Athena Commons - Digital Repository of Mississippi University for Women
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Investigating SCUBE3 Nuclear Localization in Presence of Doxorubicin Treatment in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Full text linkSignal peptide-CUB-EGF-like domain-containing protein 3 (SCUBE3) is a glycosylated secreted protein. Prior to its secretion, SCUBE3 localizes in the cytoplasm. We observed that SCUBE3 protein trans-localized to the nucleus following Doxorubicin (DOX) treatment. DOX is one of the strongest chemotherapeutic agents and the first-line drug used in breast cancer treatment. SCUBE3 structural analysis showed that it lacks a DNA binding domain. Based on this observation and other preliminary data, we hypothesized that nuclear SCUBE3 protein promotes the survival of cells against Doxorubicin treatment. To investigate this hypothesis, we made a wild-type construct and three constructs with mutated nuclear localization sequences (NLS). These constructs will help to determine whether SCUBE3 requires the predicted NLS to localize to the nucleus in the presence of DOX treatment and study SCUBE3 nuclear function. The constructs were also linked to green fluorescence protein (GFP). GFP is a report protein that will help us monitor the location of SCUBE3 in the cells and determine if putative NLS is required for SCUBE3 translocation. The GFP will also help the differentiation between endogenous and ectopic SCUBE3 proteins. We are also generating stable cells expressing each construct for functional analysis
The Overlooked Perspectives of Black Mississippian Education and Desegregation
No full textIn my research, I investigated the gap in knowledge of African-American schools and desegregation in the Lowndes County School District. My research goal was What role did these segregated schools play in the African-American community, and how did that change after Alexander v. Holmes County School District? With these questions, I wanted to shed light on the significance of these segregated African-American schools and how their influence still affects the community today. My argument is that before Alexander v. Holmes County, African-American schools in Lowndes County School District had a rising population and were well-redeemed in their communities, then experienced a sudden decline as they were pushed to abandon their schools for their white counterparts. For the individual black students, sometimes the experience was confusing and a sudden change that they could not fully grasp. Even though their schools seemed to be growing, they shut down and could not remain as one of the central pillars of the African American community. To conduct my research, I relied heavily on oral history interviews from Concord School alums that I performed in the Fall of 2023. I also utilized the works of significant scholars in the Mississippian and Southern desegregation field, such as Vanessa S. Walker and Charles C. Bolton, to create a grounding context for the Lowndes County School District
Quality Improvement of Code Status Reconciliation Among Hospital Providers
Full text linkCode status assessment is an essential component in the acute hospital setting and a vital of the hospital admission process. If inadequately addressed, it can lead to costly length of stays and unwanted life-prolonging measures. Under the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990, healthcare organizations must inform patients of their rights to healthcare, assess and document in the medical record whether the patient has an advance directive, and educate staff and communities on issues concerning advance directives (Patient Self-Determination Act, 1990). The purpose of the project was to assess current provider practices regarding code status assessment in the acute hospital setting, implement practice change interventions to improve consistency of code status identification, and reassess change in provider practices regarding code status assessment. Provider practices were assessed with an initial survey. Educational sessions were held regarding EMR modifications for code status order prompting, development of hyperlinks to advance directives, and utilization of SPIKES and REMAP goals of care communication tools. Participants were given two months to implement changes into clinical practice. A follow-up survey was utilized to reassess change in provider practice. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. While data analysis did not show any statistically significant changes, practical differences in provider practice were recognized following the second survey. Participants reported an increase in the frequency of assessment in the post-test, incorporated recommended screening tools, and reported an increase in their confidence screening for code status. Participants also validated that EMR prompts were useful in recognizing the need for code status 7 assessment. Furthermore, this project supports the need for continued education of healthcare providers regarding code status assessment and reconciliation
Unraveling the Genomic Landscape of Staphylococcus aureus: A Microbial Genomics Perspective
Full text linkStaphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen implicated in various skin conditions, including boils (furuncles) and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Understanding the virulence factors contributing to these skin infections is essential for developing targeted therapeutic interventions. This research aims to compare the virulence factors, including toxins, adhesins, and immune evasion proteins, of two Staphylococcus aureus strains associated with boils and atopic dermatitis: Strain A (ST398) and Strain B (NCTC 8325)
Stop churning relationships by avoiding the relationship slide
