Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Medicine and Health Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 31 - 55 of 55

Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Impact Of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (Egcg), A Broad-Spectrum Anti-Inflammatory, In Controlling Intestinal Factors Contributing To Inflammatory Bowel Disease., Gerald Wayne Dryden, Jr. May 2016

Impact Of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (Egcg), A Broad-Spectrum Anti-Inflammatory, In Controlling Intestinal Factors Contributing To Inflammatory Bowel Disease., Gerald Wayne Dryden, Jr.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the role of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), as a potential treatment for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a common disorder that causes a great deal of suffering. Our understanding of the etiologies, pathogenic mechanisms, and treatment targets continues to evolve. Many new therapeutic targets are making their way through the pharmaceutical pipelines. However, not all patients benefit from these therapies. EGCG has long been studied as an anti-cancer agent. Most of our understanding of this compound comes from the oncologic literature. As the pathways of oncology and inflammation converge, new lessons can be taken from the …


The Influence Of Nutrition Education And Self-Efficacy On Fruit And Vegetable Consumption For Low-Income Women In Rural West Kentucky., Lewatis Darnell Mcneal May 2016

The Influence Of Nutrition Education And Self-Efficacy On Fruit And Vegetable Consumption For Low-Income Women In Rural West Kentucky., Lewatis Darnell Mcneal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To examine how participation in nutrition education programs, self-efficacy to consume fruit and vegetables and predictor of behavior to eat health foods (POB) influences the consumption of fruit and vegetables for low-income women in west Kentucky eligible or participating in federal supplemental nutrition assistance programs. Methods: A comparative study was conducted between low-income women participating in Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program for Women and Children (WIC) and those eligible for SNAP but were not participating. The study examined consumption in six categories of fruit and vegetables, self-efficacy to consume fruit and vegetables, predictor of behavior to eat healthy foods …


The Impact Of Medicaid Expansion On Utilization Of Mental Health Services In West Louisville, Kentucky., Susan Theresa Buchino May 2016

The Impact Of Medicaid Expansion On Utilization Of Mental Health Services In West Louisville, Kentucky., Susan Theresa Buchino

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mental health is an essential component of overall health status, and mental illnesses are a leading cause of disability. In addition to expanding insurance coverage, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) reinforced parity for mental health services in insurance plans. This mixed-methods study assessed mental health service utilization by an urban and predominately African-American population following the successful implementation of the ACA and Medicaid expansion in Louisville, KY. Claims data from one Medicaid Managed Care Organization were analyzed to assess mental health care utilization patterns pre- and post- Medicaid expansion and determine differences in utilization rates between the Medicaid expansion population …


Role Of Microrna-21 In Atherogenesis., Rihab Hamed-Berair May 2016

Role Of Microrna-21 In Atherogenesis., Rihab Hamed-Berair

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is an evolutionarily conserved microRNA, abundant in most cardiovascular tissues. It has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases including restenosis, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. However, little is known about the contribution of miR-21 in atherosclerosis. My data show that expression of miR-21 is increased by >1.5-fold in murine atherosclerotic lesions and by 1.5-2.0-fold in the macrophages of Western diet (WD)-fed LDLR-KO mice (for 12-20 weeks). In vitro, LDL, oxidized LDL, acetylated LDL and LPS induced miR-21 by 2-4-fold and down-regulated its target protein, PDCD4, in bone marrow-derived macrophages. Basally, macrophages isolated from miR-21-KO …


Assessing Cultural Competence In A Mental Health Outpatient Facility., Alexis N. Keen Crook May 2016

Assessing Cultural Competence In A Mental Health Outpatient Facility., Alexis N. Keen Crook

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cultural competence is a concept that has been thoroughly investigated in healthcare, but there is a dearth of literature and research on this topic as it pertains to mental health services. In healthcare, research has shown that a lack of cultural competence is directly linked to high levels of misdiagnoses, mistrust of healthcare and professionals, and overall poor health in minority populations. Using the Campinha-Bacote model for cultural competence in health care, I explore how cultural competence is defined and operationalized in an outpatient mental health facility. I hypothesize that, similar to research addressing cultural competency in healthcare systems, cultural …


Leveling The Playing Field Through Partnerships And Collaboration : Neighborhood Revitalizations And The Influence Of Social Determinants Of Health And Institutional Logics., J. M. Bohn May 2016

