Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Exploring The Role Of The Arginine-Methylation Writer-Reader Pair Prmt5/Snd1 In Jak2-Mutant Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, Rocio Rubiano

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a hematopoietic disease characterized by hyperproliferation of cells of the myeloid lineage for which current therapeutic options are limited. Discovered in 2005, the JAK2V617F mutation is the most common driver mutation in BCR-ABL negative MPNs, resulting in constitutive activation of the JAK2 protein and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. A role for the methyltransferase activity of Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) has been proposed in JAK2-mutant MPN, highlighting both a mechanism through which this mutation can drive disease progression and a potential mode of therapeutic intervention. Staphylococcal Nuclease Domain-Containing Protein 1 (SND1) is the effector molecule responsible …

Influential Factors And Predicting Dose Delivery Accuracy For Imaging And Radiation Oncology Core’S Phantom Program Using Machine Learning, Hunter Mehrens

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

IROC’s mission is to help ensure consistent and comparable, high-quality radiotherapy across clinics that participate in national clinical trials. To obtain this mission, IROC’s phantom program provides a third-party end-to-end check of the clinical workflow of a patient receiving radiotherapy. The goal of the phantom audit is to compare the dose delivered to the dose planned by the treatment system ensuring dose delivery accuracy. While IROC’s phantoms are better equipped to catch dose delivery errors compared to a clinic’s QA process, the end-to-end process and reporting of results is time-consuming creating a bottleneck for clinical trial participation. Furthermore, IROC’s passing …

The Role Of An Ultraconserved Long Non-Coding Rna In B-Cell Lymphomagenesis, Swati Mohapatra

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Ultraconserved regions (UCRs) are genomic segments with perfect (100%) conservation between the orthologous regions of human, rat, and mouse genomes. UCRs can be transcribed into mono-exonic long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) known as transcribed ultraconserved regions (T-UCRs). These regions, despite lacking protein-coding potential, are increasingly recognized for their regulatory roles in gene expression, including the modulation of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) transcripts. NcRNAs play crucial roles in cellular processes, including oncogenic transformation, with emerging evidence revealing their ability to encode small peptides known as ncRNA-encoded peptides (ncPEPs). These peptides, originating from small open reading frames (smORFs), contribute to diverse cellular functions and …

Genetic Analysis Of Kmt2d Loss In Tumorigenesis Using Genetically Engineered Mouse Models, Yingda Jiang

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) has discovered multiple tumor suppressors that are commonly mutated across a variety of human cancers, such as chromatin regulators in COMPASS and SWI/SNF complexes. KMT2D, a histone H3K4 methyltransferase in the COMPASS complex, is frequently mutated in human lymphoma, melanoma, and epithelial carcinoma. Biochemically, KMT2D shapes the cellular enhancer landscape as the major writer of the putative enhancer mark H3K4me1. Given the critical role of cellular enhancer landscape in determining cellular lineage in embryonic development, it is unknown whether enhancer dysregulation caused by KMT2D loss leads lineage switch of tumor cells, which has …

Vesicle-Associated Membrane Proteins In Airway Mucin Secretion, Boxuan Yang

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Mucus plays a vital role in shielding the lungs against harmful substances such as particles, pathogens, and chemicals inhaled from the environment. It captures these harmful elements, and ciliary action helps to expel them from the lungs. Paradoxically, malfunctioning of mucus induces the development of various respiratory illnesses, including asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and interstitial lung diseases. Despite extensive research on controlling mucin production and hydration, the process of secretion is not yet fully comprehended.

