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In Vitro Investigation Of The Potential Therapeutic Implications Of Safranal On Gastric Cancer, Aisha Juma Al Otaibi

Theses

Despite the fact that gastric cancer patients are indispensable to conventional radiation and chemotherapy, the detrimental side effects of those approaches prompt cancer research to seek new integrative treatments. In this respect, safranal (SAF) stands out as a complementary phytotherapeutic drug with exceptional anticancer properties. Concurring studies have shown that SAF is negatively associated with several cancer types, yet its potential therapeutic impact on gastric cancer remains vastly obscure. Thus, this dissertation sought to investigate SAF's prospective tumoricidal ability and its underlying mechanisms of action on gastric cancer in vitro. Herein, the study evaluated the cytotoxicity of SAF on …

Analyzing Sars-Cov-2 Wastewater Surveillance Data For Public Health Impact In Southern Nevada, Casey A. Barber

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers determined that levels of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genetic material in wastewater could provide information about COVID-19 occurrence in communities. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) efforts have subsequently expanded throughout the U.S. and internationally; the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiated its National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) in September of 2020 and continues its SARS-CoV-2 wastewater monitoring efforts following the end of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency in May 2023. The field of WBE has reached a critical juncture in determining the future of how SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance data …

Understanding Failure Mechanisms For Two Colorectal Anastomosis Techniques, Youssef Sherif Sadek Fahmy

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Colorectal Surgery continues to be one of the most common gastrointestinal surgeries performed in the US. A common complication known as Anastomotic Leakage (AL) that threatens up to 30% of patients with this surgery. Many cases of AL can decrease the quality of life for patients or extensively extend hospital stays, and in many cases, lead to death. Researchers have studied this complication in clinical trials, yet few studied the mechanics of stapled anastomosis in controlled environments. The purpose of this research was to understand the mechanical interaction between the staples and the tissue, and to eventually apply it in …

From Resistance To Host Response: An Integrative Study Of C. Difficile Infections, Amber Consul

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a major healthcare challenge, causing severe gastrointestinal illness and significant mortality. Understanding the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, epidemiology, and immune response in CDI is critical for developing effective treatments and prevention strategies.

This dissertation encompasses three complementary studies. The first study investigates the genetic mechanisms underlying cephalosporin resistance in C. difficile strain 630 through differential gene expression analysis. The second study provides a descriptive epidemiological analysis of C. difficile ribotypes in a Las Vegas patient population, highlighting differences between healthcare-associated (HA-CDI) and community-associated (CA-CDI) cases. The third study integrates serum analyte profiling and transcriptomic analysis …

Site Position, Tillage, And Soil Depth Effects On Soil Properties In A Furrow-Irrigated Rice Field On A Silt-Loam Soil, Hannah Nobles, Kristofor Brye, Diego Della Lunga

Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The fundamental agronomic shift from conventional agricultural methods to conservation agriculture relies on understanding soil nutrient stratification with depth and under different tillage treatments. Assessment of nutrient stratification in the dynamic conditions of furrow-irrigated rice (Oryza sativa) systems in eastern Arkansas is absent. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of tillage [i.e., conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT], site position (i.e., up-, mid-, and down-slope), soil depth interval (i.e., 0-10 and 10-20 cm), and their interaction on the difference (i.e., end of the season minus beginning of the season) in select soil chemical …

What Is The Evidence? Updates In The Use Of Antenatal Corticosteroids For Patients At Risk Of Preterm Birth, Moti Gulersen, Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Antenatal corticosteroids have long been considered one of the most important antenatal therapies available for pregnant patients at risk of preterm birth based on the associated reduction of neonatal morbidity and mortality following their administration. However, despite decades of research since their incorporation into routine clinical practice, a number of key questions related to antenatal corticosteroid use remain. These include evaluating the impact of antenatal corticosteroids at gestational ages outside of the previously recommended window of 24 0/7–33 6/7 weeks of gestation, determining factors associated with optimal steroid timing in order to reduce unnecessary exposure, alterations in its dosing regimen, …

