Honors College
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Item Restricted Understanding the Role of Presidential Approval on Voter Turnout and the Understanding the Patterned Coalition that Exist in Uneducated White Individuals(2024-05-23) Eveleth, William P; Surles, Jackson Fisher; Williamson, Phillip RUnderstanding why individuals vote at the rates they do, along with understanding which parties these voters will ultimately decide to cast their vote for has been a long discussion in political research. This study looks to understand and test whether presidential approval ratings have a direct correlation with increasing voter turnout throughout Presidential Elections. The study has results that provide a direct answer to that proposed correlation. Another question this study seeks to understand is what political ideology white individuals who have not obtained a high school diploma vote for and what leads to that decision. This study uses data from the American National Election Studies that dates to the 1964 Presidential Election that conducts a regression model that allows readers to understand the correlation between white uneducated individuals and which party they ultimately vote for in Presidential Elections.Item Open Access A Review of Parental Bereavement Interventions: Implications for Clinical Practice, Research, and Policy(2024-05-23) Floyd, Abigail Joan; Ramkumar, RheaThe untimely death of a child is an incredibly traumatic experience for parents and their loved ones. It uproots every aspect of their life, leading the bereaved parents to be far more likely to have poorer physical and mental health outcomes. This traumatic form of bereavement should have comprehensive grief-focused, high-quality interventions available for parents and extended family members. The purpose of this rapid review was to explore and describe the bereavement interventions available for parents and family that have been published within the past 5 years. Records identified 123 full-text articles that were reviewed, and 14 of those were included for data extraction and synthesis, using Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group with the addition of keyword searches. The 14 articles were analyzed by evaluating description of bereaved parents, accessibility of interventions, who delivered interventions, and the type and delivery time of interventions. Four types of interventions were identified, including Web-based, community-based, hospital-based, and psychotherapy interventions. This rapid review has implications for clinical practice, research, and health care policy that can increase the availability of support and quality of interventions for bereaved parents and family members.Item Restricted AN EXPLORATION OF INTERCULTURAL NUTRITION THROUGH INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL EXCHANGE(2024-05-02) Briggs, Lauren ElizabethPurpose: This study explored intercultural nutrition guidance to expand the cultural competence of nursing students and nurses caring for refugees from Ukraine. Significance: The impact of the current war on the nutrition of Ukrainian refugees has evoked a humanitarian crisis. Nurses are in the unique position to provide holistic care to all persons yet may not be adequately prepared to care for the nutritional needs of refugees from Ukraine. Refugees may face long-term challenges from nutritional concerns, including micronutrient deficiencies, undernutrition, and lack of culturally acceptable food options. Methodology: This qualitative descriptive study is one part of a mixed methods study, entitled “Intercultural Nursing Care for the Health and Well-being of Ukrainian Refugees” led by ECU Principal Investigator, Dr. Kim Larson. In Spring 2023, an International Virtual Exchange course was conducted with ECU and Polish nursing students from Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland (N=18). Data were generated from five reflection papers from 18 students, totaling 180 single-spaced typed pages. Polish reflection papers were translated by a native Polish speaker into English and confirmed using Deepl translation app. Data were de-identified and given ID numbers. Three research team members read the transcripts multiple times for key words and elements of intercultural nursing care. Data management included a codebook, with code words and definitions: nutrition, diet, overweight, obese, dietary, and food. Analytic matrices facilitated content and thematic analysis. Results: The three themes of intercultural nutrition identified were insufficient resources, inattention to dietary intake, and shared culture. Insufficient resources were represented by food insecurity, finances, and malnutrition. Inattention to dietary intake was represented by lack of nutrition knowledge and connection to overall health by both patients and nurses. Shared culture highlighted how food fulfills a sense of community and familiarity to the Polish diet. Discussion: Multilevel support is needed for long-term food security for refugees, including diet variability and sustainable efforts through community gardens. Public health centers can partner with NGOs to develop nutrition education programs in schools and community centers. Nursing programs should assess whether content addresses nutritional needs of refugees. Community gardens can support shared culture.Item Restricted An Update to Expression and Purification of Cryptochrome IV from Bacterial Cultures(2024-05-01) Burris, AlyssaThe navigational abilities of birds have been observed throughout history, yet the ability of living organisms, including migratory birds, possessing the