Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Host Response To Implantation Of A Poly N-Isopropylarylamide Injectable Cell Therapy Vehicle, Cole Matthew Burk

Master's Theses

There is a need to develop novel and effective therapies targeting end-stage peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). Inducing collateral arteriogenesis is a possible novel treatment that produces a natural bypass for blood flow, a promising solution to the long-term issues seen with current treatments. Regenerative therapies, and progenitor cells specifically, have demonstrated great promise in repair after injury and disease. While most progenitor or stem cells have poor efficacy in this context, muscle progenitor cells, or myoblasts, have encouraging results. Myoblasts enhance arteriogenesis and secrete cytokines or chemokines that recruit monocytes to injury sites. Implanting these adherent cells in a …

Early Referral For Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing Therapy For Treatment Of Trauma-Induced Anxiety And Emotional Distress, Christa Jones

Doctoral Projects

Trauma, anxiety, and emotional distress are significant health concerns affecting millions globally and resulting in significant healthcare burdens. Despite the considerable efforts in addressing problems, most high-risk cases often go unidentified or unaddressed promptly. Besides standard trauma diagnosis, treatment, and management protocols, some patients often require specialized support. Recently, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has emerged as a promising alternative for treating anxiety, trauma, and emotional distress conditions, yet many patients who are at high risk are often not identified early for referral. Additionally, many healthcare facilities, especially those in rural settings, fail to include appropriate screening tools.

This …

Point Of Care Ultrasound For Gastric Residual: An Objective Structured Clinical Examination, Brandon Quinn, Kaitlyn Gray

Doctoral Projects

Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) has become an invaluable tool in modern medical practice offering real-time diagnostic and procedural guidance for anesthesia providers. POCUS is a non-invasive assessment tool that gives anesthesia insight into a quantitative assessment of gastric residuals. Furthermore, POCUS assessments are useful in preventing anesthetic complications that can cause major morbidity and mortality such as aspiration pneumonia. Despite the growing relevance, formalized training on POCUS for assessing gastric residuals remains limited in many nurse anesthesia programs. The University of Southern Mississippi currently lacks a standardized curriculum for teaching student registered nurse anesthetists how to utilize gastric ultrasound …

Twitchview(C) Monitor Use For Quantitative Neuromuscular Monitoring: An Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation, Brady Brian, Lovel Bruney

Doctoral Projects

Neuromuscular paralysis is an integral aspect of anesthesia. Muscle relaxation is implemented to provide a suitable surgical environment, aid in intubation, and enhance respiratory compliance (Cook & Simons, 2022). Neuromuscular monitoring is often used for patients undergoing general anesthesia. Proper neuromuscular monitoring is essential when managing a surgical patient undergoing general anesthesia. Anesthesia providers are responsible for knowing the theory behind neuromuscular monitoring and the appropriate execution of placement, monitoring, and interpretation of monitoring devices. Quantitative neuromuscular monitoring is a newer technology that can provide definitive numerical data regarding neuromuscular blockade. Implementing the quantitative neuromuscular monitor can potentially reduce the …

Reducing Congestive Heart Failure Readmissions Through Discharge Planning And Education, Coewonda Burse

Doctoral Projects

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a widespread problem among individuals, which, at the same time, consumes a considerable share of global healthcare demand. CHF management poses a persistent issue mainly due to the short interval of hospital readmissions four weeks after discharge, which indicates deficiencies in care transitions and patient education. This doctoral project addresses this topic and evaluates whether implementing patient-specific education and discharge planning programs can decrease CHF-associated hospital readmissions. To investigate the phenomenon, the DNP student completed a retrospective chart review, found an intervention, implemented said intervention, and then evaluated the intervention's effectiveness versus interventions already in …

Investigation Of Healthcare Providers' Receptiveness To Aromatherapy As An Adjunctive Intervention For The Postoperative Nausea And Vomiting In Gynecological Procedures, Hannah May, Lauren Sherrill

