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Eaat4-Dependent Effects On Glutamatergic Signaling In The Cerebellar Molecular Layer, Christopher Chen Apr 2024

Eaat4-Dependent Effects On Glutamatergic Signaling In The Cerebellar Molecular Layer, Christopher Chen

Dissertations (1934 -)

Glutamatergic signaling is fundamental to human behavior and its dysfunction is implicated in a wide range of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. Excitatory amino-acid transporters (EAATs) – of which four primary subtypes (EAAT1, EAAT2, EAAT3, and EAAT4) exist in the human brain – are primary regulators of glutamate signaling. Endogenously-expressed at either low (EAAT4-low) or high (EAAT4-high) concentration in cerebellar Purkinje cells, EAAT4 has been shown to regulate Purkinje cell activity in the cerebellar molecular layer. However, differences in glutamatergic signaling at the circuit and single-synaptic levels in EAAT4-low and EAAT4-high regions are poorly understood. To characterize EAAT4-specific effects on excitatory …


Application Of The Social Determinants Of Health To Geriatric Patients By Nurse Practitioner Students, Theresa Marie Gruenke Schnable Oct 2023

Application Of The Social Determinants Of Health To Geriatric Patients By Nurse Practitioner Students, Theresa Marie Gruenke Schnable

Dissertations (1934 -)

ABSTRACT APPLICATION OF THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH TO GERIATRIC PATIENTS BY NURSE PRACTITIONER STUDENTS Patient outcomes are influenced by the social determinants of health (SDOH), which influence differing exposures to opportunities or health risks. Holistic care of geriatric patients includes considering SDOH in patient assessment, diagnosis, and care delivery. Understanding how NP students care for geriatric patients using a SDOH lens provides insight into their practice behaviors and helps educators understand how to strengthen NP programs to achieve better patient outcomes and advance health equity for the geriatric population. The purpose of this study was to describe how NP …


Why We Work: Exploring The Relationships Between Work Rewards, Burnout, And Intention To Leave For Professional Nurses, Jacqueline Christianson Jul 2023

Why We Work: Exploring The Relationships Between Work Rewards, Burnout, And Intention To Leave For Professional Nurses, Jacqueline Christianson

Dissertations (1934 -)

Nurse burnout leads to attrition from hospital nursing positions and the nursing profession prior to typical retirement age. Yet some nurses choose to stay despite burnout. Previous research indicates that nurses stay due to the rewards they receive from work but the relationships between different types of work rewards, work-related burnout, and intention to leave are poorly described. The ability to implement or execute altruistic behaviors may also represent an under-recognized work reward. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between work rewards, work-related burnout, and intention to leave nursing positions and the nursing profession and …


Generalized Joint Hypermobility And Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Biomechanics In Female Athletes, Christopher F. Geiser Apr 2023

Generalized Joint Hypermobility And Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Biomechanics In Female Athletes, Christopher F. Geiser

Dissertations (1934 -)

Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH), in lay terms being “double-jointed”, affects 5 to 43 percent of the general population. In severe forms, GJH impacts systems across the body, with cardiovascular, ocular, and musculoskeletal effects that can be quite debilitating. Most of the literature examining GJH is in this severely impacted group of people. However less severe forms of GJH are present in the athlete population in the same proportions, and athletes with GJH are more likely to be injured while participating in activities. They also experience greater time-loss injuries while participating in athletic activities. The movement biomechanics of those with severe …


Examining Relationships Among Nursing Students' Views Of Suffering, Positive Thinking, And Professional Quality Of Life, Ruth Anne Engbers Apr 2023

Examining Relationships Among Nursing Students' Views Of Suffering, Positive Thinking, And Professional Quality Of Life, Ruth Anne Engbers

Dissertations (1934 -)

Despite the association between nursing students’ exposure to suffering and the development of compassion fatigue, little research exists regarding promoting nursing students’ adaptation to caring for suffering patients and families. As a possible nursing shortage is projected, it is imperative to better understand the factors that impact this adaptation to ensure that nursing students can successfully transition into their nursing role. Although beliefs about the reasons for human suffering affect their ability to cope with their exposure to the suffering of others, there is no empirical data regarding nursing students’ views of suffering. Nursing students also report using positive reframing …


