Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluating The Need For Diabetes Continuing Education In Rural Practicing Nurses, Corey J. Robinson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Myelin Is Not Required For Maintenance Of The Axon Initial Segment, Anna Josephson

Theses and Dissertations

Axonal pathology is a major contributor to impaired motor, sensory and cognitive dysfunction associated with multiple sclerosis particularly with the progressive forms of the disease. However, the early pathologic events responsible for axonal deterioration remain unclear. It is well recognized that maintaining proper axonal function is intimately related to proper establishment and maintenance of axonal domains such as the node of Ranvier and the axon initial segment (AIS). Numerous laboratories, including ours, have investigated the mechanisms that regulate node of Ranvier formation and maintenance. These studies have shown that node of Ranvier formation and maintenance require myelin contact. Interestingly, many …

A Comparative Effectiveness Study Of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (Cpap) Related Skin Breakdown When Using Different Nasal Interfaces In The Extremely Low Birth Weight (Elbw) Neonate, Katherine Newnam

Theses and Dissertations

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is reportedly superior to mechanical ventilation in the neonatal population by reducing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The neonate is vulnerable to injury secondary to immature physiological systems and skin structures and the current CPAP devices place constant pressure on nares, nasal septum and forehead, increasing injury risk. Through the framework of comparative effectiveness research an examination of nasal interfaces currently used during neonatal CPAP was conducted in an effort to provide scientifically supported recommendations and improve clinical outcomes. The primary aim of this study was to determine differences in the frequency, severity and specific types …

Mimicking The Mechanical Behavior Of Advancing Disc Degeneration Through Needle Injections, Jeremy S. Alsup

Theses and Dissertations

Objective - To investigate the effects of injected protease solution on the mechanical advancement of disc degeneration, and to establish test protocol for future pre-clinical validation of spinal arthroplasty devices. The hypothesis that injection of a protease into a cadaveric lumbar disc will mimic advanced degeneration mechanics was the subject of this study. Summary of Background Information - Spinal disc degeneration is a universal condition that progresses in adults due to aging, disease, or injury. Stages of disc degeneration have been categorized in cadaver specimens, with each degeneration level exhibiting characteristic changes in flexibility parameters. Spinal disc tissue can be …

Human Papillomavirus: Identifying Vaccination Rates, Barriers, And Information Gathering Among College Women Ages 18-26, Timmerie Cohen

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines vaccination rates for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among college women 18-26 years of age who participated in the American College Health Association’s National College Assessment (ACHA-NCHA). Utilizing secondary data, this research sought to report HPV vaccination rates among a racially diverse population and to identify potential barriers to vaccination. The ACHA-NCHA survey provided a large sample size (N=68,193) in which to perform a binary logistic regression analysis. Demographic characteristics were analyzed as potential barriers to HPV vaccination. Additionally, lack of certain health behaviors were explored as potential barriers to HPV vaccination. In this study, White/non-Hispanic women had a …

Setting The Nutritional Agenda: An Analysis Of Nutrition Blog Sourcing, Shana Meganck

Theses and Dissertations

This research study analyzed the sources of nutrition blog information as measured by frequency and type of sources used by nutrition bloggers. Since the use of online resources for finding health information has become more prevalent, it is important to further research the topic for the purpose of better understanding how our nutrition agenda is set by nutrition bloggers. Focusing on 20 nutrition blogs, the study content analyzed 3,156 blog posts during a one-year period from September 1, 2011 to August 31, 2012, yielding 5,263 sources. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with the writers of all 20 blogs in July …

Applying The Multiple Constituents’ Model And Social Justice Variables To Determine The Constituents’ Perception Of The Virginia Putative Father Registry, Tracey Jackson

Theses and Dissertations

A putative father registry represents a legal option for unmarried males who wish to secure legal notice regarding an adoption proceeding for a child they may have fathered. Putative father registries must balance the interests of the putative father against those of the child, the birth mother, and the adoptive parents. This study utilized a framework adapted from the Multiple Constituency Model and used social justice, as indicated by distributive justice and procedural justice, to determine the perceptions among primary constituency groups of the Virginia Putative Father Registry. This research utilized a mixed-methods approach to analyze qualitative data from focus …

Factors That Affect Adolescents' Physical Activity, Jennifer Verkuehlen

Theses and Dissertations

Description

Decline in physical activity levels of adolescents play a role in overall energy balance and can lead to overweight and obesity. Determining the factors that affect physical activity can help tailor specific obesity prevention and intervention and long-term management .

