Digital Commons Network^™

Blood Biomarkers In Down Syndrome: Facilitating Alzheimer's Disease Detection And Monitoring, Melissa Petersen, Lisi Flores-Aguilar, Elizabeth Head, Laia Montoliu-Gaya, Andre Strydom, Sarah Pape, Juan Fortea, Nicholas Ashton, Chinedu Momoh, Sid O'Bryant

Brain and Mind Institute

Blood-based biomarkers continue to be explored for disease detection, monitoring of progression, and therapeutic outcomes as the diagnostic determination of Alzheimer's Disease in Down Syndrome (DS-AD) remains challenging in clinical settings. This perspective highlights the current status of this effort. Overall, amyloid (A), tau (T), and neurodegeneration (AT[N]) blood-based biomarkers have been shown to increase with disease pathology for individuals with DS. Phosphorylated tau biomarkers (p-tau217, p-tau181) have been consistently shown to track disease progression for DS-AD and are likely good candidates for use in clinical settings. Biomarkers of inflammation (glial fibrillary acidic protein) also show promise; however, additional work …

Engaging Fathers(To-Be): A Pilot Study On The Adaptation And Programme Experience Of Sms4baba Intervention In Kenya’S Informal Settlements, Vibian Angweny, Richard Fletcher, Paul Mwangi, Margaret Kabue, Rachel Odhiambo, Stephen Mulupi, Emmanuel Obulemire, Eunice Njoroge, Eunice Ombech, Mercy Mokaya, Moses Wesala, Joyce Marangu, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background Engaging fathers(to-be) can improve maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes. However, father-focused interventions in low-resource settings are under-researched. As part of an integrated early childhood development pilot cluster randomised trial in Nairobi’s informal settlements, this study aimed to test the feasibility of a text-only intervention for fathers (SMS4baba) adapted from one developed in Australia (SMS4dads).

Methods A multi-phased mixed-methods study, which included an exploratory qualitative phase and pre-post evaluation of the adapted SMS4baba text-only intervention was conducted between 2019 and 2022. Three focusgroup discussions (FGDs) with 19 fathers were conducted at inception to inform SMS4baba content development; two post-pilot …

Dynamics Of The Blood Plasma Proteome During Hyperacute Hiv-1 Infection, Jamirah Nazziwa, Eva Freyhult, Mun-Gwan Hong, Emil Johansson, Filip Årman, Jonathan Hare, Kamini Gounder, Melinda Rezeli, Tirthankar Mohanty, Amin Hassan

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

The complex dynamics of protein expression in plasma during hyperacute HIV-1 infection and its relation to acute retroviral syndrome, viral control, and disease progression are largely unknown. Here, we quantify 1293 blood plasma proteins from 157 longitudinally linked plasma samples collected before, during, and after hyperacute HIV-1 infection of 54 participants from four sub-Saharan African countries. Six distinct longitudinal expression profiles are identified, of which four demonstrate a consistent decrease in protein levels following HIV-1 infection. Proteins involved in inflammatory responses, immune regulation, and cell motility are significantly altered during the transition from pre-infection to one month post-infection. Specifically, decreased …

Plasma Transfusion In The Intensive Care Unit, Maite M. T. Van Haeren, Senta Jorinde Raasveld, Sanne De Bruin, Merijn C. Reuland, Claudia Van Den Oord, Jimmy Schenk, Cécile Aubron, Jan Bakker, Maurizio Cecconi, Marcus Lance

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: Current guidelines discourage prophylactic plasma use in non-bleeding patients. This study assesses global plasma transfusion practices in the intensive care unit (ICU) and their alignment with current guidelines.

Study Design and Methods: This was a sub-study of an international, prospective, observational cohort. Primary outcomes were in-ICU occurrence rate of plasma transfusion, proportion of plasma events of total blood products events, and number of plasma units per event. Secondary outcomes included transfusion indications, INR/PT, and proportion of events for non-bleeding indications.

Results: Of 3643 patients included, 356 patients (10%) experienced 547 plasma transfusion events, accounting for 18% …

Management Of Adult Sepsis In Resource-Limited Settings: Global Expert Consensus Statements Using A Delphi Method, Louise Thwaites, Prashant Nasa, Brett Abbenbroek, Vu Quoc Dat, Simon Finfer, Arthur Kwizera, Lowell Ling, Suzana M. Lobo, Robert Sinto, Wangari Siika

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Purpose: To generate consensus and provide expert clinical practice statements for the management of adult sepsis in resourcelimited settings.

