Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Role Of 14-3-3 Proteins In The Pro-Inflammatory Response Of Microglia And The Neuronal Stress Response To Trichloroethylene Exposure, William Stone

ETDs from 2020-2029

ABSTRACT This dissertation examines how 14-3-3 proteins, with a focus on the 14-3-3θ iso-form, regulate signaling pathways relevant to neurodegeneration. While tradition-ally described as molecular hubs that organize protein–protein interactions, our work reveals how 14-3-3 function is shaped by environmental insults, namely bac-terial and neurotoxicant exposures, and how its disruption contributes to disease-associated processes. Two complementary approaches were used, focusing on microglial inflammatory signaling and neuronal responses to an environmental neurotoxicant, to define a broader role for 14-3-3 proteins in disease associated pathways in the brain. Chapter I identifies 14-3-3 proteins as modulators of microglial activation. Disrup-tion of 14-3-3 interactions …

Evaluation Of Occupational Exposure To Noise And Respirable Particulate Matter In Dentistry, Kabe Fetner

ETDs from 2020-2029

Dental procedures can result in occupational exposures to both noise and particulate matter. Dental professionals routinely operate high-speed instruments and mechanical tools that may produce elevated sound levels and aerosolized particles during clinical treatment. Although these exposures are common in dental environments, limited data exist describing full-shift occupational exposure levels during routine dental procedures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate occupational exposure to noise and respirable particulate matter (RPM) during routine dental procedures in a clinical setting. Area noise monitoring and real-time aerosol monitoring were conducted over six clinical days while common dental procedures were performed, including fillings, …

Culturally Informed Approaches To Support Perinatal Mental Health: Perceptions And Experiences Of Perinatal Depression And Support Systems Among Postpartum African-Born Women In The United States, Joyce O. Imafidon

ETDs from 2020-2029

Perinatal mental health (PMH) of African-born women (ABW) is underrepresented in research and practice in the United States (US) despite known consequences of poor mental wellbeing on one’s overall health, relationships and productivity. Beyond their fundamental role in family support, ABW contribute significantly to the US workforce, education sector, and economy. This three-paper dissertation enhances understanding on PMH outcomes, perception and experiences of ABW in the US. Perinatal depression (PD), one of the most common mood disorders affecting 1 in 8 women, is highlighted. The overarching question is to what extent does the US health system address PMH of ABW …

Bone Marrow Adiposity, Obesity, And Tumor Burden In Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma, Ananya Deshpande

ETDs from 2020-2029

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy in the United States. It is characterized by the accumulation of clonally expanded plasma cells in the bone marrow, which leads to end organ damage and myeloma-defining events requiring treatment. The only modifiable risk factor for MM is obesity. However, associations between obesity, bone marrow adipocytes, and tumor burden at MM diagnosis remain unclear. We evaluated associations of bone marrow adipocytes, body mass index (BMI), and clinical features of tumor burden among 168 patients with histologically confirmed newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) enrolled in the Integrative Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology …

Evaluating The Service Life Of A Respirator Cartridge When Exposed To Various Volatile Organic Compounds, Neha Murad Alwani

ETDs from 2020-2029

Inhalation is the most common exposure pathway. With the significant presence of respiratory exposure, respirator cartridges are widely used as personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce exposure to gases, vapors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study evaluated the breakthrough time of respirator cartridges under various VOC environments commonly encountered in beauty salons and automotive repair shops. Breakthrough time is the duration a respirator cartridge can provide protection before contaminants can be inhaled and the respirator cartridge is no longer effective. The breakthrough time of three VOCs was examined: acetone, toluene, and m-xylene. Using a custom designed test chamber equipped …

Parental Perspectives On Their Children’S Mental Health Changes During And After The Covid-19 Pandemic In A Florida Community, Brianna Yumul

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

The Prevalence Of Dysphonia: A Comparison Of Indoor And Outdoor Athletic Coaches, Keelyn Peacock

Student Theses and Dissertations

This investigation was conducted to assess the Prevalence of Dysphonia, while comparing indoor and outdoor athletic coaches. This investigation also looked at the prevalence of self-perceived vocal dysphonia symptoms within collegiate athletic coaches. This study was conducted by distributing a survey to the Division I athletic coaches in the state of Arkansas. The survey consisted of demographic questions, a questionnaire that explored the self-perceived vocal symptoms, clinician perspective vocal ratings, and acoustic parameters of voice recordings. The data collected revealed that there were vocal symptoms that were identified as an effect of occupational voice demand during the current season of …

Implementation Of Standardized Mental Health Screening And Referral Protocols For Depression In Patients Aged 65 And Older In Primary Care Settings, Elizabeth Nyambura Irungu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Nursing Staff Education On Transgender Patient Care In A Nursing Home, Cyril Shan Madera Tena

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Psycho-Behavioral And Psychosocial Factors Influencing Childhood Obesity In The United States, Nadia Ntori Nkansah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Hiv Preexposure Prophylaxis (Prep) Satisfaction Amongst Female Sex Workers And Men Who Have Sex With Men In Cameroon, Zacheaus Zeh Akiy

