• Dopamine Regulation of Fear Processing and Social Motivation: Implication for Common Psychiatric Comorbidities

      Lee, Jason ChiaTse; Brain and Behavior Discovery Institute (8/3/2017)
      Psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic disorders and schizophrenia often present with common comorbidities such as increased depression, anxiety, and decreased social motivations. However, the underlying neural circuit that may account for occurrence of multiple psychiatric comorbidities remained unidentified. The dopamine system has been known to play prominent roles regulating emotional states and motivations. We therefore hypothesized that alteration in the dopamine system may lead to comorbidities such as negative mood and social isolation commonly observed in many psychiatric disorders. In this thesis work, we first examined how the dopamine system processes known triggers of psychiatric disorders, such as fear-charged stimuli. We then examined how the dopamine system regulates normal social interactions as well as how an altered dopamine system affects social interactions
    • Regulation and Function of the Major Stress-Induced HSP70 Molecular Chaperone in vivo: Analysis of Mice with Targeted Gene Disruption of the HSP70.1 or HSP70A1

      Huang, Lei; Georgia Cancer Center (6/3/2002)
      (First Paragraph) The cellular response to stress, including exposure to environmental (UV radiation, heat shock, heavy metals), pathological (infection, fever, inflammation, malignancy, ischemia) or physiological (growth factor, hormonal stimulation, tissue development) stimuli is represented at the molecular level by synthesis of groups of protein named heat shock proteins [hsp(s)] (Benjamin 1998; Feder and others 1992; Jolly and Morimoto 2000; Li and Mivechi 1986; Lindquist 1986; Smith 1998). The presence of hsp(s) protect host cells from the damage caused by thermal stress, and after induction of hsp expression, cells are protected well from higher temperatures than they can normally tolerate. This phenomenon is defined as themiotoleranee (Gemer 1975; Li and Mivechi 1986). The protective role of hsp(s) is attributed to several functional properties, including active participation in maintaining proteins in their native correctly folded states, promoting degradation and refolding of misfolded proteins, and minimizing aggregation and incorrect interactions between proteins (Agashe and Hartl 2000; Gething and Sambrook 1992). In addition, hsp(s) can function in cellular protection by modulating the engagement and progression of apoptosis induced by a variety of stress stimuli (Beere and Green 2001). Besides the recognition of the cytoprotective function of hsp(s) under stress conditions, widespread clinical interests exist in their chaperone function during a range of human pathologies, including neurodegenerative conditions, such as amyloidosis, prion disease, and Alzheimer's disease, and cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial ischemia, cardiac hypertrophy, stroke, and blood vessel injury (Benjamin 1998; Planas and others 1997; Smith 1998).
    • Postmodernism & the Sexual Awakening of E.L. Doctorow's Ragtime

      Rosier, Melanie (3/6/2017)
      This analysis utilizes both a Postmodernist and Feminist approach to E.L. Doctorow's novel Ragtime in order to provide a social commentary on the hardships of women and minorities in Pre-WWI America. Historically, the patriarchal system has contributed to the sociopolitical oppression of women on an international level. The sexual repression of women, in particular, has lead to a system of hierarchy that has been permanently instilled in society. However, with the turn of the nineteenth century, the dissolution of familial roles for women began taking place. In this analysis, Doctorow's narration of the lives of five different female characters is defined as an illumination of the socioeconomic hardships of women in the height of immigration and labor exploitation within the United States. This historiographical commentary continues by recognizing the inability to acquire liberation from oppression for minority women.
    • Advocating for Policy Change: A beginner's guide

      McKelvey, Elise; Georgia Cancer Center (2024-02-14)
    • Healthy Georgia: Our state of public health (Update, January 2024)

      Institute of Public and Preventive Health (Institute of Public and Preventive Health, 2024-01)
    • Characteristics of Referrals to a Southeastern Cancer Center’s Embedded Psycho-Oncology Service

      McKelvey, Elise R.; Shanks, M.; Casanova, Tracy; Bigham, Lauren E.; Georgia Cancer Center (2024)
      Conference Presentation for 2024 Society of Behavioral Medicine
    • Role of Social Support in Screening Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy Uptake

      Ansa, Benjamin E; Datta, Biplab; Ibrahim, Samah; Islam, KM Monirul; Saucier, Ashley; Coffin, Janis; Institute of Public and Preventative Health (2023-10-05)
      Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major clinical and public health burden. Screening has been shown to be effective for preventing CRC. In 2021, less than 72% of adult Americans had received CRC screening based on the most recent guidelines. This study examined the relationship between social support and screening colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy uptake among U.S. adults and the socioeconomic factors that impact the relationship. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using the 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data for 20,008 U.S. adults to assess the screening colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy rates among individuals with strong, some, and weak social support. Binary logistic regression models were utilized to obtain the odds of receiving a screening colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy among adults with the different levels of social support and socioeconomic status. Results: Almost 55.0% of adults with weak social support reported having colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy compared to 56.2% and 61.9% of adults with some and strong social support respectively. In addition, compared to adults with weak social support, the odds of having colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy were 1.06 (95% C.I.=0.93, 1.21; p=0.37) and 1.35 (95% C.I.=1.21, 1.50; p <0.001) among adults with some and strong social support respectively. Socioeconomic differences were observed in the odds of colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy uptake based on strong social support. Conclusion: Having strong social support is an important factor for increasing CRC screening uptake. Policies and interventions that enhance social support among adults for screening colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy are warranted.
    • CURS Connection February 2023

