Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring The Effects Of Fatty Acids (Pufas) On The Antimicrobial Resistance In Vibrio Cholerae, Naina Patel

Honors Theses

As antibiotic resistance becomes a major challenge for public health professionals, our research objectives aimed to investigate the potential for polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to create membrane vulnerability in the gram-negative pathogen Vibrio cholerae to help improve the efficacy of several antibiotics. V. cholerae, normally residing in aquatic environments, is capable of altering its phospholipid composition through the uptake and assimilation of exogenous polyunsaturated fatty acids. The purpose of this study was to measure PUFA-mediated changes in the membrane permeability and antibiotic resistance of Vibrio cholerae. The three physiologically relevant PUFAs used were linoleic acid [18:2], arachidonic acid [20:4], and …

Borderplex Business Barometer, Volume 6, Number 12, Thomas M. Fullerton Jr., Steven L. Fullerton

Border Region Modeling Project

No abstract provided.

Examining The Effects Of Npra Antagonist Anantin On Sci-Induced Ployuria., Lindsey Zipperer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Polyuria, or the over production of urine, is a prevalent condition that significantly impacts the quality of life in individuals suffering from a spinal cord injury (SCI). Post-SCI induced polyuria is thought to have been associated with altered levels of vasopressin (AVP), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPRA). In the present study, the function of NPRA was analyzed in the rat contusion model using anantin, an NPRA antagonist. A daily dose of either 100 µg of anantin or vehicle was administered intraperitoneally immediately following the SCI surgery and continued until termination, 4 weeks post injury (wpi). …

Hgf-Mediated C-Met Signaling In Human Corneal Epithelial Cells., Kate Tarvestad

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Vision is often regarded as the primary sense of humans. The cornea is the main refractive tissue that permits light through to the retina, allowing a clear image. When the cornea sustains damage, it opens a pathway for infection and blindness through fibrotic processes. Healing the corneal tissue is critical for vision restoration and pain alleviation. Growth factors and their cognate receptors are currently under investigation as tools to restore proper corneal physiology. We hypothesize that manipulating the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/ c-Met signaling pathway is one route to promote quality corneal healing. This thesis investigates the signaling, trafficking, and …

Neonate, Infant, And Child Mortality In North Africa And Middle East By Cause: An Analysis For The Global Burden Of Disease Study 2019, Sadaf G. Sepanlou, Hossein Rezaei Aliabadi, Reza Malekzadeh, Ali. A. Asadi-Pooya

Global Health Articles

Background: During the past three decades, neonate, infant, and child mortality declined in North Africa and Middle East. However, there is substantial heterogeneity in mortality rates across countries.

Methods: This study is part of the Global Burden of Diseases study (GBD) 2019. We report the number as well as mortality rates for neonates, infants, and children by cause across 21 countries in the region since 1990.

Results: Between 1990 and 2019, the neonate mortality rate in the region declined from 31.9 (29.8, 34.0) to 12.2 (11.1, 13.3) per 1000 live births. Respective figures for under 5 mortality rates (U5MRs) were …

The Student Movement Volume 107 Issue 10: Finals Week Is About To Get Messi, Gloria Oh, Nora Martin, Amelia Stefanescu, Solana Campbell, Abraham Bravo, Ceiry Flores, Hannah Cruse, Andrew Francis, Bella Hamann, Gabriela Francisco, Valerie Akinyi, Ruben Colón, Charisse Lapuebla, Alannah Tjhatra

The Student Movement v. 107 (2022-2023)

HUMANS

Introducing Active Minds Club, Gloria Oh

Women in STEM: Bia Martins, Interviewed by: Nora Martin

Women in STEM: Davielle Smith, Interviewed by: Gloria Oh

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Art Majors at AU: Graphic Design, Amelia Stefanescu

Currently..., Solana Campbell

Immersed in a Musical Wonderland, Abraham Bravo

What did AU Watch over Break?. Ceiry Flores

NEWS

Act 22 and Statehood: What is the Answer to Puerto Rico's problems?, Hannah Cruse

AU Abroad "Shark Tank" Winners Prepare for Spring Start, Andrew Francis

Student Debt Cancellation: Updates and Thought, Gloria Oh

IDEAS

From Cover to Cover: Braking out of the Adventist Bubble, Bella …

High-Intensity Interval Training And Biological Age, Trevor Lohman

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The emergence of valid predictors of biological age has enabled researchers to test the effects of various interventions on biological aging processes. The established virtues of exercise and its effects on health and longevity make it a suitable candidate for investigation. This dissertation reviews the current state of biological age prediction models and presents a trial in which a specific exercise protocol’s ability to modulate biological age is tested. The specific protocol used is a 10X1 high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol, 10X1 referring to the quantity and duration of high intensity exercise intervals in each exercise session. The specific biological …

