Digital Commons Network^™

A Social-Ecological-Technological Systems Framework For Urban Ecosystem Services, Timon Mcphearson, Elizabeth M. Cook, Marta Berbés-Blázquez, Chingwen Cheng, Nancy B. Grimm, Erik Andersson, Olga Barbosa, David G. Chandler, Heejun Chang, Mikhail V. Chester, Daniel L. Childers, Stephen R. Elser, Niki Frantzeskaki, Zbigniew Grabowski, Peter M. Groffman, Rebecca L. Hale, David M. Iwaniec, Nadja Kabisch, Christopher Kennedy, Samuel A. Markolf, A. Marissa Matsler, Lauren E. Mcphillips, Thaddeus R. Miller, Tischa A. Muñoz-Erickson, Emma Rosi, Tiffany G. Troxler

Advanced Science Research Center

As rates of urbanization and climatic change soar, decision-makers are increasingly challenged to provide innovative solutions that simultaneously address climate change impacts and risks and inclusively ensure quality of life for urban residents. Cities have turned to nature-based solutions to help address these challenges. Nature-based solutions, through the provision of ecosystem services, can yield numerous benefits for people and address multiple challenges simultaneously. Yet, efforts to mainstream nature-based solutions are impaired by the complexity of the interacting social, ecological, and technological dimensions of urban systems. This complexity must be understood and managed to ensure ecosystem-service provisioning is effective, equitable, and …

Mississippi Pharmacists’ Perceptions Of Dietary Supplements, Emory Booth

Honors Theses

Dietary supplements are often a controversial topic among healthcare professionals. Many view supplements positively and appreciate the health benefits they can provide. Others are wary of the decreased regulation dietary supplements are subject to and believe that the benefits of supplements do not outweigh the risks. Dietary supplements are of particular interest to pharmacists, as they are often sold at their place of work, and pharmacists have to consolidate their patients’ supplement use with their medication use. The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate the viewpoints of Mississippi pharmacists in relation to dietary supplements. A survey was sent to …

Grit And Food Security Among Female Caregivers In A Rural, Appalachian Mississippi County, Mary Frances Buzhardt

Honors Theses

Background: Grit is the determination and resolve required for accomplishing long term goals.

Research Outcome: This study examined: 1) differences in grit by household food security status; and 2) relationship between grit and household food security status among female caregivers of elementary school children in a rural, Appalachian Mississippi county after participation in a produce voucher intervention.

Methods: Female caregivers (n=1,144) were recruited at three elementary schools in MS in November 2017 and enrolled into a produce voucher intervention ($11/week over 10 weeks). Validated measures of household food security status (10-item USDA survey) and grit score (8-item Duckworth survey) were …

Errors Of Measurement For Blood Parameters And Physiological And Performance Measures After The Decay Of Short-Term Heat Acclimation, Andrew T. Garrett, Nancy J. Rehrer, Mark J. Patterson, Andrew J. Simpson, James D. Cotter

Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments

Introduction: It is important to determine the accuracy of measurements relative to potential treatment effects, with time intervals between tests. Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the error of measurement for blood parameters, physiological, and performance measures after the decay of short-term heat acclimation. Methods: Ten trained males (Mean±SD: age 28±7 y; body mass 74.6±4.4 kg; 4.26±0.37 L^.min^-1; peak power output (PPO) 329±42 W) completed an exercising heat stress test (HST) at baseline, 2^nd day after acclimation and then during decay at 1, 2, 3 and 5-6 wks. CoV (95% CI), SE …

The Colby Echo (2022-05-05), Colby College

The Colby Echo

Published by the students of Colby College since 1877, The Colby Echo is the weekly, editorially independent student-run newspaper of Colby College in Waterville, Maine. Published monthly, 1877-1886; semi-monthly; 1886-1897; and weekly during the academic year, 1898-present.

Dietary Score Associations With Markers Of Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Analysis Of A Middle- To Older-Aged Population, Seán R. Miller, Pilar Navarro, Janas M. Harrington, Nitin Shivappa Mbbs, Mph, Ph.D., James Hébert Scd, Ivan J. Perry, Catherine M. Phillips

Faculty Publications

Purpose

To assess relationships between the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Mediterranean Diet (MD), Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII^®) and Energy-adjusted DII (E-DII™) scores and pro-inflammatory cytokines, adipocytokines, acute-phase response proteins, coagulation factors and white blood cells.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 1862 men and women aged 46–73 years, randomly selected from a large primary care centre in Ireland. DASH, MD, DII and E-DII scores were derived from validated food frequency questionnaires. Correlation and multivariate-adjusted linear regression analyses with correction for multiple testing were performed to examine dietary score relationships with biomarker concentrations.