      Davis, Quentin; Knapp, Melissa; Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship; Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (Augusta University, 2023-02)
      Table of Contents: Student Spotlight; 2023 Summer Scholars Program; Call for Abstracts; CURS Mentor of Excellence Award; Calling all May 2023 Gradautes; UR2 Grant; Mark Your Calendar.
    • CURS Connection January 2023

      Davis, Quentin; Knapp, Melissa; Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship; Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (Augusta University, 2023-01)
      Table of Contents: Garret Zills; New UR2 Grant; Undergraduate Research Fellowships; High Five My Faculty; Don't Cancel Class; Looking for Funding of Research or Teaching; Mark Your Calendar.
    • Healthy Georgia: Our state of public health (Update, January 2023)

      Institute of Public and Preventive Health (Institute of Public and Preventive Health, 2023-01)
    • CURS Connection November 2022

      Davis, Quentin; Knapp, Melissa; Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship; Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (Augusta University, 2022-11)
      Table of Contents: Katelinn Jones; Reflection: National Mentor Day by Jordan Moratin; Summer Scholars Program 2023 - Call for Proposals; Last Call for Research Distinctions Fall 2022; Spring 2023: CURS Course Registration; Initial Chemical Safety Training Spring 2023; Upcoming CURS Events; CURS T-shirts for Sale; CURS Calendar.
    • CURS Connection October 2022

      Davis, Quentin; Knapp, Melissa; Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship; Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (Augusta University, 2022-10)
      Table of Contents: Spotlight: CURS Student Assistants; Fall Grant Recipients; Ask a CURS Ambassador; Spring 2023: CURS Course Registration; National Mentoring Day; CURS Game Night; CURS T-shirts for Sale; 2022 Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference; CURS Calendar.
    • A qualitative exploration of park-based physical activity in adults with serious mental illness: Insights from peers and peer counselors

      Besenyi, G.M.; Bramwell, R.C.; Heinrich, K.M.; Mailey, E.L.; McEvoy, J.P.; Davis, C.L.; GEORGIA PREVENTION INSTITUTE (Elsevier, 2022-10)
      Statement of the problem: Park-based physical activity (PA) is associated with positive health outcomes (social support, energy, self-esteem, mood, less depression). Integrating park-based PA into peer-led mental health services is an innovative approach that can address health disparities in persons with serious mental illness (SMI). Yet, to date, few PA interventions capitalize on peer counselor (PC) capacity, and none have focused on park-based PA. The purpose of this qualitative study was to ascertain the perspectives of adults with SMI and their counselors about park-based PA to inform the development of a park-based PA intervention lead by PCs. Methods: In Spring/Summer 2018, we conducted six 1-h focus groups (FGs) with adults with SMI, and four 1-h FGs with PCs and social workers. Using the person-based approach framework, open-ended questions elicited information regarding peer PA behavior and park use, PA participation motives/barriers, and preference for park-based PA. PCs discussed knowledge and promotion of PA in peer group settings, willingness to lead PA activities, and feedback on intervention strategies. Results: Peer FGs averaged 49 ± 8 min. Peer data were coded into three overarching themes: current PA, motivators, and barriers. Peer counselor FGs averaged 60 ± 5 min. Data were coded into five themes: current peer group PA, barriers to peer group PA, motivators for peer group PA, PA intervention recommendations, and implementation barriers. Conclusion: Peers and PCs were interested in participating/leading in outdoor PA. Social support, motivation, PA self-efficacy, health concerns, weather, transportation, and PC training are important considerations for intervention development.
    • CURS Connection September 2022

      Davis, Quentin; Knapp, Melissa; Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship; Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (Augusta University, 2022-09)
      Table of Contents: 2022-2023 CURS Ambassadors; Spotlight CURS Ambassadors; Register CURS Experience; Initial Chemical Training; IGive.
    • CURS Connection August 2022

      Davis, Quentin; Knapp, Melissa; Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship; Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (Augusta University, 2022-08)
      Table of Contents: Fall Grant Proposals Now Open; CURS Course Registration; CURS Student Employment Opportunity; Congratulations 2022 Summer Scholars; Ice Cream Social; 2022 Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference; CURS Calendar; IGive.
    • CURS Connection June/July 2022

