Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Exploring Integration Between Athletic Trainers And Strength And Conditioning Coaches Among The Ncaa Division I Southern Conference Institutions, Yoshihiro Kojima

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the interdepartmental integration between athletic trainers and strength and conditioning coaches in relation to relationship, communication, collaboration, and education. Forty participants from the NCAA Division I Southern Conference, twenty-eight athletic trainers and twelve strength and conditioning coaches, completed an electronic survey during a two-week period. Collected data were analyzed by descriptive and thematic coding analyses. The results suggested participated athletic trainers and strength and conditioning coaches were interactive and collaborative. Open-ended responses identified key concepts when athletic trainers and strength and conditioning coaches communicated and collaborated. A high interaction and collaboration model …

Role Of Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Kinase In Western-Type Diet-Induced Cardiac Outcomes Under Basal And Ischemic Conditions, Mary Wingard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated kinase (ATM), a serine/threonine kinase, plays a role in DNA damage repair, redox sensing, and metabolism. In the heart, ATM contributes significantly in the myocardial infarction (MI)-induced cardiac remodeling with effects on fibrosis, hypertrophy, apoptosis and inflammation. This study investigates the role of ATM deficiency in 14 weeks Western-type diet (WD)-induced cardiac outcomes prior to and 1-day post-MI in a sex-specific manner using wild-type (WT) and ATM heterozygous knockout (hKO) mice. In male mice, ATM deficiency induced rapid body weight gain and preload-associated dysfunction, while WT mice displayed afterload-associated dysfunction 14 weeks post-WD. Myocyte apoptosis and hypertrophy were …

Peer Recovery Support Specialists: Role Clarification And Fit Within The Recovery Ecosystems Of Central Appalachia, Angela Hagaman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS), a certified professional who self-identifies as being in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD), mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, plays a key role in the ongoing transformation of SUD treatment from one of acute clinical service provision with documented short-term outcomes including symptom reduction, to a more holistic and comprehensive approach to long-term recovery. Empirical evidence specific to outcomes of PRSS working in the addiction treatment realm is sparse and equivocal, indicating the need for additional research and improved methods designed to explore the nature of the PRSS role and fit within the …

Genital Chlamydia Infection Is Influenced By The Female Sex Hormones Estrogen And Progesterone In Vivo, Amy Gail Gravitte

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the United States and worldwide. It often goes unnoticed due to lack of symptoms and left untreated it can ascend the female genital tract to cause sequelae like pelvic inflammatory disease and irreversible tubal infertility. In reproductive-aged women, female sex hormones estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentrations fluctuate during the menstrual cycle and are influenced by hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. E2 and P4 influence genital Chlamydia infection in women and mice, but these multifactorial interactions are not entirely mapped out. The complex interplay of E2 and P4 with …

Stress And Anxiety Experience Of Dental Hygiene Students, Kristen Ford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The ETSU dental hygiene program is very competitive and rigorous for those admitted. Student dental hygienists may experience higher levels of anxiety and more stressors while completing their course work and clinical hours than they have previously experienced in general education and prerequisite courses. These increased number of stressors and higher levels of anxiety may have negative impacts on students’ academic performance and success in clinical learning environments. A better understanding of the actual need for a stress reduction and anxiety management curriculum will facilitate creating and implementing this type of curriculum. A total of 44 current ETSU dental hygiene …

Comparing Different Scaling Methods For Monitoring Weightlifting Performance, Jake Slaton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Physiological performance has been commonly scaled for body size using various methods to scale anthropometrics, but a paucity of data exists on scaling muscle size. The aim of this thesis was to elucidate the optimal method to scale height (HT), body mass (BM), lean body mass (LBM), and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) when scaling weightlifting performance for body size. 26 weightlifters (13 male, 13 female) participated in this study. The measurements collected were the snatch (SN), clean and jerk (CJ), isometric peak force (IPF), and countermovement jump height (CMJH). HT, LBM, BM, and vastus lateralis CSA were scaled using the …

