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Irisin And Bdnf Mediate Exercise And Melatonin Effects In Animal Model Of Experimental Hypothyroid Depression., Hanan Essam Mohamed, Mf El-Bab, Noha O. Shawky, Nermien E. Waly

Trends in advanced sciences and technology

Background Depression affects about 60% of people with hypothyroidism. Exercise and melatonin are thought to have beneficial effects in hypothyroid depression. Irisin and brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) participate significantly in hypothyroid depression in rats and both are decreased in hypothyroid depression. Objectives To investigate the potential roles of melatonin and exercise in hypothyroid depression. Methodology Fifty-six male albino rats were divided into eight groups (n=7/group) as follows: Control (C), Hypothyroidism (Hypo), Hypothyroidism and Melatonin 10 mg/kg/day (Mel), treated hypothyroidism with Levothyroxine 20 μg/kg/day and Melatonin (Mel&Levo), Hypothyroidism and Exercise (30-minute swimming protocol, 5 days/week) (Ex), treated hypothyroidism and exercise (Ex&Levo), …

Green Chelation Strategy For Deashing Of Algal Biomass, Agyare Asante, George Daramola, Ryan W. Davis, Sandeep Kumar

Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

This study investigated a green chelation strategy for deashing algal biomass using nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and deionized water (DI) to enhance its suitability for biofuel and bioproduct applications. Solid-state algal turf scrubber (SS ATS), green algal turf scrubber (ATS), and Scenedesmus were analyzed, with Scenedesmus selected for detailed evaluation due to its high ash removal efficiency. The objective was to optimize a purification process that minimizes ash and heavy metal content while preserving biochemical integrity. Algal biomass underwent sequential washing with DI, NTA, and NTA+DI under varying temperatures (90-130 °C). Analytical techniques including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Inductively Coupled …

Biochar For Soil Amendment: Applications, Benefits, And Environmental Impacts, Ujjwal Pokharel, Gururaj Neelgund, Ram L. Ray, Venkatesh Balan, Sandeep Kumar

Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers results in environmental issues, including loss of soil fertility, eutrophication, increased soil acidity, alterations in soil characteristics, and disrupted plant–microbe symbiosis. Here, we synthesize recent studies available from up to 2025, focusing on engineered biochar and its application in addressing issues of soil nutrient imbalance, soil pollution from inorganic and organic pollutants, soil acidification, salinity, and greenhouse gas emissions from fields. Application of engineered biochar enhanced the removal of Cr (VI), Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Hg²⁺, and Eu³⁺ by 85%, 73%, 57.2%, 12.7%, 99.3%, and 99.2%, …

Parting The Corn Rows: Nikita Khrushchev’S Visit To Iowa, 1959, Jordan Stiles

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

On September 23, 1959, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev visited Roswell Garst to inspect US hybrid corn and agricultural methods. Khrushchev’s initial reforms are discussed to show why Khrushchev sought agricultural knowledge abroad. The details of Khrushchev’s and Garst’s life regarding their work in agriculture are explored up to the visit. The visit would leave an indelible mark on the USSR and Iowa. Khrushchev and his successors would use Garst’s model for hybrid corn farming as the template for Soviet farming. Garst would use his limelight to catapult his corn diplomacy into action around the world. Lastly, the legacy of Khrushchev’s …

Factors Influencing Emergency Department Utilization Among Heart Failure Patients In The Home Health Care Setting: A Secondary Data Analysis, Lynette Ramlogan

Theses & Dissertations

Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition affecting over 6 million adults in the United States and remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, contributing to approximately 380,000 deaths annually. Disparities in health outcomes for individuals with heart failure are further exacerbated by social determinants of health (SDoH), including socioeconomic status, healthcare accessibility, and availability of social support, particularly among vulnerable populations. Insurance coverage plays a critical role in influencing access to care, treatment adherence, and overall health outcomes among patients with heart failure. For patients receiving home health care (HHC) services, limited caregiver support and inadequate socioeconomic resources …

Exploring Associations Between Health And Fitness Measures And Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors In Rural Firefighters, Isaiah Mews