The Role Of The Filifactor Alocis Hypothetical Protein Fa1654 In Oxidative Stress Resistance, Malissa Makaylia Mangar

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The survival/adaptation of Fillifactor alocis, a fastidious gram positive asaccharolytic anaerobe in the inflammatory environment of the periodontal pocket, requires an ability to overcome oxidative stress. Moreover, emerging observations suggest its pathogenic characteristics are highlighted by its capacity to survive in the oxidative-stress microenvironment of the periodontal pocket and its likely ability to modulate the microbial community dynamics. There is still a significant gap in our understanding of F. alocis mechanism of oxidative stress resistance and its impact on the virulence and pathogenicity of the microbial biofilm. The pathogenicity of F. alocis may be impacted by its response to oxidative …

Spatiotemporal Patterns Of Dissolved Organic Nutrient Lability Across The Subtropical North Pacific, Jessica Quinn Gray

Master's Theses and Capstones

Net biologically produced organic matter integrated over an annual cycle in the euphotic zone of the global ocean is equal to annual net community production (ANCP). ANCP is limited by the rate of delivery of essential nutrients (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and iron (Fe)) to the sunlit surface ocean and the efficiency with which these nutrients are either metabolized or returned to the ocean’s interior. In subtropical oceans, which are regions of large-scale downwelling and consequently characteristic of nutrient-depleted surface waters, ANCP remains comparable to more nutrient replete ecosystems (~2 – 5 mol C m-2 yr-1). To understand what may …

Whole Fruit Consumption, 100% Fruit Juice Consumption, And Cardiovascular Disease (Cvd) In U.S. Adults: Analysis Of 2019 Brfss, Brendan James Kesler

Theses and Dissertations

The consumption of whole fruit is well established to promote health and prevent disease. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans includes both whole fruit and 100% fruit juice in its intake recommendations. Compositional differences between whole fruit and 100% fruit juice may exist especially with regard to health-promoting dietary fiber. Based on potential compositional differences, a primary hypothesis was created: whole fruit consumption frequency will be lower in adults with less favorable cardiovascular measures. Additionally, a secondary hypothesis was created: 100% fruit juice consumption frequency will be higher in adults with less favorable cardiovascular measures. To explore the hypothesis, a cross-sectional, …

Molecular Characterization Of Potential Crop Pathogens Associated With Weeds As Endophytes In Uniilorin Plantations, Nigeria, A. A. Lateef, T. Garuba, K. A. Abdulkareem, B. U. Olayinka, G. S. Olahan, S. B. Adeyemi, A. A. Abdulrahaman

Baghdad Science Journal

Crop diseases are usually caused by inoculum of pathogens which might exist on alternate hosts or weeds as endophytes. These endophytes, cum pathogens, usually confer some beneficial attributes to these weeds or alternate hosts from protection against herbivores, disease resistance, stress tolerance to secondary metabolites production. This study was therefore carried out to isolate potential crop pathogens which exist as endophytes on weed species in the University of Ilorin plantations. Green asymptomatic leaves were collected from 10 weed species across the plantations, and processed for their endophytic fungi isolation. Isolates were purified into pure cultures and used for molecular identification …

Lifestyle Choices Related To Food Consumption And Their Relationship To Depression, Steven L. Jennings Jr.

Dissertations

Dieting, or the act of restricting oneself to small amounts or particular kinds of foods on the basis of health, spirituality, lifestyle, and moral decisions, is a practice that dates to 1066 A.D. However, with social media being as influential as it is, one might believe dieting is a new obsession or at least an obsession to which popular culture is returning. Despite this, it is only in recent years that researchers have begun to focus on the health benefits of such behaviors. The present study was designed to take this focus a step further by exploring the potential risks …

Making It Up As You Go Along, Elizabeth M. Williams

Visions in Leisure and Business

This article recounts the founding of the Southern Food & Beverage Museum in New Orleans, LA with a special emphasis on the obstacles that the organization faced and the commitment to overcome those obstacles through tenacity and creativity. The journey to the present goes from the concept and kitchen table brainstorming to a functioning and growing institution that has begun to be recognized within the industry. The obstacles include Hurricane Katrina, the BP Oil Spill, and the COVID 19 pandemic.

