Digital Commons Network^™

Unraveling The Role Of Hid-1: Insights Into Sgii Regulation, Breanna L. Sellers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The regulated secretory pathway is important for the secretion of hormones and neuropeptides from large dense core vesicles (LDCVs). Dysregulation of the biogenesis of LDCVs can result in metabolic and neurological diseases. Recent studies have suggested that the peripheral membrane protein HID-1 plays a role in the sorting and storage of granins which contribute to LDCV biogenesis. To further understand how HID-1 influences the regulation of granins, we investigated potential HID-1 interactors. We determined that while HID-1 is likely functioning in the same pathway as USP25, a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB), the cause of reduced cellular SgII levels is likely not …

Southern Adventist University Commencement Program Summer 2024, Southern Adventist University

Commencement Programs

Program for Southern Adventist University Summer 2024 graduation. The commencement service occurred on August 23, 2024 at 10 am in Iles Physical Education Center.

Dancing In Chains: Policy Influence Of Social Organizations In China, Honggang Tan

Dissertations - ALL

The growth of Chinese social organizations has attracted attention from researchers and practitioners because it reflects the changing state-society relations in post-Mao China and has profound implications for the country’s political development. As a mediating structure between the state and citizens, they are supposed to represent their constituencies in the policy arena. The existing research records many social organizations’ policy activities. However, do all social organizations engage in such activities? If not, what organizations are active, less active, or inactive? Furthermore, what factors shape their different behaviors and determine different levels of policy influence? Regarding organizations with policy engagement, what …

Prevalence And General Characteristics Of Dementia: A Nationwide Population-Based Study Of Electronic Health Records In Türkiye, Merve Güner, Meltem Koca, Serdar Ceylan, Arzu Okyar Baş, Ayşe Di̇kmeer, Mert Eşme, Osman Çeli̇k, Mustafa Okan Ayvali, Murat Çağlayan, Mustafa Mahi̇r Ülgü, Gülni̇hal Gökçe Ünal, Cafer Balci, Nai̇m Ata, Mustafa Cankurtaran, Burcu Balam Doğu, Şuayi̇p Bi̇ri̇nci̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Türkiye is a country with an increasing life expectancy and an older adult population in parallel with the rest of the world. Several national small-scale studies were performed regarding the prevalence and characteristics of dementia in Türkiye, and the results of these studies differ from each other. We aimed to determine the prevalence of dementia in Türkiye to present the demographic characteristics, the frequency of use of health services, and the management of dementia.Materials and methods: Patients aged 65 years and over with a diagnosis of any type of dementia between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020, were …

Can Volumetric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluations Be Helpful In The Follow-Up Of Cognitive Functions In Cognitively Normal Parkinson’S Disease Patients?, Hasan Armağan Uysal, Duygu Hünerli̇, Rai̇f Çakmur, Beri̇l Dönmez Çolakoğlu, Emel Ada, Görsev Yener

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: In this study, besides the evaluation of gray and white matter changes in cognitively normal Parkinson’s disease (PD-CN) patients with volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters, it was tried to show that some neuropsychological tests may be impaired in PD-CN patients.Materials and methods: Twenty-six PD-CN patients and 26 healthy elderly (HC) participants were included in the current study. Global cognitive status was assessed using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), and the Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA). Attention and executive functions were evaluated using the Wechsler memory scale-revised (WMS-R) digit span test and trail making test (TMT) part A and …

Relationship Between Functional Status And Fatigue After Covid-19 Infection: A Multicenter Study From Türkiye, İpek Candemi̇r, Pinar Ergün, Di̇cle Kaymaz, Mustafa Engi̇n Şahi̇n, İpek Özmen, Eli̇f Yildirim, Asli Görek Di̇lektaşli, Büşra Yi̇ği̇tli̇ler, Ayten Odabaş, Deni̇z Kizilirmak, Seçi̇l Sari, Celaletti̇n Korkmaz, Cantürk Taşçi, Yakup Arslan, Sema Savci, Buse Kahraman, Ayli̇n Tanriverdi̇, Can Sevi̇nç, Melda Sağlam, Deni̇z İnal İnce, Naci̇ye Vardar Yağli, Ebru Kütükçü, Di̇lber Durmaz, Nesli̇han Durutürk, Gaye Ulubay, Lütfi̇ye Kiliç, Benan Çağlayan, Ayli̇n Moray, Sabri̇ Serhan Olcay, Güven Özkaya