Doctoral Projects

There is a knowledge deficit concerning healthcare providers' understanding of the use of aromatherapy as an intervention for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in clinical settings. Postoperative nausea and vomiting continues to exist despite using common pharmacological treatments to block receptors that stimulate the vomiting center (DiLustro, 2017). Postoperative nausea and vomiting leads to adverse effects that decrease patient satisfaction and prolong hospital stays. Healthcare providers need an adjunct therapy that minimizes risks and improves outcomes (Weibel et al., 2017). Through this project, provider understanding, and preferences were obtained and educational content delivered to potentially improve patient PONV outcomes. Using …

Prescription For Change: Tackling Inappropriate Antibiotic Use In Urgent Care Settings, Lachundra Mosley

Doctoral Projects

A pressing global health issue that significantly contributes to antibiotic resistance is the inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for Upper Respiratory Infections (URI’s) in urgent care settings (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). The purpose of this doctoral project was to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions for URI at an urgent care in D’Iberville, Mississippi through the implementation of an educational pamphlet.

A pre-post intervention project was conducted, collecting data on antibiotic prescribing practices via retrospective chart reviews before and after the educational intervention. Data was collected using a researcher developed screening tool based on Evidence based guidelines to distinguish viral vs bacterial infections. …

Investigating The Effects Of Workload Management Strategies On Nurse Practitioner Burnout And Job Satisfaction, Erica G. Smith

Doctoral Projects

Burnout is a critical issue among psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), worsened by excessive workloads, productivity demands, and the emotional intensity of patient care (Chi et al., 2024). The negative effects of burnout included diminished job satisfaction, reduced quality of care, and increased turnover (Chi et al., 2024). As the demand for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) grew, addressing these challenges was essential for maintaining a sustainable workforce and ensuring quality patient care.

This doctoral project aimed to assess the impact of a workload management strategy on reducing burnout and improving job satisfaction among PMHNPs in a hospital …

Improving Hypertension Outcomes Through Biweekly Text Message Interventions, Patricia Thompson

Doctoral Projects

Improving medication adherence and blood pressure control is challenging in the management of hypertension. Hypertension is a risk factor for severe health complications such as kidney failure, premature death, stroke, and heart disease. Even though effective hypertensive medications are available, patients have a challenging time adhering to taking the medication as instructed.

There are several reasons patients do not adhere to taking their medication such as lack of understanding, forgetfulness, negative beliefs, inadequate communication, complex dosing regimen, cost, and access to healthcare. Ensuring patients take their blood pressure medication decreases the risk of uncontrolled hypertension complications. The plan to improve …

The Impact Of Physical Exercise On Stress Reduction Among College Students, Natalie Luna

Honors College Theses

Stress is a prevalent issue among college students, often contributing to mental healthchallenges such as anxiety and depression. While physical exercise is recognized as a beneficial strategyfor stress reduction, there is limited understanding of the specific exercise factors that influence stresslevels, including type, duration, and intensity. This study aimed to explore these factors, identify barriersand facilitators to regular exercise, and evaluate students' perceptions of physical exercise as a stressmanagement tool. Insights from this research aim to inform strategies for promoting physical activity toenhance student well-being.

A non-experimental, cross-sectional survey design was used to investigate the relationshipbetween exercise habits and stress …

Influences Of Social Media On Nutrition Perceptions And Body Image Among Female College Students: A Study Of Health Impacts And Behavioral Responses, Kerri Mcclanahan

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Social media use is increasing among young adults with an average use of over four hours per day. The validity of dietary content on social media is questionable and can cause impacts on several factors. This research focused on exploring how female college students' social media use impacts their nutrition knowledge, diet choices, and body image. Through the use of a survey, 332 participants completed this research. It was found that social media can cause changes in body image, both positive and negative. Additionally, the results showed that social media impacted the participants’ dietary decisions. It was also found that …

Improving Outcomes Of Patients Being Seen In The Emergency Room For Mental Health Crisis, Kimberly Hudson

Doctoral Projects

Mental health is a significant problem, especially in males aged 20 to 50 years old (Omary, 2019). Lack of a primary mental health care provider, lack of proper treatment and follow up appointments for this population, and bottlenecking patients in the emergency room are all factors that contribute to the problem. As a result, these patients experience negative outcomes such as not receiving proper care and/or causing harm to themselves or others. In this doctoral project we will explore the option of patients having better outcomes if seen immediately by a psychiatric health care provider.

