Digital Commons Network^™

The Long Shadow Of Infection: The Long-Term Implications Of Herpes Simplex Virus And M. Tuberculosis Infection, Lydia Howell

Theses and Dissertations

Infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and type 1 diabetes (T1D), have traditionally been seen as distinct, with separate etiologies and courses of disease. Recent research has shown that infection and autoimmune disease are more closely woven together than previously thought; certain pathogens like Epstein-Barr virus and M. tuberculosis have been shown to cause long-term disruption to the immune system, for example (Bordignon et al 2011, #1) (Zhang et al 2023, #2) (Bjornevik et al 2023, #3). Conversely, a distinct pattern has emerged in developed countries where as rates of infection fall, rates of autoimmune disease …

The Relationships Between Binge-Watching Behavior, Content Familiarity, Depression, And Anxiety, Emma Miller

Master's Theses & Other Graduate Student Works

This December 2024 Master of Science in Psychology thesis at Lipscomb University analyzes how binge-watching has become a dominant media consumption behavior, yet its psychological impacts remain understudied. This thesis examines the relationships between binge-watching behavior, content familiarity, depression, and anxiety, with a focus on whether familiarity moderates mental health outcomes. A sample of 94 participants completed surveys measuring binge-watching habits, content familiarity, and mental health indicators using the CES-D and SCAARED scales. Results from multiple regression analyses indicated that age, content familiarity, and viewing context significantly predicted depression, while only age predicted anxiety. Notably, participants who binge-watched familiar content …

The Oak Springs Biker, Sarah Rogers

Master's Projects

More often than not in teen or young adult-oriented media, the characters and circumstances are ordinarily categorized into archetypes to replicate real-life conditions. Said archetypes in turn periodically portray fabricated or discrediting representations of certain individuals and characteristics, which is what prompted me to revert these representations (specifically those of adolescent characters and contexts) through an artistic, potent deliverable: a screenplay. My screenplay, The Oak Springs Biker, explores numerous adolescents' narratives within a reputable, correctional boarding school, and how these adolescents' lives intersect amid their personal growth and evolvement journeys. Procedurally, I examined six films and their respective screenplays, …

Induction Of Tier 2 Hiv-Neutralizing Iga Antibodies In Rhesus Macaques Vaccinated With Bg505.664 Sosip, Justin C. Smith, Prabhu S. Arunachalam, Traci H. Legere, Lisa A. Cavacini, Eric Hunter, Bali Pulendran, Rama R. Amara, Pamela A. Kozlowski

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: A goal of mucosal human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccines is to generate mucosal plasma cells producing polymeric IgA (pIgA)-neutralizing antibodies at sites of viral entry. However, vaccine immunogens capable of eliciting IgA neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) that recognize tier 2 viral isolates have not yet been identified. METHODS: To determine if stabilized native-like HIV-1 envelope (Env) trimers could generate IgA nAbs, we purified total IgA and IgG from the banked sera of six rhesus macaques that had been found in a previous study to develop serum nAbs after subcutaneous immunization with BG505.664 SOSIP and 3M-052 adjuvant, which is …

Improving Elementary Fluency Instruction Through Professional Learning And Development, Katherine Paulsen

Masters Projects

Research has proven that reading fluency is an important bridging process between word recognition and comprehension for early readers. However, many students in elementary classrooms across the United States struggle with the ability to read with sufficient accuracy, rate, and expression to make sense of the text they are reading. Additionally, many curricula, assessments, and professional development programs do not sufficiently incorporate reading fluency instruction, leaving teachers and students without adequate knowledge about and practice of reading fluency. This project explores history, theories, and research-based practices that support reading fluency development. It also explores research behind the importance of effective …

Staff Education On De-Escalation Techniques To Ensure Minimal Use Of Physical Restraints And Increase Knowledge Of Evidence-Based De-Escalation Techniques., Titilayo T. Ilori

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctor of nursing staff education project focused on training health care staff members who lack knowledge of de-escalation techniques at a living facility. The practice-focused question centered on whether staff education on using de-escalation techniques can increase staff knowledge, with the overall goal to reduce the use of physical restraints in a living facility. Twenty health care workers, including nurses, support staff, and managers, voluntarily participated in the project. I created a PowerPoint presentation with input from experts and then created a 10-question, multiple choice, pre- and posttest. I presented an in-person 60-minute education training to the voluntary participants. …

