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Articles 1 - 30 of 31
Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
Bioinformatic Analysis Of A Mammalian Bip Gene For Insertion Into Green Algae And Comparison Of Its Possible Effects On The Synthesis Of A Mammalian Antibody, Katrina Ghazanfar
Bioinformatic Analysis Of A Mammalian Bip Gene For Insertion Into Green Algae And Comparison Of Its Possible Effects On The Synthesis Of A Mammalian Antibody, Katrina Ghazanfar
Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation describes a study utilizing bioinformatics to analyze homologues of a molecular chaperone, glucose-regulated protein 78 (grp 78), also known as BiP. The selected homologous proteins originate from organisms of infinitely diverse genera. Comparisons of protein sequence yielded the first clues of a common ancestry among these proteins. Furthermore, protein molecular weights, isoelectric points, N-terminal amino acids and half-lives of a known homolog and a non-homologous protein were examined. Additionally, electroporation, a state-of-the-art plasmid insertion technique, was explored using Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a green alga, as the recipient of a parent plasmid, pSP124S. Distinctive hypertonic solutions and three separate field …
Interleukin-6 Levels In Generalized And Localized Aggressive Periodontitis Patients, Bindu Reddy
Interleukin-6 Levels In Generalized And Localized Aggressive Periodontitis Patients, Bindu Reddy
Theses and Dissertations
AbstractINTERLEUKIN-6 LEVELS IN GENERALIZED AND LOCALIZED AGGRESSIVE PERIODONTITIS PATIENTSBy Bindu Reddy, D.D.S.A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at the Virginia Commonwealth UniversityVirginia Commonwealth University, 2004Major Director: Joseph V. Califano, D.D.S., Ph.D.Associate Professor, Department of Periodontics Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease involving the supporting structures of the dentition. Many studies have shown that there is a relationship between periodontal disease, the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and systemic disease such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to measure serum Interleukin-6 levels in generalized and localized aggressive …
Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Investigative Analysis Of Their Access To Dental Care, Chad Wallace Ellsworth
Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Investigative Analysis Of Their Access To Dental Care, Chad Wallace Ellsworth
Theses and Dissertations
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the utilization of dental services for children with autism spectrum disorders and identify barriers these children face when accessing dental services in the state of Virginia. Methods: A survey was mailed to families in the state of Virginia that care for at least one child with the neuro-developmental disorder on the autism spectrum scale. The mailing list was obtained from "The Autism Program of Virginia." This list contains the names of families/guardians of children with autism spectrum disorders. These individuals live throughout the State of Virginia. This project analyzed survey questions …
Toothbrushing, Flossing, And Preventive Dental Visits By Richmond-Area Residents In Relation To Demographic And Socioeconomic Factors, Kim T. Isringhausen
Toothbrushing, Flossing, And Preventive Dental Visits By Richmond-Area Residents In Relation To Demographic And Socioeconomic Factors, Kim T. Isringhausen
Theses and Dissertations
Purpose. This study was conducted to identify factors that influence preventive dental behaviors and, from the results, target groups for intervention.Methods. Data were collected using the 1997 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) resulting in a probability sample of 399 dentate adults living in Richmond City, Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover Counties in Virginia. All analyses were performed using the statistical software program STATA. Initial hypothesis testing was performed using univariate logistic regression models. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to test the significance of independent variables while controlling for other possible predictors of behavior.Results. Females were more likely than males …
The Association Between Periodontal Disease And C-Reactive Protein In Patients With A History Of Heart Attack, Robert Lee Fletcher Iii
The Association Between Periodontal Disease And C-Reactive Protein In Patients With A History Of Heart Attack, Robert Lee Fletcher Iii
Theses and Dissertations
The patient population consisted of a maximum of 18,570 subjects who completed the NHANES III questionnaire and examination from 1988 - 1994. The physical examination included such things as body mass index and serum samples, social and medical history. The periodontal examination recorded probing depth, attachment loss and gingival bleeding. Serum samples were analyzed for CRP levels, cholesterol levels etc. Demographic, cardiovascular and oral health variables were compared in subjects with a history of heart attack. Result showed that history of heart attack is associated with increased odds ratio for elevated CRP, diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, male gender, non-white race and …
Physical And Chemical Properties Of A New Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Material, David Lowell Spencer
Physical And Chemical Properties Of A New Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Material, David Lowell Spencer
Theses and Dissertations