Leveling The Playing Field Through Partnerships And Collaboration : Neighborhood Revitalizations And The Influence Of Social Determinants Of Health And Institutional Logics., J. M. Bohn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A qualitative study guided by grounded theory was on a Midwest US city (population > 50,000 people), three of its inner city neighborhoods, and community coalition and partnership efforts in neighborhood revitalizations. A two-phase semi-structured interview methodology assessed interviewees’ experiences in initiatives focused on improving social determinants of health in the neighborhoods. Phase I interviews (n= 11) identified the spectrum of partnerships and initiatives while Phase II interviews (n=28) captured detailed experiences of interviewees. Inter-institutional systems and institutional logics theory were applied in the post-data collection analysis. Interviewees were from public and private sectors including: built environment, economic development, residential/commercial property …


The Influence Of Mir-99a On Mtor Signaling Regulation In Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines., Jonathan Rice May 2016

The Influence Of Mir-99a On Mtor Signaling Regulation In Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines., Jonathan Rice

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cause of death. These are staggering statistics for a disease that can essentially be cured if caught early and the pathology is favorable to therapeutic intervention. There is currently a drastic decrease in five year survival as the cancer stage increases from locally confined disease to metastatic disease. These statistics suggest that although some strides have been made with colon cancer screening and early intervention, there is still much room for improvement in both screening and treatment of CRC. One of the pathways that have …


Role Of Phosphodiesterase-4 In Alcohol-Induced Organ Injury., Diana Veronica Avila May 2016

Role Of Phosphodiesterase-4 In Alcohol-Induced Organ Injury., Diana Veronica Avila

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) remains a leading cause of death from liver disease in the U.S., and there is still no FDA-approved therapy. Alcohol metabolism leads to generation of free radicals and oxidative stress with a resultant formation of lipid peroxidation products, which, in turn, contribute to the development of ALD. Alcohol induced hepatic steatosis is the earliest and most frequent manifestation of ALD and a significant risk factor for progressive liver disease. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling has been shown to significantly regulate lipid metabolism. Moreover, agents that increase cAMP have been shown to effectively mitigate oxidative stress both …


Modification Of T9ss Cargo Proteins Of Porphyromonas Gingivalis For Their Secretion In Soluble Form And Purification By Affinity Chromatography., Apoorv Goel May 2016

Modification Of T9ss Cargo Proteins Of Porphyromonas Gingivalis For Their Secretion In Soluble Form And Purification By Affinity Chromatography., Apoorv Goel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone-pathogen associated with periodontitis, utilizes the Type IX Secretion System (T9SS) to secrete proteins bearing the conserved C-terminal domain (CTD), many of which are essential virulence factors. These include, besides gingipains and PPAD, 29 other proteins. During or after the outer membrane translocation the CTD is cleaved off and a glycan moiety is covalently attached anchoring the secreted proteins at the bacterial cell surface. Objective: Most of the CTD bearing proteins have only hypothetical functions assigned. It is plausible that these CTD bearing proteins may also play a crucial role in P. gingivalis pathogenesis. Therefore, …


Objective Evaluation Of Clinical Shade-Matching Outcomes., Erin Ballard May 2016

Objective Evaluation Of Clinical Shade-Matching Outcomes., Erin Ballard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to objectively evaluate shade-matching outcomes within an academic institution. Using the Spectrophotometer, E was calculated between the reference shade: restoration shade () and restoration shade: prescription shade (). The t-test was used to determine if E maintained clinical acceptance at E: 3.7. Satisfaction with shade-match and need for objective measurement were surveyed using a Five Point Likert Scale. Correlational relationships were assessed via Pearson Correlation. Mean E values were above the acceptance value (pppp


Modulation Of Cardiac Kv Currents By Kvbeta2 And Pyridine Nucleotides., Peter Joseph Kilfoil May 2016

Modulation Of Cardiac Kv Currents By Kvbeta2 And Pyridine Nucleotides., Peter Joseph Kilfoil