Methods: An international multidisciplinary Steering Committee with expertise in sepsis management and including a Delphi methodologist was convened by the Asia Pacifc Sepsis Alliance (APSA). The committee selected an interna‑ tional panel of clinicians and researchers with expertise in sepsis management. A Delphi process based on an iterative approach was used to obtain the fnal consensus statements.

Results: A stable consensus was achieved for 30 (94%) of the statements by 41 experts after four survey rounds. These include …

Informing Management Of American Shad (Alosa Sapidissima) In The Carolinas: Evaluating Novel Fish Passage Approaches And Acoustic Tracking Methods, Margaret Gaither

All Theses

Acoustic telemetry is a valuable tool for fisheries scientists to study the movements and migratory behaviors of aquatic organisms. A critical assumption of this method is that tagged fish exhibit similar behaviors and survival rates as their untagged counterparts. To investigate this, we conducted a 12-week laboratory study on adult American Shad (Alosa sapidissima) using gastroesophageal insertion of acoustic transmitters. We implanted 80 fish with dummy transmitters and monitored tag retention and survival. Our analysis, employing a mixed effects Cox’s proportional hazards model, revealed no significant differences in survival between tagged and control fish, regardless of sex. Additionally, …

Get Outside: The Moderating Effects Of Exposure To Nature On The Work Stress-Burnout Relationship, Meredith Pool

All Theses

This study explores the relatively uncharted territory of nature exposure within the workplace and its influence on mitigating burnout. While prior research has linked access to nature with enhanced well-being, a gap persists in understanding how exposure to nature moderates the relationship between work stress and burnout. Employing a cross-sectional design with 724 working individuals in the United States, a survey was conducted to assess burnout, work stress, nature exposure, and climate data. The present study explores how green workplaces, which involve the presence of physical and artificial greenery in the work environment, and the employees’ perceptions that the organization …

Beauty In The Mundane, Madeline Caniglia

Theses

This project focuses on challenging what compositions are considered valuable as art. The primary focus is on the relationship between light and shadow and how it contributes to the revelation of finding beauty in the mundane. This project involves studying old masters like Caravaggio and Edward Hopper while employing their techniques and methods in my artworks. Through a series of oil paintings, I depicted everyday objects and scenes to demonstrate how classical techniques, paired with contemporary subjects, help bridge historical and artistic practices with modern art.

Anticoagulation Strategies After Left Ventricular Thrombus., Corey Uetrecht Pharmd, Jennifer Sposito Pharmd, Bcps, Bcccp, Kassandra Foellinger Pharmd, Bcps, Jamie Gaul Pharmd, Bcps, Sarah Ferrell Pharmd, Bcps

Pharmacy Residency

Presented at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting,

This medication use evaluation found that prescribing practices of DOAC and warfarin did not change after AHA guidance publication. Patients with HFrEF were more often discharged on warfarin, while those with Afib were more often discharged on DOACs. Those discharged on a DOAC had the highest incidence of LV thrombus resolution up to 6 months post-discharge. Physicians within Parkview Health do not routinely utilize a loading dose when discharging a patient on a DOAC.

Stepping Back: Evaluating Antipseudomonal Antibiotic Use In Diabetic Foot Infection., Hannah Davis Pharmd, Michele Walters Pharmd, Bcps, Aq-Id, Sarah Ferrell Pharmd, Bcpps, Jui Patel Pharmd, Bcps, Tiffany O'Keefe Pharmd, Bcgp

Pharmacy Residency

Presented at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting. New Orleans, LA

This study found that anti-pseudomonal (PsA) coverage is overutilized in diabetic foot infection (DFI), even when broad qualifying criteria are applied. The proposed criteria were poor predictors of PsA growth, which was present in a small number of cases. Patients who did grow PsA were somewhat more likely to have severe DFI, history of DFI, and 90-day history of admission or anti-PsA antibiotic use, but many patients without PsA growth also met these criteria.

Comparing Cardiometabolic Monitoring And Side Effect Management In A Pharmacist-Led Ambulatory Clozapine Clinic Versus Standard Care., Nicholas Buttermore Pharmd, Jenna Gilbert Pharmd, Bcpp, Naana Boachie Pharmd, Bcacp, Kenneth Wiley Pharmd, Bcacp, Sarah Ferrell Pharmd, Bcpps

Pharmacy Residency

Presented at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting. New Orleans, LA

This study found that cardiometabolic monitoring rates were significantly higher in the pharmacist group compared to standard care, and that clozapine-related side effects were screened more frequently.