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study investigates the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and muscular fitness measures in career rural firefighters. MetS is a cluster of conditions that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), a leading cause of death among firefighters. Previous research has shown that cardiorespiratory fitness is inversely related to MetS, but the role of muscular fitness variables remains unclear. This study aims to determine if fitness measures, such as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and muscular power, can give insight into MetS in firefighters. Participants were recruited from a Southeastern rural fire department and underwent assessments of muscular fitness, …

Exploring The Impact: Eating Disorder Treatment And Mortality In The United States, Brittany Tolbert

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study explores adolescent eating disorder trends in the United States between 1999-2013, identifies national eating disorder mortality trends, and analyzes data for in-patient adolescent hospital admissions. Additionally, this study uses public-facing data for residential eating disorder treatment centers to explore issues related to insurance coverage, gender inclusivity, and evidence-informed treatment practices. The findings will highlight gaps in data collection and policy, support advocacy, and contribute to the research into eating disorder prevalence, prevention, treatment outcomes, and economic impact, leading to greater visibility to promote change.

Perceptions Of Agricultural Careers In African American School-Age Students Implications For Public Health Workforce, Brittany M. Prince

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study evaluated a six-week enriched agricultural education curriculum on African American students’ knowledge and perceptions of agriculture and agricultural careers in two selected populations. The study aimed to expand awareness about agriculture and diverse agricultural career opportunities in an effort to reduce perceived stereotypes. The study employed a pre-post-test design, implemented at one middle school and one high school that were intentionally selected based on their population demographics. Participants included 108 students across both schools, with the majority identifying as African American. Data analysis included paired-sample t-tests and One-Way ANOVAs and revealed statistically significant increases in knowledge for middle …

Synthesis And Characterization Of A Biobased Polymer From Tung Oil And Pine Rosin & Characterization Of Polyhydroxybutyrate., Arijanet P. Osumah

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This thesis presents two independents but thematically aligned research projects focused on the development and evaluation of sustainable polymers. The first involves the synthesis and characterization of a biobased polymer derived from tung oil and pine rosin. Tung oil, which is a triglyceride was chemically modified to produce tung oil diglyceride (TDG), which subsequently reacted with abietic acid-rich pine rosin to yield tung oil abietate (TOA), a biobased monomer. The TOA monomer was polymerized with butyl methacrylate (BMA) and divinylbenzene (DVB) using di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP) as a thermal initiator. The resulting polymer was thoroughly characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy …

Effects Of Perinatal Exposure To Lipopolysaccharide And Acetaminophen On Learning In Adult Long-Evans Rats, Lucy A. Sivils

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The present study investigated the individual and combined effects of elevated perinatal inflammation, oxidative stress caused by acetaminophen (APAP) exposure, or elevated inflammation and oxidative stress on adult learning behaviors in Long-Evans rats. While prior studies have examined these factors independently, the combined effects of inflammation and oxidative stress via APAP exposure during early development on learning-related behaviors remain unexplored. The present research aimed to address this gap by the analysis of potential long-term neurodevelopmental consequences of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and APAP-induced oxidative stress. LPS, APAP, or LPS + APAP was administered during the perinatal period: postnatal days (PD) 9, …

Motivating Students Through Problem-Based And Project-Based Learning, Dennis J. Moore

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

ABSTRACT

As educators, motivating students can be a difficult task.Sixteen eighth-grade students discuss their perceptions of what makes educational programs motivating. In teacher-centered classrooms, teachers lecture while their students take notes, quizzes, and tests and practice memorization skills in preparation for high-stakes testing. Is this a fair assessment of a student's knowledge, and does this type of instruction fulfill students’ needs for a successful future? Research for this case study focused on students' perceptions of an agricultural program that utilizes problem-based and project-based learning with a sustainability focus.