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Myocardial voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels regulate the resting membrane potential and the repolarization phase of the action potential. Members of the Kv1 and Kv4 family associate with ancillary subunits, such as the Kvβ proteins, that modify channel kinetics, gating and trafficking. Previous investigation into the function of cardiac β subunits demonstrated that Kvβ1 regulates Ito and IK,slow currents in the heart, but the role of Kvβ2 in the myocardium remains unknown. In heterologous expression systems, Kvβ2 increases surface expression of Kv1 channels, shifts the activation potential of Kv1 channels to more polarized voltages, and increases the inactivation of …


Influence Of In-Office Oral Hygiene Instructions On The Parental Assessment Of Their Child's Oral Health., Sireesha Kodali May 2016

Influence Of In-Office Oral Hygiene Instructions On The Parental Assessment Of Their Child's Oral Health., Sireesha Kodali

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To identify the relation between oral health education and parental assessment of their child’s dental condition. Methods: Our study population included 33,342 children, from Smile KY! annual screenings from 2002 to 20014. Data collection was through questionnaire forms. Our primary risk factor was “dental health instructions received” (yes/no) and our outcome of interest was “parental assessment of your child’s dental health” (good/fair/poor). We had 13 years of data from 2002 to 2014 and used ‘SAS’ statistical software for data manipulation and recoding. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test of independence, trend analysis and multiple logistic regression modeling were performed on ‘SPSS’ …


Sa-4-1bbl As A Modulator Of Innate, Adaptive, And Regulatory Immunity : Implications For Cancer Prevention And Treatment., Hampartsoum Barsoumian May 2016

Sa-4-1bbl As A Modulator Of Innate, Adaptive, And Regulatory Immunity : Implications For Cancer Prevention And Treatment., Hampartsoum Barsoumian

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

SA-4-1BBL is a recombinant costimulatory molecule that is active in its soluble form and has pleiotropic effects on the functions of innate, adaptive, and regulatory immune cells. We have previously shown that SA-4-1BBL makes CD4+ T conventional cells (Tconvs) resistant to suppression by CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs). The mechanistic basis of this observation is the subject of this study. We demonstrate that Tconvs, but not Tregs, are the direct targets of SA-4-1BBL-mediated evasion of Treg suppression without contribution from antigen presenting cells (APCs). SA-4-1BBL engagement with its receptor, 4-1BB, on Tconvs resulted in the production of high levels of …


Cell-Based Therapies For Ischemic Cardiomyopathy : Investigations Of Intramyocardial Retention And Safety Of High Dose Intracoronary Delivery Of C-Kit Positive Cardiac Progenitor Cells, And Therapeutic Utility Of A Novel Population Of Cardiac Mesenchymal Stem Cells Expressing Stage-Specific Embryonic Antigen-3 (Ssea-3)., Matthew C. L. Keith May 2016

Cell-Based Therapies For Ischemic Cardiomyopathy : Investigations Of Intramyocardial Retention And Safety Of High Dose Intracoronary Delivery Of C-Kit Positive Cardiac Progenitor Cells, And Therapeutic Utility Of A Novel Population Of Cardiac Mesenchymal Stem Cells Expressing Stage-Specific Embryonic Antigen-3 (Ssea-3)., Matthew C. L. Keith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Over the last decade attempts at reducing morbidity and mortality of patients with chronic heart failure have been made via the development and implementation of novel cell based therapies. Substantial advances in cell based therapies with indications of efficacy have been shown along with a robust safety profile. Despite these advances, there is a substantial unmet need for novel therapies, specifically addressing repair and regeneration of the damaged or lost myocardium and its vasculature. Accordingly, cardiac cell-based therapies have gained attention. Various cell-types have been utilized, including bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, mobilized CD34+ cells, …


Microrna-186 And Metastatic Prostate Cancer., Dominique Zilpha Jones May 2016

Microrna-186 And Metastatic Prostate Cancer., Dominique Zilpha Jones

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

MicroRNA (miR) dysregulation alters cancer-associated gene expression, which contributes to cancer pathogenesis. For example, miR-186 over expression lead to enhanced proliferation and migration in pancreatic cancer cell models. However, the role of miR-186 in prostate cancer (PCa) remains controversial. Previously, miR-186-5p was up-regulated in PCa patient serum (stage III/IV) compared to controls. Furthermore, miR-186-5p was up-regulated in metastatic PCa (PC-3, MDA PCa 2b, LNCaP) relative to normal prostate epithelial cells (RWPE1). We hypothesized miR-186 inhibition will reduce aggressive PCa using metastatic cell models. To test this, we evaluated whether miR-186-5p inhibition would reduce aggressive PCa behavior and overexpression induce malignant …


