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Articles 1 - 30 of 31
Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
The Impact Of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms On Cortisol Receptor Activity In Populations With Obesity, Cassidy Michalicka
The Impact Of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms On Cortisol Receptor Activity In Populations With Obesity, Cassidy Michalicka
Honors Theses
Cortisol is a crucial part of the endocrine system; it has the capacity to affect nearly every organ and tissue in the human body. When functioning correctly, cortisol is known to regulate the body’s stress response, control metabolism, suppress inflammation, regulate blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, regulate our body’s circadian rhythm, and much more. When the concentration of cortisol in the blood is elevated for an excessive period, the body responds with symptoms such as hyperglycemia, hypertension, weight gain, and moon face. Commonly this is known as Cushing’s Syndrome (CS), and interestingly, we have seen a phenotypic resemblance when contrasted …
Female Infertility In The United States And India: An Analysis Of Treatment Barriers And Coping Strategies, Devneet Singh
Female Infertility In The United States And India: An Analysis Of Treatment Barriers And Coping Strategies, Devneet Singh
Honors Theses
This research studies barriers to accessing fertility treatment in the United States (U.S.) and India, as well as the coping strategies infertile women use. Barriers include reproductive health knowledge, cost, and politics, while coping is affected by cultural stigma, family, and religion. These two countries were chosen for their different cultural contexts, healthcare systems, and political infrastructure. Ten fertility specialists across both countries were interviewed as expert informants. Reproductive health knowledge was the most important barrier to accessing care in both countries, with similar gaps in understanding when and what type of care to utilize, though social media can educate …
Sol Retractor: Rapidly Deployable Film-Based C-Section Retractor, Casey Lee, Silas Cleveland, Jose Dolores Valdivieso, Joseph Perks
Sol Retractor: Rapidly Deployable Film-Based C-Section Retractor, Casey Lee, Silas Cleveland, Jose Dolores Valdivieso, Joseph Perks
Honors Theses
Cesarean Sections (C-sections), a surgery conducted for baby delivery, can be divided into four distinct categories; Category 1 and 2 are considered emergency c-sections, and Category 3 and 4 are scheduled c-sections [2]. A comparative study from 2016 analyzed the difference of need for postoperative treatment between the Collins or the Alexis O retractor ( n = 100). The Alexis O C-Section retractor resulted in 19% of women requiring postoperative treatment, including medication, monitoring, and an extended stay at the hospital. The Collins resulted in 43% of the patients requiring postoperative treatment (p = 0.001) [5]. In emergency C-sections, surgical …
An Analysis Of Patients Undergoing Hip And Knee Arthroplasties In An Accountable Care Organization, Harjot Uppal
An Analysis Of Patients Undergoing Hip And Knee Arthroplasties In An Accountable Care Organization, Harjot Uppal
Honors Theses
Background. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are commonly performed procedures, with over one million executed each year in the United States (U.S.) (Steiner et al., 2012). By 2030, THA and TKA are projected to become the most frequently performed elective surgical procedures in the U.S. (Cram et al., 2012; Kurtz et al., 2009). Many of the previous studies on THA and TKA procedures have focused on women, primarily because they are at increased risks of developing knee osteoarthritis and sustaining hip fractures (Cummings et al., 1990; Hedlund et al., 1987; Hinton et al., 1995; Myers et …
Mutations In The Human Follicle Stimulating Hormone Receptor Caveolin Interaction Motif Cause Increased Basal Activation, Elizabeth Altman
Mutations In The Human Follicle Stimulating Hormone Receptor Caveolin Interaction Motif Cause Increased Basal Activation, Elizabeth Altman
Honors Theses
Over twelve percent of women aged fifteen to forty-five in America suffer from infertility and/or impaired fecundity and over seven million women have used infertility services, such as intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization. Some cases of infertility may be due to dysfunctional human follicle stimulating hormone (hFSH) signaling. hFSH plays a role in spermatogenesis in males, as well as follicle maturation and estrogen production in females. Problems with either hFSH or the hFSH receptor (hFSHR) decrease fertility in males and cause complete infertility in females. As part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, hFSH is released from the pituitary gland and …
The Theia Soteria: Alternative Design For Safer Initial Entry During Laparoscopic Procedures, Kayla Dubois, Patrick Ryan, Madelyn Joanis
The Theia Soteria: Alternative Design For Safer Initial Entry During Laparoscopic Procedures, Kayla Dubois, Patrick Ryan, Madelyn Joanis
Honors Theses
Laparoscopic procedures account for 15 million surgeries worldwide [1], with the initial entry into the peritoneal cavity accounting for 33-50% of all major laparoscopic complications [7]. This initial entry is the most dangerous as surgeons must enter the cavity using a sharp object with no visibility and space between the outer surface of the cavity and internal tissues. During the initial entry into the peritoneal cavity, the patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures are at a high risk for damage to internal organs and vasculature, necessitating the development of a device to protect these internal tissues and increase patient safety.
