Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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Contributions of clinical disease activity, functional disability, and illness intrusiveness to depressive symptoms in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease
No full textObjective: Clinical disease activity associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can place physical limitations on youths’ activities of daily living. In turn, functional physical limitations potentially contribute to youths’ experience of IBD as intruding on a wide range of routine and valued activities (i.e., illness intrusiveness), which can heighten their risk for depressive symptoms. The present study examined the contributions of clinical disease activity, functional disability, and illness intrusiveness to depressive symptoms in youth with IBD. Methods: Youth (N = 180) completed the Functional Disability Inventory (FDI-C), Illness Intrusiveness Scale-Child (IIS-C), and Children’s Depression Inventory-2 (CDI-2). Physicians completed the Physicians Global Assessment of disease activity (PGA). Results: Results revealed a mediating effect for functional disability in the associations between disease activity and both depressive symptoms (PGA→FDI→CDI-2) and illness intrusiveness (PGA→FDI→IIS-C); illness intrusiveness mediated the association between functional disability and depressive symptoms (i.e., FDI→IIS-C→CDI-2). Serial mediation analysis revealed that clinical disease activity conferred a serial indirect effect on youth depressive symptoms through the sequential effects of functional disability and illness intrusiveness (i.e., PGA→FDI→IIS-C→CDI-2). Conclusions: Findings demonstrated a mediating role for functional disability in the link between objective estimates of clinical disease activity and youths’ depressive symptoms. This indirect association was further mediated by illness intrusiveness, suggesting that functional disability may impact depressive symptoms through increased restrictions on youths’ ability to engage in rewarding activities. Clinical interventions that help youth to maintain adequate functional ability in the face of IBD disease activity and encourage their involvement in valued activities could serve to decrease the negative impact of IBD on youths’ emotional adjustment
GLS1 expression modulates ER stress during colon inflammation
No full textColon inflammation is characterized by an acute or chronic inflammatory response, is a pathological condition linked to factors such as immune system dysregulation, toxins, and infections. This inflammation often manifests as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes disorders like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). IBD is associated with profound disruptions in epithelial cell function, leading to mucosal damage and gastrointestinal dysfunction. A critical factor implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD is endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which arises from the accumulation of misfolded proteins due to increased protein synthesis and environmental stressors. This research aims to delineate the role of glutaminase 1 (GLS1) in modulating ER stress within the context of IBD. GLS1 is responsible for converting glutamine to glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter involved in various nociceptive pain signaling pathways. However, our lab has established GLS1 as a novel inflammatory biomarker, especially in colon inflammation. We hypothesize that upregulation of GLS1 may disrupt ER homeostasis, exacerbate inflammatory responses, and impair recovery from colitis while inhibition of ER stress signaling will promote epithelial cell survival during stress and maintain homeostasis. To test this hypothesis, we will evaluate markers of ER stress, UPR gene expression—specifically Xbp1, Atf6, and Ddit3—and levels of inflammatory mediators in TNBS-induced colitis models using Gls heterozygous and wild-type rats. By establishing the connections between GLS1 expression, ER stress, and inflammatory responses, this study aims to provide insights into the molecular mechanisms linking metabolic pathways and ER stress regulation in IBD. Understanding the connection between GLS1, ER stress, and inflammation may identify novel therapeutic targets for managing IBD, enhancing treatment strategies for affected individuals. This research contributes to a deeper comprehension of the complex pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel diseases and emphasizes the significance of metabolic regulation in intestinal inflammation
Tale of the tape: Behaviors and habits of female Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors
No full textBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a competitive grappling sport and self-defense method focused on taking an opponent to the ground, gaining positional control, and applying joint locks or strangles. This study aimed to: (1) examine the physical training programs and habits of competitive adult female BJJ athletes, and (2) using an injury criteria, assess whether there were significant differences between amateur female BJJ athletes with a history of injury (injured) and those without a history of injury (uninjured) regarding age, body mass index (BMI), sleep quality, and workload. Using a cross-sectional design, eligible participants completed an online survey covering demographics, injury history, strength training, sleep habits and quality, weight-cutting practices, and menstrual experiences. Descriptive statistics were reported as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and n (%). Additionally, a one-way between-groups multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted, with preliminary tests for normality, linearity, outliers, homogeneity of variance-covariance matrices, and multicollinearity. All of these tests showed no major violations. A total of 68 surveys (41 injured; 27 uninjured) were analyzed. Descriptive results showed variations in means and standard deviations for the injured group (age = 32.59 ± 7.5 years; BMI = 24.27 ± 2.42 kg/m2; sleep = 6.41 ± 2.69; workload = 2685.63 ± 1323.64 min/week x RPE) and the uninjured group (age = 32.59 ± 7.92 years; BMI = 23.84 ± 2.53 kg/m2; sleep = 5.67 ± 2.53; workload = 2505.58 ± 1371.71 min/week x RPE). The MANOVA results indicated there were no significant differences between amateur female BJJ athletes with or without an injury history across the combined dependent variables, F(4,44) = 0.460, p = .765; Wilks' Lambda = .96 (Pillai's Trace = 0.04), partial eta squared = .04. In conclusion, although there was no significant difference between the groups, the results showed that both reported generally poor sleep. Those with a history of injury had higher average BMI and training workloads. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to determine if this trend continues towards a significant effect. Lastly, to reduce the risk of injury, strategies to help improve sleep and manage workload for proper recovery are recommended
Discrimination among disabled adults in the United States: Findings from the 2022 National Survey on Health and Disability
