Pilot Study: Effects Of Whole Body Vibrational Therapy On Equine Epaxial Muscle Soreness, Riley Leibeck

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Whole body vibrational therapy (WBV) is well-studied in people, but there is a paucity of research of its effect on horses. It is suggested that WBV use in horses increases performance, aids in recovery, and stimulates nerves, bones, and muscles in ways that normal exercise does not. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if frequent WBV therapy sessions affect back soreness in horses using pressure algometry. Most sporthorses will experience back soreness in their careers, and it is regarded as one of the most common causes of poor performance in equine athletes. Five horses were measured for …

Comparative Kinematic Gait Analysis In Adults With Multiple Disabilities, Lauren Rumbalski

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

The purpose of this research is to identify abnormal gait parameters or patterns amongst young adults with multiple disabilities enrolled in a work transition program sponsored by a public-school system. Gait disorders are commonly seen in individuals with neurologic disorders, with significant research in children with autism. Gait disorders have been linked with fall and injury risk, with significant research in elderly populations. Gait analysis technology can be used to identify gait characteristics in populations that are abnormal or contribute to gait disorders. In an observational design, students from the transitional program promoted by Westerville City Schools, housed on Otterbein …

Antibacterial Activity, Structure-Activity Relationships, And Scale-Up Reaction Of 1,3,4-Oxadiazoles, Olivia Marie Smith

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Oxadiazoles are compounds in the field of organic chemistry that have been gathering interest in the medicinal chemistry and microbiology communities for their biological properties, which range from anti-inflammatory agents, to chemotherapy drugs, to antibiotics. The synthesis of oxadiazoles can be difficult due to the expensive and complex nature of the techniques used as well as the volatile reagents and elevated temperatures that are often required in organic synthesis. The Grote lab has recently developed a new method for the synthesis of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles under mild conditions. The goals of this thesis were thus twofold: to develop a viable scale-up procedure …

Effects Of Strong Oxidants Present In Acer Spp. On Hemolysis Methemoglobin Production In Equine Erythrocytes, Gabrielle Mcgeorge, Jeffrey Lehman

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Maple toxicosis is a deadly condition affecting equines after they have ingested wilted leaves of the genus Acer (i.e., maple species). It is characterized by hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia. Although the toxins responsible for causing toxicosis have not been identified, they are thought to be strong oxidants. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of eight compounds (galloyl derivatives) found in Acer spp. on hemolysis and methemoglobin production in bioassays with equine erythrocytes. Seven of the compounds are known constituents of Acer spp. that are commercially available. One of the compounds--acertannin--was isolated and characterized from leaf extracts …

Equine Massage Following Intense Work: Effects On Plasma Creatine Kinase, Brittany Pilat

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Horses are elite athletes, and many of them receive specialized care to keep them operating at their highest potential. Alternative modalities of healing- such as equine massage- have begun to grow in the equine world due to many perceived benefits. Equine massage is thought to decrease inflammation and reduce muscle tension and soreness. The aim of this study was to observe the effect of equine massage on creatine kinase (CK) levels in the blood following intense work. A total of 12 horses were randomly assigned to either the control group (n=6) or the test group (n=6). All horses were exercised …

Determining Age-Related Visual Memory And Line Length Perception In Children And Adults, Katie Exline

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

There is little research in the field of visual memory and perceptual abilities of children as compared to adults. This thesis seeks to understand and provide new perspectives to this field with potential implications in the fields of optometry and education. Through two basic experiments, this thesis evaluates the abilities of individuals to perceive a visual stimulus and compare it other visual stimuli, while also observing their abilities to learn and remember various visual stimuli. Through experimentation using line length as the visual stimulus, the method of constant stimuli (MCS) evaluates subjects’ visual perception and the method of single stimuli …

Environmental Factors' Effects On Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus Carolinensis) Infant Populations And Health, Jenny Mcfarland

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Ecosystem factors, both biotic and abiotic, impact all animal species. Temperature, rainfall, daylight, windspeed, mast production, competition and predation are integral to the ecosystem and thus affect the survival and overall wellbeing of the population. Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) infant intakes at Ohio Wildlife Center followed a pattern of more infants in the fall than in the spring, differing from the usual observation that more infants are born in the spring. Ecosystem factors were compared to monthly and annual intakes to see what influenced intake date, admittance condition and survivability rate of the Eastern gray squirrel infants. The results …

