Digital Commons Network^™

Ileal Microbial Composition In Genetically Distinct Chicken Lines Reared Under Normal Or High Ambient Temperatures, Nima K. Emami, Lori L. Schreier, Elizabeth Greene, Travis Tabler, Sara K. Orlowski, Nicholas B. Anthony, Monika Proszkowiec‑Weglarz, Sami Dridi

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Heat stress (HS) has negative effects on poultry productivity, health and welfare resulting in economic losses. Broiler chickens are particularly susceptible to HS due to their high metabolic rate and rapid growth. The com‑ mensal intestinal bacterial populations have an important physiological role in the host and could ameliorate the negative effect of HS on the host. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare changes in the ileal (IL) microbiota in four different broiler lines during HS.

Results: Day‑old broiler chicks from Giant Jungle Fowl (JF), Athens Canadian Random Bred (ACRB), 1995 Random Bred (L1995), and Modern …

Avian Neuropeptide Y: Beyond Feed Intake Regulation, Elizabeth S. Greene, Nedra Abdelli, Jalila S. Dridi, Sami Dridi

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is one of the most abundant and ubiquitously expressed neuropeptides in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, and its regulatory effects on feed intake and appetite- have been extensively studied in a wide variety of animals, including mammalian and non-mammalian species. Indeed, NPY has been shown to be involved in the regulation of feed intake and energy homeostasis by exerting stimulatory effects on appetite and feeding behavior in several species including chickens, rabbits, rats and mouse. More recent studies have shown that this neuropeptide and its receptors are expressed in various peripheral tissues, including the thyroid, …

Culture Of Care And Prosocial Leadership: Autoethnography Of An Elementary School Principal Navigating Covid-19, Ashley Marie Davis

Dissertations and Theses

Since 2016, I have been serving as principal at Davis Elementary School, a Title 1 school in Portland, Oregon. This autoethnography is a reflective account of my role as a principal during Covid-19 school closures and reopening. School systems and school leaders had to become more adaptive to change and had to find ways to creatively deal with Covid-19 challenges. Utilizing the conceptual frameworks of (a) culture of care informed by the constructs of ethic of care, cultural wealth in critical race theory, and culturally responsive leadership; and (b) prosocial leadership, this autoethnography used self-reflection and thematic analysis to elucidate …

Targeting Squalene Epoxidase Interrupts Homologous Recombination Via The Er Stress Response And Promotes Radiotherapy Efficacy, Zhipeng Hong, Tao Liu, Lingfeng Wan, Pengyan Fa, Pankaj Kumar, Yanan Cao, Chandra Bhushan Prasad, Zhaojun Qiu, Joseph Liu, Hongbing Wang, Zaibo Li, Qi-En Wang, Peixuan Guo, Deliang Guo, Ayse S. Yilmaz, Lanchun Lu, Ioanna Papandreou, Naduparambil K. Jacob, Chunhong Yan, Qing-Bai She

Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Over 50% of all patients with cancer are treated with radiotherapy. However, radiotherapy is often insufficient as a monotherapy and requires a nontoxic radiosensitizer. Squalene epoxidase (SQLE) controls cholesterol biosynthesis by converting squalene to 2,3-oxidosqualene. Given that SQLE is frequently overexpressed in human cancer, this study investigated the importance of SQLE in breast cancer and non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), two cancers often treated with radiotherapy. SQLE-positive IHC staining was observed in 68% of breast cancer and 56% of NSCLC specimens versus 15% and 25% in normal breast and lung tissue, respectively. Importantly, SQLE expression was an independent predictor of …

Determining The Role Of High-Sugar Diets On Ovarian Function In Drosophila Melanogaster, Emma Otey

Senior Theses

The prevalence of obesity in the United States has increased drastically and the effects of obesity on human physiology are not fully known at this point. It has been noted that there is a significant decrease of fertility rates in obese women. In order to study how exactly these high-sugar or high-fat diets are impacting fertility, Drosophila can be used as a model organism. The use of Drosophila as a model organism for humans is due to the many conserved molecular and systematic mechanisms, namely ovarian function, as well as conserved physiological responses to obesity and obesogenic diets. This study …

