Digital Commons Network^™

Micro- And Nano-Plastics Preparation And Their Impact On Cobetia Marina, Lauren Lamothe

Open Access Master's Theses

Plastic pollution has become an increasing threat to marine and coastal environments. Macroplastics derived from consumer waste are broken down by chemical and physical degradation processes, resulting in micro- and nano-plastics (MPs and NPs). This thesis presents an investigation into the MP and NP pollution in the sea surface microlayer (SSML). The SSML contains surface active compounds and natural and anthropogenic matter. This study provides insight into the deeper impacts on the transport and fate of MPs and NPs and on marine bacteria. The first chapter works through the breakdown of plastic particles with the use of a top-down approach …

Plastics And Their Interactions With Bacterial Biofilms Of Synechococcus Sp. Pcc 7002 And Escherichia Coli Nissle 1917, Jackson Zmich

Open Access Master's Theses

Plastic waste is a leading global pollutant with increasing concerns, as recent studies have shown that these wastes are not only concentrated on a macro scale but on a micro and nano scale. These micro- and nano- sized plastic particles, denoted as MPs and NPs, have been measured in marine and freshwater sources, air, food products, and within biosolids expelled from organisms, including humans. Due to their small size, MNPs are entering organisms through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal absorption. [1] Humans are ingesting MNPs daily, with median rates of approximately 200 ng/capita/day for children and 600 ng/capita/day for adults. [2] …

Little Problems: Photosynthetic Textile Treatments As A Source Of Oxygen, Morgan Campbell

Open Access Master's Theses

During human space travel, oxygen (O2) must be stored and carried aboard the shuttle for the entire journey; compressed O2 is highly flammable and combustible, thus doing so puts the crew’s lives at risk in the event of a fire (Mandel, 2019). By creating O2 onsite, the necessity of compressed O2 canisters and the associated risks can be reduced or erased entirely. Photosynthesis, the process through which plants convert atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) into O2, is one method of creating O2 (Lorch, 2020). The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has experimented with photosynthetic O2 systems since its inception but …

Assisted Living, Residential Care, And Memory Care Staffing Level Dynamics: Oregon, 2017–2023, Sarah Dys, Ozcan Tunalilar

Institute on Aging Publications

Objectives

To examine changes in staffing levels over time in Oregon assisted living and residential care (AL/RC) communities between 2017 and 2023.

Design

Longitudinal study of licensed AL/RC communities.

Setting and Participants

A total of 1720 setting-year observations from 535 individual AL/RC communities in Oregon between 2017 and 2023.

Methods

Primary data were collected through the Oregon Community-Based Care (CBC) study. Staffing levels were estimated as care staff hours per resident per day and reported overall and by staff type, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, certified medication aides, unlicensed care staff, life enrichment staff, and social …

Week 96 Results Of Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide For Hiv Treatment In People With Substance Use Disorders, Joshua P. Havens, Sara Bares, Elizabeth Lyden, Nada A. Fadul, Susan Swindells

Journal Articles: Infectious Diseases

BACKGROUND: The BASE study (NCT03998176), a phase 4, 48-week (W), single-arm, prospective trial, revealed that the use of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) in people with HIV and substance use disorders (PWH/SUD) was safe and effective without emergent antiretroviral resistance despite incomplete adherence. Here, we present the W96 results.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all participants enrolled in the BASE study was completed from W48 to W96. End points of interest at W96 included the proportion of participants with viral suppression (VS; HIV RNA < 50 copies/mL [c/mL]), incidence of protocol-defined virologic failure (PDVF; 2 consecutive ≥400 c/mL), safety, adherence (percentage of days covered [PDC]), retention in care, and prevalence of ongoing substance use.

