Digital Commons Network^™

Measles Cases Surge Worldwide, Infecting 10.3 Million People In 2023

Neurosciences

No abstract provided.

International Society Of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Β-Hydroxy-Β-Methylbutyrate (Hmb), John A. Rathmacher, Lisa M. Pitchford, Jeffrey R. Stout, Jeremy R. Townsend, Ralf Jäger, Richard B. Kreider, Bill I. Campbell, Chad M. Kerksick, Patrick S. Harty, Darren G. Candow, Brandon M. Roberts, Shawn M. Arent Ph.D., Cscs*D, Fissn, Facsm, Fnak, Douglas S. Kalman, Jose Antonio

Faculty Publications

Position Statement: The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) bases the following position stand on an analysis of the literature regarding the effects of β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate (HMB). The following 12 points have been approved by the Research Committee of the Society: 1. HMB is a metabolite of the amino acid leucine that is naturally produced in both humans and other animals. Two forms of HMB have been studied: Calcium HMB (HMB-Ca) and a free acid form of HMB (HMB-FA). HMB-FA appears to lead to increased appearance of HMB in the bloodstream when compared to HMB-Ca, though recent results are mixed. 2. …

Measuring The Clinical Effectiveness Of Telenutrition Medical Nutrition Therapy Among American Indian And Alaska Native Adults Newly Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes, Charisse Lindsey Holiday

Theses and Dissertations

The COVID-19 global pandemic was the impetus of the transition from in-person medical nutrition therapy (MNT) visits to telephone MNT. This occurred without evaluation of its clinical effectiveness, especially for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). It is known that in-person MNT is clinically effective at lowering hemoglobin A1c (A1c) and that people with diabetes who experience food insecurity have poorer health. However, research characterizing food insecurity among AI/ANs is limited. This retrospective observational analytical study was conducted at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center (PIMC) in Phoenix, Arizona to assess the clinical effectiveness of telephone delivered MNT services by a …

The Impact Of Poverty On Student Achievement And Effective Strategies To Close The Gap, Alexis L. Sorbo

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Poverty has a negative impact on student achievement through a variety of factors such as student engagement, motivation, parent engagement, and resource access. This thesis explores the relationship between poverty and academic achievement by examining how disparities related to socioeconomic status impact a student’s cognitive and emotional development. The reviewed research also investigates effective strategies that teachers and administrators can implement to mitigate these effects, such as using evidence-based instruction and behavior management strategies in the classroom, increasing parent engagement, applying regular, high-quality professional development, and providing equitable access to resources. Research highlights the importance of a holistic approach to …

An Overview Of The Current Scientific Evidence On The Biological Properties Of Abelmoschus Esculentus (L.) Moench (Okra), Shun Wan Chan, Hei Tung, Lydia Chan

Department of Food and Health Sciences

Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, commonly known as okra or lady’s finger, is an annual flowering plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. Okra is a native plant in Africa as well as a traditional medicine in Africa and India for treating different diseases and conditions. Today, okra is widely consumed as a vegetable and is increasingly recognized as a superfood due to its rich nutritional profile and potential pharmacological benefits. Research indicates that okra exhibits a range of biological activities, including antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antifatigue, vasoprotective, hepatoprotective, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Despite its promising therapeutic potential, research on the active compounds …

Combined Use Of Esculetin And Probiotics In Preventing Parkinson’S Disease In Mice, Shun Wan Chan, Meng Zhang, Huan Zhang

Department of Food and Health Sciences

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder affecting about 0.1-0.2% of the population, with a higher prevalence among the elderly [1]. As the disease progresses, its motor symptoms worsen, significantly impairing patients' self-care abilities and quality of life. Due to the lack of definitive early-stage diagnosis and effective treatments to slow neurodegeneration, developing preventive measures is essential to alleviate the social and economic burdens associated with PD. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary components, such as probiotics, can modulate the gut-brain axis to potentially prevent PD development. Previous research has highlighted esculetin, a natural coumarin, for its neuroprotective properties in …

Neuroprotective Effects Of Esculetin And Probiotics In 6-Hydroxydopamine-Induced Parkinson’S Disease, Shun Wan Chan, Hei Tung, Lydia Chan, Meng Zhang, Huan Zhang, Kam Wah, Daniel Mok

