Digital Commons Network^™

Within-Day Test-Retest Reliability Of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Measurements Of Corticomotor Excitability For Gastrocnemius And Tibialis Anterior Muscles, Beth E. Fisher, Ya-Yun Lee, Todd E. Davenport, Stephen F. Reischl, Elizabeth Ruckert, Kornelia Kulig

School of Pharmacy Faculty Articles

Background: Manual therapy interventions targeting the talocrural joint can improve gait and balance functions in individuals following ankle sprains. Less is known about the underlying mechanisms of functional improvements after manual therapy. One hypothesis involves change in corticomotor excitability (CE) following manual therapy procedures. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a brain imaging method that could provide important information regarding potential changes in CE associated with manual therapy techniques applied to the talocrural joint. However, within-day reliability of TMS to measure CE must first be established in order to measure CE changes associated with manual therapy procedures.

Objective: To determine the …

Development And Evolution Of Risk Assessment For Food Allergens, Rene W. R. Crevel, Joseph Baumert, Athanasia Baka, Geert Houben, André C. Knulst, Astrid Kruizinga, Stefano Luccioli, Stephen L. Taylor, Charlotte B. Madsen

Department of Food Science and Technology: Faculty Publications

The need to assess the risk from food allergens derives directly from the need to manage effectively this food safety hazard. Work spanning the last two decades dispelled the initial thinking that food allergens were so unique that the risk they posed was not amenable to established risk assessment approaches and methodologies. Food allergens possess some unique characteristics, which make a simple safety assessment approach based on the establishment of absolute population thresholds inadequate. Dose distribution modelling of MEDs permitted the quantification of the risk of reaction at the population level and has been readily integrated with consumption and contamination …

Immediate Return To Ambulation And Improved Functional Capacity For Rehabilition In Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Following Early Implantation Of A Spinal Cord Stimulation System, Brandon Jesse Goff, Jeremy Wingseng Naber, John Patrick Mccallin, Edward Michael Lopez, Kevin Brant Guthmiller, Karl Alan Lautenschlager, Tristan Toll Lai, Dean Harry Hommer, Gonzalez Raul Marin

PCOM Scholarly Works

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a neuropathic pain condition that is characterized by vasomotor, sensory, sudomotor, and motor symptoms. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been successfully utilized for the treatment of pain refractory to conventional therapies. We present a case of a previously highly functioning 54-year-old female who developed a rarely reported case of idiopathic CRPS of the right ankle which spontaneously occurred four months after an uncomplicated anterior cervical disc fusion. This condition resulted in severe pain and functional impairment that was unresponsive to pharmacological management. The patient's rehabilitation was severely stymied by her excruciating pain. However, with …

Parkinson's Diagnosis From The Caregiver's Perspective, Helen Maree Bradley

Theses : Honours

Parkinson’s disease (Parkinson’s) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The irreversible and accumulating disability experienced means that people with Parkinson’s progressively lose their autonomy, eventually requiring complete care. Consequently, Parkinson’s significantly impacts sufferers and the people who care for them. Informal care, predominantly provided by female spouses becomes exceptionally demanding over time, and caregivers experience significant morbidity. Stress manifests across all stages of the caregiving trajectory, with diagnosis reported as a particularly stressful period for caregivers; however, few attempts have been made to understand what makes it stressful. The current study explored female spousal caregivers’ subjective experience of the Parkinson’s diagnosis, …

Positional Plagiocephaly Among Tribal Societies And Contemporary Western Societies: A Comparison Of Treatments, Results, And Effects, Jacinda Rose Ruggles

Honors Program Theses

This study explores the two causes of positional plagiocephaly, or abnormal head shape in infants as well as effects and treatments. To do so, two groups were chosen for comparison: contemporary western societies and tribal Native American societies. In the first group, the medical condition known as positional plagiocephaly is considered before, during and after the Safe to Sleep campaign of the 1990’s. In the second group infant head flattening is discussed as a result of cradling practices and carrying techniques. The importance of this study is to contribute new insight into positional plagiocephaly and its treatments. The study combines …

Trauma-Informed Services And Trauma Awareness Among Staff On The College Campus, Tricia Wisniewski

Honors Program Theses

For college students to work through the effects of trauma and be able to live a more normalized life, the availability of effective trauma-informed services on campus environments is crucial. Therefore, I chose to investigate the availability of trauma-informed services to all students on the college campus. The purpose of this study is to examine the relatively unexplored area of trauma informed services in the context of college campus through survey methods at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). In particular, this study focuses on trauma-informed services and employees’ trauma awareness in four service units on the UNI campus: the …

Surgical Margin Status After Breast Conservation Surgery At Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Ronald Wasike, B. Riogi

General Surgery, East Africa

The conservation of the breast in a woman after diagnosis of breast cancer plays a vital role in the overall management of the patient. While the cosmetic outcome enhances the patients’ self-image, assurance of clear margins is essential in prognostication. An analysis was carried out to assess the adequacy of surgical margins at our unit.