ability to detect the Earth’s magnetic field has only been largely discussed and researched in the past 60 years. Evidence has supported the conclusion that migratory birds can detect the Earth’s magnetic field, and its direction, but the exact mechanism is yet to be agreed upon by scientists. One of the theories regarding the magnetoreception in avian species that correlates with the detection of the Earth’s magnetic field is The Radical Pair Model involving cryptochrome (CRY) protein and light-dependent photoreduction. In CRY4 (magnetic-sensing cryptochrome), blue light is absorbed by a bound flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) chromophore, generating a radical spin pair (quantum mechanical) between FAD and tryptophan (W).3,4 The Radical Pair Model introduces a dipole moment between the two charged radicals (i.e., magnet) that will be sensitive to the magnetic field. The propagation of the radicals along a W chain is expected to promote a conformational change in the protein to induce signaling. The aim of this research is to further investigate the radical pair mechanism in CRY4 and its work in conjunction to promote the upregulation of photoreduction necessary for migratory birds to sense directional changes in the Earth’s magnetic field. Further, it can help shed light onto how Biology has adapted to use quantum mechanical phenomena for function.Item Restricted Estimating the Spermatogonial Stem Cell Population in Adult Mice Based on Response to Retinoic Acid(2024-05-01) Thomas, MatthewABSTRACT – The developmental program of spermatogenesis is based on a small population of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Possessing the ability to produce daughter cells that either remain as SSCs (=self-renewal) or proliferate before committing to spermatogenesis, SSCs are ultimately responsible for the maintenance of the germline. SSCs are unipotent stem cells, and their progeny are ultimately committed to become sperm. This commitment occurs as proliferating spermatogonia differentiate in response to retinoic acid (RA). When the RA signal is received by spermatogonia, they express a transcription factor termed STRA8. In contrast, SSCs and early undifferentiated spermatogonia express the co-receptor GFRA1. Therefore, SSCs are identified by their expression of GFRA1 but not STRA8. In this study, 12 mice were treated with either vehicle-only (DMSO) or RA, and their testes were harvested 6-12 hours later. Testes sections were then immunostained for a variety of protein markers, including TRA98, STRA8, RARG, and GFRA1. Immunostained sections were imaged, and male germ cells expressing each protein were quantified using an open-source software program called QuPath. Results showed that STRA8 expression increased significantly 12 hours after RA treatment. Additionally, there were large differences between numbers of GFRA1+ spermatogonia. GFRA1+/STRA8- spermatogonia accounted for 0.14%-0.23% of the total germ cell population.. Based on an estimate of 4.6 x 107 TRA98+ germ cells in the adult mouse testis, this would mean between 6.4 x 104 - 1.06 x 105 germ cells were RA-insensitive GFRA1+/STRA8- SSCs.Item Restricted Evaluating Access to Oral Healthcare in Pregnant Patients(2024-05-01) Sheaffer, Lucy Anna GracePregnancy is a critical stage of life that requires additional care and monitoring but is often overlooked in healthcare. Monitoring for a safe and healthy pregnancy begins before conception and ends following birth to facilitate positive outcomes for both the mother and infant. Ob-gyn screening most directly monitors the pregnancy, however oral health and routine dental care is no less important during this time. Lack of access to health care can prevent many women, pregnant or not, from receiving dental care. Oral health plays a crucial role in overall health in the human body. Comprehensive oral care seeks to not only resolve existing issues such as dental cavities, infections, or inflammation (such as gingivitis or periodontitis), but also prevent those same issues from occurring. Dental cavities, infections, and inflammation are all linked to increase risk of systemic diseases (such as cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and stroke). The goal of this study is to identify: 1-the number of pregnant women receiving dental treatment (ECU-SODM clinic) and 2- barriers and facilitators in receiving dental treatment.Item Restricted Micro-Influencer Marketing in the Fashion Industry: The Effectiveness of TikTok Campaigns Among College Females(2024-05-03) Allred, Carson GraceInfluencer marketing alone is a growing field of study that still has many opportunities for research. The rise of micro-influencers, who for the sake of this study have between 50,000 and 200,000 followers, allows for a deeper level of personalized advertising. The fashion industry specifically has utilized this strategy with many micro-influencers advertising clothing to a female audience in their video content via social media sites like Instagram and TikTok. This study investigates the contributing factors to the effectiveness of influencer marketing, when it comes to consumer purchasing decisions. The results will be analyzed to determine any themes or connections between the types of content, perceived level of authenticity, visual background locations, and end purchase results. Data was collected through 133 anonymous surveys completed by female college students to gain their perspectives on their micro-influencer of choice. Implications for micro-influencers will be discussed.Item Restricted Exploring Opportunities for Growth in Mental Health Courts in North