The Effect Of Training Status On Adaptations To 11 Weeks Of Block Periodization Resistance Training, Alexander Wetmore

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the effect of training status on adaptations to resistance training. A secondary purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the relationship between subjective and objective forms of monitoring resistance training (RT). The benefits of RT are well understood but training status may be a major influence on training outcomes. Fifteen males of various training status were recruited for this study. Subjects completed 11 weeks of block periodization (BP) training. Subjects were tested for absolute strength (ABS) and relative strength (REL) in the barbell back squat, 0kg and 20kg static jumps (SJ) …

Peaking For Maximal Strength: Muscular Adaptations And Performance Outcomes, Spencer K. Travis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this dissertation were to 1) determine what tapering and peaking practices appear to be most effective via systematic review, 2) to identify the tapering and peaking practices used by North American powerlifters, 3) to experimentally compare muscular adaptations and performance changes following two different training cessation periods, and 4) to experimentally compare the two most common taper models following a training program aimed at peaking maximal strength. Based on the scientific literature, a step and exponential taper appeared to be the most effective tapering models used when volume-load is reduced by half over 2±1 week. Interestingly, North …

Accelerometry And Global Navigation Satellite Systems Derived Training Loads, Abdulmalek Bursais

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this dissertation include 1) to review accelerometry and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) derived measures used to monitor training load, 2) to investigate the validity and reliability of accelerometers (ACCs) to identify stepping events and quantify training load, 3) to assess the relationship between accelerometry and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) derived measures in quantifying training load. In Study I, acceleration data was collected via two tri-axial ACC (Device A and Device B) sampling at 100Hz mounted closely together at the xiphoid process level. Each participant (n=30) performed two trials of straight-line walking, running, and …

Endothelial Heat Shock Protein A12b And Yes-Associated Protein Cooperatively Promote Angiogenesis Following Myocardial Infarction, Min Fan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Heart failure after myocardial infarction (MI) remains the leading cause of mortality among all cardiovascular diseases globally. Angiogenesis plays a critical role in cardiac functional recovery after MI. Heat shock protein A12B (HSPA12B) is predominately expressed in endothelial cells and required for angiogenesis. Yes-associated protein (YAP) has been reported to promote tumor angiogenesis.

In the present study, we investigated the cooperative role of HSPA12B and YAP in angiogenesis following myocardial ischemic injury. Endothelial specific deficiency of HSPA12B (eHspa12b^-/-) or YAP (eYap^-/-) impairs angiogenesis and exacerbates cardiac dysfunction after MI, when compared with wild type …

Prevalence Of Musculoskeletal Disorders In Third- And Fourth-Year Dental Students At The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center College Of Dentistry, Felisa Jackson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The effects of pain suffered from musculoskeletal disorders by dental professionals may lead to reduced work hours, loss of production, and early retirement. Although third- and fourth-year dental students are provided lectures about musculoskeletal disorders, proper positioning and ergonomics, they are at an increased risk of developing MSD. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence on musculoskeletal disorders in third- and fourth-year dental students and to determine if third-year dental students experience more MSD pain than fourth-year dental students at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry. A total of 50 third- and fourth- year dental …

Missed Nursing Care: Accounting For Education, Experience, And Job Satisfaction In Registered Nurses, Jessica Bechard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine missed nursing care in the context of academic preparedness, years of experience, and job satisfaction and determine predictors of missed nursing care.

