Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Physiological Factors Of Diabetes And Their Effect On The Cognitive And Emotional Functioning In Older Populations: A Secondary Data Analysis, Celeste Anahi Alvidrez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: The rates of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) have increased over the past 20 years in all age groups. The physiological factors that underlie T2D could have impact on specific brain pathways that support cognitive and emotional functioning. Aims and Objective: The goal of this study was to examine whether older Mexican American individuals with a history of T2D were more likely to develop later cognitive impairment and/or depression. Hypotheses: It was predicted that elderly participants (mean age at time of interview = 87.87 years) with a history of T2D onset prior to age 65, are more likely to have …

Associations Between Living On The Texas-Mexico Border, Drug Use, And Sexual Behaviors Among Sexual Minority Men During The First Shelter-In-Place Order Of The Coronavirus Pandemic, Nqobile Nzama

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: There have been changes in drug use and sexual behaviors among sexual minority men since the coronavirus pandemic. At this time, there is not adequate literature focusing on the state of Texas. Aims and Objective: The aims of this secondary data analysis and exploratory study are to determine associations between sociodemographic characteristics and living on the Texas-Mexico border, drug use, sexual behaviors, and use of dating/hook-up apps among sexual minority men who completed the COVID-19 & You Survey conducted between May 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020, during the first shelter-in-place order of the Coronavirus pandemic. Hypotheses: The hypotheses …

Development Of A Measure Assessing Perceptions Of E-Cigarettes: A Mixed Methods Approach, Dessaray Monique Gorbett

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States (U.S.), killingmore than 480,000 people each year. In recent years, we have seen a steady decline in cigarette smoking but have seen increased alternative tobacco product use (e.g., electronic cigarettes). Positive perceptions of e-cigarettes are associated with increased e-cigarette use (Amrock, Zakhar, Zhou, & Weitzman, 2015; Chen-Sankey & Kong, Choi, 2019; Pokhrel, Fagan, Kehl, & Herzog, 2015; Simmons et al., 2016). However, studies assessing the perceptions of e-cigarettes vary widely and do not adequately capture perceptions of social norms and the addictiveness of e-cigarettes. The current study …

Examination Of The Association Between C - Reactive Protein(Crp) And Covid-19 Infection Severity And Length Of Hospitalization, Abdulahi Aremu Ayanwale

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Chronic stress can lead to many systemic complications and low-grade systemic inflammation including increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a marker of systemic inflammation and is associated with depression and perceived stress. Elevations can result in ineffective immune responses, thereby increasing the risk of complications and mortality from infections. Recent evidence suggests that uncontrolled inflammatory responses associated with COVID 19 are a major determinant of disease severity.  The COVID 19 is transmitted from one person to another through droplets from coughing, sneezing, talking, touching droplets on surfaces and contamination by hand-to-mouth routes. The mechanism …

Impact Of Xenobiotics On Neuronal Outcomes, Gabriela Henriquez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Neurodegenerative diseases are a common affliction of the Central Nervous System. They are caused by age, genetics, and environmental factors. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis are well-known among the host of neurodegenerative disorders, with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease being the leading pathologies across this canvas. It is known that the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases is multifactorial due to the involvement of genetic mutations, radical-induced protein damage, abnormal aggregation of misfolded proteins, and the formation of amyloid deposits. The amyloid proteins in neurodegenerative disease include Tau and Amyloid (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease and α-Synuclein in …

Influence Of Political Affiliation, Distrust Of Government And Pharmaceutical Companies On Hpv Vaccination Intentions And Uptake, Alyssa Andrea Martinez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background and Significance: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. Currently, approximately 79 million people in the United States are infected with HPV. The CDC estimates that there are nearly 31,500 cases of cancers caused by HPV each year in the United States. Cervical cancer is the most common HPV-related cancer and almost all cervical cancers are caused by a few strains of HPV. Research suggests that Latinx women residing in the U.S.-Mexico border may be at increased risk of contracting HPV types that cause cervical cancer. Although there is no …

Responding In A Pandemic: Student Nurse Educator Mentorships, The Other Side Of Blackboard, Audrey C. Tolouian, Diane B. Monsivais, Melissa Wholeben

Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: Nurse educators who are novice often express the need for improved preparation in the educator role. Problem: With the growth of online programs, one area of concern is the need for educators who are prepared to teach online. Approach: A mentorship for online teaching was developed to give student nurse educators the opportunity to develop educator competencies in the online environment. The process, benefits, challenges, and key points for the success of the mentorship are discussed. Outcomes: Since Spring 2016, 89 nurse educator graduate students have completed the mentorship. Their confidence related to the educator role in an online …