Department of Food and Health Sciences

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive impairment of motor and non-motor functions, particularly affecting aging populations. Approximately 0.1-0.2% of the global population is impacted, with the rate significantly higher among the elderly. Currently, an estimated 10 million individuals are living with PD, a number projected to rise to 25 million by 2050 due to aging demographics. The burden is notably greater in males, and prevalence increases with age. As PD progresses, it leads to debilitating motor decline, severely compromising patients' independence and quality of life. These challenges are compounded by the current inability to definitively …

An Overview Of The Current Scientific Evidence On The Biological Properties Of Abelmoschus Esculentus (L.) Moench (Okra), Shun Wan Chan, Hei Tung, Lydia Chan, Tsun Ka, Carten Kwok, Yam Fung Ng

Department of Food and Health Sciences

Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, commonly known as okra or lady’s finger, is an annual flowering plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. Okra is a native plant in Africa as well as a traditional medicine in Africa and India for treating different diseases and conditions. Today, okra is widely consumed as a vegetable and is increasingly recognized as a superfood due to its rich nutritional profile and potential pharmacological benefits. Research indicates that okra exhibits a range of biological activities, including antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antifatigue, vasoprotective, hepatoprotective, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Despite its promising therapeutic potential, research on the active compounds …

Female Brain And Endocrinological Research–Veteran (Fember-Vet) Study: A Study Protocol For Identifying Endocrinological, Lifestyle And Psychosocial Determinants Of Brain Health Outcomes In Female Veterans For Future Intervention Success, Tamlyn Watermeyer, Elliott Atkinson, Glyn Howatson, Gill Mcgill, Christina Dodds, Paul Ansdell, Chinedu Momoh

Brain and Mind Institute

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated a greater risk of dementia in female veterans compared to civilians; with the highest prevalence noted for former service women with a diagnosis of psychiatric (trauma, alcoholism, depression), and/or a physical health condition (brain injury, insomnia, diabetes). Such findings highlight the need for increased and early screening of medical and psychiatric conditions, and indeed dementia, in the female veteran population. Further, they call for a better understanding of the underlying biopsychosocial mechanisms that might confer heightened risk for female veterans, to tailor preventative and interventional strategies that support brain health across the lifespan.

Methods …

Effect Of Forage Allocation On Steer Performance When Grazing Cereal Rye, Shelby L. Davies-Jenkins, Abigail M. Sartin, Daren D. Redfearn, Mary E. Drewnoski

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Summary with Implications

Cereal rye is the most common cover crop planted today. With its good winter tolerance and rapid spring growth during a gap in perennial pasture productivity, it is an attractive forage source in early spring. Unfortunately, optimum stocking rates and how they are related to forage biomass availability are unknown. The study objective was to understand the effect of forage allowance on steer performance when rotationally grazing fall-planted cereal rye in spring. Stocking rate was negatively correlated with pounds of forage offered. Surprisingly, amount of forage offered related to average daily gain. Growing steers grazing cereal rye …

Assessment On The Capacity Of Local Government Units In Implementing The Rules And Regulations Of Republic Act No. 11930 And A Cost Study Of Implementing An Anti-Osaec Program, Ma. Divina Gracia Roldan, Ador R. Torneo, Maria Caridad Tarroja, Marites M. Tiongco, Ma. Ella C. Oplas

SDRC Projects

This study assessed the capacity of selected local government units (LGUs) to implement Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. It examined four dimensions of local capacity: legal, administrative, relational, and fiscal. It also assessed the costs and investments required to implement and sustain local anti-OSAEC programs.

The study employed a mixed-method approach in Manila, Dasmariñas City in Cavite, and Llorente in Eastern Samar. The qualitative component comprised 15 key informant interviews and 10 focus group discussions with representatives from …

Why Domestic Violence Offenders Don't Give Up Their Guns, Natalie Nanasi

Faculty Journal Articles and Book Chapters

Perpetrators of intimate partner violence are barred by federal law and many states' laws from possessing firearms. While such prohibitions enjoy popular support, they are sporadically and inconsistently enforced, placing the lives of survivors at risk when offenders do not voluntarily comply. Many experts, including this author, have offered legal and policy solutions to increase the likelihood that perpetrators of domestic violence will either willingly relinquish their guns or otherwise be dispossessed of them. But these proposals may have been premature.

