Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluation Of A Video-Based Left Ventricular Assist Device Education Program For Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists And Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Andrew Gause, Zain Rehman

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: Video-based educational programs have been proven as a more effective means of instruction than traditional lecture and paper-based formats. Therefore, a video-based left ventricular assist device (LVAD) program was developed to address an identified knowledge gap for the NorthShore University HealthSystem (NSUHS) Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) and Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNA). Objectives: The purpose of this quality improvement project (QIP) was to pilot a newly developed educational video intervention and evaluate the CRNAs’ and SRNAs’ pre- and postintervention knowledge difference of the LVAD and the LVAD patient population. Methods: The sample consisted of CRNAs and SRNAs from …

Intraoperative Blood Pressure And Effect Of Volatile Anesthetic In Brain Dead Organ Donors, Alison Lynn Karmanian

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Background: There is a large disparity between the number of people waiting for organ transplants and the number of organs available. Optimal hemodynamic management can influence transplant outcomes, therefore evidence-based hemodynamic management should be practiced to maximize scarce donor organs.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine intraoperative blood pressures and administration of volatile anesthetics during brain dead organ donor procurements. Use of volatile anesthetics was examined to determine how use and dose affected the ability to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) between 60 to 90 mmHg.

Design: This study was a retrospective chart review.

Results: Twenty-eight cases …

Maternal Trauma Experience On Infant Cortisol Reactivity At 12 Months, Michelle Anne Gilchrist

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a major public health concern in the United States (US). One third of women in the US have experienced rape, physical assault or stalking by a former or current partner (Black et al., 2011). Evidence suggests that women experience increased risk for IPV during the perinatal period and exposure to IPV during and after pregnancy increases risk for adverse physical and mental health outcomes for victims. The “fetal programming” hypothesis proposes that prenatal experiences are also particularly impactful for offspring development in the short and long term; prenatal poor nutrition and stress have been linked …

Geometric Morphometric Analysis Of The Pedal Claw Of The Early Cretaceous Bird Confuciusornis Sanctus (Confuciusornithidae) And Its Functional And Behavioral Implications, Annie P. Mcintosh

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

onfuciusornis sanctus (Hou et al., 1995) is an Early Cretaceous bird from the Liaoning Province of northeastern China. Much work has been published on this species, but some details of its habitat and behavior remain unclear. In this study, a geometric morphometric analysis of the ungual of the second pedal digit of Confuciusornis sanctus was performed to determine how its morphology compares to that of extant birds and which morphological variables best distinguish between taxonomic and behavioral groups. A total of 128 specimens was examined, comprising 104 extant bird species across 15 orders and Confuciusornis sanctus. Three fixed landmarks and …

Decoding Mechanisms Of Bio-Interactions For Targeted Management Of Agricultural Pests, Qian Wei, Qu Jing, Kang Le

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Pathogens and insect pests are the most formidable threats to sustainable crop production in China as well as the rest of the world. At present, the most common method of pest control is the use of chemical pesticides that target the basic metabolism, physiological and biochemical processes, and nerve receptors of pests and microbial organisms, leading to poisoning of humans and animals, agricultural pollution, and ecological damage. A great breakthrough in the next generation of pest control will be the artificial manipulation of bioinformation exchanges among crop, insect pests, and pathogenic microbial organisms. Decoding the molecular mechanisms of biointeractions is …

Working On The Wayne | An Ending Note, Ohio University College Of Arts & Sciences

All Forum Articles

No abstract provided.

August 19, 2017 (Pages 4791-4972), Pennsylvania Legislative Reference Bureau

Volume 47 (2017)

No abstract provided.

Avant L’Appétit: An Augmented Reality Interactive Menu That Elevates The Gourmet Food Experience, Emili Koui

Theses

Restaurant businesses try to come up with ways to increase and maintain their clientele. In many restaurants, images of food often misrepresent the quality and quantity of the menu item. The results are a disappointment on the customer side, and a loss of clientele on the business side. Gourmet restaurants have the ability to provide consistency, which helps in maintaining their client numbers. However, new customers are hesitant in trying this experience due to reasons of portion size accuracy, ingredient identification, language barrier and dietary preferences.