Translation And Validation Of The Spanish Version Of The Quality Of Life Inventory For Adolescents (Qolie-Ad-48), Perla Michelle Martinez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: In 1999, an instrument was developed to assess quality of life (QoL) among adolescences with epilepsy. To our knowledge there is not a validated Spanish version of this questionnaire. There is a gap in the literature about QoL and epilepsy among speaking Spanish populations. Objectives: 1) To conduct an English-Spanish translation of the QOLIE-AD-48; 2) to evaluate the reliability of the Spanish version of the QoLIE-AD-48; and 3) to assess the validity of the Spanish version of the QoLIE-AD-48. Method: Phase 1 translation: Methods followed the published work of Sousa and Rojjanasrirat (2010). Phase 2 Pilot study: the sample …

A Critical Analysis On Mexican Americans Associated With Gangs Living In San Antonio, Texas, Rubi Guadalupe Gonzales

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The U.S has a major national concern of mass incarceration. Mass incarceration poses a threat to achieve health equity as there are many adverse health effects documented related to incarceration (i.e., posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis, etc.,). There is a great need to conduct research on incarceration with a critical lens. The present study examined the incarceration trajectories of Mexican American men who were associated with gangs during their youth and lived in the west side of San Antonio. This cohort of males were followed at three different timepoints in their life using retrospective …

The Role Of Calcium Ions In Signaling And Regulation Of Efflux Pump Genes In Staphylococcus Aureus, Amy Rebecca Nava

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Calcium ions (Ca2+) play an important role in eukaryote cell signaling and regulation of physiological functions. Although evidence of a similar role for Ca2+ in prokaryotes has been difficult to demonstrate, there is mounting evidence that Ca2+ acts as a cell regulator in bacteria. The purpose of this study was to investigate Ca2+ signaling and the effect of Ca2+ on gene expression of various multidrug resistant (MDR) efflux pumps and their regulator MgrA in Staphylococcus aureus and clinically isolated MRSA. We hypothesized that the presence of Ca2+ increased gene expression of multidrug resistance pumps, LmrS, NorA, and the regulator, MgrA. …

Exploring The Relationship Between The Distance Of Parks And Rates Of Adult Obesity In El Paso, Texas, Shawna Payan

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: In El Paso, areas of the city do not have access to parks within walking distance. The rates of people suffering from obesity and the comorbidities that come with obesity are rising annually. Physical activity has been shown to increase lifespan and provide positive health outcomes for the individual. Increasing physical activity in adults by using the parks can decrease their risk for heart disease and diabetes. Objectives: The overall aim of the procedure is to determine a relationship between park density and distance from residence to the nearest park, adult population density, and the obesity rate density within …

Systematic Review Of Alternative Interventions For Construction Workers To Manage Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pain And Discomfort, Isaac Abraham Rodriguez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: The prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pain and Discomfort (WRMSPD) among construction workers in 2017 was almost 20,000 injuries. Close to 60% were overexertion, others included lifting and lowering. The most common form of WRMSPD could originate from the upper back to lower back and neck pain. It was reported that the highest prevalence of WRMSPD were in the upper extremities (nearing 60%) because of the physically demanding factor of the job (heavy lifting and repetitive movement). Over 250,000 cases were reported to be WRMSPD in the private sector of the U.S. Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was …

Identification Of Leishmania Spp. And T. Cruzi Parasites In Bats Captured In El Paso, Texas Region: Bats As A New Reserviour, Edith Sandoval

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as two of the world’s thirteen most neglected tropical diseases (NTD), both T. cruzi and Leishmania spp. parasites are accountable for Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis, respectively and they continue to rank among the most important public health problems in South America. Together, Leishmaniasis and Chagas affect 300 million people. Wildlife reservoirs play an important role in the maintenance and transmission of parasites in sylvatic transmission cycles. In the last decade studies have been conducted in this region of El Paso, Texas, and other parts of the world to detect both parasites in …

Surveillance Of Ticks And Associated Pathogens In Central Texas, Alexa Mendoza

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: Ticks are the second most common vector of human and veterinary pathogens, after mosquitoes, which results in a number of different diseases around the world. These diseases, referred to as tick-borne diseases (TBDs), are increasing in their prevalence around the world as the geographical distribution of ticks change due to environmental and human factors. Increased testing for pathogens and a better comprehension of their relationship to different tick species will be crucial in deepening our understanding of TBDs and protecting our human and animal populations. Increasing surveillance of ticks and the potential pathogens they may be vectors for and …

A Quality Improvement Initiative: Combination Oral Contraception And Counseling For Sexually Active Adolescent Girls 12-18 Years Old, Angelica Del Toro

Cohort IX

According to the 2016 “U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use” and the “U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use,” published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), sexually active adolescents benefit from oral contraception and counseling from their primary care practitioners, as they already have an existing relationship. As a family nurse practitioner, I could provide an initial assessment and prescribe the appropriate contraceptive instead of referring them to a gynecologist.