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Anatomy And Function Of Vasopressin Receptor 1a-Expressing Neurons In The Limbic Thalamus, David Joseph Kahn

Theses and Dissertations

The vasopressin (Avp) system modulates social behavior through region-specific and sex-dependent mechanisms, yet the role of Avp receptor 1a (Avpr1a) signaling in the thalamus has remained largely unexplored. This dissertation examined the distribution and functional contributions of Avpr1a-expressing neurons across the mouse thalamus using a combination of genetic labeling, anatomical quantification, and chemogenetic manipulation. Mapping of Avpr1a-expressing neurons revealed a presence in most thalamic nuclei, with highest densities in the anterior thalamic nuclei and midline nuclei. Notably, Avpr1a-expressing neuron densities did not mirror previously described patterns of Avp innervation, and no sex differences in Avpr1a-expressing neuron density were observed. Chemogenetic …

The Role Of Mitochondrial And Lysosomal Damage In Neurotoxicity From Parkinson 'S-Related Environmental Exposures, Neda Ilieva

ETDs from 2020-2029

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive motor neurodegenerative disorder with a predominantly idiopathic etiology. More recently, however, the contribution of exogenous risk factors such as environmental contaminants has become of interest. Some endogenous genetic risk factors have been well characterized, but the mechanisms by which exogenous insults, such as environmental contaminants, drive dopaminergic neurodegeneration remain incompletely understood. This dissertation will address how environmental contaminants converge on mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction to activate parallel neurotoxic signaling pathways, with a focus on the LRRK2 kinase and the cGAS-STING innate immune pathway. Chapter 2 demonstrates that pharmacological inhibition of LRRK2 kinase activity protects …

Link, Retain, Suppress: A Grounded Theory Study Of Medical Case Management In The Philadelphia Hiv Service Agencies, Shakeera Wynne

Social Work Doctoral Dissertations

Medical case management (MCM) plays a critical role in supporting engagement in HIV care; however, differences in implementation across agencies may influence service delivery and outcomes. Existing research has focused primarily on outcomes such as retention in care and viral suppression, while less is known about how the MCM intervention is implemented in practice. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to explore how medical case management is implemented within HIV care settings and to examine the structural, organizational, and relational factors that shape service delivery. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with medical case managers working within Ryan White-funded agencies …

Implementation Of A Standardized Adverse Childhood Experiences Screening Process In A Primary Care Clinic, Tanya M. Wonnacott

Doctoral Dissertations & Projects

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are associated with increased risks of chronic disease, mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and premature mortality. Despite growing evidence supporting ACE screening, it remains inconsistent in many primary care settings, particularly among underserved populations. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate whether implementation of a standardized ACE screening workflow increased ACE screening completion and behavioral health referral within a nonprofit primary care clinic serving uninsured, underinsured, and refugee populations.

This project utilized a pre–post quality improvement design guided by Lewin’s Change Management Model and the Chronic Care Model. Interventions included standardized ACE …

Comparative Effectiveness Of Olmesartan Medoxomil In Monotherapy And Combination Therapy With Other Arb Medications: Literature Review, Deepika Saini

University Honors Theses

Hypertension remains one of the leading health issues; however, the awareness and control remain limited, with approximately 1.4 billion people affected by hypertension, yet only one in five has the condition effectively controlled. Despite the availability of effective treatments, knowledge and awareness remain limited. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used antihypertensive medications because of their efficacy and safety profiles. Among these, Olmesartan Medoxomil has emerged as a prominent option, demonstrating strong efficacy in lowering blood pressure, both as monotherapy and in combination with other antihypertensive agents.

This thesis examines the comparative effectiveness of Olmesartan Medoxomil versus other ARBs …

Regional Differences Between Puerto Rican And Hispanic Mainland U.S. Parents’ Perceptions Of Childhood Obesity, Kasandra Blanton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

(Re)Claiming Homeplace: Dance As Embodied Resistance & Healing For Health & Spatial Justice, Preeya G. Kannan

University Honors Theses

This thesis argues that dance functions as both an upstream public health intervention and a form of radical spatial resistance; creating healing, agency, and belonging among historically marginalized communities. Drawing on bell hooks' concept of homeplace, Jasbir Puar's assemblage theory, Nancy Krieger's eco-social theory, and Katherine McKittrick's Black geographies, I position the body as both an ecological and political landscape shaped by histories of colonialism, racial capitalism, displacement, and resilience.