Exploring Relationships Between Depression Self-Stigma And Trust In Primary Care Provider On Willingness To Seek Help, Tana Karenke Apr 2022

Exploring Relationships Between Depression Self-Stigma And Trust In Primary Care Provider On Willingness To Seek Help, Tana Karenke

Dissertations (1934 -)

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and/or loss of interest that effects an individual’s ability to carry out day-to-day activities. Depression can diminish one’s social functioning, interpersonal relationships, personal care, and work productivity. Despite the availability of various treatments for depression, roughly 34% of people suffering from depression symptoms do not seek treatment. Significant barriers for seeking help for depression symptoms include the stigma of mental illness and a lack of trust in healthcare providers; however, there is a paucity of research exploring the relationship between mental illness stigma and the role of trust in …


The Impact Of Nutrition Literacy And Neighborhood On Diet Quality In The Mexican Origin Population, Sylvia Pena Apr 2022

The Impact Of Nutrition Literacy And Neighborhood On Diet Quality In The Mexican Origin Population, Sylvia Pena

Dissertations (1934 -)

Introduction: Diet quality is a critical component in achieving optimal health outcomes. A poor diet can lead to various health complications including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Hispanic individuals have been found to have higher rates of obesity; therefore, it is critical that variables impacting diet quality be examined in this population. Available literature concerning nutrition literacy, neighborhood and diet quality have not been specific to subgroups of the Hispanic population, therefore, identifying how these factors influence the Mexican origin population is needed. The aim of this dissertation was to better understand the impact of nutrition literacy and neighborhood on …


Processes Used By Mothers In Opioid Recovery To Manage The Needs Of The Maternal-Infant Dyad: A Grounded Theory Study, Nicole M. Mattson Oct 2021

Processes Used By Mothers In Opioid Recovery To Manage The Needs Of The Maternal-Infant Dyad: A Grounded Theory Study, Nicole M. Mattson

Dissertations (1934 -)

Maternal opioid use during pregnancy and the postpartum period has significant impact on the mother and infant. Maternal well-being and early maternal-infant contact can impact the early attachment and bonding of the dyad. Additionally, the stigma surrounding opioid use in pregnancy can have detrimental effects on the dyad during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Theory driven nursing interventions to promote mother-infant dyadic care for pairs impacted by maternal opioid use disorder (OUD) are needed. First, it was necessary to understand the current processes used by mothers with OUD to manage the unique needs of their dyad. The purpose of …


Processes Used By Mothers In Opioid Recovery To Manage The Needs Of The Maternal-Infant Dyad: A Grounded Theory Study, Nicole M. Mattson Oct 2021

Processes Used By Mothers In Opioid Recovery To Manage The Needs Of The Maternal-Infant Dyad: A Grounded Theory Study, Nicole M. Mattson

Dissertations (1934 -)

Maternal opioid use during pregnancy and the postpartum period has significant impact on the mother and infant. Maternal well-being and early maternal-infant contact can impact the early attachment and bonding of the dyad. Additionally, the stigma surrounding opioid use in pregnancy can have detrimental effects on the dyad during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Theory driven nursing interventions to promote mother-infant dyadic care for pairs impacted by maternal opioid use disorder (OUD) are needed. First, it was necessary to understand the current processes used by mothers with OUD to manage the unique needs of their dyad. The purpose of …


Direct And Non-Invasive Monitoring Of Battery Internal State Via Novel Gmi-Idt Magnetic Sensor, Akila Khatun Oct 2021

Direct And Non-Invasive Monitoring Of Battery Internal State Via Novel Gmi-Idt Magnetic Sensor, Akila Khatun

Dissertations (1934 -)