The Effect Of Grooming And Therapeutic Riding By Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder On Equine Salivary Cortisol Concentrations, Morgan Shields

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

The use of horses in therapeutic riding programs, especially for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has grown, yet the impact of grooming and riding on equine stress levels remains unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of grooming and therapeutic riding on salivary cortisol concentrations of 10 horses in a therapeutic riding program. Samples were taken pre and post over two control and grooming days and over two series of nine therapeutic riding lessons for adolescents with ASD. On grooming days, each horse was groomed using a set protocol. On riding days, horses were ridden …

Scapular Stabilizer Muscle Force Output In Collegiate Softball Players Over The Course Of A Fall, Non-Traditional Season, Erin Taylor

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

There is a growing topic in research relating to softball and the injuries caused by the biomechanics of a windmill pitch. There have been articles released relating to stress caused by the windmill pitch compared to the stress of an overhead pitch in baseball. Many articles in the softball field also look at the biomechanics and hip strength of the windmill pitcher and how a decrease in hip strength can affect the biomechanics of the pitching motion. Despite having an increase in available softball articles, there have not been any studies conducted that focus solely on scapular stabilizer strength over …

The Effect Of Hay Net Use On Cribbing Horses, Lauren Wesolowski

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Cribbing is a stereotypic behavior observed in horses, wherein the animal grasps a solid object with its front incisors and contracts its neck muscles to suck in air through its mouth, resulting in an audible grunt. Stereotypic behaviors such as cribbing are thought to be done in response to stress or insufficient stimulus in an animal’s living environment. Slow feeding hay nets can increase the amount of time horses spend eating daily hay rations. This research aims to use slow feeding hay nets to create a feeding process that is closer to natural grazing behavior and provide more stimulation for …

A Survey Of Patients With Congenital Orthopedic Conditions In Malawi: Factors That Influence Late Presentation, Brianna Wallis

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Staff at CURE International, a non-profit organization that provides orthopedic care in Malawi, noticed a high prevalence of patients with congenital orthopedic conditions who are presenting late for treatment. Late presentation results in prolonged pain or discomfort for the patient and has the potential for increased cost to the institution, longer duration of treatment, and decreased quality of outcomes. To identify the factors that influenced presentation delays, we surveyed the caregivers of patients with congenital conditions that were seen in out-patient clinics, in-patient wards, and mobile clinics across the country. Sixty-two caregivers were surveyed; forty-two patients had a diagnosis of …

The Effect Of Whole-Body Vibration On Thermographic Readings Of The Equine Back And Distal Forelimb, Megan Leclerc

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Modern horses are sophisticated athletes, which puts them at a high risk for injury. One therapy now being utilized is whole-body vibration. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of whole-body vibration on the distal forelimb and the back of the healthy horse using thermography.

Data were collected over a 30-day period. Test horses stood on the vibration plate (n=10) 3 days a week for 30-minute sessions with the plate vibrating at 30-40 Hz. The control horses (n=10) received no treatment during the study. Baseline thermographic images were taken for all horses, and post treatment images were …

Mechanistic Studies And Derivative Effects In 1, 3, 4- Oxadiazole Synthesis Via Cyclodehydration Reactions, Evan Huggins

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

In the world of pharmaceutical synthesis, research to combat foreign pathogens is always necessary. Scientists have been exploring different methods in order to synthesize the most effective compounds in antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and many other treatments. A key component within these versatile compounds are 1,3,4-oxadiazoles. Current methods to synthesize these compounds are inefficient. This research seeks to improve oxadiazole synthesis; however, the mechanism of this reaction is unknown. The goal of this project was to study the mechanistic pathway in the discovered, one-pot cyclodehydration synthesis of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles. In the first part of this study, a diacylhydrazine intermediate was proposed. This …

Differences In Degree Of Dorsiflexion In Varying Base Stances Of Collegiate Wrestlers, Andrew Cade