Methodology: Retrospective analysis of breast surgery for breast cancer patients was done from 2008 to 2011 at Aga Khan University Hospital.

Results: Twenty one patients with breast cancer had breast conservation surgery with an average age of 44.8 years. The commonest histological diagnosis (71.4%) was …

Characteristics Of Participants In An Hiv Prevention Intervention For Youth In Rwanda: Results From A Longitudinal Study, Hanne Celis, Brian A. Jingwa, Olivier Degomme, Ronan Van Rossem, Marleen Temmerman, Kristien Michielsen

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Introduction: This paper studies determinants of participation in a peer-led school-based HIV prevention intervention in Rwanda.

Methods: A baseline survey among 1071 students (mean age 17 years) assessed potential determinants of participation, while a follow-up six months in the intervention measured actual participation in the intervention. Statistical models were built using multivariate linear and multinomial regression analysis predicting overall participation, participation in group discussions and individual counseling.

Results: Those who recently had sex, had been tested for HIV, feel more susceptible to HIV, have a higher sexual self-concept, a more positive future perspective (only for non-sexually active), and boys, were …

Pregnancy Outcomes In Benghazi, Libya, Before And During The Armed Conflict In 2011, Z. Bodalal, K. Agnaeber, N. Nagelkerke, B. Stirling, Marleen Temmerman, O. Degomme

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Stressful life events experienced by pregnant women may lead to adverse obstetric outcomes. This study in Benghazi compared the rates of preterm, low-birth-weight and caesarean-section births at Al-Jamhouria hospital in the months before and during the armed conflict in Libya in 2011. Data were collected on all women admitted to the delivery ward during February to May 2011 (the months of the most active fighting in the city) (n = 7096), and October to December 2010 (the months immediately before the war) (n = 5935). Compared with the preceding months there was a significant rise during the conflict in the …

A Cross-Sectional Study On Attitudes Toward Gender Equality, Sexual Behavior, Positive Sexual Experiences, And Communication About Sex Among Sexually Active And Non-Sexually Active Adolescents In Bolivia And Ecuador, Sara De Meyer, Lina Jaruseviciene, Apolinaras Zaborskis, Peter Decat, Bernardo Vega, Kathya Cordova, Marleen Temmerman, Olivier Degomme, Kristien Michielsen

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: It is widely agreed upon that gender is a key aspect of sexuality however, questions remain on how gender exactly influences adolescents’ sexual health.

Objective: The aim of this research was to study correlations between gender equality attitudes and sexual behavior, sexual experiences and communication about sex among sexually active and non-sexually active adolescents in 2 Latin American countries.

Design: In 2011, a cross-sectional study was carried out among 5,913 adolescents aged 14–18 in 20 secondary schools in Cochabamba (Bolivia) and 6 secondary schools in Cuenca (Ecuador). Models were built using logistic regressions to assess the …

Sexual Health Is Dead In My Body: Participatory Assessment Of Sexual Health Determinants By Refugees, Asylum Seekers And Undocumented Migrants In Belgium And The Netherlands, Ines Keygnaert, Nicole Vettenburg, Kristien Roelens, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Although migrants constitute an important proportion of the European population, little is known about migrant sexual health. Existing research mainly focuses on migrants’ sexual health risks and accessibility issues while recommendations on adequate sexual health promotion are rarely provided. Hence, this paper explores how refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants in Belgium and the Netherlands define sexual health, search for sexual health information and perceive sexual health determinants.

Methods: Applying Community-based Participatory Research as the overarching research approach, we conducted 223 in-depth interviews with refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants in Belgium and the Netherlands. The Framework Analysis Technique …

Prescribing Multiple Neurostimulants During Rehabilitation For Severe Brain Injury., Amy A. Herrold, Theresa Louise-Bender Pape, Ann Guernon, Trudy Mallinson, Eileen Collins, Neil Jordan

Clinical Research and Leadership Faculty Publications

Background. Despite a lack of clear evidence, multiple neurostimulants are commonly provided after severe brain injury (BI). The purpose of this study is to determine if the number of neurostimulants received during rehabilitation was associated with recovery of full consciousness or improved neurobehavioral function after severe BI.

