Digital Commons Network^™

Weight Loss In A Predominantly African American Patient Cohort In Jeffwlp, The Jefferson Weight Loss Program, Muskaan Uppal, Nicholas Demario, Maxwell Reed, Tamanaa Atrafi, Cindy Cheng, Md, Phd

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Introduction and Objectives

• Minority groups, particularly African Americans (AAs), are disproportionately affected by obesity^{1, 5}
• Available diet programs and nutrition classes are assumed to be constructed for majority groups^{1, 2}
  • Research and clinical care includes fewer AA patients³
  • AAs may respond differently to the widely used conventional nutrition education¹
• Motivational interviewing (MI) is uniformly effective across diverse populations and empowers individual patients to initiate behavioral changes, especially in weight loss interventions^{3, 4}
• Our goal is to better support underserved communities, such as within the Philadelphia area, to provide further investigation involving diverse and marginalized communities, …

Culturally-Affirming Service-Learning For Counselors-In-Training: Child-Parent Relationship Therapy Training With Spanish-Speaking Families, Karen M. Roller, Szu-Yu Chen, Katrina Volante

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

The Spanish-speaking community is the largest underserved language group in the United States. To advance social justice advocacy and multicultural humility for this language group, the field of counselor education needs to create pedagogical scaffolding for non-Spanish-speaking counselors-in-training to work with interpreters to support Spanish-speaking families, while also enhancing language-concordant training for Spanish-English bilingual counselors-in-training. We utilized a critical race research design to explore six counselors-in-training’s experience participating in service-learning through online facilitation of Child-Parent Relationship Therapy with Spanish-speaking families. Interpretative phenomenological analysis of qualitative data yielded four major themes: (a) collaboration, (b) improved awareness, (c) growth and strength, and …

A Pilot Study Of A Manualized Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention For Opioid Use Disorder Delivered In A Community-Based Public Health Organization, Michelle R. Lent, Denise Botcheos, Chad Gurdgiel, Hannah R. Callahan, Liam Gilroy

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

This pilot study evaluated a previously untested cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention designed specifically to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Adults (N = 20) taking medication for OUD were recruited from a public health organization providing harm reduction and treatment services to people who use drugs in Philadelphia. Outcomes collected at baseline and 12 weeks included urinalysis-confirmed use of illicit drugs and surveys of mood (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), recovery capital (Brief Assessment of Recovery Capital-10), and cravings (Brief Substance Craving Scale). Feasibility and acceptability were assessed via retention rates, the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8, and the number of …

Framing The Future: A Community Health Analysis Of The Pee Dee Region, Stephen Borders, Jean Anton, Rian Fontaine, Donielle Phillips, Treyton Ringer, Jessica Robinson, Caitlin Thompkins

Public Health

This report presents a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of community health across South Carolina’s Pee Dee region, encompassing Florence, Darlington, Chesterfield, Marlboro, Marion, and Dillon Counties. Using tract-level data from CDC PLACES, the U.S. Census, and the National Provider Identifier registry, it assesses chronic health conditions, health behaviors, and social determinants of health. The analysis incorporates the South Carolina Healthy Communities Index (SCHCI) and a Suitability Analysis to identify the region’s most disadvantaged communities. The findings highlight persistent disparities, particularly in rural counties, where high rates of poverty, chronic disease, and unmet basic needs intersect with limited access to care. Despite …

Effects Of Edible Fungal Polysaccharides On The Proliferation And Metabolism Of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Gg, Shengyao Wu, Zikun Ye, Weiyi Xie, Yi Wang, Haotian Ouyang, Chengcheng Zhang, Shenyan Ma

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] The aim of this study is to explore the effects of edible fungal polysaccharides on the proliferation and metabolism of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG ).[Method ] Flarnmulina velutipes polysaccharides (FVP ),Tremella fueiformls polysaccharides (TFP),Auricularia auricula polysaccharides (AAP ),lentinan (LNT ),Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides (HEP ),and Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCP ) were selected as carbon sources for the culture of LGG.The viable bacterial count and the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs ) were determined.Two polysaccharides were selected from the six polysaccharides and added in different mass ratios to the LGG-fermented milk,and then the pH and textural properties of the …

Nutritional Components And Immunoregulatory Mechanisms Of Lactoferrin Formula, Mengying Zhou, Liujie Zheng, Ruiqing Yao, Hongyu Wu, Gangliang Hu, Zhengquan Huo, Yinhua Ni

