Digital Commons Network^™

A Fundamental Cause Approach To Intimate Partner Violence In Marginalized Populations, Nicholas S. Metheny

Dissertations

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a serious public health concern that transcends partnership types and societies, affecting approximately one-third of women worldwide. Men in same-sex relationships likely experience violence at similar rates. This dissertation takes a fundamental cause approach to social-ecological and minority stress theories, arguing that structural forces are the root causes of violence in two target populations: women residing in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and Indigenous men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States. Consisting of eight chapters, four of which are empirical studies, this body of work creates new knowledge surrounding how social …

Detection Of Distant Relatedness In Biobanks To Identify Undiagnosed Cases Of Mendelian Disease As Applied To Long Qt Syndrome, Megan C Lancaster, Hung-Hsin Chen, M Benjamin Shoemaker, Matthew R Fleming, Teresa L Strickland, James T Baker, Grahame F Evans, Hannah G Polikowsky, David C Samuels, Chad D Huff, Dan M Roden, Jennifer E Below

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Rare genetic diseases are typically studied in referral populations, resulting in underdiagnosis and biased assessment of penetrance and phenotype. To address this, we develop a generalizable method of genotype inference based on distant relatedness and deploy this to identify undiagnosed Type 5 Long QT Syndrome (LQT5) rare variant carriers in a non-referral population. We identify 9 LQT5 families referred to a single specialty clinic, each carrying p.Asp76Asn, the most common LQT5 variant. We uncover recent common ancestry and a single shared haplotype among probands. Application to a non-referral population of 69,819 BioVU biobank subjects identifies 22 additional subjects sharing this …

Inflammatory Response And Parasite Regulation In Acute Toxoplasmosis: The Role Of P2x7 Receptor In Controlling Virulent Atypical Genotype Strain Of Toxoplasma Gondii, Thuany Prado-Rangel, Aline C.A. Moreira-Souza, Sthefani R.B. Da Silva, Thais Barboza-Araujo, Archimedes B. Castro-Junior, Isalira P.R. Ramos, Christina M. Takiya, Rossiane C. Vommaro, Robson Coutinho-Silva

Pacific Faculty Work

Toxoplasmosis is a globally significant disease that poses a severe threat to immunocompromised individuals, especially in Brazil, where a high prevalence of virulent and atypical strains of Toxoplasma gondii is observed. In 1998, the EGS strain, exhibiting a unique infection phenotype, was isolated in Brazil, adding to the complexity of strain diversity. The P2X7 receptor is critical in inflammation and controlling intracellular microorganisms such as T. gondii. However, its genetic variability can result in receptor dysfunction, potentially worsening susceptibility. This study investigates the role of the P2X7 receptor during acute infection induced by the EGS atypical strain, offering insight into …

Patient Initiated Follow-Up (Pifu): How Can Rheumatology Departments Start To Reap The Benefits? A Consensus Document, R. Sengupta, M. Bukhari, Z. Cole, S. Kyle, G. Macdonald, K. Mckay, A. Irani, M. Perry

Peninsula Medical School

Patient Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU) is gaining momentum in the NHS, aiming to optimize outpatient care amidst rising service demands. PIFU is valuable in rheumatology, where the increasing demand for ongoing management exacerbates the patient backlog. Importantly, PIFU has demonstrated comparable safety and outcomes to traditional care in numerous studies. PIFU empowers patients, drives personalized care, increases efficiency, and has the potential to reduce waiting lists by allowing services to focus on new and acute cases. Effective PIFU implementation includes careful selection of patients, educating patients and healthcare staff, well defined operational guidelines, and robust remote monitoring. Digital solutions can enhance …

Coexistence Of Pulmonary Thromboembolism, Pulmonary Tuberculosis And Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis: A Flimsy Triple Dribble, Sai T. Pavirala, Alkesh Khurana, Kirti Kadian, Abhishek Goyal