Mucin undergoes regulated secretion at two rates: a low baseline rate and a high stimulated rate. Over the past 25 years, …

Evaluation Of Myogenic Differentiation Potential Of Bmd Ipscs In Vitro And The Effect Of Ubiquitination Inhibitors On Dystrophin Stability In Vivo, Muchen Liu

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Background: Muscular dystrophies are heterogeneous groups of inherited diseases leading to progressive muscular weakness and degeneration. In the case of Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), non-disrupting mutations of the DMD gene reading frame is the causative defect. By the age of 30s, about 60 to 70% of BMD patients develop cardiomyopathy, which is often lethal. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for BMD. Meanwhile, improvement of dystrophin stability by repressing polyubiquitination is a promising strategy. The application of human iPSCs in tissue regeneration also serves as a potential therapeutic strategy. This study aims to test the efficacy of selected drugs interfering …

In Vivo Examination Of Peripheral Drivers Of Alzheimer’S Disease, Celso Catumbela

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide, and predominantly affects elderly populations. This disease is well known for its effects on the brain, but a wealth of clinical reports show that dementia can also modify, or be modified by, various peripheral and systemic processes. Yet, the pathological contribution of peripheral comorbidities to AD remains to be fully understood. In an attempt to address some knowledge gaps, we characterized the cerebral and peripheral pathology in mice with history of either liver injury or sepsis. In the former subjects, we found that even in the absence of genetic risk …

Genomic Data Science Approaches For Understanding Human Diseases, Snehal Shah

All Dissertations

The intricate interplay of genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and lifestyle acts as the multifactorial landscape of diseases. Understanding this complexity presents a significant challenge. Molecular insights into disease mechanisms, particularly the interactions of DNA, RNA, and proteins with environmental and lifestyle factors, have revolutionized disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. High-throughput technologies, such as next-generation sequencing, generate large amounts of molecular data, holding a wealth of knowledge. These datasets unveil the roles of genes and their interactions with various factors through analysis, shedding light on previously unknown molecular mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, they facilitate the discovery of biomarkers crucial for …

Guiding The Management Of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: A Quality Improvement Project, Lauren Sheldon, Donna M. Tydings, Tara L. Sacco

Nursing Doctoral

Background: Despite successful treatment regimens and remission rates of greater than 90%, early death is a concern for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The challenges surrounding proper care for APL are centered on the low volume of patients, which limits healthcare professionals’ knowledge of disease management.

Objectives: The purpose of this project was to develop resources and present an educational module specific to managing patients newly diagnosed with APL. An intervention to evaluate bedside nurses’ knowledge of APL was implemented.

Methods: Thirty-four RNs were recruited for participation. A clinical practice guideline, an algorithm, and a fact sheet were developed …

Strength And Endocrine Adaptations From The Combined Use Of Accentuated Eccentric Loading And Cluster Sets During A Strength Endurance Training Block, Kurt Mcdowell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the chronic effects of accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) paired with cluster sets (CS) on dynamic and maximal strength, the endocrine system, and body composition. Seventeen recreationally active subjects (male = 11, females = 6, age = 23.05 ± 4.07, height = 172.09 ± 9.98, body mass = 81.29 ± 22.18, back squat to body mass ratio = 1.55 ± 0.33, bench press to body mass ratio = 1.06 ± 0.28) participated in one familiarization week, 2 weeks of testing, and 4 weeks of training. A strength-endurance block (4 wks) was used for …

Poly (Adp-Ribose) Polymerase-1 (Parp1) Expression In The Frontal Cortex And Hippocampus In Major Depressive Disorder (Mdd) And Suicide, Ramona Faith Fulkerson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder that has a complex pathophysiology. In this study we evaluate the expression of PARP1 and the downstream alarmin protein high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in two brain areas that have demonstrated pathology in MDD. MDD donors were compared to controls. MDD subgroups that died by suicide were also compared to those that did not die by suicide. Immunoblotting to determine PARP1 and HMGB1 protein expression was performed in white and grey matter from the frontal cortex and the hippocampus. In BA10 white and grey matter, PARP1 protein expression was significantly …

Dengue And Climate Change: Assessing Potential Future Areas Of Concern For Transmission In The United States, Matthew Beer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Global climate change severely impacts human life, particularly health, as rising temperatures and extreme weather affect physical and mental well-being. Climate change can also alter the risk factors and epidemiology of infectious diseases, notably vector-borne diseases (VBDs), including those transmitted by mosquitoes. The Aedes mosquito, responsible for dengue, poses a significant threat due to its prevalence vector. Dengue prevention lacks effective methods beyond vector control, and the current vaccine has limitations, emphasizing the need for intensified research and prevention strategies to mitigate the expanding dengue burden worldwide. The goal of these studies was to establish a novel risk index …

