Digital Commons Network^™

Getting To The Doctor: Bpss Factors Of Health Care Utilization In Fragile Families, Veronica P. Kuhn

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The number of fragile families where a child is born to unwed parents has increased greatly over the past half-century and now represents a diverse population in the United States (Ventura, 2009). These families, who are predominantly African American and Hispanic (Hummer & Hamilton, 2010) and are more likely to live in poverty and experience poorer health, face significant barriers to access and utilize health care services (De Marco & De Marco, 2009; Williams, 2008). Limited research exists on how these facets of the illness experience might differ for fragile families whose resources are limited prior to illness. The Biopsychosocial …

Effect Of Vestibular Adaptation Exercises On Chronic Motion Sensitivity, Danah Alyahya

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Dizziness is one of the most common complaints reported to primary care physicians. It is often associated with vestibular dysfunction and typically impacts postural stability. Motion sickness, or motion sensitivity, is stimulated by abnormal spatial orientation and is a common symptom related to dizziness and postural instability. The main cause of the motion sensitivity is aberrant sensory input from the visual, vestibular and somatosensory systems. The aim of this study was to measure the effect of vestibular adaptation exercises on postural stability in young healthy adults with subjective awareness of chronic motion sensitivity.

Methods: Fifty healthy male and female …

R-Ketorolac Targets Cdc42 And Rac1 And Alters Ovarian Cancer Behaviors Critical For Invasion And Metastasis, Yuna Guo

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Cdc42 (cell division control protein 42) and Rac1 (Ras-related C3 botulinum) are attractive therapeutic targets in ovarian cancer based on their established importance in tumor cell migration, adhesion and invasion. Despite a predicted benefit, targeting GTPases has not yet been translated to clinical practice. Based on lead identification through high-throughput screening and computational shape homology approaches, R-ketorolac is identified as a Cdc42 and Rac1 regulator, an activity that is distinct from the anti-inflammatory, cyclooxygenase inhibitory activity of S-ketorolac. In this dissertation, R-ketorolac is established as an allosteric inhibitor of Cdc42 and Rac1. Studies on immortalized human ovarian adenocarcinoma cells (SKOV3ip), …

Exposure Of Neonatal Rats To Alcohol Has Differential Effects On Cytokine Levels In The Cerebellum And Hippocampus: Potential Role Of Microglia And Astrocytes, Lauren Topper

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Drinking during pregnancy can result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), an umbrella term that encompasses a wide array of symptoms ranging from neurocognitive deficits to physical malformations. The mechanism for FASD is not yet fully understood, however recently, activation of the neuroimmune system has been suggested to play a role. Neuroinflammation, characterized by increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production and glial cell activation, has been observed following exposure to alcohol during the neonatal period. Furthermore, neuroimmune activation has been implicated in alcohol-induced neuronal death and/or damage. The studies herein investigate several components of the relationship between neuronal damage following developmental alcohol …

Orally Delivered Β-Glucans Aggravate Dextran Sulfate Sodium (Dss)-Induced Intestinal Inflammation, Sigrid E.M. Heinsbroek, David L. Williams, Olaf Welting, Sybren L. Meijer, Siamon Gordon, Wouter J. De Jonge

ETSU Faculty Works

β-Glucans have beneficial health effects due to their immune modulatory properties. Oral administration of β-glucans affects tumour growth, microbial infection, sepsis, and wound healing. We hypothesized that pre-treatment with orally delivered soluble and particulate β-glucans could ameliorate the development of aggravate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced intestinal inflammation. To study this, mice were orally pre-treated with β-glucans for 14 days. We tested curdlan (a particulate β-(1,3)-glucan), glucan phosphate (a soluble β-(1,3)-glucan), and zymosan (a particle made from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which contains around 55% β-glucans). Weight loss, colon weight, and feces score did not differ between β-glucan and vehicle treated groups. …

The Transformative Experiences Of Female Educators As A Catalyst For Social Change In The World, April D. Jordan

Dissertations

As social justice issues become known, one may be moved to act in the hopes of alleviating the conditions that burden marginalized and oppressed people. What is sometimes missing from the discourse when discussing oppressive issues is the role women play in counteracting such subjugation. Also essential, yet missing from the research, are studies that underscore the importance of educators fostering social action change outside of and apart from institutions of learning and curriculum planning. This qualitative study examined the lives of six, nontraditional, female educator intellectuals whose perceptions of self (identity) and the world were transformed by engaging in …

Researcher Mobility Workshop Report: Researcher Mobility Among Apec Economies, Sarah Richardson, Julie Mcmillan, Ren Yi