Efficient battery management systems (BMSs) in rechargeable battery-based systems require precise measurements of various battery parameters including state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH) and charge capacity. Presently, SOC, charge capacity and SOH can only be indirectly inferred from long-term measurement of current, open circuit voltage (OCV), and temperature using multiple sensors. These techniques can only give an approximation of SOC and often require knowledge of the recent battery history to prevent excessive inaccuracy.To improve the performance of the BMS, an alternative method of monitoring the internal state of Li-ion batteries is presented here. Theoretical analysis of Li-ion batteries …


Securing Nasogastric Tubes In Children, Julie Ann Lavoie Jul 2021

Securing Nasogastric Tubes In Children, Julie Ann Lavoie

Dissertations (1934 -)

Nasogastric tubes (NGTs) are commonly placed in children at risk for malnutrition in order to provide temporary nutrition support until the child achieves independent oral feedings or requires durable tube placement. Accurate securement of NGTs is necessary to safely provide nutrition, particularly in infants and toddlers who are at highest risk for dislodging their NGT. Dislodgement of an NGT has a cascade effect on the medical management, requiring increased exposure to the healthcare system with every replacement. Nasal bridles are widely used to secure NGTs in adults but are not widely used with children. The purpose of this retrospective, correlational …


Neuromuscular Function In Achilles Tendinopathy, Lauren K. Sara Jul 2021

Neuromuscular Function In Achilles Tendinopathy, Lauren K. Sara

Dissertations (1934 -)

Midportion Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a chronic, painful condition of the long tendon that attaches the triceps surae muscle group (the soleus, medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles), which are the primary plantar flexor muscles, to the calcaneus bone. There is incomplete understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, pain, and role of plantar flexor function (strength and fatigability) in functional impairment in AT. Deficits in plantar flexor muscle function are assumed, but evidence is sparce and inconclusive. There is no understanding of whether people with AT have deficits in neural drive to the plantar flexor muscles or altered contractile function, or the …


Pregnant Women's Experiences With Gastrointestinal Discomforts And Strategies They Use To Cope, Heidi Jo Paquette Jul 2021

Pregnant Women's Experiences With Gastrointestinal Discomforts And Strategies They Use To Cope, Heidi Jo Paquette

Dissertations (1934 -)

Problem The experience of gastrointestinal (GI) discomforts of pregnancy is almost universal. Heartburn, constipation, nausea and/or vomiting are the most common, with variation in frequency and intensity by trimester. GI discomforts of pregnancy are understudied. Most research on GI discomforts of pregnancy has employed quantitative instruments, before and after specific therapeutic approaches. Little research has focused on women’s experiences of GI discomforts of pregnancy and self-management strategies. Women are experts in their experience of their own pregnancies and their voices are rich sources of data, but have been largely ignored in the study of GI discomforts of pregnancy. Methodology The …


Experiences Of Exclusively Expressing Breast Milk For Term Infants: A Qualitative Analysis, Lisa Anders Apr 2021

Experiences Of Exclusively Expressing Breast Milk For Term Infants: A Qualitative Analysis, Lisa Anders

Dissertations (1934 -)

Breast milk feeding has numerous benefits for women and infants. Although positive maternal experiences with breast milk feeding impacts exclusivity, duration, and maternal mental health, most research focuses on women feeding directly at the breast. Breast milk can also be expressed and bottle-fed to the infant. This practice is encouraged in instances of maternal-infant separation or in cases of prematurity. However, there is an increasing number of women electing to feed exclusively expressed breast milk to term infants rather than feed directly at the breast. Little is known about what constitutes a positive, or salutary breastfeeding, experience in this population. …


Examining The Relationship Of Physical Activity, Inflammation & Adiposity On Physical Function With Gender Differences, Jeanne Hlebichuk Apr 2021

Examining The Relationship Of Physical Activity, Inflammation & Adiposity On Physical Function With Gender Differences, Jeanne Hlebichuk

Dissertations (1934 -)

Older adults are a rapidly growing segment of the population in the United States. The ability to maintain physical function declines with age and is a critical factor that contributes to living independently. Physical activity has been shown to slow declines in physical function and decrease chronic inflammation. Increases in adipose tissue and decreases in muscle mass are associated with aging. The increase in adipose tissue produces inflammatory markers that can negatively impact older adults’ health. Males and females’ biological changes with aging have been hypothesized to differ. The purposes of this study were to :1) examine the relationship between …