Background. Patient care that is omitted or delayed is known as missed nursing care. Failure to provide the necessary care interventions on time can lead to decreased patient outcomes. Academic preparation, the number of years of nursing experience, and job satisfaction can also play a pivotal role in patient outcomes. Limited studies have assessed academic preparedness and years of nursing experience on missed nursing care while also …

Examining Predictors Of Attitudes And Knowledge Of Registered Nurses And Nursing Students In Tennessee Toward Pregnant And Perinatal Women With A Substance Use Disorder, Jessica Patrylo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Substance use disorders (SUDs) among pregnant and perinatal women continue to be a national public health crisis. Furthermore, nursing students and perinatal nurses have historically negative and punitive attitudes toward this vulnerable population of women. As nurses are primary care providers for pregnant and perinatal women, this is troublesome as perinatal patients express feeling stigmatized by nurses whom they should be able to trust. This contributes to the reluctance of women to seek needed medical and prenatal care. Tennessee was the first state to criminalize drug use in pregnancy and has higher neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) rates, which were more …

Shared Decision-Making For Contraceptive Counseling Among Women Seeking Services At Safety Net Clinics In South Carolina And Alabama, Dumisa M. Nyarambi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Shared decision-making (SDM) for contraceptive counseling and method initiation is a hallmark of patient-centered care; SDM is associated with patient satisfaction, method continuation, and the prevention of pregnancy and short inter-pregnancy intervals. To achieve a high-quality experience for women Person-centered approach to counseling is the preferred approach to achieve SDM. Demographic factors and women’s perceptions of their providers have been linked to decision-making. Literature is lacking on SDM practices in safety net clinics, particularly in local health departments. Exploring these constructs is important to inform practices and policies for family planning. This research aimed to examine: 1) the influence of …

Bilateral Ground Reaction Force Jumping Asymmetry And Performance, Keith Painter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The prevalence of asymmetry in performance research has increased in recent years with mixed results. Much of the performance research has focused on unilateral jumping activities attempting to show relationships to other performance variables. However, bilateral ground reaction forces (bGRF) from jumps are more frequently assessed in athlete monitoring programs and the asymmetry from those jumps could be a simple addition to data already being collected. Research into bGRF asymmetries is lacking and no studies have addressed longitudinal changes. Additionally, research into the relationship of asymmetries to performance have infrequently used athletes. For these reasons, this dissertation will focus on …

Athlete Monitoring Program In Division I Collegiate Female Soccer, Ai Ishida

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this dissertation include 1) to review athlete monitoring strategies and the physical performance demands of female soccer match-play and to provide practical application of athlete monitoring programs, 2) to examine individual and group relationship between training load (TL) and subjective recovery and stress state and neuromuscular performance, and 3) to investigate acute effects of match-play on neuromuscular and subjective recovery and stress state in National Collegiate Association Athlete (NCAA) division I collegiate female soccer. TL was assessed using 10Hz Global Navigation Satellite System units. Subjective recovery and stress state was measured using the Short Recovery and Stress …

Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces): Assessing Their Impact On Mental Health Outcomes Among Us Children And The Mitigating Role Of Resilience, Glory Okwori

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

ACEs are traumatic life events occurring during childhood that can have negative effects. Common mental disorders that are diagnosed in childhood are attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), behavior disorders, anxiety and depression. The associations between ACEs and such problems in children have not been significantly examined. There are protective factors that can help reduce the effects of exposure to ACEs that have not been fully explored.

The purpose of this research study was to examine: 1) the prevalence of mental health outcomes in children; 2) the associations between ACEs, resilience and mental health outcomes; and 3) the role of resiliency as a …

The Moderating Role Of Social Support In Stigma And Symptoms Of Anxiety And Depression, Taylor Phillips

Undergraduate Honors Theses

In this study, we examine the relationship between having a support system and the stigma individuals face with depression and anxiety symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine if having a support system acts as a buffer between perceived stigma and mental health symptoms. For this study, I conducted an online survey to measure symptoms of depression and anxiety, experiences with both perceived and internalized stigma, and social support. While 93 total participants engaged in the survey, only 52 fully completed the survey and passed two attention-check questions to ensure no invalid participation (e.g., BOTS) were present. In …

