Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

‘Much Clearer With Pictures’: Using Community-Based Participatory Research To Design And Test A Picture Option Grid For Underserved Patients With Breast Cancer, Marie-Anne Durand, Shama Alam, Stuart W. Grande, Glyn Elwyn

Dartmouth Scholarship

Women of low socioeconomic status (SES) diagnosed with early stage breast cancer experience decision-making, treatment and outcome disparities. Evidence suggests that decision aids can benefit underserved patients, when tailored to their needs. Our aim was to develop and test the usability, acceptability and accessibility of a pictorial encounter decision aid targeted at women of low SES diagnosed with early stage breast cancer.

Comparison Of Older Urologic Patients' Perceptions And Nurses' Assessments Of Discharge Readiness, Elizabeth Dodge

Master of Science in Nursing Final Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore older urological patients’ perceptions and clinical nurses’ assessments of discharge readiness. In addition, this study examined the difference among older urological patients’ perceptions and clinical nurses’ assessments of discharge readiness.

Design: A descriptive, comparative, cross-sectional design was used.

Methods: Convenience samples of older urological patients and clinical nurses were recruited from three surgical units. Data were collected using The Patient Readiness for Hospital Discharge and Nurse Readiness for Hospital Discharge questionnaires.

Results: Patients perceived low total discharge and personal status readiness for discharge. This was in contrast to 93.9% of …

Erbeta Regulation Of Nf-Kb Activation In Prostate Cancer Is Mediated By Hif-1, Paul Mak, Jiarong Li, Sanjoy Samanta, Arthur M. Mercurio

Arthur M. Mercurio

We examined the regulation of NF-kappaB in prostate cancer by estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) based on the inverse correlation between p65 and ERbeta expression that exists in prostate carcinomas and reports that ERbeta can inhibit NF-kappaB activation, although the mechanism is not known. We demonstrate that ERbeta functions as a gate-keeper for NF-kappaB p65 signaling by repressing its expression and nuclear translocation. ERbeta regulation of NF-kappaB signaling is mediated by HIF-1. Loss of ERbeta or hypoxia stabilizes HIF-1alpha, which we found to be a direct driver of IKKbeta transcription through a hypoxia response element present in the promoter of the …

Reducing Perineal Tears: The Effect Of Pushing Methods And Length Of 2nd Stage Of Labor, Kristen A. Mohre, Jessica A. Wall, Chien-Yueh Lee

Pharmacy and Nursing Student Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Poster Session

Objective: To evaluate the current literature evidence for the effects of either instructed or spontaneous pushing on perineal laceration incidence during delivery and the duration of second stage of labor.

Background: Lacerations (tears) of the perineum are common among women during delivery, increasing pain, infection risk, and other problems for women. Furthermore, prolonged second stage of labor has been shown a risk factor for lacerations. Pushing methods could have an effect on the incidence of lacerations and duration of second stage of labor.

Methods: Thorough search of online databases for the highest levels of evidence relating to the topic within …

Open Educational Resources: A Catalyst For Innovation, Dominic Orr, Michele Rimini, Dirk Van Damme

Concepts in Animal Parasitology Textbook

Foreword:

Open educational resources (OER) are rapidly becoming a major phenomenon in education across OECD countries and beyond. Initiated largely at the level of institutions by pioneers and technology advocates, the OER community has grown considerably over the past ten years and the impact of OER on educational systems has become an issue of public policy. The open education community is increasingly well organised and enjoys support from various institutions and foundations. National governments have developed, or are in the process of developing, open policies to support access to and use of OER.

It is the task of the OECD …

Development Of Oral Vaccines Against Lyme Disease, Rita Raquel Dos Anjos De Carvalho E Melo

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Lyme Disease, caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States and Europe. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent damage to the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. In some cases, patients that receive the recommended antibiotic therapy develop a debilitating health condition associated with substantial health care costs. Despite current preventive measures, the incidence and the geographic distribution of Lyme Disease continues to increase. Recent estimates from CDC suggest that the true number of cases of Lyme Disease in the US is approximately 300,000 per year. Yet, there is currently no vaccine …

Health Assessment Of Two Reintroduced Populations Of American Martens (Martes Americana) In Michigan, Maria Catherine Spriggs