Staff Education On Multidrug-Resistant Organisms And Infection Control And Prevention Practices In Long-Term Care Settings, Tanza Hester-Pugh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In long-term care (LTC) settings, common causes of morbidity among residents are caused primarily by healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). It is essential to address the practice problem of knowledge deficits of the appropriate infection control and prevention practices for multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in LTC settings to mitigate this risk and provide safe and quality care to provide optimal patient outcomes. Hence, this doctoral project’s purpose was to develop and implement a staff education project to increase nursing staff knowledge of the appropriate infection control and prevention practices for LTC settings to achieve safe and optimal patient outcomes. The project addressed the …

Examining The Relationship Between Personality, Values, And Treatment Retention In Substance Abuse Programs: A Quantitative Correlation Analysis, Jonathan Ciampi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) continues to be a global issue with devasting effects on the community, loved ones, and individuals suffering from SUD. Healthcare professionals continue to develop improved treatments for addressing patient needs, yet treatment abandonment remains high. While studies have examined treatment retention factors, few have examined the relationship between personality traits, values, and treatment retention. This study examined the relationship between the five-factor model of personality traits, the theory of formal axiology of values, and the days in treatment for adults in a telehealth substance abuse outpatient clinic in the United States. The study assessed the combined …

Executive Summary: Staff Education Project Staff Education On Mental Health First Aid To Improve Staff Knowledge Of The Identification, Understanding, And Response To Patients Experiencing Mental Health, Vashawn Mosley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary This evidence-based staff education project on Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) was implemented to improve staff knowledge on how to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. Current annual training for mental health staff covers response techniques when patients experience mental health crises that have already escalated to the point of physical aggression. The MHFA education program helps staff understand mental health and substance abuse disorders, ultimately improving chances of preventing escalation. The practice-focused question for this project was: Among mental health professionals at a rural mental health organization, what is the impact …

Characterizing Full-Time, Non-Tenure-Track Teaching Faculty In Biology, Desiree Forsythe, Jeremy L. Hsu

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Institutions of higher education play a major role in teaching undergraduate students. Historically, most courses have been taught by tenure-track (TT) faculty who may also be responsible for research or scholarly activities. However, a recent shift from “teaching-intensive” TT faculty to “teaching-only” contingent faculty off the tenure track has highlighted the importance of understanding the experiences of contingent faculty. While there have been an increasing number of studies examining the experiences of part-time contingent faculty, few studies have directly surveyed the increasing number of full-time, non-tenure-track (NTT) teaching faculty in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to capture their experiences, …

Empowering Staff Through Trauma-Informed Care: A Quality Improvement Initiative For Enhancing Patient Satisfaction And Care Delivery, Ijezie G. Anozie

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

The quality improvement project aimed to implement a Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) care delivery model to increase patient satisfaction with their hospital experience. Increasing patient satisfaction was measured by the Net Promoter Score (NPS), and improvement would be evidenced by an increase of 40% (NPS) within four months of the implementation of trauma-informed care (TIC) principles in the inpatient psychiatric facility. The NPS served as a proxy measure for the successful implementation of this quality improvement project. The intervention integrated TIC training through the HealthStream platform, a skills fair, interactive sessions, a guidebook, and continuous data monitoring. Weekly meetings, educational materials, …

Molecular Docking Simulation Of Bioactive Compounds From Curcuma Longa Against Helicobacter Pylori, Alex J. Mbise, Pulapa V. Kanaka Rao, F.M. Stanley

Tanzania Journal of Science

Peptic ulcers are open sores that form on the lining of the stomach and upper small intestine and the primary causative pathogen is Helicobacter pylori. In this research, the inhibitory activities of bioactive compounds from Curcuma longa, against H. pylori (8H52) were studied. Eighty-three significant bioactive compounds were selected from the Zinc database and were initially screened using absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity properties based on compliance with the Pfizer rule. Molecular docking studies were carried out with specific docking site dimensions of values x: -37.3658, y: -4.1028, and z: -22.8563, to identify the binding affinities and interactions. Ten …

Exploration In Cell Growth: Rac3 And Its Effect On Ewing Sarcomas Tumorigenic Properties, Allie Woods, Samuel De La Cruz, Catherine Garcia, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