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Symptoms of COVID-19 may persist for months. One of the persistent symptoms of COVID-19 is fatigue, which reduces functional status. The relationship between fatigue, functional status, and various other factors has received little attention, which this study aims to address.. Materials and methods: Patients with COVID-19 infection were included in this multicenter cross-sectional study. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), marital status, smoking status, presence and duration of chronic disease, comorbidity index, regular exercise habits, time since COVID-19 diagnosis, hospitalization status, length of hospital stay, intubation status, home oxygen therapy after discharge, participation in a pulmonary rehabilitation program, presence …

From Reflection To Resumes: Alumni Perceptions Of A Multi-Term Public Service Program’S Connection To Career, Ryan Nilsen, Alanna Gillis, Bryant Hutson, Lynn Blanchard

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This paper explores how alumni of a multi-term public service program understand the connection between the program and their career development. Qualitative data were collected from 393 alumni based on six open-ended survey questions. While career and professional development is not an explicit goal of the program, a thematic analysis suggests that alumni perceived that the program connected to career reflection, boosted their resume, and guided them toward a public service career or specific jobs.

Social Theories And Service Learning: Towards Building An Integrated Service-Learning Sociological Framework, Mark Anthony D. Abenir, Carol Ma Hok Ka

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This theoretical paper anchors service learning (S-L) in three broad sociological theories. From there, discussions on the actual implementation of S-L based on these theories are explained to build an integrated S-L sociological framework. Four S-L modalities of community engagement are identified—namely transactional, transitional, transformational, and transcendental—with their corresponding respective levels of community participation—namely consultative tokenism, placation, partnerships, and citizen control. The application of such a coherent framework is discussed in the context of contemporary service-learning practices and community impact.

Service Learning In Physical Therapy Professional Education: Student Reflections Of The Special Olympics Funfitness Program, Stasia Tapley, Howell Tapley, Tiffany Idlewine, John Kiesel

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

The Special Olympics (SO) FUNfitness Program involves a comprehensive screening for flexibility, strength, balance, and aerobic fitness for individuals with intellectual disability (ID). Doctor of Physical Therapy students at Indiana State University administer the program yearly as part of the Indiana SO Summer Games. Thematic analysis of student reflections revealed increased awareness of individuals with ID, both beneficial and challenging aspects of the experience, and increased likelihood of working with underserved populations in the future.

Connections: Building Partnerships With Museums To Promote Intergenerational Service Learning And Alzheimer’S Care, Catherine Wilkins

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This article reflects upon the development of Connections, a service-learning collaboration between a Research I university and an urban art museum that trains students to work with patient groups from the community using Visual Thinking Strategies. This method of art exploration helps people with Alzheimer’s disease express memories and relieve anxiety. In describing the collaboration, instructional design, and ongoing research, this reflection seeks to encourage educators to partner with museums for intergenerational service-learning experiences.

Social And Cognitive Outcomes Of Service Learning: Results From A Pre-Post And Control Group Comparison, Rebecca G. Ryan

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Students in an undergraduate course opted to either complete a service-learning project or write article summary papers over the course of a semester. Analyses revealed a significant increase in aspects of empathy, social responsibility, and community and personal involvement in the service-learning group, but not in the control group. The findings are discussed in terms of the social and cognitive benefits of service learning and considerations for incorporating service learning into a gerontology-related course.

A Comprehensive Community Awareness Website To Increase Screening Colonoscopy Rates Among Adults In Flower Mound, Tx, Alexandra Biltz

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

PURPOSE Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women. The purpose of this scholarly project was to implement a website and flyer to increase screening colonoscopy rates in adults ages 45 to 75.