Incorporating Meditation, Yoga, And Reiki Interventions To Reduce Stress, Anxiety, And Mood Symptoms Among The College Population, Kelly Wills

Dissertations

The purpose of this clinical research project is to examine the efficacy of mindfulness techniques and alternative therapeutic practices, specifically, meditation, yoga, and Reiki, in decreasing symptoms of anxiety among college students. The increasing prevalence of anxiety disorders among the college population warrants the need for identifying effective interventions for enhancing mental health outcomes. This review integrates findings from published studies that focus on the impact of these practices on anxiety-related symptoms within college settings. Reviewing these studies reveals consistent evidence to support the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation as it relates to anxiety reduction as well as improvements in emotional …

The Impact Of Generational Trauma In Educational Spaces: Inherited Strategies And Tools For Coping, Conrado Abando Julian Iii

Education Dissertations

This phenomenological study explored the impact of generational trauma on educational spaces. This research involved narratives from eleven participants with diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds and explored the nuanced ways in which generational trauma impacted the academic settings and how it influences students' social, emotional, and academic experiences. It identified three primary themes: the perception of generational trauma, its impact on academic experiences, and the coping mechanisms employed by individuals. Findings revealed that participants experience innate pressure to excel, often driven by familial expectations, alongside a lack of support which hindered academic motivation. Coping mechanisms such as various involvement in …

Demonstrating Feasibility Of Ultrasound-Sensitive Microbubbles Delivery To Treat Disruptions In The Blood Brain Barrier Endothelium, Rubens Jourdain

Theses and Dissertations

Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) is one of the main causes of dementia. VCID is caused by age and other genetic factors that lead to disruptions in the blood brain barrier (BBB) and allow blood components to enter the brain. The currently available treatments of VCID include opening the BBB with high-frequency-ultrasound to deliver drugs to the brain. However, this only treats the already developed disease. Consequently, we developed a new drug delivery system whose goal is to restore the brain capillary endothelial cells (BCEC) lining the blood vessel. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility …

Synthesis Of Photocleavable Molecules For Neurological Applications, Nishal Madujith Egodawaththa Arachchilage Don

Theses and Dissertations

In recent biomedical research, the precise control of molecular dynamics through light activation has emerged as a powerful tool, particularly in the field of neurobiology. This approach involves the use of photocleavable cages or photoprotective groups (PPGs) that are chemically tethered to biologically active molecules such as neurotransmitters or calcium chelators. These cages remain inert until exposed to specific wavelengths of light, typically in the visible range, triggering the release of the active compound with high spatiotemporal precision.

For neurotransmitter systems, such as glutamate (Glu), which plays a critical role in synaptic transmission and memory formation, researchers have developed novel …

The Lasting Psychological Effects Of Juvenile Arrests, Nadia Olivia Bortolin

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the enduring psychological consequences, specifically depression and anxiety, stemming from juvenile arrests and their influence on adulthood. Literature has demonstrated impacts on juvenile arrests from cultural, socioeconomic, family dynamics, and environmental elements. This study addresses a notable gap in understanding the long-term impact on mental health and employment. Research indicates a sensitivity to outcomes based on the age of arrest, with early adolescent arrests having profound effects on development and an increased likelihood of subsequent criminal activities. Developmental and risk factors, such as socioeconomic challenges and pubescent difficulties, contribute to persistent delinquent behaviors into adulthood. Some studies …

Novel, Ultra-Fast Electrochemical Sensors For The Enhanced Detection Of Neurotransmitters And Toxic Heavy Metals In Aqueous Solutions, Noel Manring

Theses and Dissertations

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are a growing global health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. NDDs arise from the progressive loss of neuronal cell function, ultimately leading to cell death. Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers in the brain, have also been linked to NDDs. Despite various treatments and medications aimed at alleviating physical and mental symptoms, there is currently no cure or means to halt disease progression. While the exact pathogenesis of NDDs remain poorly understood, cognitive decline is largely attributed to brain volume reduction, particularly in the hippocampus. Clinical studies suggest that environmental factors, such as exposure to …

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Behaviors Regarding Water Quality, Nitrate Contamination, And Related Health Issues Among Nebraska Healthcare Professionals, Jessenia Hincapie

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Background: Nitrate contamination in drinking water is a public health concern, particularly in agricultural regions. Healthcare professionals often address water quality issues but may lack sufficient knowledge regarding the health effects of nitrate contamination. This study evaluates whether Nebraska healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes about nitrate contamination predict their behaviors in addressing this issue.

