Digital Commons Network^™

Investigating Melatonin Supplementation On Maternal Hemodynamics And Offspring Programming, Katelyn E. Brockus

Theses and Dissertations

The objective was to examine effects of melatonin supplementation during late gestation on uterine artery hemodynamics, offspring growth, and endocrine profiles. Prior to day 170 of gestation, heifers were trained to the Calan feeding system. On day 190 of gestation, heifers (n = 20) were blocked by BW and then randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments: 1) 20 mg of dietary melatonin per day (MEL) or 2) no melatonin supplementation (CON). Supplementation ceased on day 262 of gestation. A main effect (P < 0.01) of treatment was observed for total uterine artery blood flow with it being increased in MEL vs. CON. An interaction (P = 0.008) was observed in calf body weight increasing at weeks 8 and 9 in MEL vs. CON. Dietary melatonin could be used to potentially increase uterine blood flow and calf body weight.

Investigation Of The Beneficial Effect Of Enterobacter Cloacae Strain Jd6301 On Mice Challenged With Escherichia Coli O157:H7, Jessica Grissett Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

The environment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is an extremely complex system made up of not only host cells, but also many beneficial microbes. Disruption of this environment can often lead to disorders and health issues. To help balance this system, probiotics have often been administered to both humans and animals, such as livestock. This study aimed to determine what beneficial effects a novel strain of Enterobacter cloacae, strain JD6301, could offer to a host in the presence of an enteric infection with E. coli O157:H7. Upon administration of JD6301, supplemented animals had overall less E. coli present in the …

Growth Implant Timing And Effectiveness In Beef Cattle, Herschel Brad Jones

Theses and Dissertations

One hundred crossbred beef steers were used in two experiments to evaluate effects of growth implants on performance. Steers were implanted either at 3.5 months and weaning (CALF); at weaning (WEAN); or not implanted (NONE). In Experiment 1 implanted steers weighed more at weaning (P = 0.01), and had a higher ADG for the entire trial compared to non-implanted steers (P = 0.03). In Experiment 2, at 80 d post wean, implanted steers outweighed NONE (P = 0.09). Overall ADG (P = 0.01) was greater for cattle that were implanted. In the feedlot the CALF group had the lowest ADG …

Study Of The Mechanisms Of Heat Tolerance In Ivy Geraniums, Mingshu Zhang

Theses and Dissertations

Ivy geranium (Pelargonium peltatum) is a heat susceptible species with its heat tolerance varying among varieties. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and in-vivo defense systems are related to plant heat damage and heat tolerance. Application of chelated-iron has also been reported to enhance ivy geranium heat tolerance; however, the correlation of ROS, relative enzyme stability, and iron content to differences in heat tolerance in ivy geraniums is unknown. Here we show that the H2O2 content and ROS scavenging enzyme stability in ivy geranium varies with varieties and active iron is not related to heat tolerance in ivy geranium. H2O2 content in …

Impact Of Early Childhood Classroom Resources On Process Quality Beyond Technical Assistance, Julie Anna Sims

Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to determine whether phase 1 early childhood classrooms receiving classroom resources and technical assistance for early childhood teachers through the Allies for Quality Care project would have greater improvements in process quality than phase 2 classrooms receiving only technical assistance. Process quality refers to what children experience in the early childhood classroom that directly impacts their development and was assessed through the Environment Rating Scales (ERS). Classroom resources were provided to improve the quality of the environment that children experience. The technical assistance was one-on-one to help early childhood teachers understand developmentally appropriate practices. The study examined …

The Use Of Tonometry As A Diagnostic Tool To Evaluate Intraocular Pressures In Normal And Abnormal California Sea Lion Eyes, Johanna Del Carmen Mejia-Fava

Theses and Dissertations

Ocular disease is one of the most common problems encountered in sea lions at various zoos and aquariums around the world.1 The California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) is one of the most common marine mammals maintained in zoos and is also the most commonly afflicted with ocular disease. Studies have shown that pinnipeds housed in captivity manifest an array of ocular lesions.2 Eye disease can range from a pinpoint corneal opacity to loss of vision due to keratopathy, cataracts and secondary glaucoma. Glaucoma is a disease that has not been extensively studied in the sea lion.3 Observation of clinical signs …

Use Of Natural Antimicrobials To Control Spoilage In Marinara-Type Sauce, Austin R. Abessinio