BACKGROUND There are no formal models or guidelines for increasing screening colonoscopies in the United States. The literature search also revealed that many Americans do not have a good general knowledge of colorectal cancer and colonoscopies.

The project was implemented at an ambulatory gastrointestinal endoscopy center in Flower Mound, Texas.

METHODOLOGY The website was created using Wix and a flyer …

A Systematic Review Of Oral Vertical Dyskinesia ("Rabbit" Syndrome), Jamir Pitton Rissardo, Krish Kherajani, Nilofar Murtaza Vora, Venkatesh Yatakarla, Ana Letícia Fornari Caprara, Jeffrey Ratliff, Md, Stanley N Caroff

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

Background and Objectives: Vertical rhythmic dyskinetic movements that are primarily drug-induced and affect solely the jaw, mouth, and lips without involving the tongue have been historically described as “rabbit” syndrome (RS). Evidence on the unique features and implications of this disorder remains limited. This literature review aims to evaluate the clinical–epidemiological profile, pathological mechanisms, and management of this movement disorder. Materials and Methods: Two reviewers identified and assessed relevant reports in six databases without language restriction published between 1972 and 2024. Results: A total of 85 articles containing 146 cases of RS were found. The mean frequency of RS among …

Staying Curious, Stephanie Voisine

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Companion Dogs And Depression, Anxiety, And Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In Adult Icu Survivors: A Scoping Review, Lindsey Nelson, Sue Lasiter, Amanda Emerson

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

Intensive care unit (ICU) survivors are at risk for developing persistent psychological sequelae that have been linked to decreased quality of life and increased mortality after hospital discharge. Standardized evidence-based treatments are lacking, mainly focus on physical rather than psychological recovery, and often occur in formal settings. Benefits of human– companion dog relationships have not been explored in the ICU survivor population before. Thus, the purposes of our review were to summarize the literature focused on the influence of companion dogs on depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); identify what is known about the potential role companion dogs play …

Development Of An Examiner-Examinee Rapport Scale For Neuropsychological Testing: The Barnett Rapport Questionnaire – 2, Jenna Moore

Clinical Psychology Dissertations

Rapport in the context of neuropsychological testing refers to the interpersonal interaction between the examinee and examiner. The purpose of this study was to improve upon the original Barnett Rapport Questionnaire. Participants consisted of college students (n = 55), middle-aged adults (n = 30), and older adults (n = 99) at a university-affiliated neuropsychology clinic, who were administered a brief neuropsychological battery. After testing, both examinees (n = 184) and examiners (n = 24) completed items regarding the nature of the interpersonal interaction. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a two-factor model consisting of 13 items found on both the examinee and …

Gender Differences In Relations Between Social Comparison, Social Support, And Sleep Disturbance Among Midlife And Older Adults., Iris Bercovitz, Gabrielle M Salvatore, Jacqueline A Mogle, Danielle Arigo

College of Science & Mathematics Departmental Research

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between sleep disturbance, social support, and social comparison among midlife and older adults, including the moderating role of gender.

METHODS: Adults ages ≥40 years (N = 557, MAge = 57, 53% men) completed a cross-sectional survey including validated measures of sleep disturbance, perceptions of social support, and social comparison orientation.

RESULTS: Sleep disturbance was negatively associated with social support (rs = −0.42 to–0.33, ps = 0.001) and associations were stronger for men than women–particularly perceived support from friends (η 2= 0.01). Sleep disturbance was also associated with upward comparison orientation (r = 0.12, p = 0.003), …

Combating Dehydration In The Dementia Patient, Crystal L. Widemon

MSN Capstone Projects

Dehydration is a prevalent global health issue impacting individuals across all demographics, with the elderly—especially those suffering from dementia—being particularly vulnerable. As the elderly population grows and dementia rates increase, addressing dehydration becomes crucial to reduce hospitalizations, mitigate healthcare costs, and enhance patient well-being. This executive summary outlines a proposed intervention aimed at improving fluid intake among elderly dementia patients residing in residential care facilities.

