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Mindfulness as a Protective Factor in Women’s Sexual Health
No full textMany women who experience physical health complaints also report sexual dysfunction across a variety of domains including decreased arousal, desire and satisfaction. Although there are well-established connections between disease-specific populations and sexual dysfunction, less research has focused on women who experience somatic symptoms more broadly. Similarly, mindfulness as a treatment intervention has been applied across many facets of sexual functioning, but mindfulness as a trait characteristic has been less explored in its connections with generalized somatic complaints. Further, the within-domain interactions between facets of mindfulness and domains of sexual dysfunction have not been previously explored. Using data from an online survey, the current study examined the association between these variables, and whether mindfulness moderated the association between somatic symptoms and sexual dysfunction, both overall and at domain-specific levels. The proposed moderation models were largely unsupported apart from one, in which the mindful facet of awareness significantly moderated the relationship between somatic symptoms and sexual desire. Across models, facets of mindfulness were significantly correlated with various aspects of sexual functioning. The covariates of age and trying to conceive also emerged as significant predictors related to sexual desire. This study highlights the complexity of female sexual dysfunction and potentially the utility of mindfulness practice, specifically for women who experience somatic symptom burden
Resistance Training Load-Volume Effects on Maximal Strength, Isometric Force-Time Characteristics, and Force-Velocity Relationships
No full textThe investigations concerned the effects of resistance training programs with different load–volume configurations on multiple strength characteristics, including maximal strength, isometric force–time properties, and force–velocity (F–v) relationships. Following a review of training interventions across these variables, two ecologically valid resistance training prescriptions were compared: high-load, low-volume (HLLV) and moderate-load, moderate-volume (MLMV). Fourteen recreationally trained participants were grouped into either HLLV (three sets of two repetitions at ≥ 80% 1RM) or MLMV (three sets of ten repetitions at 60–80% 1RM), incorporated into the main lifts of a 4-week program. Strength was assessed using back squat one-repetition maximum (1RM), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) peak force (PF), and rate of force development (RFD) at 90, 200, and 250 ms. Dynamic performance was evaluated through static and countermovement jumps (SJ and CMJ) loaded with 0 kg and 20 kg, measuring jump height, PF, peakpower (PP), force at PP, and velocity at PP. Both groups improved back squat 1RM and IMTP PF over time (p \u3c 0.05), though no statistically significant time×group interaction or RFD improvements were observed. Time effects were also shown for PP and force at PP in SJ and CMJ, and a statistically significant interaction was noted for PF in CMJ with 0kg. Within-group effect sizes suggested that HLLV favored gains in high-velocity performance in CMJ (PP, velocity at PP, jump height) and isometric RFD, while MLMV promoted greater improvements in low-velocity force production in SJ (PP, force at PP, PF) and may negatively affect isometric RFD. Results suggest that both HLLV and MLMV training are effective for improving maximal strength in recreationally trained individuals. HLLV training may offer additional benefits for rapid force production as well as high-velocity force production with countermovements, while MLMV may be more effective for enhancing dynamic strength at lower movement velocities
Reentry for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals: A Focus on Workforce Reentry and Recidivism in Appalachia
No full textFormerly incarcerated individuals face challenges to successful reentry, a critical component of reducing recidivism and improving public health outcomes. These challenges are particularly acute in rural Appalachia, where structural disadvantages such as limited economic opportunities, healthcare access, and public transportation intersect with stigma and systemic barriers related to prior incarceration. This dissertation addresses these gaps through a mixed-methods examination of reentry and recidivism, grounded in public health frameworks and focused on the unique context of rural Appalachia.
This work includes three studies. First, a PRISMA-guided systematic review synthesized qualitative research on barriers and facilitators to employment following incarceration. Findings highlighted multi-level barriers, including criminal records, lack of resources, and stigma, as well as facilitators such as social capital, targeted reentry programs, and education opportunities. Notably, there was an absence of research specific to rural or Appalachian populations.
Second, a novel state-level panel dataset was constructed to examine predictors of recidivism across U.S. states from 2010 to 2019. Recidivism rates declined nationally over the decade, with several states demonstrating sharp shifts following major policy reforms. Higher rates of high school completion were associated with lower recidivism. State suspension of Medicaid enrollment during incarceration was associated with significantly lower average recidivism compared to states where coverage was terminated. These findings provide population-level insights into the structural conditions shaping reentry outcomes and inform potential policy and programmatic interventions.