Doctoral Dissertations

The American marten (Martes americana) was extirpated from Michigan during the early-20th century due to loss of vast areas of mature conifer forest and unregulated trapping. The species was reintroduced into the Upper Peninsula (UP) and Northern Lower Peninsula (NLP) during the mid-20th century. While the American marten population in the UP has grown and is doing well, the population in the NLP has been less successful. The reasons for the limited success of the NLP population are unknown, but may include lack of suitable habitat, limited reproductive success, poor genetic diversity, disease, or negative environmental impacts. American …

Brown And Beige Adipocytes: Effects Of Inflammation And Nutritional Intervention, Jiyoung Bae

Doctoral Dissertations

Recent findings of brown adipocytes and brown-like or beige adipocytes, capable of dissipating energy as heat, in adult humans have promised new hope for obesity treatment and prevention. Understanding of the regulation of brown and beige adipocytes will provide novel strategies to reach the goal. Pattern recognition receptors (PRR) are responsible for inflammation in adipose tissue, which leads to adipose dysfunction and obesity associated chronic diseases. It has been shown that PRR activation induces inflammation, leading to insulin resistance in white adipocytes and white adipose tissue (WAT). However, the roles of PRR activation in brown adipocytes and brown adipose tissue …

Epidemiology Of Select Species Of Filarial Nematodes In Free-Ranging Moose (Alces Alces) Of North America, Caroline Mae Grunenwald

Doctoral Dissertations

North American moose (Alces alces) are a culturally and economically valued species. Recent population declines raise concern for the survivability of this natural resource. The Minnesota population has experienced the most dramatic decline, with a 60% loss in total numbers since 2006. Nematode parasites, particularly some species of filarids, are important pathogens of moose and could be contributing to morbidity and mortality. This study investigates the eco-epidemiology of two filarial parasites of moose: Rumenfilaria andersoni and Elaeophora schneideri. By surveying cervid species from six U.S. states, we discovered R. andersoni was present in moose from all sample locations …

Genetic Control Of Survival And Weight Loss During Pneumonic Burkholderia Pseudomallei (Bp) Infection, Felicia D. Emery

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bp) is a saprophytic, gram-negative aerobe and the causative agent of the disease melioidosis. Melioidosis is an infectious disease that occurs in humans and animals and is prevalent in Southeast Asia, northern Australia and other tropical areas. Transmission occurs through direct contact with the organism via ingestion, inhalation, or through open wounds and skin abrasions. Clinical presentation is extremely variable and can range from acute septicemia with bacterial dissemination to distant sites, to an isolated pulmonary infection. Treatment of melioidosis can be problematic because it is often difficult to diagnose and Bp is resistant to a diverse group …

Emergency Medical Services Transport Delays For Suspected Stroke And Myocardial Infarction Patients, Ashley Pedigo Golden, Agricola Odoi

Agricola Odoi

Background: Prehospital delays in receiving emergency care for suspected stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) patients have significant impacts on health outcomes. Use of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has been shown to reduce these delays. However, disparities in EMS transport delays are thought to exist. Therefore the objective of this study was to investigate and identify disparities in EMS transport times for suspected stroke and MI patients. Methods: Over 3,900 records of suspected stroke and MI patients, reported during 2006–2009, were obtained from two EMS agencies (EMS 1 & EMS 2) in Tennessee. Summary statistics of transport time intervals were computed. …

Silibinin-Mediated Metabolic Reprogramming Attenuates Pancreatic Cancer-Induced Cachexia And Tumor Growth., Surendra K. Shukla, Aneesha Dasgupta, Kamiya Mehla, Venugopal Gunda, Enza Vernucci, Joshua J. Souchek, Gennifer Goode, Ryan King, Anusha Mishra, Ibha Rai, Sangeetha Nagarajan, Nina V. Chaika, Fang Yu, Surendra K. Shukla