This thesis investigated how the digitization of a traditional printed menu, can better enhance …

Food Addiction And The Effective Treatment Of Adult Food Addicts: An Integrative Review Of Literature, Sara Bourque

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: In a survey conducted between the years of 2011 and 2014 it was suggested that 36% of adults in the U.S. were obese with over 40.2% being middle aged adults. Obesity is associated with a number of comorbid conditions including diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes. Due to this it is one of the major factors driving up our annual medical care costs. It is also one of the leading causes of death not only in the U.S. but worldwide. With one third of the adult population in the U.S. being obese food addiction may very well be a …

Early Life Antibiotic Exposure And Its Association With Overweight/Obesity: An Integrative Review Of The Literature, Margaret Pfaff

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Early Life Antibiotic Exposure and its Association with Overweight/Obesity: An Integrative Review of the Literature

Margaret Pfaff

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Shannon Simonovich

Background: Prevention of or treatment for obesity could improve quality of life for many people. Infancy may be a critical period during which efforts should be focused to mitigate modifiable factors that may influence the risk for developing obesity.

Objectives: This integrative literature identified factors associated with greater incidence or effects of antibiotic exposure during infancy and examined the connection between early life antibiotic exposure and later in life overweight/obesity.

Method: This analysis followed the Whittemore and Knafl …

Non-Pharmacological Interventions For Dementia Patients Experiencing Agitation, Beata Prendergast

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: Several studies suggest that nonpharmacological interventions are preferred for first-line therapy when managing symptoms such as agitation associated with dementia. Patients experiencing dementia most likely develop behavioral symptoms throughout the course of their illnesses. These symptoms include agitation, which affects their quality of life. Current pharmacological treatment modalities are not always effective, and thus the significant shift to address agitation through non-pharmacological interventions is necessary.

Objectives: The purpose of this integrative literature was to explore the various research studies that have been conducted regarding several non-pharmacological interventions that can be beneficial in managing the dementia individual …

The Effects Of Service Dogs In Patients With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Angie Slowik

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: Of the 2 million veterans that have been deployed to combat zones, 13-20% of them most likely have developed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Only half of the returning combat veterans seek care, and only about 40% experience significant improvement of their symptoms of PTSD. One potentially effective intervention for PTSD has been the use of service dogs. Veterans have reported that service dogs have decreased their PTSD symptoms when they could not find relief from other PTSD interventions.

Objectives: The purpose of this literature review is to determine if service dogs decrease symptoms of depression in …

Canine-Assisted Therapy: How It Can Provide Social And Health Benefits To Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Nadia Sarnecki

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Background: Over the years, there have been major developments that assist with the improvement of social skills and health among patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and canine-assisted therapy is one of them. Access to therapeutic resources such as canine-assisted therapy has introduced an inspiring, motivating, and furry new way for providing social and health benefits in patients with ASD in the hospital setting.

Objectives: The primary purpose this integrative review is to highlight the areas of research that have assessed the areas of social functioning positively affected by canine-assisted therapy and health benefits as a result of canine-assisted therapy …

Evaluation Of A Video-Based Left Ventricular Assist Device Education Program For Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists And Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Andrew Gause, Zain Rehman

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

No abstract provided.

Rates Of Autoimmune Disease Increasing In Women, Rosa De La Cotera

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Autoimmune disorders (AD) are a group of highly disabling pathological conditions that are growing at an alarming rate affecting approximately 8% of the population. These disorders occur more frequently in women, as 78% of those diagnosed are women. Little conclusive research has been conducted as to determine why there is a tremendous sex disparity when looking at the rates. Due to the overall poor health that results from these disorders, there is an increase in the societal burden in terms of health care costs, loss of work productivity and reduced quality of life. The aim of this integrative literature …

Human And Machine Systematics In The Chemistry Of Tears, Elizabeth Postema

Prologue: A First-Year Writing Journal

No abstract provided.