RESULTS: All enrolled BASE participants (n = 43) were included in the W96 analysis. At W48, 21 participants …

Preferences And Feasibility Of Long-Acting Technologies For The Treatment Of Hepatitis C Virus: A Survey Of Patients In Diverse Low- And Middle-Income Countries, Renae Furl, Kimberly Scarsi, Harlan Sayles, Matt Anderson, Joelle Dountio Ofimboudem, Ethel D. Weld, Imam Waked, Asmaa Gomaa, Alzhraa Al-Khatib, Fatma Mohammed Elshobary, Hailemichael Desalegn, Henok Fisseha, Sunil Solomon, Shruti Mehta, Andrew Owen, Steve Rannard, David L. Thomas, Susan Swindells

Journal Articles: Infectious Diseases

Despite available curative treatments, global rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection persist with significant burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Long-acting (LA) antiviral products are in development. This study explored the challenges and opportunities in LA-HCV treatment across three LMICs: Egypt, Ethiopia and India. The survey focused on understanding barriers and facilitators to treatment, with emphasis on LA treatment preferences. Four-hundred respondents completed a survey including demographics, HCV treatment history and preferences for injections, implants and microarray patches (MAPs) compared to pills. Overall, 78% of respondents were willing to receive injections, 43% were willing to receive implants and …

Pregnancy Outcomes After Exposure To Tuberculosis Treatment In Phase 3 Clinical Trial, 2016-2020, Ekaterina V. Kurbatova, William C. Whitworth, Kia E. Bryant, Meredith G. Dixon, Kelly E. Dooley, Nigel A. Scott, Rosanna Boyd, Nicole E. Brown, Kimberley N. Chapman Hedges, Wendy Carr, Lakshmi P. Peddareddy, Grace Muzanyi, Rodney Dawson, Ziyad Waja, Neil Martinson, Jyoti S. V. Mathad, Payam Nahid, Susan Swindells, Richard E. Chaisson, Susan E. Dorman, Patrick P. J. Phillips, Aids Clinical Trials Group A5349, Tuberculosis Trials Consortium Study 31

Journal Articles: Infectious Diseases

A previous study demonstrated noninferior efficacy of 4-month rifapentine/moxifloxacin regimen for tuberculosis (TB) treatment compared with the standard regimen. We analyzed pregnancy outcomes of women who became pregnant during the study. Among 740 women, 97 (13.1%) became pregnant. Of 102 pregnancies (in 97 participants), 30 (29.4%) participants were exposed to study drugs. Fetal loss was reported for 3/13 (23.1%) in the control regimen, 1/9 (11.1%) in the rifapentine/moxifloxacin regimen, and 1/8 (12.5%) in the rifapentine regimen. Among 21 live births in exposed pregnancies (7 in each arm), 1 infant with a congenital anomaly was reported in a participant on the …

On! Original Flavor Oral Nicotine Pouch Characterization: Biorelevant In Vitro Nicotine Release Apparatus Assessment, Jason C. Funderburk, Melissa Morgan, Maria Lasaosa Garcia, Andreas S. L. Mendez, Matthew S. Halquist

Graduate Research Posters

Background: Oral nicotine pouch (ONP) use is rising. The sales of ONPs in 2019 were 126 million units, increasing to 808 million units in 2022. Understanding ONP in vitro release is critical for assessing exposure to ONP products.

Methods: The commercial brand ON! ONPs with nicotine label claims of 2, 4, and 8 mg, were evaluated in vitro for cumulative nicotine release using the bidirectional transmucosal apparatus (BTA) for 90 minutes. Nicotine quantification was performed by HPLC-PDA. For pH determination, ONP samples were prepared in water or artificial saliva (pH 6.8) with measurements for 30 minutes. BTA results were compared …

Counselors’ Role In Supporting Lgbtgeqiap+ Teens Living In The Foster Care System, Elizabeth K. Kurt

Graduate Research Posters

Background: Queer youth in the United States are overrepresented and simultaneously unseen in the foster care system. They experience more negative mental health outcomes than their non-queer peers, and the child welfare system does not always provide safe or affirming care for these marginalized youth. LGBTGEQIAP+ teens are placed in congregate care at high rates and face a myriad of challenges in these settings that exasperate existing mental health concerns. This poster examines the injustices of out-of-home care and the maltreatment that gender and sexual minority youth experience in the foster care system, as well as exploring factors that improve …

Barriers To Postpartum Depression Treatment: Availability And Accessibility Of Maternal Behavioral Health-Inclusive Support Groups For Low-Income Populations, Radhika S. Venkatesan

