Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

An Investigation Of The Interest For A Nurse Re-Entry Program In Southeastern Ohio, Marsha K. Rodgers

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In the United States and throughout the world there is a serious concern in the growing nursing shortage. Many recruitment and retention techniques are currently being used to ease the nursing shortage. One such avenue is a nurse re-entry program. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the interest for a RN re-entry program in southeastern Ohio.

The data collected during the investigation used both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Information was received through two survey questionnaires and two focus groups. The instruments were designed with the purpose of determining how many registered nurses were not working in …

Activation Of Ca2+-Activated K+ Channels And Cell Migration By Hepatocyte Growth Factor/Scatter Factor In Madin-Darby Canine Kidney Cells., Min Jin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hepatocyte Growth Factor/Scatter Factor (HGF/SF) stimulates migration of various cells and has been linked via Met tyrosine kinase signaling to transformation and the metastatic phenotype. HGF/SF-Met signaling also plays a role in malignancy. Migration of transformed MDCK-F cells depends on activation of a charybdotoxin (ChTX)-sensitive, volume-activated membrane K⁺ current. Patch-clamp electrophysiology and transwell migration assays were used to study the effects of HGF/SF on membrane K⁺ currents and cell migration in MDCK II cells. HGF/SF activated membrane K⁺ currents that increased over 24 hr, and these could be modulated by altering intracellular free calcium concentration [Ca^{2+ …}

Dose-Response Effects Of Lithium On Spatial Memory In The Black Molly Fish., Thomas Kyle Creson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lithium continues to be widely prescribed for the management of bipolar disease, yet cognitive impairment-related side effects promote noncompliance of the treatment regimen. We have introduced a novel animal model, the black molly fish, to study dose-response effects of lithium on short-term (STM) and long-term (LTM) memories. We developed a method utilizing capillary ion analysis (CIA), to measure plasma and brain lithium levels employed in our behavioral studies. We then developed an appropriate testing environment to ascertain learning capacities of these fish. We established that black mollies could adequately perform a forced-choice spontaneous alternation (SA) task used extensively in rodents …

Isolation And Investigation Of The Exopolysaccharide From Thauera Sp. Mz1t, Michael S. Allen

Doctoral Dissertations

Thauera sp. strain MZ1T is a floc-forming bacterium isolated from the wastewater treatment plant of Eastman Chemical Company. Its overabundance in that system in the form of zoogloeal clusters was positively correlated to episodes of poor dewatering of activated sludge (Lajoie 2000). The specific cause of this problem was thought to be due to the production of large quantities of hydrophilic exopolysaccharide (EPS) by MZ1T, which entraps water in the form of a hydrated gel, and results in a sludge that is resistant to mechanical dewatering.

A method for the reproducible extraction of EPS from pure cultures of MZ1T was …

Special Education Teachers' And Speech Therapists' Knowledge Of Autism Spectrum Disorder., Carol Hendrix Whaley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to survey special education teachers and speech therapists in eleven school districts in Northeast Tennessee regarding their knowledge level (etiology and educational programming) of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The primary focus of the study was to identify effective programs and methods used by special educators in this region, comparing them to the latest techniques and teaching methods prescribed by recent research. In addition, identified weaknesses were used to recommend future training and staff development to enable educators to provide the best possible programs for children with autism.

Five hundred fifty-two surveys were disseminated to …

A New Immunoassay For Quantification Of A Novel Cancer Antigen In Serum And Immunostaining Of Carcinoma Tissues And Cultured Cells Revealing The Antigenic Cellular Location., Emily Christine Mcduffee

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is 1) to examine the presence of the antigen in serum by employing a newly developed ELISA immunoassay that quantifies the total antigen and bound antigen (antigen-antibody complex) using polyclonal chicken antibodies directed against an IgM-binding epitope of the new antigen, and 2) to determine the location of the antigen in carcinoma and normal cells. Sera from healthy volunteers (n = 147) and cancer patients (n = 26) were compared for both bound and total antigen concentrations using the new ELISA. Healthy volunteers were subdivided into three groups: those with a personal history of cancer …

