructure were analyzed throughout the study. A researcher-created acquisition probe was used to measure language …

Narrar Lo Inenarrable: Trauma, Memoria Y Dictadura En Argentina, Gloria Yaneth Losada

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines new ways to think about postdictatorial memory, subjectivity, and cultural production. I explore memory discourses after the most recent military dictatorship in Argentina, compiled in three novels: El fin de la historia by Liliana Heker, La casa de los conejos by Laura Alcoba, and Diario de una princesa Montonera -110% verdad- by Mariana Eva Perez. My research concentrates on the possibility of postdictatorial cultural production being a constantly transforming space, in which the meaning of the dictatorial past is actively produced. Drawing from interdisciplinary theoretical considerations, I examine the relationship between memory and cultural production in postdictatorship …

Development Of A Sandwich Hybridization Assay For The Harmful Cyanobacteria Microcystis Spp., Nicole M. Dearth

Theses and Dissertations

Cyanobacteria are responsible for the largest number of harmful blooms (HABs) worldwide. HABs caused by the genus Microcystis pose public health threats because they often occur within close proximity to humans and produce microcystin (hepatotoxin), which can contaminate drinking water and recreational areas. Novel molecular techniques facilitate monitoring, ‘early warnings’ of HAB events, and appropriate management responses. Sandwich hybridization assay (SHA), the technique considered here, directly (no amplification) identifies and quantifies planktonic species using ribosomal RNA (rRNA)-targeted oligonucleotides. This project developed SHA for Microcystis 16S rRNA and validated the assay using laboratory cultures and samples from a multi-specific cyanobacteria bloom …

Development Of An Estrogen-Related Dietary Pattern And Lifestyle Score To Examine Breast Cancer Risk In Postmenopausal Women, Mark Andrew Guinter

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Studies examining the association between individual dietary components and breast cancer have been inconclusive. The use of dietary patterns is a holistic approach which may yield stronger associations. We sought to develop a dietary pattern based on an estrogen metabolite (EM) profile hypothesized to increase breast cancer risk (high unconjugated estradiol and low ratio of 2- to 16-hydroxylated EMs (2/16 ratio)). This estrogen-related dietary pattern (ERDP) was examined for associations with postmenopausal breast cancer in two study populations and was incorporated into an estrogen-related lifestyle score (ERLS) with other modifiable risk factors for breast cancer.

Methods: EM …

Investigate Genomic 3d Structure Using Deep Neural Network, Yan Zhang

Theses and Dissertations

The 3D structures of the chromosomes play fundamental roles in essential cellular functions, e.g., gene regulation, gene expression, evolution and Hi-C technique provides the interaction density between loci on chromosomes. In this dissertation, we developed multiple algorithms, focusing the deep learning approach, to study the Hi-C datasets and the genomic 3D structures.

Building 3D structure of the genome one of the most critical purpose of the Hi-C technique. Recently, several approaches have been developed to reconstruct the 3D model of the chromosomes from HiC data. However, all of the methods are based on a particular mathematical model and lack of …

Sustainable Polymeric Materials Derived From Plant Oils: From Synthesis To Applications, Xinzhou Zhang

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, monomers and polymers derived from high oleic soybean oil are investigated. The properties of these monomers and polymeric materials are characterized and discussed. Chapter 1 describes an overall background of bio-based resources, monomers, polymers, and their potential impact on society. The overall objective of my research is described. Chapter 2 outlines a new large-scale preparation of a soybean based monomer and the use of this monomer in thermoplastic elastomers. The synthetic procedures and characterizations of the monomers and polymers are discussed. In Chapter 3, potential applications of soybean oil monomers in both supramolecular polymers and poly(phosphoester)s are …

Surgical Plume And Its Implications: A Review Of The Risk And Barriers To A Safe Work Place, E. Tan, K. Russell

Nursing Papers and Journal Articles

Every year thousands of health care professionals worldwide are exposed to surgical smoke. There is evidence that this smoke consists of toxic gases, pathogens and particulate matter that is a hazard for patients and the perioperative team. Past research indicates that perioperative staff inconsistently comply with smoke evacuation recommendations. The aim of this study was to identify, review and discuss the issues related to surgical plume and its implications for patients and perioperative staff. The findings of this review relate to: surgical smoke content, its risks to the health of the perioperative staff, preventative measures, infection control measures, compliance with …

The Effects Of Rinsing Red Beet Root (Beta Vulgaris L.) Juice On Streptococcus Sp. Dental Plaque, Dyah Setyorini, Yani C. Rahayu, Tita Sistyaningrum

Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Science

No abstract provided.