Prevalence Of Chronic Kidney Disease And Awareness Levels Among Young Adults In Imo And Anambra States, Nigeria, Jacinta Okolie

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries such as Nigeria, where health care resources are limited and awareness remains low. This quantitative study evaluated the prevalence of CKD and awareness levels among young adults in Imo and Anambra States, Nigeria. The relationship between health care access, medication adherence, and CKD diagnosis was also examined. The health belief model and the social ecological model provided the framework for the study. A sample of 800 participants was recruited from in- and outpatient facilities in Imo State and Anambra State, and sociodemographic information, awareness levels, and …

The Effect Of Intermediate Doses Of Roundup® On The Larval Development, Survival, Oviposition And Fitness Of Culex Quinquefasciatus, Abdoulaye Aziz Zerbo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, is a vector to many pathogens in Southern California, including West Nile Virus and St. Louis Encephalitis Virus. Immature stages of mosquitoes may be exposed to Roundup^®, a frequently used herbicide worldwide, due to surface runoffs or overspraying and subsequent drifting. Previous studies have shown some negative impacts of sublethal doses of Roundup^® during the developmental stage of Culex quinquefasciatus, such as physiologic changes and prolonged larval stage or the high mortality of larvae due to exposure to the high doses of glyphosate. This study investigated the effect of …

Emotional Eating In Adolescents With Obesity: Case Series, Paula Dayan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Childhood obesity remains a significant public health concern, with substantial implications for physical and mental well-being. This thesis aims to explore the intricate relationship between emotional eating and obesity among adolescents, with a focus on identifying emotional triggers and assessing their psychological impact. Utilizing a cross-sectional study design at a university in southern California, data were collected from two adolescents aged 13-18 years. Through surveys and body composition measurements, participants' emotional barriers to weight loss and readiness for change were assessed. The findings underscore the presence of varying degrees of emotional hurdles among adolescents with obesity, including depression, frustration, and …

Advancing Telehealth Through Artificial Intelligence: Incorporating Emotional Intelligence And Addressing Cybersecurity Challenges, Mahima Rajendra Pulgaonkar

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This culminating experience project explores the integration of Emotional Artificial Intelligence (Emotional AI) into telehealth systems, addressing the dual challenges of enhancing patient care and mitigating cybersecurity risks. The research questions are: (Q1) How can Emotionally Intelligent AI improve telehealth systems' ability to recognize and respond to mental health symptoms? and (Q2) What are the specific cybersecurity challenges associated with AI in telehealth and how can they be mitigated? The findings for each question are: Q1: Emotionally Intelligent AI can significantly enhance telehealth by providing personalized, empathetic interactions that improve patient engagement, adherence to treatment plans, and early detection of …

Changes In Blood Lactate And High Intensity Exercise Endurance During A Strength - Endurance Accumulation Training Using Accentuated Eccentric Loading, Nicholas Goode

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of accentuated eccentric load (AEL) resistance training and changes in work capacity, high-intensity exercise endurance (HIEE) and lactate metabolism. Seventeen recreationally trained subjects (11 males and 6 females) (mean ± SD: age = 23.2 ± 4.2 yrs, BM = 81.3 ± 22.2 kg, height = 172.1 ± 10 cm, male relative back squat (BS) [MD1] strength (1RM*BM^-1) = 1.64 ± 0.32 kg*kg^-1, female relative BS strength = 1.39 ± 0.32 kg*kg^-1) participated in the study. Subjects completed a week of familiarization to participate in …