Theses and Dissertations

Marinara-type sauces were created using three natural antimicrobials, as well as two combination treatments (natamycin, propionic acid, cultured dextrose, natamycin-propionic acid, and natamycin-cultured dextrose) and two controls (sodium benzoate-potassium sorbate, no preservatives). Samples were subjected to a shelf-life study at 20 C with both non-inoculated sauce and sauces that were either inoculated with Zygosaccharomyces bailii or a cocktail of thermophilic fermentative organisms. Natamycin and Natamycin-propionic acid treatments had fewer log colony counts (CFU/g) of yeast and lactic acid bacteria than the negative control after 42 days of storage and performed as well or better than the positive control throughout the …

Nutrition Interventions With Community Youth: Better Public Health Through Community Engagement And Neighbourhood Hubs, John L. Murnaghan

Social Justice and Community Engagement

No abstract provided.

Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient After A Subacromial Decompression With Acromioplasty And Bursectomy: A Case Report, Brianne Landholt

Case Report Papers

Background: Subacromial impingement results from repetitive trauma to structures underneath the subacromial arch leading to a decrease in the subacromial space, impingement of soft tissue, and ultimately a decrease in functional abilities. Conservative treatment includes physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteriod injections. If improvements are not observed, there is a surgical option of a subacromial decompression (SAD). Conclusive evidence supporting surgery over conservative measures does not exist1. Literature is lacking regarding SAD without rotator cuff (RTC) repair and performing SAD with both an acromioplasty and bursectomy. Therefore, the purpose of this case report was to investigate the functional outcomes …

Promoting Citizenship Education With Structured Controversy In Indonesian Higher Education, Judith Puncochar

Other Presentations

Indonesian democracy is rich in traditions, religions, cultures, and ethnic languages. To keep the nation unified with diversity, Indonesia must prepare its citizens with skills of perspective taking, constructive debate, and evidence-based reasoning to engage in a robust democracy. Historically, a rigorous study of the Liberal Arts held promise for creating a strong democracy and a well-educated citizenry. Currently, politicization of the term “Liberal Arts” attracts unjustifiable criticism and diverts attention away from a serious comprehensive study of literature, science, the arts, history, and mathematics. Narrowness in education of students toward technical and professional degrees appears not to align with …

Measuring Changes In Knowledge And Attitudes Of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Providers After Receiving An Educational Intervention About The Value Of Human Milk In The Preterm Infant, Frances E. Smith

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Executive Summary Measuring Changes in Knowledge and Attitudes of NICU Providers after Receiving an Educational Intervention about the Value of Human Milk in the Preterm Infant Problem Identification Human milk is proven to decrease morbidities and mortality in extremely low birth weight neonates. Health care providers must approach the mothers of these infants and explain the need for own mother's milk or consent for the use of donor milk in these infants. Providers may lack the knowledge about the importance of human milk in NICU infants, or may hold negative attitudes about human milk's contribution to the health of these …

Implementation Of Food Insecurity Screening In Clinical Setting, Florence Ngozi Soba

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

This project used the Stetler model of research utilization framework to apply evidence-based findings to clinical settings screening adults with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and low incomes for food insecurity. The project involved the review and critical appraisal of research studies and translation of research-based knowledge into a protocol for the Peach Tree Clinic with respect to the impact of food insecurity on diabetes outcomes in adults with T2DM and low incomes who were at risk of food insecurity. In addition, the proportion of screened at-risk patients who received nutritional counseling was calculated. The proportion of patients with T2DM …

Analyzing The Missing Meal Gap Beyond Elementary School, Timothy Loney, Samantha Milheiser, Brittney Wacholz

Public Sociology Publications and Projects

This paper examines ways in which Feeding Our Communities Partners (FOCP) can productively expand on its current work to alleviate hunger in Blue Earth County, Minnesota. This report contains a literature review addressing hunger and food insecurity, a needs assessment of hunger in Blue Earth County, case studies of existing programs, and qualitative interviews with professionals who work with the youth in these programs. We conclude by recommending three potential ways that FOCP can expand their current programs to address hunger among school-aged youth in Blue Earth County.

Avoiding 30-Day Readmissions Of Acute Mi Patients Utilizing Cardiac Rehabilitation, Patricia T. Forsberg

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

A significant number of Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) patients were readmitted to an urban San Francisco Medical Center within 5-7 days post discharge this year. Two of the main identified causes were symptom management issues and medication instructions, both of which are part of the discharge instructions. It’s not surprising that 80% of all discharge teaching is forgotten by patients by the time they hit the parking lot. With the recommended timeframe for post discharge follow up appointments at 48 to 72 hours post discharge and as those appointments are not typically available within the recommended timeframe, patients are more …

Daily Eastern News: December 12, 2014, Eastern Illinois University

December

No abstract provided.