Expressive Writing As A Coping Mechanism For Caregivers Of People With Parkinson's Disease, Sarah Beck
Expressive Writing As A Coping Mechanism For Caregivers Of People With Parkinson's Disease, Sarah Beck
Honors Theses
Caregivers face challenges that take a tremendous toll both mentally and physically, while also having to experience their changing relationship with a loved one who continuously deteriorates. (Ornstein, Gaugler, Devanand, Scarmeas, Zhu, & Stern, 2013). The purpose of my study will be to examine if utilizing expressive writing (EW) can benefit caregivers of loved ones with Parkinson’s disease. I hypothesized that EW would help alleviate caregiver burden, and decrease negative mood and healthier coping means, while caregivers who write within a positive framework will experience the greatest alleviation of burden, better reported mood, and coping means. In this study the …
The Medicalization Of Childbirth Within The United States, Alexandria Gesing
The Medicalization Of Childbirth Within The United States, Alexandria Gesing
Honors Theses
The World Bank rates the United States last amongst developed countries for maternal mortality, with 14 deaths per 100,000 live births compared to Canada and the Netherlands with 7 deaths per 100,000 live births, and the UK with 9 per 100,000 live births. This paper argues that these deaths are strongly linked to excessive use of Cesarean sections, resulting from increased access to technology, and explores the attendant medicalization of childbirth in the United States. Drawing on interviews with patients, midwives, and physicians, in addition to participant observation of hospitals and private practices within the Tristate area; I compare the …
Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Care Choices A Home-Based Palliative Care Program, Katherine Pouliot
Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Care Choices A Home-Based Palliative Care Program, Katherine Pouliot
Honors Theses
Background: There is a growing need for home-based palliative care services, especially for seriously ill individuals who want to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and remain with their regular outside care providers. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Care Choices, a new in-home palliative care program provided by the Visiting Nurse Services of Northeastern New York and Ellis Medicine, a community healthcare system serving New York’s Capital District. Design: A prospective cohort study tracking patient outcomes over the course of one year. Subjects and setting: One hundred twenty-three patients (49 men, 74 women) with serious illnesses who were new enrollees in Care …
The Expression Of Pain In Children: An Autism Spectrum Disorder Perspective, Aileen Shaughnessy
The Expression Of Pain In Children: An Autism Spectrum Disorder Perspective, Aileen Shaughnessy
Honors Theses
Pain sensitivity in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have been shown to vary greatly in the literature. Previous work by Rattaz et al. used venepuncture to display slower recovery in ASD youth. Later, Duerden et al. used the Cold Pressor Test (CPT) to conclude that ASD youth demonstrate a profile of decreased thermal sensitivity. In the current study, four normative males and one ASD male participated in the Cold Pressor Test. The ASD youth was also given the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS-3) to verify ASD tendencies. Prior to the CPT, all participants were asked to place their dominant, …
Development And Validation Of A Direct Tibial Loading Device For Mice, Sylvie Kalikoff
Development And Validation Of A Direct Tibial Loading Device For Mice, Sylvie Kalikoff
Honors Theses
Of the six million bones fractured each year in the United States, 5 to 10% do not heal properly. Fractures range in severity and classification, and are therefore treated differently depending on the type of bone that was broken, the location of the break, and the way in which the specific bone regrows. It is crucial that the appropriate treatment be carried out in order to properly heal the broken bone.