Multiple experiments were conducted to measure the effectiveness of certain genes on cell growth. In the exploration of this process, RAC3 acted as the target gene and was applied to both SOX18 overexpressing and normal expressing cells (control). RAC3 is a gene that typically controls the intercellular signaling pathway of a cell. This means it helps with the movement of cells and allows for migration.The purpose of these experiments were to determine how the gene RAC3 would work when introduced to carcinogenic cells, specifically Ewing Sarcoma. Typically, RAC3 acts as a messenger for the cell, but when in conjunction with …

The Effect Of Knockdown Of Gene Kit On Sox18 Gene Expression Through The Jak2/Stat3 Signaling Pathway Within An Ewing Sarcoma Cell, Samantha Aragon, Cristina Herrera, Felicity Rodriguez, Riley Smith, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive cancer that affects children & adolescents. Common treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, yet individuals have a poor survival rate and often develop side effects from treatment, including fertility issues, secondary cancer, heart problems, and growth abnormalities.1SOX18 is a gene identified to aid in cell proliferation and cell differentiation, leading to the development of several cancers, such as gastric, bladder, and lung cancer.2,3 SOX18 resides in the JAK2/STAT3 pathway as a regulator, along with another gene named KIT that instigates the formation of the cell signaling pathway.4KIT is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase, which instigates cell …

The Effects Of Ewing Sarcoma Through The Overexpression And Knockdown Of Transcription Factors Sox18 And Stat1, Victoria Castillo, Melany Cervantes, Nicole Robles, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

SOX18, a transcription factor with a DNA-binding HMG domain, plays a critical role in regulatory processes linked to cancer progression. Exhibiting oncogenic properties, SOX18 has been linked to various cancers, where it promotes tumor growth by enhancing cell invasion, uncontrolled proliferation, and resistance to apoptosis through dysregulated signaling pathways. STAT1, a protein crucial for immune system regulation, is prominently expressed in immune-associated tissues like the lymph nodes, and bone marrow, suggesting it could play a role in tumor growth. Ewing Sarcoma (EWS), an aggressive cancer that targets bone and soft tissue, carries a high mortality rate of 90% without treatment …

Assessment Of Bite Force And Masseter And Temporal Muscles Thickness In Adult Women Undergoing Buccal Fat Pad Removal Surgery–Bichectomy, Thamyres Branco, Marcelo Palinkas, Alice Helena De Lima Santos Cardoso, Nicole Barbosa Bettiol, Paulo Batista De Vasconcelos, Gabriella Simi Gariba Silva, Jéssica Brandani Chiaratto, Patricia Santos De Lima, Samuel Porfírio Xavier, Isabela Hallak Regalo, Selma Siéssere, Simone Cecilio Hallak Regalo

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: Bichectomy, a surgical procedure that removes the buccal fat pad, can affect masticatory function, including bite force and muscle thickness, in adult women. This study aimed to assess the bite force as well as masseter and temporal muscle thicknesses before and 30 and 60 days after bichectomy in adult women. Methods: This longitudinal study included a sample of 20 adult women (mean age 31.1 ± 9.84 years), with normal occlusion and no history of temporomandibular disorder. The molar bite force was assessed using a dynamometer, while the masseter and temporal muscle thicknesses at rest and during dental …

Characterization Of Fresh Bovine Amnion Membrane Combined With Hydroxyapatite As Candidate Scaffold For Alveolar Bone Tissue Engineering, Octarina Octarina, Elly Munadziroh

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: This research aims to analyze the characteristics of a BAM-HA biocomposite with ratios of 4:1 and 4:2. Methods: This research is an in vitro laboratory experiment that starts by grinding fresh BAM to produce amnion slurry and then, adding HA powder to the slurry and carrying out freeze-drying on the slurry. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscope-Energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) tests are used to analyze the characteristics of the BAM-HA biocomposite. Results: The FTIR test results showed that the BAM-HA biocomposite had amide functional groups I, II, III, A, B, OH, CO_{3 …}

The Accuracy Of Detection And Diagnosis Of Oral Lesions By Clinical Dental Students, Carinna Tirtania, Dewi Priandini, Najla Nadiah, Indrayadi Gunardi, Hrishikesh Sathyamoorthy

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: To determine the accuracy of diagnosing oral lesions through clinical photos taken by clinical dental students (CDS). Methods: The observational analytic study was conducted on 100 CDS to evaluate 140 clinical photos of oral lesions. The gold standard was evaluated by three oral medicine specialists. Data analysis will be performed using accuracy and kappa tests. Results: The accuracy rate of lesion detection in CDS is high (88.55%) with substantial agreement (κ = 0.66). However, the accuracy rate of diagnosis is low (38.21%) with no agreement (κ = -0.30). Participation in the clinical Oral Medicine module positively …

