Digital Commons Network^™

Impact Of Altering Gut Microbiota With Multinutrient Supplementation On Neuropsychiatric Symptoms In Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Benjamin Hinkle

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neuropsychiatric condition affecting children, often characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Recent evidence suggests a potential link between gut microbiota composition and neuropsychiatric disorders, including ADHD, through the gut-brain axis (GBA). A literature review of studies published between 2017 and 2024 explores the efficacy of multinutrient interventions on influencing gut microbiota to treat the core symptoms of ADHD in children ages 6-12 years old. Findings indicate that multinutrient supplementation may modulate gut microbiota and subsequently impact neuropsychiatric symptoms, offering a promising adjunctive treatment for ADHD. However, variability in study methodologies and small sample sizes …

Pharmacological Treatment Options For Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Resmetirom Vs Glp- 1 Receptor Agonists, Debbie Zabel

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

The incidence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is continually rising and has now emerged as one of the leading causes of cirrhosis requiring liver transplantation (Maurice et al., 2018). Until recently, the management of this disease has been limited to lifestyle modification and treatment of comorbid risk factors. In March 2024, the FDA approved resmetirom, the first and only medication for the treatment of this condition. The purpose of this literature review is to investigate the efficacy of GLP-1 and dual GLP/GIP or GLP/GCGR receptor agonist medications for the reduction of liver fat content in comparison to resmetirom. A literature review …

Safety And Efficacy Of Combined Glucosamine And Chondroitin Supplementation In Osteoarthritis, Klayton Johnson

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

According to the CDC, over 30 million adults in the United States have osteoarthritis, many of whom experience pain, stiffness, and swelling that hinder daily activities. Typical treatment consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are associated with gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular risks. This literature review examines key research on glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation to provide a comprehensive understanding of its impact on adults with osteoarthritis. A literature search was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. Keywords and MeSH terms were used to identify studies discussing the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin as a potential alternative, effective, …

Prevalence And Patterns Of Opioid Use In Chronic Pancreatitis, Anna Evans Phillips, Darwin L Conwell, Shuang Li, Jami L Saloman, Phil A Hart, Evan L Fogel, Santhi Swaroop Vege, Dana K Andersen, William E Fisher, Christopher E Forsmark, Stephen Pandol, Walter G Park, Mark D Topazian, Stephen K Van Den Eeden, Jose Serrano, Liang Li, Dhiraj Yadav

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Opioids are used to treat pain in chronic pancreatitis (CP), but little is known about current use patterns. The aim of this study was to characterize the utilization of opioids and associations with clinical characteristics in adult patients with CP.

Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used baseline data from participants with definite CP enrolled in a cohort study in the United States (PROspective Evaluation of CP for EpidEmiologic and Translational StuDies). Data on demographics, pain medication use, healthcare utilization, disability, and pain patterns were systematically collected in case report forms while quality of life was assessed with patient-reported outcome instruments. …

Equity In Healthcare Service Access, Anvesh Ravipati

Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis Theses, Dissertations, and Student Creative Activity

Disparities in healthcare access between rural and urban populations remain a persistent and pressing challenge in the United States, particularly among vulnerable groups such as individuals with disabilities, racial minorities, and low-income communities. These disparities are shaped by complex interactions among geographic, socioeconomic, and demographic factors, leading to unequal health outcomes and limited access to essential services. This study aims to analyze these disparities over the past decade and regional variations in public insurance utilization. Using a mixed-methods approach, the analysis integrates five national datasets: Small Area Health Insurance Estimates (SAHIE), National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), Area Health Resource Files …

Growth Of Methanogens Using Pyrite As An Energy Source: Implications For Life On Mars, Mckenzie K. Ragan

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The search for life beyond Earth has been the motivating factor for many scientist’s research in the past and currently. Specifically, the efforts have largely been focused on Mars. Mars exhibits qualities that are similar to the life-harboring characteristics of Earth, creating the possibility for life to exist on Mars. Mars’ subsurface conditions may be ideal for specific microorganisms to thrive, providing a haven away from the harsh surface conditions (Mancinelli, 2000). It is known that one of the most important elements to support life, H₂O is found in the subsurface of Mars, along with an atmosphere lacking …

Protein Intake And The Wellbeing Of Postmenopausal Women: Investigating Sleep, Mood, And Quality Of Life, Aleesha Imran

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Postmenopausal women commonly experience declines in sleep quality, mood, and overall wellbeing, with limited non-pharmacological options available to address these concerns. This randomized controlled trial investigated whether daily beef consumption as part of a higher-protein diet could improve sleep, mood, and quality of life over four weeks. Participants were randomized to either a standard protein intake control group or a treatment group consuming a high-protein diet with daily lean beef.