Methods: A survey was administered to healthcare professionals across Nebraska to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding nitrate contamination in drinking water. A total of 462 respondents participated. Generalized linear regression analysis was employed to assess the impact of knowledge and attitudes regarding nitrate contamination …

Demand For Milk And Milk Products In The Rural Household Of Bangladesh: A Panel Data Analysis, Eshrat Jahan Mahfuza, Mohammad Jahangir Alam, Andrew M. Mckensie

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Milk is considered an essential source of protein for people of all ages. However, Bangladeshi people, particularly those living in rural areas, tend to consume less milk and milk products than necessary. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the demand for milk and milk products among rural consumers and the factors affecting their consumption habits. The study utilizes balanced panel data from three waves of the Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey: 2011–12, 2015, and 2018–19, collected by the International Food Policy Research Institute. Both the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) and Fixed Effects Model were employed. The expenditure elasticity for liquid …

Death And Words As Witness In Post-War Literature: Salvation Narratives In Markus Zusak’S The Book Thief, Lusa Holmstrom

FCRH Honors Program Theses

Death didn’t used to be so taboo. As late as the 18th century, death was a prominent aspect of literature, and people of all ages were invited to the deathbeds of family members and friends alike. In the Victorian era, death was so much a culture as was living. But with the rise of preventative medicine in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the view of death in the western world, specifically, took a turn. As Geoffrey Gorer argues in his 1955 article “The Pornography of Death,” higher mortality rates allowed for greater familiarity and intimacy with death, while …

The Ethics Of Vulnerability In Health Care, Hannah Dieterle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation seeks to address vulnerability within clinical healthcare settings. Currently, clinical vulnerability is underrecognized and insufficiently researched which leads to the perpetuation of negative health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Specifically, there is a lack of a consistent and universal definition of vulnerability which has built a shaky foundation on which to discuss vulnerability. This dissertation begins to address these issues and increase awareness on clinical vulnerability due to some populations experiencing the devastating effects of vulnerability at a higher and disproportionate rate when compared to other populations. There is a clear need for increased attention from ethicists and medical …

Black/White Biracial Identity And Sense Of Belonging In High School: A Grounded Theory Qualitative Study, Kathleen Richardson

Education Doctoral

This qualitative research aimed to understand better the identity development and sense of belonging of Biracial high school students. The study used a Charmaz (2012) constructivist grounded theory design to describe the experiences of postsecondary students who self-identified as having one Black parent and one White parent through semi-structured interviews. The study generated an emerging theory for identity development and sense of belonging in secondary educational institutions that can be used by parents, teachers, school leaders, and school policymakers as a framework to improve the high school experiences and student achievement of all multiracial students. The results of this study …

Comparison Of Statistical And Machine Learning Genomic Prediction Methods In Plant Breeding: Case Studies In Maize And Soybean, Igor Kuivjogi Fernandes

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Plant breeding is essential to increase genetic gain and food production worldwide. This study was conducted to evaluate new ways to use machine learning (ML) to tackle plant breeding challenges, where two ideas were tested — the first chapter focuses on how to combine genetic and environmental data using ML to improve the prediction of maize grain yield in multi-environment trials, while the second chapter centers on how to couple feature selection of molecular markers with ML to enhance prediction of yield in soybean, and, in both cases, ML approaches were compared to well-established statistical methods greatly adopted by the …

Preventing Depression In Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: An Educational Video Series, Sabrina Casares