The objective of this study was to compare the time to final set and compressive strength of the white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) formulation to the original grey MTA. To test compressive strength, each MTA formulation was placed into Teflon split molds for four hours at 37° Celsius (C) and 100% humidity. Compressive strength of both MTA formulations was measured at 24 hours (n=12) and 21 days (n=19) using an Instron Testing Machine. For determination of time to final set, each MTA formulation (n=6) was placed into a metal mold and maintained at 37° C and 100% humidity while setting. …
Influence Of A 3-Step Disinfection Procedure On Dentin Bond Strength, Maria Pappas
Influence Of A 3-Step Disinfection Procedure On Dentin Bond Strength, Maria Pappas
Theses and Dissertations
Statement of problem. Clinicians have used disinfection materials to remove surface contaminants during cavity preparation. It has been postulated that disinfection materials may negatively affect shear bond strength of restorative materials. If so, large numbers of restorations may be predestined for early failure with the use of a disinfection protocol.Purpose. To determine whether there is a difference in the bond strength between dentin and composite resin with a 3-step disinfection technique compared to a conventional bonding technique without the additional disinfection protocol.Material and Methods. Sixty human molar teeth were sectioned parallel to the occlusal surface to expose mid-coronal dentin and …
Torsional Testing Of Race, K3 And Profile Nickel Titanium Endodontic Files, Sean D. Fessenden
Torsional Testing Of Race, K3 And Profile Nickel Titanium Endodontic Files, Sean D. Fessenden
Theses and Dissertations
Rotary endodontic instruments have different cross sectional designs that may effect their resistance to torsional stress. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the static torsional properties of two nickel titanium files that have recently been introduced for use in endodontics and compare them to the same size Profile instruments. Ten new files of each brand and size were tested. The files tested were: RaCe 25 tip 0.02, 0.04, 0.06 taper, K3 and Profile 25 and 40 tip in 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06 taper. The diameter of each file was measured at 3mm from tip. The last three millimeters …
Purification And Characterization Of A Methyl-Dna Binding Protein Complex From Primary Erythroid Cells, Evan Paul Kransdorf
Purification And Characterization Of A Methyl-Dna Binding Protein Complex From Primary Erythroid Cells, Evan Paul Kransdorf
Theses and Dissertations
The chicken embryonic β-type globin gene, ρ, is silenced on day five of embryogenesis. Concomitant with this silencing is methylation of cytosine residues in the promoter and proximal transcribed region of the gene, which is first detected on day seven and is complete in adult cells. Once methylated, expression of the gene cannot be induced unless the methylation is removed by treatment of cells with Sazacytidine. Therefore ρ-globin is a member of a small group of genes whose normal developmentally regulated expression is mediated at least in part by DNA methylation.A methyl-DNA binding complex, termed the MeCPC (Erythroid Methyl Cytosine-binding …
Determinants Of Prenatal Care And Supplement Use: The Case Of Honduras, Catherine E. Henze
Determinants Of Prenatal Care And Supplement Use: The Case Of Honduras, Catherine E. Henze
Theses and Dissertations
Context: Literature suggests that prenatal care and prenatal supplement use improves pregnancy outcomes. However, we do not know the factors associated with prenatal care and supplement use in Honduras.Objective: To identify characteristics of Honduran women who are the least and most likely to use prenatal care and supplements.Methods: Data from a 2001 Honduras cross-sectional survey of women was used to assess their use of prenatal care and supplements. All data was weighted, resulting in a sample size of n = 5647 women who had a live birth since January 1996. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine factors associated …
Rabies In Virginia, 1989-2003: With Particular Attention To Animals, Geographic Distribution, And Virus Variant, William Andrew Holzgrefe
Rabies In Virginia, 1989-2003: With Particular Attention To Animals, Geographic Distribution, And Virus Variant, William Andrew Holzgrefe
Theses and Dissertations
Objectives: The description of the raccoon rabies epizootic in Virginia over fifteen years (1989-2003). Methods: Using simple statistical methods and a geographic information system (GIS)-based approach, and fifteen years worth of animal surveillance data, the progress of this epizootic has been charted in terms of the geographic spread of the disease, the major animal species affected by the disease and its spread, and the exposure and risk to humans and livestock animals presented by the expansion of the geographic range. Results: The resulting descriptive study illustrates the eastward expansion of the epizootic, the mushrooming of the disease in the northern …
Pcr Detection Of Streptococcus Mutans And Streptococcus Sobrinus In Dental Plaque Samples From Low, Moderate, And High Caries Risk Children, Ajit A. Patel
Theses and Dissertations