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare autoimmune disease with multi‐system involvement. It involves the upper respiratory tract, lungs and kidneys. A 36-year-old female patient presented with complaints of low-grade fever, dry cough and loss of appetite initially followed by dyspnea, purpuric skin lesions, right lower limb swelling with pain and redness. Her chest radiograph revealed right upper lobe cavitary lesion with consolidation in right lower lobe. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected in sputum and Broncho alveolar lavage (BAL) via Cartridge based nucleic acid amplification assay (CB-NAAT). Later, Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) revealed bilateral pulmonary artery thromboembolism. Furthermore, her C-ANCA …

Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm, Dmitry V. Kravchenko, Dmitry A. Zinovkin, Denis A. Davydov, Pavel G. Kisialeu, Pavel A. Kopschaj, Oleg Savchenko, Mariya Savchenko, Maryna V. Barauniova, Anna S. Portyanko, Md Zahidul Islam Pranjol

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Acceptance And Commitment Therapy Versus Progressive Relaxation Training For Misophonia: Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol, Interventions, And Audiological Assessments, Emily M. Bowers, Mercedes G. Woolley, Karen Muñoz, Julie M. Petersen, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background: Misophonia is a disorder characterized by an intense emotional reaction to specific sounds, often leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a promising psychotherapy for treating misophonia, but has only been previously tested in case studies. This paper presents a protocol for the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing the efficacy and feasibility of ACT supplemented by audiological interventions for misophonia versus progressive relaxation training (PRT).

Methods: The outlined protocol is a RCT with 60 adults with misophonia. After undergoing a comprehensive psychological and audiological evaluation, participants were randomly assigned to …

A Step By Step Shoreline Attribute Analysis For Selected Waterbodies In The Gulf Of Mexico To Promote The Use Of Living Shorelines, Christoper Boyd, Xutong Niu, Taylor R. Horn

Journal of Extension

Living Shorelines are being promoted by coastal extension professionals as a more resilient nature-based solution to control shoreline erosion. The Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences Living Shorelines Suitability Model was run in selected waterbodies within the Gulf of Mexico.

The locations of the selected water bodies, coastal data sets used, and shoreline protection recommendations generated by the Model are presented. A step-by-step statistical analysis conducted through ArcGIS Pro from these selected coastal shorelines will illustrate how extension professionals with novice GIS experience can use the model output to promote living shorelines to coastal property owners, city managers, and developers.

Millennials And Fasting: A Healthy Alternative, Christopher M. Hunt

Masters Theses

Millennials are facing more chronic health problems than any previous generation. They are experiencing a higher rate of disease for all the top conditions that affected their predecessors at the same age range. Most of these issues stem from an overconsumption culture that drastically increased during the millennial generation and is only projected to worsen. These habits start from a young age when the youth are taught to finish eating everything on their plate, even if they are not hungry, and consume at least three meals a day, which is seen as a mandatory requirement for a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, …

Wellness Awakening: Gen Z As The Catalyst For A Well-Being Revolution, Juliet Milillo

Masters Theses

This research project delves into the realm of holistic wellness management with a specific focus on engaging Generation Z (Gen Z). Holistic wellness encompasses a comprehensive approach to health and well-being considering physical, emotional, spiritual, social, occupational, and intellectual aspects. Members of Gen Z who are currently in college or recently graduated are the ideal candidates for holistic wellness management education as they are at the prime age to begin establishing long-term habits and lifestyles. Individuals in this age group are settling into their occupations, housing conditions, relationships, exercise patterns, nutritional habits, etc. The study employed a mixed-methods approach. It …

Character Development And The Inspiring Novelist, Halley Nicole Villegas

Masters Theses

This thesis explores the pivotal role of character growth and development in narrative writing, examining how it can significantly influence the overall success and reception of a story. Through a detailed analysis of various literary works and theoretical frameworks, this study identifies key elements that contribute to compelling character arcs and their impact on reader engagement. By contrasting well-developed characters with those that are poorly constructed or static, the research highlights how nuanced character development enhances plot progression, emotional resonance, and thematic depth. Additionally, the paper examines the importance of authenticity and relatability in character portrayal. The findings suggest that …

