Digital Commons Network^™

Systematic Structure-Activity Relationship Studies Of Nalfurafine, Mengchu Li

Theses and Dissertations

Today’s opioid crisis is one of the most challenging public health emergency. Two million Americans suffer opioid addiction. Over 20 million adults are affected by daily pain without non-addictive analgesics.

Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) is one of the most studied new pain targets void of abuse liability. KOR agonists have shown potent analgesia and also potential in alleviating opioid addiction. The only approved KOR agonist in clinic is nalfurafine (NFU). Though not leading to addiction, the analgesic effects of NFU are accompanied by sedative side effects. Therefore, we designed a systematical structure-activity relationship study of NFU for developing non-addictive analgesics. …

Feeling The Squeeze: The Association Between Multigeneration Caregiving And Informal Caregivers’ Health, Christine L. Patterson

Theses and Dissertations

While U.S. public policy and research has focused on the health needs of the aging population, less attention has been given to the consequences informal caregivers face caring for this generation. With the segment of the population aged 65 years or older growing rapidly, it is important to understand the factors that place informal caregivers at risk for poor health outcomes and health behaviors. Since multigeneration caregivers balance more personal, work, and caregiving demands than single-generation informal caregivers of older adults, they may be at higher risk for poor health outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the …

Ck2 Phosphorylation Of Human Papillomavirus 16 E2 On Serine 23 Promotes Interaction With Topbp1 And Is Critical For E2 Plasmid Retention Function, Apurva Tadimari Prabhakar

Theses and Dissertations

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the causative agents in most cervical cancers and have been implicated in a rising number of oropharyngeal cancers. HPV positive oropharyngeal cancers have increased significantly over the last two decades with no specific anti-viral therapeutic options for the treatment of HPV diseases. During its lifecycle, HPV16 encoded E2 protein interacts with host cellular factors to regulate viral transcription, replication and genome segregation/retention. Our understanding of the cellular partner proteins that E2 uses to mediate its functions remains incomplete.

Previously, an interaction between E2 and the host protein TopBP1 was identified. In earlier studies, it was also …

Nurse Cognition In Response To Alert Generation During Bar Code Medication Administration (Bcma): An Examination Of Human Factors, Elizabeth A. Sloss

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Nurses are at the forefront of care delivery, spending more time with patients than most other providers. Paramount to patient safety is the ability for nurses to make clinical decisions free from human error. Yet, the dynamic clinical environment in which nurses work is characterized by uncertainty, urgency, and high consequence, necessitating that nurses make quick and critical decisions. Notably, medical errors related to clinical decision-making, including medication administration errors, may occur more frequently among new graduate nurses. Therefore, the aims of this dissertation study are to 1) examine patterns of alert generation and alert response decisions (decision outputs) …

Strengthening Mental Health Diagnostic Detection In Integrated Primary Care, Julia Brechbiel

Theses and Dissertations

Primary care behavioral health (PCBH) is crucial for providing mental health treatment to underserved, minority, and uninsured populations. There is a lack of knowledge about accurate mental health diagnoses at PCBH. Underdetection of mental health symptoms has the potential to worsen racial and socioeconomic disparities. Using an expert review process, I developed an abbreviated diagnostic clinical interview (ADCI) for integrated primary care. Next, patients (N = 82) completed the interview after attending PCBH appointments. According to the interview, 63.4% of participants met criteria for a diagnosis, while 64.7% received a diagnosis from their provider. A large portion of patients …

Detrimental Role Of Irf1 In Myeloid Cells During Influenza Infection, Bianca L. Baum

Theses and Dissertations

The influenza virus is constantly evolving new ways to overcome both innate and vaccine-induced host defenses, making the innate immune response a critical therapeutic target for minimizing morbidity and mortality caused by infection. Here we examined the role that interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) plays in regulating host innate immune responses in myeloid cells. We found that knocking out IRF1 from myeloid cells in mice (IRF1^DMy) led to a partial protection during IAV infection. Interestingly, recruitment of bone marrow derived myeloid cells as well as NLRP3 inflammasome expression were decreased in the lungs of IRF1^DMy mice, whereas …

