Digital Commons Network^™

Revolutionizing Diabetic Foot Ulcer Care: The Senotherapeutic Approach, Guiqin Zhang, Priyadarshani Nadeeshika Samarawickrama, Li Gui, Yuan Ma, Mei Cao, Hong Zhu, Wei Li, Honglin Yang, Kecheng Li, Yang Yang, Enfang Zhu, Wen Li, Yonghan He

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a prevalent and profoundly debilitating complication that afflicts individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM). These ulcers are associated with substantial morbidity, recurrence rates, disability, and mortality, imposing substantial economic, psychological, and medical burdens. Timely detection and intervention can mitigate the morbidity and disparities linked to DFU. Nevertheless, current therapeutic approaches for DFU continue to grapple with multifaceted limitations. A growing body of evidence emphasizes the crucial role of cellular senescence in the pathogenesis of chronic wounds. Interventions that try to delay cellular senescence, eliminate senescent cells (SnCs), or suppress the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) have shown …

Phenotypic Diversity For Morpho-Agronomic Traits In The Us Proso Millet (Panicum Miliaceum L.) Core Collection, Santosh G. Rajput, Rituraj Khound, Dipak K. Santra

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is a short-season annual crop known for high water-use efficiency and drought tolerance. The low water requirement makes this ancient grain an excellent rotational crop for the winter wheat-based dryland cropping system in theHigh Plains of theUnited States. The genetic base of the commonly grown US cultivars is very narrow. Assessment of proso millet germplasm for agronomic traits is essential for its efficient utilization in the genetic improvement of this crop. The objectives of this study were to (1) characterize the US proso millet germplasm based on nine important morpho-agronomic traits and (2) classify …

Successful Percutaneous Thoracic Duct Embolization For Chylothorax After Total Arch Replacement, Fumihiro Kitashima, Naohiro Shimada, Yojiro Machii, Masashi Tanaka

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

Chylothorax after cardiac surgery is a rare complication associated with severe morbidity and mortality. This report documents successful treatment with percutaneous thoracic duct embolization for chylothorax after total arch replacement. A 69-year-old man underwent replacement of the aortic arch to treat a ruptured aortic aneurysm. After surgery, the left thoracic drain discharged 2,000 to 3,000 mL serosanguineous fluid per day, even though the patient took nothing orally and was administered subcutaneous octreotide therapy. On postoperative day 9, percutaneous thoracic duct embolization was performed, and the drain could be removed. The chylothorax did not recur, and the patient was discharged on …

Us Population Qualifying For Aspirin Use For Primary Prevention Of Cardiovascular Disease, Athena L Huang, Ann Marie Navar, Colby Ayers, Anand Rohatgi, Erin D Michos, Salim S Virani, Parag Joshi, Eric D Peterson, Amit Khera

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objective: Aspirin has been used for primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) for decades, but this indication has become controversial with recent trial data. The 2022 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) provided a recommendation to consider aspirin use for primary prevention in adults 40-59 years with a 10-year ASCVD risk ≥10 % and not at increased risk of bleeding, yet population estimates for the impact of this recommendation are unknown. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and demographics of the US population who meet eligibility criteria for aspirin under the new 2022 USPSTF guidelines. …

Chemistry, Biology, And Safety Of Volatile Organics From Aromatic And Medicinal Plants, Nicole Stevens

Oxford ICSB

Introduction Sleep is an important foundation of health, yet the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that about 30% of adults to not get the recommended minimum of 7 hours’ sleep per night. Prescription treatments may help, but they carry risks such as side-effects, dependency, and medication interaction. Natural botanical extracts are a therapeutic possibility for improving sleep quality, but additional research is needed on their efficacy and safety. A system of natural products based on lavender was developed and tested in a human clinical study to evaluate effect on sleep, blood and safety markers, and gene expression modulation …

One-Class Modeling For The Authentication Of Actaea Racemosa And Evaluation Of The Variation Between Botanical Reference Materials, James Harnly

Oxford ICSB

One-class modeling based on soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) is a simple but powerful method for comparing the chemical composition of botanical materials using non-targeted chromatograms (GC, LC) or spectra (IR, MS, NIR, NMR). The methodology is available on any commercial chemometric platform. Authentication is based solely on the characteristics of the botanical material of interest. Detection of adulteration is determined for each variable and requires no identification of adulterants. Some highly characterized botanical reference materials (BRMs) may account for species, cultivar, and year and location of harvest while more generic BRMs may have minimal characterization. All of …