Student Capstone Papers

This paper presents a doctoral capstone project that created and implemented a self-help occupation-based educational video series to prevent and manage depression among grandparent caregivers. It consists of a literature review regarding the impact of depression on grandparent caregivers, the population’s barriers and statistics relating to the correlation of developing depression as a grandparent caregiver. It includes the process to create the video series including review of the literature and the development process. Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (TXGRG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing resources and support to empower and advocate for grandparent caregivers. Problem: There is a lack …

A Theory-Guided Qualitative Exploration Of Occupational Influences On Firefighters’ Dietary Behaviors, Cynthia Horton Dias, Courtney Catledge Dnp, Msn, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Robin M. Dawson Phd, Rn, Cpnp-Pc

Publications

Background: Firefighters face many inherent occupational health hazards and increased risk for several cancers, making peak health essential. However, cardiac events and stroke continue as leading causes of on-duty deaths. Healthy diets promote prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancers. While some dietary interventions have been undertaken, sustained improvements have not been observed. Understanding firefighters’ occupational influences on dietary behavior is vital for implementation of effective interventions to improve nutrition. Methods: The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) guided this qualitative study. Nine focus groups of firefighters who work 24-hour shifts and one interview with a fire administrator (N = 34) were conducted …

Molecular Pathways Of Odontogenic Keratocysts: A Systematic Review, Paolo Boffano, Francesca Neirotti, Matteo Brucoli, Muhammad Ruslin

Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Science

The odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) stands out as one of the most prevalent odontogenic tumors. Since its initial description, numerous studies have delved into various aspects of this lesion, aiming to unravel its distinctive biological behavior.

Recent investigations have specifically focused on the molecular aspects of OKC, shedding light on its biological characteristics. Substantial differences at the molecular level between OKC and other odontogenic cystic lesions indicate a distinct biological origin. Genetic and molecular research in the realm of odontogenic tumors, particularly OKC, has contributed significantly to the growing knowledge and understanding of their physiopathological pathways. The molecular findings may open …

Effectiveness Of Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea Var. Capitata L.) Against Streptococcus Mutans, Staphylococcus Aureus And Porphyromonas Gingivalis Bacteria, Irene E. Rieuwpassa, Nurlindah Hamrun, Maria Tanumihardja, Juni J. Nugroho, Risfah Yulianty, Sherlie Diana, Yogie M. Arief, Nur F. Said, Rezky A. Putri, Boy M. Bachtiar, Heni Susilowati, Retno I. Roestamadji

Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Science

Objective: Therefore, this study was aimed at examining the inhibition of green cabbage and purple cabbage against oral pathogenic bacteria and knowing the nitrate content and the theoretical benefits of nitrate in cabbage as a prebiotic material that supports oral and dental health including systemic body health by lowering blood pressure.

Material and Methods: The type of research to be used is laboratory experimental with the post test only control group. Preparation of green cabbage and purple cabbage extracts with maceration technique. Dilution was carried out so that the concentration of green cabbage and purple cabbage extracts was …

Mental Index, Antegonial Index, And Mandibular Cortical Index For Assessment Of Bone Quality Using Panoramic Radiograph, Supriyadi, Swasthi Prastyarini, Lusi Hidayati, Agus Sumono, Yohana M. Penga, Susi W. Asih

Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Science

Background: Several indices for measuring the thickness of the mandibular cortex using a panoramic radiograph have been developed. Indices enable measurements to assess bone quality (bone mineral density/BMD). This study aims to identify bone quality through mental index (MI), antegonial index (AI), and mandibular cortical index (MCI) measurements using a panoramic radiograph. 