Through this community-based participatory research study, Homeplace, I explore dance as a form of social prescription that centers liberation rather than pathology. Movement is often reduced in public health discourse …

The Neuroprotective Effect Of Cdc42 Inhibition In The G93a Mutant Hsod1 Mouse Model Of Als, Andrea Koly

Undergraduate Theses, Capstones, and Recitals

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective loss of upper and lower motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, neuromuscular junction (NMJ) degeneration, paralysis, and eventual death due to respiratory failure. Despite extensive research, effective disease-modifying therapies remain limited, underscoring the need to identify novel molecular targets involved in ALS pathogenesis. Dysregulation of Rho family GTPases has been implicated in neurodegeneration, with Rac and Rho exerting opposing effects on neuronal survival; however, the role of the closely related GTPase Cdc42 remains poorly understood in ALS. In this study, the therapeutic potential of inhibiting …

Explaining Variation In Medical Aid In Dying Policy Across U.S. States, Abigail Hopper

Undergraduate Theses, Capstones, and Recitals

This paper asks why Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) policy in the United States does not follow a simple partisan pattern between states. Existing scholarship on morality policy emphasizes ideological conflict and partisan alignment, but this framework cannot fully explain why states with similar political compositions have adopted different MAiD policy outcomes, indicating that some key mechanisms shaping the variation have been overlooked. To address this, this paper combines a national dataset of MAiD policies across all fifty states with a comparative case study of Montana, Colorado, and West Virginia, focusing on differences in institutional venues, framing strategies, and coalition …

Differential Roles Of Moesin And Vasp In Β-Catenin-Associated Networks During Zebrafish Heart Regeneration, Allen Rutman

Undergraduate Theses, Capstones, and Recitals

With cardiovascular disease remaining as the leading cause of mortality worldwide, it is largely due to the limited regenerative capacity of the human heart. However, zebrafish (Danio rerio) can fully regenerate cardiac tissue following injury, providing a valuable model for studying the mechanisms of heart repair. To investigate these mechanisms, we used proteomics methods in the past. Proximity labeling is a technique that identifies proteins based on their physical proximity to a protein of interest. It can be applied in organisms and in living cells (Roux et al., 2012; Cho et al., 2020). We used proximity labeling to characterize protein …

Staff Education To Improve Nurses’ Knowledge Of Standardized Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble (Crafft) Screening In Outpatient Psychiatric Care, Linda Edeity

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

School Policy, Health Equity, And Lgbtq+ Youth: Implications Of Mahmoud V. Taylor, Anna Folta

Online/Hybrid MPH Integrative Learning Experience (capstone projects)

School-based policy functions as a critical lever for reducing health disparities among LGBTQ+ youth, who face elevated risks of suicidality, bullying, unsafe school environments, and housing instability. An extensive body of research identifies inclusive school practices—such as affirming curricula, supportive staff, and student organizations—as key protective factors that foster belonging and improve mental health outcomes. However, recent political and legal developments threaten the implementation and consistency of these protections.

Using a structured literature review and comparative policy analysis of federal, state, and district responses, this project integrates public health evidence with legal interpretation to assess how emerging parental opt-out frameworks …

Flame Retardant Metabolites In Urine Samples Associated With U.S. Consumer Dietary Behaviors, Heather Marie Holliday

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Staff Education To Improve Knowledge On Delirium Assessment, Prevention, And Treatment, Michelle Lee Coll

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Staff Education On Triage For Resource Nurses In The Emergency Department, Michelle Donahue Smeltzer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Standardizing Pressure Injury Prevention Documentation Through A Clinical Procedure Flowsheet, Aixa Quijano Palés

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Testing Potential Correlations Between Childhood Lead Exposure And Authoritarianism In Adulthood, Kragen Anderson

University Honors Theses

A significant body of research links lead exposure during childhood to negative effects ranging from increased impulsivity to societal level effects such as an increased likelihood of committing violent crime in adulthood. Due to exposure vectors such as lead water pipes, lead solder, lead based paints, and leaded gasoline there was significant lead exposure during childhood for large portions of the American population. This paper tested and found a statistically significant association between average population level lead exposure in childhood and likelihood of voting for candidate Trump later in life.

Healthcare Access Challenges Among Asian Americans, Phyo Theingi

University Honors Theses

Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial ethnic group in the U.S. According to the 2023 U.S. Census Bureau population estimate, Asian Americans account for 25.2 million (or 7.4%) of the nation's population. Asian Americans are not a monolith and represent a diversity of rich histories, cultures, languages and ethnicities. According to research conducted by the Pew Research Center, most Asian Americans face discrimination of some kind, including being treated as a foreigner in the U.S and being stereotyped as a model minority. They also experience health care access barriers. Research found that Asian Americans face barriers related to language …

Aid As Leverage: How Humanitarian Assistance Shapes The Health Power Dynamics In Eastern Democratic Republic Of Congo, Emmanuella K. Mbuyu

University Honors Theses

This paper examines humanitarian aid in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where it serves as both relief and a force reshaping local power dynamics within ongoing conflict. Humanitarian organizations provide essential services in contexts of state collapse, but aid delivery is deeply embedded in systems of coercion, negotiation, and external influence. Drawing on critical humanitarianism and the aid economy, this study analyzes how humanitarian access is negotiated, how donor priorities shape definitions of need, and how temporary interventions create dependency and instability. The paper explores how humanitarian action can reinforce alternative structures of authority, particularly in weak or absent …