Broken Picket Fences, Lori Ann Feeley

Masters Theses

Broken Picket Fences is a women's fiction novel that explores the bittersweet reunion of two young sweethearts who see each other again after twenty years. Love is reignited, old memories die hard, and dark secrets struggle to find the light of day in a maze of choices. Raeanne finds that what she thought she wanted may not be what she truly needs. She embarks on a journey through her past to rediscover the essence of who she really is. It has been so long since she viewed her own life through a clear lens. She desperately searches for who she …

How Music Genres Affect Test Anxiety Among Third-Grade Elementary Students, Amy Summersett Ardovino

Masters Theses

This descriptive case study investigates the effects of classical, rap, electronic, and jazz genres of music played during a test administered to third-grade elementary students. Many studies focus on three main genres, such as classical, rock, and popular music, and not new, emerging popular music genres. With learning performance being a primary concern in education, it is beneficial to ascertain if different music genres affect anxiety in third-grade elementary students. Third-grade students serve as the population for this study; the sample involves 123 third-grade students from Chelsea Park Elementary School. This study implemented the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAI-CH) …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of The Lethality Assessment Program In Managing Domestic Violence Rates, Madison P. Jordan

Masters Theses

The Lethality Assessment Program was implemented into law enforcement procedures to help manage domestic violence. This eleven-item questionnaire evaluates the risk of lethality of the victim by asking questions about the relationship. Therefore, depending on risk law enforcement can connect the victim with resources. Domestic violence has had rising recognition across the world creating laws to protect victims. However, there is a need for research on domestic violences and the procedures put into place. The Lethality Assessment Program is one of the many diverse ways used to protect victims. The State of Virginia’s law enforcement is required to use it …

The Role Of Health Campaigns In Stigma Toward Those With Anorexia Nervosa, Crystal L. Hoyt, Jeni L. Burnette, Anna Marston, Meghan Moore, Samara Rosen, Ilana Lavine

Jepson School of Leadership Studies articles, book chapters and other publications

Media health campaigns often seek to bring awareness to medical conditions and to eradicate or, at least, minimize stigma. However, these campaigns can result in unintended consequences. In the current work, we examined elements of anorexia nervosa messages. Specifically, we compare a more biofocused approach to one focused on treatment. In doing so, we build on mindset theory and suggest that a biofocused message sends more of a static and stable message (fixed mindset), whereas treatment-focused communications send an implicit message that anorexia can change (growth mindset). We investigate how these messages and mindsets relate to stigma. Across three studies, …

18th Asian Federation Of Sports Medicine Congress Cum 8th Isn International Sports Medicine & Sports Science Conference, Asian Federation Of Sports Medicine

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Of Liver Lesions In Patients Treated For Childhood Malignancies., Ayatullah Mostafa, Zachary Abramson, Mina Ghbrial, Som Biswas, Sherwin S. Chan, Himani Darji, Jessica Gartrell, Seth E. Karol, Yimei Li, Daniel A. Mulrooney, Tushar Patni, Tarek M. Zaghloul, M Beth Mccarville

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Patients treated for cancer have a higher incidence of focal liver lesions than the general population and there is often concern for a malignant etiology. This can result in patient, caregiver and physician anxiety and is managed by a "wait and watch" approach, or immediate additional imaging, or biopsy, depending on the degree of clinical concern. Because it is a low-cost, easily accessible, radiation and sedation free modality, we investigated the value of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to accurately distinguish benign from malignant liver lesions in patients treated for childhood malignancies.

METHODS: We performed an IRB approved retrospective study …

Application Of The Method Cell Biology, Terry Shackleford

San Jose - Lonergan Chair in Catholic Philosophy

Summer 2024, Application of the Method Cell Biology

Students in the Fall 2023 semester "Mechanisms of Disease Course" were given a practical assignment that in turn allowed for discussion on gathering data on orphan diseases and covering what the disease is, how the disease progresses, who is affected by the disease, and what is the effect of the disease on their life.