The treatment group showed modest improvements in subjective sleep quality and perceived health compared to controls, although these changes were not statistically significant. Fatigue, however, significantly decreased in the treatment …

The Effect Of Antemortem Tooth Loss On Craniofacial Shape In Apes And Humans, Ashley R. Laster

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Antemortem tooth loss (AMTL) (i.e., defined as tooth loss occurring before death) is common among humans and many primates, and several studies have examined AMTL across various primate groups. Some research indicates that AMTL can influence masticatory function and diet; however, the effects of AMTL on craniofacial shape and biomechanics have not been extensively analyzed. We assessed craniofacial and mandibular shape in relation to AMTL, anticipating that individuals with at least one tooth lost antemortem would display significant differences in cranial and/or mandibular shape compared to those without AMTL. AMTL rates were evaluated in three primate species: wild-caught samples of …

The Expression Of Intestinal Tight Junction Proteins Induced By 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3-Glycosides Supplementation To Reduce Bacterial Chondronecrosis With Osteomyelitis Lameness In Broilers, Kennedy M. Hicks

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Bacterial Chondronecrosis with Osteomyelitis (BCO) is a leading cause of lameness in broiler chickens, impacting animal welfare and commercial poultry production. Supplementation using organic trace minerals, vitamin D, probiotics, and prebiotics has been studied to mitigate BCO lameness incidences in broiler chickens. Our previous study demonstrated that feeding Panbonis®-G-1,25(OH)₂D₃ from Solanum glaucophyllum, containing 1 µg/kg G-1,25(OH)₂D₃, to broilers for the first 28 days of their production cycle reduced BCO lameness by approximately 50%. In this study, we investigated the impact of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D₃ supplementation on the expression of tight junction …

Analysis Of Marshallese Perceptions Of Health And Weight In Adolescents, Sterling Thomas

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Purpose: The purpose of the research is to understand the perceptions of Marshallese adolescents on the topic of health and weight, in order to provide guidance for interventions and public health efforts. The United States has the largest Marshallese population outside the Marshall Islands. Perceptions of weight and health is under researched for minority communities and from the insight of adolescents. Pacific Islanders such as the Marshallese are often categorized as part of the larger Asian American ethnic population, which is not always accurate in certain aspects where public health could provide support areas of concern.

Design: Focus groups …

The Effect Of Maternal Anxiety On Breastfeeding Exclusivity And Duration, Zoe E. Treat

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: The postpartum period, especially during the first year, presents a heightened risk for maternal anxiety. Research suggests a potential negative relationship between maternal anxiety and breastfeeding duration, though there is currently a gap in the existing literature regarding how maternal mental health impacts breastfeeding outcomes.

Purpose: This study seeks to investigate the influence of postpartum anxiety on both the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding, crucial knowledge required to support and implement targeted interventions. We expected that maternal anxiety would predict shorter exclusive and total breastfeeding durations.

Methodology: To explore the relationship between postpartum anxiety and breastfeeding behaviors, we distributed …

Assessment Of Attitudes, Preferences, And Knowledge Regarding Dietary Protein And Health, Annabella E. Grau

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

In the area of nutrition and dietary protein, experts often state that there are several barriers to consumption of dietary protein, however there is a lack of published data supporting these claims. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the attitudes, preferences and knowledge regarding dietary protein to identify potential barriers that would prevent purchasing protein or including protein in the diet. A 38-question Qualtrics survey was distributed via University of Arkansas listservs and on social media for three weeks. Participants (n=866) were asked to answer questions related to general nutrition knowledge and current dietary practices related to …

