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Antibiotics That Inhibit 30s Or 50s Ribosomal Subunit Formation: Hygromycin B, Quinupristin-Dalfopristin And Xrp 2868., Susan Mabe Mcgaha

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Several antibiotics that prevent translation by binding to ribosomal subunits have been shown to also inhibit ribosomal subunit assembly (Champney and Tober 2003). The aminoglycoside hygromycin B was examined in Escherichia coli cells for inhibitory effects on translation and ribosomal subunit assembly. The streptogramin antibiotics quinupristin-dalfopristin and XRP 2868 (NXL 103) were examined for similar effects on these 2 cellular functions in antibiotic-resistant strains of Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Pulse chase experiments were performed which verified slower rates of ribosomal subunit formation in drug treated cells. Hygromycin B exhibited a concentration dependent inhibitory effect …

Light Image Therapy In The Health Care Environment., Anna Rae Dutro

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Use of positive distraction in the built healthcare environment to assist in alleviating stress in a patient was investigated. A backlit light image was mounted in the ceiling of an examination room to create a positive distraction for patients in the ETSU Pediatric Clinic in Johnson City, TN. Survey instruments were used to collect sample data from patients and physicians in a randomized, balanced controlled study designed to determine if patients experienced less stress in the room with the backlit image as compared to other rooms (treatments). Although a statistical difference was not determined between the room with the backlit …

A Study Of Clinical Outcomes Using Serum Albumin And Percentage Of Weight Loss Following Nutritional Intervention In Post-Operative Bariatric Patients., Jennifer Michelle Angus

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if post-operative serum albumin and percentage of weight loss improved in patients who received formalized pre-operative nutrition counseling. Nutrition intervention was measured quantitatively. A retrospective review of records was conducted on 77 RYGB patients (68 female subjects and 9 male subjects), ages 21-64, during January 2001 through January 2006.

The results indicated that patients who received pre-operative nutrition intervention had better clinical outcomes of serum albumin than those with no nutrition intervention from a registered dietitian. However, outcomes regarding percentage of weight loss varied. Both pre-operatively and at the 3 month post-operative …

Localization Of A Microsporidia Adam (A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease Domain) Protein And Identification Of Potential Binding Partners., Carrie E. Jolly

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Microsporidia are spore-forming, obligate intracellular pathogens typically associated with opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals. Treatment options for microsporidia infections in humans are limited and additional research is necessary to create better therapeutic agents. For many pathogenic organisms, adhesion to the host cell surface is a prerequisite for tissue colonization and invasion. Our previous research has demonstrated a direct relationship between adherence of microsporidia spores to the surface of host cells and infectivity in vitro. In an effort to better understand adherence, we have turned our attention to determining what proteins may be involved in this process. Examination of the …

Bridging The Gap With Old Order Amish: A Cultural Brokering Model Based On Culture Care Theory, Sharon M. Mcgill

Theses and Graduate Projects

The Old Order Amish people have chosen to live a humble lifestyle consistent with their cultural beliefs and values. This lifestyle guides the Amish people in utilizing home based care (generic care) for their everyday health need.s and professional care (Western medical- care) to meet their needs during a health crisis. In fact many Old Order Amish seek professional care as the last resort. The purpose of this protect is to develop a model of advanced transcultural nursing practice that bridges the gaps between the Old Order Amish generic care practices and Western professional health care practices - This model …

A Comparison Of An Individually Tailored And A Standardized Asthma Self-Management Education Program, Judy Ann Shackelford

Dissertations

Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the United States (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2003). According to the CDC (2003), prevalence of asthma continues to rise in epidemic proportions and is very costly. While asthma cannot be prevented or cured, it can be controlled to improve quality of life. Self-management is key to controlling asthma (CDC, 2003; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [NHLBI], 2002). State of the science for asthma self-management establishes that health care costs decrease for self-management intervention groups (Lindberg et al, 2002; Thoonen et al, 2003). Education is essential to support asthma …

Missouri Ozark Women's Experiences Of Living With Postpartum Depression Symptoms, Nathalie B. Williams