Journal Articles: Eppley Institute

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. Cancer-associated cachexia is present in up to 80% of PDAC patients and is associated with aggressive disease and poor prognosis. In the present studies we evaluated an anti-cancer natural product silibinin for its effectiveness in targeting pancreatic cancer aggressiveness and the cachectic properties of pancreatic cancer cells and tumors. Our results demonstrate that silibinin inhibits pancreatic cancer cell growth in a dose-dependent manner and reduces glycolytic activity of cancer cells. Our LC-MS/MS based metabolomics data demonstrates that silibinin treatment induces global metabolic reprogramming in pancreatic …

Mechanisms By Which Dietary Ellagic Acid Attenuates Obesity And Obesity-Mediated Metabolic Complications, Inhae Kang

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Ellagic acid (EA) is a polyphenol found in various fruits and plants, such as berries, pomegranates, muscadine grapes, nuts and bark of oak tree. EA has been known to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects in various types of cancer. However, little is known about the effects of EA on obesity. Herein, 1) the lipid-lowering role of EA was identified in primary human adipose stem cells (hASCs) and human hepatoma Huh7 cells; 2) the molecular mechanisms by which EA attenuates adipogenesis by epigenetic modification were identified; 3) the effects of EA on high fat and high sucrose-mediated obesity was …

High Incidence Of Fracture Events In Patients With Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia (Lgea): A Retrospective Review Prompting Implementation Of Standardized Protocol., Sigrid Bairdain, Brenda Dodson, David Zurakowski, Lawrence Rhein, Brian D Snyder, Melissa Putman, Russell W Jennings

Surgery Faculty Publications

PURPOSE: To identify factors associated with an increased risk of fractures in Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia (LGEA) patients. Following implementation of a risk-stratified program, we hypothesized a reduction in fracture incidence within this potentially high-risk population.

METHODS: A retrospective review of LGEA-patients admitted between 2005 and 2014 was conducted. Symptomatic fractures with radiographic confirmation were defined as events. Univariate and multivariable analysis evaluated factors including admission weight-for-age z-score, primary versus secondary Foker process (FP), weight at Foker Stage I, days and episodes of paralysis, number of parenteral nutrition (PN) days, cumulative dose of loop diuretics adjusted for body weight and days …

Viability Of Developmental Stages Of Schistosoma Mansoni Quantified With Xcelligence Worm Real-Time Motility Assay (Xworm)., Gabriel Rinaldi, Alex Loukas, Paul J. Brindley, Jeff T. Irelan, Michael J. Smout

Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine Faculty Publications

Infection with helminth parasites causes morbidity and mortality in billions of people and livestock worldwide. Where anthelmintic drugs are available, drug resistance is a major problem in livestock parasites, and a looming threat to public health. Monitoring the efficacy of these medicines and screening for new drugs has been hindered by the lack of objective, high-throughput approaches. Several cell monitoring technologies have been adapted for parasitic worms, including video-, fluorescence-, metabolism enzyme- and impedance-based tools that minimize the screening bottleneck. Using the xCELLigence impedance-based system we previously developed a motility-viability assay that is applicable for a range of helminth parasites. …

Levels Of Glycosaminoglycans In The Cerebrospinal Fluid Of Healthy Young Adults, Surrogate-Normal Children, And Hunter Syndrome Patients With And Without Cognitive Impairment., Christian J Hendriksz, Joseph Muenzer, Adeline Vanderver, Jonathan M Davis, Barbara K Burton, Nancy J Mendelsohn, Nan Wang, Luying Pan, Arian Pano, Ann J Barbier

Neurology Faculty Publications

In mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), glycosaminoglycans (GAG) accumulate in tissues. In MPS II, approximately two-thirds of patients are cognitively impaired. We investigated levels of GAG in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in different populations from four clinical studies (including NCT00920647 and NCT01449240). Data indicate that MPS II patients with cognitive impairment have elevated levels of CSF GAG, whereas those with the attenuated phenotype typically have levels falling between those of the cognitively affected patients and healthy controls.

Overweight Predicts Poorer Exercise Capacity In Congenital Heart Disease Patients, Karen Kuehl, Alicia Tucker, Munziba Khan, Paula Goldberg, E. Anne Greene, Megan Smith

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Background

Overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) are endemic in the United States and affect adolescents and adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). Defining the burden of excess weight on the cardiovascular system in ACHD is the goal of this study. Limitation of exercise capacity due to overweight or obesity might be reversible with weight loss and improve quality of life for ACHD adults.