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to investigate the immunoregulatory mechanisms of lactoferrin formula and its four nutritional components (α-lactalbumin,N-acetylneuraminic acid,yeast β-glucan,and lactoferrin ) in RAW 264.7 macrophages.[Method ] M1 and M 2 macrophage polarization were induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and interleukin (IL)-4,respectively.Quantitative real-time PCR,flow cytometry,and Western blot were employed to analyze macrophage polarization and related signaling pathways.[Result ] Lactoferrin formula enhanced the phagocytic activity of macrophages and dose-dependently inhibited M 1 polarization while promoting M 2 polarization within the range of 10~50 µg/mL.A combination of four nutritional components exhibited similar effects,with greater effects than the three-component combination.Additionally,the lactoferrin formula upregulated …

Effects Of Palmitic Acid-Rich Diet On Tumor Growth And Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition In The Mouse Model Of Prostate Cancer, Jiayao Chen, Fengjiao Huang, Bingqian Sun, Yongquan Chen, Xiaoying Wang

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to explore the effect of palmitic acid (PA)-rich diet on prostate cancer (PCa) in mice.[Method ] The TCGA database and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to analyze the differential expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN ) between the PCa tissue and adjacent normal tissue.In addition,twelve nude mice were subcutaneously implanted with LNCaP cells and assigned into two groups.One group was fed a PA-rich diet,while the other group was fed a normal control (NC) diet.Twelve mice overexpressing the C-myc gene (C-mycT) were assigned into two groups and fed the same diets as the nude mice.The growth of …

Increasing Formation Of Advance Directives In Acute Care Through Staff Education, Piper E. Parres

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

In the acute care setting, the condition and stability of patients can change in an instant. Oftentimes, patients that were ambulatory, independent, and high functioning may be rendered critically ill and unable to communicate due to the rapid onset of an illness. When this happens, the care team must act quickly to stabilize the patient by any means necessary. With the wealth of medical knowledge and technology available in modern healthcare, life may be sustained indefinitely with the help of machinery such as ventilators, continuous renal replacement therapy, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. While some patients may welcome these interventions, others …

Research Progress In Effects Of Bile Acids And Their Receptors On Intestinal Function, Lu Jin, Jiansheng Jin, Yongqiang Gu, Lulu Zhou, Feifei Han

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

Bile acids are the main end products of cholesterol metabolism in the body,playing an important regulatory role in the digestion and metabolism of nutrients,especially lipids.The intestine is the main organ for digestion and absorption,as well as an important site for bile acids to achieve liver-intestinal circulation.Its function is closely related to the interaction between bile acids as signaling molecules and their receptors.Focusing on the metabolism and regulatory mechanism of bile acids,the author reviews the roles and underlying mechanisms of bile acids and their receptors in regulating intestinal barriers,immune function,and gut microbiota.The aim is to provide reference for related research on …

In Vitro Probiotic Effects Of Dextran With A Small Molecular Weight, Dingkun Zhang, Lei Wang, Ziling Yi, Beibei Wei, Deming Rao, Zhiyong Guo, Sheng Chen, Jing Wu

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] The aim of this study is to explore the effects of dextran with a small molecular weight (SDex ) on the viability of intestinal microorganisms.[Method ] The probiotic effects of laboratory-designed SDex containing only α-1,6 glycosidic bonds was evaluated by in vitro fermentation with nine typical intestinal strains,including strains from the genera Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus,as well as species such as Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis.The microbial proliferation and organic acid production during fermentation were compared among SDex,commercial dextran 20 (Dex 20),and isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMOs ).[Result ] SDex and IMOs significantly promoted the proliferation of probiotics such as Bifidobacterium and …

Evaluation Of The Clinical Alleviation Effect Of Bacillus Coagulans Ccfm 1041 On Functional Constipation, Huahao Cai, Linlin Wang, Qingwei Yao, Xudan Shen, Xingxing Chen, Shumao Cui

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] Functional constipation is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder caused by multiple factors,with a relatively high and increasing prevalence in China.Previous studies have found that Bacillus coagulans (B.coagulans )CCFM 1041 can alleviate symptoms of functional constipation in mice.[Method ] A double-blind,randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy of CCFM 1041 in relieving functional constipation.A total of 73 participants were observed for changes in constipation-related indicators,serum levels of gastrointestinal regulatory neurotransmitters,and gut microbiota before and after the intervention.[Result ] After taking CCFM 1041,84.2% of participants experienced increased bowel movement frequency,and 94.7% of participants showed improved stool consistency.Compared …

