Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Parents' Role In Childhood Obesity, Heather M. Wintrup

Psychology and Child Development

This paper is an examination of the current childhood obesity crisis in the U.S. and how this epidemic is related to psychological issues. Specifically, the role of parental forces on children’s health attitudes and habits is addressed. The following chapters will define and explain the current situation of childhood obesity, investigate the role parents have in contributing to their children’s weight development, and cover methods of intervention for families dealing with this serious health issue.

Cystic Ovaries In Dairy Cattle, Lacey Morgan Rosenberg

Dairy Science

The objective of this literature review was to determine the potential causes and factors affecting the incidence of ovarian cysts in dairy cattle as well as to examine functionality of various preventative methods and treatments of cysts. The end product was to be a document outlining all the information available on the three different types of cysts that can develop on the bovine ovary, follicular cysts, luteal cysts, and cystic corpora lutea. The literature that was reviewed, most in the forms of research papers, articles, and reviews, came primarily from scientific journals and published books. The literature reviewed was only …

Epicardial Wireless Pacemaker For Improved Left Ventricular Resynchronization (Conceptual Design), Rodney J. Hawkins

Master's Theses

The human body is a well tuned mechanism where systems work in synergy to provide a healthy quality of life. The human circulatory system transports oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body delivering the proper nutrients for cells to function. When the heart malfunctions, serious complications can arise leading to sudden cardiac arrest. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is one heart disease that affects the synchrony of the heart’s ventricles.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been widely accepted as a treatment for CHF. Similar to traditional dual chamber pacing techniques, CRT adds a pacing lead to stimulate …

Development And Validation Of A Light Weight, Energy Dense, Ready To Eat (Rte) Bar, Jacob Wilhelm-Maria Heick

Master's Theses

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A LIGHT WEIGHT, ENERGY DENSE, READY TO EAT (RTE) BAR

Jacob Wilhelm-Maria Heick

Providing additional calories in the form of an RTE bar to endurance athletes will increase performance and muscle re-synthesis, reduce muscle breakdown, and shorten recovery time. An RTE bar containing a blend of dairy proteins and carbohydrates will create a product with superior functionality, including bioactive and immunity enhancing properties from dairy derived ingredients. The protein will provide benefits in the form of easily digestible calories, essential amino acids and physical satiate.

A formulation was developed and optimized, resulting in a final product …

Perceptions And Evaluation Of An Urban Environment For Pedestrian Friendliness: A Case Study, Elizabeth H. Lee

Master's Theses

Public health is an increasingly important issue addressed from both environmental and public health sectors for the future development of urban environments. From a planning perspective, one possible solution is to increase walkability throughout the cities. Many assessment methods are being developed and administered to evaluate the quality of existing urban environments to promote walkable cities/communities. The results from using these methods provide policymakers and stakeholders with valuable information regarding the existing physical conditions of the environment. Although several US cities started to develop and refocus plans toward pedestrian-oriented policies approaches, results from this particular study determined that the quality …

The Effects Of A Combined Supplementation Of Creatine And Sodium Bicarbonate On Repeated Sprint Performance, James Jeremy Barber, Todd Hagobian, Karen Mcgaughey, Ann Yelmokas Mcdermott, Jennifer Davis Olmstead

Master's Theses

Abstract The Effects of a Combined Supplementation of Creatine and Sodium Bicarbonate on Repeated Sprint Performance James Jeremy Barber There is well-established research that suggests both creatine and sodium bicarbonate are effective ergogenic aids. However, only one published study has examined the combined effects of creatine and sodium bicarbonate. The primary purpose of this study was to determine if a combined supplementation of creatine monohydrate and sodium bicarbonate would further enhance the well-documented effects of creatine supplementation alone on repeated sprint performance. Thirteen healthy and fit males (Mean age = 21.15 ± 0.65 years and mean VO2 max = 66.72 …

Immunohistochemical Mapping Of Hypoxia In Ischemic Mouse Hindlimb Skeletal Muscle, Emily Deckert

Biomedical Engineering

The study of blood vessel growth and remodeling is a complex endeavor. Hypoxia, the lack of oxygen in a tissue, is known to stimulate angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels), and have little effect on arteriogenesis (the enlargement of existing blood vessels). However, the role of hypoxia in vessel function is unknown, but may be determined using the results and methods developed in this experiment.