Results

In fully …

Tocopherol Content Of Maternal Breast Milk And Impact On Neonatal Growth, Alyssa Freeman, Alex Hergenrader, Olivia Paetz, Sarah Sweeney, Lauren Wegner, Nicole Bender, Ridhi Chaudhary, Khadijjta Ali, Matthew Van Ormer, Maranda Thompson, Rebecca Slotkowski, Corrine K. Hanson, Melissa K. Thoene, Ann Anderson-Berry

Child Health Research Institute Pediatric Research Forum

Background: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient consisting of α-, β-, δ-, and γ-tocopherol isoforms that has established effects on neonatal growth in utero. Higher maternal plasma tocopherol concentrations in pregnancy are associated with increased neonatal weight, length, and head circumference percentiles at birth. However, less is known about the impacts of tocopherols on post-natal growth. Since many neonates consume maternal breast milk as their post-natal nutrient source, it is important to understand the tocopherol content of breast milk and associations with neonatal growth.

Significance of Problem: Although the tocopherols demonstrate positive associations with neonatal growth in utero, the role …

Evaluation Of Tocopherol Isoforms In Maternal Breast Milk And Their Relationship With Maternal Dietary Intake, Alyssa Freeman, Alex Hergenrader, Olivia Paetz, Sarah Sweeney, Lauren Wegner, Nicole Bender, Ridhi Chaudhary, Khadijjta Ali, Matthew Van Ormer, Maranda Thompson, Rebecca Slotkowski, Corrine K. Hanson, Melissa K. Thoene, Ann Anderson-Berry

Child Health Research Institute Pediatric Research Forum

Background: Vitamin E is an essential, fat-soluble nutrient with four isoforms: α-, β-, δ-, and γ-tocopherol. These isoforms differentially modulate inflammation and show variable associations with perinatal outcomes, such as preterm delivery and Apgar scores. However, little is known about the role of these isoforms on post-natal outcomes and their presence in maternal breast milk, a neonate’s ideal nutrition source.

Significance of Problem: To analyze the role of tocopherols on post-natal growth and inflammation, it is critical to first assess their presence in maternal breast milk. Relating these measures to maternal dietary intake can advance our understanding of breast milk …

Assessing The Impact Of Socioeconomic Status On Maternal And Cord Serum Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Levels, Alexandra Hergenrader, Matthew Van Ormer, Maranda Thompson, Rebecca Slotkowski, Alyssa Freeman, Olivia Paetz, Sarah Sweeney, Lauren Wegner, Khadijjta Ali, Nicole Bender, Ridhi Chaudhary, Melissa K. Thoene, Corrine K. Hanson, Ann Anderson-Berry

Child Health Research Institute Pediatric Research Forum

Background: Omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) modulate inflammation throughout the lifespan and are essential in fetal growth and development. Previous studies have demonstrated that individuals with lower socioeconomic status (SES) may be at risk for low intake of n-3 PUFAs; however, no research has compared the concentrations of these nutrients present in maternal and cord serum between markers of SES.

Significance of Problem: Individuals with low serum levels of n-3 PUFAs may suffer from unfavorable birth and pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, it is important to identify populations who may have decreased serum levels of these nutrients in order to provide …

Sap30, A Novel Oncogenic Transcription Factor In High-Risk Neuroblastoma: Clinical Significance And Role In Tumor-Progression, Survival, And Drug Resistance, Anup Pathania, Philip Prathipati, Nagendra K. Chaturvedi, Subash Gupta, Don W. Coulter, Kishore Challagundla

Child Health Research Institute Pediatric Research Forum

Neuroblastoma is the most common devastating extracranial solid malignancy in children, accounting for 15% of childhood cancer-related mortality. Despite an intense treatment regimen, approximately 50% of children treated for high-risk neuroblastoma have more aggressive tumor relapse with less than 20% five-year overall survival. Amplification of the oncogene MYCN is associated with a high risk of relapse. However, only 25% of high-risk neuroblastomas are MYCN-amplified, indicating that the rest are driven by factors other than MYCN. Therefore, it is essential to identify novel driver transcription factors but not passenger genes that improve prediction efficacy of therapy response and association with high-risk, …