Histomorphometric Assessment Of Vibrational Forces On The Extended Midpalatal Suture, Aylin Pasaoglu Bozkurt, Özge Özdal Zincir, Asli Emincik

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: This study determined the effects of vibrational forces on bone formation in the retention period of an expanded mid-palatal, histomorphometric suture in a rat model. Methods: Twenty-four 7–8- to 8-week-old male Wistar rats weighing 190.25 ± 15.35 g were separated into groups: only expansion (G1), expansion and 30 Hz vibration application (G2), and expansion and 111 Hz vibration application (G3). After 5 days of expansion, there were 12 days of retention. All animals were sacrificed, and their premaxilla were dissected. A histological examination evaluated the number of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and capillaries, the amount of mineralized area, and …

A Case Series Of Successful Root Amputations And Hemisection: Retaining Compromised Teeth With Perio-Endodontic Lesion, Mohd Nazrin Isa, Nurul Ain Ramlan, Afzan Adilah Ayoub, Muhammad Hilmi Zainal Ariffin

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Case report: This case report presents three successful approaches for preserving a tooth through root amputation or hemisection. Patients were referred to the Periodontic Department due to mobility of teeth and swelling of the upper left first molar, upper right first molar and lower right first molar with considerably good oral hygiene. Patients were diagnosed with generalized severe periodontitis associated with perio-endodontic lesions. Therefore, non-surgical root canal treatment (NSRCT) was carried out prior to periodontal treatment, followed by surgical root resection (RR) of the distobuccal (DB) root of the upper left first molar, root resection of the distobuccal (DB) root …

Evaluation Of Repair Bond Strength For Aged Resin-Based Cad/Cam Blocks And Indirect Inlay Composite Materials, Merve Gurses, Sultan Gizem Ulku, Ahmet Erol, Nimet Unlu

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the repair bond strength of aged resin-based CAD/CAM blocks and indirect composites after surface treatment and application of adhesives. Methods: In the study, Lava Ultimate, Ceresmart, Filtek Z550, Filtek Ultimate, and Estelite Quick restorative materials; SE Bond, and Optibond XTR adhesives were used. For surface treatments, 37% orthophosphoric acid and 9% hydrofluoric acid were applied. In the control groups, only adhesive was applied. After repair restorations, the shear bond strength test was applied. Results: In the Lava group of SE Bond, the bonding values of the samples treated with 9% hydrofluoric …

Impact Of Diabetes Mellitus On Oral Health And Oral Health-Related Quality Of Life In Older Adults In A Malaysian Healthcare Facility, Nur Aisyah Muntadar, Nur Camelia Azlyn Kamarol Adlee, Eleena Mohd Yusof

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: To investigate the association between oral health status and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in older adults with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: A cross-sectional study involving participants aged 60 and above from a Malaysian healthcare facility utilized structured interviews using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire. Intraoral assessments, including BPE, DMFT index, evaluation of edentulism and assessment of restoration/denture type/quality, were conducted. Statistical analysis included independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, nonparametric, and correlation coefficient tests. Results: Among 69 participants (36 with DM, 33 without), with a mean age of 65.97 years, no significant …

Knowledge, Attitude, Oral Hygiene Practice And Self-Perception On Periodontal Health Among Older Adult Population In Malaysia, Annabel Shanta Edwin Thomas, Haslina Taib, Zurairah Berahim, Siti Lailatul Akmar Zainuddin, Munirah Mohd Adnan

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, oral hygiene practice, and self-perception of periodontal health among the older adult population in Malaysia and its association with demographic factors. Methods: An online questionnaire assessing their knowledge, attitude, oral hygiene practices, and self-perception of periodontal disease was distributed to adults aged 50 years and above. Results: 397 respondents participated. The mean knowledge score was 1.36 (SD 0.92), significantly associated with gender, ethnicity, education, and occupation. About 63% of respondents know that poor oral hygiene is related to general health and is significantly associated with ethnicity (p = …

Role Of Vitamin E And Vitamin A On Severity Of Oral Mucositis Caused By Chemotherapy - A Randomized Double-Blind Cross-Over Clinical Trial, Hossein Gholami, Tahereh Ahrari Roodi, Mohamad Amir Mohamadifard, Leili Alizadeh

