Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Computational Simulation Of The Predicted Dosimetric Impact Of Adjuvant Yttrium-90 Pet/Ct-Guided Percutaneous Ablation Following Radioembolization, Alexander S. Pasciak, Abigail Lin, Christos Georgiades, Laura K. Findeiss, Shannon Kauffman, Yong C. Bradley

Faculty Publications and Other Works -- UT Graduate School of Medicine

Background: 90Y PET/CT post-radioembolization imaging has demonstrated that the distribution of 90Y in a tumor can be non-uniform. Using computational modeling, we predicted the dosimetric impact of post-treatment 90Y PET/CT-guided percutaneous ablation of the portions of a tumor receiving the lowest absorbed dose. A cohort of fourteen patients with non-resectable liver cancer previously treated using 90Y radioembolization were included in this retrospective study. Each patient exhibited potentially under-treated areas of tumor following treatment based on quantitative 90Y PET/CT. 90Y PET/CT was used to guide electrode placement for simulated adjuvant radiofrequency ablation in areas of tumor receiving the lowest dose. The …

Post-Concussion Experiences Of Collegiate Student-Athletes, Kaitlin Iris Singer

Doctoral Dissertations

Sports-related concussions are a major public health concern affecting a significant number of collegiate student-athletes. Medical and public health research has addressed every aspect of concussion management processes including concussion education, medical diagnosis, recovery, and returning to sport and classroom. This research has led to several best-practices for concussion management. Since 2010, the NCAA has mandated that its member institutions maintain concussion management policies and procedures. However, the current recommendations, based primarily on medical research, have been found in quantitative studies of the behaviors and practices of athletic trainers, coaches, and student-athletes to be ineffective. To date, no studies have …

Whole Genome Sequencing As A Tool For Identifying Phenotypic Properties And Underlying Genetic Mechanisms In Staphylococcus Pseudintermedius, Matthew C. Riley

Doctoral Dissertations

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a Gram-positive bacterial opportunistic pathogen commonly associated with dermal infections in canines, but capable of causing serious disease in other species. Reports of human infections caused by S. pseudintermedius along with an increase in resistance to multiple antibiotics highlights the importance of this organism. Whole genome sequencing can allow large scale investigation of genetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic properties that contribute to the expansion of successful S. pseudintermedius clonal lineages.

The increase in multidrug and methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) may result from horizontal transfer of genetic material between bacterial isolates, yet is thought to be rare in Staphylococci …

Elucidating The Effects Of Metabolic State On Nanoparticle Distribution In Mice And In Vitro Uptake, Kevin James Quigley

Doctoral Dissertations

Since almost 70% of the U.S. population over 20 years old is overweight and 30% is obese, with much of the western world following suit, many patients that will potentially be administered circulating nanoparticles designed to localize to tumors and avoid non-target areas will have significant amounts of white adipose tissue (WAT), enlarged livers, and additional metabolic complications such as type 2 diabetes. However, studies on nanoparticle biodistribution and efficacy take place almost without exception in lean rodents with healthy metabolic states. In this work, I determined the biodistribution of model nanoparticles – neutral filomicelles and polystyrene spheres both carrying …

Follicular Dynamics In Insulin Resistant Mares, Julio Cesar Prado

Masters Theses

Obesity and insulin resistance have been linked to prolonged interovulatory period, aberrations in the estrous cycle, and continuous reproductive activity during the non-breeding season. EMS has been determined to influence the intrafollicular environment of mare ovaries. In humans, insulin resistance has been linked to polycystic ovaries as part of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). A study was conducted to determine 1) the impact of insulin resistance on follicle growth and size at ovulation, and 2) whether predicted ovulatory follicles respond to hCG administration in Insulin-resistant (IR) mares. Mares were selected for the study based on insulin sensitivity and separated into an …

Match Analysis Of A Women's Volleyball Championship Game, Hannah Reagan Cornelius

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Epidemiology Of Toxoplasma Gondii And A Survey Of Other Parasites In The West Indian Manatee (Trichechus Manatus), Heidi Lynn Wyrosdick

Masters Theses

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite of felids reported to cause morbidity and mortality in the two subspecies of the West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus): the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) in Puerto Rico and the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Sera or plasma (n=343) were collected from live-capture T. m. latirostris through the US Geological Survey (USGS) manatee health assessment program and serosanguinous fluid (n=10) were collected from necropsies conducted by the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory (MMPL). Additionally, serum or serosanguinous fluid samples (n=5) were collected from rehabilitated or necropsied T. m. manatus …