I learned this in my practice during a 10-day reflective practice log. After a literature review and several supporting articles, I received …

Gut Microbiota In Covid-19 Treatment, Tella Sadighpour, Audrey C. Tolouian

Nursing Faculty Publications

A novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus [SARS-CoV-2]), has been causing a COVID-19 pandemic of acute respiratory syndrome in humans since December 2019. It appears to be similar in structure to the virus that caused the SARS-CoV outbreak of 18 years ago. However, in addition to the respiratory disorders, the COVID-19 patients might suffer extra-pulmonary disorders, including gut dysfunction or liver dysfunction complications, which show as gut–lung crosstalk. Fecal specimens should be considered as a source of detection of SARS-CoV-2 as one of the routine diagnostic tests in order to guide hospital’s liberation and release of quarantine of patients.

Determination Of Perceived Calorie Content Of Common Foods, Sarah Leticia Ruiz

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Currently, dietary weight-loss interventions focus on recommended caloric intake aimed at creating an energy deficit through the use of calorie-based education. This approach assumes individuals can accurately estimate caloric content of foods and beverages, yet little is known about the validity of such assumptions. This study assessed the accuracy of perceptions of calorie content for individual food items and mixed meals and determined its association with education level, nutrition background, body composition, fruit and vegetable intake, and the domains of eating (emotional eating, uncontrolled eating, and cognitive restraint). A cross-sectional survey assessed calorie perceptions using both visual food displays and …

Suppression Of Inflammation Of Cytokine Following Induced Francisella Tularensis Infection, Nicole Renee Setzu

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Francisella tularensis is intracellular bacteria which is the causative agent of the disease Tularemia. Highly virulent in both humans and animals, it takes only as few as 10 microorganisms to cause a lethal infection. The bacteria can enter via direct or indirect routes causing the activations of the host innate inflammatory response to ensue. The bacteria invade host dendritic cells and neutrophils but predominately macrophages. This causes a mass inflammatory response resulting in the cytokine storm. Activation of Natural Killer T (NKT) cells has been shown to suppress inflammation in in vivo studies. Development and optimization of an in vitro …

The Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment And Cognitive Testing Battery And The Nih Toolbox® Cognition Battery: A Correlation Analysis On Working Memory, Genevieve R. Hernandez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of the present study was to investigate how working memory (WM) scores on the ImPACT and the NIH Toolbox® Cognition Battery correlate? We hypothesized that certain subtests from the ImPACT and the NIH Toolbox® Cognition Battery would correlate when assessing the construct of WM. Participants included 23 ice hockey players between 17-20 years of age who completed both the ImPACT and the NIH Toolbox® Cognition Battery at baseline. A correlational analysis was used to explore the relationship between the two WM indicators included in these batteries. The obtained results showed that WM abilities evaluated in the NIH Toolbox …

Key Performance Indicators Of Health Cte Students At For-Profit Colleges And Public Community Colleges, Souraya Hajjar

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The advent of for-profit colleges to the higher education scene in the U.S. has challenged public community colleges on all levels; financial, academic, and consumerism. Research has shown that key performance indicators are more favorable at public community colleges than at for-profit colleges. Determining size and type of colleges, ethnicity and gender differences that contribute to total graduation rate of health Career and Technical Education (CTE) students will add to the limited research on the relationship between these constructs and provide information to prospective health CTE students about college enrollment. The study aims to examine institutional performance variables to assist …

A Longitudinal Study Of Interprofessional Education In Graduate Students From Rehabilitation Sciences, Francesca Julia Hernandez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: The importance of interprofessional collaboration (IPC) and interprofessional education (IPE) have been well recognized in the healthcare field and health professions programs. However, the long-term benefits of IPE experiences for students from various health professions has not been well investigated.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term effectiveness of IPE experiences on rehabilitation sciences graduate students’ interprofessional knowledge and perceptions of other disciplines’ roles and responsibilities across time.