Supplied by the bloodstream, oxygen is required by all cells and tissues to remain healthy. If the bloodstream supplying a certain tissue with blood is disrupted, the tissue becomes ischemic, often leading to hypoxia. …

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Mary (Katie) Busmire

Psychology and Child Development

This is a senior project about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the term given to a child who has been affected by exposure to prenatal alcohol. Drinking during pregnancy can lead to several physical, neurological and behavioral effects. However, there are several interventions that can help minimize the effects of prenatal alcohol. Focusing on family interventions and therapies will best benefit the lives of children with FASD and their families.

Micronutrient Deficiencies As A Result Of Bariatric Surgery, Ashlie Lewis

Food Science and Nutrition

The most effective method of sustainable weight loss in obese patients is bariatric surgery. However, micronutrient deficiencies that can result after bariatric surgery can cause health problems that may outweigh its benefits. Micronutrient deficiencies are most common in patients who undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or biliopancreatic diversion with or without duodenal switch. The majority of vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies studies showed significant prevalence rates in their patient populations. Most concluded that routine oral B12 supplementation was ineffective at resolving deficiency; very high oral doses (> 350 μg) or intramuscular injections of crystalline B12 were typically required. Studies of iron …

An Evaluation Of The Motivations And Implications Of Participating In High School Athletics While Injured, Trevor M. Bateson

Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration

No abstract provided.

Trial And Budget Analysis Of Two Synchronized Artificial Insemination Breeding Programs For Beef First Calf Heifers, John Nino

Agribusiness

This study was designed to compare the benefits and costs of two different synchronized artificial insemination programs on two groups of beef first calf heifers. A financial budget was developed that would include cost of synchronized insemination per animal and the added value of a bred heifer compared to an open one.

The two synchronized programs were called controlled internal drug release (CIDR) and Ovsynch. They used a specific timeline and drugs to complete the synchronization process. A single low birth weight high calving ease bull was used for both groups to enforce conformity between the groups. Costs of all …

Childhood Obesity: Prevention & Intervention, Carrie Beth Lossing

Psychology and Child Development

Childhood obesity rates have skyrocketed in the recent years. These trends are alarming since childhood obesity has been linked to numerous health conditions, socioemotional consequences, and academic consequences. This project examines the factors that have been associated with childhood obesity and the consequences of being obese or overweight for children. This project also presents lifestyle changes that parents can make to reduce the likelihood of their children becoming overweight or obese.

Polyheart: Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment, Katherine Vaughan

Kinesiology and Public Health

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in ‘Western Civilization.’ Lifestyle modification (ie regular exercise and healthy diet) greatly reduces the risk for CVD. It is unclear whether faculty at Cal Poly, who are exposed to positive benefits of lifestyle modification are at risk for CVD. The purpose of this study was to assess Cal Poly’s faculties’ cardiovascular health status, as specified by the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) seven cardiovascular disease risk factors. Both the researchers and participants benefit from this study because awareness of CVD risk factors may help prevent progression of risk factors and …

Making Lemonade Out Of Lyme, Kaela M. Gallagher

Social Sciences

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Hiking Pole Use On Physiological Variables And Rate Of Perceived Exertion While Hiking Uphill, Sunny Blue Atchison

Master's Theses

An increasing amount of hikers have added hiking poles to their outings to aid in reducing fatigue of the lower body and enhance stability. However, very little research has been conducted on the use of poles during continuous uphill hiking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of pole use under field conditions on the rate of perceived exertion, physiological variables [oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), non-protein respiratory exchange ratio (RER), & total energy expenditure (TEE)], and time to completion during a 1.68 km continuous uphill (12.6% grade) hike. Ten male and ten female (Mean age …