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of these vitamins in reducing chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis through a randomized, double-blind, cross-over clinical trial. Methods: This study involved 20 participants, primarily female (70%), with an average age of 52.2 years. Participants first received oral vitamin E and A with chemotherapy, followed by a placebo. The severity of mucositis and pain responses were assessed at the start of the study and at 7-, 14-, and 21-day post-treatment initiation. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software with a significance level of 0.05. Results: Twenty patients,14 (70%) females, with a mean …

Effectiveness Of Mucoadhesive Patch Clitoria Ternatea Extract In Wound Healing Process After Tooth Extraction In Sprague Dawley Rats, Rahma Ika Amalia, Wahyu Prastiya, Nur Meirawati, Helmi Hirawan, Dwi Nur Indah Sari

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mucoadhesive patch clitoria ternatea extract for wound healing post-tooth extraction. Methods: The research was carried out experimentally in a laboratory. 30 Sprague Dawley rats were selected and randomly divided into mucoadhesive patch clitoria ternatea (MPCT) 5%, 10%, 15%, positive and negative control groups. The upper incisors of rats were extracted and treated once a day for 7 and 14 days. Wound healing was observed based on histological observation (fibroblasts, collagen density, and epithelial thickness). Data was analyzed statistically. Results: MPCT 15% applied for 14 days showed the highest …

Treatment Of Odontogenic Cysts Using A Minimally Invasive Approach: A Case Series From Vietnam, Minh Hang Luong, Vo Truong Nhu Ngoc, Tien Dat Cung, Hau Bau Tran, Quang Minh Luu, Huu Huynh Nguyen, Thao Phuong Tran

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of decompression as a treatment approach for radicular cysts in five pediatric patients. Case report: 5 pediatric patients with five cystic lesions from 6 to 11 years old diagnosed with radicular cysts were treated by decompression. Clinical and radiograph data from pre- and post-surgery were collected and analyzed. Complete resolution of all cystic lesions and simultaneous eruption of impacted teeth within the cyst were managed. The mean follow-up time is 25.6 months, and no recurrences were observed. Conclusion: Decompression should be considered a preferred treatment for cystic lesions in children, as it has …

The Link December 10, 2024, Access To Justice Institute

The Link Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome With Liver Injury Due To Phenytoin: A Case Report, Lorettha Wijaya, Stella Adevita, Steven Alvianto, Yoseveline Christiani, Alius Cahyadi, Raesa Yolanda

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) is a rare and severe systemic drug reaction characterized by skin involvement, internal organ complications, and hematologic disorders. Management of this condition is challenging due to its wide range of cutaneous manifestations and 10% mortality rate.

Case Illustration: A 52-year-old male presented with widespread redness throughout his body with a prior history of regular phenytoin consumption. The rash continued to spread despite the patient’s abrupt discontinuation of the suspected medication. He was diagnosed with atypical DIHS according to J-SCAR criteria and was given high-dose corticosteroid. Drastic clinical improvement was observed after nine days of therapy, …

From Ballot Box To Mailbox: The Effect Of Vote-By-Mail In Municipal Elections In Utah, Asia L. Reid

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

This study examines the impact of vote-by-mail (VBM) on voter turnout in Utah from 2010–2020, focusing on municipal elections. VBM increased turnout by approximately 10 percentage points (p < 0.001), with the strongest effects in mayoral and special elections, nearly doubling turnout in some cases. While VBM’s impact on national elections is negligible, it plays a crucial role in increasing participation in local elections, where turnout is traditionally lower. These findings highlight VBM’s potential to enhance civic engagement in municipal contexts.

Directed Evolution Of Hedgehog Protein Autoprocessing Activity: Combined Experimental & Computational Approach, Ted Kuke

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Sonic hedgehog protein is vital for embryonic development while also being linked to multiple cancers and holoprosencephaly. The native reaction of hedgehog is a sterolysis reaction whereby cholesterol binds to the HhC catalytic domain and attacks the HhN signaling domain, resulting in a covalent HhN-cholesterol signaling product. The structure of the sterol recognition region (SRR) of Sonic Hedgehog, where cholesterol binds, is currently unknown. In this thesis, I used directed evolution to select a triple mutant of Hedgehog’s catalytic HhC domain, (D46H, Q150H, A196T), which is over 5000 times more catalytically efficient at reacting with epicoprostanol (ECP), a non-native substrate …