An Evaluation Of Mental Health And Methadone: Anxiety, Depression, And Drug Use, Gursimran Khahera

Master's Projects and Capstones

As a part of the Masters of Science in Behavioral Health field placement, an evaluation was conducted of the integrated treatment plan in mental health and substance abuse at Bay Area Addiction Research and Treatment (BAART) programs. The goal of the BAART programs are to provide comprehensive mental health and substance abuse outpatient recovery services, as well as on-site primary health care services for substance users, mainly opioid use. There is a link between increased substance abuse and increased rates of depression and anxiety. These disorders use the same neuro chemical pathway and are highly codependent upon one another. Because …

Combating Hiv/Aids In Marginalized Communities: Papua And West Papua Provinces, Indonesia, Bani Cheema

Master's Theses

My study focuses on foreign aid and local initiatives for HIV/AIDS prevention in eastern Indonesia using the provinces of Papua and West Papua as a case study. The two provinces are home to indigenous tribal groups that are socioeconomically marginalized and most affected by the epidemic. My research investigates behavior change communication as a principal strategy undertaken by multiple organizations for HIV/AIDS prevention in this region. I take a qualitative approach by examining the effectiveness of this strategy in local communities and by revealing social and cultural barriers that impede success. Obstacles that negatively impact prevention efforts include structural violence, …

Healthy And Livable Pittsburg Initiative: Master Of Public Health Culminating Experience, Jasmine L. Bernal

Master's Projects and Capstones

Contra Costa Health Services Department of Community Wellness and Prevention sole purpose is to improve the environmental, social and economic conditions that contribute to poor health, and support a quality of life that promotes the health and well being of all residents within the county, with major attention to those underserved. The Healthy and Livable Pittsburg Initiative tries to address those issues within the city of Pittsburg. The project aims to engage certain members of the community within Pittsburg to be involved in the future community action plan, which will improve the lives of every resident in Pittsburg. The first …

Prevention Of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Through Information And Education At The California Department Of Public Health, Vaisali M. Patel

Master's Projects and Capstones

Immunizations are one of the most important developments in the twentieth century towards the prevention of infectious diseases. Vaccinations against communicable diseases have helped reduce morbidity and mortality all over the world. Despite having numerous vaccines that protect individuals from serious and deadly diseases, vaccination rates in the United States remain at an all-time low. The Information and Education section of the Immunization Branch within the Division of Communicable Disease Control at the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) focuses on working with local health departments, primary care providers, immunization coalitions, and other statewide organizations to increase the rates of …

Increased Communication Between Nurses And Doctors On An Acute Medical Unit, Nina Linebarger

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background: Nurse-physician rounding is crucial to safe, effective care and to maintain open communication between the multidisciplinary healthcare team. Currently there is no protocol that encourages nurses to attend physician rounds. The lack of nurse-physician rounding is a potential area for medical error due to lack of communication and collaboration among the healthcare team.

Purpose: The focus of this study is to increase communication between the nurses and doctors on an acute medical unit by increasing nurse attendance and participation at physician rounds.

Methodology: Surveys were a key component in the methodology of this project. Surveys were distributed to the …

The Significance Of Timing Of Patient Daily Weights And The Barriers, Ann Pan

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background. Current unit practice is that patient daily weights are obtained in the afternoon or evenings. However, patient weights in the afternoon and evenings are not accurate dry weights. According to evidenced based research, to obtain an accurate patient daily weight, patients should be weighed every morning, after their first void and before they eat breakfast.

Purpose. The focus of the study was to compare the current practices of obtaining daily weights in the afternoon and evenings, compared to the evidenced based practice recommended in the literature.

Method. Through interviews and surveys with staff, the barriers to obtaining patient weights …

Addressing Health Disparities In Refugees, Claire E. Lopez

Master's Projects and Capstones

I completed the required 300 hours of my fieldwork internship at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Oakland, CA. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a non-profit international organization that responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and aids displaced individuals in rebuilding their lives in new countries by providing support in health care, finance, education, infrastructure, and resettlement.