No full textDisabled people face discrimination in healthcare settings, yet the compounding effects of intersectional identities remain underexplored. This project examines how different types of discrimination affect healthcare access and outcomes. We conducted a cross-sectional study of disability-based, race-based, gender-based, and sexuality-based discrimination using the 2022 National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD; n = 2725) administered October 2021–January 2022. Measures used in this study include: (1) demographics; (2) types of discrimination; (3) unmet healthcare needs. Our sample was not nationally representative, as it consisted primarily of white, college-educated participants. Data were analyzed using summary statistics (STATA crosstab) among respondents with health insurance (n = 2566). Chi-squared tests were used to determine statistical significance. We fit logistic regression models for categorical responses (STATA logit), adjusting for participant characteristics. Some participants (41%; n = 2566) reported experiencing at least one form of discrimination, with 4.9% reporting race-, 15.08% gender-, 5.9% sexuality-, and 38.3% disability-based discrimination. Most participants (94%; n= 2412) reported at least one unmet healthcare need, from unmet prostheses (2.6%) to unmet dental care (34.8%). Compared with other care types, participants had the lowest odds ratio (OR = 0.38, p < 0.001) of having their preventive care or specialist care needs met. These findings highlight that discrimination contributes to disparities in particular areas of healthcare access and emphasizes a need for tailored interventions and additional research.Community Health Sciences, Counseling and Counseling Psycholog
Review of Circus World: Roustabouts, Animals, and the Work of Putting on the Big Show
No full textReview of Andrea Ringer’s book on the history of circus life.Histor
Molecular insights into calcium regulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa responses to antibiotics and host-related stimuli
No full textThe opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa), a leading cause of severe infections, becomes increasingly resistant to antibiotics, including the last resort antibiotic, polymyxin-B (PMB). Previous studies have shown that calcium (Ca²⁺) at the levels encountered during infections increases Pa resistance to PMB. However, the mechanisms of this Ca²⁺ regulation are not known. Here, we identified three novel genes (PA2803, PA3237 and PA5317) that contribute to the Ca²⁺-dependent PMB resistance in Pa. The focus of this work, PA2803 encodes a putative phosphonatase and is a founding member of the PA2803 subfamily that belongs to Haloacid Dehalogenase Superfamily. Since the transcription of this gene is regulated by both Ca²⁺ and inorganic phosphate (Pi), we named it “Pi and Ca²⁺ regulated protein, PcrP”. Congruent with our sequence-based predictions, we showed that PcrP lacks catalytic activity and instead binds protein partners, revealing a novel non-catalytic function for PA2803 subfamily proteins. By using pull-down assays and bacterial two-hybrid system, we identified and validated two protein partners of PcrP: Acp3 and PA3518. We showed that PcrP is involved in oxidative stress response mediated by its interactions with Acp3, which may support its role in PMB resistance. Overall, this study identified a novel protein-binding function for the PA2803 subfamily representative that mediates Pa responses to elevated Ca²⁺ and enhances its PMB resistance
Caregiver advocacy in families of young people with cancer: A mixed methods approach
No full textCaregiver advocacy may be highly relevant to the lived experience of caregivers of young people with cancer (YPWC), but this complex, understudied construct remains unclear in terms of its relevant behaviors, antecedents, and consequences. The current study aimed to better understand caregiver advocacy experiences in the childhood cancer population. This concurrent triangulation mixed methods study recruited 21 caregivers (86% female, 43% Black, Indigenous, and people of color) of YPWC (Mean age = 12, SD = 5.8) who completed study measures and semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted until saturation was reached and then transcribed, coded, and analyzed following constructivist grounded theory. Quantitative analyses examined the bivariate associations between caregiver-perceived advocacy, healthcare barriers to care, and child quality of life. Integrated findings indicated that caregivers engage in advocacy strategies to voice and address family-centered needs. The current study suggests that caregivers’ development as advocates for YPWC is interconnected to a constellation of individual (e.g., knowledge, skills, self-efficacy, parental dedication), interpersonal (e.g., family-provider relationships), and broader systemic (e.g., experienced marginalization) factors. These findings underscore the importance of institutional efforts to promote family-centered, accessible care and thus foster advocacy engagement in caregivers of YPWC
Leisure Constraints Theory on sports tourism among Oklahoma State students
No full textSports tourism is defined as traveling to sporting events to either participate in or watch. It is a significant and growing sector, which can foster community connections and enhance overall mental well-being within those that participate. A potential problem with sports tourism may be the constraints that may come with this leisure activity and why some do not participate. While it is a growing sector, the purpose of this quantitative study is to identify the effects of Leisure Constraints Theory (LCT), examining intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural constraints. These constraints can limit an individual's ability to engage in sports tourism. Intrapersonal constraints focus on psychological barriers such as low self-esteem, lack of motivation, or lack of confidence, while interpersonal constraints involve social factors, such as the need for leisure partners or family support. Structural constraints are external factors, like financial limitations or lack of transportation, which can restrict access to events. Focusing on OSU, the study aims to examine how these constraints affect OSU students' participation in sports tourism, especially when traveling to OSU away sporting events. The research intends to identify key barriers and explore potential solutions to increase overall participation in sports tourism, which could enhance the sense of community among students, alumni, and fans
Design report: Blue Hydrogen to improve the atmosphere (BIA)
No full textThis document summarizes the FEL-2 design phase for a blue hydrogen production facility in
Killona, Louisiana near New Orleans. The goal of this design phase was to develop a process capable of
meeting business objectives of company A with an emission-conscious blue hydrogen product, as well as
estimating the fixed capital investment to adequately assess the overall economic viability. This includes a
summary of the process design, an economic evaluation, and recommendations for implementation.