Higher education research

There is growing acknowledgement around the world that contemporary research is increasingly – and needs to be – international. In a globalised world common problems can only be solved through the sharing of expertise and pooling of resources. At the same time, research developments are critical in stimulating economic growth in knowledge economies. Ensuring that researchers can access best practice through international research collaboration is essential in facilitating innovation. Policies and structures can go a long way to supporting increased international research collaboration. Online communication technologies have become a vital part of researcher mobility, enabling researchers to unite in conducting …

Instrumental Music Participation And The Differences In Academic Performances For Students In Poverty, Shawn A. Oban

Theses and Dissertations

Because of the emphasis on No Child Left Behind and high stakes testing, school districts and administrators have been limiting or eliminating fine arts courses from an already shrinking curriculum, focusing on the subjects being tested. Students living in poverty are often entering formal schooling behind academically.

The researcher examined longitudinal test data from 2010-2015 from middle school aged students in a large Midwest school district. The researcher focused on test scores from the sixth grade when instrumental music was offered, examined test data from tenth grade, and studied academic growth. All student scores were included, but the independent variables …

Barriers For Immunization Against Hpv In Developing Countries (India), Sandhya Ghanta

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer are high in less developed and developing countries. In some countries, the acceptance of the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer is low. Previous studies revealed that lack of awareness, income, and education were major barriers for accepting the HPV vaccine. Apart from the above-mentioned barriers, some socio-cultural barriers for accepting the HPV vaccine exist in less developed and developing countries. This study surveyed 250 women in India of age groups 18 years and above. The sample population for the study was …

Montclair Magazine (Fall/Winter 2015), Montclair State University

Montclair: The magazine of Montclair State University

No abstract provided.

Hospital Practices Related To Breastfeeding In Mississippi: A Socio-Ecological Approach, Amir Alakaam

Dissertations

Mississippi continues to have one of the lowest rates and the weakest support in respect to breastfeeding in the nation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014a). Hospital practices supporting breastfeeding such as the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding (TSSB) can dramatically increase breastfeeding rates and duration (Rosenberg, Stull, Adler, Kasehagen, & Crivelli-Kovach, 2008). The aim of this study was to explore breastfeeding practices in Mississippi hospitals based on two levels of the Socio-Ecological Model: the organizational level (phase I) examined the hospital practices based on the level of implementation of the TSSB; the individual level (phase II) examined knowledge …

Stability Of Whole Wheat Flour, Rolled Oats, And Brown Rice During Long-Term Storage And Preparation, Victoria Elizabeth Scott

Theses and Dissertations

Whole grains are an increasingly popular health food in America. However, shelf life of whole grains is compromised due to the presence of lipoxygenases in the bran and germ, which lead to rancidity and generation of oxidative byproducts. These byproducts reduce sensory quality and may have a degradative effect on vitamins in whole grain products. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of lipid and vitamin degradation during long-term storage of three whole grains: whole wheat flour, brown rice, and rolled oats. We also examined vitamin loss after cooking to determine if oxidative byproducts had an effect …

Influence Of Habitat And Intrinsic Characteristics On Survival Of Neonatal Pronghorn, Christopher N. Jacques, Jonathan A. Jenks, Troy W. Grovenburg, Robert Wayne Klaver

Natural Resource Management Faculty Publications

Increased understanding of the influence of habitat (e.g., composition, patch size) and intrinsic (e.g., age, birth mass) factors on survival of neonatal pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) is a prerequisite to successful management programs, particularly as they relate to population dynamics and the role of population models in adaptive species management. Nevertheless, few studies have presented empirical data quantifying the influence of habitat variables on survival of neonatal pronghorn. During 2002–2005, we captured and radiocollared 116 neonates across two sites in western South Dakota. We documented 31 deaths during our study, of which coyote (Canis latrans) predation (n = 15) was the …

Effects Of Various Mobility Aids On Lower-Extremity Muscle Activity, Michael Ryan Sanders

Theses and Dissertations

Millions of people each year spend some portion of their time using mobility aids to facilitate periods of non-weight bearing ambulation. The use of these devices changes the loading conditions of the lower extremities, which may result in skeletal muscle adaptations. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effects of 3 types of mobility aids on lower-extremity muscle activity. Evaluation was based on 1) measured muscle activation signals using electromyography (EMG), and 2) measured joint kinematics and ground reaction forces, which were used to predict muscle forces. 16 healthy subjects (7 female, 9 male), ages 18-27 participated in …

Antibiotic Resistance: Homoeopathic Perspective, Raj Manchanda

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

No abstract provided.

