Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Client Acceptance Of The Role Of The Nurse Practitioner, Mary Elizabeth Butt

Nursing Theses & Dissertations

Former studies aimed at answering questions regarding the acceptance of the nurse practitioner role usually have compared that role to that of the primary care physician. This study seeks answers to the question of acceptance of the role of the nurse practitioner as it stands on its own, encompassing the concepts of both care and cure. Using a five-point Likert scale, 90 adult recipients of nurse practitioners' care for acute episodic and chronic illnesses in clinic settings, were surveyed as to their perceptions of that care. The data were statistically analyzed and were found to show a high level of …

The Effects Of Exercise On Women's Self-Esteem, Wendy Laurie Biddle

Nursing Theses & Dissertations

The effects of a 12-week session of aerobic dancing were examined on two groups of women, assigned into fit and unfit groups. The subjects had voluntarily enrolled in aerobic dancing prior to the study. Self-Esteem scores were obtained using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale during the first and tenth or eleventh weeks of the session. Pretest and posttest scores were analyzed along with the variables of age, marital status, weight loss, and smoking habits. A significantly higher gain score (posttest score subtracted from pretest score) was found on those women who attended three weekly classes compared to those who attended two …

The Influence Of Lamaze Classes And Delivery Room Presence On Paternal Attachment Behavior, Cherie Sammis-Gonzales

Nursing Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine the significance of attendance of Lamaze classes and(or presence in the delivery room on paternal attachment behaviors. Seventeen white, first-time fathers, ages 20 to 35, were observed in the mother's hospital room within 72 hours of birth using a modified paternal attachment tool. The behaviors observed included verbalization, inspection, holding, en face, smiling, and tactile response. Observations were scored on 30-second intervals for a total of 15 minutes. Fathers were then placed into one of the following groups: Group I (n 10) — Fathers from Lamaze classes and present in the delivery …

Aseptic Techniques Currently Used In Dental Hygiene Clinics Within Accredited Dental Hygiene Programs, Jan Shaner Greenlee

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this survey was to assess the aseptic techniques currently used in 197 accredited dental hygiene programs in the United States. A self-designed, 51-item questionnaire examined the aseptic techniques used in: (1) preparation of the dental hygiene clinic and unit, (2) instrument preparation, (3) preparation of the student practitioner, (4) preparation of the patient, (5) preparation of radiographic equipment, and (6) treatment of the hepatitis patient.

The questionnaire and a letter of transmittal were mailed to the clinical supervisor of each accredited dental hygiene program. Data were obtained from 173 returned questionnaires and analyzed via modal and percentage …

An Analysis Of A Sample Of Parents And University Freshmen In Regard To Their Attitudes Toward The Needs Of Sex Education In Community Schools, Linda C. Aleksa

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

This study attempted to investigate a sample of both parents' and college freshmens' attitudes toward sex education, and the content and timing of sex education in the Tidewater schools. Two Likert-type scales each containing ten statements were administered in order to survey attitudes. A statistically significant difference was found in scores on the attitude toward content and timing of sex education scale between parents and college freshmen. Parents demonstrated a more favorable attitude toward sex education as an integral component of the overall educational curriculum. The majority of parents indicated support for including important aspects such as reproduction and indicated …

A Comparative Analysis Of Factors Influencing Registered Nurse Retention And Turnover Below The Head Nurse Level In Acute Care Hospitals, Jean M. Snyder

Nursing Theses & Dissertations

In a comparative survey, two groups of registered nurses (stayers and leavers) below the head nurse level were measured in the areas of human need satisfaction perception, role perception, and equity perception. The two registered nurse groups were further subdivided by educational preparation into diploma, associate, and baccalaureate degree stayers and leavers for comparative analysis. Literature reviews revealed considerable research in the area of retention and turnover, but few studies used a theoretical framework and a multivariate basis for observation. One hundred nine registered nurses from the ten area acute care hospitals were surveyed using an independently developed Nursing Perceptions …

Measuring Interpersonal Dependency In Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatients, Susan D. Schaffer