In problem-based learning (PBL) classes, students are given real-world problems and asked …

Experiences Of Special Education Teachers During Covid-19: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Sheds Light On Learning Loss Among Young Students With Disabilities, Cassidy A. Stine

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Many aspects of teaching and learning for students with disabilities (SWDs) were drastically altered during the height of COVID-19. While many students experienced learning gaps or loss related to unprecedented and abrupt changes to their education, young SWDs in rural areas were faced with unique challenges. The purpose of this Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) study was to gain knowledge regarding teaching experiences/perceptions of rural Georgia K-5 special education teachers during the height of COVID-19 that shed light on learning loss among SWDs. The researcher was specifically interested in knowing more about teachers’ perceptions of academic and social-emotional learning loss as …

Quantifying Inositol Phosphate Dephosphorylation To Understand The Role Of Recalcitrant Organic Phosphorus Forms On Harmful Algal Blooms In Freshwater Systems, Iffat Tasnim

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Organophosphorus such as phytic acid, a surrogate species of inositol phosphate (IP), may serve as a source for orthophosphate (OP) in freshwater. In absence of OP, competent aquatic microorganisms upregulate the production of specialized enzymes to obtain growth-sustaining OP from organic phosphorus (org-P) forms. The contribution of recalcitrant org-P to the OP pool has been overlooked due to the lack of capable tools to measure OP production from org-P accurately. The objective of this study was to quantify OP production from phytic acid (a surrogate form of recalcitrant org-P) to assess the contribution of recalcitrant org-P forms to the total …

Assessment And Health Benefit Of Vitamin C Using A549 Cell, Yetunde Adepoju

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a vital micronutrient recognized for its antioxidant capacity and essential bodily functions, such as collagen formation, neurotransmitter activity, and regulation of the immune system. This study explores how vitamin C can protect and potentially heal cells under oxidative stress and inflammation, using A549 cells, a human lung epithelial cell line, as the model system. The cells were exposed to varying concentrations of vitamin C dissolved in water, DMSO, and 5% DMSO. To assess the outcome, cell viability was measured with an MTT assay. In addition, the expression of key genes related to oxidative stress and …

Principal Perceptions Of Leadership Preparedness To Promote Family Engagement In Urban Title I Elementary Schools, Marcus Kimber

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative research examines urban Title I elementary school principals’ perceptions of their family engagement readiness based on university leadership preparation and/or district-level professional development. Based on Epstein's Theory of Overlapping Spheres of Influence, this research examines how educational leaders overcome socioeconomic inequities, trust problems, and communication failures to develop equitable relationships with families. Themes that revealed preparation deficiencies and prospective high-impact family engagement methods emerged from semi-structured interviews and ongoing comparison analysis. Principals value family engagement and recognize its impact on student achievement and school climate, but most feel unprepared to implement systematic, sustainable student engagement strategies. Leadership training …

The Role Of Heterotrophy In The Response Of Oculina Arbuscula To Ocean Acidification, Alejandra E. Daniel

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

On both tropical and temperate reefs, the calcium carbonate skeletons produced by scleractinian corals provide habitat that supports a high biodiversity of fishes and invertebrates. Ocean acidification (OA), driven by excess anthropogenic CO₂ uptake, causes declines in seawater pH and carbonate ion concentration and can compromise coral calcification by causing increased energetic demands. Deciphering how corals meet this increased energetic demand is critical to predicting their future persistence. Oculina arbuscula is a facultatively symbiotic temperate coral common on subtropical reefs of the South Atlantic Bight. This coral has demonstrated calcification resilience to reduced pH conditions in both symbiotic and …

Perceptions And Influences On Physical Activity Engagement During Pregnancy Among Rural Southern Black Women, Sandra Ofosuhemaa

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Black women living in the rural South experience disproportionately high rates of hypertension, gestational diabetes, excessive gestational weight gain, and adverse birth outcomes. Although physical activity during pregnancy is known to improve maternal and fetal health, Black pregnant women remain less likely to meet recommended activity guidelines. This qualitative study examined the perceptions, beliefs, and multilevel factors influencing physical activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period among Black women in rural Southeast Georgia. Guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Social Ecological Model (SEM), the study explored how individual, interpersonal, community, and structural conditions shaped women’s decisions, motivations, and …

Science, Students, And Self: An Autoethnography Of One Middle School Science Teacher’S Experiences And Challenges With Implementing Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, Alexandra Dalton

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation is an autoethnographic inquiry into how the implementation of culturally relevant pedagogy into the middle school classroom is filled with challenges and wins. In this dissertation I explore how implementing culturally relevant pedagogy helped me connect more with my students which in turn increased their academic success, cultural competence, and critical consciousness. I was able to accomplish this by using the research within my own classroom and reflecting on how my students reacted to the changes in my pedagogy. Using the methodology of autoethnography, I was able to incorporate my own personal experiences as research. I also include …

