Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of Browser Exclusion On The Willow Leafblotch Miner (Micrurapteryx Salicifoliella): Host Plant Availability, Oviposition, And Survival, Martha M. Cummings

Biological Sciences

Herbivores can affect the quality and quantity of their food plants in ways that indirectly influence the food resources and habitat available to other herbivores present. This study examined indirect interactions between a mammalian browser and an insect folivore that feed on shared plant species during different seasons. On a boreal floodplain in interior Alaska, we investigated how a history of winter browsing by moose (Alces alces) affected the behavior and performance of the willow leafblotch miner moth, Micrurapteryx salicifoliella in summer. Excluding moose browsing for 8 years did not change plant density, but strongly increased canopy height, vegetative cover …

The Effect Of Cold Exposure And Activity On Skeletal Muscle Physiology: A Study Of Human And Animal Models, Michelle M. Johannsen

Biological Sciences

Environmental factors and physical activity have the potential to modulate skeletal muscle physiology in beneficial ways. Cold exposure and endurance exercise, specifically, may improve aerobic capacity and atrophy resistance. I utilized three models to examine the effect of cold exposure and activity level on skeletal muscle physiology: quantitation of body composition and energy expenditure estimates in humans participating in a transmountain race, comparative proteomic analysis of skeletal muscle in hibernating and summer active American black bears (Ursus americanus), and an experimental study of the combined effects of cold exposure and endurance training on white adipose tissue, and gastrocnemius and soleus …

Smoke Without Fire: Wildfire Smoke Affects Phenolic Composition Of Wild Blueberry Fruits (Vaccinium Uliginosum), Laura G. Weingartner

Biological Sciences

Wildfire smoke can induce changes in plant growth, phenology, and chemical composition. The frequency and intensity of wildfires have increased over the last thirty years in Alaska, and smoke has the potential to affect important wild fruit plants, such as bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum L.), a food source for many Alaskans and wild animals. We exposed bog blueberry plants to wood smoke at different stages in fruit development: early-season when the plants were flowering ("early-smoked"), mid-season when fruits were unripe ("mid-smoked"), and late-season when fruits were fully ripe ("late-smoked"). We measured anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and total phenolics in the ripe fruits, …

Effects Of Desformylflustrabromine On Compulsive-Like And Social Behaviors In Mouse Models Of Ocd And Autism, Isaac Van Flein

Biological Sciences

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) share a number of similar deficits, including altered cholinergic activity in the central nervous system (CNS), manifestation of repetitive, restricted, and compulsive-like patterns of behavior, and frequent co-morbid presentation. Desformylflustrabromine is a novel positive allosteric modulator of α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which has recently been shown to be able to reduce compulsive-like behavior in a non-induced mouse model of OCD. In this study, I attempted to replicate the compulsive-like behavior-reducing effects of desformylflustrabromine in the mouse model of OCD, as well as expose the model to a novel assessment; social behavior, as …

Tuftelin1 Drives Experimental Pulmonary Fibrosis Progression By Facilitating Stress Fiber Assembly, Caoyuan Niu, Kai Xu, Yanan Hu, Yanling Jia, Yuexia Yang, Xiaoyue Pan, Ruyan Wan, Hui Lian, Qiwen Wang, Juntang Yang, Yajun Li, Ivan Rosas, Lan Wang, Guoying Yu

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD) with unknown etiology, characterized by sustained damage repair of epithelial cells and abnormal activation of fibroblasts, the underlying mechanism of the disease remains elusive.

Methods: To evaluate the role of Tuftelin1 (TUFT1) in IPF and elucidate its molecular mechanism. We investigated the level of TUFT1 in the IPF and bleomycin-induced mouse models and explored the influence of TUFT1 deficiency on pulmonary fibrosis. Additionally, we explored the effect of TUFT1 on the cytoskeleton and illustrated the relationship between stress fiber and pulmonary fibrosis.

