Athena Commons - Digital Repository of Mississippi University for Women
Not a member yet
2174 research outputs found
Sort by
UPREGULATION OF THE PREDOMINANT CYSTIC FIBROSIS CAUSING MUTATION DF508-CFTR BY TRIAZOLE COMPOUNDS IN EPITHELIAL CELLS
No full textCystic fibrosis is a common genetic disease that is caused by a mutation in the plasma membrane protein CFTR, which stands for Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane-conductance Regulator. When this membrane protein is mutated, it impairs its chloride ion channel function, blocking the movement of chloride ions that travel in and out of the cell. Previous studies have demonstrated that the most prevalent CFTR mutation, ∆F508-CFTR, can be partially reversed using small molecules (Heda and Marino, BBRC, 271:659-664, 2000). In this study, I have investigated the effects of several triazole compounds known to bind and transport chloride ions in cultured cells, on the expression and function of ∆F508-CFTR. To determine the impact of triazole compounds on CFTR expression, human airway epithelial cells expressing ∆F508-CFTR were treated with various triazole compounds at 27°C for 60 hours. The plasma membrane expression of CFTR was analyzed by immunoblotting with R3194, an anti-CFTR antibody, followed by the detection of the CFTR-specific signal using chemiluminescence. By comparing the results to the control group treated with the vehicle alone (DMSO or ethanol), I observed that these triazole compounds increased the expression of the immature form of CFTR protein in a concentration-dependent manner. This increase in CFTR-protein expression after treatment with triazole suggests that these compounds have the potential to be used as therapeutic agents in the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis
Utilizing Procalcitonin as a Guide for Antibiotic Therapy in an Acute Care Setting
Full text linkIn 1928, Alexander Fleming introduced the world to Penicillin. The discovery of Penicillin, one of the world’s first antibiotics, greatly reduced the number of deaths from infections. More than 100 different types of antibiotics have been developed over the past ninety years, resulting in better treatment of diseases. However, the use and misuse of antibiotics have led to antibiotic resistance (AMR). Currently, antibiotic-resistant bacteria kill 700,000 people every year (Tarín-Pelló et al., 2022). Procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker that can be utilized in the guidance of antibiotic therapy. PCT levels tend to rise in response to bacterial infections but remain low in viral infections or other inflammatory conditions. By monitoring PCT levels, providers may be able to better differentiate between bacterial and non-bacterial causes of infection, which could help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. A clinical practice guideline (CPG) tool assists in determining the appropriate initiation and continuation of antibiotics. For this project, participants were given informed consent, a pre-test survey, and an educational video to view, followed by a post-test survey. Analysis of the survey results indicates that most participants do not currently utilize procalcitonin as a guide for antibiotic therapy. However, after viewing the educational video, the majority of the participating providers were more likely to utilize procalcitonin as a guide for antibiotic therapy in their practice. 5 As a result of this project, PCT utilization as a guide for antibiotic therapy is recommended to increase timely antibiotic usage, prevent unnecessary antibiotic exposure, and prevent further antimicrobial resistance
Appropriate Treatment Options for Depression and Anxiety for Patients Who Use Cannabis
Full text linkAn estimated 431,000 adults in Mississippi (MS) have a mental health condition (Duckworth, 2021). In January 2022, MS legislation passed the MS Medical Cannabis Act (Mississippi Legislature Regular Session, 2022). With over 22,000 participants in the program as of September 2023. providers need to be equipped with the tools and resources necessary and available to provide adequate care for those patients who use cannabis. Review of literature indicated an increase in the number of people with anxiety and depression, and an increase in the use of cannabis in this population. This quality improvement project’s purpose was to establish adequate and safe treatment options for patients who have anxiety or depression and use marijuana for recreational or medicinal purposes. Patients were selected or asked to be a part of the program as they entered the rural family clinic to obtain certification for the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Program or any adult over the age of 18 who uses cannabis recreationally and has anxiety or depression. The subjects were given PHQ-9 and GAD-7 questionnaires on the initial visit and repeated in 90 days. The results were significantly significant after analyzing the pre- and post-questionnaires (p\u3c.001)
Healthcare Workers\u27 Perception of Workplace Violence