Human Subjects Protection In Research: Are We Doing Enough?, Marsha L. Green

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Scientific research has produced substantial social benefits but has also posed troubling ethical questions with regard to the use and protection of human subjects. These questions have continued to be in the forefront of all biomedical and social research. The increased education of researchers on the subject of protection of human subjects has become of vital importance in the research world. This education involves program administrators, faculty, staff, students, research participants, and Institutional Review Board Committee (IRB) members. In this study of the University of Nevada, LasVegas (UNLV) human subjects’ protection program administration, the question to be answered was: has …

Getting Back: Successful Rehabilitation After A Hip Fracture, Carole Florek Hair Phd, Ms, Rn

Dissertations

Fracturing a hip is a devastating experience for the older adult, and mortality and morbidity following a hip fracture are high among this vulnerable population. Mortality rates from 12 to 37 percent have been reported within one year after a hip fracture. It is estimated that 50 percent of individuals who experience hip fractures become partially dependent in activities of daily living, and 33 percent become totally dependent in activities of daily living. Reducing morbidity by improving rehabilitation outcomes is an important healthcare goal for older adults. Motivating participation in rehabilitation activities poses a challenge for professional caregivers. The purpose …

Co-Occurring Disorders And Selective Substance Use In Females Ages 10 To 25 Diagnosed With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Nancy A. Clinton

Dissertations

The paucity o f research on females diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) precipitated this exploratory investigation into co-occurring disorders and selective substance use in females (n = 70), ranging in age between 10 and 25, diagnosed with ADHD and substance use disorder (SUD). Data extracted from archived substance abuse treatment center records were tested via chi-square analyses to determine proportional differences between frequencies in predetermined co-occurring disorder groups (disruptive behavior disorders, moodanxiety disorders, and learning disorders) and predetermined substance groups (stimulant, depressant, and cannabis) for the total ADHD cohort and for specific diagnoses (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, combined, and with …

Roles And Regulation Of Nf-Xb In Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Transformed Cells, Takeshi Shimamura

Dissertations

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is overexpressed in various cancer cells and the overexpression may be correlated with the prognosis of several types of cancers. Binding of PDGF to its receptors induces receptor dimerization and subsequent autophosphorylation of tyrosine residues in the receptor’s cytoplasmic domains. The phosphorylated tyrosine residues interact with the secondary signaling molecules to initiate signaling cascades that trigger cellular changes by affecting downstream effectors. In our recent publication, we have shown that a NF-icB mediates the transformation of mouse fibroblast cells overexpressing PDGF B chain. Though there is a significant correlation between PDGF stimulation and N F-kB activity, …

Specifying The Psychomotor Domain Of The Construct Of Nursing Competence, Joni L. Jones

Dissertations

The measurement of an individual's predicted performance in his/her field is a requirement of many professions. The NCLEX-RN® is the measurement tool used to determine whether or not new graduates of registered nursing programs are competent to enter the profession. Although there are three domains of learning in nursing (cognitive, affective, and psychomotor) the only domain tested for licensure is the cognitive. Many factors contribute to the lack of testing in the psychomotor area. One of the major impediments is that the entry-level psychomotor domain for registered nursing has yet to be defined. The purpose of this study was to …

The Development And Psychometric Testing Of An Instrument Measuring The Use Of Intuition By Nursing Students, Anita Joel Smith Phd, Mn, Rn

Dissertations

Measurement of intuition use among nursing students has not occurred because developed intuition measures have been designed specifically for experienced nurses. The purpose of this study was to develop and psychometrically evaluate an intuition instrument for nursing students. An intuition instrument can provide the means to (a) determine if students use intuition in care providing activities and (b) measure intuition use over time. Instrument development included (a) concept clarification, (b) item development, and (c) psychometric testing. Intuition was defined as a nonlinear process of knowing perceived through physical awareness, emotional awareness, and/or through physical or spiritual connections. Content experts established …

Psychosocial Predictors Of Survival In Persons With Hiv Or Aids, Carlos A. Escoto

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The HIV pandemic is in its second decade of existence. HIV has distinguished itself by effecting every part of the globe. It is estimated that there are currently over 40 million people living with HIV or AIDS diagnoses in the world today. Great strides have been made in the treatment of HIV and AIDS. Combination therapy of drugs has been shown to keep viral replication at very low levels. The result of drug therapies has resulted in keeping persons with HIV from progression to full blown AIDS. Also, drug therapies are responsible for a significant drop in mortality rates from …