Il-36g Cytokine Induction In Oral Epithelial Cells Triggered By Treponema Denticola And Their Role In Chronic Periodontitis, Christopher Blake

Theses and Dissertations

Periodontal disease is a polymicrobial disease affecting 10-15% of the population. Periodontal disease affects the quality of life by reducing mastication and potentially causing tooth loss. Periodontal disease is also linked to more severe, systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Development of the diseased state occurs when the plaque biofilm shifts from healthy to dysbiotic. The shift to a dysbiotic biome brings with it a shift in bacterial presence, specifically an increase in gram-negative bacteria, such as T. denticola. T. denticola is a gram-negative, anaerobic spirochete whose relationship with oral epithelial cells is poorly understood. Preliminary data …

Canalpro Eal Accuracy Compared To The Root Zx Eal, Benjamin T. Brown

Theses and Dissertations

CanalPro Electronic Apex Locator Accuracy Compared to the Root ZX Electronic Apex locator

Benjamin Brown, Garry Myers, Caroline Carrico, Duane Schaefer

Department of Endodontics, Virginia Commonwealth University

Objectives: Electronic apex locators (EAL) are an effective instrument in measuring the working length of a canal. The Root ZX is considered the gold standard by many. The aim of this research is to compare the accuracy of the CanalPro EAL to the Root ZX.

Methods: The actual length of 43 single rooted extracted teeth were measured with a #10 hand file when the tip was visualized at the foramen under a microscope. …

Validation Of A Screening Tool For Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Pilot Study, Julia A. Giardina

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Pediatric-Modified-STOP-Bang (PM-STOP-Bang) as a screening tool to assess sleep related breathing disorders (SRBD) within a pediatric population. The specific aims of this study were: 1) compare the PM-STOP-Bang scores with those from the validated Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ), 2) determine the ability of the PM-STOP-Bang and the PSQ screening tools to accurately detect children of high risk for SRBD from a one-night home sleep apnea test (HSAT).

Methods: Orthodontic patients were screened using the PM-STOP-Bang at VCU Graduate Clinic. Patients (n=10) who were recruited and enrolled. Five were determined to …

Hamburger Helper Recipes, John Alex Goss

Theses and Dissertations

Hamburger Helper Recipes is a collection of essays and public addresses that aim to recuperate castoff and misfit material surrounding industries and tools which produce science-fiction fantasies, specifically videogames and television shows. The following essays confront the normative violence of capitalism, whiteness, and hetero-patriarchy that socially and technologically haunt these imaginary worlds and build hegemonic idealogy into their audiences. This collection takes industrial materials and software from their intended commercial purposes of production and “success” into places of abjection and quiet breakdown. The author’s own proximity to masculine and often toxic "work cultures'' within industrial spaces of coding and manufacturing …

Radiographic Comparison Using Cbct-Pai And Volumetric Analysis Of Endodontically Treated Teeth: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Jeremy Hargrove

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To assess the changes in CBCT-PAI score as well as 3-D volume of periapical findings associated with endodontically treated roots and to see how these findings change over time.

Methods: Retrospective chart review with the following inclusion criteria: 1. At least one tooth was endodontically treated at the endodontic private practice; 2. Patient had a recall examination and the treated tooth was asymptomatic, functional and a CBCT was exposed; 3. CBCT interpretation found a periapical finding associated with the treated tooth; 4. A follow-up recall examination was completed and CBCT exposed. Cases that fulfilled the inclusion criteria had the …

Reproducibility And Accuracy Of The Virtual Occlusal Record, Anne M. Harper

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To evaluate the reproducibility and accuracy of the virtual occlusal record compared to the gold standard physical bite record

Methods: Two physical bite records of PVS and two virtual bites using an iTero Element scanner were obtained from 22 participants. Intraoral scans were exported as STL files, and virtual occlusal records were created. CBCT images were taken of physical occlusal records and converted to STL files. STL files were superimposed using Geomagic Control X™ Software. Root mean square (RMS) and percent similarity within 0.25 mm tolerance were compared at a significance level of 0.05.