The Privilege Paradox: The Effect Of Affluence On The Adolescent Experience, Darcy Berger
The Privilege Paradox: The Effect Of Affluence On The Adolescent Experience, Darcy Berger
Honors Theses
The purpose of this research is to identify and discuss the pressures of adolescents who come from affluent families in American society. This is an important group to study, because recent studies suggest there are misconceptions regarding how “privileged,” or isolated from psychosocial maladjustment, these adolescents may actually be. 21 qualitative, in-depth interviews with college students were conducted at a private institution in order to analyze possible areas of distress and mental health concerns. Findings suggest that upper class youth have a unique set of stressors that can potentially lead to mental health problems. High achievement pressures, excessive parental criticism, …
Evaluation Of An In-Home Palliative Care Program's Management Of Pain, Mackenzie Laporte
Evaluation Of An In-Home Palliative Care Program's Management Of Pain, Mackenzie Laporte
Honors Theses
With the growing population of chronically ill patients wishing to receive care at home, care providers face unique challenges managing the pain of patients with quickly changing illness trajectories. Treating patients outside of institutionalized settings, where regular monitoring is standard, requires careful symptom management. This project was a retrospective review examining nurses’ documentation of pain for patients enrolled in Care Choices, a new home-based palliative care program coordinated through a visiting nurse service and community hospital. The extent to which nurses documented patients' pain score, site, type and pain goal as well as nursing interventions and plan of care in …
Undergraduate Student Attitudes On Concierge Medicine, Sushane Gupta
Undergraduate Student Attitudes On Concierge Medicine, Sushane Gupta
Honors Theses
The purpose of this thesis was to examine the opinions of undergraduate students on a field of personalized primary care known as concierge medicine, as well as assess their satisfaction with their current non-concierge healthcare providers. Concierge medicine aims to provide patients with a high level of customer service and satisfaction, and in exchange for an annual fee, they receive benefits such as lower waiting times for appointments, access to the physician by phone or e-mail, and a stronger patient-physician relationship focused on preventative care. The current literature on non-concierge healthcare reveals several deficiencies including poor insurance coverage, poor patient …
A Comparative Analysis Of Medical Pluralism In Fiji And The United States, Meaghan Jain
A Comparative Analysis Of Medical Pluralism In Fiji And The United States, Meaghan Jain
Honors Theses
Both indigenous Fijians and Americans practice a medically pluralistic style of healing that includes biomedicine, herbal medicines, and spiritual healing. People in both cultures use alternative medicinal styles to fill in around gaps left by biomedicine, but the reasons why they do this, and how they do this, are different. Urban indigenous Fijians supplement biomedicine with healing styles that utilize their social networks. Fijians have a sociocentric sense of self and the body; they feel uncomfortable with impersonal treatment by doctors and feel better about treatments that bring social support. Americans, on the other hand, follow a rhetoric strongly oriented …
Does Positive Reframing Lead To Better Coping Styles: Examining The Effects Of Two Different Writing Prompts On Self-Reported Stress Of Caregivers Of People With Dementia., Marisa Thurin
Honors Theses
The challenges caregivers face are often overwhelmingly mentally and physically stressful, and layered in is the grief that comes with watching a loved one slip away (Ornstein, Gaugler, Devanand, Scarmeas, Zhu, & Stern, 2013). The purpose of my study will be to examine if utilizing expressive writing (EW) can benefit caregivers of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), before a patient might progress to dementia. I hypothesize that EW during early stage decline will be more beneficial than later since it is may be an easier time to use this skill, before caregivers are in the most demanding phases …
Exploring Doctor-Patient Communication In The Context Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine, Eva Rachelle Zimmerman
Exploring Doctor-Patient Communication In The Context Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine, Eva Rachelle Zimmerman
Honors Theses
The introduction of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the United States has recently led to increased interest in this topic. CAM encompasses a range of health care approaches that attempt to maintain or prevent illness, such as herbal supplements and acupuncture. The integrative health care movement, which is the integration of CAM with conventional medicine, has been rapidly growing among both health care providers and health care consumers, because most consumers use both types of medicine. Despite this growth, there are barriers to the acceptance and integration of CAM, including the inability of doctors to communicate with patients about …
The Affordable Care Act Dependent Health Insurance Mandate's Effect On The Life Satisfaction Of Young Adults, Kirti Chakote
The Affordable Care Act Dependent Health Insurance Mandate's Effect On The Life Satisfaction Of Young Adults, Kirti Chakote