Intercanine Distance Used As A Measure To Rule Out Biters In Bite Mark Forensics, Alana Joy Scudiere Ohana

Masters Theses

The science of identification by bite mark analysis has recently been called into serious question. (Reesu and Brown 2016) Human dentition is truly variable, but often not unique. When animal bites are considered, a proper ID of the perpetrator is nearly impossible. Primary distortion (when the bite is made) and secondary distortion (during decomposition or healing) both further disrupt landmarks that might be used for identification. (Sheasby and MacDonald 2001) Using only ink marks and intercanine distance on live subjects, this study attempts to determine maximum distortion possible for a variety of bite mark locations on skin. (Pretty and Sweet …

Angiogenic Roles Of Vegfb And Vegfr1 In Vitro And In Vivo, Jacob Cecil

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Development Of A Patient Machine Time Model To Evaluate Dose Perturbation By Respiratory Tumor Motion In Pencil Beam Scanning Proton Radiation Therapy, Mark Artz

Doctoral Dissertations

The pencil beam scanning (PBS) modality for delivering intensity modulated proton radiation therapy is being adopted quickly. Drawing from the dosimetric advantages provided by the Bragg Peak, PBS proton therapy has been shown to produce dose distributions with improved healthy tissue sparing.

Although PBS proton therapy is very promising, lung cancer treatment is not without its challenges. Rapid tissue density changes and respiratory tumor motion present a particularly difficult treatment geometry. The tumor moves continuously within the lung as the patient breathes.

In this project, the dose perturbation of a PBS proton therapy lung plan is evaluated and time based …

Estimating The Effects Of Arizona-Style Omnibus Immigration Policies On Latino Children’S Access To Health Care, Chenoa Dawn Allen

Doctoral Dissertations

Since 2005, US states have passed hundreds of immigration policies. Among state policies that restrict rights for immigrants, omnibus immigration policies are the harshest. Omnibus immigration policies expand local enforcement of federal immigration law; create penalties for employers who hire undocumented immigrants; and restrict undocumented immigrants’ access to public benefits.

Omnibus immigration policies have attracted considerable attention and concern from researchers, policymakers, health care providers, and civil rights advocates. However, no single resource has compiled a comprehensive list of omnibus immigration policies. In Paper 1, I used a clear definition of omnibus immigration policies—policies that incorporate three or more immigration-related …

Improving Aedes Mosquito Surveillance And La Crosse Virus Screening In Eastern Tennessee, Cassandra Urquhart

Masters Theses

La Crosse virus (LACV), transmitted by infected Aedes triseriatus, Ae. albopictus, and Ae. japonicus mosquitoes is the leading cause of pediatric arboviral encephalitis. Severe cases of LAC encephalitis occur in individuals 16-years-old or younger and may cause permanent neurological damage or fatality. No vaccines exist making mosquito control and disease prevention crucial to public health. Effective screening and surveillance practices are key components to these goals. While a number of standard mosquito surveillance methods exist, continuous testing and improved understanding of vector biology to determine the best ways to implement these methods is important. Additionally, the current standard …

Farm-To-Preschool In East Tennessee: Evaluation Of A Small-Scale Farmer’S Market At A Childcare Center On Household Fruit And Vegetable Availability And Preschoolers’ Consumption Of Fruits And Vegetables, Jade Morgan Parry

Masters Theses

Background: Most preschool-aged children do not consume an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables (F&V). Accessibility to F&V and parental influence are important factors in determining fruit and vegetable consumption in preschool-aged children. The incorporation of farmer’s markets at childcare centers as part of a farm-to-preschool program provides an opportunity to increase access to F&V and engage parents in supporting positive changes in their children’s dietary behaviors. Gaps in the farm-to-preschool literature include a lack of well-designed intervention trials that include a control group and rigorous evaluation tools.

