Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Enhancement Of Antimicrobial Activity Of Naturally Occuring Phenolic Compounds By Nano-Particle Mediated Delivery Against Listeria Monocytogenes, Escherichia Coli O157:H7, And Salmonella Typhimurium, Madhuram Ravichandran

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Food-borne illnesses are of major concern in the U.S. and worldwide. Salmonella,Listeria,E. coli O157:H7 continue to be some of the major foodborne pathogens. Recurring recalls due to these pathogens demand critical antimicrobial strategies to decontaminate the food through its procession from farm to fork. In our study, we combined the effectiveness of naturally occurring phenolic compounds individually, with/ without ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and/or Nisin and nanoparticle delivery to improve the antimicrobial potential of the compounds against Listeria monocytogenes (L.m.), Salmonella Typhimurium (S.T.), and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E.c.), in brain …

Development Of A Turkey Coccidiosis Vaccine Candidate: An Attenuated Line Of The Protozoan Parasite, Eimeria Meleagrimitis, Thilakar Rathinam

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Coccidiosis is an economically important enteric disease of poultry caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Eimeria. Drugs are most commonly used to control coccidiosis. Widespread usage of anticoccidial drugs in the field has resulted in development of drug resistant strains and consequently decreased drug efficacy. An alternative control strategy using attenuated vaccines is desired. A series of experiments was designed to identify, isolate and attenuate a strain of a common and pathogenic species of Eimeria of turkeys, E. meleagrimitis.

Sensitivity of field isolates of turkey coccidia to the anticoccidials drugs amprolium, clopidol, diclazuril, and monensin was investigated. A …

The Nutrient Intake Of Homeless Women Of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Emily D. Popma-Metsaars

Masters Theses

Background Homeless individuals comprise about 1% of the American population with 1/3 of this particular population being women. And despite the potential for hunger, the homeless population has a similar prevalence of overweight/obese as other Americans. The Heartside neighborhood of Grand Rapids is a very low-income area of the city, inhabited by the poor and homeless. The Food Access in Michigan Project is studying the relationship between food insecurity and food environments in Michigan.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of the diet of homeless women in Heartside. This study examined the level of food …

Effects Of Fatty Acid Structure On Endothelial Cell Expression Of Connexin43, Albert E. Sowers Iii

Masters Theses

The epidemic of obesity-related metabolic and cardiovascular diseases is linked to elevated fatty acids (FA). Epidemiological data argue that trans FA contribute to the development and progression of these disease processes. Previous work suggests the similarity in structure between saturated and trans FA may stimulate inflammation through trans FA interactions with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). To evaluate the impact of trans FA on cardiovascular health, the response of endothelial cells to trans FA was evaluated. Specifically, responses to the 18-carbon trans FA elaidic acid (EA) were compared to the same length cis FA oleic acid (OA). Endothelial cells were exposed …

Generation And Use Of Monoclonal Antibodies To Ldentify Subpopulations Of Post Thaw Stallion Sperm, Sarah Abdulaziz Almuhanna

Masters Theses

Artificial insemination (AI) is commonly used for breeding of horses. Selecting high quality semen is critical to AI success but is difficult to achieve. In this study, we investigate the potential of generating antibodies against stallion sperm to identify subpopulations of post-thaw sperm based on surface markers. Female Balb/C mice are immunized with semen from a 24-year-old fertile stallion followed by booster immunizations each week for at least six weeks. Monoclonal antibodies are generated by fusion of myeloma cells to mouse spleen cells. Eight monoclonal antibodies resulting from these fusions are subdivided into four immunostaining patterns. These patterns differentially recognize …

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends: A Qualitative Study Of Nurse Close Work Friendship And Social Support, Jennifer Ptacek

Masters Theses

The nursing profession is laden with numerous job, emotional labor, and communication stressors, which come from both patients and healthcare organizations. These frequent and simultaneous pressures can result in nurse burnout and turnover (Tracy, 2009). Socially supportive workplace communication has been identified as a solution to reducing nurse stress, burnout, and turnover (Apker & Ray, 2003), but has not specifically considered social support in nurse work friendships. A mixed qualitative method study was conducted with five nurse best friend pairs, using job observations of participants’ work friendship communication and individual and joint interviews. Two major communication themes emerged from the …

The Efficacy Of Music As A Non-Analgesic Method Of Reducing Pain Perception During Cold Pressor Trials, Amanda Lynn Ziemba