Method. Data from 115 participants were extracted from a neurobehavioral observational study database for this exploratory, retrospective analysis. Univariate optimal data analysis was conducted to determine if the number of neurostimulants influenced classification of four outcomes: recovery of full consciousness during rehabilitation, recovery of full consciousness within one year of injury, and meaningful …

The Impact Of Prostate Cancer On Survivors' Sense Of Meaning In Life, Carol Lynn Brady

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research has shown that meaning in life is a universal human need, regardless of cultural identity or education. This research study investigated how the encounter with prostate cancer impacted men's sense of well-being and what they considered meaningful in life. An interpretative phenomenological research design was used because of its descriptive nature and its focus on the individual's perspective. The sample included 6 men between the ages of 18 and 65 who had been out of treatment for 1 year. Participants completed essays about their perceptions and experiences over 3 periods of time: before diagnosis, during treatment, and as survivors. …

Reaching Perinatal Women Online: The Healthy You, Healthy Baby Website And App, Lydia Hearn, Margaret Miller, Leanne Lester

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Overwhelming evidence reveals the close link between unwarranted weight gain among childbearing women and childhood adiposity. Yet current barriers limit the capacity of perinatal health care providers (PHCPs) to offer healthy lifestyle counselling. In response, today's Internet savvy women are turning to online resources to access health information, with the potential of revolutionising health services by enabling PHCPs to guide women to appropriate online resources. This paper presents the findings of a project designed to develop an online resource to promote healthy lifestyles during the perinatal period. The methodology involved focus groups and interviews with perinatal women and PHCPs to …

Positive Patient Experiences In An Australian Integrative Oncology Centre, Bonnie J. Furzer, Anna S. Petterson, Kemi E. Wright, Karen E. Wallman, Timothy R. Ackland, David J. Joske

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of cancer patients' utilising complementary and integrative therapies (CIT) within integrative oncology centres across Western Australia.Methods: Across four locations 135 patients accessed CIT services whilst undergoing outpatient medical treatment for cancer. Of the 135 patients, 66 (61 ± 12 y; female n = 45; male n = 21) agreed to complete a personal accounts questionnaire consisting of open-ended questions designed to explore patients' perceptions of CIT. All results were transcribed into nVivo (v9) and using thematic analysis, key themes were identified.Results: Of the 66 participants, 100% indicated they would …

Improving Sexual Health In Men With Prostate Cancer: Randomised Controlled Trial Of Exercise And Psychosexual Therapies, Prue Cormie, Suzanne K. Chambers, Robert U. Newton, Robert A. Gardiner, Nigel Spry, Dennis R. Taaffe, David Joseph, M Akhlil Hamid, Peter Chong, David Hughes, Kyra Hamilton, Daniel A. Galvão

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Despite being a critical survivorship care issue, there is a clear gap in current knowledge of the optimal treatment of sexual dysfunction in men with prostate cancer. There is sound theoretical rationale and emerging evidence that exercise may be an innovative therapy to counteract sexual dysfunction in men with prostate cancer. Furthermore, despite the multidimensional aetiology of sexual dysfunction, there is a paucity of research investigating the efficacy of integrated treatment models. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to: 1) examine the efficacy of exercise as a therapy to aid in the management of sexual dysfunction in men …

Hearing The Child's Voice: Their Lived Experience In The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Andrea Prentiss

All Publications

Background: More than 200,000 children are admitted annually to Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) in the US. Research has shown young children can provide insight into their hospitalization experiences; child reports rather than parental reports are critical to understanding the child’s experience. Information relating to children’s perceptions while still in the PICU is scarce.