Evolution Of Lake Malawi Cichlid Fishes (Perciformes: Teleostei), Peter F. Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The cichlid fish species flocks of East Africa provide a compelling model system in which to study the process of speciation. In Lake Malawi, greater than 1000 species of cichlids have emerged since the filling of the lake basin about 1 million years ago. Over 99% of the Lake Malawi haplochromine cichlids are endemic, suggesting that most of this diversification has taken place within the temporal and spatial boundaries set by the Lake's shores. Moreover, many of these species are endemic to small areas within the lake, indicating that speciation has occurred very recently or perhaps is in progress in …

The Effect Of Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis On Condylar Rotation In Rabbits, Shelton Hsu

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is the gradual lengthening of a healing bone. This surgical technique can be applied to the jawbone to correct an asymmetry or deficiency of the mandible. DO has been added to the list of treatment options for patients with craniofacial anomalies or excessive dental crowding.

Although mandibular distraction osteogenesis has been successfully performed in many patients, the comprehensive effects on the TMJ are not fully understood. The purpose of this study is to compare the amount of rotational and positional change that occurs at the condyles when the rabbit mandible is widened at the midline and paramedian …

Assessment Of Human Alveolar Bone Density By Using Volumetric Ct Machine, Prasit Aranyarachkul

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study evaluated bone density in designated implants sites using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and compared the measurements to those of quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and subjective bone density evaluation. Sixty-two designated implant sites in 9 human cadavers jaws were used. Indicator rods, 2 mm in diameter, were placed in all sites. CT images representing 1 mm bucco-lingual slices immediately mesial and distal to the rods were selected for density evaluations. Bone density in Hounsfield units (HU) was assessed in a standardized implant area superimposed on the images, and also subjectively evaluated by 2 independent examiners using the Lekholm & …

The Influences Of Culture, Socioeconomics, And Migration On The Mexican Immigrant Experience, Jean M. Gunderson

Theses and Graduate Projects

During the past eight years, there has been an increase in the migratory patterns offtamilies from Mexico to a rural community in Minnesota, served by Maternal Child public health nurses. Many of these families are undocumented or are of Mixed Citizenship status, citizens and undocumented residing together, and live in poverty. This ethnographic study examines the migratory experiences of these immigrants and the interconnection to the socioeconomic and cultural influences of community.

The primary tools of poetry, cultural stories, and photography, are incorporated in this field project. Understanding the cultural and socioeconomic context of migration for Mexican immigrants may strengthen …

The Influence Of Warning Label Presentation In Memory Recognition Of Aging Adults, Brian J. Call

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Research indicates that hundreds of thousands of people are injured each year as a result of poor communication between medical personnel, warning label information, and consumers when taking over the counter or prescription medication. Typically, as adult's age, they are increasingly responsible for remembering the hazards of taking medications. If inadequate information exists in memory in regards to side effects, dosage, and other warnings, the likelihood of improper usage will increase. Because aging adults typically have a reduction in cognitive resources, it was hypothesized that older adults would require the aid of additional warning information to assist in the retrieval …

Development And Evaluation Of The Sleep Treatment And Education Program For Students (Steps), Franklin Christian Brown

Doctoral Dissertations

Sleep difficulties are becoming progressively more common among university students and may be related to increased academic and emotional difficulties. Psychoeducational interventions are among the most effective methods for reducing sleep difficulties and are significantly better than pharmacological treatments. Attempts to demonstrate the effectiveness of such treatments among university students are not present in the literature.

The purpose of this study was to develop the Sleep Treatment Education Program for Students (STEPS) and evaluate its effectiveness to improve sleep habits and reduce sleep complaints. The study used a double blind, experimental design. Participants in the treatment condition received Sleep Hygiene …

Effects Of Daily Oral Care With 0.12% Chlorhexidine Gluconate And A Standard Oral Care Protocol On The Development Of Nosocomial Pneumonia In Intubated Patients- A Pilot Study, Michelle Lynn Bopp