Results: Our results demonstrated a significant …

Strategies To Reduce Chronic Disease: Adding Role To Community Health Workers, Ingrid J. Renwanz Dnp, Pmhfnp-Bc/Aprn, Msn, Rnc

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Underserved, rural, immigrant, low-income Latinx communities need to strengthen healthcare access to improve their quality of life (Capitman et al., 2009; McCartney et al., 2019; Save the Children [STC] Organization, 2021). Non-communicable chronic disease of physical and behavioral origin is the leading cause of morbidity for adults and children in Latinx communities (Campbell et al., 2020). Estimates of greater than 30% of the Latinx populations within the United States have these health needs, with projections to reach 28% of the U.S. population by 2060 (Eghaneyan & Murphy, 2019; Ortega et al., 2018).

Local Problem: If poor access to preventive …

The Relationship Between Student Engagement And Act Aspire Reading Scores Among Ninth-Grade Students In One Northwest Arkansas Junior High School, Dwight Vincent Jr.

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between academic achievement and attendance. Reading proficiency is foundational to overall academic success. In this study, reading proficiency served as the operational definition for the level of student academic success. Out-of-school suspension is a disciplinary consequence as a result of student behavior and correlates to student attendance. This quantitative, correlational study examined the relationship between student engagement, as defined by student attendance and discipline, and reading proficiency, as measured by the 2021-22 ACT Aspire Reading scores for ninth-grade students in one northwest Arkansas junior high school.

Descriptive data analysis was …

2023 Fall - Commencement Program, Office Of The Registrar, East Tennessee State University

ETSU Commencement Ceremonies and Programs

No abstract provided.

Daily Stress And Negative Affect As Predictors Of Orthorexia Nervosa Symptoms Among College Students: Testing Direct And Moderated Associations Using Daily Diary Methodology, Sharyl Wee

Psychology Theses and Dissertations

Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is a condition involving a pathological obsession with healthy or “clean” eating (Bratman, 1997). Prevalence estimates of ON range from 35.4% to 83% in the U.S. population (Niedzielski & Kaźmierczak-Wojtás, 2021). Starting out innocuously as a habit of eating healthier foods, ON becomes socially and physically impairing when individuals spend a large amount of time and effort planning and preparing healthy meals, eventually turning into an obsession that interferes with other domains of life (Oberle et al., 2017). Although ON is not in the DSM-5, preliminary investigation has shown that it may fall on the eating disorder …

2023 Fall Commencement, Harding University

Commencement Programs

Program for the Harding University Commencement on December 16.

Commencement Speaker: Keith Cronk

Can A Healthy High Fat Diet Improve Fatigue Symptoms In Patients With Relapse And Remitting Multiple Sclerosis?, Sarah Von Euler, Elizabeth Henry

Physician Assistant Capstones, 2020-current

No abstract provided.

Diabetes Health Coaching Program In An Eastern Virginia Health Center: A Retrospective Program Evaluation, Moniqueia Flint

Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP) Final Projects, 2020-current

The primary goal of diabetes management is to assist patients in controlling their diabetes and minimizing complications. Diabetic patients require continuous medical care that encompasses medication management, multifactorial risk-reduction strategies, and a multidisciplinary team. Health coaching is an emerging tool used to provide education and motivational techniques to individuals for better self-management of their chronic condition. Health coaching is a proven strategy with favorable effects on hemoglobinA1c (HgbA1c), blood pressure, weight, and health behaviors. A diabetes health coaching program (DHCP) was implemented at an eastern Virginia healthcare center (EVHC). The DHCP’s objective was to assist patients in meeting their individualized …

Recovery Perceptions And Techniques Of Ultramarathon Runners, Denise Howard

Doctorate in Kinesiology

Ultramarathons have become increasingly popular over the last few decades. Ultramarathons are run on various terrains in different climates and are extremely distressing physiologically and psychologically. Recovery is crucial to restore physiological and psychological functioning yet is underappreciated. Compared to other sports, research related to ultra-endurance is limited, and a gap in research exists on effective recovery modalities and duration for ultrarunners. This study aimed to examine ultrarunners' practice and perceptions regarding recovery techniques and duration. An electronic survey designed for this study collected participants' perceptions about recovery and included physiological and psychological recovery factors. A total of 159 ultrarunners …

Screening For Social Determinants Of Health In Ohio Physical And Occupational Therapists, Zoe Pullar, Chloe Bertke, Kayla Richard, Katharine Tafelski, Amy Hassen-Miller