Nursing Theses & Dissertations

The successful inpatient treatment of emotionally troubled adolescents must facilitate their achievement of developmentally appropriate independence while minimizing the maladaptive dependency that can be fostered by the hospitalization experience. Levels of interpersonal dependency were measured in seven adolescent psychiatric inpatients over a ninety day period. The Interpersonal Dependency Inventory by Hirschfeld, Klerman, Gough, Barrett, Korchin, & Chodoff was utilized. The individual therapist of each participant independently assessed the participant's response to hospitalization at forty-five and ninety days using a five point Leikert type scale. The study demonstrated no significant changes in dependency levels at forty-five and ninety days. The therapist's …

Synthesis Of Dihydroisoquinolines And Tetrahydroisoquinolines, John J. Schlager

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Dihydroisoquinolines and tetrahydroisoquinolines are compounds which possess a variety of pharmacological activities. New easier methods of synthetic manipulations of these structures is of constant interest in the pharmaceutical industry.

This paper describes a new three step method of preparing 1-alkyl- and 1-aryl-tetrahydroisoquinolines from a tetrahydroisoquinoline. The synthesis involves the N-chlorination of tetrahydroisoquinoline followed by dehydrohalogenation with potassium superoxide. The reaction products are the dihydroisoquinolines. Overall yields range from 85-96%. The unsubstituted, 1-methyl-, and 1-phenyl-J,4-dihydroisoquinolines have been formed. Organometallation of the unsubstituted dihydroisoquinoline provides the 1-substituted tetrahydroisoquinoline. The 1-benzyl-, 1-n-butyl-, 1-ethyl-, 1-methyl-, and 1-phenyl-1,2,J,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines were prepared. The use of Grignard and …

Algal Dynamics In A Cypress Stand In The Seasonally Flooded Great Dismal Swamp, Joseph A. Atchue Iii

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The dynamics of epiphytic algae and phytoplankton were studied at a cypress stand in the Great Dismal Swamp, Virginia. Mean epiphytic algal biomass was 19.9 g m^-2 and mean planktonic biomass was 3.4 g m^-2.Nutrient concentrations in the epiphytic algae and the litter were determined. The algae had mean concentrations of 1.67% and 0.18%. They were found to immobilize as much as 0.5 g N m^-2 and 0.06 g P m^-2. This suggests that the algae are important as nutrient conservers. The phytoplankton were composed primarily of Bacillariophyceae. They exhibited a more or less …

Effects Of The Dental Hygiene Curriculum On Student Creativity, Linda Kathryn Martin

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

This investigation examined the influence of the dental hygiene curriculum on student creativity throughout the two years of dental hygiene study. A secondary purpose was to determine if various accredited dental hygiene programs differentially affect creativity in students. Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking was used to measure creativity in students from three dental hygiene programs in Virginia. Data were organized according to a 3 X 4 factorial research design, using dental hygiene programs and academic semester levels as attribute independent variables. Fluency, Flexibility, Originality and Total scores of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking were the dependent variables.

Two-way analysis …

Relationship Between The Empathy Levels Of Dental Hygiene Students And Their Teachers, Claudia Hudak Sanderlin

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

This investigation assessed empathy in first year, second year, and graduate dental hygiene students, and dental hygiene educators. Change in empathy levels of students and educators over one academic year was determined by taking repeated measures of the dependent variable, empathy, as measured by the Hogan Empathy Scale, A convenience sample of subjects from two universities was included in this study.

Empathy scores were compared and analyzed by a three-way analysis of variance at the .05 level of significance and also three separate one-way analyses, Results established that graduate students and educators score significantly higher in empathy than first and …

In Vitro Enzymatic Assay Of Rna Methylation, Pamela Jean Eubanks Gallup

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

An assay procedure for in vitro enzymatic methylation of mannnalian ribosomal RNA has been developed in this study. The assay procedure, utilized for the comparison of normal and neoplastic methylase activities (using mouse liver and Ehrlich ascites cells as sources of enzyme), is a modification of previously published methods (52,53). A 100,000 x g supernatant (SlOO) enzyme preparation was incubated with 28S-5.8S rRNA and tritium-labeled S-adenosyl-L-methionine. The RNA was extracted, applied to DEAE cellulose paper, washed, and the radioactivity counted. The neoplastic cell methylase preparation was more active in methylating both exogenous neoplastic and normal 28S-5.8S rRNA than the normal …