Performance Effects Of A Strength Training Program In Collegiate Runners, Alyssa Younker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown that lower limb asymmetries can negatively impact performance and risk of injury. However, there is little research on the effects of lower limb asymmetry on running performance, nor the effects of strength training on lower limb asymmetry in runners. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between jumping ability and asymmetry and long distance running performance, as well as to determine the performance effects a strength training program has on collegiate runners. Data from athlete monitoring of 10 collegiate distance runners and 6 sprinters were analyzed. Athletes (Distance Runners n = 10, Sprinters n …

Economic Insecurity, Poverty, And Parental Alcohol Misuse, Joey Tucciarone

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Because parental alcohol misuse is associated with numerous negative outcomes for drinkers and other family members, it is important to examine factors predictive of alcohol misuse patterns among parents living with at least one child under the age of 18. Two possible factors include economic insecurity and poverty. This study sought to address whether measures of economic insecurity (i.e., housing and/or food insecurity in the past 12 months) and a dichotomous measure of poverty predict parental binge drinking and parental heavy alcohol consumption in a large population-based sample. It was hypothesized that economic insecurity and poverty, analyzed separately, would predict …

Neuroinflammation, Peripheral Inflammation And Gut Microbiome Profiles In Male Mice From Two Proposed Mouse Models Of Social Behavior Deficits, Sarah Parkinson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by social deficits and repetitive actions. A communication pathway exists between the brain and gut called the gut-brain axis. It is thought that gut bacteria can secrete signaling molecules, triggering inflammation across the body. These studies attempt to determine if markers are expressed in two mouse models of ASD behaviors, BTBR and a valproic acid model. Immunohistochemistry of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 from male mouse brain tissue showed no microglial activation in any group. Cytokine analysis did exhibit an increase in interleukin 1 (IL-1) in male adult mice only. …

Tobacco Cessation Counseling Practices Amongst Dental Hygienists In Central Texas, Lacy Murray

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Although tobacco cessation is an uphill battle for almost everyone who attempts to quit, it is important that dental hygienists do not assume that patients are not interested. Dental hygienists are in an ideal position to offer cessation help to their tobacco using patients. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the tobacco cessation practices among central Texas dental hygienists. Specifically, dental hygienists were asked about beliefs, motivation, and confidence with regard to their tobacco cessation practice. A positive significant, moderate, relationship was found between beliefs and confidence (r=0.647), beliefs and practices ( …

Active Travel For Children And Youth: Lessons From Active Routes To Schools North Carolina, Leah Ferguson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This Integrated Learning Experience (ILE) investigates literature regarding the impact of national Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs and takes a deeper dive into the lessons that can be learned from North Carolina’s Active Routes to School (NC ARTS) programs through an analysis of data collected from 2007 to 2019. This report is focused on understanding the relationship between and among variables included in the Six Es of SRTS framework: Education, Engineering, Encouragement, Enforcement, Equity, and Evaluation. This investigation provides insight that extends understanding of parental comfort and engagement with these programs. A unique theoretical model was developed as were …

Sarcopenia Screening By Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Rdns) In The United States (U.S.), Madison Marcom

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sarcopenia is a disease of muscle wasting primarily seen in older adults. Although this term was first coined over three decades ago, there is a lack of consensus on a definition, screening criteria, and treatment protocol for sarcopenia. The primary purpose of this study is to determine whether registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) in the United States (U.S.) screen for sarcopenia. Study participants were recruited through a randomized email list and included RDNs throughout the U.S. Respondents completed a survey questioning knowledge of sarcopenia, screening tools and company protocols in place, and the need and desire for sarcopenia education. Data revealed …

Identification Of Transcription Regulators Of The Algz/R Two-Components Regulatory System In Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Kwasi Yeboah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that express a plethora of virulence components controlled through two-component regulatory systems that allow for sensing and responding to environmental stimuli. This study was aimed at identifying transcription regulators of algZ that encodes the histidine sensor kinase (AlgZ) of the AlgZR two-component regulatory system. To understand how the algZ gene is transcriptionally controlled, transposon mutagenesis was used to create a mutant library with varying algZ expression based on their b-Galactosidase activity. The gene PA3327 was identified as a potential regulator of algZ expression using arbitrary PCR. This gene encodes a probable non-ribosomal peptide synthetase …