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate if and how frequently Ohio occupational and physical therapists are screening for social determinants of health within their patient population. Method: A cross sectional electronic survey was sent out to all occupational and physical therapists in the state of Ohio who have an active license with the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board (There is a single board in Ohio that represents all three of these disciplines.). Frequencies and cross tabulations were analyzed to determine relationships between asking about social determinants of health and various demographic factors. Results: …

Stressed Fracture: The Relationship Between Coping Strategies And Workload In Secondary School Athletic Trainers, Andrew Gallucci, Katherine M. Lee, Leslie W. Oglesby, Anna Porter, Leslee Funderburk, Jeff S. Forsse

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The work environment for an athletic trainer (AT) working in a secondary school is typified by heavy workloads and job-related stress. Occupational stress can have negative effects on productivity, absenteeism, employee turnover, and quality of life. Research suggests that personal and situational factors can influence the coping process adopted by an individual. The approach-avoidance framework suggests that people cope with a stressor by either attempting to reduce it or removing oneself from that stressor. Previous research on other healthcare professionals suggested that use of avoidance coping was correlated with higher levels of job stress and those who perceived greater …

Association Of The G>A (Rs6265) Polymorphism In The Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene (Bdnf) With Post-Training Changes In Caucasian Women, Katarzyna Świtała, Agata Leońska-Duniec, Monika Michałowska-Sawczyn, Andrzej Brodkiewicz, Kinga Łosińska, Anna Grzywacz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rs6265 (G196A; Val66Met) polymorphism has been associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, with contradictory results involving either A or G as the risk allele. The main aim of this study was to examine whether the BDNF rs6265 polymorphism would influence the efficiency of a training program. An additional aim was to determine whether selected polymorphism can be used as a genetic marker for obesity-related parameters. We studied the genotype distribution in a group of 160 Caucasian females in whom body mass and composition parameters, lipid profile, and glucose levels were measured before …

Dehulled Adlay (Coix Lachryma-Jobi L.) Ameliorates Hepatic Gluconeogenesis And Steatosis In Streptozotocin/High-Fat Diet-Induced Diabetic Rats, Shing-Hwa Liu, Wan-Hsin Wu, Huei-Ping Tzeng, Wenchang Chiang, Meng-Tsan Chiang

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L.) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with various biological activities. We investigated the anti-diabetic effects of different parts of adlay seeds, including polished adlay (PA), adlay bran (AB) and dehulled adlay (DA) in a streptozotocin (STZ)/high fat diet (HFD) diabetic rat model (DM). DM rats supplemented with or without PA (43%), AB (3%), or DA (46%) diet for 8 weeks. The plasma glucose and insulin levels and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were increased in DM group; among the three adlay diets, DA has the best effects attenuating all of these alterations in DM …

Biological And Clinical Significance Of The Age-Rage Axis In The Aggressiveness And Prognosis Of Prostate Cancer, Shih-Hong Khoo, Pei-Ru Wu, Kun-Tu Yeh, Shih-Lan Hsu, Chi-Hao Wu

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Dietary factors and chronic hyperglycemia are linked to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and prostate cancer (PCa) risk. The activation of the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) acts as a bridge between various RAGE ligands and certain malignancies. This study showed that the interaction of AGEs and RAGE promoted PCa cell proliferation, invasion, and autophagy-mediated survival in response to chemotherapeutic agents. RAGE-overexpressed PCa cells underwent epithelial-mesenchymal transition and showed increased cancer stem cell-like properties. In mouse xenograft models, RAGE-overexpressed cells showed more substantial tumorigenic capacity than parental cells, whereas RAGE knockdown decreased tumorigenicity. The clinical data validated a …

Steamed Daylily Flower (Hemerocallis Fulva L.) Protected Cardiac And Hepatic Cells Against Ethanol Induced Apoptotic And Oxidative Damage, Sheng-Lei Yan, Wen-Tzu Wu, Mei-Chin Mong, Mei-Chin Yin

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Our previous study examined the phytochemical composition and bio-activities of raw daylily flower (Hemerocallis fulva L.). However, this plant food is usually served via heat process such as cooking in a soup. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile and biofunctions of steamed daylily flower (SDF). The content of total phenolic acids, total flavonoids, total carotenoids, total anthocyanins and total triterpenoids in SDF aqueous extract was assessed. Normal cardiac and hepatic cells, H9c2 and L-02 cells, were used to evaluate the protective effects of SDF against ethanol. SDF concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% were applied to treat …