Anticipating Change: An Exploratory Analysis Of Teachers’ Conceptions Of Engineering In An Era Of Science Education Reform, Tesha Sengupta-Irving, Janet Mercado

Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER)

While integrating engineering into science education is not new in the United States, technology and engineering have not been well emphasized in the preparation and professional development of science teachers. Recent science education reforms integrate science and engineering throughout K–12 education, making it imperative to explore the conceptions teachers hold of engineering as a discipline, and as an approach to teaching. This analysis draws on focus group interviews with practicing secondary teachers (n = 12) conducted during a professional development seminar. The goals of the seminar were to present engineering as a heterogeneity of practices and inquiries organized to …

H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine: Beyond Science And Fiction, Allie Vugrincic

Prologue: A First-Year Writing Journal

No abstract provided.

The Grizzly Details, August 2017, Staff Assembly

Staff Assembly Newsletter

No abstract provided.

How Social Contagion Helps Explain Our Pet Choices, Harold Herzog

'Animals and Us' Blog Posts

In 1939, Londoners killed 400,000 dogs and cats in four days. Why?

Not A Suburban Housewife, Jolyn Young

Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop Blog

Sometimes I think I missed my true calling as a suburban housewife. I could totally see myself wearing yoga pants and signing for UPS packages while my husband was at work and Disney Junior blared in the background. Instead, I live on a remote cattle ranch 2 1/2 hours from town and one hour past mail delivery. Amazon Prime and cable cartoons don't apply to my life.

Rotunda - Vol 96, No. 1 Freshman Edition - Aug. 18, 2017, Longwood University

Rotunda

No abstract provided.

Rethinking Urban Green Infrastructure As A Means To Promote Avian Conservation, Allen Lau

Master's Projects and Capstones

There is an under-recognized potential for cities to use urban green infrastructure to contribute to avian biodiversity conservation. At the global scale, climate change and growing urbanization are primary global drivers leading to decline and homogenization in world bird populations. Birds are fundamental and intricate species in ecosystems, and even in urban areas, act as indicator and regulator species contributing to healthy ecosystem function. While many cities have recognized the economic and social benefits associated with green spaces, such as the vast benefits ecosystem services provide to the urban dweller, the use of green spaces to concurrently contribute to avian …

The Heat Shock Response And Humoral Immune Response Are Mutually Antagonistic In Honey Bees, Mia Mckinstry, Charlie Chung, Henry Truong, Brittany A. Johnston, Jonathan W. Snow

Publications and Research

The honey bee is of paramount importance to humans in both agricultural and ecological settings. Honey bee colonies have suffered from increased attrition in recent years, stemming from complex interacting stresses. Defining common cellular stress responses elicited by these stressors represents a key step in understanding potential synergies. The proteostasis network is a highly conserved network of cellular stress responses involved in maintaining the homeostasis of protein production and function. Here, we have characterized the Heat Shock Response (HSR), one branch of this network, and found that its core components are conserved. In addition, exposing bees to elevated temperatures normally …

Pattern Recognition Receptors, Immune Proteins, And Nf-Κb Signaling Regulate Behaviors Associated With Aging Phenotypes, Nicholas W. Dekorver

Theses & Dissertations

The aging process is accompanied by functional impairments, including reduced locomotor function, fragmentation of active states, and alterations in energy balance. Our lab has demonstrated that immune proteins are increased in specific regions of the mouse brain that correlate with strain specific deficits. These immune proteins include toll-like receptors (Tlr), class I major histocompatibility complex proteins (MHC I), and complement proteins. There is an increasing appreciation for the role of immune proteins in neurodevelopment; however, their involvement in age-associated deficits is poorly understood. Here, we present data demonstrating that 1) activation of a specific immune receptor (Tlr2) leads to changes …

Choline Supplementation Normalizes Fetal Adiposity And Reduces Lipogenic Gene Expression In A Mouse Model Of Maternal Obesity, Chauntelle Jack-Roberts, Yaelle Joselit, Khatia Nanobashvili, Rachel Bretter, Olga V. Malysheva, Marie A. Caudill, Anjana Saxena, Kathleen Axen, Ahmed Gomaa, Xinyin Jiang