A Mixed Methods Case Study: Effects Of Instructors’ Beliefs On Incorporation Of Sustainability Curriculum At A Midwestern University, Anna Oetting

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The degree to which sustainability is taught is often varied and inconsistent across colleges, departments, and higher education institutions. However, educating students and future generations regarding the different pillars of sustainability, including economic, social, and environmental topics, is increasing in importance and urgency. A mixed methods case study utilized surveys and interviews to investigate why instructors incorporate sustainability, what impacts course incorporation of sustainability, and barriers that instructors face. This study found that instructors’ beliefs regarding the importance of sustainability relate to the extent to which sustainability is incorporated into their curriculum. Topics of sustainability incorporated into a class are …

Toasted Corn Flakes, Michael Mccurdy

LMU Theses and Dissertations

Against biblical odds, the baseball version of a stage mom and her grifting ex road trip their kids’ baseball team across the midwest in the name of life, liberty, and the little league world series.

Does Cetuximab Reduce The Risk Of Anemia In Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy For Head And Neck Cancers?, Ahmed I. Ghanem, Lucas G. Maahs, Radhika Gutta, Amy Tang, Marissa Gilbert, Arya Swarn, Z. A. Saheli, Samantha Tam, Jawad Z. Sheqwara

Radiation Oncology Meeting Abstracts

Purpose/Objective(s): Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation is associated with increased production of interleukin 6 (IL6), which is intensified by radiotherapy (RT) induced inflammatory response. Elevated IL6 levels promote RT-induced anemia by upregulating hepcidin causing functional iron deficiency. Cetuximab, an EGFR inhibitor, resulted in significantly lower rates of RT induced anemia for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients receiving definitive RT vs RT-alone according to Bonner et al; and other studies compared to concomitant chemotherapy. However, little is known for cases receiving cetuximab with RT in the adjuvant setting.

Materials/Methods: We queried our institutional HNSCC database …

The Sublethal Response Of Cambarus Sp. To Acute Low Dose Herbicide Exposure Evidenced By A Change In Ggt Levels And Apoptosis, Amelia Wickham

Senior Honors Theses

Following application, herbicidal runoff can collect in freshwater ecosystems, briefly exposing non-target organisms. As biological indicators, crayfish serve as models to assess freshwater health. Chemically stressed crayfish form reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are neutralized by the glutathione pathway. As glutathione depletes, γ-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) upregulates to increase glutathione formation. High oxidative stress lowers glutathione levels and subsequent apoptosis occurs. For this acute study, crayfish were exposed to 5ppb and 50ppb of atrazine, glyphosate, and 2,4-D. Herbicide exposures were expected to induce higher GGT production, increased oxidative stress, and increased apoptosis. Instead, GGT and apoptosis predominately decreased relative to the control. …

A Literature Review Of The Prevalence, Metabolism, And Usage Guidelines Of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners, Rebecca Ide

Senior Honors Theses

Due to their reputation for being a healthier option to traditional table sugar, non-nutritive sweeteners have garnered popularity, particularly with those affected by type II diabetes mellitus (DM2) or obesity. A literature review on the characteristics, metabolism, and optimal cooking guidelines of non-nutritive sweeteners was performed to establish more knowledge about these trending food additives. The literature review indicates that the presence of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) may influence glucose metabolism by binding T1R2/T1R3 sweetness receptors present throughout the gastrointestinal tract. However, not all studies showed positive correlations. Though inconclusive, the studies suggest a possible connection between excessive NNS consumption and …

The Acorn Squash Problem: A Digestible Conceptualisation Of Barriers To Emergency Food Assistance, John C. Jones, Joanne Christaldi, Diana Cuy Castellanos

Nutrition Faculty Publications

Background: In common narratives of emergency food assistance, donors likely believe their efforts directly manifest as people consuming their donated food. For example, a person donating canned lima beans during a canned food drive may visualise someone eventually eating those lima beans. However, cultural and socio-economic barriers often exist that prevent people from accessing and consuming the donated food. These barriers are often complex and otherwise well-intentioned donors, volunteers and organisations may not initially consider them.