Methods

Exercise tests performed using a Bruce protocol and measurement of maximum oxygen consumption were retrospectively reviewed on 418 CHD patients. OW and OB were defined as the 85–95 or > 95 percentile respectively for age and gender …

Donor Platelet Plasma Components Inactivate Sensitive And Multidrug Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii Isolates, Chelsea M. Edelblute, Olga N. Pakhomova, Fanying Li, Barbara Y. Hargrave, Loree C. Heller

Bioelectrics Publications

Acinetobacter baumannii is an environmentally resilient healthcare-associated opportunistic pathogen responsible for infections at many body sites. In the last 10 years, clinical strains resistant to many or all commonly used antibiotics have emerged globally. With few antimicrobial agents in the pharmaceutical pipeline, new and alternative agents are essential. Platelets secrete a large number of proteins, including proteins with antimicrobial activity. In a previous study, we demonstrated that donor platelet supernatants and plasma significantly inhibited the growth of a reference strain of A. baumannii in broth and on skin. This inhibition appeared to be unrelated to the platelet activation state. In …

Barriers For Immunization Against Hpv In Developing Countries (India), Sandhya Ghanta

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer are high in less developed and developing countries. In some countries, the acceptance of the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer is low. Previous studies revealed that lack of awareness, income, and education were major barriers for accepting the HPV vaccine. Apart from the above-mentioned barriers, some socio-cultural barriers for accepting the HPV vaccine exist in less developed and developing countries. This study surveyed 250 women in India of age groups 18 years and above. The sample population for the study was …

The Effect Of Neurostimulation On Ischemic Pain And Methods Of Assessing Pain, Kaylee Keck

Biomedical Engineering

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) impacts approximately eight million people in the United States [1]. Disease progression leads to chronic ischemic pain, hindering quality of life. Pharmaceuticals are a typical treatment for pain associated with PAD; but as few as 30% of patients have a significant reduction of pain (≥50%) [2].

Neurostimulation is commonly used as a treatment for various diseases and injuries, including Parkinson’s disease and sports-related back and knee injuries [2]. The objective of the study was to explore neurostimulation and its effect on pain and paresthesia for a model of acute peripheral ischemia in young college students.

Pain …

Reduction Of Campylobacter Jejuni On Chicken Wingettes By Treatment With Caprylic Acid, Chitosan Or Protective Cultures Of Lactobacillus Spp., Ann Nicole Woo-Ming

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Poultry is one of the main sources of protein in the United States and in 2014 Americans ate approximately 100 lbs per person. However, consumption of poultry products is strongly associated with foodborne illness from Campylobacter. In the first study, chitosan, caprylic acid and their combination were evaluated as a coating treatment for the reduction of Campylobacter jejuni on poultry products. For the initial screening trials, chitosan of three different molecular weights (15-50 kDa, 190-310 kDa and 400-600 kDa) was evaluated at three concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%) and separately, caprylic acid was tested at 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% using chicken …

How Microbiomes Can Feed The World: A Look Into Bovine Reproduction, Hannah Noel Mcdonald

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

A Descriptive Case Study Of Individuals With Presumed Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome Utilizing A Facebook Support Group, Lisa Aimee Thompson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation describes the experiences of people diagnosed with presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome as they participate in an online peer-support group on Facebook. This is a descriptive case study of factors related to adjustment, treatment, emotional distress, access to services, and online peer support. Participants were interviewed and observed, and documents were collected to describe this phenomenon.

Time Preferences Predict Mortality Among Hiv-Infected Adults Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy In Kenya, Harsha Thirumurthy, Kami Hayashi, Sebastian Linnemayr, Rachel C. Vreeman, Irwin P. Levin, David Bangsberg, Noel T. Brewer

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Identifying characteristics of HIV-infected adults likely to have poor treatment outcomes can be useful for targeting interventions efficiently. Research in economics and psychology suggests that individuals’ intertemporal time preferences, which indicate the extent to which they trade-off immediate vs. future cost and benefits, can influence various health behaviors. While there is empirical support for the association between time preferences and various non-HIV health behaviors and outcomes, the extent to which time preferences predict outcomes of those receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) has not been examined previously.

