Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Micro-Rna Analysis Of Extracellular Vesicles Secreted By Alveolar Macrophages And Epithelial Cells In Response To Cadmium, Anisha Bhakta

Biotechnology Theses

Inhalation of cadmium (Cd) has been an environmental health concern with the increase in industrial activities and smoking. Cd exposure is known to affect several organs such as lungs, kidneys, and liver. In this study, we wanted to understand if Cd inhalation exposure can affect the lungs and other organs in the body. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles secreted by all living cells and are known to carry toxicants between organs. We investigated whether Cd exposure could affect exosome biogenesis and their composition. Cd exposure did not affect the viability of A549, a lung epithelial cell line and macrophages derived from …

Isolation And Characterization Of Α-Hcd7 Scfv Expressing Exosomes And Synthesis Of Hybrid Exosome-Liposome For Analyses, Sahil Patel

Biotechnology Theses

The goal of this thesis project is to isolate and characterize exosomes that express anti-human CD7 (α-hCD7) single chain variable fragment (scFv), which will be further utilized for T celltargeted gene editing. To reach this goal, exosomes from HEK 293 cells and Jurkat cells were isolated and characterized with different methodologies. To obtain α-hCD7 scFv-expressing exosomes, the HEK 293 cells were subjected to transfection of custom-plasmid pDisplay-αhCD7 scFv, and the expression of α-hCD7 scFv on the HEK 293-derived exosomes were then confirmed by immunogold staining, western blotting, and flow cytometry. To transfect 293 cells, calcium phosphate transfection was utilized, and …

Nursing Students' Moral Courage Development Through Incivility Simulation Education, Melissa Madden

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of an incivility simulation intervention and incivility educational module would increase nursing students’ perceived moral courage more than an incivility educational module alone.

Hypotheses: Nursing students’ moral courage scores would increase more in response to an incivility simulation intervention and educational module than for those who received the incivility educational module intervention alone.

Methods: The NLN Jeffries Simulation Theory framed the proposed intervention using a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test comparison group design. A convenience sample of 66 students was utilized from one university across two classes. The Moral Courage …

A Mixed Methods Study Of Cultural Competence Among Nursing Students In Kenya, Sylvia Waweru

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Significance and Background: Kenya has been experiencing an increase in cultural and ethnic diversity. As a result of cultural differences, health disparities among ethnic groups in Kenya are increasing. A component of patient centered care involves the incorporation of cultural aspects of health and illness in the delivery of nursing care. Understanding cultural competence of nursing students will provide guidance on educational needs related to cultural competence.

Purpose:. The purpose of this study was to assess nursing students’ cultural competence (CC) in the areas of cultural awareness, knowledge, sensitivity, skills, encounters and desire. Nursing students’ views on caring for …

Exploring Social Media Usage And Its Effects On College Students' Mental Health: A Mixed-Methods, Intervention Study, Kimanh Le

Health and Kinesiology Theses

Background: Social media can cause detrimental effects to college students’ mental wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to examine UT Tyler students’ social media usage and its effects on mental health such as depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, and the fear of missing out (FoMO). The researcher wanted to see if one specific social media site, Instagram, had more deleterious effects compared to other social media platforms and if reducing time usage would help improve mental health.

Methods: A mixed-methods, intervention design was used. An online quantitative survey link, which contained questions about demographics, social media usage, and mental health …

Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Regulation Of Induction Of Inflammatory Mediators By Organic Dust Extract In Lung Epithelial Cells, Maxine Stenhouse

Biotechnology Theses

Previous studies have indicated a link between respiratory symptoms and diseases and organic dust exposure in agricultural workers. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor activated by a wide variety of exogenous and endogenous compounds, is known to be involved in the metabolism of toxic chemicals and recently in the modulation of immune and inflammatory responses. To better understand mechanisms of pathogenesis of respiratory symptoms and diseases, the role of AhR in the regulation of induction of inflammatory mediators by poultry organic dust extract in airway epithelial cells was studied. The role of AhR was studied by investigating the …

Exploring Substance Use And Frequency In International Students Through The Lens Of Acculturation And Social Cognitive Theory, Queenette Chimeucheya Otamiri

Health and Kinesiology Theses

Design/Objective: The research is a quantitative exploratory cross-sectional survey among international students. The goal of the research was to explore the relationship between acculturation and patterns and prevalence of substance use among the participants.

Background: There is a paucity of data regarding the influence of acculturation on recreational drug consumption and the prevalence of substance use in the United States among international college students. College students are a high-risk population for drug abuse. Substance abuse among youth is a global problem that has detrimental consequences for one’s health, family, community, and educational and professional life (Makanjuola et al., …

Impact Of Emotional Intelligence On Interprofessional Teamwork, Interprofessional Communication, And Interprofessional Leadership, Kathleen M. Cox

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this body of work was to explore relationships among emotional intelligence (EI) and interprofessional (IP) competency domains to enhance IP team dynamics and communication.

Background: Decentralization of healthcare delivery may hinder effective handoffs creating opportunity for miscommunication of vital information and subsequent medical errors. Fostering effective communication is paramount for IP teams; however, differing communication styles can promote misunderstanding and conflict. Behavioral aspects of team dynamics and communication that comprise EI may be a solution but are rarely addressed in educational and safety programs.

Methods: Included in this portfolio are three manuscripts that help elucidate …