Slo Hard Seltzer, Abby M. Fahey

Graphic Communication

For my senior project, I created an alcoholic seltzer brand called SLO Seltzer. SLO Seltzer is marketed towards young adults of all genders ranging from the ages of 21 to 26 who are either currently living in San Luis Obispo or who have a personal connection to the area. I designed a unique logo, created eye-catching packaging prototypes, and developed a cohesive social media presence which encapsulates the business’ brand, goals, and values.

To complete this project, I began by researching the current alcoholic seltzer market to find out which business strategies have created the most successful brands and use …

The Sub-Standardized Approach To Stroke Management In Low And Middle-Income Countries Including Pakistan: Limitations And Suggested Options To Overcome Some Of The Shortcomings Via Teleneurology/Telestroke Application, Rizwana Shahid

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and objective: Ischemic stroke still poses a significant health concern throughout the world. However, low and middle-income countries (LMIC) in Asia have more devastating outcome. The vascular risk factors are prevalent in most parts of Asia, contributing to increasing incidence. The recommended approved treatment for acute stroke is limited to a few areas in these countries. We aimed to identify stroke risk factors, its incidence and prevalence; treatment opportunities offered in various parts of the region and utilizing the alternate pathways to improve the disease recognition and management outcome.

Method: A comprehensive search using PubMed, MEDLINE, Medline Plus, PubMed …

The Debate On Social Media Ethicality: How Social Media Affects Consumers And Marketing, Who Is Responsible For Malpractice, And How To Approach The Social Media Dilemma, Caroline Kolter

Senior Honors Theses

This research project will study social media usage and its positive and negative aspects, considering how social media positively impacts businesses and how it negatively impacts consumers. This approaches the ethicality of social media marketing and attempts to determine if using and taking information from users is ethical using personal experience to test whether social media strategies work. This study will weigh the pros and cons of social media, testing to find the best way to use social media to amplify its positives and mitigate its negatives, and concluding who is responsible for the damage done by malpractice.

The Bridge Newsletter Winter 2022, Missouri University Of Science And Technology

The Bridge Newsletter

-Missouri S&T CO2 research is rock solid
-Bringing circular economy to construction projects
-Ph.D. graduate wins Fellowship for solar farm protection research
-Rockne presents 2022 Mathes Lecture on ways to evolve engineering education
-Missouri S&T Ph.D. graduate wins $70,000 Laegeler Fellowship for solar farm protection research

Aging In Middleton: A Community Needs Assessment, Sue Berger, Caitlin Coyle

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

This report describes research undertaken by the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, on behalf of the Town of Middleton. The content of this report is meant to inform the Middleton Council on Aging (COA), and organizations that work with and on behalf of older residents of Middleton, for the purposes of planning and coordination of services. Through a process of community engagement and mixed method data collection, the goals of this project are twofold: 1) to inform the planning and design of the future senior center space …

Chronic Kidney Disease In Public Renal Practices In Queensland, Australia, 2011–2018, Wendy E Hoy, Zaimin Wang, Jianzhen Zhang, Vishal Diwan, Anne Cameron, Sree K Venuthurupalli, Robert G Fassett, Samuel Chan, Helen G Healy, Ken-Soon Tan, Richard Baer, Andrew J Mallett, Nicholas Gray, Murty Mantha, Roy Cherian, Clyson Mutatiri, Krishan Madhan, George Kan, Geoffrey Mitchell, Shahadat Hossain, Danielle Wu, Thin Han, Adrian Kark, Thomas Titus, Dwarakanatan Ranganathan, Ann Bonner, Sridevi Govindarajulu, Nhmrc Ckd.Cre And The Ckd.Qld Collaborative

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

AIM: To describe adults with (non-dialysis) chronic kidney disease (CKD) in nine public renal practice sites in the Australian state of Queensland.

METHODS: 7,060 persons were recruited to a CKD Registry in May 2011 and until start of kidney replacement therapy (KRT), death without KRT or June 2018, for a median period of 3.4 years.