Petroleum-Utilizing Bacteria: The Biological Line Defense Against Oil Pollution, Steven W. Sokolowski

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

A silica gel-petroleum (SGP) medium was developed which is reliable, approximately the same cost as that of the corresponding agar-based petroleum medium, and can be made sufficiently firm to use in streaking or the spread-plate technique. Advantages of the medium include: the incorporation of all of the major ions of seawater in accordance with Dittmar's Law (the salinity of which can easily be varied from 0 to 35 parts per thousand); a wide workable pH range (5.5 to 11.6); negligable pH drift(~ 0.2 pH units after 166 days); the elimination of all but negligable amounts of syneresis, the ability to …

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay For Anatid Herpesvirus, Margaret Anne Lewis

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Duck plague virus causes a hemorrhagic disease affecting the family Anatidae, resulting in 60-80% mortality in captive flocks. Plaque and neutralization assays for Anatid herpesvirus (AHV) require 5-10 days for completion and are restricted by the seasonal availability of fertile duck eggs. The enzyme linked innnunosorbent assay (ELISA) is rapid and specific and avoids the use of living cells. The Holland strain of AHV was grown on duck embryo fibroblasts and purified by banding on CsCl gradients. The resulting virus was used to raise antisera in prebled New Zealand white male rabbits. Antibody production was confirmed in double diffusion plates …

Effectiveness Of Dental Plaque Charts In Motivating Adolescents Toward Improved Oral Hygiene And Oral Health, Lee Ann Branscome

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

A two group time series design was used to determine if exposure of adolescent clients to dental plaque charts during oral health instruction sessions is effective in motivating them to improve oral health over a six month period. Fifty-six adolescents who previously had received treatment at Old Dominion University Dental Hygiene Clinic consented to participate and were randomly assigned to a control or experimental group. Both groups of adolescents received identical oral health instructions from a research assistant; the experimental group's oral health instruction included an additional discussion about the dental plaque chart. The Patient Hygiene Performance Index and the …

The Synthesis And Biochemical Evaluation Of Potential Acetylcholinesterase Reactivators, Andrea Mcdearmid Lunsford

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Objectives of this research were to (1) synthesize, and (2) evaluate new compounds which would be potential reactivators of organophosphate-inhibited acetylcholinesterase.

A series of 1,8-diazafluorenone and 2,2'bipyridylketone oximes and oxime methiodides were synthesized (11, 13, 14, 22, 24). These compounds were developed as structural analogs of 2-PAM (2-Pyridinealdoxime methiodide) and TMB-4 (1,1Trimethylene-Bis(4-formylpyridinium bromide)dioxime), the current drugs of choice for treatment of organophosphorous poisoning.

Acetylcholinesterase from electric eel was inhibited with DFP (diisopropylfluorophosphate), an irreversible-type inhibitor, and the inhibited enzyme was treated with the various reactivator compounds. The reactivation assays were monitored with pH stat apparatus, and the data were evaluated …

Short-Term Effect Of Preventative Oral Health Services On Drug Rehabilitation Clients' Self Concept, Susan Elizabeth Jones

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if a statistically significant difference existed in self concept prior to and following preventive oral health services in clients undergoing drug rehabilitation. Individuals residing at the Drug Dependency Treatment Program Unit at McGuire Veterans Administration Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, comprised the control and experimental groups.

Data were organized according to a randomized groups, pretest-posttest design with preventive oral health services as the active independent variable. The dependent variables, Total Positive Score, Self Satisfaction Score, and Physical Self Score were measured by the Tennessee Self Concept Scale.