Changes In Volatile Aldehydes Of Soymilk After Acid-Precipitation And Its Influencing Factors, Mapeizhan Lou, Caimeng Zhang, Xiangzhen Kong, Xingfei Li, Yeming Chen, Xiaoxiao Feng, Yufei Hua

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] Acid precipitation,a common method in plant protein processing,can efficiently achieve protein enrichment and removal of non-protein components (including off-flavor substances ) on a large scale.This study aims to explore the causes for the abnormal increases in aldehydes of soymilk after acid precipitation.[Method ] Changes in volatile compounds of soymilk before and after acid precipitation were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GS-MS ).Soymilk components were fractionated by centrifugation,and the contributions of different fractions to the increases in aldehydes were investigated.The changes in the molar concentrations of lipid hydroperoxides before and after acid precipitation were determined,and a molar ratio between …

Effects Of Palmitic Acid-Rich Diet On Tumor Growth And Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition In The Mouse Model Of Prostate Cancer, Jiayao Chen, Fengjiao Huang, Bingqian Sun, Yongquan Chen, Xiaoying Wang

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to explore the effect of palmitic acid (PA)-rich diet on prostate cancer (PCa) in mice.[Method ] The TCGA database and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to analyze the differential expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN ) between the PCa tissue and adjacent normal tissue.In addition,twelve nude mice were subcutaneously implanted with LNCaP cells and assigned into two groups.One group was fed a PA-rich diet,while the other group was fed a normal control (NC) diet.Twelve mice overexpressing the C-myc gene (C-mycT) were assigned into two groups and fed the same diets as the nude mice.The growth of …

Metagenomic Analysis Of Microbial Community Structure And Functional Genes In Horse Milk From Northern Xinjiang, Gaoshaer Kayierhali, Zhiang Fu, Danhua Ouyang, Haini Bayinda, Bakhetgul Manatbay

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] Horse milk has a high nutritional value and a unique flavor,which are closely related to its complex microbial composition,and different geographical locations and climates will affect the microbial community structure of horse milk.This study aims to explore the effects of different geographical locations on the microbial community structure in horse milk.[Method ] Metagenomic technology was employed to analyze the microbial diversity of 14 batches of horse milk samples from 3 different regions in northern Xinjiang,and the functional genes were excavated.[Result ] A total of 26 species of microorganisms were identified,belonging to 9 phyla,14 classes,25 orders,28 families,and 45 genera.The …

Effects Of Thermal Treatment On The Binding Ability Of Type I Collagen Toaroma Compounds Of Broth, Xiaolin Luo, Yi Yuan, Xiangyi Chen, Shutao Liu

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to reveal the interactions between collagen and volatile compounds during the cooking process.[Method ] The relative molecular weight,particle size,solubility,secondary structure,and surface hydrophobicity of collagen and the droplet size of the collagen emulsion were studied.Furthermore,the binding ability of collagen to volatile compounds of the aqueous and emulsion systems of collagen was measured.[Result ] As the heating time was extended,the triple-helix structure of collagen was destroyed and the polypeptide chains were degraded,which were accompanied with the decrease in surface hydrophobicity,increase in solubility,and heat-induced aggregation.The binding ability of collagen to volatile compounds gradually decreased with the extension of …

Educating Community Health Workers: To Improve Maternal And Infant Health In Rural Areas, Katerina Markova Shikhvarg

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background

Community Health Workers (CHW) are lay workers who are beneficial in reducing health disparities, in their communities. They provide culturally sensitive home visits and help coordinate resources for their patients. These visits have been shown to benefit the psychological, behavioral, and social health of their patients.

Local Problem

Despite the benefits of CHW involvement, they lack standardized training that could improve their services.

Methods

A partnership was entered by the University of San Francisco (USF) and an international philanthropic organization, focused on helping children. The partnership developed a certification program for CHWs in the Tulare County with USF Nurse …

Leading The School Team: A Professional Development Training On Eating Disorders For School Nurses, Michelle Samaniego Concepcion

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic sharply increased the prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) among youth. These conditions are associated with high treatment costs and have the second-highest mortality rate among mental illnesses, surpassed only by opioid overdose, making them a critical concern for school communities.