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The maternal health crisis is a prevalent and concerning issue in the United States. The lack of efficient availability and accessibility to health care services plays a significant role in augmenting this problem. One health care service that is often understudied is support groups, for prevalent issues like postpartum depression. Considering the socioeconomic burdens of low-income mothers, this paper analyzed the accessibility and availability of maternal health support groups across counties in Florida, with varying amounts of individuals below the federal poverty level (%BPL). Essentially, Florida counties were divided into one of four categories depending on their %BPL. A Fisher’s …

Prospective Evaluation Of Plasma Proteins In Relation To Surgical Endometriosis Diagnosis In The Nurses’ Health Study Ii, Naoko Sasamoto, Long H. Ngo, Allison F. Vitonis, Simon T. Dillon, Maryam Aziz, Amy Shafrir, Stacey A. Missmer, Towia A. Libermann, Kathryn L Terry

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Clinician Perspectives On Incorporating Physical Activity And Sleep Prescriptions Using Ehealth For Youth With Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders: Qualitative Focus Group Study, Alyssa M. Button, James Slavet, Amanda E. Staiano, April Bowling

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Physical activity and sleep prescriptions are indicated for the treatment of psychiatric disorders among youth. However, there is limited clinical adoption of these practices. Exergaming (ie, games that require physical activity) is a feasible intervention to promote physical activity and sleep hygiene and is appealing to youth given their interest in video gaming. Integrating exergaming prescriptions into clinical mental health practices may offer an opportunity to expand access to these interventions, yet pragmatic considerations for adopting these programs are poorly understood.

Objective: This study aimed to gain feedback from practicing clinicians on adopting GamerFit, an app-based intervention that incorporates …

Development Of A Bean Cookbook To Assist Families With Low Income Utilize Legumes Provided In Nutrition Assistance Programs, Kira Moneke

Health and Nutritional Sciences Graduate Students Plan B Capstone Projects

Introduction: This project aimed to create a cookbook designed to help individuals receiving food assistance through programs like WIC, FDPIR, TEFAP, SNAP, and local food pantries, utilize beans, peas, and legumes in their meals. The focus was on providing easy, accessible recipes using six different types of beans to improve diet quality.
Methods: The cookbook was developed considering limited cooking skills, equipment, literacy, and time that may be barriers to preparing healthy food for low-income adults. Selected recipes were compiled into an educational cookbook.
Results: Recipes were tested and developed for six types of beans and aquafaba. …

Assessing The Prevalence Of Food Security Among South Dakotan Families Who Have Children With Disabilities, Erica Declark

Health and Nutritional Sciences Graduate Students Plan B Capstone Projects

Background
Almost 13% of U.S. families experienced food insecurity in 2022; i.e., an inability to acquire enough food to meet household members’ needs. Many factors can influence food security status, such as environmental conditions, social factors, and financial costs. Families with children who have disabilities may be at higher risk for food insecurity due to additional financial stressors related to these children’s care.
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of food insecurity among South Dakota families who have children with disabilities. We hypothesized that South Dakota families with children with disabilities are at an increased …

Out-Of-Pocket Healthcare Expenses Are Associated With Food Insecurity Among South Dakotan Families Who Have Children With Disabilities, Halie E. Kruid

Health and Nutritional Sciences Graduate Students Plan B Capstone Projects

Background
In 2023, 17.9 percent (6.5 million) of households with children experienced household food insecurity, i.e., an inability to acquire enough food to meet household members’ needs. Many socioeconomic factors can influence food security status, such as environmental conditions, social factors, and financial costs. Families with children with disabilities (CWD) may be at higher risk for food insecurity due to additional financial stressors related to these children’s care.
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of food insecurity, as well as the medical and financial factors associated with an increased food insecurity prevalence, among South Dakota …

Healthaide: Developing An Audit Framework For Ai-Generated Online Health Information, Tahir Hameed

Management Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Benefits Of Early Intervention With A Certified Lymphedema Therapist For Management Of Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome (Rfs) And Axillary Web Syndrome (Aws) In Breast Cancer Patients, June Leary, June Leary

Capstone Showcase

All breast cancer treatment leads to soft tissue changes in the treated quadrant. While these changes are chronic, they are also identifiable and manageable with care from an appropriate provider. Scarring, lymphedema, radiation fibrosis syndrome (RFS), and axillary web syndrome (AWS) may all be part of the post-treatment soft tissue changes for a breast cancer survivor.