The Characterization Of Cacna1a-Related Hemiplegic Migraine, Donna P. Schaare

All Dissertations

CACNA1A-related Hemiplegic Migraine (HM) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by paroxysmal episodes of hemiparesis/hemiplegia with or without headache. The presentation of CACNA1A-related HM can range from mild HM events in neurotypical individuals to life-threatening prolonged periods of hemiplegia with cerebral edema in individuals with baseline neurodevelopmental features. CACNA1A-related HM has been studied extensively in its familial form, Familial Hemiplegic Migraine type 1 (FHM1), but the often more severe disorder attributed to de novo variants, Sporadic Hemiplegic Migraine type 1 (SHM1), has had limited description. Genetic resources and the 3^rd edition of the International Classification of …

Assessment Of American Tannin-Free Grain Sorghum As Feedstuff For Poultry: Nutrient Composition, Amino Acid Digestibility And Bird Performance, Santiago Sasia

All Dissertations

Given the rising cost of poultry diets, alternative ingredients like sorghum are crucial for maximizing returns without compromising product quality. Sorghum's drought tolerance and adaptability, along with its nutritional profile, make it a viable corn substitute. This dissertation examines the nutrient composition, amino acid digestibility, and performance of poultry fed with American tannin-free grain sorghum. Chapter II evaluates the impact of sorghum-based diets, with or without phytase superdosing, on broiler performance, including body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. Results indicate that sorghum can replace corn without adverse effects on broiler performance. Chapter III explores the partial …

Effect Of Insufficient Sleep On Activity Limitation: Results From The Brfss 2022 Survey, Jonathan Meyer

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Objective: To determine whether insufficient sleep (less than 7 hours per night) is associated with activity limitation (14 days or more of poor mental or physical health interfering with everyday activities) in Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey data from 2022. Methods: BRFSS is a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of non-incarcerated US adults. The exposure of interest was insufficient sleep, and the outcome of interest was activity limitation. Other demographic variables used in a final weighted adjusted analysis include age >65 years, race/ethnicity, gender, marital status, income, and total physical inactivity. Results: The weighted prevalence of insufficient sleep for …

Ensuring Safe Mri Examinations And Earlier Detection Of Recurrent Cancer: A Scoping Review To Identify Breast Tissue Expanders That Are Safe For High-Risk Breast Cancer Survivors, Kristin E. Westmore

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Purpose

This capstone project aims to conduct a scoping review to identify breast tissue expanders that are safe for high-risk breast cancer survivors, ensuring safe magnetic resonance (MR) examinations. The goal is safe MR examinations for early detection of recurrent cancer, post-operative evaluation, monitoring, and reducing preventable morbidity and mortality.

Background

The MR safety of manufacturers' tissue expanders is defined according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines and regulations as MR Conditional or MR Unsafe. Before 2023, there was a safety concern about using tissue expanders containing a magnetic port during the first stage of breast …

Exploration Of Canine T. Cruzi Seroprevalence As A Trigger For Enhanced Human Chagas Surveillance, Brittany N. Hocking

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Background: Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is endemic in many Latin American countries and now the southern United States. An increasing number of Chagas cases in the U.S. have occurred because of autochthonous transmission and enzootic cycles involving infected wildlife and domestic animals, like canines.

Objective: This study aimed to explore canine seroprevalence as a trigger for enhanced human Chagas surveillance by describing detected U.S. T. cruzi from human and canine testing data, creating maps to explore geographic areas with potential high yield for T. cruzi surveillance via animal testing, and developing a SWOT analysis for …

Reducing Greenhouse Gases Through Food Waste Reduction: A Literature Review Of Programs And Behavior Change, Schafer Flowerday

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions significantly contribute to climate change. Methane is a potent GHG emitted in landfills as organic material breaks down. Food waste is the single most common item disposed of in Lincoln’s Bluff Road Landfill (LTU, 2022). As such, food waste disposal in the landfill is a preventable issue that could dramatically reduce GHG emissions in Lincoln. This project seeks to determine what barriers and motivations exist for reducing food waste at a consumer level. A literature review was conducted to find what behavior change campaigns and interventions have taken place nationwide to encourage residential food waste …

A Process Evaluation Plan For The Nebraska Fetal Infant Mortality Review (Fimr) Program, Mamello Makhele

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

The United States (U.S.) has made substantial progress in reducing fetal and infant mortality, but high rates of infant mortality persist, particularly within minority populations. In Douglas County, Nebraska, racial disparities in infant mortality rates remain a significant issue. In 2019, the infant mortality rate among African American mothers was 14.2 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to 5.7 infant deaths per 1,000 live births among Caucasian mothers.