A Case Of Deep Vein Thrombosis With Postthrombotic Syndrome Cured By Homoeopathic Therapy, Gyandas Wadhwani

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

A 46-year-old woman consulted for right-sided deep vein thrombosis in external iliac, common femoral, superficial femoral and popliteal veins with extension along with postthrombotic syndrome. After homoeopathic consultation, she was prescribed Argentum nitricum in ascending LM potencies. Symptomatic relief was reported within 2 weeks of treatment, and gradually the quality of life improved after simultaneous reduction in pain due to other complaints of sciatica and osteoarthrosis. Venous Doppler studies repeated a year later showed complete resolution of the medical condition with homoeopathic drug therapy alone. The physical examination also revealed a reduction in limb circumference.

Research Highlights (October–December 2015), Deepti Chalia

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

No abstract provided.

Republished: Sulphur Alters Nfκb-P300 Cross-Talk In Favour Of P53-P300 To Induce Apoptosis In Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma, Shilpi Saha, Bhattacharjee Pushpak, Deblina Guha, Kirti Kajal, Poulami Khan, Sreeparna Chakraborty, Shravanti Mukherjee, Shrutarshi Paul, Rajkumar Manchanda

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Adverse side effects of chemotherapy during cancer treatment have shifted considerable focus towards therapies that are not only targeted but are also devoid of toxic side effects. We evaluated the antitumorigenic activity of sulphur, and delineated the molecular mechanisms underlying sulphurinduced apoptosis in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells. A search for the underlying mechanism revealed that the choice between the two cellular processes, NFκBp65-mediated survival and p53-mediated apoptosis, was decided by the competition for a limited pool of transcriptional coactivator protein p300 in NSCLC cells. In contrast, sulphur inhibited otherwise upregulated survival signaling in NSCLC cells by perturbing the …

Assessing And Reporting Normative Data And Correlations In Adolescent Non-Professional Dancers, Alexandrea Holley

All NMU Master's Theses

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to gather normative data and determine if there was a correlation for multiple measures in adolescent dancers, specifically in relation to the hip joint including: balance, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility. Design: Descriptive Correlation. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: Thirty-one female volunteers (mean age 12.52 ± 2.26), were recruited to participate in the university IRB approved study. Interventions: During the testing, the participants filled out a qualitative questionnaire, had their anthropometric data measured, and were assessed on flexibility of the hamstring. Functional measurements of muscular strength and endurance of the hip flexor, sacrum imbalance, …

Effects Of 12-Month, 2000iu/Day Vitamin D Supplementation On Treatment Naïve And Vitamin D Deficient Saudi Type 2 Diabetic Patients, Abdulaziz M. Al-Othman, Nasser M. Al-Daghri, Shaun B. Sabico

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To determine whether 12-month, 2000IU/day vitamin D supplementation cardiometabolically improves treatment naïve type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) Saudi patients with vitamin D deficiency. Methods: This 12-month interventional study was conducted at primary health centers in 5 different residential areas in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between January 2013 and January 2014. Forty-five Saudi T2DM patients were enrolled. Baseline anthropometrics, glycemic, and lipid profiles were measured and repeated after 6 and 12 months. All subjects were provided with 2000IU vitamin D supplements for one year. Results: Vitamin D deficiency at baseline was 46.7%, 31.8% after 6 months, and 35.6% after 12 months, …

The Acute Effect Of High-Intensity Interval Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training On Postprandial Blood Glucose Regulation, Katharina Gross

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Blood glucose control is central to the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Regular physical activity can improve glucose tolerance but many people lack the time to exercise. High-intensity interval training requires much less time commitment and results in similar or superior physiological adaptations over prolonged endurance training. However, few studies have directly compared the effects of both training strategies and a control condition on postprandial blood glucose concentration in a standardized manner. This study aims to investigate the acute effect of a single session of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) compared to a single session of moderate-intensity continuous …

Nurses’ Perceptions Of Self As Role Models Of Health, Shelia Hurley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Given the sad state of obesity and lifestyle-related illnesses in the US, nurses, as the largest and most trusted health profession, must take the cause of health promotion seriously and personally. This study seeks to close the gap in knowledge of nurses’ perception of self as a role model of health and personal healthy lifestyle behaviors. This study focuses on four specific behaviors that lead to a healthy lifestyle: limit alcohol, avoid tobacco, improve nutrition, and engage in physical activity. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between nurses’ health practices and their perceptions of self as …

Modifying A Cow-Calf Biophysical Simulation Model For Analyses Of Alternative Enterprises, Jennifer L. Lutes