Methods: This was a pilot study with a quasi-experimental, pre-test, post-test …

A Feasibility Study Of Just-In-Time Asthma Self-Management Intervention, Phillip Charles Scruggs

Masters Theses

Quality asthma care requires not only an initial diagnosis, but long term follow up care and education on long term control. Preventable symptoms continue to reduce the quality of life for chronic asthma sufferers and place an unnecessary burden on emergency services and the health care system at large. A mobile health (mHealth) solution is proposed to effectively improve outcomes for patients while ultimately reducing the overall burden of mismanagement on the healthcare system as a whole. The Just-in-Time Asthma Self- Management and Intervention (JASMIN) system provides a way for a patient or user to track, self-manage, and interact with …

Effect Of Exposure To 3,4,4′-Trichlorocarbanilide (Tcc) During Critical Developmental Life Stages, Rebekah Charlene Kennedy

Doctoral Dissertations

Triclocarban (3,4,4'-trichlorocarbanilide; TCC) is a non-prescription antimicrobial compound found in bar soaps. Once applied to the skin, TCC is absorbed and can be detected systemically. Evidence of endocrine disruption has been documented both in vitro and in vivo in adult and immature rats. To date, little research attention has been paid to early life TCC exposure. Here, we demonstrated reduced survival among neonates born to rats provided 0.2 percent w/w or 0.5 percent w/w TCC supplemented chow during lactation. TCC was detected in the breastmilk and suckling neonates developed distended abdomens with liquid mustard colored diarrhea indicating a disturbance of …

The Effects Of A Visually Appealing And Interactive Snack Activity On Fruit And Vegetable Intake Of Preschool-Aged Children, Kristen Leigh Clay

Masters Theses

Background: Previous research has shown the potential of increasing vegetable intake by incorporating the senses into interventions. However, little to no research has specifically looked at the impact that the use of the senses can have on intake of vegetables among preschool-aged children.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to examine if mean intake of vegetable snacks and/or willingness to try the vegetable snacks would be significantly higher among preschool-age children who participated in a visually appealing and interactive snack activity compared to children who received control vegetable snacks.

Methods: Two preschools were selected to participate in the study. …

The Effect Of Television Watching And Portion Size On Intake During A Meal, Rachel Nicole Rosenthal

Masters Theses

Background: Several investigations have examined the influence of television and portion size on intake. Results have found that watching television while eating or being provided larger portions increases intake. However, no investigation has examined the combined effect of these variables on food intake, when these factors are combined they may enhance consumption.

Methods: To test the influence of television and portion size on intake during a meal in healthy weight adults, a 4X2X2 mixed factorial design was used, with a between-subject factor of order of conditions and within-subject factors of television (TV vs. NO TV) and portion size (SMALL vs. …

Volume 12, Number 1 (Spring/Summer 2016), Ut Institute Of Agriculture

Tennessee Land, Life and Science Magazine

Issue Highlights:

• The four pillars of the Institute of Agriculture
• Alumna forges partnership amid Waldo Canyon fire
• Fishery biologists revive a river

Validity And Repeatability Of Goniometry In Normal Horses, Henry S. Adair, Iii, Denis J. Marcellin-Little, David Levine

Faculty Publications and Other Works -- Large Animal Clinical Sciences

PURPOSE: To assess validity and inter- and intra-tester reliability of equine goniometry and to establish values for carpal, metacarpophalangeal, tarsal, and metatarsophalangeal flexion and extension in horses. SUBJECTS: Seventeen healthy equine subjects of varied breeds were used. METHODS: Three investigators blindly and independently measured in triplicate the extension and flexion of carpal, metacarpophalangeal, tarsal, and metatarsophalangeal joints of 17 horses after sedation. Radiographs of these joints in flexion and extension were acquired while under sedation. Goniometric and radiographic measurements were compared statistically and were correlated. A Bland-Altman plot was constructed. Inter- and intra-tester repeatability of goniometry were evaluated by calculating …

Inhibition Of The Pi3k/Akt Signaling Pathway Increases Efficacy Of Doxorubicin And Its Derivative Ad198 In Bladder And Oral Cancers, Dmitriy Smolensky

Doctoral Dissertations

Doxorubicin (Dox) is a successful chemotherapy to treat various cancers, including bladder and oral cancers. Many patients initially respond to Dox-based regimens, however often cancers become resistant. A novel derivatives of Dox, e.g. N-benzyladriamycin-14-valerate (AD198), have been developed to overcome Dox-induced drug resistance and cardiotoxicity. The purpose of this thesis was to determine the efficacy of AD198 and Dox in bladder and oral cancers in vitro.