This Article is the first to take a step back and inquire why offenders do not surrender their firearms …

Automating The Amino Acid Identification In Elliptical Dichroism Spectrometer With Machine Learning, Ridhanya Sree Balamurugan, Yusuf Asad, Tommy Gao, Dharmakeerthi Nawarathna, Umamaheswara Rao Tida, Dali Sun

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Amino acid identification is crucial across various scientific disciplines, including biochemistry, pharmaceutical research, and medical diagnostics. However, traditional methods such as mass spectrometry require extensive sample preparation and are time-consuming, complex and costly. Therefore, this study presents a pioneering Machine Learning (ML) approach for automatic amino acid identification by utilizing the unique absorption profiles from an Elliptical Dichroism (ED) spectrometer. Advanced data preprocessing techniques and ML algorithms to learn patterns from the absorption profiles that distinguish different amino acids were investigated to prove the feasibility of this approach. The results show that ML can potentially revolutionize the amino acid analysis …

Obesity Prediction From Structural Mri Using Conformal Deep Learning With Uncertainty Quantification, W. Farzana, A. G. A. Temtam, B. Humud-Arboleda, L. Ma, M. Bean, F. Gerard Moeller, K. M. Iftekharuddin

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Obesity arises from a neurobehavioral disorder in which the brain’s regulation of hunger and food intake is impaired, leading to an imbalance between energy consumption and expenditure. One key phenotype associated with obesity is body mass index (BMI). BMI is influenced by multiple causal pathways driven by behavioral, metabolic, and genetic factors. Traditional obesity prediction studies often rely on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) voxel-based morphometry to correlate BMI with obesity-related clinical measurements and brain structure, predominantly gray matter volume (GMV). However, the altered brain regions are variable and widespread between studies, with some literature presenting contradictory results between BMI and …

How To Approach Medical Education Research, Stefanie Attardi, Jeff Cross, Sarah Lerchenfeldt

Books and Book Chapters

Medical education research blends two of the core functions of academic medicine: teaching and scholarship. Its value is increasingly recognized in promotion and tenure decisions, and in the number of funding sources available. Similar to other types of research, it starts with a well-crafted question and a thorough review of the literature. For a successful project, it is critical to select the research design that can best answer the research question, keeping in mind its advantages and limitations. Because the research design must also adhere to ethical principles, working closely with the local Institutional Review Board prior to starting the …

Assessing Local Public Officials' Roles, Challenges, And Opportunities Encountered When Integrating Newcomers: A Case Study To Evaluate The Cities Of Rochester And Worthington., John Dassou

School of Business Student Theses and Dissertations

Immigrants’ integration plays an important part in policy concerns and goals in many local governments since it is a major issue for local officials to integrate immigrants and incorporate them into the host community successfully. Concurrently, it is important to know the roles of local public officials, host communities, and immigrants in the process. The purpose of this study is to assess the challenges that local officials face, and how they handle these encounters effectively and efficiently. Greater collaboration between all stakeholders, social cohesion, and collective efforts implies the idea that immigrants’ integration depends on many players and factors. It …

Gold Nanoparticle-Enhanced Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Electrode For Non-Enzymatic Lactate Sensing, Christopher Animashaun, Abdellatif Ait Lahcen, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

We are reporting the development of a high-performance, non-enzymatic electrochemical biosensor for selective lactate detection, integrating laser-induced graphene (LIG), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) synthesized from poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The LIG electrode offers a highly porous, conductive scaffold, while electrodeposited AuNPs enhance catalytic activity and signal amplification. The PEDOT-based MIP layer, electropolymerized via cyclic voltammetry, imparts molecular specificity by creating lactate-specific binding sites. Cyclic voltammetry confirmed successful molecular imprinting and enhanced interfacial electron transfer. The resulting LIG/AuNPs/MIP biosensor demonstrated a wide linear detection range from 0.1 µM to 2500 µM, with a sensitivity of 22.42 µA/log(µM) and …

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 …

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.

Prisons Built On Toxic Sites: Eighth Amendment Protections For Pregnant Incarcerated Persons, Bianca Stockmeier

Public Interest Law Reporter

No abstract provided.