Honors Theses
On September 23, 2010, the dependent health insurance mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) increased the family health insurance coverage of young adults up to age 26. The present study principally examined the effect of this mandate on life satisfaction of young adults, in addition to health care access, self-reported health, preventative care, and labor market outcomes. Through health insurance coverage, it is hypothesized that the ACA mandate will lead to a higher life satisfaction in young adults. Using the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System data of 2005 through 2013 to assess the effect of the ACA mandate, this …
Neuropsychological Outcomes Of Children With Craniosynostosis, Marykathryn Strahle
Neuropsychological Outcomes Of Children With Craniosynostosis, Marykathryn Strahle
Honors Theses
Craniosynostosis is the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures. Previous research suggests that craniosynostosis is related to cognitive deficits, impairments, and delay, and that these impairments might be related to the age of surgical intervention or the location and severity of suture fusion (Kapp-Simon, 1998). The current research sought to further investigate such relationships using a sample of 177 pediatric patients from the University of Michigan Neuropsychology Clinic. The data included 56 intelligence quotient (IQ) scores from various neuropsychological tests [Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID), Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI), and Wechsler Intelligence Scale …
Design Of A Medical Walker With An Integrated Crutch Mechanism, Harrison Bourikas
Design Of A Medical Walker With An Integrated Crutch Mechanism, Harrison Bourikas
Honors Theses
Many elderly people and injured people suffer from physical complications that make it difficult or dangerous for them to perform everyday activities, thereby inhibiting their mobility. Some of these activities include walking, standing, and sitting. As a result, it is no surprise that many companies in the medical industry have already attempted to construct an array of options to aid these people, including basic medical walkers, and standing-assist furniture, poles, and machines. Although these options are fair choices, they fail to integrate portability, simplicity, and multi-functionality together. Therefore, this thesis focuses on designing and building a dual purpose machine that …
The Optimization Of Porosity And Pore Patterning For Patient-Specific Ti-6 Al-4v Femur Implants, Stephen Paolicelli
The Optimization Of Porosity And Pore Patterning For Patient-Specific Ti-6 Al-4v Femur Implants, Stephen Paolicelli
Honors Theses
Metastatic bone cancer often arises in the long bones of the body. Taking a patient specific approach by utilizing a customized implant is a superior method of treatment compared to today’s solutions, which often includes amputation. A titanium-alloy femur implant has been optimized by varying pore size, pore pattern, and porosity in order to maximize osseointegration. By maximizing osseointegration, the implant will remain firmly in place for a longer period of time because bone will grow throughout the implant, securing it. In addition, it is important for the bone to behave mechanically like bone. This requires the global elastic modulus …
Effects Of Playing Surface And Shoe Type Of Acl Tears In Soccer Players, Melissa Mansfield
Effects Of Playing Surface And Shoe Type Of Acl Tears In Soccer Players, Melissa Mansfield
Honors Theses
Anterior Cruciate Ligament injuries have become more common in athletes over the past decade which is believed to result from playing on more artificial turf surfaces. This study tested the playing surface theory by building upon a previous study conducted with Albany Medical Center which tested surface samples using an axial-torsion load frame located at Union College. The motion that causes most ACL noncontact injuries is replicated by the load frame which pushes and rotates a shoe against the playing surface and measures the torque it experiences. The foot position, normal load, degree of rotation and rate of rotation were …
Neuropsychological Effects Of Interactive Physical And Cognitive Exercise: Increasing The Mental Challenge, Shannon Crowley
Neuropsychological Effects Of Interactive Physical And Cognitive Exercise: Increasing The Mental Challenge, Shannon Crowley
Honors Theses
In the past decade there has been a strong desire to implement more enjoyable, interactive video game experiences to enhance an individual’s exercise performance. In addition, virtual reality exercise has been utilized to create a more pleasurable experience for older adults suffering from dementia. Best (2012) defined exergaming as, “a new generation of video games that stimulate a more active, whole-body gaming experience.” A recent study found that exergaming, when compared to stationary biking, can improve cognition among the older population suffering from cognitive decline (Anderson-Hanley et al., 2012). In addition, working memory training also leads to a significant improvement …
History Of Concussion Research In American Football, Timothy Hersey
History Of Concussion Research In American Football, Timothy Hersey
Honors Theses