Food Security In Mauritius, Luke Hubbard

Economics Undergraduate Honors Theses

Located over 600 miles off the East coast of Madagascar, Mauritius is an island nation with a population of over 1.2 million people. In the summer of 2023, I had the opportunity to travel to Mauritius and conduct a representative food insecurity survey alongside other University of Arkansas and University of Mauritius students and professors. With more than 400 surveys in over 80 locations, we gathered data in every district on the primary island of Mauritius. The group used a survey based on the standard USDA question list and compiled the results to find that the population of Mauritius had …

Measuring The Work Of The Federal District Courts, Parth Sagdeo

Buffalo Law Review

The federal district court system is one of the largest and most impactful organizations in the United States. The nation’s ninety-four district courts resolve hundreds of thousands of cases, large and small, each year. Yet surprisingly little scholarly attention has been paid to measuring the work of the federal district courts—a vitally important task. It’s important because it affects substantive law; judges routinely decide the merits of issues based on how busy they think they and other judges are. It’s important because the law relaxes procedural protections—such as the Speedy Trial Act’s seventy-day deadline to bring criminal defendants to trial—if …

Effects Of Food Insufficiency And Family Structure On Parental Aggravation And Child Outcomes, Angel Juarez

University Honors Program Senior Projects

Food insufficiency is a detrimental crisis that impacts families facing financial hardships across the United States (Nam et al., 2015). Research finds that economic difficulties and child maladaptive development are positively associated because parental stress is exacerbated by financial hardships affecting parental sensitivity to their children (Hill et al., 2013; Simons et al., 2016). The current study uses the Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative (CAHMI) data from the 2021-2022 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH). It builds on these findings, investigating the relationship between food insufficiency and parental aggravation on child behavioral outcomes across different family structures in the …

Demographics And Clinical Features Associated With Abnormal Small Bowel Motility In Systemic Sclerosis, Jenice X Cheah, Jamie Perin, Michael Hughes, Christopher A Mecoli, Julie J Paik, Laura K Hummers, Ami A Shah, Zsuzsanna H Mcmahan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: The small bowel is affected in up to 50% of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, and some patients experience severe complications. Our aim was to use specific statistical methods to compare demographic and clinical features of SSc patients with and without abnormal small bowel to better characterize patients at risk for this complication.

Methods: SSc patients with gastrointestinal symptoms were prospectively enrolled and underwent a scintigraphy-based whole gut transit (WGT) study. A cross-sectional analysis was performed comparing clinical features between patients with and without abnormal small bowel transit by WGT. Univariate logistic regression models and multivariable models were used to …

Divine Achilles And His Raging Heart: Cannibalism In The Iliad, Lucca Crowe

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

The story of the Iliad is one of identity. As Achilles struggles with whom to identify with, his divine mother or mortal father, he is consumed by an overwhelming rage that threatens to overpower him, dragging him down from both divinity and mortality into the very depths of monstrous savagery. This article examines the role that diet, particularly the act of cannibalism, plays in differentiating humans from gods and beasts. By examining Achilles identity struggle through the lens of cannibalism, this article sheds light on the broader ways Greek and Roman authors used cannibalism to express notions of otherness, situating …

Understanding Weight Loss Maintenance In Postmenopausal Women: A Qualitative Exploration, Amy M. Field

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Postmenopausal women are treasures in our community. They contribute to society in countless ways, often using their life experience, wisdom, and resilience to serve as caregivers, mentors, and educators. As women age, hormonal changes contribute to increased abdominal adiposity and subsequent metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancers, and bone and joint problems. Weight loss and maintenance of that loss likely contribute to decreased risk factors of comorbidities associated with excess weight and increased daily functioning and fulfillment of desired tasks. Weight management strategies are well-studied. However, postmenopausal women are more likely to regain weight lost. This work explores the gap in …

Developing Adaptive Clothing For Patients With Advanced Als Disease, Kadence D. Trosper

Apparel Merchandising and Product Development Undergraduate Honors Theses

In 2017, over 30,000 people were battling with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells within the brain, brain stem, and spinal cord (ALS Association, 2023). The individual’s brain loses connection with muscles, slowly taking away one’s ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe. The currently is no cure for this disease or even treatment to halt the progression, however the treatment available can help ease the symptoms. Despite the physical challenges associated with ALS, there is a significant lack of adaptive clothing options that provide comfort, functionality, and …