Dissertations

Depression is a serious complication of the postpartum period that affects not only women but their children and families as well. Rural women are of particular concern because of the significant barriers to health care that they experience as a result of isolation, poverty, traditional beliefs, and a lack of accessible and adequate health related services. A review of the literature to identify evidence based nursing interventions that focused on primary and secondary prevention of postpartum depression revealed few interventions and there were no studies identified that targeted or even included women living in rural areas of the United States. …

Leadership Competencies In Today's Complex Healthcare Environment, Judy Moseley

Theses and Graduate Projects

The increasingly diverse, multicultural population in the United States is offering significant challenges to nurses to provide culturally competent care. If the provision of the best possible care for all patients is the goal, nurse leaders must have the expertise and skill to lead staff through the complex problems of organizations. Nurses must possess the ability to generate solutions consistent with the organization's mission and with sensitivity to the needs of a diverse patient population. Through the interconnected processes of teaching and practice, an innovative Master of Arts in Nursing program that emphasizes transcultural nursing practice experience for leaders was …

Perceptions Of Dyspnea, Physical Activity, And Functional Status In Obese Women, Donna Althea Jewell

Dissertations

PURPOSE: King's Theory of Goal Attainment guided this study exploring the physical sensation of dyspnea that obese women feel and how it affects their functioning. BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE: Obesity prevalence has doubled since 1980. Current research is investigating how to reduce prevalence and examining obesity's impact on the respiratory system. Little research was found that investigated the impact obesity has on routine activities because of dyspena and function and whether physical activity has a mitigating effect. METHODS: A comparative descriptive research design was used. A survey of dyspnea felt during routine activities was created; IRB approval to survey community-dwelling women …

Characterization Of The Anti-Angiogenic Properties Of Kdr-Ig4-7 And Its Variants As Potential Anti-Cancer Therapeutics, Jang Pyo Park

All Dissertations

Beginning with the development of an embryo and throughout one's adult life angiogenesis plays an essential role for organ growth and repair. The balancing of pro-angiogenic factors to anti-angiogenic factors is what regulates the process of angiogenesis. When this balance is disrupted in one direction or the other, numerous disorders can occur including ocular and inflammatory diseases and, in particular, tumor growth and metastasis. Therefore, inhibition of angiogenesis has become an effective therapy for arresting the growth of tumors.
A key regulator of angiogenesis involves vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor, VEGFR-2 (KDR). The binding of VEGF to …

Evaluation Of Human Prolactin, Its Antagonist, And Antagonist-Based Fusion Proteins As Chemopreventative And Therapeutic Agents, Seth Tomblyn

All Dissertations

Cancer is a collection of diseases with many different manifestations and is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Breast cancer accounts for nearly one third of cancer diagnosis in women. Prolactin (PRL) functions as a lactogen and as a mammary gland differentiation factor. PRL acts in an autocrine/paracrine manner within the mammary gland and in breast tumors which implies PRL may be involved in breast cancer progression. This is corroborated by the PRLR over-expression in breast cancer cells lines and the majority of patient biopsies. These reasons make PRL and PRLR attractive targets for breast cancer …

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Policy In The U.S., Jennifer C. Jarrell

Public Health Theses

HPV vaccine school entry mandates and vaccine funding by state was examined using the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory. The DOI was applied to HPV immunization policy to evaluate the rate of vaccine adoption and to determine whether associations existed between an empirical need for vaccine adoption and action by the states. State-level data on political characteristics, health and policy were collected from several secondary sources. Data analyses were performed utilizing SPSS logistic regression models. Odds rations were used to evaluate the associations between the independent and dependent variables to determine whether there was a statistical significance level of .05. …

Adolescent Knowledge, Attitudes, And Beliefs Toward Vaccination, Richard Brendan Noggle

Public Health Theses

Vaccination, one of public health’s greatest disease prevention tools, is broadening to focus on adolescents. Now that there are more vaccines targeted specifically for adolescents, it is time to give more focus to vaccine delivery in this population. This research will increase the knowledge base to support informed changes in adolescent vaccine delivery by identifying knowledge and attitudes of adolescents toward vaccination within the context of barriers and solutions. Perceived susceptibility to disease, benefits and barriers to vaccination and other constructs were collected through a survey to 1368 high school students. In this population, a scheduled adolescent healthcare visit is …