Familiarity with the likely presentation and lifelong management of a patient’s specific symptom burden is crucial. While any physical therapist can rehabilitate the neuropathies, shoulder pain, postural dysfunction, or other numerous orthopedic issues that may occur, there is an acknowledged deficit in the treatment …

Myrtillin As A Promising Immunomodulator: Molecular Modeling And Pharmacokinetic Evaluation, Adolat Manakbayeva, Timur Kerimov, I D. Ershov, E. I. Anarkulova, Pavel Alexyuk, Y Moldakhanov, Ahdrey P. Bogoyavlenskiy, Vyacheslav Dushenkov

Publications and Research

Myrtillin, an anthocyanin found in blueberry fruits, is known for its antioxidant and potentially immunomodulatory properties. In this study, molecular docking was used to evaluate its interactions with a wide panel of immune-related proteins, including pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17), antiinflammatory mediators (IL-4, IL-10), and signaling pathway proteins (1NFK, p52/RelB). The in silico results were supported by interaction analysis, and an ADMET analysis was conducted to assess the pharmacokinetic and toxicological profile. The findings confirm the promise of Myrtillin as a natural modulator of inflammatory responses.

Fp-25-18 Recent Marriages To Same-Sex And Different-Sex Couples: Marital History And Age At Marriage, 2023, Christopher A. Julian, Krista K. Westrick-Payne, Wendy D. Manning

National Center for Family and Marriage Research Family Profiles

No abstract provided.

Fp-25-26 Thirty-Five Years Of Changing Cohabitation Experience In The U.S., 1987-2022, Wendy D. Manning, Krista K. Westrick-Payne

National Center for Family and Marriage Research Family Profiles

No abstract provided.

Fp-25-28 Distributions Of Age At First Birth, 1960-2023, Christopher A. Julian, Wendy D. Manning

National Center for Family and Marriage Research Family Profiles

No abstract provided.

Fp-25-30 Refined Marriage Rate In The U.S.: Geographic Variation, 2024, Krista K. Westrick-Payne

National Center for Family and Marriage Research Family Profiles

No abstract provided.

Fp-25-31 Refined Divorce Rate In The U.S.: Geographic Variation, 2024, Krista K. Westrick-Payne

National Center for Family and Marriage Research Family Profiles

No abstract provided.

Fp-25-32 Marriage-Divorce Ratio In The U.S.: Geographic Variation, 2024, Krista K. Westrick-Payne

National Center for Family and Marriage Research Family Profiles

No abstract provided.

Fp-25-33 Number Of Children Living In Households Headed By Same-Sex And Different-Sex Couples, 2023, Christopher A. Julian, Krista K. Westrick-Payne, Wendy D. Manning

National Center for Family and Marriage Research Family Profiles

No abstract provided.

Fp-25-34 Older Parents’ Expectations Of Care From Children By Parents’ Nativity Status, Race, And Educational Attainment, Elisa Hernandez, Jaycob Applegate, Jenjira Yahirun

National Center for Family and Marriage Research Family Profiles

No abstract provided.

Curbing Harmful Force: Mandatory Jiu-Jitsu Training For Police, Mason Arent

Public Interest Law Reporter

No abstract provided.

From Choice To Justice: Examining The Intertwined Oppression Of Abortion Restriction And Family Policing, Casey Callahan

Public Interest Law Reporter

No abstract provided.

The Cbp One App: A Virtual Manifestation Of The American Government's Failure To Uphold Its Moral And Legal Obligations To Asylum Seekers, Joseph Choe

Public Interest Law Reporter

No abstract provided.

Terrorizing Who? Luigi Mangione's Terrorism Charge And The Threat To Capital, Julia Hopkins

Public Interest Law Reporter

No abstract provided.