Exploring The Roles Of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists In Food Service Management Practice Settings And The Established Guidelines That Aid In Assessing Competency, Angelique Lim

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are highly qualified professionals to manage food service operations, yet only 3% of RDNs work in food service management. Objective: The objective of this research is to determine what established guidelines, training, certifications, and advanced degrees RDNs working in management of food and nutrition systems (MFNS) use to develop their level of expertise. Methods: RDNs who are members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Management of Food and Nutrition Systems Dietetic Practice Group were invited to participate in a survey to assess characteristics of current RDNs working in MFNS, and to determine resources, training …

Current Standards And Future Directions Of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Respiratory Care: The Ppmd Italy Meeting Report, Jane Black, David J. Birnkrant

Faculty Scholarship

Objective: This report summarizes key discussions from the meeting “Current Standards and Future Directions of Respiratory Assessment and Management of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD),” organized by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) Italy and the United States to address current challenges and opportunities in DMD respiratory care. Methods: The meeting brought together researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates who shared experiences, discussed advancements in DMD respiratory management, and identified areas of debate that require further research. Results: The speakers emphasized routine assessment of pulmonary function and of breathing during sleep to achieve timely diagnosis of respiratory complications. Therapeutic discussions focused on airway …

Resistance Exercise And Mechanical Overload Upregulate Vimentin For Skeletal Muscle Remodeling, Joshua S. Godwin, J. Max Michel, Cleiton A. Libardi, Andreas N. Kavazis, Christopher S. Fry, Andrew D. Frugé, Mariah Mccashland, Ivan J. Vechetti, John J. Mccarthy, C. Brooks Mobley, Michael D. Roberts

Physiology Faculty Publications

We adopted a proteomic and follow-through approach to investigate how mechanical overload (MOV) potentially affects novel targets in skeletal muscle, and how a perturbation in this response could potentially affect the adaptive response. First, we determined that 10 wk of resistance training in 15 college-aged females increased sarcolemmal-associated protein content (+10.1%, P < 0.05). Sarcolemmal protein isolates were then queried using mass spectrometry-based proteomics, ∼10% (38/387) of proteins putatively associated with the sarcolemma or extracellular matrix (ECM) were upregulated (>1.5-fold, P < 0.05), and one target (intermediate filament vimentin; VIM) warranted further investigation due to its correlation to myofiber hypertrophy (r = 0.652, P = 0.009). VIM expression was then examined in 4-mo-old C57BL/6J mice following 10 and 20 days of plantaris MOV via synergist ablation. Relative to Sham (control) mice, VIM mRNA and protein content was significantly higher in MOV mice, and immunohistochemistry indicated that VIM predominantly resided in the ECM. MOV experiments were replicated in Pax7-DTA (satellite cell depleted) mice, which reduced VIM in the ECM by ∼74%. A third MOV experiment was performed in C57BL/6 mice intramuscularly injected with either AAV9-scrambled (control) or AAV9-VIM-shRNA. Although VIM-shRNA mice possessed lower VIM in the ECM (∼45%), plantaris masses in response to MOV were similar between groups. However, VIMshRNA mice possessed smaller and more centrally nucleated MyHCemb-positive fibers in response to MOV. In summary, skeletal muscle VIM appears to be enriched in the ECM following MOV, satellite cells may regulate its expression, and a disruption in expression during MOV leads to an excessive regenerative phenotype.

Increasing Nutrition Education In Elementary Schools, Brenda Cabrera-Ramirez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Nutrition education is not often included in the elementary school curriculum. Without learning about nutrition, students may make poor nutritional choices and develop unhealthy eating habits, which may affect physical health, cognitive development, and academic performance. By informing students about healthy eating habits, they can improve their nutritional intake, well-being, and academic success. To address this issue, I will create a three-day lesson on nutrition education for first graders at Elkhorn Elementary School in Castroville, California.