      Davis, Quentin; Knapp, Melissa; Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship; Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (Augusta University, 2022-06)
      Table of Contents: CURS Welcomes New Coordinator: Dr. Alex St. Louis; Summer Scholars Program 2022 Is Live; Documenting Undergraduate Research; A Year in Pictures; Fall Grants Open in August; Student Research Series on Pause; Want to be a Student Assistant?; Seeking Ambassadors.
    • DPPFit: Developing and Testing a Technology-Based Adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) to Address Prediabetes in a Primary Care Setting

      Stewart, Jessica; Hatzigeorgiou, Christos; Davis, Catherine L.; Ledford, Christy J.W. (2022-05)
      Objective: The objective of this study was to adapt the National Diabetes Prevention Program (N-DPP) into a pragmatic tool for primary care settings by using daily text messaging to deliver all N-DPP content, supplemented by Fitbit technology to provide behavioral strategies typically delivered by personnel in traditional programs. Test the mobile health (mHealth), technology-based N-DPP adaptation (DPPFit) in primary care patients with prediabetes using a remote intervention based on the traditional 16 core sessions of the DPP. Methods: A pilot study with pre/post survey analysis of aggregate data were used to determine changes in weight, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and associated diabetes risk outcomes among study participants (n = 33). In this study, participants were issued Fitbit devices and provided the remote intervention over 16 weeks via automated text messaging technology, which followed the content of the DPP core education sessions. Results: Data analysis from baseline to 6-month follow-up demonstrate mean weight loss of 3.3 kg (95% CI: -6.2 to -0.5; P = .026), reduction in body mass index by 1.25 points (95% CI: -2.1 to -0.4; P = .005), a significant average increase of 2 days in self-reported physical activity per week (95% CI: 0.4 to 3.6; P = .015) and an average 10% decrease in sedentary time (P = .007). Conclusions: The remote DPPFit intervention demonstrates a promising and practical approach to the management of prediabetes in a primary care setting. The results support the use of the DPPFit program and application to achieve meaningful outcomes in a population with prediabetes. A randomized controlled trial with a larger sample is warranted. ( J Am Board Fam Med 2022;35:548–558.)
    • CURS Connection April 2022

      Davis, Quentin; Knapp, Melissa; Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship; Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (Augusta University, 2022-04)
      Table of Contents: Highlights from the 22nd Annual Student Research and Fine Arts Conference; Abby Huebsch; Caleb Hale; Amarvir Parmar; Fabiha Anwar; Rida Naeem; Dhruvi Paladiya; Hailie Hayes & Aziza Griggs; Dominique Lyons; Andrew Zimmerman; Chloe Johnson; Andrew Ensley; Rida Naeem; Dr. Jennifer Bradford receives undergraduate research Mentor Excellence Award; Student Research Series Coming Up; Ashley Keyes; Matthew Zimmerman; Nico Robles; Seeking Faculty & Staff to Host Workshops; Undergraduate Research Opportunity Portal.
    • Device-Based Movement Behaviors, Executive Function, and Academic Skills among African American Children with ADHD and Disruptive Behavior Disorders

      Santiago-Rodríguez, María; D. Ramer, Jared; Marquez, David; Frazier, Stacy; Davis, Catherine L.; Bustamante, Eduardo; GEORGIA PREVENTION INSTITUTE (2022-04)
      Background: Physical activity (PA) has been identified as a promising intervention to improve executive function (EF) and reduce ADHD symptoms in children. Few African American children with ADHD and Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBDs) from families with low incomes are represented in this literature. The purpose of this study is to test the relationships between PA and sedentary time (ST), and EF and academic skills among African American children with ADHD and DBD from low-income families. Methods: Children (n = 23, 6–13 years old) wore an ActiGraph for one week to measure PA and ST. EF was measured through parent report and direct neuropsychological tests. Academic skills were measured with the Curriculum-Based Measurement System. Bivariate correlations tested relationships between PA, ST, EF, and academic skills. Results: A significant correlation was observed between vigorous PA time and parent reported EF (r = −0.46, p = 0.040). Light PA and moderate PA were not related to EF or academic skills, and neither was ST. Conclusions: Vigorous PA may prove useful as an adjunct treatment to improve EF in African American children with ADHD and DBD in low-income neighborhoods. Research using experimental and longitudinal designs, and examining qualitative features of PA experiences, will be critical for understanding relationships between PA, academic skills, and EF in this population.
    • Systematic review of neural correlates of psychopathy in adolescent offenders

      Dzurny, Tess; Aguiar, Rebecca; Staats, Megan Porter; Vitacco, Michael; Institute of Public and Preventative Health (2022-03-07)
      The present systematic review aims to: 1) assess the extent to which adolescents are the population of interest within neuroimaging research on psychopathy in criminal offenders; 2) assess the extent to which this research has incorporated or included ethnic minority group members and female adolescent offenders; and 3) review the various brain structures and functions identified in neuroimaging findings for adolescent offenders with CU traits.