Having psychiatric healthcare providers in …

Elucidating The Mechanism Of Interleukin-17a Signaling In The Pathogenesis Of West Nile Virus, Farzana Nazneen

Dissertations

West Nile Virus (WNV), a neurotropic flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes, is a leading cause of viral encephalitis in the United States and remains a significant public health concern. Unfortunately, no vaccine or therapeutic intervention is available against WNV infection. Previous studies, including ours, demonstrated that interleukin-17A (IL-17A) signaling increases the cytotoxic potential of CD8⁺ T cells to facilitate WNV and parasite clearance; however, the molecular mechanism is not understood. IL-17 receptor C (IL-17RC) is an obligatory co-receptor with IL-17 receptor A (IL-17RA) for signaling induced by IL-17A, IL-17A/F, and IL-17F. In this study, we found that IL-17RC deficient ( …

Proteolytic Manipulation Of Neutrophil Responses And The Efferocytic Synapse By Porphyromonas Gingivalis., Kelley N. Cooper

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) is etiologically associated with chronic periodontitis, a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the destruction of hard and soft tissues of the periodontium. Pg is adapted to live in the human oral subgingival niche, a hostile environment dominated by excessive numbers of activated neutrophils and antimicrobial mediators. Its survival is contingent upon prompt and effective inactivation of neutrophil effector functions. In this dissertation, I uncover a novel pathogenic mechanism employed by Pg that disarms the antimicrobial capacity of live neutrophils and simultaneously sequesters them within macrophages. Mechanistically, RgpB, a cysteine protease produced by Pg …

Defining The Peripheral Plasticity Of Nociceptive Afferents Following Spinal Cord Injury And Physical Therapy Intervention., Morgan Julianna Forston

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this dissertation is to explore the peripheral plasticity of nociceptive afferents following spinal cord injury (SCI) and whether it is exacerbated or induced when physical therapy-based muscle stretching, a therapy we have shown to be detrimental to locomotor recovery in rodents, is implemented post-SCI. Chapter I provides a brief introduction on sensory afferents with particular emphasis on nociceptive afferents and their multifaceted role within the peripheral and central nervous systems. Chapter II describes SCI epidemiology and common sensory related complications that occur in patients as well and pharmaco- and physical therapies that are employed post-SCI. Chapter III …

Patient, Provider, And Health System Characteristics Leading To The Delivery Of Low Value Health Care Services And Outcomes Of An Intervention For Mitigating Low Value Care., Philip Ray Rohrer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The United States spends more on health care than any other country, and Medicare accounted for nearly one-quarter of total personal health care spending in 2019. Waste within the health care system in the United States is estimated to represent approximately 25% of total U.S. health care expenditures. Low value care includes health care services that provide little or no benefit to patients, have potential to cause harm, incur unnecessary costs to patients, or waste limited healthcare resources. Low value care is estimated to represent roughly 10% of total health care waste, or between $75.7 billion and $101.2 billion dollars …

Understanding Carceral Pathways And Outcomes Of Marginalized Adults Who Use Drugs., Carmen Renee Mitchell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is an examination of outcomes among substance users at various stages of the incarceration process divided among five chapters. Chapter One provides an overview of substance use disorder (SUD), incarceration, and wider justice system-involvement, and explores how the political economy of health theoretical framework can be applied to examine how the criminal justice system creates and perpetuates inequality among marginalized people who use substances. Chapter Two examines post-release health outcomes among the population of incarcerated people who use substances using a scoping review and finds that people in reentry with SUD have poorer overall outcomes that without transitional …

Plasma Resuscitation Attenuates Hemorrhage-Induced Glomerular Barrier Damage And Dysfunction., William Byron Risinger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Acute renal dysfunction following traumatic injury and hemorrhagic shock carries significant morbidity and mortality. Despite an extensive understanding of renal tubule damage after injury, less is known regarding early alterations to the glomerular filtration barrier following hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. Previously, our lab and others have demonstrated improved hepatic and intestinal microcirculatory parameters when resuscitation strategies incorporate fresh frozen plasma. In addition to improving end-organ perfusion, plasma reconstitutes the endothelial glycocalyx, an essential regulator of vascular permeability and microcirculatory function. However, the impact of plasma resuscitation on the glomerular glycocalyx and barrier following hemorrhage remains unknown. We hypothesized …