Quantitative Pilot Study: Impact Of Social Responsibility And Altruism Values On Rehabilitation Employee Satisfaction, Debra Beazley, Agnes Kim, Lori Bolgla

Asian Journal of Physical Therapy

Background: This study explores the association between physical therapist satisfaction in a rehabilitation private practice and perceptions of altruism and social responsibility in the workplace. Small private, for-profit businesses like therapy practices often embrace altruistic values and socially responsible cultures driven by close stakeholder relationships. Alignment between business culture and personal values is a stronger predictor of workplace and career satisfaction. Employees who perceive value alignment report higher job satisfaction and relatedness. Prosocial cultures, rich in altruism and social responsibility, foster job fit and reduce dissatisfaction and turnover. Physical therapy's core values, including altruism and social responsibility, are integral to …

Pcos In The Southern United States: A Socio-Ecological Model Intervention, Gloria Ogunlade

Liberty University Research Week

The second verse of 3rd John emphasizes the importance of prospering in our health even as our soul prospers. When so many diseases and complications plague the body, it impairs the quality of life and contradicts the will and purpose of God which is for us to enjoy good health continually. God desires the well-being of the whole person—body, soul, and spirit. This aligns with the biblical concept that humans are created in the image of God and that God's original plan for humanity included physical health and harmony. Believers need to care for their bodies, recognizing them as temples …

Potential Adverse Cardiovascular Side Effects Following Mrna Covid-19 Vaccination, Abigayle Strohmeier

Liberty University Research Week

In late 2019 and early 2020, we observed the emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which quickly spread around the world, becoming a pandemic and global health crisis. This study, via a literature review, presents an epidemiologic examination of the adverse effects of the mRNA Covid-19 vaccine. Research findings are compiled and compared to better understand the cardiovascular effects of the vaccine from a population level perspective. Incidence and prevalence rates are examined by various demographic factors, primarily age and gender. Specifically, the most prevalent adverse cardiovascular effects noted are myocarditis, pericarditis, cardiovascular disease, tachycardia, hypertension, palpitation, and …

Assessment Of The Pattern And Factors Associated With Childhood Malnutrition In Nigeria, Wuraola Awosan

Liberty University Research Week

Introduction/Background: Malnutrition contributes to high rates of morbidity and mortality among children under five years old in Nigeria. Despite initiatives to address this problem, developing and executing successful interventions requires a thorough grasp of malnutrition patterns and underlying causes. It was hypothesized that the prevalence of malnutrition differs in Nigerian regions and is impacted by a confluence of environmental, sociodemographic, and economic factors. The study aims to assess the patterns and factors associated with childhood malnutrition in various regions of Nigeria. Methods: Data were extracted from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS) 2018 and analyzed. Data on anthropometric indices …

A Brief Overview Of Health, Poverty, And Mental Health Concerns In American Indian/Alaska (Ai/An) Populations Native, Abbie Hopson

Liberty University Research Week

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations consistently experience significant health disparities compared to other races and to the general population. The majority of the negative mental and physical health outcomes of this population are preventable. This study provides an overview of the health disparities faced by American Indians/Alaska Natives, outlines contributing social determinants, and suggests future directions for research and treatment. Primary focuses were identified from government and Native organizations, including census data, education reports, and other similar sources, and were explored more in-depth through a variety of studies from the fields of psychology, history, sociology, and anthropology. Initial …

Illegal Small-Scale Gold Mining In Ghana: A Public Health Perspective., Raymond Yovelanyine Suonyir

Liberty University Research Week

Illegal small-scale mining popularly called “galamsey” in Ghana involves the practice of illicit mining and extracting gold from the surface or below the soil usually through unregulated methods such as the use of dangerous chemicals. Though this practice has been a major source of livelihood for many rural families in Ghana, it is associated with adverse outcomes such as water pollution, environmental degradation, ecological disturbance, and general environmental pollution. There is a paucity of literature that specifically targets the effects of illegal small-scale mining on public health. This study seeks to explore the consequences of small-scale mining as a public …

