The University of Texas at Tyler
Scholar Works at UT Tyler (University of Texas at Tyler)Not a member yet
5042 research outputs found
Sort by
Implementation of Telemedicine in a Level III NICU to Reduce Transfer of Infants
Full text linkIn July 2012, a hospital located in North Texas opened its 9 bed Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Level II NICU is limited to the admission of infants with a gestational age of 32 weeks and above. There has been tremendous growth and expansion of the NICU resulting in an expansion to 13 licensed beds and gaining Level III NICU designation in 2017. Level III designation enables the care of infants that are 23 weeks or greater and have more complex medical conditions to be cared for. In the current competitive market of health care services, it is essential to provide innovative services. Providing telemedicine (TM) to our patient population will set the hospital apart from all other NICUs in our market. This NICU will be the first Level II or III NICU to provide TM services not only in the hospital system but also for the surrounding NICUs in the Northeast Region of Texas.
To care for newborns with complex medical conditions or unanticipated medical complications it is necessary to expand current services that allow our facility to provide advanced critical services to reduce the risk of transport of critically ill infants and to provide family-centered care for our infants and their families. The goal of this project is to provide TM Neonatal Neurology services to infants receiving Total Body Cooling (TBC) for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) requiring neurological consultation or requiring electroencephalogram (EEG)
Stepping into Mindfulness: Enhancing Mental Health for Nursing Student Athletes
Full text linkThis capstone project explores the impact of mindfulness practice on nursing student athletes, aiming to understand how mindfulness techniques can enhance their psychological well-being. The project investigates the intersection of mindfulness and addresses the unique challenges and stressors face by nursing student athletes. The project proposals a research study that focuses on how mindfulness can impact nursing student athletes. There is literature that shows how mindfulness can improve stress and mental disorders for nursing students and student athletes separately, but there is a lack of knowledge on how this may affect nursing students who are also student athletes. Mindfulness based interventions have been shown to improve psychological well-being in both nursing students and student athletes. Nursing students have reported significant reduction in levels of stress, anxiety, and depression after practicing mindfulness (Holden & O’Connell., 2023). Moreover, student athletes have reported the same outcomes on psychological well-being (Shannon et al., 2019). Therefore, the same effects should apply to individuals who are considered nursing student athletes. The literature review of 12 research studies reveals consistent findings across both nursing students and student athletes. Because mindfulness practices show positive outcomes on mental health issues, the proposed research project outlines steps for conducting an eight modified mindfulness-based stress reduction program (MBSR) involving 20 nursing student athletes across multiple universities. Volunteer instructors will be recruited and trained to deliver consistent mindfulness sessions, while participants will engage in the sessions supplemented by daily mindfulness exercises. A control group will not receive interventions, expected outcomes for the intervention group include improved stress, anxiety, and depression
Reducing Central Line Infections in Pediatric Critical Care Patients
Full text linkThe purpose of this project is to show how early identification of patients who are at high risk for developing central line infections has an impact on infection rates, and how prevention strategies directed towards that patient population could lead to positive patient outcomes and a decrease in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). Central line infections are a major hospital-acquired condition within hospital settings. In pediatric critical care areas, central venous catheters are inevitable due to complex diagnoses, patient size, and small vessels. However, CLABSIs have a massive impact on pediatric patients increasing mortality from 4% to 37%, prolonged hospital stays, and hospital costs (La Torre et al., 2018). In pediatric critical care settings, many risk factors that patients present with are not modifiable; therefore, the care that is delivered to them needs to be highly reliable. Due to the negative impact CLABSIs have on patients, continuous attention to this topic is crucial. The literature review for this project supports that early identification of high-risk patients does have a positive impact on CLABSI rates, as well as with early identification providers can modify interventions to decrease central line infection rates. The following evidence will support that with early identification of high-risk patients, modifiable behaviors can be implemented including enhancing central line care bundles, utilizing daily rounding techniques, use of chlorhexidine bath wipes, and identifying the right access the first time for the patients will decrease central line infection rates