Part-I of this dissertation focuses on the bladder cancer, including discussing risk factors, diagnosis, staging, and current treatment options, following by a description of altered molecular mechanisms responsible cancer progression. This section also focuses …

Development Of The Running Identity Scale, Matthew Philip Bejar

Doctoral Dissertations

The construct of running identity has been explored in both the sport psychology (e.g., Busanich, McGannon, & Schinke, 2012) and sport sociology literature (e.g., Allen-Collinson & Hockey, 2007). In comparison to other athletes, runners are typically more susceptible to exercise addiction (Coen & Ogles, 1993; Sachs, 1981), eating disorders (Wheeler, Wall, Belcastro, Conger, & Cumming, 1986), and preoccupation with leanness (Allen-Collinson & Hockey, 2007; Busanich et al., 2015). While instruments such as the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS; Brewer, Van Raalte, & Linder, 1993) and the Public-Private Athletic Identity Scale (PPAIS; Webb & Nasco, 2006) measure athletic identity, there are …

High Reliability Organizational Suggestions To Reduce The Risk Of Hospital-Associated Infections, Sandra Catrice Affare

Doctoral Dissertations

Over 1.7 million hospital-associated infections (HAIs), resulting in 99,000 deaths, occur each year in the United States. HAIs are defined as infections that occur within 48 hours of hospital admission without evidence of the infection being present or incubating at the time of admission. HAIs are a major concern to the medical community due to the potential loss of life and high costs. Healthcare providers should be accountable for reducing the rates of HAIs and society needs to hold them accountable for the safe implementation and outcomes of the services they provide.

A high-reliability organization (HRO) is commonly described as …

Examining The Relationship Between Vitamin A Intake And Weight Management, Jennifer Paige Eastep

Masters Theses

Introduction: Treatments of retinoic acid, a metabolite of vitamin A (VA) are shown to induce hyperlipidemia in humans and animals, which may influence adiposity. To understand the role of VA in weight management, two studies, one in animals examining effects of VA combined with high-fat diet (HFD) on body mass (BM) gain and the second in humans comparing dietary VA between participants who were overweight/obese and who had and had not lost 10% of body weight by consuming a hypocaloric, low-fat diet, were conducted.

Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed a HFD containing sufficient VA (HF-VAS) or a HFD …

Identification Of Feline Tritrichomonas Foetus Surface Epitopes: Putative Targets For Development Of A Novel Diagnostic Test For Feline Trichomonosis, Emily Nissa Gould

Masters Theses

BACKGROUND: Tritrichomonas foetus (T. foetus) is a flagellated protozoa that infects the distal ileum and proximal colon of domestic cats and also induces reproductive failure in cattle. Although feline trichomonosis is recognized to have a global prevalence of up to 30%, it still poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to veterinarians; thus, there is a need for both improved diagnostics and therapeutics. Despite differing organ tropism between genotypes, evidence exists for conserved virulence factors between feline and bovine T. foetus. Two epitopes (1.15 and 1.17) of the bovine T. foetus glycosylated surface antigen 1.15-1.17 have been found …

Cognitive Functioning Of Drumming And Rhythm Therapy For Neurological Disorders, Logan James Deyo

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

The Synthesis Of Serine Competitive Inhibitors To Limit The Impact Of Fungal Endocarditis, Michael R. Brouner

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Protein Studies: The Function Of Constitutive Androstane Receptor (Car) And Its Associated Ligands, Jacob M. Amburn

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

The Causative Agents Of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever: Do They Have A Common Ancestor?, Mark B. Schneider

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

The Italian System As A Predictive Model: What The United States Can Expect From Universal Healthcare, Randi Paige Winter

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Perceived Benefits Of Therapeutic Recreation Camps For Young Adults With Disabilities, Macie Dean Parsons

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine the perceived benefits that a Therapeutic Recreation camp offers young adults with disabilities. A total of 12 campers were interviewed with 6 being male and 6 being female. Emerging themes included: (a) Social, (b) New Experiences, (c) Character Building, and (d) Get Away. Findings identified the benefits that young adults receive from attending a Therapeutic Recreation camp program. Attending a Therapeutic Recreation camp program allows for individuals with disabilities to be around friends, to meet new friends, to feel a part of a family, to do things they have never done before, …