Positive Deviance, Contraceptive Self-Efficacy And Social Desirability In Sexually Active Adolescent Females : A Mixed Methods Approach., Ashley D. Miller May 2016

Positive Deviance, Contraceptive Self-Efficacy And Social Desirability In Sexually Active Adolescent Females : A Mixed Methods Approach., Ashley D. Miller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Unintended pregnancy is an issue that impacts women of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses. It also impacts the child that results and the society in which they live. In the United States, adolescents experience unintended pregnancy more than adolescents in other countries. The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the factors that contribute to successful contraceptive use among adolescent females (ages 13-18) seeking reproductive health services at a local family planning clinic. The theoretical framework of contraceptive self-efficacy (CSE) was used to frame this understanding. The exploration was conducted in three ways: a critical review of the literature …


Predicting Nclex-Rn Performance : An Exploration Of Student Demographics, Pre-Program Factors, And Nursing Program Factors., Heather Davis Mitchell May 2016

Predicting Nclex-Rn Performance : An Exploration Of Student Demographics, Pre-Program Factors, And Nursing Program Factors., Heather Davis Mitchell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nursing programs are experiencing a decline in National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rates among graduates. While researchers have attempted to identify predictors of performance on the NCLEX-RN, identification of predictors remains elusive. Although the literature is replete with studies exploring NCLEX-RN predictors, prediction under the new 2013 NCLEX test plan and passing standards is not well established. Considering the ever-evolving diversity in students, combined with recent changes in the NCLEX-RN, further exploration of predictors of performance is warranted. Using a correlational design, the study sought to identify the predictors of NCLEX-RN performance for Bachelors of Science …


Environmental Vegetation : A Possible Association With Cardiovascular Disease Risk., Ray Anthony Yeager Ii May 2016

Environmental Vegetation : A Possible Association With Cardiovascular Disease Risk., Ray Anthony Yeager Ii

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The built environment affects numerous aspects of human health and wellbeing, including risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both the U.S. and worldwide. The amount and quality of environmental vegetation, is an important aspect of the built environment that affects known CVD risk factors, including psychosocial stress, health behaviors, and exposure to air pollutants. Nevertheless, little evidence on the role of potential mechanisms and geographic scale in these relationships exists. Of previous studies that describe associations between vegetation and CVD outcomes, limited investigation has been performed to assess these observed relationships in differing …


Long Term Facial Alveolar Bone Changes Associated With Endosseous Implants In The Anterior Maxilla., Deepika Joshi May 2016

Long Term Facial Alveolar Bone Changes Associated With Endosseous Implants In The Anterior Maxilla., Deepika Joshi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Aim: To quantify the radiographic presence and thickness of facial alveolar bone (FABr) adjacent to implants placed in the anterior maxillary region. Lack of FABr may suggest that graft procedures are desirable prior to implant placement. Material and Methods: With IRB approval, a retrospective analysis of cone beam computed tomographic cross-sectional images of sites with at least one implant in the anterior maxillary region was performed. Details regarding type of implant and location were recorded. FABr perpendicular to the long axis each implant was measured at seven levels by two observers independently and means and standard …


Tobacco-Gene Activity Profile In Porphyromonas Gingivalis, Filifactor Alocis And Treponema Denticola., Neelima Chowdary Cherukumalli May 2016

Tobacco-Gene Activity Profile In Porphyromonas Gingivalis, Filifactor Alocis And Treponema Denticola., Neelima Chowdary Cherukumalli

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Smoking is an established risk factor for periodontitis. Prior studies have shown that cigarette smoke extract (CSE) can induce profound phenotypic changes in Porphyromonas gingivalis and alters the virulence of this important periodontal pathogen. We hypothesized that CSE might also alter gene expression in established periodontal pathogens, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola, as well as in the emerging pathogen, Filifactor alocis. Oral bacteria were grown in CSE-conditioned medium (1000 ng/ml nicotine equivalents) or in unconditioned control medium. Total RNA was extracted and CSE-regulated genes were identified by comparison of the mRNA profiles of CSE with control cultures using RNA-Seq …