Concussions have been the topic of discussion in the news and media in recent years for their profound impact on today’s sport industry. Athletes have become bigger, faster, and stronger then in the past, increasing the chance of injury. This can been seen in all sports. Contact sports specifically have seen a rise in mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBIs) over the years. Extensive research has been done to determine the causes of concussion, the short and long term effects of brain injury, and better ways to reduce the risk in sports. Concussion research in athletics has mainly focused on American …
Reforming Primary Care In The United States: Analysis Of Deficiencies And Potential Solutions Based On Existing Models, Noah Joseph
Honors Theses
Primary care medicine is an essential component of the U.S. health care system, yet there is no other part of the health care system that is in greater trouble right now. Primary care is undergoing profound change in the United States, as evidenced by an increasingly sick population along with the concurrent decrease in the supply of doctors to care for that population. The passage and the Supreme Court’s upholding of the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is but another confirmation of the need to improve upon primary care in the U.S. In this paper, the major deficiencies …
Analysis Of Degenerative Cervical Spondylolisthesis And Corrective Orthopaedic Implants, Tyler Heck
Analysis Of Degenerative Cervical Spondylolisthesis And Corrective Orthopaedic Implants, Tyler Heck
Honors Theses
Back pain is often due to the degeneration of intervertebral discs, which can lead to a condition known as spondylolisthesis, whereby a vertebra slips out of position in the anteroposterior direction. There are numerous orthopaedic implants which are used by surgeons to correct this condition; however, there has been no conclusive research conducted in comparing the efficacies of these implants. In the cervical spine, this condition most commonly occurs over two levels. For the purposes of this study, an implant’s efficacy depends on its ability to return the slipped vertebra back into natural position immediately after surgery. To test these …
Physician Satisfaction: The Role Of E-Mail Communication In The Practice Of Medicine, Joaquin Alvarado
Physician Satisfaction: The Role Of E-Mail Communication In The Practice Of Medicine, Joaquin Alvarado
Honors Theses
Communication between a physician and a patient is an integral part to the healthcare delivery system. E-mail has the power to fully utilize a physician’s medical expertise for the good of the patient. However, many physicians do not offer this service to their patients in the United States. This study analyzes factors that impact e‐mail utilization among physicians and whether e-mail use contributes to career satisfaction of physicians using the 2008 Health Tracking and Physician Survey. Controlling for the effect of physician and practice characteristics, such as financial incentive for providing services, gender, specialty, practice type, and reliance on Medicaid …
The Design Of Patient-Specific Implants To Treat Bone Cancer, Shelby Marks
The Design Of Patient-Specific Implants To Treat Bone Cancer, Shelby Marks
Honors Theses
Benign and malignant tumors often arise in bone due to metastasizing cancer. Thirty years ago limbs affected by tumors were treated with amputation, now with new technology, limb‐saving surgery is used most of the time; however, these surgical methods have limitations. Research shows a trend of using allografts and metallic implants to fill the bone gap once the tumor is resected. In some cases sections up to one third of the femur can be removed, sometimes disrupting the joint. There are many problems such as the integration and risk of failure in these implants. A more patient specific approach can …
End Of Life Decisions In The Nicu: The Value Of New Life And The Degree To Which Religion Plays A Role In These Ethical Decisions, Maria Battaglia
End Of Life Decisions In The Nicu: The Value Of New Life And The Degree To Which Religion Plays A Role In These Ethical Decisions, Maria Battaglia
Honors Theses
This thesis explored the role of religion as a social variable affecting end of life decisions in the NICU. The existing literature has studied many factors that are a part of the tough ethical decisions made in the NICU with some reference to religion. However, there is not adequate attention given to religion specifically. In order to further expand upon religion, various members composing the medical teams of two hospitals were interviewed. The interviewees included neonatologists, nurses, chaplains, and a social worker. This thesis found that religion is a variable that matters more than the existing literature has claimed. Often, …
Does Being Cultured Pay? Racial And Language Concordance And Its Effect On Physician Income, Nayan Patel
Does Being Cultured Pay? Racial And Language Concordance And Its Effect On Physician Income, Nayan Patel
Honors Theses
Issues surrounding race and ethnicity in healthcare have increased in number as racial disparities as well as minority physicians become more prevalent in the USA. One such issue is the concordance rate of race and language amongst physicians and their patients. The effect of racial concordance in physician patient relationships has been looked at to determine if it affects the perceived level of health quality. Saha et al. (1999) found that Black and Hispanic patients were more satisfied in their healthcare when treated by a physician of their own race. In this study, I establish whether or not the racial …