Method

Published studies were reviewed over a ten year period from 2003-2013 for factors that have an effect on physical activity of adolescents ages 10-21. Databases used for the search included: PubMed, SportDiscus, PsyclNFO, Scopus and ClNAHL. Articles were limited to the English language. Articles that did not have a research focus or that were not looking specifically at …

Therapeutic Horticulture In Depression And Mental Health, Jody A. Carlson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this review is to examine available evidence for the use of Therapeutic Horticulture (TH) as a supplemental treatment of depression. For this paper, TH is defined as active or passive use of plants to achieve wellness (Sempik, Aldridge, & Becker, 2003) as applied to depression. A review of the available literature was performed using academic databases and the internet. Terms used in the search were horticultural therapy, depression, gardening, horticulture, and therapeutic horticulture. Few studies were devoted specifically to depression; applications for other mental health conditions are also discussed. Results support the use of TH as supplemental …

Diet Options For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction, Ruth Eckstrom

Theses and Dissertations

Cardiovascular disease is a leading killer in the United States and worldwide. Diet as a modifiable risk factor can have a beneficial impact on the reduction of cardiovascular risk. The purpose of this document is to determine the evidence that supports the most effective cardioprotective dietary interventions which can be recommended to patients to reduce the cardiovascular risk factors of elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and hypertension. An extensive review of the literature was conducted to detinning the evidence that supports the most effective cardio-protective dietary interventions using Pub Med, CINAHL, and the World Wide Web. Based on the …

Self Management In Heart Failure Education, Michelle Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Heart failure is a growing health problem in the United States, costing the healthcare system billions of dollars and having a significant impact on patients' quality of life. To improve heart failure outcomes and reduce associated costs, we must educate patients to properly manage their disease condition. Traditionally, this patient education takes place during a standard office visit with a provider. However, in a self-management program, the provider, through individualized education, empowers the patient to become an active participant in their care. The purpose of this literature review was to explore the effect of self management programs, in comparison to …

Streamlining Patient's Wishes: Analyzing Improvements For The Implementation Of Advance Directives, William A. Wallington

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to complete a review of literature and determine methods providers can use to increase the implementation rates of advance directives (ADs). A growing elderly population coupled with an increase in chronic disease is making the implementation of advance directives more important than ever, yet the percentage of completed advance directives continues to be poor. Utilizing a review of evidence-based research, barriers to implementation were identified. This includes communication, timing and setting, appropriate end-of-life care and utilization of Provider Order for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) to provide a detailed format therefore lessening miscommunication. A pamphlet …

Characterization Of A Weighted Quantile Score Approach For Highly Correlated Data In Risk Analysis Scenarios, Caroline Carrico

Theses and Dissertations

In risk evaluation, the effect of mixtures of environmental chemicals on a common adverse outcome is of interest. However, due to the high dimensionality and inherent correlations among chemicals that occur together, the traditional methods (e.g. ordinary or logistic regression) are unsuitable. We extend and characterize a weighted quantile score (WQS) approach to estimating an index for a set of highly correlated components. In the case with environmental chemicals, we use the WQS to identify “bad actors” and estimate body burden. The accuracy of the WQS was evaluated through extensive simulation studies in terms of validity (ability of the WQS …

A Multivariate Study Of Variations In Public School Prekindergarten Classroom Quality Measures In Two Campus Configurations, Karen Vivadelle James

Theses and Dissertations

Researchers reported public school prekindergartens provided higher-quality programs than Head Start, daycares, and preschools (Burchinal, Howes, et al., 2008, Mashburn et al., 2008). Public school systems typically placed prekindergarten classrooms within district facilities based on available space and staffing (Ready & Lee, 2007). However, no reports documented classroom quality ratings for prekindergarten within elementary schools compared to other district facilities like prekindergarten-only schools (W. Barnett, personal communication, May 15, 2012). The current study used an ecological lens (Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006) to investigate the differences in quality ratings for all classrooms within one urban public school prekindergarten program located in …

The Protective Effect Of Antioxidants On Vitamin A Stability In Nonfat Dry Milk During Thermally Accelerated Storage, Amalie Brown Kurzer

Theses and Dissertations

Two studies were conducted to determine the relative effect of various combinations of antioxidants on vitamin A oxidation and isomerization in nonfat dry milk (NDM). In the first study, one lot of pasteurized unfortified skim milk was divided, fortified with vitamins A and D and one of 11 antioxidant treatments, and spray dried. A control batch from the same lot was also fortified with vitamins A and D and spray dried. Samples were analyzed for total vitamin A bioactivity after zero, one, and two weeks of storage. After two weeks at 50°C, the only NDM samples that did not experience …

Habitat Selection And Response To Disturbance By Pygmy Rabbits In Utah, Robert John Edgel