One grouping factor, one trial factor …

Use Of Disclosing Tablets And Signs Of Gingival Bleeding For Improving The Oral Health And Oral Hygiene Status Of Adult Dental Clients, Susan Elaine Thompson

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this investigation was to compare two methods for improving the oral health and oral hygiene status of adult dental clients. Fifty subjects were selected and randomly assigned to two groups. Over a 75-day period, Group A used disclosing tablets on a daily basis to reveal dental plaque deposits to control dental disease; Group Bused signs of gingival bleeding on a daily basis to control dental disease. Clients attended four appointments for oral evaluation. The oral health and oral hygiene status of the adult dental clients were measured at each appointment using the Gingival Bleeding Index and the …

The Effects Of Family Counseling On The Treatment Of Juvenile Status Offenders Of The Norfolk Juvenile And Domestic Relations Court, Valerie Karen Freeman

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The present study was conducted as a service to ~e Norfolk Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, to determine if the family counseling service administered by the Diversion Department, could significantly reduce the recidivism rate among juvenile status offenders (JSOs). A retrospective design was employed in order to examine the records of 74 JSOs, who came in contact with the Intake Department of the Norfolk Juvenile Court in 1978. The recidivism rate was recorded, and data analyzed from a two year intervention period. Ss consisted of 37 JSOs who received family counseling (experimental group), and 37 JSOs who did not receive …

Evaluation Of The Impact Of A Health Education Program On The Rate Of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections In A Selected Female Outpatient Population, Lo Lumsden

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The present study attempted to assess the impact of a health education program focused on those preventive measures or avoidance behaviors an individual could incorporate. into daily living to reduce the incidence of urinary tract . infections. An experimental group, consisting of seventeen volunteers was exposed to a health. education program, and then compared to a seventeen member control group. A statistically significant reduction in the incidence of cystitis, occurred within the experimental group after health education intervention. The results were not statistically significant when the experimental post-test was compared with the control post-test.

Oral Health Care Services Available To Mentally Retarded Individuals In Public Residential Facilities, Marilynn Mattox

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

A growing awareness of the rights of institutionalized persons to receive comprehensive health care, including dentistry, has led to increased legislation in favor of handicapped individuals including the mentally retarded. Mentally retarded persons have a right to adequate health care, education, training rehabilitiation, and guidance that will enable them to develop their ability and maximum potential.

Mental retardation has in the past been defined as a condition that exists solely within an individual; more recent definitions have shifted to include "a condition that is an interaction between an individual and a particular environment. The environment in which a mentally retarded …

Dental Hygiene Students' Perceptions Of Themselves And The Typical Dental Hygienist In Regard To Feminism, Christine M. Berg

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this investigation was to assess dental hygiene students' perceptions of themselves and the "typical dental hygienist" in regard to feminism. The accessible population was composed of all first-year, second-year, and post-certificate dental hygiene students at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, and the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Data were organized according to a 3x3x3 factorial research design with age, Q.P.A., and educational level as the assigned independent variables. The dependent variable, students' perceptions of themselves and the "typical dental hygienist," was measured by the Feminism II Scale.

Repeated measures analysis of variance yielded no statistically significant difference …

Vocational Interests Of Dental Hygiene Professionals, Renee Johnson

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

This study examined the vocational interests of dental hygienists according to occupational setting and highest level of education. The Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory was used to measure vocational interests of a random cluster sample of licensed dental hygienists.

An ex post facto 2 x 2 factorial research design was used. Occupational setting and highest level of education completed were the attribute independent variables and the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory scores was the dependent variable.

Two-way analysis of variance revealed significant interest differences between private practice dental hygienists and community practice dental hygienists, and between dental hygienists with a certificate or associate degree …

The Analysis Of S-Adenosylmethionine And S-Adenosylhomocysteine In Normal And Neoplastic Cells, Kathryn Elizabeth Godburn

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Altered patterns of methylation have been shown in both ribosomal and transfer RNA isolated from cancer cells. In contrast to the elevated activity of the methyltransferases responsible for this modification, hypomethylation appears as a general characteristic. The endogenous levels of S-adenosylmethionine and S-adenosylhomocysteine are important in relationship to their role as substrate and product of the transmethylation reaction. The levels of S-adenosylmethionine and S-adenosylhomocysteine were determined using phosphocellulose cation exchange or high pressure liquid chromatography. High voltage paper electrophoresis was used in a modified procedure to directly resolve (³⁵s) labeled S-adenosylmethionine and S-adenosylhomocysteine in small quantities of cell …