RESULTS: The cohort comprised 7,060 persons, 52% males, with a median age of 68 yr; 85% had CKD stages 3A to 5, 45.4% were diabetic, 24.6% had diabetic nephropathy, and 51.7% were obese. Younger persons mostly had glomerulonephritis or genetic renal disease, while older persons …

Soy Isoflavones Decrease Fibroglandular Breast Tissue Measured By Magnetic Resonance Imaging In Premenopausal Women: A 2-Year Randomized Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial, Lee-Jane W Lu, Nai-Wei Chen, Donald G Brunder, Fatima Nayeem, Manubai Nagamani, Thomas K Nishino, Karl E Anderson, Tuenchit Khamapirad

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Populations consuming soy have reduced risk for breast cancer, but the mechanisms are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that soy isoflavones, which have ovarian hormone-like effects, can reduce fibroglandular breast tissue (FGBT, 'breast density'), a strong risk marker for breast cancer.

METHODS: Premenopausal women (age 30-42 years) were randomized to consume isoflavones (136.6 mg as aglycone equivalents, n = 99) or placebo (n = 98) for 5 days per week up to 2 years, and changes in breast composition measured by magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and yearly intervals were compared after square root transformation using linear …

Targeted Ablation Of Fn14 Receptor Improves Exercise Capacity And Inhibits Neurogenic Muscle Atrophy, Meiricris Tomaz Da Silva, Aniket S Joshi, Tatiana E Koike, Anirban Roy, Kavya Mathukumalli, Danesh H Sopariwala, Vihang A Narkar, Ashok Kumar

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a prevalent complication in multiple chronic diseases and disuse conditions. Fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) is a member of the TNF receptor superfamily and a bona fide receptor of the TWEAK cytokine. Accumulating evidence suggests that Fn14 levels are increased in catabolic conditions as well as during exercise. However, the role of Fn14 in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass and function remains poorly understood. In this study, through the generation of novel skeletal muscle-specific Fn14-knockout mice, we have investigated the muscle role of Fn14 in the regulation of exercise capacity and denervation-induced muscle atrophy. Our …

Identifying Dis/Misinformation On Social Media: A Policy Report For The Diplomacy Lab Strategies For Identifying Mis/Disinformation Project, Bethany S. Mcgowan, Matthew Hannah, Sofia Babcock, Katelyn Biggs, Lara Chuppe, Christina Galiatsatos, Jannine Huby, Michael Kuczajda, Bennet Miller, Stephanie Perun, Amanda Shie, Alicia Stevance, Andrew Yason, Charlotte Yeung

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

Dis/misinformation was a major concern in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and has only worsened in recent years. Even though domestic actors often spread dis/misinformation, actors abroad can use it to spread confusion and push their agenda to the detriment of American citizens. Even though this report focuses on actors outside the United States, the methods they use are universal and can be adapted to work against domestic agents. A solid understanding of these methods is the first step in combating foreign dis/misinformation campaigns and creating a new information literacy paradigm.

This report highlights the primary mechanisms of dis/misinformation: multimedia …

The Digital Isolation Of Indigenous Communities, Myranda Buiquy

American Indian Law Journal

The crude mistreatment of the tribes across America has continued to undermine Indigenous wealth and empowerment, leaving many Native people without proper housing, education, running water, healthcare, and telecommunications services. Tribes are forced to advocate for themselves to the federal government, instead of receiving support and compensation for generations of colossal exploitation.The federal government continues to breach their responsibility in protecting tribal treaty rights and must assume responsibility in closing an economic divide that has only worsened due to the pandemic.

Indigenous communities continue to endure disadvantaged living conditions, leaving their people without adequate resources. In addition, this vulnerable demographic …

Missed Opportunities To Improve Food Security For Pregnant People: A Qualitative Study Of Prenatal Care Settings In Northern New England During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Chelsey R. Canavan, Tiffany D’Cruze, Meaghan A. Kennedy, Kayla E. Hatchell, Maureen Boardman, Arvind Suresh, Daisy Goodman, Alka Dev

Dartmouth Scholarship

Background: Food insecurity during pregnancy has important implications for maternal and newborn health. There is increasing commitment to screening for social needs within health care settings. However, little is known about current screening processes or the capacity for prenatal care clinics to address food insecurity among their patients. We aimed to assess barriers and facilitators prenatal care clinics face in addressing food insecurity among pregnant people and to identify opportunities to improve food security among this population. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study among prenatal care clinics in New Hampshire and Vermont. Staff and clinicians engaged in food security screening …

Social Emotional Competency Change During The Pandemic: Impacts Of A Virtual Physical Activity Program, Austin Kulp

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

There is currently limited research on virtual physical activity (PA) programs and their relationship on social emotional competency (SEC). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a virtual after-school PA program has on SEC among elementary school students. The participants of this study are 122 elementary school students (Mean Age=11.69) enrolled in grades 2-6 from six elementary schools. Children registered and participated in the virtual after-school PA program Move 60!, that was offered four times per week during the pandemic (Fall 2021 from October to December). SEC was measured using the Washoe County School …