Theses and Dissertations

The pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is a sagebrush (Artemisia sp.) obligate that depends on sagebrush habitats for food and cover throughout its life cycle. Invasive species, frequent fires, overgrazing, conversion of land to agriculture, energy development, and many other factors have contributed to recent declines in both quantity and quality of sagebrush-steppe habitats required by pygmy rabbits. Because of the many threats to these habitats and the believed decline of pygmy rabbit populations, there is a need to further understand habitat requirements for this species and how they respond to disturbance. This study evaluated habitat selection by pygmy rabbits in …

Renewable Resource-Based Magnetic Nanocomposites For Removal And Recovery Of Phosphorous From Contaminated Waters, Sunil Kumar Ramasahayam

Theses and Dissertations

Water pollution by dissolved phosphorous (P) is a serious water related issue being faced by mankind during the past two decades. Several technologies already exist to remove P from contaminated water but each has its own drawbacks. This project provides a novel microwave assisted synthesis of reduced iron oxide containing renewable resource-based media for P removal from contaminated waters. It provides a fast, easy, and economical way to produce reduced iron oxide nanocomposites without requiring the need for hydrogen or inert gas during the transformation. A wide range of other metal/ carbon nanocomposites can also be synthesized using this technology …

Emergency Preparedness In Utah Households With Emphasis On Water And Food Storage Conditions, Stephanie Rae Gerla

Theses and Dissertations

Emergency preparedness steps taken by individuals in Utah households were evaluated in 3 studies. Study 1 evaluated the 2011 landline and cell phone Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey and General Preparedness Optional Module results from two states, Louisiana and Utah, to find factors from demographic and medical data that can be used to predict emergency preparedness in individuals. Stepwise logistical regression analysis ascertained the ability of chosen variables to predict individuals' preparedness. The rate of prepared individuals was lower if they were between the ages of 18 to 54 years, when compared to the reference age group of 65 …

Application Of Genome Reduction, Next Generation Sequencing, And Kaspar Genotyping In Development, Characterization, And Linkage Mapping Of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms In The Grain Amaranths And Quinoa, Scott Matthew Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The grain amaranths (Amaranthus sp.) and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) are important seed crops in South America. These crops have gained international attention in recent years for their nutritional quality and tolerance to abiotic stress. We report the identification and development of functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assays for both amaranth and quinoa. SNPs were identified using a genome reduction protocol and next generation sequencing. SNP assays are based on KASPar genotyping chemistry and were detected using the Fluidigm dynamic array platform. A diversity screen consisting of 41 amaranth accessions showed that the minor allele frequency (MAF) of the amaranth …

College Students' Fruit, Vegetable, And Sugar Sweetened Beverage Intake According To Dinner Group Participation, Erica Nicole Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To compare the fruit, vegetable, and sugar sweetened beverage intake of college students who do and do not participate in dinner groups. Also, to determine if dinner group participation affects college students' perception of their overall health and adequacy of their fruit and vegetable intake. Design: A quantitative study of college students' fruit, vegetable, and sugar sweetened beverage intake through a one-time online survey. Setting: The survey was accessed via the internet at the time and place of students' convenience. Participants: A sample of 10,000 students was randomly selected from Brigham Young University's population of single students. 3,651 responded …

Mtor Pathway Activation Following Resistance Exercise With Vibration In Human Subjects, Michael G. Leavitt

Theses and Dissertations

Functional adaptations in human skeletal muscle following a period of resistance exercise are the result of regular activation of cellular signaling pathways that elevate muscle protein synthesis. It has been reported that the addition of whole body vibration (WBV) to a resistance exercise program enhances performance. Such improvements in muscle function may be the result of increased activation of cellular signaling pathways associated with muscle growth. Purpose: We have investigated whether an acute bout of resistance exercise in combination with WBV results in a greater activation of the mTOR signaling pathway compared to resistance exercise alone. Methods: Eight untrained college-age …

Educational Intervention To Promote And Facilitate Smoking Cessation In Pregnant Women, Jessica Stadick

Theses and Dissertations

Smoking during pregnancy is the single most preventable and modifiable risk factor that is responsible for poor maternal and fetal outcomes, yet it remains a major public health problem. Despite the abundance of well-known risk factors and adverse health outcomes associated with maternal smoking, many women continue to smoke during pregnancy. Maternal smoking is responsible for low birth weight babies, preterm deliveries, and sudden infant death syndrome and long term chronic health conditions of the child. During pregnancy women have an increased desire to quit smoking and health care providers need to take advantage of this opportune time and help …

The Impact Of Diet And Exercise On Depression., Lindsey M. Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

Multiple treatment options are available for mood disorders like depression. Controversy surrounds utilizing healthy living interventions such as diet modification and physical activity as a possibility. A literature review was conducted with an aim to decipher if healthy lifestyle interventions and modifications are beneficial in the treatment of depressive disorders. The Transtheoretical Model was the conceptual framework followed. Results were inconclusive calling for more research regarding diet modification while exercise revealed to be a possible protective factor against developing a depressive disorder. Further research is necessary to close the gap regarding the possibility there is a link between depressive symptoms …

Quantifying The Nonlinear, Anisotropic Material Response Of Spinal Ligaments, Daniel J. Robertson

Theses and Dissertations

Spinal ligaments may be a significant source of chronic back pain, yet they are often disregarded by the clinical community due to a lack of information with regards to their material response, and innervation characteristics. The purpose of this dissertation was to characterize the material response of spinal ligaments and to review their innervation characteristics.