Identification Of Predictors And Moderators Of Weight-Related Behaviors In College Students., Heather Owens May 2016

Identification Of Predictors And Moderators Of Weight-Related Behaviors In College Students., Heather Owens

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

College students are at increased risk for weight-gain and obesity compared to their non-student peers. Although many studies have confirmed these findings, few address the underlying causes of weight-related behaviors in college students. Associations between sleep behaviors (sleep duration and sleep quality), stress and weight-related behaviors (physical activity and food choices) have been identified, but studies have not adequately explored these associations among college students. Further, the influence of bioecological determinants of health cannot be overlooked when addressing health-related behaviors in diverse populations. The purpose of this dissertation was to explore factors impacting sleep behaviors and weight-related behaviors in college …


Examining The Motivations And Benefits Of Student-Athletes Performing Community Service., Matthew Ryan Huml May 2016

Examining The Motivations And Benefits Of Student-Athletes Performing Community Service., Matthew Ryan Huml

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With over 460,000 active student-athletes (NCAA, n.d.), the student sub-population is large enough to investigate potential options for institutions to increase their academic achievement. Additionally, participating in academic-related activities is especially important because of concerns about student-athletes spending more than the 20 hours per week the NCAA allows for working on their sport (Wolverton, 2008). Studies frequently highlight a lack of effort by student-athletes to adjust to academic opportunities and expectations within higher education (Adler & Adler, 1991; Lally & Kerr, 2005; Levine, Etchison, & Oppenheimer, 2014; Miller & Kerr, 2003). To combat this adjustment to higher education, community service …


Porphyromonas Gingivalis Gingipains Induce A Pro-Inflammatory Extracellular Microenvironment : The Role Of Par-2 And Fibronectin., Jeffrey S. Marschall May 2016

Porphyromonas Gingivalis Gingipains Induce A Pro-Inflammatory Extracellular Microenvironment : The Role Of Par-2 And Fibronectin., Jeffrey S. Marschall

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized by severe tissue destruction of the gingiva and other tooth supporting structures; if left untreated, tooth loss and disintegration of the alveolar bone occurs. This chronic inflammatory state has been linked to other systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Porphyromonas gingivalis is the major pathogenic microbe in periodontitis. The main virulence factors of P. gingivalis are the Arg-aa and Lys-aa gingipains, which are proteolytic enzymes implicated in a plethora of activities that allow P. gingivalis to subvert the human immune system in the oral cavity …


Abin1 In The Pathogenesis Of Glomerulonephritis And The Novel Polocyte-Neutrophil Proinflammatory Axis., Erik Anderson Korte May 2016

Abin1 In The Pathogenesis Of Glomerulonephritis And The Novel Polocyte-Neutrophil Proinflammatory Axis., Erik Anderson Korte

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Glomerulonephritis (GN) is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide and is characterized by deposition of immune complex, inflammation, proteinuria and podocyte damage. Immunosuppressive therapy is effective in less than 50% of patients, indicating that immunological activity is not the only relevant cause of kidney injury. While methods have been described for neutrophil-mediated immune activation, specific glomerular mechanisms for recruitment of neutrophils and development of GN have not been determined. Here I present a pathogenic mechanism for the development of GN involving a novel podocyte-neutrophil axis and reveal the importance of glomerular NF-κB inhibition by the ubiquitin binding …


Acrolein Is A Critical Mediator Of Alcohol-Induced Liver And Intestinal Injury In Alcoholic Liver Disease., Wei-Yang (Jeremy) Chen May 2016

Acrolein Is A Critical Mediator Of Alcohol-Induced Liver And Intestinal Injury In Alcoholic Liver Disease., Wei-Yang (Jeremy) Chen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Alcohol consumption can cause alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Chronic alcohol consumption causes a pro-oxidant environment in the liver and increases hepatic lipid peroxidation. Acrolein is the most reactive and toxic aldehyde generated through lipid peroxidation. Acrolein forms protein adducts and triggers endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and hepatocyte apoptosis, which are recognized etiologic factors in ALD. Several studies have established the critical role of the gut-liver axis in ALD pathogenesis, wherein alcohol-induced gut barrier dysfunction contributes to liver injury. This study investigates, in vitro and in vivo, the …