Aims: The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate school age children’s and adolescents’ perceptions of PICU while in the PICU; changes in perceptions after transfer to the General Care Unit (GCU); differences in perceptions of school age children/adolescents and those with more invasive procedures. …

The Symptom Experience Of Patients Receiving Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors, Josephine Ann Howard-Ruben

Dissertations

This study explored the symptom experience of patients receiving epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) for breast, colon, head and neck, and colon cancer. EGFRIs are targeted therapies used at various points along the treatment continuum for these solid tumors, and may be first, second or third-line agents which can be used as single agents or in combination with other therapies. The most common side effect of these agents include dermatologic effects, such as rashes, hair, and nail changes, but they can also contribute to other side effects such as fatigue, anxiety and diarrhea. Most previous work has addressed the …

Examining The Effect Of Race On The Relationship Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder And Metabolic Syndrome In Women, Leia Harper

Theses and Dissertations

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition affecting approximately 8% of the adult U.S. population with rates twice as high in women than men. Increasingly, evidence has suggested a close relationship between PTSD and increased risk of metabolic diseases. However, the literature on PTSD and metabolic disease risk factors has been limited by the lack of investigation of the potential influence of race on this relation. The current study examined the possible effect of race on the relation between PTSD and metabolic risk. Data for this study were provided from sample of that included 50 African American women and …

Making Space For Dying: Portraits Of Living With Dying, Elise Lark

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

In Making Space for Dying: Portraits of Living with Dying, I describe the everyday lived experience of dying and the care culture within freestanding, community-based, end-of-life residences (CBEOLR) utilizing portraiture and arts-based research. I craft four case studies into “portraits,” based on interviews, on-site visits, up-close observation, and field notes. In the person-centered portraits, I reveal the inner landscape of two terminally ill women, with data represented in poetry. In the place-centered portraits, I “map” the social topography of two CBEOLRs to illustrate how lives and care of the dying are emplaced, from the perspectives of community leaders, …

How Patients' Self-Disclosure About Sickle Cell Pain Episodes To Significant Others Relates To Living With Sickle Cell Disease, Valerian J. Derlega, Louis H. Janda, Jeannie Miranda, Ian A. Chen, B. Mitchell Goodman Iii, Wally Smith

Psychology Faculty Publications

Objectives: This cross-sectional study examines to whom and how fully sickle cell disease (SCD) patients talk to others about sickle cell pain, how helpful it is to talk with others about these pain episodes, and the association between talking to others about sickle cell pain episodes and patients' psychological adjustment and coping strategies in managing the disease.

Methods: A convenience sample of 73 African American patients with SCD (30 men and 43 women), were recruited from two SCD clinics at the time of routine medical visits. Most participants had been diagnosed with hemoglobin SS, and they reported an average number …

Profiles Of Binge Eating: The Interaction Of Depressive Symptoms, Eating Styles, And Body Mass Index, Tyler B. Mason, Robin J. Lewis

Psychology Faculty Publications

Binge eating is associated with depressive symptoms, eating styles, and obesity. However, less is known about interactions between these variables and binge eating. This study examined the relationship between depressive symptoms, eating styles, body mass index, and binge eating. Individuals with a higher body mass index, who reported more depressive symptoms and more external eating, reported the greatest binge eating. Similarly, individuals with a higher body mass index who reported more depressive symptoms and more emotional eating reported the greatest binge eating. These findings demonstrate possible profiles of individuals most at risk for binge eating and associated eating disorders. Copyright …

Mothering And The Functional Self: A Hermeneutic Exploration Of Texts On Perinatal Mood And Anxiety Disorders, Kathleen M. Pape

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Mothering is a rich and complex experience involving challenging tasks, a developing relationship with one's child, and socially defined roles. How mothering is viewed varies depending on the cultural norms and historical era under consideration. This study is a textual interpretation of three books written about perinatal mental health, especially how those texts describe the challenges and struggles of birthing and mothering. I develop understandings about how clinicians respond to those issues and in the process understand themselves, their practices, and their sociocultural roles. I consider the shape of the current social terrain that brings to light the experiences of …

Factors In Optimal Collaboration Between Psychologists And Primary Healthcare Physicians, Margaret A. Drewlo

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This survey study explored factors in optimal collaboration between registered psychologists and primary healthcare physicians (PHCP). With rising costs of healthcare, healthcare funding cuts, and changes in the way healthcare delivery is perceived, interprofessional collaboration is timely to explore. In particular, the attitudes of registered psychologists about salient factors noted in the collaboration literature, such as education and training, accessibility, and communication factors are important to the practice of psychology. As part of the exploratory nature of the study, questions about gender and hierarchy were also presented. While most data were quantitative, qualitative data were gathered on 6 of the …

Research Brief: "Suicides In The Military: The Post-Modern Combat Veteran And The Hemingway Effect", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief is about current suicide prevention interventions within the military. In policy and practice, practitioners should monitor the wellness of aging veterans and ensure that a support system exists for their veteran patients, while veterans should participate in social events with other veterans; the VA and DoD should implement programs to ensure that veterans have feelings of belongingness and the VA should monitor veterans' well-being for 2-3 years after service during transitions. Suggestions for future research include examining the communities and veteran service organizations that produce the most useful support for veterans with mental health problems.