High Yield Of Congenital Hypothyroidism Among Infants Attending Children Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. Facility Based Study In The Absence Of Newborn Screening, Menbere Kahssay, Thomas Ngwiri

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Objectives: Congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) is a treatable cause of intellectual disability. Late diagnosis and delayed initiation of treatment leads to irreversible neurodevelopmental and intellectual disability. Thus, newborn screening is crucial. However, 71 % of babies are born in an area with no established newborn screening program and Kenya is not an exception. We aimed to determine the incidence of CHT, developmental outcomes of patients in the absence of newborn screening.

Methods: A retrospective data of subjects who met the inclusion criteria, newborn and infants from 3 days to 2 years whose thyroid function test (TFT) was undertaken during well baby …

Assessment Of Drought Tolerance In Mung Bean [Vigna Radiata (L.) Wilczek] Through Phenology, Growth, Protein Yield, And Cluster Heatmap Analysis, Rafiqul Islam, Jamil Hossain, Shamsul Huda, Mohammad Golam Azam, Faruk Hossain, Aktar Uz Zaman, Safiqul Moula, Nasir Uddin Ahmed, Jamal Hossain, Ayman El Sabagh, Mohammad Sohidul Islum

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] cultivation is challenging under the changing climate as less precipitation during the summer season, which is becoming increasingly common, results in soil moisture deficiency and affects production especially at the early growth stages. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the phenology, growth, and protein yield traits of mung bean related to drought tolerance. Eight mung bean genotypes were grown in pots inside a rain-out shelter under well-watered (WW) and water-deficit (WD) conditions. These genotypes included four water stress-tolerant genotypes: G-1 (BARI Mung-8), G-2 (BMX-010015), G-3 (BMX-08010-2), and G-4 (BMX-08009-7), as well as four …

Workforce Barriers And Needed Supports To Enhance Behavioral Health Service Provision For Older Adults In Nebraska, Cecilia Y.M. Poon, Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, Yadi Liu, Charles Yale, Deepanjali Bhale, Erin O. Schneider, Julia F. Houfek, Christine Chasek, Marley Doyle, Kendra Ratnapradipa

Reports and White Papers: Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska

Nearly 20% of US older adults have mental health concerns, but few mental health professionals specialize in this population. In Nebraska, where almost 17% of Nebraska’s population is >65 years of age, BHECN conducted a survey to understand provider attitudes about and abilities to serve the state’s older population. Results from this online survey of licensed mental health practitioners in 2022 showed that 61% of responding practitioners were rural, 27% did not provide direct clinical services to older adults, and only 18% of their time was spent working with older adults. Barriers to providing care to older adults included Medicare …

Bioactivity And Synergism Of Tagpo (Ardisia Tomentosa) Molluscicidal Extracts, Darwin C. Gomez, Grechelle Socias, Rosemarie Galanza, Florlyn C. Gayas Ma., Fe T. Piedad, Brian John Sarno

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Population control of golden apple snails (GAS, Pomacea canaliculata) is beneficial in rice farming; however, the associated control measures can be expensive and time-consuming. Currently, farmers use synthetic molluscicides such as niclosamide to control GAS infestation, but this has some drawbacks. For example, niclosamide has broad toxicity to non-target organisms and negatively affects the growth of rice seedlings. Plant extracts with potent bioactivity and low toxicity to non-target organisms are attractive alternatives to synthetic molluscicides. In this study, the bioactivity of the crude fruit extract of tagpo (Ardisia tomentosa) was assessed against GAS and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fries. The potential …

Supplementation Of Commercial Probiotic Lactobacillus Casei In Rearing Early-Stage Silver Therapon (Leiopotherapon Plumbeus) Larvae: Effects On Growth, Body Composition, And Stress Tolerance, Frolan A. Aya, Reylan C. Gutierrez, Mark Joseph Reyes, Luis Maria B. Garcia

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Supplementation of probiotics in live feeds and rearing water may improve the growth, survival, and resistance of fish larvae. This study examined the beneficial effect of a commercial probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus casei on the growth, body composition, and stress resistance in early-stage silver therapon (Leiopotherapon plumbeus) larvae. Larvae at 12 d post-hatch (DPH) (9.76 ± 1.32 mm total length [TL] and 13.48 ± 4.80 mg body weight [BW]) were reared in triplicate groups of 15 larvae per tank from 12 – 40 DPH (Phase 1) and 41 – 96 DPH (Phase 2). From 12 – 40 DPH, larvae were fed …