Ethical Concerns In Genomics, Lori Boies

San Jose - Lonergan Chair in Catholic Philosophy

Summer 2024, "Ethical Concerns in Genomics"

Students in BIO/BL 4411: Genes, Genomes, and Genomics are asked to not only learn the scientific underpinnings of genomics, but also to interact with the material in the broader context of how it can be applied to our understanding of inheritance of traits, personalized medicine, genetically modified organisms, and many other facets. Integral to these concepts is also the ethical considerations.

What's In It For Me? Applying Social Exchange Theory To Beverage Brand Engagement On Facebook, Destiny Elise Rinder

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Managing engagement with existing and potential consumers on social networking sites has proven to be a challenge for many brands (Gretry et al., 2017). Focusing on the marketing communications of American beverage brands on Facebook, the researcher aimed to learn why some brands earn more engagement than competing brands. To answer this question, the researcher conducted a qualitative study that utilized a content analysis. Social exchange theory was applied to the findings of the content analysis, which allowed the researcher to perceive and interpret the high-value rewards of brand communication. Applying a communication theory that combines behavioral psychology and elementary …

The Ideological Background Of National Socialism In Regard To Its Central Narrative Convictions, David Joseph Thrower

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The origins of the National Socialist Party in Germany in the early 20th century are multifaceted and constitute four areas of influence – mythological/occult, Darwinian eugenics, prior völkisch political movements comprised of disenfranchised war veterans and youth activists, and a number of philosophical influences. The ideas assimilated from these sources constitute the construction of a narrative based on a series of questions that form what are called Central Narrative Convictions (or CNCs). The focus is to determine which of these were borrowed in regard to the Nazi platform as well as those unique to their own identity. These convictions also …

Moral Injury In Police Officers Of Color, Samantha J. Thornton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this research is to explore the possibility of Moral Injury (MI) in police officers of color. This is a topic that is steeped in stigma and cultural dynamics, both for the community of police and communities of color. The aim is to add to the existing research on MI and how it may impact those who occupy dual special populations. The study approached targeted police advocacy organizations of color for recruitment nationwide. This study recruited 10 police officers of color from multiple states and explored their personal stories. This study used video recordings to capture qualitative data …

She Is Not Damaged Goods: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Marital Experience For African American Female Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Fabyonne Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a traumatic violation which leaves invisible scars on the soul of a child. Despite the prevalence of CSA, African American (AA) females make up an underrepresented population as far as CSA research is concerned. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand how married AA female survivors of CSA experience the marital relationship, and the processes they go through to build resiliency for relational intimacy. Attachment theory guided the study as it describes the internal working models developed in childhood and potentially driving adult relational interactions. The data were collected by the researcher …

The Connections Among Adoption, Attachment, And Violence, Victoria M. Sanders

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research regarding the experience and outcomes for adopted children has largely ended upon the individual turning 18 years old and has failed to provide adequate information about how adoption impacts an individual throughout the lifespan. Because of a lack of information gathering from the Department of Justice, there is little information about the incarceration rates of adopted individuals and the reasons for those incarcerations. This qualitative research study seeks to gain a better understanding of those individuals who were adopted and committed murder at some point after they were adopted. Court records, transcripts, motions, and evidence related to the murders …

Diabetes Health Literacy, Diabetes Numeracy, And Cognitive Function As Predictors Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Self-Management, Twinkle Gupta

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The present study assessed older adults (≥ 45 years old) diabetes health literacy, diabetes numeracy, cognitive function, and its association with their Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) self-management outcomes. These factors are of concern as diabetes is a lifelong condition affecting the body’s conversion of food into energy and may lead to complications and comorbidities if this condition is not properly self-managed. Diabetes health literacy refers to having the necessary capabilities in finding and analyzing diabetes-related information to make informed decisions regarding their health. Numeracy in diabetes has to do with being able to compute diabetes-related math such as insulin …

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of College Students' Experiences With College-Provided Mental Healthcare Services, Adrian M. Campbell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand college students' perspectives on college-provided mental healthcare services. The framework guiding this study is the theory of planned behavior (TPB), developed by Fishbein and Ajzen. The TPB theory is based on attitude, social norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and intention. The central research question: What are college students' perspectives on college-provided mental healthcare services? The design of this qualitative study is hermeneutic phenomenology, a rigorous and well-established approach. A sample of twelve participants, carefully selected based on pre-determined criteria, was included in the study. The participants, a diverse mix of current …