Carolina(2024-05-23) Reardon, Tierney C.Background A significant portion of the jail and prison population in the United States (U.S.) is facing mental health challenges. Almost 25% of incarcerated individuals are diagnosed with a serious mental illness, while up to 50% are subject to some mental health challenges. While incarcerated, mentally ill justice-involved individuals often lack mental health care, and once released, may have difficulty accessing health services. These health disparities place mentally ill justice-involved individuals at risk for poor symptom management and re-offending. The North Carolina (NC) mental health courts are a diversionary measure that strives to reduce the risks of re-offending and poor symptom management. The over representation of justice-involved individuals with a mental illness suggests a lack of training being given to attorneys about signs and symptoms of mental illness and diversionary resources. Resources, such as mental health courts, are reliant on attorney referrals. It would, therefore, seem beneficial for attorneys to have a baseline knowledge of mental illness as manifested in their clients. The eight mental health courts in North Carolina work to create supportive court room environments for those with mental health concerns. The courts function as both pre-adjudication and post-adjudication courts and offer additional resources and support for participants including support for housing, referrals to specialized mental health treatments, and substance use recovery services. The purpose of this study is to explore the steps that can be taken to improve the reach of mental health courts in North Carolina. Methods A secondary qualitative data analysis of open-ended responses to survey questions and interview transcripts was conducted. Participants were members of the State Bar and mental health court teams in six NC counties. Structural coding and thematic analysis were used. Conclusion Preliminary findings indicate that knowledge of mental health signs and symptoms and awareness of the referral process for mental health courts is low. Increased knowledge about mental illness and diversionary resources among members of the Bar is needed. An application to the NC State Bar will be submitted advocating for approval of Mental Health First Aid Training as a Continuing Legal Education credit for NC attorneys in conjunction with education about mental health courts.Item Restricted Characteristics of Magnetic Nanoformulations and their Properties to treat Cancer via Magneto-mechanical Actuation(2024-05-23) Abhulimen, Oisediamehi FRenowned as the most lethal disease of world history, cancer continues to take the lives of millions of people across the globe. In the U.S. alone, it is estimated that about 1,000 patients die every day from cancer. Scientists have primarily used treatments such as chemotherapy and ionizing radiation to treat cancer. Although these treatments hold the disease at bay, they have side effects that are detrimental to patient quality of life. Therefore, there is a strong need for a new, less detrimental cancer treatment. We propose a novel treatment in which nitrodopamine polyethylene glycol coated cubic iron oxide nanoparticles (ND-PEG CIONPs) are absorbed by cells and actuated by alternating magnetic fields (AMF), which can translate magnetic forces into mechanical agitation via magneto mechanical actuation (MMA). In this treatment, ND-PEG CIONPs will first be tested for stability and diffusion in water and cell culture media using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Once stable, they will be incubated with human adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells followed by cellular uptake studies. The particle-containing cells will be treated with AMF at initial conditions of 100 mT pulse, 65 Hz frequency, for 30min (5 min on/off intervals). Cell viability studies will then be performed after magnetic treatment via CCK-8 and PrestoBlue reagent assays to determine the optimal concentration of ND-PEG CIONP and incubation time to maximize cell killing rates. Magnetic fields parameters will be adjusted to optimize this response. MMA is anticipated to cause shear stress on the cytoskeleton of MCF-7 cells and induce apoptotic cell death. This approach represents a step further to advance the field of cancer therapeutics utilizing modern-day technology and serves as a less harmful alternative to current cancer treatments.Item Open Access Pressure Injuries in Older Adult ICU Patients: Hemodialysis(2024-05-23) Stafford, BrileyIntensive care unit (ICU) patients are at an increased risk of developing hospital acquired pressure injuries (HAPrI) due to various factors. Immobility, severity of illness, and various medical interventions place these patients at higher risk for developing a HAPrI. Patients in the ICU undergoing hemodialysis are at an increased risk of developing a HAPrI due to the severity of their illness and the toll hemodialysis takes on an individual’s body. This study examined the characteristics of patients ≥60 years who received hemodialysis and developed a HAPrI during their ICU admission. A retrospective study of hemodialysis patients (N=457) was conducted using data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) database. Variables included in this study are age, length of hospital stay, minimum hemoglobin, minimum albumin, Braden total and subscale scores upon ICU admission. Bivariate statistical analysis was used to identify statistically significant variables that characterized hemodialysis patients who developed a HAPrI. Eighty-six (19%) ICU patients developed