Feasibility And Application Of Early Enteral Feeding Initiation In Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants, Lauren Ridgway, Melissa K. Thoene, Ann Anderson-Berry

Child Health Research Institute Pediatric Research Forum

Background: Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants (< 1000g) have specialized nutritional needs to promote best outcomes, so identifying optimal nutrition therapies is critical. Previous studies indicate that late initiation of enteral feeds (>3 days) is associated with increased inflammation and adverse neonatal outcomes. Delayed breastfeeding after the first hour of life in term infants has also been associated with increased mortality. In consideration of these factors and the heterogeneity that exists between enteral feeding initiation in an ELBW population, there is a lack of studies examining the hour of life in which enteral feeds are initiated in ELBW infants. This study evaluates the feasibility of early initiation of enteral feeds in ELBW infants and describes the impact on time to reach full enteral feeds. …

Hypertensive Disorders Of Pregnancy Are Associated With Differences In Maternal Serum Concentrations Of Arachidonic Acid Metabolites, Rebecca Slotkowski, M. Van Ormer, M. Thompson, T. Nordgren, M. Thoene, E. Lyden, M. Mukherjee, A. Yuil-Valdes, A. Ulu, S. Nataragan, T. Hahka, A. Akbar, C. Hanson, A. Anderson Berry

Child Health Research Institute Pediatric Research Forum

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension, and preeclampsia, are a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States. Dysregulation of inflammation is thought to play a role in the development of HDP. Maternal diet has the potential to alter the risk of HDP by modulating inflammation. Arachidonic acid (AA) is a dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid which can be metabolized into both pro- and anti-inflammatory bioactive metabolites.

Significance of Problem: HDP places women and their infants at risk for potentially severe pregnancy complications including placental abruption, embolism, end-organ failure, or death. Few treatments …

Maternal And Cord Β-Carotene Levels And Their Association With Newborn Hearing Screen Results, O. Paetz, R. Slotkowski, A. Freeman, A. Hergenrader, S. Sweeney, K. Ali, N. Bender, R. Chaundary, M. Vanormer, M. Thompson, M. Thoene, C. Hanson, A. Anderson-Berry

Child Health Research Institute Pediatric Research Forum

Background. β-carotene is one of the few carotenoids that can be endogenously converted to vitamin A, a nutrient essential for inner ear development. While previous studies have identified a protective effect of carotenoids on hearing in adults, the impact of β-carotene on hearing outcomes in neonates is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between maternal β-carotene intake, maternal plasma, and umbilical cord plasma β-carotene levels and abnormal Newborn Hearing Screen (NHS) results.

Significance of Problem. The prenatal period is critical for auditory development; thus, effectors of auditory development may significantly impact long-term hearing …

Thematic Analysis Of Third-Year Medical Student Reflections On Social Determinants Of Health During Their Pediatric Clerkship: Emergent Themes And Topic Interconnectedness, Paul Witt, Michelle Howell Smith, Shirley F. Delair, Nathan Gollehon, Sharon R. Stoolman, Jason Burrows

Child Health Research Institute Pediatric Research Forum

Background. Social determinants of health (SDOH), as defined by the World Health Organization, are the “non-medical factors that influence health outcomes… the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life.” Studies have estimated that SDOH account for 30-55% of health outcomes. Understanding the impact of SDOH can be integrated into medical education in different formats, here we explore student reflections.

Methods. In the 2021-2022 academic year, third-year medical students at a midwestern medical school submitted discussion board reflections on their experiences …

The Dream Of The Common Good: Not A Nightmare, Jackson Gregory Dellinger

Honors Theses

This paper examines an emerging position in the philosophy of law, common-good constitutionalism. In the first two parts of the paper, I explain the position and constitutionalism more generally, examining how common-good constitutionalism fits within the definition of constitutionalism providing by a neutral scholar. In the next five parts, I attempt to show that common-good constitutionalism’s preference for explicit adherence to the common good does not violate constitutionalism. In doing so, I provide an examination of common-good constitutionalism’s relationship with three important constitutional principles and the separability of common-good constitutionalism as a whole and the infamous views of its most …

Sources Of Patient Information For Type 2 Diabetes Self-Care In Northern Mississippi, Minh-Sang La