A Standoff Approach To Monitoring Infant Apnea, Lauren J. West

Master's Theses

The focus of this thesis was to capture and measure carbon dioxide concentrations upon exhalation to determine if an apnea event is occurring. Research in the fields of respiratory physiology and apnea built the foundation for the design of the standoff infant apnea monitor. The monitor is designed to track infant respiration using carbon dioxide and sound signatures of breath without touching the infant. Each detection system, audio and carbon dioxide, were designed separately and brought together for a final proof-of-concept device. The software was developed using LabView and run on a Netbook. Testing was conducted on healthy adults to …

Bone Density Measurement Via Radiographic Calibration, Amber Jean Bowen

Master's Theses

Musculoskeletal injuries are the most common injuries sustained by athletes and military recruits and can result in decreased performance and lifelong disability. So common and costly are these injuries that the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has provided guidelines for future research, including recommendations for the development of a large animal model of bone injury (USDA 2001). In human and veterinary medicine, digital radiography represents the primary diagnostic tool the physician uses to diagnose skeletal injury. Advances in digital radiography have provided the veterinarian with opportunities to make both simple and complex radiographic assessments. We investigated a simple quantitative measurement …

Improving Sexual Health, P.U.L.S.E., And E.R.O.S. At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Megan (Meg) Rust

Psychology and Child Development

This project is designed to update and refine EROS educators’ knowledge of sexual health and to gain insight into Cal Poly students’ general knowledge of sexual health. Educators are given extensive training during the entire quarter before they begin their positions, but information is constantly changing. This project intends to initiate up to date informational tools that can be revised as new psychological or medical discoveries are made in the realm of sexuality and sexual health.

The Effect Of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 On The Osseointegration Of Temporary Anchorage Devices, Eden E. Cruz

Master's Theses

Titanium has been widely used for dental implants, and in particular, roughened titanium surfaces have provided a means for increasing bone apposition and strengthening the implant-to-bone interface. Finding a way to further increase osseointegration is important because there is a significant clinical benefit to patients if a stable anchor can be established instead of anchoring orthodontic hardware to the molars. In this study, the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) on the ability of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) to osseointegrate was investigated. The temporary anchorage devices (TADs) used in this study were manufactured from commercially pure titanium and …

Osseointegration Of Temporary Anchorage Devices Using Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2, Erin E. Cruz

Master's Theses

Over the past 5 years, the use of titanium implants as temporary anchorage devices (TADs) has become an important tool in clinical orthodontic practices. The use of TADs have provided orthodontists a way of moving teeth against fixed objects rather than against the surrounding teeth, which tend to counteract desired motion. At present, viable attachment of TADs involves direct insertion through gingival tissue and piercing of the bone. Surface modifications such as sandblasted and acid-etched treatment or bone morphogenetic protein surface treatment, however, can be applied to the TADs to promote enhanced osseointegration, thereby allowing the TADs to serve as …

Effects Of Reamer-Femoral Component Offset On Cement Mantle Penetration In Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty, Mark Lloyd Paulick

Master's Theses

Hip resurfacing arthroplasty has changed the treatment of end stage arthritis without severe deformity for young, active adults. Presently, there are varying clinical approaches to implant design selection and cementation techniques. The purpose of this project is to determine what amount of reamer-femoral component offset allows for the best cement penetration into the femoral head.

Rapid prototyped femoral component models were produced with reamer femoral component offsets of 0.0 mm, 0.5 mm, and 1.0 mm. After implantation onto models of reamed femoral heads made from high-density open-cell reticulated carbon foam, cement penetration was assessed from cross-sections of the foam-implant unit. …

Documenting The Experience: Creating A Non-Fiction Film As A Resource For Siblings And Parents Of Autistic Children, Carlton W. Gillespie

Psychology and Child Development

No abstract provided.