Method: This commentary article, which draws from existing US emergency food systems literature, uses the imagery of an acorn squash one might find at …

An Analysis Of The Psychological And Physical Effects Of A Physical Activity Program During In-Patient Pediatric Cancer Treatment, Zoë Winters

Undergraduate Theses

There is limited published research regarding the use of physical activity in cancer treatment programs, and even fewer in pediatric treatment plans; however, there is a common consensus that following the conclusion of cancer treatment an individual’s physical fitness has been majorly impacted. The inactivity that commonly coexists with cancer treatment often results in extended periods of time in rehabilitation programs and decreased independence. Along with the physical detriments caused by inactivity, increased dependence on others often brings about feelings of helplessness that can further cause emotional detriments. It has however been demonstrated in previous research that adding physical activity …

Standardizing Naturalistic Teaching Opportunities For Problem-Based Learning In Diabetes Education: A Quality Improvement Project, Austin Mccaslin

DNP Projects

Significance and Background:

Poor diabetes management is linked to serious long and short-term health complications. Despite this, medication adherence is a significant problem in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Management is further complicated by low socioeconomic status, even when mitigated by free healthcare, highlighting health literacy as a culprit of disparities. Evidence shows that a common barrier for adolescents is proficiency in dose determination. Carbohydrate counting is an integral skill, necessary for attaining glycemic control. At a homecare agency serving adolescents with poorly controlled diabetes by providing oversight of medication administration and education, it was noted that patients continued to …

A Wild Distinction: The Metamorphosis Of Teacher Identity Through Cognitive Dissonance And Urban Field Experiences, Meg White, Corine Meredith Brown, Connie L. Schaffer

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

Teacher identity is not a common construct - it is used in different ways, by different people, and in different contexts. Yet the process of developing teacher identity as beginning professionals is critical. To paraphrase the word of one pre-service teacher, there is a wild distinction between the identity of a student and the identity of a teacher.

A Starling In A Pear Tree: Assessing The Influence Of Bird Dispersal On Callery Pear (Pyrus Calleryana), Olivia Clark

Honors Theses

Invasive species can disrupt ecosystems and negatively affect other species. Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana) is an invasive ornamental tree that is spreading quickly throughout the United States. It is possible that birds are responsible for spreading Callery pear by eating the fruit and depositing seeds in new areas. European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and American robins (Turdus migratorius) are mentioned in most studies as responsible for the dispersal of Callery pear. However, there is also evidence that Cedar waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) also feed on the tree. Invasive plants can impact avian health, reproduction, and migration. Additionally, there are many aspects of …

The Rise Of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, Their Effects, And How We Can Stop Their Growth, Andrea Prisco

Dickinson Law Review (2017-Present)

Dramatic changes in the agricultural industry over the last century have led to the rise of concentrated animal feeding operations– industrial facilities that raise a large number of animals in confined spaces. Animals raised in these facilities suffer from poor quality of life and abuse. For humans, these facilities have had adverse effects on the environment and public health, but they are also associated with high productivity and low food costs. This Comment analyzes the effects of concentrated animal feeding operations on animal well-being, the environment, and public health. This Comment also analyzes current federal legislation that helps combat the …

The Relationship Between Eviction, Rent Burden, And Poor Births In Kalamazoo County, Michigan, Joseph Agati

Masters Theses

Millions of Americans get evicted every year, with thousands coming from Kalamazoo County, Michigan alone. Additionally, many more live with rent burden, paying over 30% of their monthly income on rent. Both eviction and rent burden have been linked to adverse health effects, such as depression and anxiety, and negative coping mechanisms, such as alcoholism and smoking. This study asks if eviction and rent burden are correlated with poor births in Kalamazoo County as there are hundreds of poor births in the county every year, as well as which social vulnerability themes are most predictive of eviction and poor births. …