Exposing The Disaster Disparities And Experiences On College Campuses, Deleanor Kirkpatrick Murray

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Challenges in higher education continue to arise, providing administrators with insights into how prepared—or unprepared—their institutions may be for future crises. The purpose of the study is to examine how mid-level leadership, staff, and students perceived the disaster response to Hurricane Ida during the 2021–2022 academic year. Using the theoretical frameworks of the Four-Frame Model (Bolman & Deal, 2021), Critical Race Theory (Delgado & Stefancic, 2017), and Institutional Theory (Manning, 2018), this case study employed interviews with 8 participants. Data analysis resulted in the emergence of 7 major themes and 11 sub-themes. The findings from the study suggest that participants …

Acupressure For Rescue Treatment For Postoperative Nausea And Vomiting, Kimberly Amerson, Jennifer Smith

Doctoral Projects

This doctoral project investigates acupressure as a non-pharmacological option for PONV management, focusing on the P6 point (Neiguan). The physiological processes involved in regulating nausea are highlighted in the discussion of the mechanisms of action. This research also looks at the valuable uses of acupressure in clinical settings and the education of PACU nurses and anesthesia providers. By utilizing knowledge, including acupressure, PACU nurses and anesthesia providers can improve satisfaction with care, expedite recovery, and boost overall patient well-being. This doctoral project strives to decrease healthcare costs associated with prolonged hospital stays, optimize patient recovery experiences, expand knowledge for PACU …

Improving Primary Care Providers Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude, And Intention To Change Practice About Uncontrolled Obstructive Sleep Apnea And Its Effect On Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, Formerly Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Prognosis, Olivia Amoakowaa-Senya

Doctoral Scholarly Projects & Capstones

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in the world. The mechanisms involved in its development and progression continue to be a mystery that scientists are trying to unravel. However, many research studies found a correlation between uncontrolled obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and worsening of NAFLD. Chronic intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation in OSA increase sympathetic activity and promote oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and metabolic dysregulation, which increases the risk of various diseases, including NAFLD/MASLD progression. Early assessment and screening for OSA in patients …

Machine Learning And Evaluation Of Diabetes Risk Using 2022 Brfss Data, Addie Weaver

Masters Theses

This research analyzes Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 2022 with three machine learning models, Neural Network, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine, to determine and compare the models’ accuracy rate of diabetes prediction. Principal Component Analysis was employed to determine principal factors of diabetes risk. Results show that the Neural Network is most accurate at 90.09 percent at predicting diabetes. Factors increasing diabetes risk include alcohol consumption, smoking, and self-perceived mental and physical health.

An Extensive Exploration Of Generalist Microbotryum Species Through Host Interactions., Emilee Walters

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses

The Microbotryum species complex is a group of fungi, commonly known as anther smuts. Anther smuts are plant parasites that must invade a host plant in order to fulfill their life cycle. As the Microbotryum fungus grows, it sterilizes the host plant, such that infected plants produce fungal teliospores instead of pollen on the male reproductive organs and female reproductive structures do not mature. Microbotryum usually exists as a specialist species, however, there is evidence that several species of anther smuts can exist as generalist species. Comparisons of the infection process and the resulting response of both parasite and host …

Addressing The Public Health Concern Of Maternal Mortality In Houston, Texas, Lucy Couture

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Maternal mortality remains a pressing public health concern in the United States, with disproportionate consequences for marginalized communities. Despite being a developed nation, the U.S. reports one of the highest maternal mortality rates among its peers, with approximately 80% of maternal deaths deemed preventable. Texas reflects this national crisis, particularly affecting Black women, whose maternal mortality rate is significantly higher than that of other racial and ethnic groups. This thesis explores maternal mortality trends in Houston, Texas, analyzing the roles of systemic inequities, social determinants of health, and disparities in access to quality care. Drawing on data from the Texas …

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Trackable Pathology-Triggered Polymersomes Toward Enzyme Replacement Theranostics For Gm1 Gangliosidosis, Dorian Foster

All Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the development and optimization of pathology-responsive polymersomes for simultaneous enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in the treatment of GM1 gangliosidosis (GM1). While therapeutic strategies exist for similar, non-neuropathic lysosomal storage disorders, implementation towards GM1 faces significant challenges due to the blood-brain barrier.