Developing an Elastic Dome for the Study of Cell Mechanobiology
Full text linkValvular degenerative conditions are significant contributors to morbidity and mortality globally, presenting substantial medical challenges to public health. Despite this, obtaining comprehensive insights into the pathophysiology of valvular heart diseases remains complex. Valvular interstitial cells (VICs), the primary cell population in heart valves, are pivotal in the pathogenesis of these diseases. While VICs are typically quiescent in healthy adult heart valves, they undergo phenotypic activation in degenerative valves, transforming into myofibroblast-like cells, known as activated VICs. Mechanobiology plays a crucial role in valvular pathophysiology, with various mechanical forces triggering phenotypical transformations in VICs, leading to the onset of valvular degenerative diseases. Given the unique size, role, and location of heart valves within the body, there is a compelling need for in vitro systems capable of accurately recapitulating the initiation and progression of these diseases. This study introduces an in vitro model development and its utilization in mechanically stimulating valvular cells for transformation. Aortic valve interstitial cells from porcine source (PAVIC), grown on microfluidic devices constructed from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), experienced different levels of mechanical stimulation, with or without being exposed to tensile stretch. The mechanobiological responses of valvular interstitial cells were examined across a range of strains from 0 to 18%, encompassing relevant tensile strain ii values during peak diastole established for both normal and diseased valves. Morphological characterization of in vitro VIC activation was conducted, focusing on cell shape distribution at varying strain levels. At higher strains, there was an increase in myofibroblastic morphologies in the distribution, surpassing the known quiescent fibroblastic morphologies in cell cultures. Cells also exhibited elongation, and there was an up-regulation of PAVIC transformation, as evidenced by an increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin. This study establishes a link between the application of tensile stretch and phenotype transformations, an initial step towards the development of an elastic dome dedicated to exploring heart valve mechanobiology. This approach will facilitate investigations into the signaling pathways governing stretch-induced valvular degeneration, potentially paving the way for the discovery of therapeutic interventions for valvular degeneration
UNDERWATER NITRATE MONITORING WITH WIRELESS FLEXIBLE SENSOR NETWORKS
No full textThis study introduces a sophisticated sensor array engineered for comprehensive monitoring of water quality, thereby addressing the pressing need for effective environmental conservation and water resource management. The array encompasses sensors for nitrate, pH, and temperature, seamlessly integrated into a unified flexible platform capable of wireless data transmission for real-time monitoring applications. Employing potentiometric detection methods, the nitrate and pH sensors offer robust analytical capabilities, while the temperature sensor operates on resistive principles.
The nitrate sensor, constructed using a novel nanocomposite comprising poly(3-octyl-thiophene) (PoT) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), exhibits a sensitivity of -50 mV against every decade change in NO3- concentration, ensuring precise detection of nitrate levels in water. The pH sensor, incorporating polyaniline for pH detection, demonstrates a high sensitivity of -57.254 mV/pH, enabling accurate measurement of water acidity or alkalinity. Furthermore, the temperature sensor, featuring a graphene oxide (GO)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) layer, achieves exceptional accuracy with a robust R square value of 0.951 and a sensitivity of 2.75% per ˚C, facilitating reliable temperature monitoring in aquatic environments.
The sensor array\u27s proficiency in rapid data collection and transmission facilitates efficient monitoring of water quality parameters, enabling timely intervention and mitigation measures. This technological advancement represents a significant milestone in environmental monitoring, providing a cost-effective and scalable solution for widespread deployment in water resource management initiatives. Moreover, the integration of wireless transmission capabilities enhances the array\u27s versatility, enabling remote monitoring of water bodies and supporting data-driven decision-making processes. Additionally, the sensor array\u27s compact design and robust construction render it suitable for deployment across various environmental settings, including freshwater bodies, wastewater treatment facilities, and agricultural runoff monitoring sites. Its capacity for autonomous operation over extended periods further enhances its utility in long-term environmental monitoring applications. Notably, the reference electrode, shared between the pH and nitrate sensors, has been optimized with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and a potassium chloride (KCl) saturated polyvinyl butyral (PVB) membrane so that it can sustain long-term measurements in the aquatic environment.