Publications and Research

Maternal obesity increases fetal adiposity which may adversely affect metabolic health of the offspring. Choline regulates lipid metabolism and thus may influence adiposity. This study investigates the effect of maternal choline supplementation on fetal adiposity in a mouse model of maternal obesity. C57BL/6J mice were fed either a high-fat (HF) diet or a control (NF) diet and received either 25 mM choline supplemented (CS) or control untreated (CO) drinking water for 6 weeks before timed-mating and throughout gestation. At embryonic day 17.5, HF feeding led to higher (p < 0.05) percent total body fat in fetuses from the HFCO group, while the choline supplemented HFCS group did not show significant difference versus the NFCO group. Similarly, HF feeding led to higher (p < 0.05) hepatic triglyceride accumulation in the HFCO but not the HFCS fetuses. mRNA levels of lipogenic genes such as Acc1, Fads1, and Elovl5, as well as the transcription factor Srebp1c that favors lipogenesis were downregulated (p < 0.05) by maternal choline supplementation in the HFCS group, which may serve as a mechanism to reduce fat accumulation in the fetal liver during maternal HF feeding. In summary, maternal choline supplementation improves indices of fetal adiposity in obese dams at late gestation.

Extracting Intercellular Signaling Network Of Cancer Tissues Using Ligand-Receptor Expression Patterns From Whole-Tumor And Single-Cell Transcriptomes., Joseph X Zhou, Roberto Taramelli, Edoardo Pedrini, Theo Knijnenburg, Sui Huang

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

Many behaviors of cancer, such as progression, metastasis and drug resistance etc., cannot be fully understood by genetic mutations or intracellular signaling alone. Instead, they are emergent properties of the cell community which forms a tumor. Studies of tumor heterogeneity reveal that many cancer behaviors critically depend on intercellular communication between cancer cells themselves and between cancer-stromal cells by secreted signaling molecules (ligands) and their cognate receptors. We analyzed public cancer transcriptome database for changes in cell-cell interactions as the characteristic of malignancy. We curated a list (>2,500 ligand-receptor pairs) and identified their joint enrichment in tumors from TCGA …

Inflammasome Activation By Methamphetamine Potentiates Lipopolysaccharide Stimulation Of Il-1Β Production In Microglia, Enquan Xu

Theses & Dissertations

Methamphetamine (Meth) is a psychostimulant drug that is widely abused all around the world. The administration of Meth causes a strong instant euphoria effect, and long-term of abuse is correlative of drug-dependence and neurotoxicity. The neuroimaging studies demonstrated that the long-term abuse of Meth is associated with the reduction of the dopamine transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2) in the striatum. Neuroinflammation is well-accepted as an important mechanism underlying the Meth-induced neurotoxicity. The over-activated microglia were found both in Meth human abusers and animal models.

NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is the most predominant Nod-like …

Redirection Of The Immune Response To Staphylococcus Aureus Biofilm Infection, Anna G. Staudacher

Theses & Dissertations

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a leading cause of community- and healthcare-associated infections and has a propensity to form biofilms. Biofilm infections are recalcitrant to host immune-mediated clearance as well as antibiotics, making them exceptionally difficult to eradicate. The biofilm environment has been shown to skew the host immune response towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype, characterized by alternatively activated macrophages, recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and minimal neutrophil and T cell infiltrates. Our laboratory has attempted to redirect the host immune response towards one that would favor bacterial clearance by employing strategies to augment pro-inflammatory mechanisms. One such …

Development Of Cxcr4 Inhibitors For Topical Treatment Of Psoriasis, Suthida Boonsith

Theses & Dissertations

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is often associated with systemic comorbidities and impaired skin barrier function. There are several treatment options including topical treatment with immunosuppressants, phototherapy, and systemic therapies using small molecules and biological agents. However, none of them can be regarded as a perfect solution due to their toxicity during chronic use. Recently, the CXCR4/SDF-1 axis was found to play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. AMD3100, a small molecule CXCR4 antagonist can selectively bind to CXCR4 and inhibit skin inflammation, reduce angiogenesis and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Unfortunately, AMD3100 can only be …