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Lower extremity injuries are very common among wrestlers, especially at a collegiate level. The purpose of this research project was to examine if a difference between dorsiflexion range of motion existed in the talocrural joint between two different wrestling base stances among collegiate wrestlers. The motion measured was active dorsiflexion of the talocrural joint. This motion was measured using a goniometer, an inclinometer, and functional, dynamic balance was assessed using the Y-balance test. A difference in dorsiflexion between these base stances could indicate a higher risk for certain lower body injuries of the knee, foot, and ankle. Wrestling is a …

Prediction Factors For Release Of Wildlife At A Midwestern Rehabilitation Facility, Abigail E. Smith

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Wildlife rehabilitation is a large and internationally known field with thousands of rehabilitators around the world. Resources, such as time and money, are extremely limited in rehabilitation facilities and not all animals are candidates for release due to injuries or illnesses that make them unlikely to survive in the wild. Understanding what factors predict release would be useful in focusing limited resources, but there has been little investigation previously. The purpose of this study is to determine what factors affect the survival of mammals and birds at an American Midwest wildlife rehabilitation center. It was found that animals admitted with …

Effects Of Benzyl Isothiocyanate And Papain On The Hatching And Migration Of Equine Cyathostomes, Jessie Kmietsch

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Cyathostomes are widespread and can affect horses of any life stage. Many common anthelmintics are no longer effective at treating cyathostomes due to parasitic resistance. The objective of this in vitrostudy was to use egg hatch and larval migration tests to determine if compounds found in papaya seeds (papain or benzyl isothiocyanate) reduce cyathostome egg hatching and migration. The experiments were conducted between August 2016 and March 2018. Cyathostome eggs were obtained from horse fecal samples. Egg hatch tests were performed by adding papain and benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) to wells separately at different concentrations in triplicate. After incubation, the …

The Use Of Papain And Benzyl Isothiocyanate As Anthelmintics For Equine Strongyles, Abigail Maxey

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Seeds of Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) are a promising source of investigation for a novel anthelmintic to treat equine strongyle infestation. Strongyles are small redworms that attach to the intestinal wall in the equine. They can cause colic, poor hair coat, poor body condition, and, in severe cases, death. The objective of this study was to determine if benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) and papain, two compounds found in papaya seeds, could be used to prevent migration of third stage cyathostome larvae (L3) in vitro using larval migration inhibition assays. The assays involved incubating larvae in solution, followed by larval migration through …

Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit In Division Three Collegiate Football Quarterbacks, Anthony Wene

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

The research looked at the internal rotation loss in collegiate football quarterbacks. A goniometer was used to measure the internal and external rotation of the shoulder for each subject. These measurements were then compared to what is considered glenohumeral internal rotation deficit, GIRD, as defined in the literature. A majority of the current literature focused on GIRD and its connection to baseball pitchers. This research focused on GIRD and its possible connection to football quarterbacks because of the repetitive overhead motion. GIRD is often connected to baseball pitchers due to the extensive research done with baseball pitchers. There are several …

The Effect Of Whole Body Vibration On Equine Hoof Growth, Sharlee Lowe

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Equine foot pain can be a result of many conditions and disease processes, all of which lead to a loss of function in the horse. When the horse loads the foot, pressure applied to the frog translates to the digital cushion and lateral cartilages, compressing the blood vessels, perfusing the area, and circulating blood back up the leg; this constant flow of blood stimulates growth of the hoof wall. Whole body vibration plates are thought to result in rapid muscle contractions and subsequently, increased circulation through the foot. An increase in hoof growth could prove whole body vibration beneficial as …

Substituent Strength Vs Reactivity: A Study Of 1,3,4-Oxadiazoles And Electron Donating Groups, Katlynn Merringer

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

This investigation focused on determining if there was a relationship between electron donating group substituent strength and resulting percent yield values of the 1,3,4-oxadiazole product. The data obtained from this investigation aimed to help chemists better understand the reactivity of the 1,3,4-oxadiazole because of its importance in the realm of drug design and development. In order to accomplish this, electron donating groups with varying pKa values were placed on the 1,3,4-oxadiazole and the resulting percent yields were analyzed for possible trends. The substituents used represented both resonance donating and inductively donating groups and were placed in both ortho and para …

Synthesis Of Oxadeazoles With Electron Withdrawing Groups And The Analysis Of Product Yield With Bond Length, Elizabeth Ann Hall Peters