Examining Social Factors In Self-Management For Older Adults Living Alone, Margaret Salinas Apr 2021

Examining Social Factors In Self-Management For Older Adults Living Alone, Margaret Salinas

Dissertations (1934 -)

Older adults living alone are a rapidly growing and often vulnerable segment of the population. Patient activation is an established predictor of self-management engagement, ability, and behaviors, and may be impacted by many factors, including social factors such as loneliness, social isolation, and neighborhood conditions. However, relationships among these social factors and environmental factors and patient activation are unclear. Using the Individual and Family Self-Management Theory, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the factor structure and bivariate correlations of loneliness, social isolation, neighborhood conditions and to test the effect of these factors on patient activation using self-efficacy …


Effectiveness Of A Postpartum Breastfeeding Protocol For Avoiding Pregnancy And Descriptive Analysis Of The Physiology Of The Postpartum Transition, Mary Schneider Apr 2021

Effectiveness Of A Postpartum Breastfeeding Protocol For Avoiding Pregnancy And Descriptive Analysis Of The Physiology Of The Postpartum Transition, Mary Schneider

Dissertations (1934 -)

Traditionally, postpartum breastfeeding women used Natural Family Planning (NFP) methods that required observation of cervical mucus and basal body temperature as indicators of return to fertility. These indicators resulted in high unintended pregnancy rates (i.e., 14-32 over 12 months of use). High pregnancy rates were due to the inaccuracy and subjectivity of those fertility indicators which required extended periods of abstinence. Ineffectiveness of NFP methods is also related to changing patterns of fertility during lactation amenorrhea (LA) and the first six menstrual cycles postpartum.Studies of a NFP protocol where women used objective urine hormone biomarkers were 92-98% effective for …


Pain Modulatory Effects Of Exercise In Chronic Pain, Giovanni Berardi Oct 2020

Pain Modulatory Effects Of Exercise In Chronic Pain, Giovanni Berardi

Dissertations (1934 -)

Exercise training is recommended as a first-line treatment in the management of fibromyalgia due to its ability to improve symptoms and function. However, many with fibromyalgia report limited tolerance to exercise due to exacerbation of pain and fatigue during and following participation of a single bout of exercise. The purpose of this dissertation was to determine the influence of contraction type on local and systemic experimental pain sensitivity, performance fatigue, and perceived pain and fatigue during exercise and through recovery in people with and without fibromyalgia.Experimental and perceived pain were measured before and after a single bout of submaximal intermittent …


The Influence Of Autonomic Function On Pain Modulation Before And After Exercise And Cognitive Task In Fibromyalgia, Abdulaziz Awali Oct 2020

The Influence Of Autonomic Function On Pain Modulation Before And After Exercise And Cognitive Task In Fibromyalgia, Abdulaziz Awali

Dissertations (1934 -)

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition characterized by widespread pain. People with FM have alterations in autonomic function compared to healthy individuals. Exercise can decrease pain in people with FM, however some people with FM experience pain exacerbation when initiating exercise. Whether variability in pain at rest and following exercise is related to altered autonomic function, including the potential implications with other stressful events such as mental math, is not known. This dissertation aimed at investigating: 1) the relation between cardiovascular autonomic function and central pain facilitation and inhibition, measured by temporal summation of pain (TS) and conditioned pain …


Experimental & Simulation Approaches To Study Neuromuscular Control In People With Chronic Ankle Instability, Hoon Kim Oct 2020

Experimental & Simulation Approaches To Study Neuromuscular Control In People With Chronic Ankle Instability, Hoon Kim

Dissertations (1934 -)

Ankle sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries, and up to 70% of people who sprain their ankles develop chronic ankle instability (CAI). Moreover, people who develop CAI have a significantly higher risk of developing ankle osteoarthritis. Recent research has identified neuromuscular deficits that may be responsible for the high recurrence rates of ankle sprains and for the progression towards ankle osteoarthritis in people with CAI. Unfortunately, current rehabilitation strategies are not completely successful because the mechanisms responsible for these deficits are not fully elucidated. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to investigate individual muscle forces and force …