Under the new Inflation Reduction Act, the generation of blue hydrogen with a carbon capture system has
become a more economical proposition with the introduction of either the 45Q carbon capture tax credit
or the 45V tax credit for clean hydrogen production. These both can be used to further incentivize clean
hydrogen production.
The proposed facility will produce a 99.9+% hydrogen product stream to be sold via pipeline
after purification in a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) unit. The hydrogen production will occur largely
within an autothermal reformer (ATR), which will produce a hydrogen rich syngas stream from a natural
gas feed stream and steam. Upstream from the ATR, a pre-reformer will convert higher hydrocarbons and
some methane to CO2 and H2 gas, while downstream water-gas shift (WGS) reactors will convert any
incomplete combustion products like CO into CO2 and H2. Approximately 99.4% of the CO2 generated
in these steps will then be captured within a monoethanolamine (MEA) absorption column. This
significantly reduces the carbon footprint compared to the traditional grey hydrogen production pathways.
The carbon footprint is improved by meeting energy consumption requirements through a combination of
energy integration from excess produced hydrogen as well as nuclear power from the preexisting
Waterford Unit 3 reactor outside Killona.
After 60 days of process design, safety optimization, and economic analysis, we present the
following design. The design economics match sales cases of current market blue hydrogen production
and are supported by its historical pricing, though this is different from those provided in the FEL-1
design phase. At an anticipated hydrogen sale price of $2.80/kg this project can meet the standards of
15% ROR and a positive NPV, meeting investment criteria.
The team conducted net present value and sensitivity analyses of major process variables to better
understand the critical factors affecting final outcomes. This design recommendation was prepared with
all project requirements, restrictions, regulations, construction plans, and utility considerations provided
in the FEL-1 design. A preliminary hazard and operability study (HAZOP) was also conducted to assist
FEL-3 in risk mitigation strategies
TCESS: Trust score-based clustering approach for enhanced security and stability in vehicular ad hoc networks
No full textVehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANETs) enable vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications to enhance road safety and traffic efficiency, but their high mobility and dynamic topology pose challenges to reliable data delivery. Clustering in VANETs, where vehicles are grouped into rational clusters with a designated cluster head, reduces network complexity and enhances stability for safety-critical applications; however, traditional clustering algorithms often overlook security, leaving VANETs vulnerable to malicious vehicles that can compromise network functionality. This research addresses this gap by proposing Trust Score-Based Clustering Approach for Enhanced Security and Stability in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (TCESS), a trust score-based clustering framework that integrates robust trust evaluation with mobility-aware clustering to enhance both security and stability. Existing approaches like the Enhanced Weight-Based Clustering Algorithm (EWCA) show limitations in balancing security, trust verification, and real-time performance in dynamic VANET scenarios. The TCESS introduces a state-transition model where vehicles progress through states based on trust scores, incorporating parameters such as speed, acceleration, position, malicious tendency, and vehicle lifetime. Unlike traditional methods, TCESS embeds trust verification as a prerequisite for cluster joining and cluster head selection, using adaptive trust thresholds to ensure only trustworthy vehicles participate.
The framework was implemented using Simulation of Urban Mobility (SUMO) for traffic generation and Cloud-based VANET Simulator (CVANETSIM) for network simulation,
evaluating its performance across varying network densities. Simulations across three scenarios with 198, 1286, and 2716 vehicles demonstrate TCESS achieves high cluster participation (up to 250 vehicles in the densest scenario), stable cluster lifetimes (up to 400-time units at moderate speeds), and secure operations with median trust scores for cluster heads at 70–75. Comparative analysis with EWCA reveals TCESS performs significantly better, enhancing cluster member duration, cluster head duration, and cluster lifetime, thereby ensuring reliable and secure VANET communications