Influence Of Low-Level Condensed Tannins Concentrations In Temperate Forages On Sheep Performace, F Montossi, F Liu, J Hodgson, S T. Morris, T N. Barry, D F. Risso

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Results from a series of six comparative lamb grazing trials with temperate forages are summarised, and compared with results from the literature. Condensed tannin (CT) concentrations in the diet ranged from 0.12% to 0.47% on a dry matter (DM) basis. Values were generally similar for Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and annual ryegrass (L. multiflorum), each grown with white clover (Trifolium repens), in similar circumstances. Concentrations for tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea)/white clover pastures were relatively low, but may have been artefacts. Drenching with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to bind …

Tannin Contents Of Some Indigenous Browse Plants Of Botswana, A A. Aganga, C M. Tsopito, K M. Morake

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A study was carried out to evaluate the tannin content and crude protein degradation of leaves and twigs from indigenous browsable trees which provide feed for grazing livestock on natural rangelands of Botswana. These browses include the families Leguminosae (Acacias), Capparidaceae (Boscias), Combretaceae (Combretum) and Tiliaceae (Grewias). These were found to be of good nutritive value, with the leaves having a high content of crude protein (9 - 16%) and a wide range of dry matter digestibility (37 - 69.82%). The correlation between crude protein disappearance and tannin content was found to be negative (-0.582) and significant (P<0.05).

Effect Of Tannin In Animal Diet On Nitrification Rate Of Pasture Soil Under Dung Patches, J R. Crush

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The rate of formation of nitrate and ammonium in the soil under dung patches was compared for dung from animals fed either ryegrass (Lolium perenne)/white clover (Trifolium repens) or ryegrass/Lotus pedunculatus forage. Tannin derived from the Lotus did not inhibit ammonification in the soil under dung but nitrate formation was strongly inhibited. The results support the theory that polyphenolics may bind to nitrite in acid soils and cause immobilisation of mineral nitrogen. Apart from their effect of reducing the proportion of dietary nitrogen excreted in urine, tannins in animal diets may make a further contribution to …

Condensed Tannins In Tropical Legumes: Concentration, Astringency And Effects On The Nutrition Of Ruminants, R Barahona, C E. Lascano, R C. Cochran, J L. Morrill, E C. Titgemeyer

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A feeding trial was carried out to determine the effect of extractable condensed tannins (ECT) concentration and tannin astringency in tropical legumes on nitrogen (N) digestion by sheep. Test legumes were Desmodium ovalifolium (Do) and Flemingia macrophylla (Fm) which had similar concentrations of Extractable CT (9% DM) but tannins with different degree of astringency (Do, 0.6 and Fm, 0.3 g protein bound/g of ECT). Chopped sun-dried forage of each legume was sprayed with either water (control) or polyethylene glycol (PEG, 3.5% DM) to reduce ECT and fed to 8 sheep with ruminal and duodenal canulas arranged in a replicated 4 …

Effect Of Condensed Tannin In Lotus Corniculatus And Lotus Pedunculatus On Digestion Of Rubisco In The Rumen, W C. Mcnabb, R J. Aerts, A Brand, J S. Peters, Y L. Foo, G C. Waghorn

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The in vitro precipitation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) by condensed tannin (CT) extracted from Lotus corniculatus and Lotus pedunculatus and the effect of these CT on the in vitro rumen degradation of Rubisco was used to compare the reactivity of these CT. The chemical structure of CT from Lotus corniculatus was homogenous with epicatechin stereochemistry and mostly procyanidin units. The CT from Lotus pedunculatus was heterogenous with mostly prodelphinidin units. The amount of CT required to precipitate all the Rubisco when total soluble leaf protein was incubated with CT from Lotus corniculatus and Lotus pedunculatus was similar. Although CT from …

Nitrogen And Fiber Digestion In Sheep Fed Fresh-Frozen And Field-Dried High And Low Tannin Sericea Lespedeza, T H. Terrill, W R. Windham, C S. Hoveland, H E. Amos, B Kouakou, S Gelaye