Bilingual Text Nudges For Healthy Together Programming At Aspire Health, Katherine Esquivel-Campos

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Underserved and high-risk residents of Monterey County face significant barriers to diabetes prevention and management, including limited access to culturally relevant education and support. To address this, Aspire Health’s Healthy Together program implemented bilingual text message nudges to enhance family engagement and encourage healthier behaviors. The intervention aimed to support participants in overcoming obstacles to self-care by reinforcing class material and promoting hydration and physical activity. For each session, six English and Spanish messages were developed, tested, and revised using participant feedback to ensure clarity and cultural appropriateness. These messages helped participants maintain behavior changes outside the classroom and supported …

Childhood In The Shadow Of Obesity: A Monterey County Reality, Maricruz Marquez Alvarado

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Childhood obesity is a serious health concern for children in Monterey County. To better understand and address this issue, the Monterey County Office of Education Early Learning Program (MCOE) is a government agency dedicated to supporting early childhood education and healthy lifestyles. Using a quantitative approach, a study was conducted to analyze the Body Mass Index (BMI) of children enrolled in the program for the 2023-2024 school year. The findings revealed that 86.67% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that the BMI data presented with the BMI findings helped develop new strategies to combat childhood obesity. Key findings from …

The Burden Of Care: Understanding Burnout Among Pediatric Healthcare Workers, Navya Khandavalli

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Burnout among pediatric healthcare professionals is a growing concern that impacts both employee well-being and the overall quality of patient care. The aim of this study is to analyze the definition of burnout and how healthcare organizations can implore strategies to help improve the mental and physical well-being of their staff. Analysis was done through a survey administered to healthcare employees recruited from pediatric clinics, the neonatal ICU, pediatric research, and pediatric rehabilitation facilities. Findings from the methods found that burnout is often defined as prolonged occupational stress in an individual and are often characterized by symptoms of emotional exhaustion, …

The Sun Shines Beyond The Mountains: The Creation Of A Suicidality Needs Assessment For Lesotho, Layhla Currier

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

The country of Lesotho has the highest suicide mortality rate in the world. Although this is true, there has seldom been research into the cause of this astronomical rate, and even less evaluating how to address the issue. This study focused on the analysis of available data to better understand the possible causes of the high suicide rate in Lesotho. Additionally, a suicidality needs assessment was created to collect data regarding mental health, social support, risk factors, and previous suicidality from Basotho (moniker for residents of Lesotho) in a non-stigmatizing way. Two varying suicidality assessments were used to create this …

Icylib: A Scalable Solution For Reproducible Image Classification Workflows, Leo Williams

Data Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

With the rapid expansion of e-commerce over time, ensuring the diversity and quality of product images has become a critical challenge infeasible for human completion. In conjunction with Walmart Global Tech for the Team 1 Data Science Practicum Project, image classification models were trained to assess product image sets, but training and deploying such models often involves repetitive code and inefficient processes. This thesis presents a reusable modeling library, named IcyLib, designed to streamline the training, validation, and testing of image classification models as well as dataset importation using PyTorch. IcyLib provides a structured yet flexible approach for model implementation, …

Enhancing Product Image Classification: Utilizing Machine Learning Models For Retail Applications, Avery A. Thompson

Data Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

The expansion of e-commerce has continued at a blinding pace since the COVID-19 pandemic, and retailers are constantly looking for new ways to retain customers. Ensuring that diverse and well-classified images are on product pages has been a paramount method for retailers to ensure retention as they increase product engagement and sales and enhance user experience. Managing and labeling these vast catalogs of images by hand is becoming increasingly infeasible, so some online retailers have started to turn to automated classification models to assist them. Accuracy in these classification models is integral, as a good image classification model can improve …

The Value Of Occupational Therapy In Designing Accessible And Inclusive Sports Programs, Brianna Mccollum

OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

This capstone project focuses on promoting inclusive and accessible sports opportunities for children with disabilities through the development of two resources: a youth baseball implementation manual and an after-school program planning resource, both utilizing an occupational therapy design. Existing literature indicates a strong benefit for children with disabilities to participate in inclusive programing, including fostering social inclusion, increasing self-confidence, and enhancing overall wellbeing. Despite these benefits, many communities still lack access to such programs. Costs, accessibility, and staff training significantly impact the successful implementation and sustainability of these programs, as limited funding, lack of inclusive design, and insufficient staff training …