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

2,5-disubstituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles are a class of organic compound that are widely used and successful in pharmaceutical chemistry because they demonstrate strong biological activity. They are part of a larger class of compound called heterocycles, which make up most pharmaceutical drugs today. When synthesizing the compounds, higher yield means higher reactivity of the compound, and this is important for pharmaceuticals that need to have a strong biological activity. Per past studies, electron withdrawing groups on the compound allow higher, product yields. Along with electron withdrawing group addition, the bond length from electron withdrawing group and its corresponding carbon is analyzed to …

Cross-Sectional Analysis Of Salivary Cortisol And Cyathostome Infestation In Horses, Danielle L. Keating

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

With an increase in anthelmintic resistance and decreased efficacy of many commercial dewormers, understanding factors that contribute to parasite infestations in horses is integral to their management. The goal of this study was to look at the potential relationship between parasites and stress response by evaluating salivary cortisol levels and cyathostome egg shedding levels. Using a sample size of n = 200 horses from the state of Ohio, fecal and saliva samples were collected from each horse. Fecal egg counts were performed for each horse with a modified Stoll method, and saliva samples were tested with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay …

Effects Of Percutaneous Closure Of Patent Ductus Arteriosus In Infants Less Than One Year Of Age: A Systematic Review, Megan K. Locke

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and feasibility of percutaneous PDA closure in infants as reported in the available medical literature. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the continuous opening of the ductus arteriosus in an infant’s heart after birth. This, when left untreated, can lead to severe health complications. Historically, the first treatment options to correct PDA were the use of medications and surgical ligation. Percutaneous PDA closure is a newer treatment option that is increasingly performed during infancy (age); however, its safety and feasibility is not yet understood in infants. We conducted a systematic review …

Comparing The Ergogenic Effects Of Mouth Guards, Kevan Green

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Many studies have looked into the ergogenic effect of wearing an oral appliance such as a mandibular orthopedic repositioning appliance or mouth guard. Little research has been done comparing the performance enhancing qualities of different types of mouth guards. In this study sixteen participants were tested on their grip strengths with a hand dynamometer under four different conditions. These conditions included mouth open, mouth closed, clenching on a generic boil and bite mouth guard, and clenching on the Under Armour ArmourBite® mouth guard. The grip strength results were analyzed and showed a significant increase in grip strength from the mouth …

Assessing Cultural Competence In Nursing Students At A Small Private Liberal Arts University, Mikah K. Barrueta Ms

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Appropriate care across cultures can occur only when patient, family, and community expectations are aligned with provider knowledge, attitude, and behavior (Doorenbos et al, 2005). Because nurses treat patients from all types of backgrounds, a culturally competent approach should and must be used when educating and training future nurses. The purpose of this study is to assess various cultural competence components of senior nursing students at a small Midwestern University. In order to assess this sample population, two peer-reviewed surveys were chosen; the Quality and Culture Quiz and the Affective Racial Attitudes subscale from the Quick Discrimination Index. Three more …

The Effect Of Red Maple Leaf Toxicosis On Reduced Glutathione Levels In Equine Erythrocytes In Vitro, Madeline A. Rohl

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Red maple leaf toxicosis is an equine blood disorder resulting from the consumption of wilted red maple (Acer rubrum L.) leaves by horses. Compounds within the leaves of red maple have oxidative effects on equine erythrocytes and can cause hemolysis of erythrocytes, the conversion of hemoglobin to methemoglobin, and the production of Heinz bodies. Reduced glutathione is important in the protection of equine erythrocytes from these oxidative events; however, in the presence of red maple toxin, glutathione is rapidly oxidized and is unavailable. The objective of this study is to determine whether the presence of vitamin C alters levels …

A Study Of Low Weight Bearing Exercise And Its Effect On Bone Density, Elizabeth Markle

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Exercise has been a proven key to maintaining overall good health. There are many benefits of exercise: improved blood flood and overall heart strength, stronger muscles, improved cardiovascular system and it actively works to prevent superfluous fat storage on the body (Bassuk, 2013). Among these benefits is also the improvement and strengthening of bones (Bassuk, 2013). Bone strength can also be referred to as bone density and is very important to a person’s overall health because it relates directly to skeletal strength, posture, factors that affect falling and consequentially the fracturing of bones (Mayo Clinic Health Letter, 2011). A higher …