Masters Theses

The purpose of this project was to investigate the impact of differentiated onset of self-selected music on pain perception and pain tolerance during a cold pressor test. Subjects participated in four trials during which music was presented at different points of time in relation to their exposure to the cold pressor test. Results indicated that listening to music prior to and concurrently with the onset of the pain resulted in lower self-reported pain (F(3, 66) :3.25, p < .05). Behavioral results indicated that subjects were able to tolerate an average of 25s longer (F(2.04,44.81): I.56,p > .05.) when music was presented after the onset of painful stimuli. Both results have positive implications for the clinical use of music as …

International Classification Of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification And Procedure Coding System And Clinical Documentation Improvement, Margaret L. Possel

Applied Research Projects

Today, the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification is more than 35 years old and there is a great need for the United States of America to implement the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision. The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision has two parts: The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification for diagnosis codes and The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Procedure Coding System for inpatient procedure codes. Both classification systems incorporate greater specificity, clinical data, and information relevant to ambulatory and to managed-care encounters. With the greater specificity, it is imperative for …

Job Security In The Field Of Health Information, Davina Ikponmwosa

Applied Research Projects

The industry of Health Information Management (HIM) has remained a hidden career field for several years, affording employment for a plethora of non-traditional job opportunities. Established in 1928, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) has brought some awareness to the field, and over the years has become more aggressive in popularize the field of health information management (AHIMA Workforce, 2005).

Over the past eighty-five years the field of HIM has progressed tremendously, branching out into different sectors such as compliance, information technology and insurance; establishing more jobs under the field’s umbrella. Health information management has gained much of its …

Mapping The Spatial And Temporal Dynamics Of Sensorimotor Integration During The Perception And Performance Of Wallowing, Megan E. Cuellar

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Similar to other complex sequences of muscle activity, swallowing relies heavily upon ‘sensorimotor integration.’ It is well known that the premotor cortex and primary sensorimotor cortices provide critical sensorimotor contributions that help control the strength and timing of swallowing muscle effectors. However, the temporal dynamics of sensorimotor integration remains unclear, even when performed normally without neurological compromise. Recent advances in EEG analysis blind source separation techniques via independent component analysis offer a novel and exciting opportunity to measure cortical sensorimotor activity in realtime during swallowing, concurrently with muscle activity during swallow initiation. In the current study, mu components were identified, …

Mrp4-Dependent Regulation Of Fibroblast Migration, Chandrima Sinha

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Roles of cyclic nucleotides and cyclic nucleotide-dependent signaling molecules in regulating several signaling pathways including cell migration have long been known. However, the new and revolutionary concept is that it is not just the absence or presence of cyclic nucleotides, but a highly coordinated balance between these molecules regulates cell migration. Multi-drug resistance protein 4 (MRP4), is a member of the large family of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter proteins, that localizes to the plasma membrane and functions as a nucleotide efflux transporter and thus plays a pivotal role in the regulation of intracellular cyclic nucleotide dynamics. In our study …

Downregulation Of Prdm16 Is Critical For Hoxb4-Mediated Benign Hsc Expansion In Vivo, Hui Yu

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Overexpression of HOXB4 in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) leads to increased self-renewal without causing hematopoietic malignancies in transplanted mice. The molecular basis of HOXB4-mediated benign HSC expansion in vivo is not well understood. To gain further insight into the molecular events underlying HOXB4-mediated HSC expansion, we analyzed gene expression changes at multiple time points in Lin-Sca1+c-kit+ (LSK) cells from mice transplanted with bone marrow (BM) cells transduced with a MSCV-HOXB4-ires-YFP vector. A distinct HOXB4 transcriptional program was reproducibly induced and stabilized by 12 weeks after transplant. Dynamic expression changes were observed in genes critical for HSC self- renewal as well …

Strengths And Weaknesses Of Hybrid Tpr Technology For Obtaining Structural And Mechanistic Insights Into Tpr Proteins, Shanshan Yu

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Tetratricopeptide (TPR) repeats are a 34-residue helix-turn-helix motif that when repeated pack into a superhelical structure. TPR domains are frequently found mediating protein-protein interactions, often through a central groove. One protein complex bearing numerous TPR repeats is the Anaphase Promoting Complex (APC). The anaphase-promoting complex (APC) is a multi-subunit complex, which orchestrates mitotic cell cycles. APC is an E3 ligase in the ubiquitin cascade, and directs the 26S proteosome degradation of cell-cycle regulators. Throughout mitotic progression, proteins that are key regulators of the cell cycle are assembled with polyubiquitin chains by APC.