Scientific Authorial Voice: Incorporating Explicit Instruction In Undergraduate Chemistry Courses, Emma L. Becker

Masters Theses

The effective development of undergraduate chemistry students for success in professional and academic careers involves emphases on content knowledge and on writing and authorial voice. Unfortunately, most undergraduate chemistry instruction wholly neglects writing and authorial voice instruction in favor of content knowledge instruction. This results in the development of chemistry students who know the content of their field but not how to communicate that knowledge or how to enter the chemistry discourse with their own research. This integrative review identified 71 pieces of scholarly literature and synthesized these sources to reconceptualize writing instruction in undergraduate chemistry and propose explicit instruction …

Cognitive Effects Of Simulated Galactic Cosmic Radiation Are Mediated By Apoe Status, Sex, And Environment In App Knock-In Mice, Laura Wieg, Jason C Ciola, Caroline C Wasén, Fidelia Gaba, Brianna R Colletti, Maren K Schroeder, Robert G Hinshaw, Millicent N Ekwudo, David M Holtzman, Takashi Saito, Hiroki Sasaguri, Takaomi C Saido, Laura M Cox, Cynthia A Lemere

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Cosmic radiation experienced during space travel may increase the risk of cognitive impairment. While simulated galactic cosmic radiation (GCRsim) has led to memory deficits in wildtype (WT) mice, it has not been investigated whether GCRsim in combination with genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) worsens memory further in aging mice. Here, we investigated the central nervous system (CNS) effects of 0 Gy (sham) or 0.75 Gy five-ion GCRsim or 2 Gy gamma radiation (IRR) in 14-month-old female and male APP

West Nile Virus Triggers Intestinal Dysmotility Via T Cell-Mediated Enteric Nervous System Injury, Hana Janova, Fang R. Zhao, Pritesh Desai, Matthias Mack, Larissa B. Thackray, Thaddeus S. Stappenbeck, Michael S. Diamond

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Intestinal dysmotility syndromes have been epidemiologically associated with several antecedent bacterial and viral infections. To model this phenotype, we previously infected mice with the neurotropic flavivirus West Nile virus (WNV) and demonstrated intestinal transit defects. Here, we found that within 1 week of WNV infection, enteric neurons and glia became damaged, resulting in sustained reductions of neuronal cells and their networks of connecting fibers. Using cell-depleting antibodies, adoptive transfer experiments, and mice lacking specific immune cells or immune functions, we show that infiltrating WNV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells damaged the enteric nervous system (ENS) and glia, which led to …

Upaya Hukum Ahli Waris Yang Tidak Diikutsertakan Sebagai Ahli Waris Dan Kekuatan Pembuktian Akta Kelahiran Dibandingkan Dengan Tes Dna (Studi Putusan Pengadilan Tinggi Agama Padang Nomor 11/Pdt.G/2023/Pta.Pdg), Anisa Salsabila, Sri Laksmi Anindita

Indonesian Notary

Pada hukum Islam, pembagian harta warisan ialah salah satu kajian Islam yang pada keilmuan islam dibahas secara khusus pada fiqh mawaris. Dalam praktiknya terdapat pewarisan yang tidak mengikutsertakan anak dari pewaris dengan berbagai alasan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah Doktrinal, yang mengacu kepada norma hukum sebagai sasaran penelitian. Penelitian ini menggunakan data sekunder dengan metode analisis kualitatif. Rumusan masalah yang digunakan ialah bagaimana upaya hukum terhadap anak yang tidak diperhitungkan sebagai ahli waris dalam Penetapan Waris Nomor 195/Pdt.P/2020/PA.KBr. dan bagaimana kekuatan pembuktian Tes DNA dibandingkan dengan Akta Kelahiran dalam Putusan Gugatan Pembatalan Penetapan Waris berdasarkan Putusan Pengadilan Tinggi Agama Padang …