Full text linkPrevious research has identified a link between romantic relationship formation (sliding vs. deciding) and satisfaction (Clifford et al., 2017; Vennum et al., 2015). During college, the decision to enter and maintain a romantic relationship can play a role in the relationship-churning process among young adults (Brandes & Doron, 2020; Grower & Baldwin-White, 2021). Specifically, some college students may slide into marriage or having kids (Loeb et al., 2020; Priem et al., 2015) due to financial, social, and psychological barriers that keep them from ending an unhealthy relationship (Loeb et al., 2020). To explore the effect of sliding into a relationship further, we conducted a relationship education workshop (N = 12) at a University in the Southeastern United States. We adopted the Love Notes curriculum to create a 45-minute workshop on the topics of self-reflection, communication skills, and relationship conflict management. The goal of the workshop was to increase participants self-awareness of their communication skills when they experience conflict in a relationship. Most participants identified as White females (n = 10; 76.9%), and the average age of the participants was 23.7. 2 The statistical analysis revealed participants confidence in having difficult conversations with romantic partners and their ability to recognize healthy relationships increased as a result of their participation in the workshop. Therefore, relationship education programs on college campuses can help not only develop the communication skills of college students but also positively contribute to their ability to form meaningful and healthy relationships
Awareness of Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Knowledge Among Mississippi College Students
Full text linkAccording to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), drug overdoses in Mississippi increased by 49% in just one year from 2019-2020. Death rates from synthetic opioids such as fentanyl more than doubled (MSDH, 2023). More than 106,000 persons in the U.S. died from drug-involved overdose in 2021, including illicit drugs and prescription opioids (NIDA, 2023). In the past, community-based distribution of Naloxone, a life-saving opioid reversal agent, resulted in more than 26,000 lives saved from 1996- 2014. The US Surgeon General and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have designated naloxone as a high-priority intervention for lowering opioid overdose mortality. Overdose deaths among college students have risen substantially over recent years due to the opioid epidemic. The purpose of this study was to determine Mississippi college students’ awareness of opioid overdose signs and symptoms, their knowledge regarding Naloxone, and its use in opioid overdoses. The researchers used a descriptive, quantitative design to assess the student’s knowledge regarding opioid overdose and naloxone administration. Data was collected from a convenience sample of students ages 18 and older and was organized via a Qualtrics survey. The study was conducted across multiple college campuses, including both universities and junior colleges, across Mississippi. Surveys were delivered electronically utilizing a QR code via a mass email send out and flyers with the QR code posted throughout the campuses. After data collection, the data was subjected to analyses using descriptive statistics. The study examined Mississippi college students\u27 awareness of opioid overdose signs and knowledge about Naloxone. Analysis of 101 survey responses revealed high awareness: 72.3% know how to respond to an unresponsive person, 86.1% recognize overdose symptoms, and over 93% would intervene in an overdose situation. Students also demonstrate strong Naloxone knowledge, scoring an average of 5.63 on a 7-point scale. Demographic factors like age, gender, and college type don\u27t significantly affect knowledge scores. Overall, Mississippi college students show a high theoretical understanding of opioid overdoses and Naloxone, but misconceptions and lack of awareness about campus access need to be addressed to ensure effective real-world application
Implementation of a Diabetes Mellitus Self-Management Program
Full text linkType 2 diabetes is prevalent nationwide, increasing the risk of various complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations. The literature review highlights a potential correlation between inadequate education and a lack of control of glucose in individuals diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project was to improve knowledge of Diabetes Type 2 self-management, in turn improving the outcomes of patients who were newly diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and patients who had a Hemoglobin A1c \u3e7%, as well as management of weight in these patients. Participants were selected using specific inclusion criteria (n=26). Over a 6- month period, participants were provided with educational materials and taught self-management for Type 2 Disease. Weight and Hemoglobin A1c levels were monitored at 3-month intervals. Results of pre and post-study surveys indicate that proper education significantly improved the outcomes of each participant. A paired samples t-test indicated that the difference in weight between June and December was statistically significant (t(25)=4.499,
Disparities in Speech-Language Pathology as a Result of Race
Full text linkFor all children to receive fair and proper speech-language services, it is vital to grasp a better understanding of how disparities in these services might impact clients. It is vital to identify the role race plays so clients of various racial backgrounds can be provided with equitable treatment, regardless of their racial identity (Robinson & Norton, 2019). Research has revealed noticeable discrepancies between racial groups including the quality, time frame of discharge, and overall results of treatment, among children of minority- or majority-racial groups (Riccardi & Lundine, 2022). If speech language pathologists remain unaware of these discrepancies, they will be unable to recognize situations in which the quality of treatment alters, due to the client’s race or identification with a minority racial group. The cycle will continue and every individual who receives services will not receive the highest quality of treatment possible. This study aims to answer: What role does race play in the presence of disparities within the treatment of children receiving speech-language services? A researcher developed survey will be distributed among private therapy locations, serving children, in Lowndes County, Mississippi. The survey will focus on input from parents/caregivers of children receiving services at the specified locations. The parents/caregivers will share their perception of how they believe race has impacted the speech/language services provided to their child, compared to services provided to children of other racial groups