Production Objectives And Trait Preferences Of Smallholder Farmers In The Philippines: Implications For Designing Breeding Schemes Utilizing Indigenous Swine Genetics, Joy Banayo, Kathlyn Louise Manese, Kaito Furusho, Madeline Kingan, Justine Ayomen, Marcelino Saliw-An, Karina Marie Nicolas, Kayvin Joel Petipit, Dorothy Pagbilao, Vea Roven Arellano, Rene Santiago, Flomella Caguicla, Arnolfo Monleon, Giselle Perlas, Giselle Perlas, Rea Palma Ortego, Sharon Singzon, Agapita Salces, Takahiro Yamagata

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Profit maximization is not the only production objective in farming. For smallholder farms worldwide, family sustenance often takes priority, with production being viewed more as savings-oriented than market-oriented. Furthermore, market pressures can lead to the mismanagement of indigenous livestock resources, increasing their risk of genetic erosion. To ensure the long-term conservation of the Philippine native pig, this study aimed to determine the various types of native pig farmers and define the intervention strategies for each type. A total of 432 native pig farmers representing seven provinces in the Philippines (Benguet, Kalinga, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quezon, Marinduque, and Eastern Samar; n …

Comparative Analysis Of Household Food And Nutrition Security In Selected Philippine Urban And Rural Households During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jay-Al Reyes, Julieta Delosreyes

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study analyzed the food and nutrition security of selected urban and rural households in Pili, Camarines Sur, Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. It determined the prevalence of food insecurity among the selected urban and rural households, analyzed the determinants of food insecurity in these households, determined the prevalence of malnutrition, and assessed the relationship between the households’ food security and nutrition security. Primary data from a survey of 185 urban and rural households and secondary data from the Electronic Operation Timbang Plus (e-OPT) Tool were used to determine the prevalence of food insecurity using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale …

Monitoring Nekton Response To Salt Marsh Restoration In The Great Marsh Estuary, Ma, Alexandria E. Sangermano

Master's Theses and Capstones

Salt marshes are intertidal, vegetated habitats that develop in protected, low energy areas within temperate estuaries. Notably, the North American coast comprises approximately 40% of the world's salt marshes which are valued for their numerous ecosystem services including coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and outdoor recreation. Additionally, salt marshes are vital habitats for estuarine nekton (fish and crustaceans), which rely on creeks, channels, the vegetated marsh, and isolated pools within the marsh surface for reproduction, foraging, and refuge from predators. In New England, the historic practice of salt marsh ditching for agricultural development and mosquito management has resulted in significant changes …

Restoration Of The Cantilever Deck Structure, Calvin P. Vigeant, Roger G. Biddle, Calvin S. Morgan

Architectural Engineering

The Restoration of the Cantilever Deck Structure is an inter-disciplinary project seeking to provide public safety, the continuity of a historic structure, and contribute to the life of the Poly Canyon Experimental Structures Laboratory. This project brought together architectural engineering students Roger Biddle and Calvin Vigeant and construction management student Calvin Morgan for a year long journey of Learn by Doing. The structure is visually stunning and gives the impression of a ship cresting a wave, featuring two prominent steel masts and large tapered wood beams. The deck is perched on a steep hillside site over a seasonal creek that …

A Novel Interpretation Of Average Run Length For Assessing The Performance Of Control Charts, Gonçalo Sousa

Masters Theses

The Average Run Length (ARL) is a performance measure of Control Charts widely used within Statistical Process Control. In this study we propose a new approach for the computation of the ARL that is based on a novel interpretation of out-of-control signals produced by a Control Chart. Specifically, out-of-control signals used to calculate traditional ARLs may correspond to Type I errors and may not reflect a Control Chart’s true performance. To compensate for this issue, for Shewhart and EWMA charts, constraints are applied to the calculation of ARLs so that only out-of-control signals that occur when the corresponding statistic is …

Livable Marshfield: Age And Dementia Friendly Action Plan: Improving Livability For All Ages And Abilities, Caitlin E. Coyle, Beth Rouleau, Ceara Somerville

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

The Town of Marshfield’s Age and Dementia Friendly action plan signifies a milestone and reflects many years of dedication to creating environments within Marshfield that are supportive of residents of all ages and abilities. Guided by the Council on Aging (COA), the Town of Marshfield is dedicated to understanding and responding to the needs and interests of older adults in the community. Over the years, the share of residents over age 60 has steadily grown. According to 2019-2023 estimates from the American Community Survey, an estimated 28% of Marshfield residents are age 60 or older (approximately 7,200 residents). Projections suggest …

Metagenomic Sequencing For Early Detection Of Future Engineered Pandemics: Foreshadowing The Privacy Challenge, Nir Eyal, Bridget Williams, Kevin M. Esvelt, Jane R. Bambauer

UF Law Faculty Publications

In this commentary, we imagine how a global system of metagenomic sequencing could be governed in order to reap the benefits and manage the risks. Global institutional engineers and their academic partners would need to develop a new governance model to ensure that all partners involved in a global metagenomic surveillance system cooperate as needed.