Methods: A group of seventy-one students from occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and speech-language pathology (SLP) graduate programs at the University of Texas at El Paso …

Implementation Of Hypertonic Saline Sliding Scale Protocol In A Neuroscience Icu, Guillermina A. Nelson

Cohort IX

Cerebral edema, a complication that can occur in acute ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes, can lead to detrimental effects. Hypertonic saline therapy is use to obtain therapeutic hypernatremia to prevent further cerebral edema. In a neuroscience intensive care unit (ICU) setting, patients admitted with acute stroke and at risk for cerebral edema, are treated with hypertonic saline solution and the rate adjustment according to plasma serum sodium results every 4-6 hours. After a 10-day Reflective Practice Log, I gained insight of this issue. After a literature review, approval The University of Texas at El Paso Institutional Review Board (IRB), I started …

A Quality Improvement Report: Assessing The Geriatric Population For Anxiety Using The Gad-7, Lirio E. Lopez-Urias

Cohort IX

Working with geriatric patients, I have had a firsthand view of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their well-being. While visiting my patients in their homes, I have become aware of several issues. These were highlighted in my practice review, during which I documented the diagnoses and interventions used in my practice with my geriatric patients in a 10-day reflective log. In particular, reports of anxiety drew my attention. In my practice, I have noticed that I assess anxiety by accepting self-reporting. Within the ten days covered in the reflective log, 15 out of 26 patients reported uncontrolled anxiety. …

Motivational Interviewing During In-Center Hemodialysis To Improve Medication Adherence, Pamela O. Ogbonna

Cohort IX

Background: Living with end-stage renal disease can be a daunting experience for the individual; it takes a toll on the caregivers and affects the family dynamics. Patients are predisposed to numerous health comorbidities, resulting in polypharmacy to treat those conditions. Adherence to phosphate binder remains highly important to prevent a high serum phosphate level in patients receiving hemodialysis. According to the American Kidney Fund survey (2018), 75% of patients with end-stage renal disease reported skipping or missing at least one pill or a dose of medicine within the past week. A collaborative conversational style such as motivational interviewing has been …

Using Motivational Enhancement Therapy To Achieve Cpap Compliance, Monicke Magnon

Cohort IX

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which an individual’s airway closes or partially closes several times in a night. OSA impacts an individual’s sleep quality if left untreated, which commonly leads to daytime sleepiness, headaches, cognitive impairments, and depressive or irritable mood. Most noteworthy are several health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, linked to untreated sleep apnea. Currently, the first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe OSA is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which acts as a pneumatic splint to prevent the airway closures associated with the condition. Although it is an efficacious treatment, a significant problem is lack of …

Implementing An Algorithm For Headache Management In A Patient-Centered Medical Home, Michelle L. Calderon

Cohort IX

Globally, headache disorders affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnic and socio- economic backgrounds. Recurrent headaches are responsible for poor quality of life, personal and social adversities, and increased financial burdens. Headaches are the most common complaint among neurological disorders, yet many are misdiagnosed and undertreated. In 2020, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and the Department of Defense (VA/DoD) released an evidence-based clinical practice guideline (CPG), The Primary Care Management of Headaches. The objective of this quality improvement (QI) project was to implement the use of the VA/DoD CPG algorithm among clinic providers at a military primary care, …

A Quality Improvement Project To Enhance Self-Management Support For Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Tanya M. Guerrero

Cohort IX

Type 2 diabetes mellitus poses a significant global healthcare threat due to multiple and often life-threatening complications. More than 10.5% of the population in the United States has type 2 diabetes mellitus, with the rate in El Paso, Texas, markedly higher at 15.3%. A 10-day reflective practice showed that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus often experience uncontrolled hemoglobin A1c levels and high serum blood glucose levels. A review of the literature, in addition to information from the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, demonstrated that the use of self-management support …

Thiazides As A Monotherapy/Combination Therapy In Management Of Essential Hypertension, Chinonye Onuchukwu-Azuonye

Cohort IX

Background: Essential hypertension is a chronic disease that can lead to stroke or death if uncontrolled. It is both a global problem in the U.S. and the world.

Problem: A 10-day reflective practice revealed that the current practice of prescribing amlodipine of 2.5mg to 10mg oral tablet daily or Losartan 25mg to 100mg oral tablet daily was ineffective in managing essential hypertension in both newly diagnosed and established patients. The review of the literature guided the selection of an evidence-based practice utilized in implementing this project. The Academic Center for Evidence-Based Practice (ACE) Star Model of Knowledge Transformation (Stevens, 2013) …

Neuropathic Pain Management Of Adult Males A Quality Improvement Project In A Correctional Facility, George Egesi

Cohort IX

Disease or a lesion of the somatosensory system can cause neuropathic pain, a common condition seen in most primary care settings, including my adult correctional setting. I became aware of this fact after completing a 10-day Reflective Practice Log (RPL). After a literature review, the recommended intervention, Duloxetine 30 mg daily for seven days with follow-up in seven days. In my practice, I prescribed Cymbalta 30 mg daily for 30 days. I used self-reporting as the neuropathic signs and symptoms along with pain severity. The literature recommended the use of a numeric rating scale of 0-10 for pain assessment and …

Mandalas In The Nursing Classroom, Audrey C. Tolouian

Nursing Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.