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The initial purpose of the study was to determine if a difference existed between nosocomial pneumonia rates for intubated patients who received twice daily oral hygiene care with 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate and those who received the standard oral care while in the critical care unit (CCU). Over seven months (February - August), participants were identified through screening and consent procedures, and randomized into one of two groups. Over the seven months, only five subjects were enrolled. While in the study, twice-daily oral hygiene care consisting of brushing the cheeks, teeth and endotracheal tube with a suctioning toothbrush using an FDA …

Hiv Tat Protein Activates Endothelial Cells Through Nfκb And Map Kinase Pathways., Jason L. Henry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

HIV infection has been shown to predispose patients to accelerated development of heart disease. One mechanism for this pathology may involve endothelial activation either by HIV itself or by its secreted proteins, gp120 (a viral envelope protein) and tat (a protein that upregulates transcription of viral genes). We have studied the effects of gp120 and tat on signaling and production of inflammatory cytokines by Human Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells (HPAEC). HPAEC were stimulated at varying time points with combinations of gp120, tat, and monokines (IL-1β and TNFα). Cell lysate fractions were analyzed for MAP Kinase activity and NFκB activation, and …

The Signaling Pathway Of Oxysterol Induced Apoptosis In Chinese Hamster Ovary (Cho)-K1 Cells., Lin Yang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Apoptosis, a form of genetically programmed cell death, plays a key role in regulation of cellularity of the arterial wall. During atherogenesis, improper apoptosis may cause abnormalities of arterial morphogenesis, wall structural stability, and metabolisms. It has been well established that vascular cells undergo apoptosis after uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Thus, an analysis of the signaling pathway of apoptotic induction by oxLDL is of value in understanding the development of atherosclerotic plaque. In order to elucidate the signaling pathway of apoptosis induced by oxLDL, we have used Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells treated with a potent oxysterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol …

Perceived Stress In The Field Of Athletic Training, Gregory R. Burnett

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

The purpose of this study was to determine the significance of the relationships between the three personal/situational variables and perceived stress, from R.E. Smith's model, and how it related to the field of athletic training (Hendrix, et al., 140).

The hypothesis for this study stated that perceived stress levels were more significantly related to hardiness and social support levels than to relevant work-related issue levels (i.e. athletic training issues) as they relate to the field of athletic training. Conversely, athletic training issues play a less significant role in perceived stress levels.

Results from the study indicated that a fairly strong …

Family Nurse Practitioners' Perceptions Of Bereavement Care, Joy Young Loden

MSN Research Projects

Studies have shown that long-term effects of bereavement increase health problems among many individuals. There is an increased need for bereavement care among family nurse practitioners to lessen physical and mental anguish among those who have experienced a loss. The purpose of this study was to describe and explore family nurse practitioners' perceptions of bereavement care. This study's importance was to find out what is being done to address patients' bereavement issues by the family nurse practitioner. Orlando's Nursing Process Theory was the theoretical framework that guided this study. The research question for this study was as follows : What …

The Relationship Between Urinary Tract Infections And Mental Status Changes In Elders, Yvette L. Humphrey

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore pregnant women's knowledge of the danger signs of pregnancy, as well as the normal discomforts of pregnancy and those symptoms of pregnancy that could be treated in a primary care clinic.

The Effect Of Regular Exercise On The Incidence Of Depression In College Students, Arlene Jones

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between urinary tract infections and acute mental status changes among elderly patients with a urinary tract infection in a geriatric-psychiatric unit.

Evidence-Based Practice Perspective Of The Effects On Intuition On Clinical Practice As Perceived By The Nurse Practitioner, Alice F. Naquin

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of physician acceptance of the performance of medical and interpretive procedures by nurse practitioners and to determine which specific procedures physicians find acceptable or unacceptable.

Physician Acceptance Of Medical Procedures And Interpretive Skills Completed By Nurse Practitioners, April E. Morris

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this descriptive, comparative study was to determine the effect of regular exercise on the incidence of depression in college students.

Maternal Knowledge Of Danger Signs Of Pregnancy, Yvette L. Humphrey

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore pregnant women's knowledge of the danger signs of pregnancy, as well as the normal discomforts of pregnancy and those symptoms of pregnancy that could be treated in a primary care clinic.

The Relationship Between Urinary Tract Infections And Mental Status Changes In Elders, Arlene Jones

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between urinary tract infections and acute mental status changes among elderly patients with a urinary tract infection in a geriatric-psychiatric unit.