Results: Average …

Virtual Reality Tool For Visualizing The Oral Microbiome, Alexus M. Harris

Theses and Dissertations

There are limited teaching tools for helping both students and patients understand the oral microbiome. It is important to understand the oral microbiome as it heavily influences the health of your oral cavity and the dysbiosis of disease. The oral microbiome influences other aspects of health and serves as an indicator for health. With a greater understanding of the oral microbiome, patients can make healthier lifestyle changes and dentists can better educate their patients. For that reason, the goal of this project was to create a virtual reality tool for visualizing the oral microbiome. The assets for the VR tool …

Molecular Basis Of Cross-Sensitization In Colonic Inflammation-Induced Somatic Hypersensitivity, Parshva K. Mehta

Theses and Dissertations

A major portion of pain experienced by patients with an Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be attributed to visceral hypersensitivity. Visceral stimuli transmitted through primary afferent neurons in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) induce a nociceptive response. Notably, a subset of patients has also experienced the development of somatic pain, such as leg pain, after diagnosis of a bowel disorder. The aim of this investigation is to ascertain which biochemical mediators are involved in the development of such viscerosomatic cross-sensitization. Initially, the Von Frey Test was used to find behavioral evidence of somatic referred pain; …

Modulation In Nmda Receptor Function Alleviates Safety Learning Deficit In Females Who Experienced Chronic Stress During Adolescence, Zuby C. Okafor

Theses and Dissertations

Anxiety disorders disproportionately impact women and are more prevalent in people with a history of chronic stress. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of stress and trauma-related disorder that is largely characterized by hyperarousal to fear-based cues. The inability to dissociate the fear-response from a non-threatening cue is known as impaired safety learning. Given that N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are key mediators of learning behaviors, we examined the role of NMDAr function in deficient safety learning. Previous studies have shown that female rats with a history of stress have altered NMDAr gene expression and altered glutamatergic signaling; therefore, we hypothesized …

In Vitro Evaluation Of The Solubility Of Endosequence Bc Sealer In Acidic Solutions, Inderpal S. Sappal

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: In recent years, bioceramic sealers (BCS), such as EndoSequence BC Sealer, have gained popularity in endodontic practices. Previous research has found BCS difficult to remove from canals during retreatments when compared with other endodontic sealers. Acidic solutions have been found to inhibit the set of BCS and increase their solubility. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acidic solutions in the removal of BCS as compared with a traditional retreatment solvent.

Methods: Roots of extracted human single rooted teeth (N=15) were prepared into 17 mm sections, then instrumented with ProTaper Gold (PTG) rotary files up …

The Effect Of Local Anesthesia When Used In Dental Restorative Cases Under General Anesthesia On Control Of Intraoperative Physiologic Parameters And Post-Operative Comfort, Kathryn S. Skarda

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose:

To determine the effect of local anesthesia on post-operative pain and physiologic parameters intraoperatively in patients undergoing dental care under general anesthesia.