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Field-drying reduces extractable condensed tannin (CT) of sericea lespedeza [Lespedeza cuneata (Dum-Cours) G. Don], but effects on specific bound and unbound forms of CT and the relationship to protein and fiber digestion in ruminants are unclear. Intake and digestibility of fresh-frozen and field-dried high- and low-tannin sericea were investigated in a feeding trial with sheep (Ovis spp.). Field-drying had no effect on crude protein (CP) and fiber content of sericea, but shifted CT from extractable to bound forms. Digestion coefficients for CP, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were lower for high-tannin sericea than the low-tannin …

Alteration Of Condensed Tannin Sythesis In Transgenic Forage Legumes, F Paolocci, G Tanner, S Arcioni, F Damiani

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The transformation of Lotus corniculatus plants with the maize gene Sn, reorganizes the tissue specificity of condensed tannins accumulation. In particular the transformed plants show an increase of tannin content in roots and a decrease in leaves. Molecular and enzymatic analyses suggest that the transgene can functionally substitute an endogenous unknown gene not expressed in roots and induces its silencing when it is expressed. These findings could have applications for reducing tannin content in unpalatable plants and for cloning genes involved in tannin synthesis.

Differences In Chemical Composition Among Provenances Of Tree Fodder Species In A Subhumid Environment: Relation To Use As Supplements, B H. Dzowela, L Hove, P L. Mafongoya

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Studies were initiated in a subhumid Southern African environment to assess the chemical composition and nutritive value of Acacia angustissima (Mill.) Kuntze, Calliandra calothyrsus Meiss. and Leucaena species. The objective was to determine variability in crude protein (CP) concentration, acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and soluble and insoluble proanthocyanidins from fodder samples of species, subspecies and provenances. A wide range was found in these parameters. The implications of these chemical composition factors, especially proanthocyanidins, on the use of these browse fodders in livestock feeding systems are discussed.

Nutritional Implications Of Bound Proanthocyanidins, H P.S Makkar, K Becker

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The correlation between protein binding capacity of proanthocyanidin-rich neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and their proanthocyanidin (PAs) content was very low (r = -0.21; n = 6). These PAs-rich NDF did not affect growth of a tannin-sensitive strain of Clostridium perfringens. A substantial amount of bound PAs (75 to 92 %) disappeared from the NDF in 24 h of fermentation in an in vitro incubation medium containing rumen microbes. Addition of a tannin-binding agent, polyethylene glycol to the incubation medium containing rumen microbes and browses made free of extractable tannins or NDF rich in bound PAs increased the gas production up …

Plant Tannins- Their Role In Forage Legume Quality, J A. Alokan, V A. Aletor

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Forage legumes, especially browse plants, are important in the maintenance and survival of ruminant animals. However many browse species contain high levels of polyphenolic compounds including tannins. The effects of tannins on the quality of forages are reviewed. These include reduction in palatability and intake of feeds, growth rate, digestion of fibre fractions and nitrogen utilization by animals.

The Effect Of Condensed Tannins In Lotus Spp. On The Lesser Migratory Grasshopper, C F. Hinks, G L. Lees, M Y. Gruber, A D. Muir, J Soroka

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Hatchling grasshoppers (Melanoplus sanguinipes Fab.) fed one accession of field grown big trefoil (Lotus uliginosis Schkuhr) containing a tannin content of 56 mg. g-1 FW, had a significantly lower mean weight than hatchlings fed field grown Lotus species and accessions with lower tannin content. Adult female grasshoppers fed L. uliginosis foliage with 32.3 mg.g-1 FW tannin also ate more feed and had a 2-fold higher gut trypsin and chymotrypsin activity than adults fed low tannin L. corniculatus foliage (0.13 mg.g-1 FW tannin). In more controlled experiments, growth at 20o C or 30o C was used to increase tannin …

Occupational Therapy's Role For Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices (Lvads) In Acute Care, Rachel Roberson

MOT Student Capstones

What is occupational therapy's (OT's) role for patients with LVADs in the acute care setting? OT addresses activities of daily living (, endurance. fine motor coordination. preparation for discharge. and evaluations for patients both pre- and post-LVAD implantation. Expectations of OT for this population are not clear to OT practitioners and members of the multidisciplinary LVAD team due to a current gap in literature. The purpose of this project is to develop an evidence-based practice guideline on OT's role for patients with LVADs in the acute care setting. The practice guideline is intended to be used by OTs working with …