In summary, this study introduces a cutting-edge sensor array that merges nitrate, pH, and temperature sensors into a unified platform for comprehensive water quality monitoring. With its exceptional sensitivity, rapid data transmission capabilities, and scalability, the sensor array offers a versatile solution for addressing water quality challenges and advancing environmental conservation efforts
THE MTORC1 SUBSTRATE S6K1: A NEGATIVE REGULATOR OF AKT SIGNALING
Full text linkIn chronic injury, aberrant activation of PI3K/Akt signaling can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and transition of human pleural mesothelial cells (HPMCs) transition into myofibroblasts, thus, directly contributing to the progression of pleural fibrosis. Downstream of PI3K/Akt signaling is mTORC1 which activates the translational regulators; S6 Kinase (S6K1/2) and eIF4F. We have shown that inhibiting mTORC1 paradoxically enhanced Akt activation (Thr308 and Ser473) and this may lead to sustained activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling and myofibroblast abundance. More so, reports show that therapeutically targeting mTORC1 in diverse diseases with rapamycin and its derivatives may have cell-specific adverse effects, which could complicate their use. To investigate the role of mTORC1 and effectors, such as S6K, in regulating TGF-β-induced PI3K/Akt signaling, we utilized inhibitors targeting mTORC1/S6K and siRNA targeting S6K to access cellular processes by qPCR, western blotting, confocal microscopy, and M7 pulldown assays in HPMCs. Our data indicates that mTOR regulates TGF-β-induced PI3K/Akt signaling via S6K. Also, we find that S6K’s function as a kinase is important in the negative regulation of TGFβ signaling in HPMCs. S6K2 may play other roles independent of its kinase activity. S6K inhibition enhanced cap-dependent translation and activated the profibrotic mTORC2 pathway in HPMCs. These results may explain the decreased efficacy associated with PI3K/mTOR signal-targeted therapeutics
DEVELOPMENT OF AN EXAMINER-EXAMINEE RAPPORT SCALE FOR NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING: THE BARNETT RAPPORT QUESTIONNAIRE – 2
Full text linkRapport in the context of neuropsychological testing refers to the interpersonal interaction between the examinee and examiner. The purpose of this study was to improve upon the original Barnett Rapport Questionnaire. Participants consisted of college students (n = 55), middle-aged adults (n = 30), and older adults (n = 99) at a university-affiliated neuropsychology clinic, who were administered a brief neuropsychological battery. After testing, both examinees (n = 184) and examiners (n = 24) completed items regarding the nature of the interpersonal interaction. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a two-factor model consisting of 13 items found on both the examinee and examiner versions. No age cohort differences were found on the total BRQ-2 scores for the examiner or examinee version; however, older adults endorsed the positively- worded items more than young adults. Additionally, examiners endorsed the negatively-worded items more for young adult examinees than for older adult examinees. The Barnett Rapport Questionnaire – 2 (BRQ-2) promises better usability and improved psychometric qualities for the measurement of rapport in the context of neuropsychological evaluations
The Use of Space and Place in the Civil Rights Discourse of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Full text linkThis thesis, The Use of Space and Place in the Civil Rights Discourse of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., analyzes the academic literature on the social change agent. The study provides a deeper understanding of the relevance of place/location, where Dr. King delivered his civil rights message nationally and internationally. Three historically significant sites and the events impacting the civil rights movement, in the cities of Washington, D.C. and Birmingham, Alabama, are examined. The three sites included in Chapter 2: The Jail Site, Chapter 3: The Bombing Site, and Chapter 4: The March Sites as examples. The main findings of the research showed the indelible imprint King’s discourse had on the civil rights movement. The interconnectedness between his writing, sermons, public address and geography, particularly in the American South is noteworthy
Piloting a Simulated Electronic Health Record in Cambodia for Nursing Students in a Nursing Informatics Course
Full text linkIntroduction
Electronic health records (EHR) integration is vital in modern healthcare, yet there is limited research on EHR training in nursing education in Cambodia and the ASEAN region. This study explores the implementation of simulated EHR training for Cambodian nursing students and its potential benefits for the curriculum.
Method
A four-week pilot was conducted with 62 Cambodian nursing students at the University of Puthisastra. Students participated in simulated EHR activities and completed a post-course survey to identify challenges such as medical terminology, computer literacy, and English proficiency.
Results
93.5% of students recommended continuing EHR training despite challenges, including difficulties with medical terminology (43.5%), computer literacy (40.3%), and English proficiency (32.3%). Students acknowledged the importance of EHR in improving healthcare delivery.
Discussion
While students faced language and technical barriers, simulated EHR exposure provided valuable experience. Localising resources and enhancing medical terminology training could improve EHR education. This study contributes to the literature on EHR training in Cambodia and the ASEAN region, suggesting the need for curriculum and technology development