The Long-Term Teratogenic Effect Of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure On The Somatosensory And Motor Cortex Of Rats, Tyson Chappell

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The primary goal of this dissertation was to examine the long-term effect of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on the primary somatosensory (SI) and primary motor cortex (MI). For over 30 years, PAE has been shown to produce a triad of symptoms (growth deficits, craniofacial dysmorphologies and central nervous system disruptions) diagnosed as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in children and adults. Since low to moderate levels of prenatal alcohol exposure are less likely to produce FAS symptoms in children, the term “PAE” in this dissertation typically refers to heavy/abusive/chronic levels of prenatal alcohol exposure (in humans this equates to 5+ drinks/per …

The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator: Regulation By Hsp-90, Kevin Marrs

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The hypothesis of this project is that a functionally relevant association exists between CFTR and Hsp90. In testing this hypothesis, (a) the association of CFTR and Hsp90 is confirmed via crosslinking and immunoprecipitation of CFTR from stably transfected HEK-293 cells, electrophoretic separation of cross-linked proteins, and protein identification via SDS-PAGE, western blotting, and mass spectrometry. Also, this hypothesis is tested by (b) functionally assessing the effect of Hsp90 on CFTR function via Ussing chamber analysis, two-electrode voltage clamp analysis, preliminary in vivoanimal studies, and protein phosphorylation. The HEK-293 Flag-CFTR cells used in this study allows for a high degree …

Theoretical And Experimental Evaluation Of Spatial Resolution In A Variable Resolution X-Ray Computed Tomography Scanner, Roman Melnyk

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

A variable resolution x-ray (VRX) computed tomography (CT) scanner can image objects of various sizes with greatly improved spatial resolution. The scanner employs an angulated discrete detector and achieves the resolution boost by matching the detector angulation to the scanner field of view (FOV) determined by the size of an object being imaged. A comprehensive evaluation of spatial resolution in an experimental version of the VRX CT scanner is presented in this dissertation. Two components of this resolution were evaluated – the pre-reconstruction spatial resolution, described by the detector presampling modulation transfer function (MTF), and the post-reconstruction spatial resolution, given …

Feline Lentivirus: Molecular Analysis And Epidemiology In Southern African Lions, Hayley Rebecca Adams

Doctoral Dissertations

Feline immunodeficiency virus is a retrovirus of domestic cats causing significant lifelong infection. Infection has also been detected in nondomestic species, including African lions. It is endemic in certain populations in east and southern Africa. Infection leads to immunologic dysfunction and immunosuppressive disease in domestic cats; however, little research exists about the pathogenic effects of infection in lions and its epidemiological impact on free-ranging and captive populations. Little is known about the lentivirus in these populations at the molecular and host level. Analysis of the virus from these populations is necessary for development of detection assays that are both sensitive …

Justification Mechanisms In The Conditional Reasoning Test For Aggression And Their Relation To Defense Mechanisms, Cheryl Delaine Barksdale

Doctoral Dissertations

The Conditional Reasoning Test for Aggression (CRT-A; James, 1998; James & McIntyre, 2000) is an inductive reasoning test designed to assess the extent to which individuals use implicit reasoning biases – known as justification mechanisms (JMs) – to justify engaging in behavioral aggression. James and colleagues (James, 1998; James & Mazerolle, 2002; James et al., 2005) have consistently described the CRT-A as an indirect measure of these implicit cognitions, or JMs, but they recently reframed their discussion of the test to emphasize its theoretical grounding in the concept of defense mechanisms (A. Freud, 1936/1966). In particular, they indicated that the …

Nursing In Hell: The Experience Of Providing Care During And After Hurricane Katrina, Marti L. Jordan-Welch