a HAPrI. Occurrence of HAPrIs among hemodialysis patients was influenced by length of hospital stay, minimum albumin, minimum hemoglobin, total Braden score, and some Braden subscale scores: activity, mobility, sensory perception, and moisture. Understanding these factors can guide healthcare professionals in creating effective preventive measures for HAPrIs in the ICU.Item Embargo An Exploratory Study using Low-cost Drone Imagery to Analyze Post Disaster Recovery(2024-04-17) McKay, Brady WinstonGlobally collected data supports the documented increasing trend of severity and frequency of natural disasters. This study investigates using drone imagery as a potentially effective method for visual damage evaluation. The study begins with a literature review of current disaster evaluation techniques and disaster appropriation and then proposes metrics that leverage a drone-based methodology. This proposed method uses drone images analyzed over six months from damaged areas in Nashville, Tennessee after an EF-3 Tornado went through the area in 2020. These locations, East Nashville and Mt. Juliet are located in separate counties, with differing acreage areas, population size, and median income. The study uses manually quantified metrics of blue roofs, unrepaired/under-construction, and debris piles to track the recovery. These quantified results are compiled into three tables incorporating previously collected government stakeholder opinion to assess metric potential. The quantified metrics are assessed as potential recovery metrics, specifically blue roofs, and a discussion commences regarding a potential contribution to equitable disaster assistance.Item Open Access Investigation of Time of Day Effects on Knee Joint Loading in People with Knee Osteoarthritis(2024-05-23) Morgan, Daniel JamesOsteoarthritis (OA) is a disease that affects millions across the United States. Since it is not presently curable, pain management is key for people with OA. People with knee OA should still exercise regularly to delay the progression of OA and preserve overall joint health. It is unclear from the literature if time of day affects knee joint contact forces in individuals with knee OA and how that would affect daily movement patterns. The topic of diurnal rhythms is very prevalent in sports and exercise medicine research; however, there have been no studies to find how joint contact forces vary in people with OA over the course of a day. This study's purpose is to determine the effect of time of day on knee joint contact forces in people with knee joint OA so we can help determine the optimal time for an exercise regimen based on joint loading.Item Open Access KINETIC STUDIES OF SOLVENT EFFECTS ON THE REGULATION OF HUMAN EPITHELIAL 15-LIPOXYGENASE-2 (15-LOX-2)(2024-05-23) Patel, SohamLipoxygenases (LOXs) are non-heme, iron containing enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, resulting in the formation of potent bioactive cell signaling molecules.15-Lipoxygenase-2 (15-LOX-2), one of six human lipoxygenase enzymes, plays an important role in homeostasis and is implicated in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, a contributor to cardiovascular disease. 15-LOX-2 is structurally solved and has well characterized kinetic isotope effects reported for its natural substrate, arachidonic acid (AA), which revealed the initial hydrogen transfer as rate-limiting for the reaction. Accumulating evidence has suggested that conformational fluctuations of a protein may mediate hydrogen transfer processes. Conformational motions can be influenced by solvent effects. Viscogens, such as trehalose and glucose, along with pH and temperature changes can be used to test solvent effects on the conformational fluctuations of a protein. The kinetic and structural studies of the 15-LOX-2 reaction with AA indicate that the reaction is inhibited in a concentration dependent manner by the viscogens trehalose and glucose. The kinetic investigations conducted provide insight into the roles of solvent layers in LOX-catalyzed reactions and act as a bridge for future investigations on the impact of large-scale conformational changes on 15-LOX-2 membrane binding interactions.Item Open Access MADCAM-1 and TNF-α Expression Reduced in GPR4 Knockout Mice Given Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy(2024-05-01) Boldt, Lucas WeeksImmunotherapy medications have become very common in the field of oncology as an effective treatment against many forms of cancer. Patients who begin immunotherapy sometimes develop immune adverse-related events (irAEs), such as colitis or inflammation of the colon, forcing them to pause treatment temporarily or indefinitely. The occurrence of inflammation has been linked to pH-sensing G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), specifically GPR4, which acts as a pro-inflammatory receptor expressed mainly in vascular endothelial cells and blood vessel-rich tissues. Inflammatory cytokine TNF- is commonly upregulated in inflamed tissues containing the GPR4 receptor. Mucosal adhesion cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) is also upregulated during inflammatory responses and is only expressed in mucosal or sub-mucosal regions of the colon, making the molecule a desirable target for preventing colitis. MAdCAM-1 interacts with leukocyte integrins on the cell's surface to direct leukocyte infiltration, further exacerbating inflammation. It was hypothesized that the lack of GPR4 could downregulate inflammatory cytokine TNF- and endothelial cell adhesion molecule MAdCAM-1 expression in inflamed tissues, leading to a decrease in the severity of