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to correlate the presence of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus with the incidence of dental caries in children as detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Methods: Subjects between the ages 2 to 16 years of age were used in this study. After the subjects received a dental examination, dental plaque samples were collected by rubbing a toothpick on the buccal surface of the most posterior tooth in each quadrant of the mouth. Children were grouped into low, moderate, and high caries risk categories by two different Caries Risk Assessment Tools (CAT 1 and …
The Effects Of The Handwriting Without Tears Program On The Handwriting Of Students In Inclusion Classrooms, Lisa Owens
The Effects Of The Handwriting Without Tears Program On The Handwriting Of Students In Inclusion Classrooms, Lisa Owens
Theses and Dissertations
Many handwriting programs are currently used in schools, but little research has been conducted on their effectiveness. A quasi-experimental non-equivalent comparison group pretest posttest design examined effects of the Handwriting Without Tears program with special and general education students enrolled in inclusion classrooms. Two experimental classes received instruction with the HWT method while two comparison classes received instruction using traditional methods. Handwriting performance was measured using the Minnesota Handwriting Assessment. One-way analysis of covariance tested the differences between rates of handwriting improvement for experimental and comparison groups while controlling for pretest scores. Students in the experimental classes showed no statistically …
Obesity And Health Status Among Urban Vs. Suburban Elderly In Philadelphia And Surrounding Counties, Ockidde Dufayne Harris
Obesity And Health Status Among Urban Vs. Suburban Elderly In Philadelphia And Surrounding Counties, Ockidde Dufayne Harris
Theses and Dissertations
Obesity is a dangerous health condition affecting approximately 30% of all Americans and can be attributed to 300,000 deaths a year. Obesity has been found to disproportionately affect Blacks, Latinos, and those with lower SES. Although obesity is a problem for all age groups, its prevalence is highest among those 60-74 years of age. Studies have shown that there is an association between obesity and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis, cancers, and type-2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control, chronic health conditions affect 80% of all elderly persons, many times limiting function and decreasing quality of …
Factors Influencing Applicant Ranking Of Orthodontic Programs, Michael D. Payne
Factors Influencing Applicant Ranking Of Orthodontic Programs, Michael D. Payne
Theses and Dissertations
Orthodontic programs spend considerable amounts of time and energy to attract, recruit, and interview the best and brightest applicants. Applicants and programs submit ranked preferences, and resident positions are filled by a computerized matching system (Match). The specific aims of this study were to determine the relative importance of certain factors in applicants' Match ranking of orthodontic programs and to determine differences between orthodontic Program Directors perceptions and actual factors cited by applicants influencing their ranking of orthodontic programs.Surveys were mailed to 55 orthodontic Program Directors and 478 applicants participating in the 2002 orthodontic Match. Forty-nine Program Director (89%) and …
Association Between The Frequency Of Physical Education Classes And The Prevalence Of Overweight/Obesity In Adolescents, Collin N. Rice
Association Between The Frequency Of Physical Education Classes And The Prevalence Of Overweight/Obesity In Adolescents, Collin N. Rice
Theses and Dissertations
Background/Objective: Overweight and obesity has been steadily on the rise in the United States for all groups. The prevalence of obesity for adolescents has tripled since 1980. The purpose of this study is to determine an association between the frequency of physical education classes and the prevalence of overweight/obesity in adolescents in the United States.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that used the 2001 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) of the Center for Disease Control. The outcome variable for the study was Body Mass Index (BMI). A BMI of 25 or greater was considered overweight or obese. The main independent …
Use Of A Portland Cement Accelerator With Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, M. Scott Monts
Use Of A Portland Cement Accelerator With Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, M. Scott Monts
Theses and Dissertations
The use of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is gaining popularity among clinicians. Despite the many ideal qualities it possesses, it is often difficult to manipulate and often requires a second appointment for placement of a restoration to allow for setting. If the time to set of MTA can be accelerated to a single appointment time frame without significantly altering its properties, then MTA may gain even wider acceptance. The purpose of this study is to identify the percentage of a Portland Cement Accelerator (PCA), that when added to MTA, will decrease the time to set of MTA towards a single …
Evaluation Of The Hayes E. Willis Health Center In South Richmond -- Has It Served Its Targeted Population?, Shannon Nicole Shaw
Evaluation Of The Hayes E. Willis Health Center In South Richmond -- Has It Served Its Targeted Population?, Shannon Nicole Shaw
Theses and Dissertations