To reduce fetal and infant mortality in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with the Human Resources and Services Administration, fund the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review …

Current Status Of Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Adults With And Without Cognitive Disabilities In The United States, 2022, Elma Vasconcelos

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Objective: Evaluate the prevalence of non-compliance with colorectal cancer screening guidelines among US adults aged 45-75, comparing individuals with cognitive disabilities to those without.

Methods: This study utilized data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, which uses weighted and complex survey sampling methodologies. Participants under 45 were excluded, resulting in a study sample of 220,879. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the prevalence odds ratio of colorectal cancer screening among individuals with and without cognitive disabilities.

Results: Those with cognitive disabilities had 1.07 (95% CI: 0.99-1.15) times the odds of not adhering …

Association Between Lifestyle Behaviors And Type 2 Diabetes Among African Immigrants In The United States, Momo Joemah Johnson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Recent evidence demonstrates that African immigrants are healthier than African immigrants born in the United States. After individuals have stayed in the United States for a duration of 4–5 years, the health gap starts to narrow significantly as health conditions worsen. Acculturation and body mass likely play a role; physical inactivity and psychological distress may arbitrate the association. T2DM is an expanding global health problem that is closely linked to the epidemic of obesity. Individuals with T2DM are at risk of other complications that include retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and microvascular complications. The purpose of the study was to assess the …

Residential Street Trees And Cardiovascular Disease Among Urban-Dwelling Mexican Adults, Christine Campbell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a significant public health burden in Mexico despite national efforts to address traditional risk factors. With growing evidence that elements of nature can improve physical and mental health of people living in cities, this quantitative epidemiological study of secondary data examined the relationship between the presence of street trees in Mexican metropolitan areas and self-reported CVD in adults over age 40. The integrated socio-environmental model of health and well-being provided the conceptual framework for the study. A secondary data analysis was performed using combined individual health data from Mexico’s 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey and …

Acute Effects Of Multi-Joint Eccentric Exercise On Lower Extremity Muscle Activation Measured During Land And Water Walking, Brayden Worley

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Although prior literature has established the preliminary clinical benefits of aquatic exercise across various clinical populations, there is a need to explore the potential for including aquatic-based movement as a key component of a multi-modal approach toward improving mobility and reducing fall risk. Eccentric exercise may complement aquatic exercise given that movements performed in water immersion tend to be low impact. Eccentric exercise may also improve the passive stiffness of lower extremity extensors, which gives an additional rationale for the potential of eccentric exercise to reduce fall risk when combined with aquatic exercise. There may also be an acute response …

Sustainable Waste-To-Bioproducts Engineering Center Laboratory Safety Project, Claudine Mock

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Laboratory accidents are common in teaching and research labs; these accidents can be injurious or even fatal. The consequences of each type of laboratory accident are different based on the activities performed and the hazardous materials used in each facility. However, the most common issue related to laboratory accidents is the lack of proper safety measures (e.g., poor handling of hazardous materials, not reporting incidents immediately, etc.). This project aimed to establish and strengthen best practices and procedures to ensure laboratory safety at the Utah State University Sustainable Waste-to-Bioproducts Engineering Center. To achieve this goal, different practices and measures were …

Relationship Between The Physical Properties And Oil Binding Capacity Of Fats, Melissa Abigail Marsh

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Fats play a significant role in shaping the characteristics of foods, influencing texture, mouthfeel, appearance, and nutritional attributes. An important property of fats is their ability to entrap liquid oil known as oil binding capacity (OBC). Poor OBC of fats frequently leads to shortened-shelf life of foods caused by quality issues due to unwanted chemical and physical changes. In natural nut butters without additives, low OBC often results in a visual oil layer forming at the surface. In filled chocolates such as truffles, pralines, and peanut butter cups this low OBC can result in unwanted textural and visual changes.

The …