I worked as a Health Access/Intensive Case management Intern. As a Health Access Program Intern, it was my job to ensure that refugees coming to the United States had a place to seek medical care, advice, and preventative services. In order …

Biofilm Microenvironment Analysis Systems For Medicine And Agriculture, Jinzi Deng

Doctoral Dissertations

Biofilms are aggregated bacteria embedded in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Biofilms are the dominant growth form of bacteria in most natural environments, and are also important in many industrial and in vivo settings. The function of a biofilm system is inherently different from the function of the same cells dispersed in liquid culture. Existing methods to study biofilm either do not maintain the essential biofilm architecture or do not capture the dynamic nature of their responses. This research describes the development of a set of biofilm microenvironment analysis systems that maintain the essential micro-scale structure of biofilms. These systems are …

Teaching Health Literacy In Conjunction With Esl, Dora Lee

Master's Projects and Capstones

In the United States, many English as a Second Language (ESL) speakers who have limited English proficiency also have low levels of health literacy. The purpose of this project is to create a curriculum that ESL teachers can implement to improve the English language proficiency and the health literacy skills of adult ESL speakers with limited English proficiency residing in the United States. The curriculum is designed for teachers who work with ESL speakers who may be having trouble obtaining, processing, communicating, or managing health information due to language barriers.

Berkeley Youth Alternatives Fieldwork Summary Report: Assessing Social Determinants To Improve The Physical Health And Academic Development For Youth In Berkeley, California, Alane M. Cruz

Master's Projects and Capstones

The following paper summarizes the three hundred hour fieldwork experience at Berkeley Youth Alternatives (BYA), a non-profit community-based organization located in Southwest Berkeley that is committed to combating the social determinants that contribute to the prevalent health disparities within their community. The fieldwork internship is a major requirement in completing the Master’s of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of San Francisco (USF), and allows the education and experience gained over the duration of the program to be applied in a real public health setting.

The overall goal of the internship experience was to assess the social determinants of …

Fall Commencement Ceremonies, University Of North Florida

Commencement Printed Materials

Program for the Fall Commencement ceremonies.

Minimizing Avoidable Interruptions During Medication Administration, Jaleel Anne Arnado

Master's Projects and Capstones

The objective of this CNL Internship Project is to improve patient outcomes and nurse satisfaction by minimizing the avoidable interruptions that occur during medication administration. The microsystem is a pediatric and adult medical-surgical overflow unit at a large, urban teaching hospital in Northern California. A series of surveys for nurses and patients and observations of medication administrations were conducted to assess barriers during mediation administration. It was determined phone calls interrupt a nurse the most during medication administration. Interruptions leave the medication administration process vulnerable to errors because it disrupts the nurse’s workflow and thought process. Because most pediatric medication …

Improving Birth Outcomes: Women’S Oral Health Project, Dilem Polat

Master's Projects and Capstones

Improving Birth Outcomes: Women’s Oral Health Project is a new project housed within the Child Health and Disability Prevention, CHDP Program. The main goal of the project is to improve the birth outcomes of high-risk pregnant women and their children, by educating participants within the Maternal Child and Adolescent Health Section at the San Francisco Department of Public Health. The educational component will focus on the importance of oral health and the impact of oral disease on perinatal health. Following the educational component, referrals for appropriate dentists will be provided for participants to they may begin improving their oral health. …

A Tale Of Two Cities: Differences In Wine-Drinking Habits In Nice And London, Lacey S. Gibson

Honors Theses

The French Paradox is the theory that, despite consumption of classically-condoned fatty foods, the French remain in excellent health in comparison with citizens of other nations. This notion has been the subject of worldwide media fascination with publication of a plethora of journal articles and novels. A growing body of evidence supports a role for moderate consumption of wine in conferring health benefits. The role of wine in health may be especially prevalent in the French Riviera, a region whose regime is dominated by the French-Mediterranean Diet. I sought to determine the role of wine in the French Paradox by …

The Role And Impact Of Student Leadership On Participants In A Healthy Eating And Physical Activity Programme, Lila Gutuskey, Nate Mccaughtry, Bo Shen, Erin Centeio, Alex Garn

Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies

Objective: In the USA there are rising rates of obesity among children, at least in part due to unhealthy eating and physical inactivity. Implementing school-based health interventions with elementary school children focused on youth empowerment could lead to improved health environments and behaviours. The purpose of the present study was to examine elementary students’ perceptions of participating in a student-led school health improvement team. Empowerment theory guided the research, specifically the concept of including participants in programming to identify possible individual-level outcomes. Design: Qualitative research. Setting: One US elementary school formed a student-led school health improvement team, …