Riding For Recovery: The Impact Of Hippotherapy For Adults With Intellectual Developmental Disabilities, Kesti Suggs

MOT Student Capstones

This capstone project focuses on the underutilization of hippotherapy in occupational therapy (OT) for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In OT, the horse's movement enhances motor skills, coordination, balance, focus, sensory integration, and functional performance in everyday tasks. This approach simultaneously addresses sensory processing, including the vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, visual, and auditory systems. The objective of the capstone project is to emphasize the importance of utilizing hippotherapy as an evidence-based therapeutic intervention for adults with IDD. Increasing awareness about integrating hippotherapy into occupational therapy environments, particularly outpatient clinics, is the second objective of this capstone project. The goal …

Sensory Food Aversions: Therapeutic Feeding Strategies For Children, Laureen Giles

MOT Student Capstones

Raising a child with selective eating habits is a common concern among many parents. By the age of two years old, 50% of children will develop selective eating habits which is a typical stage of development in young childhood. However, if a child is avoiding certain kinds of food due to sensory characteristics than skilled sensory intervention by an occupational therapy practitioner may be warranted. Research shows that children with "sensory" aversions to food between the ages of0-8 years old are more likely to develop long term selective eating patterns. Long term food aversion impacts nutritional intake which may affect …

Healthcare Key Performance Indicators; A Dha Study In Perception And Importance By Clinical And Non-Clinical Healthcare Professionals At A Large Healthcare System, Jennifer Burchill

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Healthcare systems in the United States are unique structures where compassion for the care of others meets the science of medicine. It is a business, but it is a business with passionate professionals who care about the health of its customers, or patients. While most businesses have one structured financial system, health care contains finance for both the business and the patient.

KPIs or Key Performance Indicators, reported by finance are usually created for revenue driven initiatives with little contact and communication with the clinical teams. KPIs are a prominent driver utilized by health systems and reimbursement agencies to measure …

African American Women’S Perceptions Of A Group Based, Diabetic Medical Nutritional Therapy Intervention: A Qualitative Study, Megan Mcmahon, Laura Gray

DNP Projects

Background: African American women exhibit lower rates of attaining recommended diabetes management goals such as optimal blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure numbers compared to other racial and gender groups. As a result, they bear a disproportionate burden of the adverse outcomes associated with poorly managed type 2 diabetes, including increased complications and mortality rates compared to other demographic groups. Despite favorable qualitative findings regarding group-based interventions for African American women with other chronic diseases, a notable gap in the literature exists regarding the women’s perceptions of a group-based medical nutritional therapy tailored to type 2 diabetes. Purpose: This scholarly …

Investigating The Antibacterial Properties Of Nanostructured Aluminum Surface, Quinshell Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Bacterial infections are a major public health concern. Bacterial infection can occur in any part of the body and can also cause the body to respond to its presence. Bacteria can be transferred to humans through water, food, air, and living vectors. The modes of transmission for bacterial infections are vectors, airborne, physical contact, and droplets. Current preventative measures have been put in place to combat this issue. These preventative measures include immunization of both animals and humans, personal hygiene measures, biocidal agents, and essential oils. Bacterial resistance has occurred due to these preventative measures being misused and overused. Bacteria …

Obesity Promotes The Ceramide-Mediated Nadph Oxidase In Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Weiyuan Wang, Rachel Sabol, Alexus Day, Tamara Hathorn, Maria Clark, Sara Connell, Elana Mantis, Mariam Traore, Jacqueline Sicilano, Emma Arsenault, Noelle Labrecque, Emily Sullivan, Andrea Cote, Paul Toran, Brian Barth

Faculty, Staff, and Students

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer of the myeloid cell lineage. Obesity is characterized by an increase in body weight that results in excessive fat accumulation. Obesity has been associated with an increased incidence of many cancers, including blood cancers. This study evaluated the role obesity in AML progression in a novel transgenic mouse model developed by crossing Flt3ITD mice with Lepob/ob mice. Leukemia burden was augmented in obese AML mice. In addition, it was determined that obesity upregulated the ceramide-mediated and ceramide-1-phosphate-mediated NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2). Notably, increased oxidative pathways has been attributed to disease …