Factors Predicting Family And Consumer Sciences Teachers' Levels Of Self-Efficacy In Stem Education, Charlene Wirfel Smith

STEMPS Theses & Dissertations

Education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has become widely promoted in recent years. Quality STEM education could maintain or increase the number of individuals preparing for careers in these fields and increase STEM literacy for the population. Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education has always used science to improve home life while reinforcing technology, engineering, and mathematics principles through hands on, relevant learning activities in the classroom. However, it is not usually recognized as a STEM subject. The purpose of this study was to determine what factors may affect FCS teachers’ level of self-efficacy in teaching STEM education …

Progress In Gastroparesis - A Narrative Review Of The Work Of The Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium, Pankaj J Pasricha, Madhusudan Grover, Katherine P Yates, Thomas L Abell, Kenneth L Koch, Richard W Mccallum, Irene Sarosiek, Cheryl E Bernard, Braden Kuo, Robert Bulat, Robert J Shulman, Bruno P Chumpitazi, James Tonascia, Laura A Miriel, Laura A Wilson, Mark L Van Natta, Emily Mitchell, Frank Hamilton, Gianrico Farrugia, Henry P Parkman, Niddk/Nih Gpcrc Consortium

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium is a multicenter coalition created and funded by the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, with a mission to advance understanding of the pathophysiology of gastroparesis and develop an effective treatment for patients with symptomatic gastroparesis. In this review, we summarize the results of the published Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium studies as a ready and convenient resource for gastroenterologists and others to provide a clear understanding of the consortium's experience and perspective on gastroparesis and related disorders.

Feasibility And Acceptability Of A Remotely Delivered, Home-Based, Pragmatic Resistance ‘Exercise Snacking’ Intervention In Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial, Jackson J. Fyfe, Jack Dalla Via, Paul Jansons, David Scott, Robin M. Daly

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Very few older adults meet current muscle strengthening exercise guidelines, and several barriers exist to supervised, community-based resistance exercise programs. Older adults therefore require access to feasible resistance exercise modalities that may be performed remotely. This pilot study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of undertaking a four-week home-based resistance ‘exercise snacking’ intervention (performed either once, twice, or thrice daily) when delivered and monitored remotely in older adults. Methods: Thirty-eight community-dwelling older adults [mean ± SD age 69.8 ± 3.8 y, 63% female] were randomised to complete resistance ‘exercise snacks’ (9-minute sessions) either once (n = 9), twice (n = …

Does A High Dietary Intake Of Resistant Starch Affect Glycaemic Control And Alter The Gut Microbiome In Women With Gestational Diabetes? A Randomised Control Trial Protocol, Cathy Latino, Emily J. Gianatti, Shailender Mehta, Johnny Lo, Amanda Devine, Claus Christophersen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background:

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is prevalent with lasting health implications for the mother and offspring. Medical nutrition therapy is the foundation of GDM management yet achieving optimal glycaemic control often requires treatment with medications, like insulin. New dietary strategies to improve GDM management and outcomes are required. Gut dysbiosis is a feature of GDM pregnancies, therefore, dietary manipulation of the gut microbiota may offer a new avenue for management. Resistant starch is a fermentable dietary fibre known to alter the gut microbiota and enhance production of short-chain fatty acids. Evidence suggests that short-chain fatty acids improve glycaemia via multiple …

Interplay Between Foetal Haemoglobin, Micronutrients And Oxidative Stress Biomarkers In Sickle Cell Anaemia Children, Ama G. Owusu-Poku, Daniel Gyamfi, Eliezer Togbe, Stephen Opoku, Richard K. D. Ephraim, Jocelyn G. Asibey, Benedict Sackey, Wina I. O. Boadu, Max E. Annani-Akollor, Enoch O. Anto, Otchere Addai-Mensah

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Foetal haemoglobin (HbF) has been speculated to have an impact on the quantity of micronutrients and the latter also have a role to play in oxidative stress (OS) in sickle cell anaemia (SCA). No previous study in Ghana has examined the interplay of these factors together among SCA children. This study compared the levels of OS biomarkers (8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG] total antioxidant capacity [TAC]) and micronutrients (zinc and copper), and their relationship with HbF in SCA and sickle cell negative, apparently healthy children. This case-control study recruited 58 SCA (out-patients [n = 42] and in-patients [n = 16]) children aged 1–14 …