Analysis And Identification Of Phenolic Compounds With Antiproliferative Activity From Chinese Olive (Canarium Album L.) Fruit Extract By Hplc-Dad-Spe-Tt-Nmr, Yu-Te Yeh, Chien-Kuang Chen, Yi-Chun Liao, Shoei-Sheng Lee, Shu-Chen Hsieh

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Chinese olives (Canarium album L.) are rich in phenolic compounds, exhibiting a broad spectrum of potential clinical applications. This study is the first report on the isolation and elucidation of bioactive compounds with high antiproliferative activity from the ethyl acetate fraction of a Chinese olive fruit methanolic extract (CO-EtOAc). We used the WST-1 assay to determine which subfractions of CO-EtOAc had significant antiproliferative activity using the murine colon cancer cell line CT26. Subsequently, the functional compounds were characterized by the hyphenated technique and high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-solid phase extraction-transfer tube-nuclear magnetic resonance (HPLC-DAD-SPE-TT-NMR). Thirteen phenolic constituents were identified …

Glycine-Rich Peptides From Fermented Chenopodium Formosanum Sprout As An Antioxidant To Modulate The Oxidative Stress, Chen-Che Hsieh, Shu-Han Yu, Hsing-Chun Kuo, Darin Khumsupan, Hsiao-Chu Huang, Yu-Wei Liou, Chen-Yu Kao, Szu-Chuan Shen, Kuan-Chen Cheng

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Rhizopus oligosporus was utilized in the solid-state fermentation of Chenopodium formosanum sprouts (FCS) in a bioreactor. Subsequently, the antioxidant activity of food proteins derived from FCS was investigated. Results showed that glycine-rich peptide (GGGGGKP, G-rich peptide), identified from the < 2 kDa FCS proteins, had antioxidant values. According to SwissADME, AllerTOP, ToxinPred, and BIOPEP-UWM analyses, G-rich peptide was identified as safe, non-toxic, and non-allergenic. Afterward, the peptide was examined using in silico and in vitro studies to evaluate its potential alleviating oxidative stress caused by particulate matter. This study proposed plausible mechanisms that involve the binding of G-rich peptide which inhibited phosphorylation of the v-rel avian reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (RELA) subunit on NF-κB pathway. The inhibition then resulted in down regulation of NF-κB transcription and genetic expression of inflammatory …

Investigation Of Microwave Extraction Of Red Cabbage And Its Neurotherapeutic Potential, Halil Koyu, Serdar Demir, Mehmet Zeki Haznedaroglu

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

In the pursuit of bioactive compounds with health benefits from food and medicinal plants, optimization of process to reduce solvent, raw material, energy and time consumption has been a valuable research objective. Sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources are of critical importance for sustainability goals. In this manner, microwave extraction of red cabbage which has been a mass cultivated plant for food purposes, was optimized for maximizing acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase inhibitory activity and bioactive content. Quantitative analysis of total phenol, flavonoid and anthocyanin content were performed using spectrophotometry and UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. Optimum conditions were determined as 600 W, 100% …

Abundance Of Prevotella Copri In Gut Microbiota Is Inversely Related To A Healthy Diet In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Chih-Yiu Tsai, Po-Yu Liu, Meng-Chuan Huang, Chiao-I Chang, Hsin-Yun Chen, Yu-Hsien Chou, Chi-Neu Tsai, Chia-Hung Lin

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

While the gut microbiota is known to be influenced by habitual food intake, this relationship is seldom explored in type 2 diabetes patients. This study aims to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and gut microbial species abundance in 113 type 2 diabetes patients (mean age, 58 years; body mass index, 29.1; glycohemoglobin [HbA1c], 8.1%). We analyzed the gut microbiota using 16S amplicon sequencing, and all patients were catogorized into either the Bacteroides enterotype (57.5%, n = 65) or the Prevotella enterotype (42.5%, n = 48) using the partitioning around medoids clustering algorithm, based on the most representative genera. Patients …