Research indicates that dehydration significantly impacts the health and financial costs associated with dementia care. Studies have shown that dehydration exacerbates cognitive decline and behavioral symptoms in dementia patients, leading to increased dependency and healthcare …

A Social Media Game To Increase Physical Activity Among Older Adult Women: Protocol Of A Randomized Controlled Trial To Evaluate Challenge, Michael C Robertson, Maria Chang Swartz, Karen M Basen-Engquist, Yisheng Li, Kristofer Jennings, Debbe Thompson, Tom Baranowski, Elena Volpi, Elizabeth J Lyons

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Older adult women often do not engage in sufficient physical activity (PA) and can encounter biological changes that exacerbate the negative effects of inadequate activity. Wearable activity monitors can facilitate PA initiation, but evidence of sustained behavior change is lacking. Supplementing wearable technologies with intervention content that evokes enjoyment, interest, meaning, and personal values associated with PA may support long term adherence. In this paper, we present the protocol of an NIA-funded study designed to evaluate the efficacy of CHALLENGE for increasing step count and motivation for PA in insufficiently active older women (Challenges for Healthy Aging: Leveraging Limits …

Coping With Loneliness (Part 3): Focus On What You Can Change, Melanie Dabb, Jared Hawkins, Christina Pay, Eva Timothy, Cindy Jenkins, Christine Jensen

All Current Publications

The U.S. surgeon general named loneliness a top public health issue in the U.S. In response, Utah State University (USU) Extension faculty developed four fact sheets to describe some of the most effective ways to reduce loneliness. This third fact sheet describes both actions and ways of thinking to help you focus on what you can change. These include using social media intentionally, reaching out for support, avoiding unhealthy relationships, focusing on helpful thoughts, adopting a growth mindset, and practicing gratitude.

Integrated Delivery Of Health Care And Continuity Of Care For Older Mississippians With Mental And Behavioral Health Concerns, Tockie V. Hemphill

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

The mental health of older adults is of national concern. There is some uncertainty regarding access to care and whether mental and behavioral health care will be readily available in primary care settings. This paper explores the concepts of integrated delivery of care and continuity of care for older adults. The definitions of the two concepts vary in detail, but are similar in purpose. There is an array of strategies presented that outline a continuity of care that involves an integrated delivery system. Relationship development is the core of this system, as well as older adults’ ability and willingness to …

Aging Redefined: Moving Past The Deficit Model, Aaron Guest

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

The remarkable increase in longevity is the pivotal triumph of public health over the last two centuries. Yet, even as we experience the benefits of increased longevity, we continue to face rampant ageism – or the prejudice and discrimination directed at individuals perceived as 'old.' Worst of all, we know that ageism is associated with increased medical costs, poorer health outcomes, and increased mortality. Efforts to combat ageism have been insufficient. The triumvirate of ageism, gerontological illiteracy, and gerontophobia have resulted in a deficit model of aging. Far from being a liability, the rapid increase in the aging population presents …

Caregiver To Caregiver: An Exploratory Case Study In Adult Family Caregiving Experiences, Tamara Brocks, Kaye Bender

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Adult family caregiving is a national public health issue which is more prominently recognized since the COVID pandemic. The National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers (2022) highlights more than three hundred federal government actions in support of family caregivers and more than 150 actions that can be addressed at other levels of government with their partnerships to build a caregiver support system. A partnership between the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), the Mississippi Public Health Association (MPHA) and AARP MS is working to address many of the issues related to the heathy aging ecosystem in Mississippi. This case study …

Personality Profile Of Rural-Dwelling Older Adults With Hoarding Disorder, Mary E. Dozier, Caitlyn A. Nix, Hilary L. Deshong

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Hoarding in late life represents a major barrier to aging in place, particularly for rural-dwelling older adults. One risk factor for hoarding disorder in late life may be underlying personality factors. However, there has not yet been an investigation of late life hoarding and possible maladaptive personality factors from the continuous five-factor model perspective in a sample of individuals diagnosed with hoarding disorder. Thus, we evaluated the five-factor personality profiles of older adults enrolled in treatment studies for hoarding disorder in rural Mississippi. Raw scores on the International Personality Item Pool-NEO-60 were converted into categories of Low (<1SD from …

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Hot Spots In Mississippi, Taylor Jansen, Elizabeth Dugan

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Abstract

Introduction. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the sixth leading cause of death in the US and approximately 10% of people 65 years and older have COPD. This study examines the association of geographic-level risk factors with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) prevalence using spatial-based analyses with the goal of identifying risk factors associated with county-level COPD and to identify communities at risk.