Influence Of Social Class Perceptions On Attributions Among Mental Health Practitioners, Mindi Thompson, Jacob Diestelmann, Odessa Cole, Abiola O. Keller, Takuya Minami

Physician Assistant Studies Faculty Research and Publications

Objective: A vignette-based study assessed the influence of social class attributions toward a hypothetical client's difficulty. Method: 188 licensed mental health professionals who were recruited through professional listservs completed an online survey after reviewing one of two versions of a vignette describing a hypothetical client that varied based on social class cues. Results: As expected, this sample of licensed mental health practitioners detected social class differences based on the descriptors of the hypothetical client across the two vignettes. These perceived social class differences, however, did not impact participants' attributions toward the client for causing or solving her problems, level of …

Update On Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy For Retinoblastoma., Mario Zanaty, Guilherme Barros, Nohra Chalouhi, Md, Robert M Starke, Philip Manasseh, Stavropoula I. Tjoumakaris, Carol L Shields, David Hasan, Ketan Bulsara, Robert H. Rosenwasswer Md, Pascal Jabbour Md

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

The tools for managing retinoblastoma have been increasing in the past decade. While globe-salvage still relies heavily on intravenous chemotherapy, tumors in advanced stage that failed chemotherapy are now referred for intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) to avoid enucleation. However, IAC still has many obstacles to overcome. We present an update on the indications, complications, limitations, success, and technical aspects of IAC. Given its safety and high efficacy, it is expected that IAC will replace conventional strategies and will become a first-line option even for tumors that are amenable for other strategies.

Effect Of L-Type Calcium Channel Blocker (Amlodipine) On Myocardial Iron Deposition In Patients With Thalassaemia With Moderate-To-Severe Myocardial Iron Deposition: Protocol For A Randomised, Controlled Trial, Amarah Shakoor, Maaman Zahoor, Alina Sadaf, Najveen Alvi, Zehra Fadoo, Arjumand Rizvi, Farheen Quadri, Fateh Ali Tipoo, Mohammad Khurshid, Zaffar Sajjad, Steven Colan, Babar S Hasan

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Introduction: Sideroblastic cardiomyopathy secondary to repeated blood transfusions is a feared complication in thalassaemia. Control of myocardial iron is thus becoming the cornerstone of thalassaemia management. Recent evidence suggests a role for L-type Ca²⁺ channels in mediating iron uptake by the heart. Blocking the cellular iron uptake through these channels may add to the benefit of therapy to standard chelation in reducing myocardial iron. We aim to determine the efficacy of amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker) as an adjunct to standard aggressive chelation in retarding myocardial iron deposition in thalassaemics with or without cardiomyopathy.
Outcomes: The primary outcome …

Homebirth In Wa: Why Women Make This Choice, Colleen Ball

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Background: Homebirths in Western Australia (WA) account for approximately 0.8% of all births. Two consecutive reports from the Perinatal and Infant Mortality Monitoring Committee found increased rates of perinatal mortality in homebirths and recommended a prospective cohort study to assess mortality and morbidity outcomes for women with planned home births in WA. The Homebirth in WA Study, of which this thesis is a component, has been funded by a directed research grant.

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the specific reasons why women in WA choose homebirth. Research on homebirths is focused on perinatal outcomes and …

Protocol For The Rt Prepare Trial: A Multiple-Baseline Study Of Radiation Therapists Delivering Education And Support To Women With Breast Cancer Who Are Referred For Radiotherapy, Georgia Halkett, Moira O'Connor, Sanchia Aranda, Michael Jefford, Nigel Spry, Therese Shaw, Rachael Moorin, Penelope Schofield

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Introduction: There is limited evidence to guide the preparation of patients for radiotherapy. This paper describes the protocol for an evaluation of a radiation therapist led education intervention delivered to patients with breast cancer in order to reduce psychological distress. Methods: A multiple-baseline study is being used. Usual care data is being collected prior to the start of the intervention at each of three sites. The intervention is delivered by radiation therapists consulting with patients prior to their treatment planning and on the first day of treatment. The intervention focuses on providing sensory and procedural information to patients and reducing …