Full text linkHealthcare workers are increasingly becoming victims of workplace violence and a loss of personal resources due to poor awareness, training, and intervention regarding workplace violence. According to research completed by Rajabi et al. (2020), healthcare workers are estimated to experience workplace violence nearly sixteen times more than other professional groups of employees. This issue can lead to decreased attendance, job performance and satisfaction, and job retention significantly affecting patient care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perception, preparedness, and effects of workplace violence among healthcare workers. The researchers conducted a quantitative, descriptive study utilizing a questionnaire that focused on the sample population’s demographics, perception of workplace violence, preparedness within the facility of employment, and direct effects of workplace violence contributing to healthcare burnout. This study was voluntary, and the survey was distributed via email along with a QRL code shared through social media and placed in participating healthcare settings throughout Mississippi. After data collection, the data was subjected to analyses using SPSS 27 and a chi-square test analysis to analyze the relationship between the specific variables studied. The results of this study showed that most healthcare workers perceived workplace violence as having a detrimental effect on their view of the workplace environment. This perception was significantly influenced by their job role and the healthcare setting in which Registered Nurses (RN)/Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and those in hospitals reported more negative impacts
Correlation of Social Media Use and Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression Among College Students
Full text linkThere is a new epidemic on the rise affecting college students. Social media use in college students is correlated to increased symptoms of anxiety and depression (Lippold, 2020). Studies show that prolonged symptoms of anxiety and depression can lead to hopelessness, which may make adolescents more prone to committing suicide (Tartakovsky, 2022). The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the second leading cause of death in young adults is suicide (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). Therefore, the present study was conducted through a quantitative correlational research design using a survey to evaluate social media use and its correlation to symptoms of anxiety and depression among college students. Pender’s Health Promotion Model was used to guide this study. This research can bring awareness to the correlation between anxiety and depression and social media use
Fanning the Flames: Why Book Bans Are on the Rise and What We Can Do about It
No full textLink to streaming event (recording will be posted shortly following the event date): https://muw.zoom.us/j/97063168539
Book banning has sharply escalated in the past four years, driven by partisan groups and misplaced concern for children. In this talk, we’ll explore why book bans and censorship are happening more frequently and discuss what can be done to stand up against book bans. We will also talk about the importance of having diverse books available to everyone, followed by plenty of time for discussion and questions
Exploring the virulence of kasA and kasB gene of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains
No full textExploring the virulence of kasA and kasB gene of the M. tuberculosis strains
Biraj Adhikari
Mississippi University for Women; Columbus; MS
Complex lipids on the pathogens cell surface are one of the cause of pathogens virulence. In case of M. tuberculosis, complex lipids along with lipoglycans on its cell surface makes its virulence stronger. In this study we are exploring the virulence caused by the gene product of kasA and kasB gene among different strains of M. tuberculosis
Comparative Genomics of Selected Lactobacillus helveticus Strains
Full text linkMy research is to compare two strains (D76 and H10) of Lactobacillus helveticus and a shared gene between them. I would want to experiment with overexpression to test for any difference in the regulatory function of genes associated with CggR - the central glycolytic genes regulator. The poster I am presenting would outline this and provide a clearer understanding of genes and potential overexpression
Review of a Sexuality Education Video
No full textThe purpose of this study is essentially to act as a needs assessment for future learners. Students will be watching a sexuality education video on STIs, their preventions, and treatments from the early 2000s. Following the video, students will take a survey that allows them the opportunity to give feedback on the information that was presented to them and what was lacking in the video, as well as possible accessibility concerns. The results from this survey will be used to update both the information in the original video, as well as implementing the feedback we received from the first video into a newer, updated version of this video later on
Exploring the Effect of CagA: A Comparative Study of Helicobacter pylori Strains J99 and A45
No full textCancer is a widely dreaded disease that has an impact on millions of people worldwide. Among the various factors contributing to its development, one bacterium has gained some attention - Helicobacter pylori. It is the only bacterium that is identified as a carcinogen, which grows the concerns surrounding its presence in the human body. This study focuses on two distinct strains of H. pylori: H. pylori J99, known for carrying the CagA protein, and H. pylori A45, lacking this protein. We are looking at the cagA gene specifically because it is known to make the strain more likely to cause cancer. By comparing these strains, I aim to propose a hypothesis to explore if moving the cagA gene into the H. pylori A45 strain and observing if it causes more cancer