Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Effect Of The Rubber-Cup Prophylaxis And The Self-Administered Prophylaxis On The Oral Hygiene Performance Of The Pedodontic Patient, Kay Diane Edwards

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The effects of two oral prophylaxis methods on the oral hygiene performance of children (N=l00) between the ages of 8 and 13 years were studied over a three month period. Subjects were randomly selected from a dental hygiene clinic patient population and assigned to one of two prophylaxis groups. Each child's oral hygiene was evaluated using the Patient Hygiene Performance Index prior to and at one month intervals following treatment. Multifactor analysis of variance revealed no significant difference between children's age and the type of prophylaxis received. A significant difference was observed between children ages 8 to 10.5 and 10.6 …

The Development Of Techniques For The Enumeration Of Selected Pathogenic Bacteria In Lynnhaven Estuarine Sediments, Mark T. Frank

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Methodologies for the improved recovery of selected pathogenic bacteria from estuarine sediments were investigated. Laboratory and field studies were conducted to document the sensitivity of the techniques for isolating Salmonella species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Vibrio parahaemolyticus-like organisms were enriched in a seawater yeast extract broth and isolated from Thiosulfate Citrate Bile Salts Sucrose plated media. Enrichment procedures with and without elevated temperatures and subsequent transfers to selective and differential plated media have been examined for the isolation of Salmonella species and P. aeruginosa. These pathogens were initially assayed for utilizing primary enrichments of asparagine …

The Synthesis And Evaluation Of The Potential Antineoplastic Activity Of The Semicarbazone And The Thiosemicarbazone Derivatives Of The Di-2-Pyridyl Ketone And The 1,8-Diazafluorenone Ring Systems, Adriene Y. Principe

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

A number of' a-(N)-heterocyclic thiosemicarbazones have been synthesized and evaluated for potential antineoplastic activity since Brockman and colleagues2 reported the antineoplastic activity of' 2-f'ormylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (1). The primary objective of' this research project has been the synthesis and characterization of' the semicarbazone and the thiosemicarbazone derivatives of' the di-2-pyridyl ketone, (9-a) and (9-b), and the 1,8-diazaf'luorenone, (10-a) and (10-b), ring systems, as well as the evaluation of' these compounds for both in vitro and in vivo antineoplastic activity against Ehrlich ascites tumor cells in mice. These studies have suggested that di-2-pyridyl ketone thiosemicarbazone (9-b) is as effective as 2-formylpyridine …

Detection Of Unique Tumor-Associated Proteins In The Urine Of Patients With Transitional Cell Carcinoma By High Resolution Two-Dimensional Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis, Robert David Lehman

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

A two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic technique was developed for the detection of unique tumor-associated proteins in urine of patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder. This technique yielded high resolution of polypeptides in the urine of cancer patients. Urine was chosen as a source of tumor-associated components because the location of the tum or should release already solublized tum or substances in to the urine.

Urinary proteins were concentrated and then analyzed by the two - dimensional electrophoretic technique using isoelectric focusing in the first dimension and sodium dodecylsulfate - polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the second dimension. …

A Potential Macroregulatory Mechanism For Growth Regulation In Neurospora Crassa, Martha Mooney

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Neurospora produces a phase specific, cationic mucopolysaccharide composed primarily of galactosamine (GAG-MP) which becomes part of the cell wall and is later secreted into the media. Its appearance coincides with the onset of the restricted phase of growth and causes efflux of small molecular weight metabolites when incubated with conidial cells. This activity may be a product of electrostatic interactions of the GAG-MP with the conidial plasma membrane. The activity is blocked by acetylation of the primary amines on the molecule, digestion by enzymes that hydrolyze carbohydrate linkages and the inclusion of NaCl (lM) in the GAG-MP/conidia reaction mixture. The …

Measuring Empathy In Female Hygiene Students, Patricia R. Mason

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The aim of this investigation was to assess empathy in female dental hygiene admissions candidates and first and second year dental hygiene students. A convenience sample of subjects from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia; the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, were included within the study.

Data were organized according to a 3 x 3 factorial research design with educational setting and student status as the non-manipulated independent variables. The dependent variable, empathy, was measured by the Hogan Empathy Scale.

Three group, two-way analysis of variance yielded no statistically significant empathy differences among levels of …

Life Goals Of Five Dental Hygiene Groups In Three Educational Settings, Kathleen Olivia Hodges

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

This study investigated life goals of dental hygiene students and 1978., 1976, 1975, and 1974 graduates in three different educational settings.

The California Life Goals Evaluation Schedule was used to measure life goals of dental hygienists attending, or who had attended, Cuyahoga Community College· in Ohio, Idaho State University, and Old Dominion University in Virginia.

An ex post facto 5x3 research design was used. Year of graduation and educational setting were the nonmanipulated independent variables; ten scores on the California Life Goals Evaluation Schedule were the dependent variables; and age was used as a covariant.

Two-way multivariant analysis yielded no …

Values Of Dental Hygienists In Three Different Occupational Settings, Adele Cereghino Koot

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

This study investigated values of dental hygienists in three occupational settings: private practice, community practice, and higher education.

The Allport, Vernon, Lindzey Study of Values was used to measure values of all licensed dental hygienists in North Carolina employed in one of the three occupational settings.

An ex post facto 3x3x3x4x4 factorial research design was used. Occupational setting, age, year of graduation, educational level, and length of time in present position were the non-manipulated independent variables; and the Allport, Vernon, Lindzey Study of Values scores were used as dependent variables. Five-way analysis of variance revealed no significant value differences among …

Creativity In Dental Hygiene Students And Dental Hygiene Professionals, Frances Lynne Jarrett

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this investigation was to examine creativity in dental hygiene students, dental hygiene educators, and dental hygiene practitioners.

Torrance's creativity test, What Kind of Person Are You?, was used to measure creativity in a convenience sample of 231 subjects. Data were organized according to ex post facto research design utilizing educational and occupational status as the non-manipulated independent ,, variables, and What Kind of Person Are You? creativity scores as the dependent variables. The statistical tests, analysis of variance and chi-square were employed to analyze data for significant differences between and among the mean scores of all sample …

Demonstration Of Unique Mycelial Components In Candida Albicans, David Jon Mancuso

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Mycelial (M) and blastopore (B) cell homogenates of Candida albicans strain BJ85 were compared to detect and recover unique M components. Qualitative differences in the protein and lipid content of Mand B homogenates were suggested by discontinuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (DPAGE). In addition, a quantitative and possibly qualitative shift in the protein content during germ tube formation was implied by DPAGE. Unique M components were detected using both DPAGE and immunoelectrophoretic (IE) techniques. One unique M component by DPAGE, four by IE, and two by combined DPAGE and IE techniques were suggested. Of these three methods, only DPAGE and the …

The Effects Of Oral Health In-Service Education In An Extended Care Facility, Marcia Brand Doloresco

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

A study was conducted to determine the effects of two oral health in-service teaching methodologies on intact groups of staff members and patients at two extended health care facilities. Oral health in-service education conducted by a dental hygienist (IV₁ ); and oral health in-service education with direct guidance of the staff's oral health services to patients by the dental hygienist (IV₂ ) were implemented at the Medicenters of Virginia Beach and Norfolk, respectively.

Base line and post evaluation data on the oral health status of each patient group were collected utilizing the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index. Base line …