Methods. The study sample consisted of all N=82 counties in Mississippi and all data is reported at the county level. All measures were drawn from the 2023 Mississippi Healthy Aging Data Report. A hot spot …

The Mississippi Healthy Aging Data Report: Tools To Advance Health Equity, Elizabeth Dugan, Taylor Jansen, Chae Man Lee, Nina M. Silverstein, Yan-Jhu Su

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Introduction. This article describes the Mississippi Healthy Aging Data Report, which includes 125 indicators reported at the county and state level.

Methods. Data sources include the American Community Survey from the U.S. Census, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, and other sources. Small-area estimation techniques are used to calculate age- and gender-adjusted county rates. Data visualizations illustrate health disparities.

Results. Mississippi is home to 663,581 people age 60 or older – 22% of the state’s total population. Approximately 12.9% of Medicare beneficiaries in Mississippi have Alzheimer’s disease or a related …

Association Of Self-Report Measures With Salivary Biomarkers In Post-Menopausal Women, Laree M. Hiser, Karen Arrant, Jung Hye S. Lee, Lei Zhang

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Symptoms of menopause include inadequate sleep, depression, and anxiety. Studies of healthy aging frequently use self-report tools that are unverified by objective measures.

Purpose: To investigate the correlation between self-report measures of sleep or affect and salivary biomarkers in a small (n=32) sample of post-menopausal women.

Methods: Salivary cortisol and a-amylase were quantified by laboratory tests. Self-report data included hours of sleep and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS^®) tools for sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression. Correlation analyses were conducted between self-reported measures and biomarker concentrations.

Results: No statistically significant correlations were found between cortisol …

Exploring Leadership Characteristics And Their Effects On Sustaining Federally Qualified Health Centers, Eleace E. Sawyers

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

An argument can be made for the continued existence of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) because of the level of importance of the service they provide to society. The problem addressed in this research is that despite the millions of people in need of affordable health care, the leaders of many FQHCs are fighting to keep facilities open amidst financial struggles. The purpose of this research was to identify leadership characteristics that promote FQHCs’ success by assessing effective leadership styles. This study applied a quantitative, descriptive non-experimental approach. Probability sampling was used to select the sample size and the Multifactor …

Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Is Associated With Frailty In Veterans, Courtney N. Loecker

Theses & Dissertations

Frailty, a physiologic vulnerability to everyday stressors, affects approximately 30% of the 1.3 million Americans with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is associated with increased risk for adverse health outcomes. Active RA manifests as inflammation, pain, and joint damage leading to functional impairments and morbidity which cumulatively influences frailty. However, the relationship between RA disease activity and frailty is incompletely understood.

This study evaluated the relationship of RA disease activity and frailty at baseline and over up to five years in Veterans. A cohort study was performed using data from the Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis registry. RA disease activity was measured …

Optimizing Geriatric Care: A Niche-Driven Daily Implementation Of The 5ms Geriatric Assessment Tool To Minimize Length Of Stay, Lori Ann Aston-Dixon

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Background: This project's microsystem was a 32-bed medical-surgical telemetry unit at a small community hospital in Marin County. The unit needed a framework that focused on the unique needs of the geriatric population and daily activities that enhanced physical and cognitive activities to mitigate risks for any issues that created a prolonged Length of Stay (LOS).

Problem: The microsystem is a medical-surgical telemetry unit where the average length of stay (LOS) is five days, surpassing the organization's goal of four days. Reducing LOS can enhance patient satisfaction and meet organizational targets.

Context: This project aims to reduce the extended …