Learning Sustainable Development: Chimeneas De La Esperanza, Miriam V. Mollan Gundersen

Social Sciences

Social inequality and environmental degradation are motivating informed young people into action and connecting impoverished regions of the world with students in more developed nations. This Social Sciences senior project is to analyze an alternative development model designed by a group of Californian university students. The project, named Chimeneas de la Esperanza, is designed to help impoverished Nicaraguan women start a ceramics business. The major hurdle of this mission is to establish a market for the ceramics product. Energy efficient ceramic stoves and smoke ventilating chimneys would benefit the community and avoid an impacted crafts market. The project encompasses ideas …

Enhancing Student Usability Of The Osmette, Mitchell Foutz

Biomedical Engineering

Precision Systems' Micro-Osmette located in the St. Jude Lab at Cal Poly SLO is a freezing-point depression osmometer capable of measuring the osmolality, the concentration of hydrated species in osmoles per-kilogram of water, with unrivaled speed and accuracy. The Osmette could be used extensively by students in a wide variety of applications if students are able to become acquainted with the device in an accelerated manner. The amount of time required to safely and effectively operate the micro-Osmette using the operator's manual provided with the device is prohibitive of widespread use by students. Revisions and improvements to the existing operator's …

Building A Bridge Between Physical Therapists And Fitness Professionals: The Development Of A Business Plan For San Luis Sports Therapy Clinics, Ashley August Fittz

Master's Theses

The purpose of this project was to create a business plan for a profitable, self-sustaining, program to build a bridge between physical therapists and fitness professionals.

The Quick Fit Program was a new service for the existing business San Luis Sports Therapy. The program was designed to be implemented within each of the company’s physical therapy clinics in California using existing personnel and resources. The Quick Fit Program is one way in which physical therapy practices can diversify the services they offer to keep pace with the changing landscape of healthcare.

Clients in the Quick Fit Program would receive an …

An Investigation Of Humeral Stress Fractures In Racing Thoroughbreds Using A 3d Finite Element Model In Conjunction With A Bone Remodeling Algorithm, Ryan James Moore

Master's Theses

The humerus of a racing horse Thoroughbred is highly susceptible to stress fractures at a characteristic location as a result of cyclic loading. The propensity of a Thoroughbred to exhibit humeral fracture has made equines useful models in the epidemiology of stress fractures. In this study, a racing Thoroughbred humerus was simulated during training using a 3D finite element model in conjunction with a bone remodeling algorithm. Nine muscle forces and two contact forces were applied to the 3-dimensional finite element model, which contains four separate load cases representing fore-stance, mid-stance, aft-stance, and standing. Four different training programs were incorporated …

A Program To Promote Physical Activity And Healthy Body Weight In An Adolescent Female: A Case Study, Katie Stoddard

Kinesiology and Public Health

A case study of an obese 14-year-old female was conducted to assess her body weight and dietary and physical activity habits. The purpose of this study was to promote weight loss through improved dietary practices and an increase in energy expenditure. This was done by monitoring and altering caloric intake and engaging in regular, vigorous physical activity. Furthermore, the subject increased health-related knowledge, developed new skills, and ultimately attempted behavior modification. From April to September 2009, the subject participated in a minimum of two supervised exercise sessions per week to increase her energy expenditure and to teach her strategies for …

Three Dimensional Printing: Modern Medical Applications, Devin Peek, Elizabeth Stark

Graphic Communication

3-D printing is an additive printing process based on inkjet printing principles. Using this technology, a variety of materials can be used to create a three-dimensional product. Currently this technology is expensive, however it is slowly becoming more affordable. 3-D printing has the potential to change the future of medical model production and prototyping, due to the beneficial products it can produce. The objective of this research study is to discover the technological advancements in 3-D printing that could greatly affect several aspects of the medical industry. The areas discussed include high-risk surgery, dentistry, and prosthetics. After conducting six interviews …