immunotherapy-mediated colitis. Our results show that mice who contain the GPR4 receptor and were given an immune-checkpoint immunotherapy medication had increased TNF- and MAdCAM-1 expression compared to GPR4 knock-out and immunotherapy control groups. In the absence of GPR4, the severity of colitis was significantly reduced, as well as the levels of TNF-- and MAdCAM-1 expression. Conclusions from this research could be used in developing antagonists specifically targeting the GPR4 receptor as a possible approach to lessen the severity of colitis.Item Open Access THE IMPACT OF CHILDHOOD SOCIAL SUPPORT AND ENVIRONMENTAL UNPREDICTABILITY ON ATTACHMENT STYLES(2024-05-01) Harris, Nevaeh RThis study explores the relationship between perceived childhood social support (pCSS) and unpredictability in childhood environments (i.e., household/school instability) with adult attachment styles among 135 volunteer participants from Introductory Psychology classes at East Carolina University (ECU). Utilizing a confidential online survey, we measured various aspects of participants' childhood experiences, attachment styles, and demographic information, employing established psychological scales. We hypothesize that higher levels of pCSS are positively associated with secure attachment styles in early adulthood. Regression analyses generated by working with ChatGPT 4.0 will be conducted to examine these relationships. The findings, and their implications for psychological interventions targeting attachment-related issues, will be discussed.Item Open Access Effect of Drop Jumping and Knee Extension on Femoral Cartilage Thickness(2024-05-01) Goodwin, WillPost Traumatic Osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a form of osteoarthritis that occurs after injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) from high force impact. Individuals who land with higher knee extension at initial contact, which is known to increase risk for ACL injury, would have force of impact pass directly through the femoral cartilage, possibly increasing cartilage deformation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of knee extension angle during initial impact on changes in femoral cartilage thickness. 20 females and 10 males who were healthy and recreationally active, had ultrasound images of their knee taken before, in between and after completing two sets of ten drop jumps from a height of 30 cm. The jumps were filmed, and the three most representative jumps were analyzed in Kinovea to determine the extent of knee extension at initial contact. Only five subjects were found to land with high knee extension at initial contact and no statistically significant changes in cartilage thickness were found after loading the femoral cartilage. The study appears to be statistically underpowered due to the low sample size and a larger sample size with appropriate statistical power will either confirm or refute the findings of this study. If future findings go to support the hypothesis that higher levels of knee extension cause higher levels of FCT deformation, then this could be a first step in helping treat PTOA.Item Open Access The Individual Village: Exploring Stylization Through 3D Modeling(2024-04-17) Whoolery, HayleyMany have heard the quote, “life imitates art.” Through my work, I aim to expound on the lesser-known pattern in which art imitates life. In my presentation, I have captured unique individual lifestyles and encompassed them into one unified piece. Using animation, I have brought to attention the idea that everyone has a creative style, showing that we are all living, breathing beings. I am not limiting a resident to the pattern of the environment that they are placed in, instead they are free to express themselves inside their homes however they like, in the context of my project. This idea is presented through computer animation and three-dimensional modeling, in which I have created an aesthetic village that shows my line of thinking. The village is made up of small, copy-and-paste houses and exterior decorations that are uniform in their looks. I have pushed the viewpoint that each house is the same; that on the outside, there are no differences. For the second part of my presentation, I have revealed the interior of a few of these houses. Each interior is vastly different from the next and contains color palettes and themes that show their uniqueness. I aimed to push the idea of individuality as much as possible, exaggerating the differences between the houses to better show the differences from person to person. I have presented the final creation as a video that walks through three of these houses.Item Open Access Sunday Afternoons(2024-05-01) Ward, Margaret sIn the beginning of my undergraduate career, I was exposed to several modern artists who had strong voices in their artworks. These artists created large works of art with cohesive themes tackling issues in society while also incorporating deep symbolisms. When compared to my own artwork, my artwork felt flat that did not have clear themes in it. In the past my artwork was based on assignment criteria. I struggled with finding inspiration from my life to add meaning to my artwork. In my last year I had a project based on identity and a person’s background. I was inspired to create a painting showing the process of baking my mom’s chocolate pie recipe. The painting was focused on portraying movement while baking a pie and connecting my memories from baking with my mom. I realized that my work did not have to portray societal issues. I have been inspired by artists such as Will Yu who uses movement to highlight normally