The Effects Of 712-Dimethylbenz (A) Anthracene On Ovarian Steroidogenesis And Uterine Growth In The Mouse, Jeffrey Lynn Clark

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

It has been previously demonstrated that 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA) is an initiator of ovarian granulosa cell tumors. It is also known that DMBA leads to destruction of primordial oocytes, and that tumor induction may involve the interaction of pituitary gonadotropins. However, the effects of DMBA on ovarian steroidogenesis and uterine growth in relation to the tumorigenic process have not been investigated. Therefore, the present study was conducted to examine these parameters using adult C57Bl/6N mice treated in proestrus and diestrus II with 0.1 ml corn oil with or without 1.5 mg DMBA and killed 44 hours later. The uteri and …

High Resolution Two-Dimensional Electrophoretic Study Of Human Seminal Plasma Proteins, Edward E. Gaunt

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

A comprehensive biochemical screening procedure for the evaluation of seminal plasma constituents is needed which, when used in conjunction with semen analysis, can provide the physician with both qualitative and quantitative information regarding the fertility status of an individual.

High resolution two-dimensional electrophoresis is a technique whereby proteins in a complex mixture such as a biological fluid are separated in one dimension by molecular charge and in the second dimension by molecular mass. It has been the purpose of this investigation to adapt and evaluate this technique for the analysis of human seminal plasma.

Our efforts have shown that this …

Multiple Forms Of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Glycohydrolase From Bull Semen, Stanley D. Yeatts Ii

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide glycohydrolase (NADase) of bull semen is an extracellular, soluble enzyme capable of catalyzing the hydrolysis of the nicotinamide N-ribosidic linkage of NAD⁺. In search for a rapid, simple procedure for the preparation of this enzyme, it was found that Matrex Gel Red A (Amicon) column packing served very well as an affinity gel for NADase. The enzyme was applied to the Matrex Red A column (21 cm x 1.5 cm) in 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer, pH 6.0. Surprisingly, two fractions of NADase activity were obtained when the column was eluted with a sodium chloride …

The Association Of Semen Factors With The Recovery Of Ureaplasma Urealyticum, Rebecca D. Cintron

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Fifty-six semen samples from males under examination for suspected subfertility were examined to determine if alterations in specific semen parameters could be associated with the presence or absence or Ureaplasma urealvticum. Twenty-seven (48.2%) of the specimens cultured positive for U· urealyticum in U9B urease broth and A-7 differential agar. Both positive and negative specimens have a normal average motility rating. Overall sperm counts (millions per ml) were slightly lower and ejaculate volumes higher in U. urealvticum positive samples. Morphological abnormalicies were not found more frequently in U. urealyticum positive samples. No statistically significant difference between seminal parameters of U. …

Sulfatides As Opiate Receptors: An Evaluation Of The Opiate Binding Potential Of Sulfogalactosylgylcerolipid, Darby Geoghegan Hand

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Cerebroside sulfate (CS) has recently been shown to bind opiate drugs in a pharmacologically relevent manner and therefore satisfy the structural requirements of an opiate receptor. Seminolipid (SGG), a novel sulfated galactosyl. glycerolipid that has been isolated from the testes of a variety of mammals, may be viewed as a structural analog of CS. In view of this structural similarity, it is reasonable to presume that SGG may also bind opiate drugs. The isolation of SGG from boar testes was accomplished using silica gel dry column chromotography with a chloroform: methanol water solvent system. The structure and purity of the …

Isolation And Enumeration Of Enteric Viruses From Primary Wastewater Sludge, Michael Wayne Nath

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The presence of large numbers of enteric viruses in wastewaters has resulted in concern regarding their significance and consequences for humans. Assessments of relative significance or consequences may most accurately be made following precise measurements of the range of virus types and amounts in wastewaters and sludges and after epidemiological considerations. In this study, results are presented pertaining to enteric virus isolation, concentration, and enumeration from primary wastewater sludges.

As an integral part of a comparison of isolation procedures, several anionic surfactants were examined for extraction of enteric viruses from primary wastewater sludges. Plaquing efficiencies for poliovirus type 2 and …