Local Problem: A learning needs assessment conducted by the Alameda County School Nurses Network identified gaps in school nurses’ knowledge and confidence regarding ED identification, referral, and care coordination. Methods: In response, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student scholar developed and implemented an evidence-based, virtual professional development training focused on EDs. The module was …

Molecular Crosstalk Of Transcription Factors And Hormones In Drought Tolerance Genes In Plants, Cengi̇z Kaya

Turkish Journal of Botany

Water deficit is a critical challenge to global agricultural productivity and food security, which is exacerbated by climate change and increasing water scarcity. To withstand drought stress, plants employ a variety of molecular strategies driven by complex regulatory networks. This review examines the central role of transcription factors (TFs) as master regulators that activate drought responsive genes, which in turn mediate key adaptive processes such as osmoregulation, antioxidative defense, and membrane stability. A distinctive aspect of this review is its focus on the dynamic interplay between TFs and hormonal signaling pathways, including abscisic acid, ethylene, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid. …

Where To Deposit Your Master’S Thesis Or Doctoral Dissertation In The Unl Digital Commons, Sue Ann Gardner, Paul Royster

Thesis and Dissertation Deposit Information Resources

A list of degree-granting programs with links to the proper series for thesis and dissertation deposit in the UNL Digital Commons.

UNL = University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Updated May 2025.

Find your degree-granting program in the list, then click on the link to go to the proper series to deposit your thesis, dissertation, or other student work.

If you have questions about the process or problems finding the correct series or uploading your work, contact Sue Gardner.

Natural Microbial Consortium Construction Strategy From Rhizospheric Agricultural Soils To Improve Wheat (Triticum Durum Desf.) Seedling Growth, Ni̇da Arslan, Mi̇ne Gül Şeker, Özlem Akkaya, Yelda Özden Çi̇ftçi̇

Turkish Journal of Botany

Microbial consortia of compatible microorganisms play a key role in enhancing agricultural sustainability by optimizing nutrient uptake by promoting plant growth more effectively. This study aimed to identify local isolates with the most effective plant growth-promoting (PGP) properties and to form a consortium of isolates showing the optimal synergistic effect between plant and bacterial components to improve the growth of wheat plants. For this purpose, 48 isolates identified from 145 isolates were screened for their PGP activities. According to the results, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to identify the six isolates exhibiting the most promising activity. Different consortium groups …

Floral Use Competition Between Honey Bees And Bumble Bees Within An Urban Community, Taylor Kerekes, Sarah Mackell, Hadil Elsayed, Sheila Colla

Cities and the Environment (CATE)

The global increase in the number of managed honey bees (Apis mellifera) has raised concerns about their impact on native pollinator species, including bumble bees (Bombus spp.). This study examines the extent of floral resource overlap between honey bees and bumble bees in urban areas within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ontario, Canada, to better understand how competition for floral resources may influence bumble bee foraging behavior and niche partitioning. Pollen samples were collected from 541 bees, representing seven Bombus species and honey bees, across ten urban sites with high vs low honey bee abundance. We analyzed …

Implementation Of Standardized Mobilization Assessment Tools To Promote Patient Ambulation At Medical Surgical Units, Yunxuan Su

Master's Projects and Capstones

The objective is the cardiac medical surgical unit in a hospital in San Francisco not meeting the ambulation goal. This study aims to provide a context for enhancing patients' ambulation levels by using standardized assessment tools Prior Level of Functional (PLOF) and Current Level of Functional (CLOF) in daily practice, thereby strengthening care plans and shortening hospital stay. The methods are microsystem evaluation, SWOT analysis, causal analysis, cost-benefit analysis, Gantt chart, pre & post survey, and flyer education for staff to guide the project implementation. The results are that after the intervention, the compliance of PLOF and CLOF documentation and …

Developing An Evidence-Based Continuing Education Program For Physical Therapists Working With Individuals With Down Syndrome, Luis Azpeitia, Chantel Montayre, Rebecca Peterson, Alyssa Pociernicki

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Despite the abundance of resources available for physical therapists (PTs) treating children with Ds, the resources are limited for PTs working with teens and adults. This suggests that this population is underserved within the healthcare community. This project aimed to bridge this knowledge gap by developing a comprehensive continuing education program for physical therapists, focused on the treatment and care of teens and adults with Ds. This education program will give physical therapists a resource for treating teens and adults with Ds, an under-resourced population. Two modules focusing on musculoskeletal (MSK)/gait and communication strategies were developed, and then pilot tested …

Fostering Intergenerational Connection Through The Implementation Of Bingocize: A Community-Based Fall-Prevention Program, Dejeigh Herrera, Shelby Humphreys, Kayla Lee, Danielle Platt

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Falling is an experience that can be traumatic and detrimental to the overall health of those aged 65 and older. As this portion of the population in the United States continues to grow, so does the importance of understanding the general health concerns of these individuals and the way they contribute to their risk of falling and impact their ability to live independently. One program to help address these risks is Bingocize, an evidence-based program designed by Jason Crandall, a professor of exercise science at Western Kentucky University in 2011. Bingocize is a 10-week fall prevention program designed to educate …

