Melissa Dennis

Mrs. Melissa Dennis

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

13Years (2014-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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27 February 2026 in Diseases
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
PEPrecious Patrick Edet
Precious Patrick Edet
Amal K. MitraAmal K. Mitra
Amal K. Mitra
MDMelissa Dennis
Melissa Dennis
MZMd S. Zaman
Md S. Zaman
Background: Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants from plastic degradation, leading to human exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. While emerging evidence suggests potential health effects, comprehensive human-specific data remain limited. Objective: To systematically review evidence on MNP exposure and health impacts across human organ systems. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched Embase, Environment Complete, MEDLINE, and Scopus for peer-reviewed English-language studies published between 2020 and 2025 that reported MNP exposure in adult human populations and addressed at least one organ system. Thirty studies met inclusion criteria, and all clinical studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) Results: Clinical studies consistently detected MNPs in human blood, thrombi, feces, and respiratory and reproductive tissues. Higher MNP burdens correlated with increased disease severity across cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and reproductive systems. In vitro studies using human-derived cell lines demonstrated that MNPs penetrate cells and disrupt cellular processes, inducing oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Toxic effects were size-, polymer-, and concentration-dependent, with smaller particles exhibiting greater cellular uptake and toxicity. Conclusions: Human MNP exposure is widespread and associated with adverse biological effects across multiple organ systems. Further interdisciplinary research is needed to establish causal relationships and inform risk assessment and regulatory frameworks for plastic-associated contaminants. Other: This research received no external funding. The research protocol was registered with PROSPERO (Registration ID number CRD420261284559).

2 April 2015 in The Southeastern Librarian
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MDMelissa Dennis
Melissa Dennis
ADAshely S. Dees
Ashely S. Dees
Instruction librarians sometimes face challenges in planning and implementing successful one-shot sessions for students. Librarians understand the strain of assessing student learning for the university as well as the desire to teach every student important information literacy skills. The difficulties are managing limited time, uncontrollable space, faculty collaboration, and student motivation in order to develop and achieve class goals. There are a variety of factors that can lead to student boredom or frustration with the library. Library layout can lead to a potentially frustrating first impression with students because of their unfamiliarity with the physical space, library classification system, and the extensive online system. Therefore, a simple task of finding a book can be overwhelming for first-year students acclimating to a multi-million volume research library.

1 May 2017 in The Southeastern Librarian
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
PBPerry Bratcher
Perry Bratcher
SESeln Editor
Seln Editor
TGTyler Goldberg
Tyler Goldberg
ASAnnabel Stephens
Annabel Stephens
CMCamille Mccutcheon
Camille Mccutcheon
DMDeborah Musser
Deborah Musser
Listing of editorial board for The Southeastern Librarian and current SELA state representatives.

1 November 2016 in The Southeastern Librarian
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
PBPerry Bratcher
Perry Bratcher
SESeln Editor
Seln Editor
TGTyler Goldberg
Tyler Goldberg
ASAnnabel Stephens
Annabel Stephens
CMCamille Mccutcheon
Camille Mccutcheon
DMDeborah Musser
Deborah Musser
Listing of editorial board for The Southeastern Librarian and current SELA state representatives.

1 May 2023 in The Southeastern Librarian
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CSChris Shaffer
Chris Shaffer
JMJ Myrick
J Myrick
NRNancy Richey
Nancy Richey
DPDeborah Prosser
Deborah Prosser
SMSarah Mangrum
Sarah Mangrum
GBGordon Baker
Gordon Baker
Current SELA officers and representatives.

1 January 2016 in The Southeastern Librarian
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
PBPerry Bratcher
Perry Bratcher
SESeln Editor
Seln Editor
TGTyler Goldberg
Tyler Goldberg
ASAnnabel Stephens
Annabel Stephens
CMCamille Mccutcheon
Camille Mccutcheon
DMDeborah Musser
Deborah Musser
Listing of editorial board for The Southeastern Librarian and current SELA state representatives.