Review of relevant literature revealed that all of the major spinal ligaments are innervated. They cause painful sensations when irritated and provide reflexive control of the deep spinal musculature. As such, including the neurologic implications of iatrogenic ligament damage in the evaluation of surgical procedures …

Impacts Of Black Box Warning, National Coverage Determination, And Risk Evaluation And Mitigation Strategies On The Inpatient On-Label And Off-Label Use Of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents, Arpamas Seetasith

Theses and Dissertations

Background: FDA black box warning, Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS), and CMS national coverage determination (NCD) aim to reduce inappropriate use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) that are widely used in anemic patients. Previous studies have not linked specific safety interventions to changes in ESA utilization patterns in the inpatient settings nor assessed such interventions on off-label use of the drugs. Ineffectiveness of the intervention and lag time between such interventions and the observed change in clinical practice could lead to serious clinical outcomes. In addition, such interventions may unintentionally reduce on-label and some off-label use of ESAs considered “appropriate” …

The Sustainability Of Community Participation Activities In Pre-University Education, Heba Yehia Abdel Megeed

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to examine the sustainability level of community participation models, which seek to enhance the role of the Board of Trustees (BOT) after the conclusion of donor support. I focus on one of the major community participation models in Egypt as a case study to identify strengths and barriers that exist in this kind of projects in Egypt and to understand its level of sustainability. Applying both qualitative and quantitative methods, this study looks at the continuation of activities after the end of donor support and compares schools that have been part of donor-support to …

Association Of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms In The Cfh, Arms2 And Htra1 Genes With Risk Of Developing Age Related Macular Degeneration In Egyptian Patients, Radwa Ossama Abbas

Theses and Dissertations

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly worldwide. Due to earlier clinical observations that AMD concentrates in families, a genetic component to the disease has been suggested. Several genetic studies have identified areas of association with AMD on chromosomes 1q31 and 10q26. On chromosome 1q31 the most famous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) to be linked to AMD was rs1061170 on the complement factor H gene (CFH). This SNP was studied in several populations and was found to be highly associated with AMD in most Caucasian populations with odds Ratio (OR) reaching …

Copyright: A Roadblock To Education In Developing Countries?, Noha El Labban

Theses and Dissertations

Copyright protection is intended to promote creativity by granting the creator of an original work, exclusive rights to its use for a limited time period. However, there has been a growing debate about whether copyright laws and their strict implementation, particularly in developing countries, could be detrimental to efforts by these countries to promote access to knowledge in general, and to educational material in particular. This debate, though not entirely new, is taking place in the context of intense policy discussions since the late 1990s about the impact of global intellectual property rules, such as those of the WTO TRIPS …

Influence Of Delta-6-Desaturase On Hepatic Membrane Composition In Obesity/Insulin Resistance: Implications For The Development Of Cardiometabolic Syndrome, Dina Ahmed Safwat Nemr

Theses and Dissertations

Obesity has become a worldwide phenomenon and has been accompanied by a parallel rise in the incidence of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, inflammation, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease. Together, these symptoms have been collectively referred to as “cardiometabolic disease" (CMD). Delta-6-desaturase catalyzes the rate limiting step in the conversion of linoleic acid (LA) into arachidonic acid (AA), which in turn is converted into pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. Increasing evidence suggests a link between D6D hyperactivity and the development of CMD, though this hypothesis remains to be tested experimentally. We hypothesized that obesity and a high-fat diet, leading to the development of CMD, …

International Agencies And The Reform Of Food Subsidies In Egypt After The Revolution Of 2011, Marie Di Pietrantonio

Theses and Dissertations

Egypt has a very expensive and extensive food subsidy system representing a heavy burden on the State’s public budget. At the same time, however, these subsidies secure the livelihood of the most vulnerable part of the Egyptian population. While this situation is not sustainable in its current form, no agreement on the extent of the reforms needed and how they should be conducted has yet been reached. This research aims to examine the different viewpoints of stakeholders involved in this issue as well as it intends to investigate the position of different international agencies on food subsidies in general, and …