HIV-infected adults initiating ART were enrolled at a health facility in Kenya. Participants’ time preferences …

The Role Of Dna Methylation And Hydroxymethylation In Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Change During Atherogenesis, Jason Williams

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

Atherosclerosis is a chronic arterial disease which impacts systemically the function of organs and tissues by causing inflammation and disruption of blood supply. During atherogenesis, lipid deposits, inflammation, and cells accumulate within the walls of arteries, ultimately leading to a buildup of fatty plaques and occlusion of the arterial lumen. In a multifactorial disease like atherosclerosis there are complex interplays between environmental, genetic and epigenetic risk factors. The epigenetics of atherosclerosis involving DNA methylation has been progressing from single gene to genome wide analyses. Although these epistudies have provided evidence that DNA methylation exists within certain genes during atherogenesis, the …

Identifying Protein Kinase Tbk1 As A Novel Inhibitor Of Intestinal Tumorigenesis, Amber L. Mathews

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer diagnosed in women and men， causing almost 600,000 annual deaths worldwide. There is a clear need to understand how CRC forms and progresses in order to improve the strategies of CRC prevention and therapy. A major factor that drives the development of CRC is genetic mutations that lead to activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). In addition, the initiation and progression of CRC involve environmental and immunological factors. In particular, chronic inflammatory conditions are known as an important risk factor for CRC. Intestinal …

Development And Evaluation Of Amphotericin B Loaded Iron Oxide Nanoparticles For Targeted Drug Delivery To Systemic Fungal Infections, Pavan Balabathula

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

A targeted nanotheronostic drug delivery system to diagnose and treat life threatening invasive fungal infections (IFIs) such as cryptococcal meningitis was designed, developed, characterized, and evaluated. To address the development processes, first, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) (34-40 nm) coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA), loaded and targeted with amphotericin B (AMB) (AMB-IONP) was formulated by applying a layer by layer approach. Several designs (A, B, C, D, & E) of AMB-IONP were developed and their physicochemical properties such as drug loading with HPLC method, particle size, poly dispersity index (PDI), and ζ-potential using dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique, morphology with …

Investigations Into The Cross-Infectivity Of Nematode Parasites Of Cattle And Sheep, Eva Marie Wray

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The existence of anthelmintic resistance is not singular in parasite species, host species or geographic region. It has become a problem of worldly stature, especially when considering sheep nematodes. Recommendations have been modified from chemical-based control to multipart, managerial intervention. Compared with nematodes of cattle, the worldwide resistance of sheep nematodes to anthelmintic remedies is much more pronounced and urgent. As the resistance to essentially all anthelmintic classes approaches a cautionary level, the implementation of non-chemical controls has grown increasingly essential. Six-6 to 8 month old Holstein steer calves, six-5 month old Katahdin ram lambs and eight-5 month old Suffolk …

Outcomes Of Prediabetes And Diabetes Education Programs Tailored For Vulnerable Popuations, Diana Al Sayed Hassan

Dissertations

Diabetes is a debilitating disease and if not managed properly it can lead to multiple complications and even premature death. Diabetes continues to disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The purpose of this three-paper method dissertation was to examine the implementation of a prediabetes and diabetes programs in a community setting to serve vulnerable populations in addition to understanding future diabetes-related educational needs.

The first paper is an evaluation of a shortened five-week diabetes prevention program for older adults with prediabetes or at a high risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Chang in nutrition knowledge, eating and physical activity behaviors, …

Cd4+ T-Cell Mediated Microvascular Endothelial Cell Death And Chronic Cardiac Allograft Rejection Involves Necroptosis, Cecilia Yt Kwok

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Heart transplantation is the only viable option for patients with end-stage heart failure. Despite advances in immunosuppressive therapies, the rate of transplanted graft loss remains substantial. Graft loss is primarily due to tissue damage mediated by immune responses. Cell death and organ rejection can occur as an active molecular process through apoptotic and necrotic pathways. We now recognize that cell death may also ensue through a newly described form of programmed necrotic cell death, termed necroptosis that involves receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK) 1/3. In this study, I aim to establish the role of RIPK3 in T cell-mediated chronic cardiac allograft …