Quantitative Morphometric, Physiological, And Metabolic Characteristics Of Chickens And Mallards For Physiologically Based Kinetic Model Development, Colin G. Scanes, Johannes Witt, Stephan Schaller, Vanessa Baier, Audrey J. Bone, Thomas G. Preuss, David Heckmann

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Physiologically based kinetic (PBK) models are a promising tool for xenobiotic environmental risk assessment that could reduce animal testing by predicting in vivo exposure. PBK models for birds could further our understanding of species-specific sensitivities to xenobiotics, but would require species-specific parameterization. To this end, we summarize multiple major morphometric and physiological characteristics in chickens, particularly laying hens (Gallus gallus) and mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) in a meta-analysis of published data. Where such data did not exist, data are substituted from domesticated ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) and, in their absence, from chickens. The distribution of water …

A Telehealth Blood Pressure Education Program On Hypertension Knowledge, Selfcare, And Behavior, Cheynnie N. Burnett Msn, Aprn, Fnp-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Hypertension poses a significant risk for morbidity and mortality. Regular blood pressure monitoring, medication compliance, and/or lifestyle modifications have shown to improve control. Digital communication in healthcare, such as telemedicine provides patients and primary care offices an opportunity to improve access to care and education.

Objectives: This Quality Improvement (QI) Project aimed to answer the question: In adult patients with a diagnosis of hypertension, what is the effectiveness of implementing an evidence- based telehealth blood pressure management program in a primary health care setting, when compared to baseline, on blood pressure knowledge, management, and self-care over a nine- week …

Studies Toward Provenance Determination For Indigo Dyes, Erin Kibby

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Species of indigo-producing plants have been used to color textiles for thousands of years all over the globe. Natural indigo-producing species have historically been harvested in regions of Asia, North Africa, and North and South America. This study is an exploration of methods that can be used to determine the provenance (origin) of the indigo dye in a textile through the extraction and isolation of indigoids, flavonoids, and other compounds from the natural dyestuff. There is no accepted method of extracting flavonoids from indigo-dyed textiles specifically, and there is little investigation of the regionally different species. If a method is …

Intraoperative Enteroscopy For Anastomotic Bleeding In A Pediatric Patient: A Case Report, Tammy Tarhini, Nana Adwoa Bamfo

GW Research Showcase 2021-2026

No abstract provided.

Preliminary Qualitative Analysis Of A Novel Produce Prescription Pilot Program, Katherine Maehl, Laura Fischer, Olivia Spaulding, Domonique Panton, Kristy Mccarron, Tessa Mork, Wayde Dazelle, Eleanor Mackey, Anthony Mcclenny, Nia Bodrick, Kofi Essel

GW Research Showcase 2021-2026

No abstract provided.

Are We Optimizing Nutrition Enough Prior To Hartmann’S Reversal?, Benjamin Zollinger, Suzanne Arnott, Sarah Haviland, Matthew Ng, Vincent Obias

GW Research Showcase 2021-2026

No abstract provided.

"Pyramid Schemes Or Profitable Investments? Analyzing The Stocks Of Multi-Level Marketing Companies", Katy Delahunt

Gabelli School of Business Honors Thesis Collection

Multi-level marketing (MLM) companies, also known as network marketing companies, represent a controversial yet financially significant sector within the direct sales industry. Despite being associated with dubious profit structures where a majority of participants either lose money or earn minimal profits, MLMs legally operate on a model that relies heavily on recruitment rather than traditional product sales. This structure has drawn scrutiny and repeated investigations by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), highlighting that most involved in MLMs make little to no money. Despite these challenges, MLMs are a $35 billion industry, with companies like Herbalife demonstrating significant market valuations. This …

A Whole-Food Plant Based Diet And Its Effects On Cardiovascular Disease, Meredith A. Childress