Doctoral Dissertations

Hurricane Katrina, a Category Four hurricane, made landfall on August 29, 2005, along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and Louisiana. The strength and the extent of winds resulted in the worst destruction and the largest storm surge in the history of the United States. Within hours after the hurricane hit, the earthen levees in New Orleans were breached and 80% of the city became submerged in up to 20 feet of water. Health care workers and patients were stranded in hospitals, where they experienced extreme environmental conditions. The death toll was reported at, 1836 persons, and the damage was estimated …

The Influence Of Level Of Training And Gender On Counseling Outcome In A University Counseling Center, Scott Andrew Sokoloski

Doctoral Dissertations

This study examined the effects of counselor level of training and gender on counseling outcome in a university counseling center environment. Data was collected from an archival database of approximately 4500 clients seen over a six-and-a-half year time period at a mid-sized Southeastern university counseling center. The Outcome Questionnaire 45.2 was used to measure client outcome, which consists of 45-items scored on a five-point Likert scale. The OQ produces three subscale scores (Symptom Distress, Interpersonal Relations, and Social Role) and a Total Score. The Social Role subscale was found to have low reliability in this study, and was omitted from …

Tetraspanin Kai1/Cd82 Inhibits Cell Migration-Related Cellular Events Via Reorganizing Actin Network, Wei Liu

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

To determine how tetraspanin KAI1/CD82, a tumor metastasis suppressor, inhibits cell migration, we assessed which motility-related cellular events are altered by KAI1/CD82 and how KAI1/CD82 regulates these events. We found that KAI1/CD82-overexpressing cancer cells exhibit various morphologies but typically display elongated cellular extensions and a lack of lamellipodia. Live imaging demonstrated that the formation of lamellipodia and retraction of extensions were deficient upon KAI1/CD82 overexpression.

The deficiency in developing motility-related cellular events was accompanied by defects in actin cortical network and stress fiber formations. Notably, actin polymerization was attenuated by KAI1/CD82. Although Rac1 activity was diminished upon KAI1/CD82 expression, Rac1 …

Humanized Chimeric Receptors In The Therapy Of Multiple Sclerosis, Ioana Moisini

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The role of autoreactive, antigen-specific T-cells in the development of autoimmunity has long been documented. T-cells expressing chimeric receptors are specifically redirected against such cells and have been proven to suppress autoimmune encephalomyelitis, the murine model of multiple sclerosis. We here demonstrate the ability of humanized chimeric receptors to suppress experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in a humanized mouse model by redirecting T lymphocytes against autoreactive T-cells. The receptors were synthesized by linking the 84-102 epitope of human myelin basic protein (MBP) to the extracellular and transmembrane domains of the beta chain of human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecule …

Uncovering P53 Mutations And Abnormal Gene Expression In Pediatric Adrenocortical Cancer, Alina Nico West

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Pediatric adrenocortical cancer is extremely rare and often fatal (approximately 0.3-0.4 cases per million worldwide; 50% 5-year survival). The incidence of pediatric adrenocortical cancer in southern Brazil is 10-15 times higher than the worldwide incidence. Due to the rarity of adrenocortical cancer, especially in children, underlying gene dysregulation and mechanisms of tumorigenesis of the adrenal gland are very poorly described in the literature. However, it is well-known that the tumor suppressor p53, which is mutated in over 50% of all human cancers, is commonly mutated in pediatric adrenocortical cancer. In addition, evidence strongly suggests that if a child has adrenocortical …

Enzyme Architecture And Flexibility Affect Dna Topoisomerase I Function, Mariè Van Der Merwe

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

DNA topoisomerase I (Top1) is a highly conserved enzyme composed of four domains: a positively charged N-terminus; a DNA binding/core domain that circumscribes duplex DNA; a non-conserved linker domain; and a C-terminal/catalytic domain. Top1 catalyzes changes in DNA topology by transient cleavage of a single DNA strand and the concomitant formation of a phosphotyrosyl linkage between the enzyme and the 3’ DNA end. This covalent Top1-DNA complex is the binding site for camptothecin (CPT), which selectively inhibits religation of the cleaved DNA strand. CPT binding stabilizes the covalent complex, while the collision of replication forks with CPT-Top1-DNA adducts produces DNA …

Role Of Medial Prefrontal Cortical Group Ii Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor In The Development Of Cocaine Sensitization, Xiaohu Xie