Understanding The Requisite Content For Interprofessional Education On Sentinel Injuries, A Qualitative Study, Elizabeth A. Cleek Jul 2020

Understanding The Requisite Content For Interprofessional Education On Sentinel Injuries, A Qualitative Study, Elizabeth A. Cleek

Dissertations (1934 -)

Child maltreatment is a public health concern in the United States. The consequences of child maltreatment pose both immediate and lifelong health threats to victimized children. Given the health consequences of child maltreatment, health care providers (HCPs) are legally required to report any reasonable suspicion of child maltreatment to child protective services (CPS). Sentinel injuries (SIs) are some of the earliest and most readily identifiable red flags of child maltreatment. SIs are any unexpected bruising or intra-oral injuries in non-mobile infants. SIs are highly correlated with child maltreatment and may be the only sign of child maltreatment in an otherwise …


Leading Rural Nurse Academic Progression, Cynthia Jean Larsen Apr 2020

Leading Rural Nurse Academic Progression, Cynthia Jean Larsen

Dissertations (1934 -)

Higher levels of nurse education have been associated with improved patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs. Members of rural populations are vulnerable, having poorer outcomes than urban inhabitants on a number of health indicators. Rural nurses are more likely than urban nurses to enter practice with associates degrees. Hence, academic progression is important for rural nurses and for the health of rural patients and communities. Rural nurse leaders work to promote the academic progression of rural nurses. Grounded theory methodology was used in this study to describe the concerns of and the actions taken by nurse leaders in the promotion …


Submaximal Isometric Force Steadiness In People With Multiple Sclerosis Under Single And Dual Task Conditions, Sheri Bunyan Apr 2020

Submaximal Isometric Force Steadiness In People With Multiple Sclerosis Under Single And Dual Task Conditions, Sheri Bunyan

Dissertations (1934 -)

Activities of daily living require steady, non-fatiguing, isometric muscular contractions to maintain postural control and stabilize body segments to facilitate interaction with the environment. Furthermore, typical activities often require simultaneous performance of cognitive and motor tasks. This may challenge people with multiple sclerosis, a chronic neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system associated with motor and cognitive impairments. Despite functional relevance, isometric force steadiness in both the upper and lower extremities has not been explored in this population. Additionally, dual task experiments in multiple sclerosis have primarily used gait, a dynamic activity, as the motor task. Thus, the purpose of …


Modeling Heart Failure Predictive Mortality In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Stephen Charles Biondi Apr 2020

Modeling Heart Failure Predictive Mortality In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Stephen Charles Biondi

Dissertations (1934 -)

Problem: Approximately 25% of skilled nursing facility (SNF) patients are diagnosed with heart failure (HF). The heart failure mortality trajectory is non-linear and there are no useable mortality models from clinical records for use by healthcare providers in the SNF setting. A mortality risk model for patients with HF is important so that palliative care interventions may be offered to improve patients’ quality of life during the end stages of dying. Assessment items captured routinely by the SNF Resident Assessment Instrument –Minimum Data Set 3.0 (RAI-MDS) instrument may be useful in identifying those patients whose declining condition warrants discussion of …


The Impact Of Isometric Exercise On Somatosensory Processing In People With Or Without Chronic Pain, Ali Mohammed Alsouhibani Oct 2019

The Impact Of Isometric Exercise On Somatosensory Processing In People With Or Without Chronic Pain, Ali Mohammed Alsouhibani

Dissertations (1934 -)

Despite an increase in our understanding of the pathomechanisms of chronic pain and the advancement of new treatments, pharmacological management of chronic pain remains poor. This presents the need for non-pharmacological treatments and understanding their efficacy and mechanisms in managing pain. The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the effects of isometric exercise on the somatosensory system and other biopsychosocial aspects related to pain in individuals with and without fibromyalgia. The first aim was to determine whether isometric exercise improves pain inhibitory mechanisms and vibration sense. The second aim was to determine what biopsychosocial factors influence pain relief following …