MSN Capstone Projects

The purpose of this paper and benchmark study is to present evidenced-based data regarding the impact diet choices have on heart disease and how adherence to a whole food plant based (WFPB) diet compared to a Western diet affects cardiac disease. The PICOT question being asked for this change project is as follows: In adults with history of cardiac disease (P), how does adherence to a whole-food plant-based (WFPB) diet (I) compared to the Western diet (C) impact outcomes associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) (O) over three months (T)? A search of evidenced-based literature was conducted to determine the …

Cattle Diet Selection During The Growing Season On Upland Sandhills Rangelands, Alejandro Orozco-Lopez

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The Sandhills is a diverse and complex ecosystem comprised of different topographic positions (i.e. slopes and interdunes) that influence grazing distribution, plant species composition, and cattle diet selection. The first objective of this study was to evaluate how grazing intensity influences species composition on slopes and interdunes on native rangeland within the Hillside pasture (160 ha) at the UNL Gudmundsen Sandhill’s Laboratory (GSL). The second objective of this study was to evaluate forage quality of individual species from three plant functional groups (i.e. warm-season grasses, cool-season grasses, and forbs/shrubs) on native rangeland within the Hillside pasture (160 ha) at GSL. …

Recently Evolved Francisella-Like Endosymbiont Outcompetes An Ancient And Evolutionarily Associated Coxiella-Like Endosymbiont In The Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma Americanum) Linked To The Alpha-Gal Syndrome, Deepak Kumar, Surendra Raj Sharma, Abdulsalam Adegoke, Ashley Kennedy, Holly C. Tuten, Andrew Y. Li, Shahid Karim

Faculty Publications

Background: Ticks are hematophagous arthropods that transmit various bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens of public health significance. The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is an aggressive human-biting tick that transmits bacterial and viral pathogens, and its bites are suspected of eliciting the alpha-gal syndrome, a newly emerged delayed hypersensitivity following consumption of red meat in the United States. While ongoing studies have attempted to investigate the contribution of different tick-inherent factors to the induction of alpha-gal syndrome, an otherwise understudied aspect is the contribution of the tick microbiome and specifically obligate endosymbionts to the establishment of the alpha-gal …

Caffeine Supplementation Strategies Among Endurance Athletes, Andreas Kreutzer, Austin J. Graybeal, Kamiah Moss, Robyn Braun-Trocchio, Meena Shah

Faculty Publications

Caffeine is widely accepted as an endurance-performance enhancing supplement. Most scientific research studies use doses of 3–6 mg/kg of caffeine 60 min prior to exercise based on pharmacokinetics. It is not well understood whether endurance athletes employ similar supplementation strategies in practice. The purpose of this study was to investigate caffeine supplementation protocols among endurance athletes. A survey conducted on Qualtrics returned responses regarding caffeine supplementation from 254 endurance athletes (f = 134, m =120; age = 39.4 ± 13.9 y; pro = 11, current collegiate athlete = 37, recreational = 206; running = 98, triathlon = 83, cycling = …

Examination Of Energy Needs In Male And Female Physically Active Individuals, Savanna Griffin

Senior Theses

Content: The Female Athlete Triad refers to three interrelated components: 1) low energy availability (LEA), with or without an eating disorder (ED); 2) harmful and physiologically impactful hormonal changes; and 3) alterations in bone mineral density, which are often experienced by individuals engaged in organized sports or other intense physical activities. This phenomenon is called the Female Athlete Triad because the relationship of components has thus far been observed primarily in females. A new term, the Male Athlete Triad, has been recently developed to describe the same phenomenon in males. LEA occurs when dietary energy intake (EI) is inadequate to …

“Where Water Flows, A Channel Will Form”: Successes And Challenges Of A Sino-U.S. University Partnership, Li Hong, Greg Wymer, Maryjo Benton Lee

College of Nursing Faculty Publications

This paper was presented at the Comparative and International Education Society Meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota on April 20, 2022.

This paper is a case study of one such robust academic relationship. The paper examines an academic exchange program that has closely linked South Dakota State University (SDSU) in America’s Midwest with Yunnan Normal University (YNNU) in China’s far Southwest for the past 35 years. The challenges faced and the successes achieved by both institutions during the past three decades of exchange will be examined.