Capacity Building In The Irish Brewing And Distilling Sector For Raw Materials Utilisation, By-Products Management, And Environmental Impact Assessment, Ekene C. Umego

Doctoral

The Irish brewing and distilling sector has shown a consistent increase in number, production output, sales, and export value in the last decade. This has implications for raw materials requirements, assessment, and by-products management for the sustainability of the sector. As a result, the main aim of this research study was to evaluate the status of raw materials use and assessment within the Irish brewing and distilling sector, explore by-products management options and valorisation initiatives, and analyse the environmental impact of Irish whiskey production. The first approach was a survey study to collect data on major raw material inputs use …

Exploring Barriers And Facilitators To Dietary Assessment And Advice In The Paediatric Population Attending Dental Clinics: A Scoping Review, Lauren Hallewell, Raul Bescos, Zoe Brookes, Robert Witton, Patricia Casas-Agustench

School of Health Professions

OBJECTIVES: This scoping review aimed to identify barriers and facilitators, from both dental clinic staff and caregivers, to effectively providing and implementing dietary assessment and advice (for both oral and/or systemic health) in dental clinics managing paediatric patients.

METHODS: A protocol was developed a priori (Open Science Framework- https://osf.io/bp4ts.) and followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Studies published in English from 1990 to December 2024 in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase and CINAHL databases were searched. Additional journal searches targeted articles on dietary assessment or advice in dental clinics treating paediatric patients (aged ≤ 18 years), exploring barriers and facilitators for caregivers and …

Principles And Practices Of Selecting Screening Tools For Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: A Narrative Review, Yu-Hsuan Lai, Tyng-Guey Wang, Nai-Hsin Meng

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a potentially life-threatening condition, particularly affecting individuals with neurological diseases, head and neck cancers, and age-related issues. Its prevalence in the general population ranges from 2.3% to 16%, with much higher rates among patients with stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury. Dysphagia is prevalent in geriatric and long-term care settings, where over 50% of elderly residents may experience swallowing difficulties. Given its high prevalence and serious consequences, early detection through dysphagia screening in at-risk populations is essential. Since the 1990s, numerous screening tools for dysphagia have been developed, with over 160 non-instrumental tools identified in review …

Late-Onset Sciatic Nerve Compression Due To Distal Femoral Osteochondroma, I-Fan Hsieh, Tian-Shin Yeh

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Osteochondroma is one of the most common benign bone tumors, typically asymptomatic, and rarely causes nerve compression. Previous case reports documented nerve compression by osteochondroma arising from the proximal fibula, pelvic bone, and spine. We report a rare case of osteochondroma at the distal femur causing sciatic nerve compression with symptom onset at 42 years old. This case highlights that osteochondroma can develop at any skeletal location, and even though these lesions typically cease to grow after skeletal maturity. Individuals with a history of osteochondroma should consider it as a differential diagnosis for new symptoms even in older age to …

Dysphagia In Becker Muscular Dystrophy: A Case Report And Literature Review, Chien-Ping Chen, Hung-Jui Chuang, Yi-Chi Li, Ming-Yen Hsiao, Tyng-Guey Wang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Dysphagia is a recognized complication in patients with muscular dystrophies, but its characteristics in Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) remain underexplored. This case report describes a man with BMD who developed dysphagia, initially presenting with mild symptoms but later experiencing aspiration pneumonia with respiratory failure. He regained safe oral intake after swallowing training. Three years later, he suffered worsening dysphagia following a severe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection, ultimately losing the ability to resume oral feeding despite months of rehabilitation. Literature on swallowing disorder in BMD reported poor mastication, reduced laryngeal elevation, and increased pharyngeal residue; however, silent aspiration, as observed in …

Effectiveness Of Fu's Subcutaneous Needling In Pain Management And Rehabilitation: A Narrative Review, Po-En Chiu, Chun-Chang Wu, De-Jian Lu, Zhonghua Fu, Li-Wei Chou