Honors Theses

Given the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the United States and the continuous rise of cases, especially within Mississippi, there is an increasing need to identify if, and how, patients with Type 2 Diabetes receive information about self-care. While there is data available on the topic of where patients receive their information and the influence it has on their health in other countries of the world, the research on the source of Type 2 Diabetes education in the United States is scarce. Therefore, this study aims to bridge the gap of understanding where patients with Type 2 Diabetes …

Stirring Up The Soil: Best Practices To Mitigate Lead Exposure In Contaminated Soils Within Omaha, Nebraska, Mckenzie Blaine

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Cities across the nation in the United States experience problems associated with lead contamination in their urban soils due to industrial pollution. In many instances, the emission of lead particles occurred – unregulated – for several decades. Though there are federal cleanup efforts to help minimize the negative impacts of lead contamination for the public in the United States, the efforts are designated for specified criteria and thus do not reach all areas which need to be remediated. In order to perform proper lead abatement practices, local organizations must take initiative on projects which meet the needs and demands of …

Editorial: The Interplay Between Social Determinants Of Health And Cancer Related Health Disparities, Tung-Sung Tseng, Chien Ching Li, Alicia K. Matthews

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Effect Of Coated Urea And Urea-Ammonium-Nitrate Solution On Cane Tonnage, Sugar Yield, And Leaf-Soil Nitrogen Content Under Louisiana Sugarcane Production System, Hector J. Mendoza Lagos

LSU Master's Theses

Nitrogen (N) is a crucial nutrient for proper plant growth and development. N deficiency results in poor tillering and thin, short internode stem production for sugarcane production, thus resulting in low cane tonnage. Therefore, proper N fertilizer management is essential for a sustainable sugarcane production system. This research was conducted at the LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel, LA, from 2019 to 2020 at three Sites (Site 1, 2, and 3). The treatments consisted of different N rates (0, 45, 90, and 135 kg N ha^-1) and sources (urea-ammonium-nitrate solution [UAN]-32%, 30-day [Coated Urea 1], 45-day …

Comparison Of Heavy Metals In Spinach Grown On The Roof Ground Location At Portland State University, Tyler A. Robin

Student Research Symposium

As a result of urbanization, fresh, healthy food can be expensive and easily contaminated but space for local farming is limited. Roofs can be underutilized in densely populated cities and can offer a space for local fresh farming. The purpose of this study is to continue a previous study done in 2021, to find if growing leafy vegetables on the roof can limit heavy metal exposure from air pollutants. This study compares spinach grown on the roof in 2021, 2019 and spinach bought from stores around the Portland State University campus and the heavy metals found in these greens. The …

How Are Changes In Temperature And Salinity Impacting Intertidal Mussels?, Casey A. Martin

Student Research Symposium

Marine organisms living within the intertidal zones, such as mussels, experience a wide range of environmental conditions every day. Due to Climate change, these environments are transforming in such a way that may impact a mussels ability to successfully reproduce, grow, and live. Previous studies have shown that successful gamete development in freshwater mussels has been linked to temperature and species behavior has been observed to be influenced by salinity levels. In order to test the impact of temperature and salinity on mussel physiology, mussels were exposed to several treatments with varying conditions. Those conditions included a combination of a …

The Effects Of Running On Arithmetic Problem Solving, Kayia C. Snyder, Nicholas Smith Dr.

Student Research Symposium

In this work, we propose to examine the effects of physical activity on academic performance as physical activity is shown to improve mood, energy levels, confidence, and memory retention. We propose to recruit a sample of 200 psychology students from Portland State University. Each student will be asked to take an arithmetic problem-solving test then asked to study the material for three weeks. Of the 200 students, 100 will be randomly assigned to a physical activity condition, in which they will be asked to run 30 minutes prior to studying, then all students will be asked to take a timed …

Research Proposal For An Assessment Of The Potential For The Arbuscular Fungi “Rhizophagus Irregularis” To Aid In Corn Uptake And Availability Of Iron, Caitlin Costello

Student Research Symposium

Global iron deficiency is one factor contributing to malnutrition and varied health conditions. This deficiency accounts for 841,000 deaths and approximately 35,057,000 “disability-adjusted life years lost” (Stoltzfus, R. J. 2003). One way to combat this is to maintain or increase the iron uptake of the globe’s major crops. Research has shown that certain types of mycorrhizal fungi can increase the nutrient uptake of plants. To further this research, we will look at the arbuscular fungi Rhizophagus irregularis and its potential relationship with a short harvest corn variety. This type of mycorrhizal fungi improves plant nutrition including the plant’s ability to …