Methods:

This study was modeled as a double-blinded randomized control trial. Patients included healthy children under the age of six scheduled for restorative dental treatment under general anesthesia. Patient behavior was evaluated pre and post-operatively using the FLACC score and post-operatively using the Parental Pain Score Measure. Intraoperatively, all participants followed a standardized general anesthesia protocol and were given either local anesthetic infiltration by the dental surgeon performing the surgery or no anesthesia was utilized. Intraoperatively physiologic …

Pushing The Limits: Increasing The Speed And Specificity Of Sars-Cov-2 Testing, Grayson Way

Theses and Dissertations

The prevalence and spread of the current COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the importance of continual improvements upon current microbiological testing methods. Rapid and accurate testing can help mitigate spread by improving on the time to quarantine and quarantine duration required. As of the writing of this thesis, COVID-19 has been responsible for more than 500,000 deaths in the United States of America, and greater than 2 million deaths globally. The work done in this thesis has shown improvements in the current SARS-CoV-2 testing methodology by reducing the time it takes for patient testing while maintaining accuracy and the sensitivity required …

Reliability And Validity Of Three Clinical Methods To Measure Lower Extremity Muscle Power, Mattie E. Pontiff, Li Li, Noelle G. Moreau

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: Faculty Publications

Background: Lower extremity muscle power is critical for daily activities and athletic performance in clinical populations. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of 3 clinically feasible methods to measure lower extremity muscle power during a leg press. Methods: Ten of 26 subjects performed 2 sessions of 5 submaximal leg presses separated by 3-7 days in this repeated-measures cross-sectional design; the remaining performed 1 test session. Power was calculated independently for each method [simple video, linear position transducer, and accelerometer] and compared to the reference force plate. Test-retest reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation …

The Impact Of Postmodernism On 21st Century Higher Education, Lia B. Wheatley

Liberal Studies (MA) Final Essays

The American undergraduate higher educational institution was organized and developed well over 100 years ago, and for the most part, it was designed around Eurocentric ideals, experiences, and values—ones that hardly reflect the population and principles of a 21^st century America. The higher education system is undoubtedly a product of modernism; however, as postmodernism has become more widespread through mainstream society, universities must reevaluate their means and their ends in order to meet transitioning standards and expectations especially if academe hopes to remain a pillar of our ever-progressing society.

The three majorly impacted areas of higher education include enrollment …

Nursing, Physical Therapy, And Cytotechnology Graduate And Undergraduate Students' Attitudes Toward Teamwork Before And After Participation In An Interprofessional Education Experience, Shelley C. Mishoe, Muge Akpinar Elci, Rebecca Poston, Kimberly Adams Tufts, Beth Thompson

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND Educating health professional (HP) students in environments wherein they can learn about, from, and with each other can prepare them for interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP), which may positively impact patient safety and satisfaction (Brashers et al., 2015; Health Professions Accreditors Collaborative [HPAC], 2019). IPCP is characterized by effective communication, shared values, respect for diverse disciplines and teamwork among health professionals (IOM, 2015). However, professional silos in practice can foster competition rather than collaboration. Knowledge of HP roles and responsibilities is a primary tenet of IPCP (Interprofessional Educational Collaborative [IPEC], 2011).

PURPOSE An interprofessional education (IPE) approach that combined book …

Industrie 4.0 Dans Le Secteur Manufacturier, Marie Comeau

États de la question, rapports d’expertise et revues de littérature

La 4^e révolution industrielle modifiera considérablement le monde du travail. Ces transformations ont déjà débuté et sont plus rapides que lors des dernières révolutions industrielles.

L’épidémie de la COVID-19 ravive les discussions autour de l’automatisation intelligente des industries. Pendant des mesures de distanciation physique, l’industrie 4.0 pourrait participer à la réduction des risques de contamination au travail par la réduction du nombre de salariés requis en présentiel et la possibilité de faire fonctionner les chaînes de production à distance.

Pour soutenir ces réflexions, ce rapport de veille produit en 2018 a été mis à jour. Il présente l’industrie 4.0, …

Financial Literacy, Experience, And Age Differences In Monetary Sequence Preferences, Jenna M. Wilson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The emerging research on age differences in monetary sequence preferences suggests that older adults make decisions that are normatively correct from the standpoint of economic theory when choosing to receive larger versus smaller amounts of money sooner than later, but make non-optimal decisions about paying money. In an adult life-span sample (N = 594, aged 20-88, M_age = 46.48, SD= 15.16) recruited through MTurk, the present study examined age differences in monetary sequence preferences. Participants received eight hypothetical scenarios that described monetary events, and completed measures of financial literacy and financial experience. Older age was associated with …

Discharge Instructions In The Emergency Department, Josh Jorgensen

Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner

No abstract provided.