One domain of the human APC is comprised …

A Comparison Of Anthropometric And Maximal Strength Measures In Rugby Union Players, Thomas Gamazo

HIM 1990-2015

To examine differences in body composition and maximal strength between collegiate (CLG) and men's club (CLB) rugby union players, as well as between the forward (FW) and back (BK) positions, seventeen resistance-trained men (24 ± 2.4 yrs; range: 20 ± 27 yrs; 179.3 ± 5.4 cm; 93.7 ± 12.9kg) from a collegiate rugby team (n=11) and a local men's rugby club (n=6) were recruited to participate in the present investigation. Prior to strength testing, height (± 0.1 cm), body mass (± 0.1 kg), and body composition via dual energy x-ray absorptiometry were assessed to determine total percent body fat (%FAT), …

Behavioral Assessment Of Acute Inhibition Of System XC - In Rats, Victoria Lutgen, Jon M. Resch, Krista Qualmann, Nicholas J. Raddatz, Cristina Panhans, Ellen M. Olander, Linghai Kong, Sujean Choi, John R. Mantsch, David A. Baker

Biomedical Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Rationale

Gaps in our understanding of glutamatergic signaling may be key obstacles in accurately modeling complex CNS diseases. System x_c ^- is an example of a poorly understood component of glutamate homeostasis that has the potential to contribute to CNS diseases.

Objectives

This study aims to determine whether system x_c ^- contributes to behaviors used to model features of CNS disease states.

Methods

In situ hybridization was used to map mRNA expression of xCT throughout the brain. Microdialysis in the prefrontal cortex was used to sample extracellular glutamate levels; HPLC was used to measure extracellular glutamate and tissue …

Research: South Dakota State University, Winter 2014, Christie Delfanian, Eric Landwehr

State of Discovery South Dakota State University's Research Magazine

CONTENTS:

Weeds influence gene expression, growth in corn [Page] 2
Graduate research targets childhood obesity [Page] 3
Transmammary drug delivery system for early-stage breast cancer may reduce side effects [Page] 5
Biochemical pathways may be key to scab resistance [Page] 7
New filtration system saves water, money for City of Sioux Falls [Page] 8
Doulas ease stress, increase satisfaction with the birthing experience [Page] 9
Structure lab evaluates strength, durability of structural components [Page] 10
Device gives sunflower producers reprieve from combine fires [Page] 12
Graduate scholarship winner works on renewable energy storage [Page] 12

Message From The Vice President For Research, The Mcnair Team

McNair Scholars Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Scholarships Awarded To Mcnair Scholars, The Mcnair Team

McNair Scholars Research Journal

No abstract provided.

The Differential Effects Of Fructose And Glucose On Advanced Glycation End-Product Formation And Cellular Damage In Vitro, Regina Blackley, Matthew Stryker, Susan Denapoli, Melinda E. Lull

Doctoral External Publications

The protective mechanisms of microglia cells help to maintain central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis and function.1 Microglia are innate immune cells that constantly survey their surrounding CNS microenvironment for pathogens, damaged cells, and inflammatory molecules. Sugars from our diet, including glucose and fructose, combine with endogenous proteins non-enzymatically and form advanced glycation-end products (AGEs).2 AGEs are shown to produce reactive oxygen species, leading to inflammation and cellular damage that may be mediated by microglia.3 Fructose consumption has become increasingly prevalent within the American diet, as it is a lower cost sweetener.4 Microglia become activated and phagocytic in the presence of …

Altered Cell-Surface Receptor Levels Result From Fructose Advanced Glycation End Product-Induced Inflammation, Matthew Stryker, Regina Blackley, Melinda E. Lull

Doctoral External Publications

Objective: As a result of the heightened reactivity fructose demonstrates compared to glucose and our current knowledge of glucose advanced glycation end-products, the aim of this research was to further elucidate the proinflammatory pathways involved in the response to fru-AGE exposure, including the effects of fru-AGEs on cell-surface receptor expression. We hypothesized that once microglia were activated in response to fru-AGE exposure, there would be an increase in the expression of RAGE and TLR4 to facilitate the proinflammatory cascade.

Educating Pharmacists And The Public About The Role Of Over-The-Counter Medications In The Management Of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Jillian M. Bankoff, Melinda E. Lull

Doctoral External Publications

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are used by various populations as an adjunct to help improve various aspects of life, such as sleep cycles, disease prevention, and mood. The purpose of this study is to compile all of the available data from human trials of over-the-counter medications used in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). OTCs have been used in the treatment of ASD to minimize social impairments, suppress repetitive behaviors, and enhance quality of sleep to improve daytime behaviors. Ultimately, the main objectives of this project are to educate pharmacists and the public (both patients and their families) about the role …

Development And Implementation Of Peer-Led Weekly Review Sessions And The Assessment Of Their Impact On Student Learning, Alyssa L. Ashworth, Inlok Lam, Nicole E. Moore, Melinda E. Lull

Doctoral External Publications

Peer tutoring services for a pathophysiology and therapeutics course have historically been made available to pharmacy students, but they were greatly underutilized. The role of peer tutors had been exclusively to hold office hours during which students could ask questions or review material. Peer tutoring services were updated and expanded based on the needs of the students. The objectives of this project were to develop, implement, and assess the impact of peer-led organized weekly review sessions in a pathophysiology and therapeutics course.