Developing Therapeutic Alliance Through Improvisation: A State-Of-The-Art Review For The Speech-Language Pathologist, Ryan Depauw

Student Research Symposium

Background: With the needs of patients in modern healthcare becoming increasingly complex, providers may benefit from using adaptive skills to develop therapeutic alliance in patient-centered care. This review examined the potential application and benefit of theatrical improvisational skills in healthcare generally and in the allied health profession of speech-language pathology specifically.

Methods: A literature search was completed across 6 databases. Search terms included “clinical improvisation,” “medical improvisation,” and “applied improvisation.” Searches were limited to journal articles published in English from November 2011 through November 2021. Articles included for full review were of original research and focused on applied …

May 4, 2022, Csusb

Coyote Chronicle (1984-)

No abstract provided.

Assuring A Continuum Of Care For Heart Failure Patients Through Post-Acute Care Collaboration: An Integrative Review, Purnima Krishna

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

Purpose/Objectives: This review evaluates the published studies on how post-acute care collaboration ensures a continuum of care and reduces heart failure (HF) readmissions.

Primary Practice Setting: An integrated literature review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 Statement. PubMed and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health were searched for the keywords heart failure AND (post-acute care OR transitional care OR skilled nursing facility OR rehabilitation facility OR home health agency) AND (readmission) AND (care coordination OR collaboration OR interprofessional OR partnerships). Seventy-nine studies were returned, and a reverse reference search yielded four …

A Survey Of The Presentation Of Pharmacogenomic Testing For Psychotropic Medications In Rural Areas, Laken Hancock

Honors Theses

The purpose of this research is to assess the knowledge and opinions of the general public in rural areas in regard to genetic testing and pharmacogenomics. 40 people from self-identified rural areas participated in this study by completing an online Qualtrics questionnaire and an in-person or online semi-structured qualitative interview. The Qualtrics questionnaire measured demographic information, as well as depression, anxiety, stress, positive affect, and negative affect using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) measures. The semi-structured qualitative interview included questions pertaining to the decision support tool (DST) presented to participants, …

Individual Beef Cattle Identification Using Muzzle Images And Deep Learning Techniques, Guoming Li, Galen E. Erickson, Yijie Xiong

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The ability to identify individual animals has gained great interest in beef feedlots to allow for animal tracking and all applications for precision management of individuals. This study assessed the feasibility and performance of a total of 59 deep learning models in identifying individual cattle with muzzle images. The best identification accuracy was 98.7%, and the fastest processing speed was 28.3 ms/image. A dataset containing 268 US feedlot cattle and 4923 muzzle images was published along with this article. This study demonstrates the great potential of using deep learning techniques to identify individual cattle using muzzle images and to support …

Implementation Of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (Eras) Guidelines: A Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Approach, Christopher N. Stoner Bsn, Rn, Alex R. Priest Bsn, Rn, Dwayne Accardo Dnp, Crna, Aprn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Enhance Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are multimodal transdisciplinary care guidelines that can improve clinical outcomes and cost savings. Although surgical practices currently vary significantly among healthcare institutions, perioperative outcomes and safety appear to improve with ERAS pathways. This scoping review evaluates patient outcomes and satisfaction in adult patients during their first week postoperatively while utilizing ERAS pathways.

Methods This scoping review includes a variety of peer-reviewed and published academic journals within the last five years to guarantee the information surveyed is current. Even though this scoping review focuses on the interdisciplinary method to executing ERAS pathways, studies demonstrating …

Blue Zones: Unlocking Key Themes In The Centenarian's Life, Grace Beer, Grace O. Beer

Honors College Theses

Longevity has been sought after in certain areas of the world, and there are specific regions where this has been achieved. There is an American average life expectancy of 72 years old, but individuals in “Blue Zones” here in America and other areas of the world are expected to and have proven to live well beyond 100. The areas of Okinawa, Sardinia, Nicoya, Ikaria, and Loma Linda are classified as Blue Zones, and there could be more of an understanding of how these people live the way they do to have such healthy physical outcomes. To deeply understand the strategy …