Objective: The Hayes E. Willis Health Center (HWHC) was opened in a neighborhood of South Richmond in October 1993 to remove the barriers that prevented South Richmond residents from accessing primary healthcare services. The major objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the HWHC in providing primary care to the South Richmond Community deemed to be in need. An additional objective was to describe the changes in characteristics of clinic users and illnesses seen over time.Methods: Patient data was compared from the HWHC�s first full year of operation in which patient data was collected (1995) to the …
Is Number Of Pregnancies A Risk Factor For Heart Attack In Women?, Pavan Kumar Irukulla
Is Number Of Pregnancies A Risk Factor For Heart Attack In Women?, Pavan Kumar Irukulla
Theses and Dissertations
Background: Studies regarding number of pregnancies and coronary heart disease have shown inconsistent results. In the present study, we assessed the association between number of pregnancies and heart attack (HA) in women.Methods: Using data from NHANES III a cross sectional data analysis of 10634 women aged 17 and above was conducted. We considered socio-demographic factors and other potential risk factors including physical activity, smoking, alcohol, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, BMI, age, and family history of heart attack. We conducted Bivariate analysis to determine prevalence and crude odds ratios. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for confounding variables using SPSS. …
Targeting The Male In Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Terri Burgan
Targeting The Male In Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Terri Burgan
Theses and Dissertations
Study Objectives: To examine demographic characteristics and contraceptive habits of young men.Methods: A descriptive study was conducted utilizing data analyzed from three waves of the National Survey of the Adolescent Male (NSAM) administered in 1988, 1991, and 1995. The first wave consisted of 1,880, never-married, noninstitutionalized 15-19 year old men living in the United States. The second wave consisted of 1,676 re-interviewed respondents who were 17-22 years old. The third wave consisted of 1,377 re-interviewed respondents who were 22-27 years old. Descriptive statistics were used to compare personal and demographic characteristics across each year group. Odds ratios, and their corresponding …
Effect Of Repeated Dosing Of Delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, The Major Psychoactive Ingredient Of Marijuana, On Memory In Mice, Floride Niyuhire
Effect Of Repeated Dosing Of Delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, The Major Psychoactive Ingredient Of Marijuana, On Memory In Mice, Floride Niyuhire
Theses and Dissertations
Purpose: Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States. However, marijuana and cannabinoid derivatives have potential therapeutic uses. Studies in cannabis users have yielded contradictory results with regard to long-term effects on cognitive functions. There is no prospective study assessing this issue, and such studies may raise ethical issues in humans, whereas mice have been shown to exhibit similar cannabinoid-mediated behaviors as humans. The purpose of this study was to assess the consequences of chronic administration of Δ9-THC, the major psychoactive component of marijuana, in a mouse memory model. Methods: In Experiment 1, the dose-response relationship …
The Prevalence Of The Need For Esthetic Crown Lengthening In Post Orthodontically Treated Subjects, David Clark Johnson
The Prevalence Of The Need For Esthetic Crown Lengthening In Post Orthodontically Treated Subjects, David Clark Johnson
Theses and Dissertations
The problem of excess gingival display is difficult to diagnose and treat. By studying one aspect of excess gingival display, namely the size relationships of the clinical crowns of teeth, we can begin to quantify reasonable goals of therapy. In this study, two hundred plaster models were used as subjects. These represented two hundred patients before and after orthodontic therapy. The six anterior teeth were measured for length and width and compared to known ideals. Teeth that did not meet ideal standards may require treatment. It was found that the mean tooth length after orthodontic therapy was approximately two millimeters …
Bonding Properties Of Newly Erupted And Mature Human Premolars, Diana Marie-Skinner Almy
Bonding Properties Of Newly Erupted And Mature Human Premolars, Diana Marie-Skinner Almy
Theses and Dissertations
Following eruption of a tooth into the oral cavity, enamel is thought to continue to calcify. The continued calcification and maturation of enamel is described as "post-eruptive enamel maturation." It is believed that an observed decrease in enamel pore size and increase in the calcification of enamel matrix over time can be attributed to this process. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment. Since orthodontic attachments are bonded directly to the etched enamel using composite resin, post-eruptive enamel maturation may affect the bonding process. The purpose of this study …
Comparative Tensile Strengths Of Preceramic And Postceramic Solder Connectors Using High-Palladium Alloy, Abdul-Hadi Shehab
Comparative Tensile Strengths Of Preceramic And Postceramic Solder Connectors Using High-Palladium Alloy, Abdul-Hadi Shehab
Theses and Dissertations
Purpose: To evaluate the tensile strength properties of Rx Naturelle Plus and Option (high-palladium) alloys on soldered connectors under simulated preceramic and postceramic soldering conditions. Materials and methods: Eighty cylindrical castings were fabricated (40 using Rx Naturelle Plus alloy and 40 using Option alloy). The 40 castings for each alloy were subdivided into 2 groups of 20 each. In the first group, castings for each alloy were randomly paired and soldered with SMG2 solder to produce 10 preceramic test connector specimens for each alloy. In the second group, castings were similarly paired and soldered with 490 fine solder to produce …