Core Temperature While Swimming In Warm Open Water With And Without A Wetsuit, Katsiaryna Afanasyeva

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Triathlon is a popular sport which attract participants from all over the world. In general, triathlon is a safe sport with risk of death being about 1.74 deaths per 100,000 participants (Harris et al., 2017). The swimming portion of the race can be dangerous, posing particular risks due to open water conditions and the physical demands of the event. This study investigated the effects of wetsuit use on core temperature in warm open-water swimming (27.9–28.3°C). Four experienced triathletes (2 males, 2 females; age 49.50 ± 7.83 years) completed two 700-meter open-water swims at a submaximal pace—once wearing their personal full-sleeve …

The Effects Of Blood Flow Restriction And Body Weight Support Treadmill Walking On Electromyographic Activity In Lower Limb Muscles, Cyanea Davies

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Blood flow restriction (BFR) is an emerging rehabilitation modality shown to enhance muscle activation and elicit strength gains comparable to high-intensity training at lower loads (Cognetti et al.,2019). Body weight support (BWS) treadmill walking is another modality that has gained popularity due to the effect it has on lowering muscle activation with increasing support levels (Jensen et al.,2016). However, to date no research has looked at electromyographic (EMG) activity utilizing both modalities concurrently. This study investigated if stride frequency (SF) and muscle activity of the rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius (GA) would be influenced …

Plagiocephaly In Premature Infants: Enhancing Nicu Caregiver Education, Hailee Efferson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: To improve NICU nurses’ confidence in preventing and managing plagiocephaly in premature infants through a one-on-one educational session.Design: One-group post-test design for a quality improvement initiative. Setting: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center. Participants: 20 NICU Nurses. Measures: Post-session questionnaire including close-ended Likert scale and open-ended questions. Results: Mean scores ranged from 3.5 to 4.0, with the highest rating for the helpfulness of the session format (mean = 4.0) and the lowest for confidence in alternating infant positioning (mean = 3.5). Standard deviations ranged from 0 to 0.59, indicating strong agreement regarding the session format …

Dysregulation Of Vitamin D Receptor And Cyp450 Metabolism Enzymes May Explain Oral Cancer Responsiveness, Dustin Hunsaker

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Many health benefits are associated with Vitamin D (VitD), although deficiency is associated with poor health outcomes and increased risk for cancer development. For example, many tissue specific enzymes are involved in VitD metabolism, and mutations or deletions within Vitamin D receptor (VDR) genes are known to increase cancer risk by altering their functions or bioavailability, although less is known about these phenomena in oral cancers. Using well characterized, commercially available oral cell lines (OKF4, HGF-1, SCC4, SCC9, SCC15, SCC25, CAL27), mRNA expression of P450 cytochrome VitD metabolic enzymes and receptor genes by qPCR revealed differential results. One oral cancer …

Exploring The Occupation Of Parenting With A Cognitive Disability, Alysa Polley

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: To investigate how parents with cognitive disabilities perform child-rearing tasks and barriers associated with their disability, to determine their needs and self-efficacy to improve the role of occupational therapy in supporting child-rearing for parents with cognitive disability.Design: Qualitative Case-study, Phenomenology Setting: Gigi's Playhouse Participant(s): Inclusion criteria: parents or expecting parents, individuals with a cognitive disability resulting from an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, English speaking, 18+, and autonomy to consent participation. Exclusion criteria: non-English speaking, individuals without a cognitive disability resulting from an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, and under 18. Measure(s): Semi-Structured Interview and Tool for Measuring Parental Self-efficacy. Results: …

Qualitative Analysis Of Clinical And Community Perinatal Providers’ Perceived Barriers To Equitable Care For Food Insecurity In Underserved Communities In Southern Nevada, Kaelia Lynn KeapomekuʻUaloha Saniatan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Food insecurity is prevalent among underserved communities and contributes to increasing maternal-child health disparities. The perinatal period from pregnancy through one year postpartum provides a critical window of opportunity to identify and address food insecurity (FI). However, barriers such as inadequate staffing, lack of institutional and community resources have prevented perinatal providers from offering equitable care for FI, defined as providing screening, referrals, and follow-up services. The Social Ecological Model (SEM) is a framework that observes concepts at multiple levels, including (i) individual, (ii) interpersonal, (iii) institutional, (iv) community, and (v) policy. The objective of this study is to understand …