Herein, we developed and characterized a range of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid-b-polylactic acid (HA-PLA) polymersomes (PSs) capable of encapsulating therapeutic enzymes in their hydrophilic core. These polymersomes exhibit pathophysiology-triggered responsiveness, degrading in the presence of acidic conditions, which is characteristic of lysosomes, and enzymes such as hexosaminidase A, which …

Adverse Childhood Experiences And Early Life Adversity And Their Effects On Chronic Health: A Literature Review, Ella Weatherford

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

With more than 439,000 annual U.S. deaths associated with childhood adversity, it is important to understand and prevent exposure to Adverse Childhood Events and Early Life Adversity. The purpose of this literature review is to identify and examine the pathophysiology between adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s) and their negative effects on health across the lifespan. Fifteen peer-reviewed articles that were published in notable journals were analyzed to include in this review. The results of these articles show that Adverse Childhood Experiences and Early Life Adversity can lead to the development of chronic inflammatory conditions across the lifespan. Using Barker Hypothesis and …

The Impact Of Hospital Protocol For Severe Alcohol Use Disorder, Meredith Jones

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Alcohol use disorder remains a prevalent condition within current society. For a smaller, but ever growing population, alcohol use evolves into a severe, addictive disease process. Individuals managing this disorder can suffer from acute withdrawals and further comorbidities causing eventual detriment. Medical institutions attempt to combat withdrawal with varying forms of treatment, utilized to manage symptoms and further issues “as needed.” As this condition becomes increasingly more pervasive within casual society, hospitals’ fragmented attempts to manage this disease process proves to be ineffective for this patient population.

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze current methods …

Constructing A Blueprint For A Professional Development Module On Interventions For Bullying And Self-Advocacy For Nursing Faculty, Glenn Murphy

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Bullying remains a persistent issue among nursing faculty. Nursing faculty often claim they do not have the communication skills or the confidence to address bullying behaviors and to advocate for themselves. Instead, they often avoid the perpetrators or accept bullying as part of the nursing education environment. One possible solution involves creating a professional development module for nursing faculty. My Delphi study led to the creation of a blueprint for a professional development module on interventions for bullying and self-advocacy for nursing faculty. Over the three rounds of online questionnaires, an expert panel of nursing faculty suggested content areas, recommended …

The Assignment Despite Objection Construct: Its Efficacy And Utility In Measuring Nurse-Perceived Unsafe Staffing Events And Associated Outcomes, Debra F. Fox

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: This three-manuscript approach provided a progressively built overview of Assignment Despite Objection as a construct used by nurses to document their perceptions of unsafe staffing events and as an unstudied concept in the staffing outcomes literature.

Background: All nurses have an ethical, legal, and professional responsibility to refuse or object to assignments they believe are unsafe for their well-being or their patient’s safety. Assignment Despite Objection being the only widely used construct nurses use to document these perceptual details. No studies have focused on Assignment Despite Objection as a construct or concept, leaving a complete gap in understanding its …

Physiology And Genomics At The Bottom Of The World: Genome To Phenome, Amy Christine Klink

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Mammals are exposed to a suite of physiological challenges based on the environment in which they inhabit. Animal individuals can overcome challenges associated with the dynamic nature of their habitat through variation in phenotypic traits. The plasticity of a phenotype relies on an individual’s genome and the transcription factors that act on regulatory elements. Species living in Antarctica display physiological specializations to withstand harsh conditions, such as severe cold temperatures, shifts in available ice habitat, and annual fluctuations in daylight. To explore the connections between an individual’s genome and its phenotype, we investigated two physiologies of the Antarctic Weddell seal …