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cow-calf producers in the United States, tasked with providing beef calves for the beef industry, have had a multitude of difficulties to overcome in recent years. Producers in northwest Arkansas were negatively impacted by high hay prices coupled with low beef cattle market prices due to severe drought experienced in portions of 2010, 2011, and 2012. During this time they also faced high grain prices, due to a record low harvest, combined with portions of the corn harvest diverted from human and animal feed to ethanol production. Tight lending policies of this time, reminiscent of the housing market crash in …

Mountain Big Sagebrush (Artemisia Tridentata Ssp Vaseyana) Seed Production, Melissa L. Landeen

Theses and Dissertations

Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt.) is the most widespread and common shrub in the sagebrush biome of western North America. Of the three most common subspecies of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), mountain big sagebrush (ssp. vaseyana; MBS) is the most resilient to disturbance, but still requires favorable climactic conditions and a viable post-fire seedbank for successful unassisted recovery. This study was designed to assess MBS seed production throughout post-fire recovery. We performed 2 pilot studies to develop methods for estimating seed production and plant age. The results of the pilot studies and a space-for-time substitution strategy were used to measure …

The Ogden Museum Of Southern Art: An Internship Report, Sara A. Beale

Arts Administration Master's Reports (1984-2016)

This internship report documents and outlines my time with the Ogden Museum of Art in New Orleans, Louisiana, from January to May of 2015. It closely outlines the history and structure of the organization, as well as its strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats. This report also includes a detailed description of all tasks and responsibilities assigned to me as an intern, an analysis of its current state, research of best practices in the field, and an educated analysis of its probable trajectory.

Functional Characterization Of Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans Qsebc : A Bacterial Adrengeric Receptor And Global Regulator Of Virulence., Whitney Weigel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In order for a pathogen to successfully colonize the host, it must be able to acquire essential nutrients and regulate gene expression to respond to environmental fluctuations. One mechanism bacteria have evolved in order to detect these fluctuations and respond is the two component signal transduction systems (TCS). Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, a dental commensal associated with localized aggressive periodontitis, contains a TCS designated QseBC that was previously shown to regulate expression of several iron acquisition genes, biofilm formation and virulence, but the activating signal was unknown []. QseBC is a conserved TCS in the Enterobacteriaceae and Pasteurellaceae, but the activating signal …

Effects Of Resistance Training And Creatine Monohydrate On Doxorubicin-Induced Muscle Dysfunction, Eric Christopher Bredahl

Dissertations

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a powerful chemotherapy agent that is associated with a number of deleterious side effects, including skeletal muscle dysfunction. The exact mechanisms behind the observed skeletal muscle dysfunction have yet to be fully understood. Nonetheless, the observed myotoxicity is believed to be the result of an increased oxidative stress. Resistance training (RT) has been shown to preserve skeletal muscle function in DOX treated muscles. Conversely, creatine (Cr) has been shown to improve skeletal muscle function. Yet, there has been no investigation into the effect of combined RT and Cr on DOX-induced muscle dysfunction. Thus, the possibility exists that …

Physical Education Teacher Education Teacher Candidates’ Perceptions About And Implementation Of Caring, Tanjian Liang

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine physical education teacher education (PETE) teacher candidates’ perceptions about and implementation of caring during eight-week student teaching experiences. The specific research questions were: (a) How do caring teacher candidates perceive and define caring? and (b) How do caring teacher candidates implement caring behaviors throughout their eight-week student teaching assignments? In line with the research questions, a qualitative case study approach was used. Participants were two PETE caring physical education teacher candidates from the same program. Data sources included semi-structured interviews, informational conversational interviews, field notes, documents, and research journals. Data were analyzed …

Biomechanical Assessment Of Ertl And Burgess Transtibial Amputation Techniques, Abbie Elthea Ferris

Dissertations

In this dissertation, a model was developed to predict the inertial properties of the shank and foot of persons with TTA and functional differences between Ertl and Burgess amputees during curb negotiation and the sit-to-stand tasks were evaluated. The developed inertial model was able to predict the shank and foot segment mass, COM location, and MOI more accurately than using the intact limb inertial properties. Used as inputs into inverse dynamics equations, the general model predictions produced joint moments which were also similar to the subject-specific measures. Thus, this model is a better predictor than the current method of using …

School Policy And Practice To Tackle A Public Health Problem: Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Leigh Lynn Mcgown-Kauffman

Dissertations

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in the United States. While the medical research has exhaustively documented that immediate response directly impacts survival rates in SCA and that schools could be the best catalyst for creating change by bystanders, there is little to no educational research addressing school policy or practices in regards to cardiac emergencies in schools. The purpose of this dissertation was to identify and describe characteristics of the Colorado schools that offer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and onsite automated external defibrillators (AED). Two research questions were answered, Of respondents, what are the characteristics …