Third, qualitative interviews with Appalachian reentry program leaders provided perspectives on the distinct barriers and facilitators present in rural reentry efforts. Participants emphasized chronic gaps in housing and transportation, the value of staff with lived experience of incarceration, and the importance of flexible, locally tailored partnerships. These findings offer novel insights into how successful reentry programs operate in rural Appalachian settings and highlight community-level impacts, including reduced jail populations and decreased stigma.
Collectively, these studies underscore the complexity of reentry as a public health issue requiring multi-level, place-based interventions that address structural, social, and individual factors. This work contributes to the reentry literature by providing new empirical data and contextual insights specific to Appalachia, offering evidence to inform future research, programs, and policies aimed at improving reentry outcomes and reducing recidivism in rural settings
Electrochemical and Electrocatalytic Properties of Screen-Printable Carbon Inks Featuring Pyridinic Nitrogen-Containing Polymeric Binder
No full textScreen-printable conductive inks have been widely applied to prepare electrodes for electrochemical sensing. These inks generally consist of conductive metal or carbon particles, solvents, and polymeric binders. Low-cost, carbon-based, screen-printable conductive inks are especially popular. However, screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) must often be modified after they are printed to impart the necessary characteristics (e.g., sensitivity, selectivity, stability) for the desired application. For example, nitrogen-doping of SPCEs, especially in ways that introduce pyridinic or pyrrolic nitrogen species, can impart electrocatalytic properties towards reduction of O2, H2O2, and CO2. While our previous work done by C. Ogbu focused on modifying SPCEs or graphitic carbon starting material, here we investigate an alternative approach to introduce surface nitrogen species on SPCEs by utilizing a pyridinic nitrogen-containing polymer (poly(4-vinylpyridine), P4VP) in the ink formulation. In this work, the effects of important ink (carbon content, binder composition) and printing (mesh size) parameters on SPCE properties and electrochemical performance are evaluated
The Impact of Estrogen Loss on Caveolin Expression and Cardiac Myocyte Remodeling in Ovariectomized Mice Following Chronic Sympathetic Stimulation
No full textCardiovascular disease (CVDs) remains the top cause of death globally, with postmenopausal women at higher risk due to estrogen decline. Beta-Adrenergic (β-AR) signaling is a major regulator of heart function. Caveolins, structural proteins of caveolae, coordinate cell signaling activities in the heart by co-localizing with estrogen receptors and β-AR and contribute to maintaining healthy cardiac function. The caveolin scaffolding domain (CSD), a binding component of caveolin, has shown therapeutic potential in animal models of heart disease. However, most studies on CSD have been completed in male mice. This thesis evaluates the therapeutic potential of CSD in female mouse models and how the duration of estrogen loss impacts cardiac remodeling and caveolin expression. We hypothesized that prolonged estrogen loss in aged mice decreases caveolin protein levels and impairs its cardioprotective functions during heart failure. In ovariectomized mice with heart failure, CSD worsened apoptosis, impacted hypertrophy, and estrogen deficiency altered caveolin and CX43 expression
ETSU Today - Summer 2025
No full textForever ETSU: A Legacy That Lives On.
Honoring the lifelong bond that sustains our mission and shapes our past, present, and future.
Since our founding, East Tennessee State University has been deeply connected to the communities we serve, rooted in service, guided by shared values, and committed to improving the quality of life for the people of this region and beyond. More than a century later, this mission not only endures but thrives, thanks to your unwavering support. The strength of our university community continues to propel ETSU forward. We are growing enrollment, expanding academic offerings, and earning national recognition for teaching, research, and service. Across all measurable fronts, ETSU is advancing in ways that position us for long-term sustainability and success. This momentum is making a real-world difference not only today but also for tomorrow. Our collective impact will echo across generations. It can be felt in the nurse caring for a patient, the teacher connecting with a child, the researcher developing lifesaving solutions, and the veteran finding new leadership opportunities through education. These stories — your stories — are the true legacy of ETSU. The kinship we share as members of the ETSU family is lifelong. It transcends time and geography, linking us to a shared purpose and a university that continues to go beyond expectations. To all who walk with us — thank you. Your commitment ensures that ETSU remains a place of opportunity, discovery, and hope.
Godspeed, and go Bucs!
Brian Noland
Presidenthttps://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-today/1048/thumbnail.jp