Integrated Child Nutrition, Parenting, And Health Intervention In Rural Liberia: A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study, Sejla Isanovic, Musa Sanoe, Shelbie Wooten, Edward A. Frongillo Ph.D., Aisha K. Yousafzai, Christine E. Blake Ph.D., Rd, Mufaro Kanyangarara Ph.D., Melanie Swan, Nicole Rodger, Miriam Murray, Leila M. Larson Ph.D., Mph

Faculty Publications

In Liberia, children are exposed to multiple forms of adversity which can negatively impact their health and development. Research is needed to examine the feasibility and benefits of integrated interventions that can be incorporated into existing health delivery programs to simultaneously address low responsive stimulation, undernutrition, and infection. This study assessed the feasibility of an integrated intervention promoting psychosocial stimulation and improved child feeding by the provision of eggs and fish. The integrated intervention was incorporated into an existing government health program. Thirty female caregiver-child dyads were randomly selected from two rural communities in Liberia. Participants received fortnightly group parenting …

Overdose Watch: Educate, Prevent, And Respond…Equitably, Amber Childress, Christine Nava, Genevie Porlaris

ELMSN E-Portfolio. A collection of Scholarly and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Mental Health Survey With Client Feedback, Alessia Grace Jimenez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Addressing mental health stigmas in lower-income communities and taking in client feedback to give better results back to clients. Monterey County Behavioral Health Access to Treatment provides crisis services, alcohol and substance abuse support, transitional youth programs, and access services to those with mental health disorders. The agency serves only those with medical insurance in the Monterey County area. The purpose of the mental health survey, along with client feedback, is to track client progress and outcomes. This can help ensure that clients receive the support and care that is most relevant to their individual circumstances. The most important findings …

Early Detection And Intervention Of Preschool-Aged Children Using Android-Based Monitoring During The Covid-19 Pandemic In Central Java, Triwiji Lestari, Elisa Elisa

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

Preschool age is widely recognized as a critical phase in child development, often referred to as the golden period, the window of opportunity, and the critical period. Alarming statistics from the Indonesian Ministry of Health reveal that 16% of Indonesian toddlers, amounting to 0.4 million children, experience developmental delays, encompassing fine and gross motor skills, hearing impairments, reduced cognitive abilities, and speech delays. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of an Android-based early detection and intervention system on the development of preschool children during the challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic in Central Java. The research employed a quasi- …

Indisposed To Write: Teaching A Visceral Poetics, Miriam L. Atkin

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

This essay begins from the premise that acts of thinking and writing are shaped immanently by corporeal need. Accordingly, my aim is to sketch a vision of composition pedagogy that acknowledges the moves and modulations of the thinking body. The route I take to get there explores four works of critical prose that mobilize form and content toward a radical re-orientation of body-in-space and body-in-writing. These texts—by Eleni Stecopoulos, Robert Kocik, William James, and Eli Clare—are to varying degrees experimental, demonstrating a manner of textual difficulty that signals the visceral difficulty implied in any act of writing. What follows is …

Effect Of Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems On Soil Properties And Microbial Diversity In Soybean Production, Namita Sinha, Brett R. Rushing, Aniruddha Acharya, Shankar Gaapathi Shanmugam

Faculty Publications - Biological Sciences

Integrated crop and livestock systems (ICLSs) have been considered an important management-based decision to improve soil health by carbon sequestration. A two-year study (2019–2021) at CPBES in Newton, MS, was conducted to evaluate the effect of an ICLS on soil microbial diversity in the southeastern region of the USA, representing agroclimatic conditions that are warm and humid. Amplicons targeting bacterial 16S rRNA genes and fungal ITS2 regions were sequenced. Taxonomic assignment and characterization of microbial diversity were performed using QIIME2®. Soil fungal diversity pattern showed significant difference (alpha diversity, p = 0.031 in 2020 and beta diversity, p = 0.037 …

Full Issue, The Mcnair Team

McNair Scholars Research Journal

No abstract provided.