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The current studies examined the role of medial prefrontal cortical (mPFC) group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR_2/3) in the development of cocaine sensitization. Initial studies demonstrated that intra-mPFC injection of the mGluR_2/3 receptor agonist, APDC, dose-dependently reduced acute behavioral response to cocaine (0.015-15 nmol/side with significant effects starting at 1.5nmol/side). The effects of APDC were prevented by intra-mPFC co-injections of an mGluR_2/3 antagonist, LY341495 (1.5 nmol/side). Repeated intra-mPFC APDC (1.5 nmol/side) injections also prevented the initiation of behavioral and neurochemical sensitization, which is defined as enhanced nucleus accumbens (NAc) dopamine response to cocaine. Once sensitization was …

Development And Evaluation Of Brain Tumor Targeted Liposome Delivery System For Paclitaxel, Murali Krishna Divi

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Primary brain tumors are a relatively common cause of cancer-related deaths. High-grade gliomas are the most common type of primary brain cancer, and the affected patients have a median survival of less than 1 year. Almost all malignant gliomas are incurable with the present standards of healthcare. Currently accepted therapeutic adjuvants to surgery, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, provide only a minor improvement in the disease course and life expectancy for patients diagnosed with malignant gliomas. Often, chemotherapy has failed to make any significant impact on the prognosis of disease because of significant local and systemic toxicity, problems with transport …

The Role Of Multi-Drug Resistance Associated Protein 4 And P-Glycoprotein In Resistance Of Neuroblastoma To Topotecan And Irinotecan, Patricia Kellie Turner

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

High-risk neuroblastoma presents a significant therapeutic challenge because the 5-year survival rate remains less than 30% despite the use of surgery, multi-agent chemotherapy, radiation, and autologous bone marrow transplant. Novel therapeutic modalities are under development. The camptothecin analogs topotecan and irinotecan have been identified as successful cytotoxic agents. For topotecan, pharmacokinetically guided dosing to achieve a systemic exposure associated with preclinical anti-tumor activity in neuroblastoma xenograft models is feasible and has elicited favorable responses in children with high-risk neuroblastoma. However, some children with high-risk disease did not respond to the putatively effective topotecan systemic exposure. These children represent a subset …

A Mixed Methods Analysis Of The Concept Of Female Sexual Health, Laura C. Ford

Dissertations

The theoretical concept of health includes the ability to function physiologically, perceive a state of wellness, participate in social relationships, and be disease-free. Currently, the medical field approaches sexuality from a disease prevention and treatment perspective. Female sexual health must be understood holistically (i.e., emotionally, sociologically, and physiologically) for healthcare providers to help their patients optimize their sexual health; however, little research has been conducted from a holistic perspective. This study's purpose was to begin an exploration of the meaning of female sexual health.

This study utilized focus groups and a survey to explore the concept female sexual health as …

Influence Of Stroke Clinical Pathway On Documentation, Shannon Sternberg

All Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the implementation of a stroke clinical pathway could improve compliance with documentation of specific quality measures for patients admitted with the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, or transient ischemic attack. The study used the ten standardized performance measures for stroke identified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and integrated documentation of those measures into a stroke clinical pathway consisting of physician order sets, an interdisciplinary plan of care, and a patient/family education flow sheet. The American Stroke Association's Get with the Guidelines - Stroke (GWTG-Stroke) …

Age-Associated Hepatic Drug Transporter Expression And Its Implications For Pediatric Pharmacotherapyflexibility Affect Dna Topoisomerase I Function, Lisa Tang

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Members of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family of drug transporter proteins translocate various endogenous and exogenous substrates across intra- and extracellular membranes. Two specific ABC transporters, the multidrug resistance 1/P-glycoprotein (MDR1/P-gp) and the multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2), serve as major hepatic transporters that mediate the biliary excretion of various organic anions and cations along with glutathione-, glucuronate-, or sulfate-conjugates of several drug substrates. However, very little is known about the expression of these transporters in the early infant and childhood ages of human development. We, therefore, characterized the ontogeny of these transporters by measuring their gene and protein expression. …