Creating A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Evidence Based Evaluation Protocol, Mary Redlin

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) in the United States admit approximately 300,000 infants annually (Valencia et al., 2023). Upon admission, neonatal occupational therapists assess a range of factors, including neurobehavioral, neuromotor, musculoskeletal, and sensory systems, as well as family/caregiver interactions and activities of daily living (Craig et al., 2018). This comprehensive evaluation underscores the need for effective assessment tools, efficient protocols, and adequate support for therapists. However, practitioners often face challenges that impact the quality of care, such as limited resources, lack of specialized training, and inconsistent organizational standards (Kaur et al., 2021). Occupational therapy has emerged as a …

Promoting Wellness In Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Occupational Therapy Approach Guided By The Eight Dimensions Of Wellness, Mckenzie Ulrich

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Wellness is a process where an individual intentionally makes choices to support a satisfying lifestyle and is aware of their choices (Swarbrick & Yudof, 2015). In the United States, unhealthy lifestyle choices and the high prevalence of chronic conditions negatively influence one’s health, wellness, and quality of life (Li et al., 2018). Additionally, age-related changes can negatively influence one’s overall well-being. Examples of age-related changes may include changes in strength, mobility, coordination, balance, gait, and cognitive functioning (Bello-Haas et al., 2018a; Bello-Haas et al., 2018b; Judge & Dawson, 2018). Occupational therapy's role in health promotion and prevention includes promoting …

Accessibility Of Higher Education: Supporting Student Self-Advocacy, Morgan Diane Halliday

Occupational Therapy Capstones

As of the 2020-2021 academic year, 1 in 5 undergraduate students reported having a disability (National Center for Education Statistics, n.d.). College students with disabilities (CSWD) face social and physical environmental barriers to higher education due to exclusive policies, procedures, and designs. In turn, occupational engagement is decreased, inhibiting participation in education. A college education can support career opportunities, financial stability, and personal development (Plotner & May, 2019). Therefore, it is essential that CSWD have equitable access. Despite efforts from college campuses to become more accessible, gaps remain that require CSWD to be self-advocates. The purpose of this project was …

Frailty Indices In Patients Undergoing Functional Neurosurgical Procedures: A Systematic Review, Carmelo Venero Jr., Joanna M. Roy, Nirbha Ghurye, Akshay Warrier, Muhammad Usman Khalid, Niels Pacheco-Barrios, Farhan A. Mirza, Christian A. Bowers

Neurosurgery Faculty Publications

Introduction: Functional neurosurgery covers a wide array of neurological disorders with an equally vast array of treatment modalities, including neuromodulation, decompressive, and ablative therapies for disparate pathologies such as pain, neuromodulation, disconnection, and refractory epilepsy. One of the most common functional treatments is deep brain stimulation for movement disorders and select psychiatric diseases. Functional neurosurgery treats patients with reduced quality of life from pathological neuronal pathways. Optimal patient selection by preoperatively identifying high-risk patients is critical for avoiding as many operative complications as possible, in addition to managing complications better once they occur. Frailty indices have demonstrated superior discrimination in …

Dr. Kiran C. Patel College Of Osteopathic Medicine Handbook: Graduate Section, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

College-Specific Policies And Procedures: Dr. Pallavi Patel College Of Health Care Sciences, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Parents With Low Mood And Their Child: Exploring The Effects Of Group Art Therapy, Allison M. Pierce-Gay

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

This qualitative study examines the effects of group art therapy on postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms, specifically focusing on reducing isolation and improving parent–child attachment. The participants included two parents with self-reported low mood and one child (aged 2–2.5 years), and insights from eight multidisciplinary experts (clinicians, educators, and parents) were also gathered. Interventions included a somatic body scan, collage-making, and dyadic handprint painting. The results indicated reduced isolation (Likert scores improved from 3.5 to 4.75) and enhanced attachment through nonverbal co-creation; however, structural barriers (e.g., time poverty) limited sustained impact. Expert interviews identified seven themes, including grief, systemic isolation, and …

Leading The Way In Dentistry’S New Era: Integration, Wellness, And Respect, Brett Kessler

Journal of the American College of Dentists

Dr. Brett Kessler, President of the American Dental Association, reflects on his presidential year and his belief in the importance of three pillars in dentistry: promoting wellness, fostering a culture of respect and reconnecting the body to the mouth.