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Fu’s Subcutaneous Needling (FSN) is a modern needling technique distinct from traditional acupuncture, primarily used for musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic conditions, and emerging applications in rehabilitation. FSN is also designated as a kind of dry needling focusing on deactivating myofascial trigger points. This review categorizes FSN-related studies into case reports, clinical trials, and animal studies, evaluating its therapeutic efficacy, safety, and mechanisms. Case reports suggest that FSN provides rapid pain relief and functional improvement, while clinical trials, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), support its role in reducing pain and enhancing neuromuscular function despite limitations in sample size and protocol consistency. Animal …

Ultrasound-Guided Injection In Meralgia Paresthetica: A Narrative Review, Jia-Chi Ko, Tyng-Guey Wang, Shaw-Gang Shyu

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is a neuropathic pain syndrome resulting from compression or irritation of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). Traditional diagnostic approaches rely on clinical assessments and electrodiagnostic testing. Ultrasound has emerged as a non-invasive, cost-effective modality for detailed visualization of the LFCN and guiding treatment interventions.

This review explores the anatomical considerations of the LFCN, its common etiological factors, clinical presentation, current management strategies, and ultrasound-guided injection techniques. While LFCN exhibits notable anatomical variability, and it is susceptible to external compression near the inguinal ligament. Some potential causes reveal as obesity, diabetes mellitus, or surgical interventions. Patients typically …

Guideline Of Pulmonary Rehabilitation In Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease, Chia-Ho Lin, Seong-Woong Kang, Ming-Lung Chuang, Pin-Kuei Fu, Chin-Ming Chen, Ko-Long Lin, Ssu-Yuan Chen, Li-Wei Chou, Kuan-Cheng Chen, Yuan-Yang Cheng

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) includes a group of chronic respiratory disorders characterized by pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, often resulting in dyspnea, exercise intolerance, and reduced quality of life. Although pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is effective in managing these symptoms, no guideline has comprehensively summarized its principles, components, and supporting evidence in ILD. This guideline provides an evidence-based framework for designing and implementing PR tailored to ILD patients. Core recommendations include individualized exercise prescription following the FITT principle, aerobic and resistance training, breathing exercises, supplemental oxygen use, and disease-specific self-management strategies. The guideline also presents validated assessment tools to aid clinical application …

Inactivity In Ambulatory Hemodialysis Patients: A Multidimensional Health Assessment, Guan-Yi Huang, Ji-Tseng Fang, Ching-Chung Hsiao, Shu-Chun Huang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background: Sedentary lifestyles and poor fitness are prevalent among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD). However, no study has comprehensively evaluated multiple dimensions of physical fitness using gold-standard methods in ambulatory chronic HD patients, who represent approximately 60% of the HD population. In this study, a multidimensional health assessment -including standardized evaluations of fitness—was conducted to examine its association with physical activity levels.

Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis at dialysis centers within a tertiary medical center and a regional hospital, using a comprehensive battery of evaluations. These included cardiopulmonary exercise testing, isokinetic dynamometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry …

Persistent Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Caused By Systemic Light Chain Amyloidosis Despite Hematologic Response: A Case Report, Haw-Wen Jeng, Tyng-Guey Wang, Kuo-Chang Wei

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

We report a case of a 44-year-old woman who developed progressive dysphagia and shoulder stiffness, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM) with systemic light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. Despite intensive systemic therapy for MM with good serological response and nine months of comprehensive swallowing rehabilitation, her tongue mobility remained severely restricted, with only minimal improvement in laryngeal elevation. Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) confirmed poor tongue control, reduced laryngeal elevation, and penetration of thin liquids. She ultimately passed away despite hematologic control. This case underscores the profound impact of amyloid deposition on swallowing function, even in the context of medically …

Buyer Be Aware: An Underutilized Tool In The Public Health Protection Toolkit, Padde Musa, Jacob Gakpo, Samuel T. Opoku, Bettye A. Apenteng

Eagles Talking About the Public’s Health

No abstract provided.

Breaking The Plateau: Why Nutrition Must Be The Next Frontier In Maternal And Newborn Health, Tamah Kamlem, Ana M. Palacios, Kelly Sullivan, Ousainou Gomez

Eagles Talking About the Public’s Health

No abstract provided.