How Nutrition Knowledge Of Coaches, Athletic Trainers, And Strength And Conditioning Specialists Translates To Their Athletes, Alexa Carbone

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The basis of dietary habits is linked to an individuals’ nutrition knowledge; for collegiate athletes this is the difference between optimal performance and falling short. To understand how nutrition information is disseminated to student-athletes, this research surveyed the athletes themselves and their sports staff (coaches, athletic trainers, and strength and conditioning specialists) on their current knowledge. Sport staff and student-athletes at East Tennessee State University were given the opportunity to participate in a 52-question online survey that tested both their general and sports-related nutrition knowledge. While the study sample size did not allow for statistical analyses required to address all …

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Does Not Stimulate Amyloid-Beta Toxicity In A Ceanorhabditis Elegans Model Of Alzheimer’S Disease, Opeyemi F. Showemimo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is symptomized by amyloid-beta plaques in the brain and accounts for more than 65 percent of dementia cases. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency can result in similar cognitive impairment and roughly 15% of the elderly are vitamin B12 deficient. Vitamin B12 deficiency results in the accumulation of toxic methylmalonic acid and homocysteine. Hyperhomocysteinemia is a strong risk factor for AD. To test if vitamin B12 deficiency stimulates amyloid-beta toxicity, Caenorhabditis elegans expressing amyloid-beta in muscle were fed either vitamin B12-deficient OP50-1 or vitamin B12-rich HT115(DE3) E. coli bacteria. Increased amyloid-beta toxicity was found in worms fed the …

Comparative Study Of Anesthesia’S Effect On Baroreceptor Reflex And Sympathetic Nerve Activity In Adult Rats, John Harbin

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Anesthesia affects the central nervous system and can suppress cardiovascular activity. In this study, we compared two anesthetics, urethane and alpha-chloralose, to better understand their effect on sympathetic control of blood pressure, as well as how they would affect baroreceptor response and blood pressure in adult rats. To do this we performed baroreceptor tests in adult rats under isoflurane anesthesia and then either urethane (I.V. 1.25 g/kg, n=2) or alpha-chloralose (100 mg/kg, n=2). We found that baroreceptor responses were not significantly different between urethane or alpha-chloralose anesthesia. However, significant depression of baseline blood pressure occurred under alpha-chloralose anesthesia compared with …

Deciphering The Mechanisms Of Alcaligenes Faecalis’ Inhibition Of Staphylococcus Aureus And Synergism With Antibiotics, Cortlyn Holdren

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Staphylococcus aureus has developed resistance to several antibiotics including vancomycin, which is often used as a “last resort” treatment. There is an ever-increasing need to develop novel antimicrobial treatments to combat S. aureus and other drug resistant bacteria. Microorganisms are most often found in polymicrobial communities where they either exhibit synergistic or antagonistic relationships. Competition between microorganisms can lead to the discovery of new antimicrobial targets as the specific mechanisms of resistance are elucidated. In addition, synergistic treatments are being evaluated for their combined effect and potential to decrease the concentration of drugs needed, and thus the side effects also. …

Preserving Safety While Upholding The Integrity Of Medical Education And Practical Skills: The Impact Of Covid-19 On Teaching Human Anatomy, Anna Cowan

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The global pandemic caused by COVID-19 placed constraints on several aspects of normal life, especially those of higher level education. While many programs moved to teaching in a strictly online format, there are some courses in which this structure was not appropriate. This study observed the outcome of the adapted course structure employed at Quillen College of Medicine during their Gross Human Anatomy course. Through a voluntary survey and multiple independent t-tests, it was demonstrated that the students who took the adapted course performed, on average, 2 points lower on each exam than previous classes. Also, this study showed that …