An Examination Of The Effects Of Atorvastatin And Parathyroid Hormone On Osteoblast Activity, Inlok Lam, Andrea Traina, Melinda E. Lull

Doctoral External Publications

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, also known as statins, are a ubiquitous class of medication used for lowering cholesterol. In-vitro and animal studies have suggested that statins can activate osteoblast differentiation and have anabolic effects on bones; however, observational and experimental studies in humans have shown conflicting results.1-5 The exact mechanism of statins on bone growth is unknown; however, there are several hypotheses. The “Lipid Hypothesis” (Figure 1) suggests that lipid oxidation leads to activation of PPARγ, and production of isoprostanes including isoPGF2α and isoPGEα. PPARγ is associated with inhibition of osteoblast differentiation, while isoprostanes markers are associated with the induction of …

Formulation And Stability Of An Extemporaneously Compounded Oral Solution Of Chlorpromazine Hcl, Daniel L. Prohotsky, Katherine Juba, Fang Zhao

Pharmacy Faculty/Staff Publications

Chlorpromazine is a phenothiazine antipsychotic which is often used in hospice and palliative care to treat hiccups, delirium, and nausea. With the discontinuation of the commercial oral solution concentrate, there is a need to prepare this product by extemporaneous compounding. This study was initiated to identify an easy-to-prepare formulation for the compounding pharmacist. A stability study was also conducted to select the proper storage conditions and establish the beyond-use date. Chlorpromazine HCl powder and the Ora-Sweet® syrup vehicle were used to prepare the 100 mg/mL solution. Once the feasibility was established, a batch of the solution was prepared and packaged …

Premedical Programs Newsletter, December 2014, University Of Dayton

Pre-Health Resource Center Campus Communications

Newsletter for students, staff, and faculty in the premedical and predental programs.

Investigating Infection Control Behaviors In Nurses, Elizabeth L. Beam

Theses & Dissertations

Nurses are trained in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and have access to policies and procedures to use in their daily work, but errors in technique during patient care are common. The purpose of this study was to better understand the infection control behaviors that nurses demonstrate in practice. The project described nursing behaviors related to basic airborne and contact precautions using personal protective equipment (PPE) in a simulated care environment. The specific aims were to 1) identify infection control behaviors by nurses which may or may not adhere to clinical standards for isolation practice while performing clinical …

Knowledge Of Nutritional Value Of Healthy Foods And The Relationship To Body Mass Index, Lynzie Beth Lee

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Childhood obesity has remained a persistent problem over the years, according to Potts and Mandleco (2011). Children who are overweight by age 8 are more likely to be obese adults, which can lead to many chronic conditions and diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between nutrition knowledge and body mass index (BMI). For this study, a normal BMI for an average fourth-grader is defined between the 5th and 95th percentile with a BMI less than 22. A pre-test was given to a sample of twelve fourth-grade students attending Prairie Grove Intermediate School using select questions …

A Qualitative Study: Enhancing Healthcare Through Strengthening The Student Nurse And Nurse Preceptor Relationship, Craig C. Steinfeldt

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Clinical education is an essential aspect of nursing education, where student nurses gain their first insight into the nursing world along with hands-on experience in skills vital to nursing care. This education relies heavily on the guidance and interaction of the nurse preceptor, a relationship that varies in quality and is in need of defining and role development. The purpose of this qualitative observational study was to further delve into the relationship of the nursing student and the nurse preceptor in a clinical education setting, identifying factors which currently are holding this relationship back from reaching its full potential: a …

A Quality Improvement Study Concerning The Safety Of Patients In The Acute Hospital Setting With Emphasis On Minimizing Patient Falls And Injuries By Implementing Staff Education And Reminders, Loribeth Alexander, Stevie Brock

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Patient falls in the hospital have continued to be a major avoidable problem in the acute care hospital setting. These falls can lead to negative patient outcomes as well as an increase in cost for the hospital.
Aim: The aim of this quality improvement project is to determine if an educational intervention and posting of fall prevention posters in the cardiology units impacts the fall rates and fall index.
Setting: The cardiac units of Washington Regional Medical Center.
Participants: The cardiac nursing staff as well as all patients who fell on this floor between the months of April through …

Compulsory Water Fluoridation: Justifiable Public Health Benefit Or Human Experimental Research Without Informed Consent?, Rita Barnett-Rose

William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review

No abstract provided.