Materials and method: The observational study used a cross-sectional research design. The population was panoramic radiographs of patients in the Radiology installation of the University of Jember Dental Hospital. The samples consisted of 87 panoramic radiographs that met the criteria inclusion: Region of Interest (ROI), i.e., …

Influential Nature Of Empathy In The Relationship Between Psychopathy And Aggression, Alessia M. Valentino

Student Theses

Past research discusses the development of psychopathy and its association with aggression and empathy. It highlights that while personality traits central to psychopathy are believed to arise early in life, adolescence is a critical period where these traits interact and manifest in behaviors. Some research discusses the role of empathy in moderating aggressive behavior, suggesting that interventions targeting empathy could potentially reduce aggressive and antisocial behaviors in individuals with psychopathic traits. The current study explores the relationship between psychopathic traits, empathy, and aggression in adolescents, aiming to enhance our understanding of these complex constructs and their implications for risk assessment …

Comparison Of Methods For Amphetamine Enantiomer Analysis Using Hplc And 1h-Nmr, Martin Mai

Student Theses

A molecule is chiral if it cannot be superimposed on its mirror image. Chiral drugs exist as these mirror image enantiomers, which can differ in their pharmacological effects. When a drug’s active molecule exists as a pair of enantiomers, the relative ratio of each enantiomer in the final product can provide information about the source of production for this drug, i.e., whether the drug was legally or illegally produced. However, typical detection methods may not differentiate between enantiomers of a chiral molecule. This thesis study compares three different methods for enantiomer detection of amphetamine, which is a drug often prescribed …

The Effects Of Multiple Acute Turkesterone Doses On Indirect Measures Of Hypertrophy And Metabolic Measures: A Preliminary Investigation, Dillon R. Harris, Tomas Chapman-Lopez, Steven B. Machek, Jeffery S. Forsse, Tracey Sulak, Leslee K. Funderburk

Kinesiology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Turkesterone is a naturally occurring plant steroid touted for its medicinal, pharmacological, and biological properties with no reported adverse side effects compared with traditional anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). However, this ostensible enhancement to increase muscle protein synthesis and facilitate augmented thermogenesis remains undescribed despite uninformed and potentially haphazard consumption. To investigate whether turkesterone enhances insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and resting metabolic rate (RMR), eleven apparently healthy males (23.3 ± 2.2) volunteered to participate in the present study with samples collected pre-, 3H post-, and 24H post-ingestion. Subsequent analyses failed to reveal any significant main condition, time, or interaction main effects …

Who Adds Lc16m8 Mpox Vaccine To Emergency Use Listing

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

An Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of A Commercial Butterfly Breeder Seminar, Monrita G. Tate

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Beginning Commercial Butterfly Breeder Seminar, a training workshop based on evidence-based best practices for rearing butterflies. The evaluation examined participant experience in the workshop, knowledge gained, and any changes in their professional practice. An electronic survey was distributed to participants of the 2022 and 2023 cohorts to collect feedback on their perception of the seminar and mastery of learning outcomes. The results indicated a live perception of the seminar, which equipped participants with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement standard operating procedures to enhance their professional practices and facilitate the application …

An Examination Of The Perceived Factors Of Internship Programs That Lead Students To Remain With An Organization After Completing An Internship, Dorance Renard Miles Ii

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Over the past decade, there has been considerable growth in the number of undergraduate students completing internships in the United States (US). Through increased awareness and participation, internships have become known for developing career readiness skills, gaining first-hand experience in the workplace, and bridging the transition from academia to the world of work. As illustrated by the elevated number of college graduates reporting an internship experience upon graduation, internships are becoming a high-impact practice within the collegiate experience. Identified as a gateway to recruitment and hiring by organizations, internships are structured to provide students with direct work experience related to …

Democratizing Plant Biodiversity Data With Coefficients Of Conservatism For The Vascular Flora Of Tennessee And Kentucky, Sevyn Brothers

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Floristic Quality Assessments (FQAs) measure an ecosystem's quality and can be applied to any ecosystem. FQAs consist of two parts: a species checklist and each species’ coefficient of conservatism (c-value). C-values are integers that describe a species’ tolerance to anthropogenically disturbed habitats. C-values should be applied to species per ecoregion; however, this can be difficult due to resource allocations, and therefore it is more common to apply c-values at the state level. Tennessee and Kentucky (TNKY) share many native species and ecoregions and lacked published c-values, putting TNKY in a prime position for combined c-value assignment. C-values were assigned to …