Qualitative Study Of Collaboration Between Independent Reading Specialists And Elementary Classroom Teachers, Lindsay Lee Hawbaker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The failure of educators to meet the needs of elementary students who require separated, differentiated, and intensive reading interventions (Tier 3) has been attributed to the scarcity of administrative resources and a lack of effective collaboration between reading specialists and classroom teachers. Experts opine that common barriers to effective collegial collaboration between institutional reading specialists, who are employed by the school, and classroom teachers include: an unsupportive school culture, the classroom teachers’ fear of losing pedagogical autonomy, the absence of mutual trust and interdependence between the reading specialists and their students’ classroom teachers, and the inability of reading specialists …

Evaluating An Interprofessional Ergonomic Intervention For Dental Hygiene Students, Lashonna M. Knight

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: Ergonomics plays an important role in identifying and reducing biomechanical stress and preventing musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries by creating a better fit between physical requirements and work environments. This study examined the benefits of implementing an interprofessional education (IPE) module in a dental hygiene curriculum with a dental hygienist (DH) and occupational therapist (OT) teaching and assessing students’ ergonomics.

Methods: Students participated in an IPE intervention to incorporate preventive techniques into their daily routine, to model these protective strategies for use as practicing DHs throughout their careers. Prior to the module and at the end of the six-week study, students …

A Pilot Study Of Oral Health Related Quality Of Life During Gynecologic Cancer Treatment, Stephanie Kushnir

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if oral health education increases oral health related quality of life in gynecologic oncology patients.

Methods: In this pilot study, 23 participants (18 - 70+ years) with a history of gynecologic cancer were recruited to participate in the study. Participants completed an Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire prior to and after given education packet.

Results: At baseline, the mean pre-test OHIP-14 score was 6.7 (SD 8.4) and mean OHIP-14 post-test score was 8.8 (SD 8.4). Pearson Correlation was .90. P (T< = t) one-tail p < .008. Demonstrating statistical significance.

Conclusion: OHIP-14 scores increased after four-weeks, higher scores of …

Understanding Job Roles, Preparedness And Challenges Faced By Academic Advisors In U.S. Medical Schools, Brittney L. Haong

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Prescribed Fire On Drought Resistance And Recovery In Mixed Conifer Forests Of Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, Zachary J. Wenderott

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Forests throughout much of the western United States are experiencing increasing climatic variability, often resulting in decreased forest productivity and elevated likelihood of tree mortality. Severe drought, such California’s recent 2012-2015 drought, are projected to increase in intensity, frequency, and severity throughout much of this region in coming years. Forest management has long relied on prescribed fire and mechanical thinning to reduce fuel loads and ameliorate potential fire hazards. These treatments may also have the ability to reduce stand density, alleviate competitive pressures, and allow residual trees access to critical resources during periods of extreme stress. Utilizing a long-term National …

Exploring Renewable Energy Futures In Humboldt County Consistent With The Goals Of California’S Renewable Portfolio Standard, Amin M. Younes

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Humboldt County has abundant wind, solar, and biomass resources, but has made limited progress towards the state’s 2045 requirement of 100% clean electricity. A recently rejected onshore wind project showed that technically and economically viable projects can fall to social and political challenges, emphasizing the need for social considerations in renewable transitions. I therefore integrated community members’ preferences into modeling of RPS-consistent renewable energy scenarios in Humboldt County. My model suggests that offshore wind, utility-scale solar, distributed solar, and biomass power are technically and economically viable sources of significant local generation at varying costs.

In interviews with energy-engaged residents, I …