ordinary actions. I am inspired to portray a normally mundane task like baking alongside my family members. This body of work is inspired by various forms of baking memories. I’m painting a series of portraits of the women in my family and scenes of baking family recipes with these women. My work is inspired by the connection between these women and with their own mothers. I created these paintings to encapsulate the movement of baking along with the connection between me and these women. The multiples of arms, hands, and heads are meant to show the long process of baking. These are inspired by my memories of Sunday Afternoons spent baking with my mother and grandmother. These paintings look back onto precious memories of moments with these women. They celebrate the connection between these women and their mothers through baking recipes. Which have been passed down through the generations. The medium and materials are acrylics and oils on canvas, but the technique is incorporating movement in the act of baking. The paintings represent the closeness of my family when we bake together while also connecting both sides of my family. I also painted portraits of me, my mother, and grandmother separately to show the women as individuals who are tied together in the act of baking. The paintings will alternate between one horizontal scene of baking placed next to a vertical portrait of a woman in the scene.Item Restricted Combating bacterial biofilms: Functional characterization of the Vibrio fischeri biofilm regulatory protein SypE(East Carolina University, 2023-12-15) Abhulimen, Ehime NoahAntibiotic resistance represents a notable and increasing threat to healthcare and its economics. Biofilms are directly associated with bacterial tolerance to antibiotics. These biofilms are tightly regulated communities of matrix-associated bacteria and are a major component of bacterial pathogenesis including drug tolerance. Approximately 80% of chronic and recurrent microbial infections within the human body are due to bacterial biofilms (Sharma et al., 2019). This makes it imperative to understand how biofilms are made. In this proposal, I begin to reveal the molecular mechanism of an unusual regulatory protein essential for controlling biofilm formation, SypE, from the model organism Vibrio fischeri. SypE regulates the synthesis of a component of the biofilm matrix necessary for host infection. Based on previous findings, SypE has atypical functions compared to well characterized homologs. My fundamental hypothesis is that understanding the function and mechanism of SypE can be used to control the production of the biofilm matrix. My hypothesis will be addressed through two specific aims: 1) probing the SypE’s function using biochemical and structural characterization studies, and 2) modeling the structure of SypE through artificial intelligence methodologies. The performed research is innovative because it focuses on a system that is crucial for biofilm formation and serves as a pioneer for an investigation that has only been previously explored using cellular and genetic approaches. SypE also resides in a critical and conserved signaling pathway that regulates host-relevant biofilms. Ultimately, the structure-function approach presented here will provide information to fill our knowledge gaps and answer key questions related to the molecular mechanisms of SypE. Learning how proteins like SypE function will ultimately allow us to develop ways to combat biofilm induced antimicrobial tolerance and reduce bacterial infections in hospital patients, medical devices, and healthcare workers.Item Restricted Influence of Exercise Types during Pregnancy on Maternal Cardiometabolic Profiles(East Carolina University, 2023-12-15) Biancofiore, Grace NicolePregnant women can follow exercise recommendations posted by the American College of Sports Medicine for the general population. Various studies demonstrate that exercise during pregnancy is safe for the pregnant woman and the fetus and can have positive effects on maternal cardiometabolic health. For example, maternal exercise during pregnancy is known to lower SBP, moderate weight gain, and lower total cholesterol levels during pregnancy. While current research explores exercise effects on various cardiometabolic factors, there is a gap in knowledge when comparing specific exercise types and when comparing effects between healthy and overweight/obese populations. Based on current research it is expected that combination exercise with both aerobic and resistance training will decrease GWG, blood lipids, and body fat percentage, while increasing HDL cholesterol. To address this gap in knowledge, healthy, singleton pregnancy women between 13-16 weeks gestation were recruited and placed in one of four exercise intervention groups: aerobic, resistance, combination, and attention-control. With a significance level of p<0.05, ANOVA tests were conducted to determine significant differences between groups. All participants were analyzed before and after controlling for attendance, and then participants were analyzed based on their pre-pregnancy BMI. Major findings included that exercise is beneficial for SBP, LDL, and triglyceride levels, and the overall CMR decreased for each exercise group as compared to the control. However, when analyzed based on their pre-pregnancy classifications, CMR decreased for women with a healthy pre-pregnancy, but CMR increased for women who were overweight/obese pre-pregnancy, except for those in the resistance group. Further study is thus needed to evaluate this change in CMR across pregnancies in a large, diverse population.