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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
A Critical Analysis Of Infant Mortality In Kalamazoo County, Audrey Jensen
A Critical Analysis Of Infant Mortality In Kalamazoo County, Audrey Jensen
Honors Theses
The following is a review of the state of infant and fetal health in Kalamazoo County in the 21st century. Since infant health is a marker for the effectiveness of health care, this review will analyze the leading causes of infant mortality in Kalamazoo County. Statistical indicators show that Kalamazoo County falls below both state and national IMR averages. The leading causes of infant mortality in Kalamazoo are considered preventable infant deaths. Therefore, this review will make recommendations for the reduction of IMR through the improvement of preventative prenatal healthcare practices.
The Impact Of Prenatal Stress On The Development Of Limbic System Structures, Alyssa Murray
The Impact Of Prenatal Stress On The Development Of Limbic System Structures, Alyssa Murray
Honors Theses
Stress in early life is well documented as detrimental for the brain’s developmental trajectory, while prenatal stress is minimally explored. In the prenatal period, the placenta prevents much of the mother’s cortisol from reaching the fetus, but the fetus is still exposed to some maternal cortisol, and exposure increases with increasing stress. One neural structure particularly susceptible to stress is the hippocampus. The goal of this review is to address the role prenatal stress may play in damaging the hippocampus, a structure integral to learning and memory functions. Correlations between prenatal stress and a reduction in volume and function of …
Neuroprotective Effects Of Retinal Ganglion Cells By Specific Alpha 7 Nicotine Acetylcholine Receptor Agonists And An Acetylcholineesterase Inhibitor, Sara Kaliszak
Honors Theses
In previous studies from this lab, an alpha7 nACh receptor was found to successfully modulate retinal ganglion cell neuroprotection against glutamate assault when bound to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, or if an alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine agonist, such as PNU-282987 was used in in vitro models (Wehrwein et al., 2004; Iwamoto et al., 2013). These in vitro studies support the hypothesis that activation of alpha7 nicotinic ACh receptors triggers neuroprotection against loss of retinal ganglion cells normally induced by excessive glutamate insult. The results from these in vitro studies instigated an in vivo study in our lab using a rat glaucoma model. …
Correlating Periodontal Disease And Cardiovascular Disease: A Comparative Study Of Research Methodology, Alexandra Hensen
Correlating Periodontal Disease And Cardiovascular Disease: A Comparative Study Of Research Methodology, Alexandra Hensen
Honors Theses
This meta-analysis compares and contrasts three types of population-based research methodology currently used to analyze correlations between Periodontal disease and Cardiovascular disease, the most wide spread diseases in the Western industrialized world. The three studies that were analyzed in this thesis include: "Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Periodontal Disease, Tooth Loss, and Atherosclerosis," published in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases (2013), this was a cross-sectional population-based study; "Periodontal Disease and Mortality in Type 2 Diabetes" published in Diabetes Care (2005), this was a longitudinal population-based study; and "Identification of a Shared Genetic Susceptibility Locus for Coronary Heart …
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 …