Appointment Keeping Behavior Of Medicaid Vs. Non-Medicaid Orthodontic Patients, Bryan P. Horsley
Appointment Keeping Behavior Of Medicaid Vs. Non-Medicaid Orthodontic Patients, Bryan P. Horsley
Theses and Dissertations
State Medicaid programs were established to care for the poor by eliminating financial barriers and increasing their ability to be treated within the mainstream of the heath care system. The number of children eligible for Medicaid services is increasing, yet the number of Medicaid providers remains low. Health care providers cite failed appointments as being a major problem with Medicaid patients and one of the largest deterrents to participating. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a difference in appointment keeping behavior exists between Medicaid and non-Medicaid orthodontic patients. During a twelve-month period, a tally of appointments was …
C-Reactive Protein Levels In Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis Patients, Trang Nguyen Salzberg
C-Reactive Protein Levels In Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis Patients, Trang Nguyen Salzberg
Theses and Dissertations
Background: There is mounting evidence to indicate that periodontitis may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Periodontitis may be linked to CVD as either an etiologic mechanism or a predisposing factor that can hasten disease progression. Proinflammatory cytokines, elevated fibrinogen, and platelet aggregation are all potential mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to compare and review the serological differences in subjects with severe periodontitis, some of which involve established risk factors for atherosclerosis, particularly heightened C-reactive protein levels. Methods: A total of 184 subjects, comprising of two periodontal subgroups, non-periodontal (NP = 91) and generalized aggressive periodontitis …
An In Vitro Evaluation Of The Elements Apex Locator Using The Endo Q System, Steven Andrew Brofsky
An In Vitro Evaluation Of The Elements Apex Locator Using The Endo Q System, Steven Andrew Brofsky
Theses and Dissertations
The objective of this study was two-fold: 1) to determine the accuracy of the Elements Apex Locator and 2) to compare the accuracy of the alginate and Endo Q models as in-vitro apex locator testing devices. Twenty teeth were decoronated at the CEJ and triplicate measurements were made using the Elements Apex Locator. All measurements were made to the apex reading of the apex locator. True length was established by visualizing the file tip at the apex with a dental operating microscope. Measurements were then taken with the teeth mounted in an alginate model and then in the Endo Q …
Overbite Correction And Smile Esthetics, Shannon Michelle Lewis
Overbite Correction And Smile Esthetics, Shannon Michelle Lewis
Theses and Dissertations
Achievement of optimum smile esthetics during orthodontic treatment has recently been the focus of several published articles in the orthodontic literature. Authors speculate that overbite correction, specifically maxillary incisor intrusion, will lead to flattening of the smile arc and consequently reduce smile attractiveness. The purpose of this prospective clinical study was to investigate differences in outcomes from two common treatment modalities used to reduce deep overbite: maxillary incisor intrusion using an intrusion arch and posterior tooth eruption using an anterior bite plate. Pre-treatment and post-overbite correction records were gathered from 20 patients who presented with deep overbite malocclusions to the …
A Structural Equation Model Examining The Effects Of Gulf War Stress Exposure On Subsequent Mental And Physical Health Problems Among Gulf War Veterans, Frank J. Kenny
Theses and Dissertations
The goal of this dissertation is to better understand the complex relationship between the stresses encountered by US. service personnel during the Gulf War and eventual physical and psychological health outcomes among its veterans. By developing and validating a stress model using structural equation modeling techniques, it is hoped that knowledge regarding wartime stress and its potential impact on the health of veterans will be gained. This knowledge can be used to guide future policy decisions on how to minimize the deleterious health consequences associated with deployment and combat, as well as furnishing a basis for future studies that examine …
Antioxidants As Risk Factors For Gingival Bleeding, Hee-Jeong Bahng
Antioxidants As Risk Factors For Gingival Bleeding, Hee-Jeong Bahng
Theses and Dissertations
Background: Studies of gingival bleeding and the effects of antioxidants on extracellular matrix and immunologic and inflammatory responses provide a rationale for hypothesizing that antioxidants reduce the risk for gingival bleeding.Methods: This study evaluated the role of antioxidants as contributing risk factors for gingival bleeding utilizing the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NAHNES III). A sample of 18,825 adults (20 to ≥ 90 years of age), with dental measurement and assessment of serum levels of antioxidants were included in the study. Gingival bleeding was defined as those who had more than 30 percent of gingival bleeding in 28 …