Understanding Baccalaureate Nursing Education Progression From The Student Perspective Using A Grounded Theory Approach, Jennifer Jean Dahlman Oct 2019

Understanding Baccalaureate Nursing Education Progression From The Student Perspective Using A Grounded Theory Approach, Jennifer Jean Dahlman

Dissertations (1934 -)

National data provides evidence there is a significant gap between the number of first-generation college students (FGCs) and members of underrepresented minority groups (URMs) who are enrolling in baccalaureate programs of nursing (BSN) and those that persist beyond graduation and become members of the nursing workforce. There is a need to graduate more underrepresented student populations from BSN programs and understanding their progression through baccalaureate education can inform our efforts to support them. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the needs of FGCs and URMs enrolled in BSN programs and to use online mentoring as a …


The Role Of Movement Pattern In Relation To Running Related Injuries Risk Factors, Marwan Mahmoud A Aljohani Jul 2019

The Role Of Movement Pattern In Relation To Running Related Injuries Risk Factors, Marwan Mahmoud A Aljohani

Dissertations (1934 -)

About 52.3 million American run on a regular basis. Up to 79% of runners get injured every year and the rate of injury has not declined over the past decades. Females have twice the risk of developing a running related injury (RRI). Rate of loading (ROL), tibial impact shock (TIS), and low movement variability may contribute to the development of RRI. Not much is known, however, about the relationships between impact kinetics (i.e. ROL, TIS) and movement variability. In addition, there is a lack of understanding about the effects of sex and speed on the aforementioned RRI risk factors. Therefore, …


Identifying A History Of Nonfatal Strangulation: What Impacts Screening By Healthcare, Law Enforcement And Advocates?, Jennifer Delwiche Apr 2019

Identifying A History Of Nonfatal Strangulation: What Impacts Screening By Healthcare, Law Enforcement And Advocates?, Jennifer Delwiche

Dissertations (1934 -)

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive social epidemic in the United States, affecting as many as one in four women in their lifetime (CDC, 2010). Nonfatal strangulation (NFS) is one type of IPV, in which the application of external pressure on the neck of the victim results in interruption of blood or oxygen flow (Shields et al., 2010). Research has indicated that a history of nonfatal strangulation for victims of IPV can indicate an increased risk for worsening violence, medical complications, or death. Despite the identification of increased vulnerability for victims with a history of nonfatal strangulation, there is …


Measuring Polyvictimization Among Vulnerable Children: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Kelli J. Jones Apr 2019

Measuring Polyvictimization Among Vulnerable Children: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Kelli J. Jones

Dissertations (1934 -)

The purpose of this study was to test the pathways to polyvictimization model, a conceptual model developed by Dr. David Finkelhor, as an accurate measure of victimization among children in fragile families. Polyvictimization is the simultaneous, accumulative exposure to multiple forms of victimization. Finkelhor’s pathways to polyvictimization model consisted of four hypothesized pathways to becoming polyvictimized. The four pathways include a) residing in a dangerous community, b) living in a dangerous family, c) having a chaotic, multi-problem family environment, and d) the child has emotional or behavioral problems that increase risk behavior, engender antagonism, and compromise the capacity to protect …


Toward Quality Preceptorship: A Dyad Sudy, Laurie Ann Kunkel-Jordan Apr 2019

Toward Quality Preceptorship: A Dyad Sudy, Laurie Ann Kunkel-Jordan

Dissertations (1934 -)

Problem: Approximately 70% of newly graduated nurses work in hospital settings, but their turnover rates are high, costly to employers, and due, in part, to lack of satisfaction with job orientation processes. Effective preceptorship is widely regarded as pivotal to newly graduated nurses’ successful transition to the professional nurse role; yet, the critical elements of preceptorship have not been empirically determined. Numerous researchers proffer the preceptor - newly graduated nurse interpersonal relationship as key, but preceptorship research has not been focused on this dyadic interaction. Consequently, its true impact remains unknown. Accordingly, this study addressed the following research question, “Are …