Therapeutic Effects Of Orally Administration Of Viable And Inactivated Probiotic Strains Against Murine Urinary Tract Infection, Vo Thi Hong Van, Zhen-Shu Liu, Yueh Jen Hsieh, Wei-Chen Shiu, Bo-Yuan Chen, Yu-We Ku, Po-Wen Chen

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are highly prevalent bacterial infections that pose significant health risks. Specific probiotic strains have been recommended for UTI control and management of antibiotic resistance. Otherwise, paraprobiotics, defined as inactivated probiotic cells, offer potential advantages by minimizing risks associated with live microorganisms. However, the effectiveness of heat-killed probiotic strains against UTIs remains uncertain. Additionally, lactoferrin (LF), an iron-binding glycoprotein, exhibits immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, we had developed recombinant LF-expression probiotics, which can display considerate antibacterial activities against select food-borne pathogens in vitro. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activities of heat-killed natural …

Recent Advances In Combined Avant-Garde Technologies (Thermal-Thermal, Non-Thermal-Non-Thermal, And Thermal-Non-Thermal Matrix) To Extract Polyphenols From Agro Byproducts, Isaac Duah Boateng

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Because food byproducts (waste) are rich in phytoconstituents, valorizing them is crucial for global food security. However, conventional extraction (CE), including decoction, maceration, Soxhlet, etc., for agro byproducts’ polyphenol extraction are time-consuming and rely significantly on vast volumes of potentially aggressive solvents. Hence, Avant-garde extraction technologies, including non-thermal (high hydrostatic pressure (HHPE), pulsed-electric field (PEF), high voltage electrical discharges (HVED), etc.) and thermal extraction (supercritical fluid (SCF), subcritical water extraction (SWE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), etc.), as well as their thermal combinations (SCF-PLE, SCCO2-SWE, SCCO2-MAE, etc.), non-thermal combinations (HHPE+UAE, PEF+UAE, HVED+UAE, etc.) and combined thermal-non-thermal (MAE-UAE, etc.) are increasingly replacing CE. …

Mindfulness Based Self Care Toolkit For Psychiatric Healthcare Staff, Harkirat Kaur Bajwa

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Abstract

Background: Healthcare personnel (HCP) are at high risk of stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue (CF). Up to 50% of physicians and 33% of nurses experience burnout in the United States. Higher rates of burnout were noted during the recent SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic due to the increased need for mental health services among patients and HCP.

Problem: Stress, burnout, and CF are associated with increased medical errors, poor patient safety, and higher staff turnover rates. One-third of nurses report they intend to leave the profession because of burnout which contributes to financial burden for hospitals. A higher nurse turnover rate …

Meta-Analysis Of The Rate Of Unplanned Pregnancies In Rural Areas Of The United States And The Use Of Technology-Based Sexual Education Programs, Hannah Audiss, Justin M. Gambini

Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)

Objective

To discuss rural-urban disparities of adolescent unplanned pregnancies and sexual education availability. The potential of virtual sexual education programs are discussed by examining two studies that have used technology-based interventions to assess variables related to pregnancy prevention.

Data Sources

A review was conducted by gathering randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews utilizing databases such as ScienceDirect, PubMed and Wiley Online Library. Research articles included in this paper were from 1995 to present day and are inclusive of all races.

Study Eligibility Criteria

Studies were included if the interventions worked with young adolescents ages 13-24 year old, utilized technology-based interventions …

Hsc Connects Newsletter - December 15, 2023, Unm Hsc Communications

HSC Connects Newsletters

Weekly newsletter of the UNM Health Sciences Center.

Feasibility Of Using Podcasts For Knowledge Dissemination To Reduce Health Disparities For Women Targeting Preventative Initiatives And Lifestyle Medicine Interventions, Kristin Stovern

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

The purpose of this feasibility project was to look at podcasts to shed light on the issues that affect the well-being of women with gender-based disparities in healthcare. Women face persistent obstacles when it comes to the quality of healthcare they receive. One of the barriers that has been ever-present is with failure of the medical system to rigorously study the effects of diseases and drugs on women or to fund studies on women’s health conditions. Implicit biases and lack of access to care inhibit the quality of healthcare. Collectively, these issues result in unnecessary sickness, disability, and decreased quality …

About The Authors - V1, The Crown

The Crown: Syracuse Honors Research Journal

No abstract provided.