Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Development Of A Novel Cognitive-Motor Dual Task Assessment Battery In Neurodegenerative Disease, Jason Longhurst

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Automaticity --- the ability to perform a task with directing attentional resources to its completion --- is commonly reduced among individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. These automaticity deficits result in impaired functional and daily activities and are sensitive to subtle, subclinical impairments. However, current measurement of automaticity by dual task paradigms is methodologically limited. In order to gain insight into the current state of the literature regarding cognitive-motor interference in symptomatic and prodromal neurodegenerative disease, the author of this dissertation conducted a scoping review (Chapter 1). To address the methodological limitations of current measurement of automaticity, a new measurement tool was …

Improving Therapeutic Communication In Mental Health Nursing: A Quality Improvement Project, Patricia A. Nill

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Over 46 million adults in the United States (U.S.) live with a mental illness. Locally in Nevada, the psychiatrist to patient ratio is approximately 700:1, and patients are seen primarily in the inpatient setting, if seen at all, due to the wait average of 85 hours in the hospital emergency rooms for access into mental health hospitals or specialty units of a general hospital. Moreover, costs for mental health mood disorders alone are estimated at over seven million dollars annually. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) opined the need for change in healthcare to redesign practice and clinical communication with patients …

Developing Strategic Partnerships To Impact Population Health: A Professional Development Module, Andra S. Scano

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Massive organizational changes occurring in our health care delivery system have provided opportunities for nurse leaders who think in terms of population health, to develop new skills needed to impact the populations they serve. Aspects of these changes include a focus on the delivery of primary and community-based care and the development of partnerships, alliances, and other linkages across settings to build integrated systems (Williams, 2020, p. 17). Turner (2020) asserts that population-focused nurse leaders are charged with creating a new future for healthier communities which often involves strategic partnership development. However, strategic partnership development is a complex task that …

Disrupting Gender Normativity Through A Social Learning Framework, Ashley Shank

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Through a social learning theoretical framework, this thesis seeks to understand the mechanisms by which gender normativity is perpetuated, as well as how it may result in the marginalization of transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) youth. Additionally, ways in which TGNC youth navigate oppression and how discrimination against TGNC youth may be reduced through disruption of gender normativity are explored. Using qualitative methods that include the analyzation of community meeting transcripts as well as townhall meetings with TGNC/queer community members, the present study will attempt to answer the following research questions through a social learning theoretical framework: 1. How can …

An Intervention To Improve Nurses’ Knowledge, Perceived Safety, And Confidence In Identifying And Managing Workplace Violence: A Translation Of Evidence Into Practice, Kayla Sullivan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that over two million workers are victims of workplace violence (WPV) (Papa, 2013). Registered nurses are subjected to high risk for workplace violence from patients and visitors, with 25.5% reporting at least one victimization incident (Gillespie et al., 2013). Research indicates that WPV has a significant impact on nurses' quality of working life, job satisfaction levels, turnover rates and has also been shown to negatively impact efficiency and productivity (Gacki-Smith et al., 2009). ED nurses are at substantial occupational risk for workplace violence. Emergency departments have been identified as areas within the …

An Evaluation Of Care Coordination In Reducing Depression Symptoms And Emergency Room Visits, Stacy Sumpter

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Individuals living with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) account for 26% of the population; however, they consume 84% of healthcare resources, are three times more likely to have depression than healthy individuals, and have increase emergency room (ER) visits and healthcare resource use. This population requires coordinated health care to reduce unnecessary spending and the misappropriation of healthcare resources. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the efficacy of care coordination (CC) and the support system it provides in lowering depression symptoms and ER visit frequency as a viable measure to reduce overall healthcare costs.

Methods: The healthcare providers, …

Scardovia Wiggsiae And Streptococcus Sobrinus Prevalence Among Orthodontic And Non-Orthodontic Patients, Melissa Trumbo

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Dental cavities or caries have been identified as among the most prevalent of preventable oral conditions. However, studies are discovering new information regarding the incidence and prevalence of several cariogenic organisms, including Streptococcus mutans (SM), the recently discovered Scardovia wiggsiae (SW), as well as Streptococcus sobrinus (SS). These studies have revealed varying prevalence among different populations, such as those undergoing orthodontic treatment. Based upon this information, the main goal of the current study was to assess the prevalence of specific cariogenic organisms (SS and SW) within saliva samples originally obtained from a dental school-based clinic.

Methods: The protocol for …

Examining The Experiences Of Lgbtq Dpt Students: A Critical Ethnography, Catherine Turner

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of LGBTQ Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students at a large public university in the south-western United States, as it relates to the culture and climate of the program and campus. The LGBTQ community faces its own unique health disparities. Research in medicine suggests improving the diversity of the healthcare profession is a vital component in improving access to care, and this requires the creation of inclusive and supportive educational environments for LGBTQ identifying healthcare students. However, minimal research exists examining the experiences of LGBTQ physical therapy students.

The study …

Assessment Of The Infrazygomatic Crest And Distal Infrazygomatic Crest For Bone Depth And Miniscrew Insertion, Kyle C. Tuttle

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the bone depth at various postulated miniscrew insertion angles in both the Infrazygomatic Crest (IZC) and Distal Infrazygomatic Crest (DIZC) regions. Furthermore, root morphologies of the maxillary 1st and 2nd molars and their effect on bone depth and the various miniscrew insertion angles were analyzed.

A total of 69 CBCT images were collected from pre-orthodontic adult patients at the UNLV orthodontic residency clinic. Bone depth measurements were made at 8 postulated miniscrew insertion angles starting at 40° up to 75°. All measurements were recorded from the buccal bone at the …

Food Insecurity And Adiposity Among Children And Adults Nhanes 2015-2016, Denise Vidal

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Obesity is a preventable disease that has been associated with many adverse health outcomes. A possible factor that may influence adiposity development is food insecurity. Although several epidemiological studies have been conducted examining the association between food insecurity and adiposity among children and adults, results have been inconsistent. Objective: This cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between food insecurity and adiposity among children and adults using recent data from a representative sample of the US population. Methods: We examined 3,391 adults and 2,837 children from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2016. Household food insecurity was assessed using …

Opioid And Naloxone Training In A Rural School District, Allyson C. Waldron

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The opioid epidemic is a national health emergency in the United States, with over 128 people dying each day due to an opioid overdose. It is estimated that 4.3 million people over the age of 12 use opioids without a medical need, and 1.3 million youth ages 12-17 use opioids inappropriately. Drug overdose deaths have become the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, prompting the U.S. Surgeon General and the World Health Organization to advise that more Americans have access to naloxone and understand how to use this life-saving drug correctly. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, used …

Does Social Support Moderate The Association Between Income And Food Security Status Among Seniors Living In Southern Nevada?, Adugna Teka Siweya

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Income is the strongest predictor of food insecurity among seniors, and social support also an essential factor to help mitigate the effects of food insecurity. However, little is known about the potential role that social support may play as a moderator of the association between income and food insecurity. Thus, we aim to examine social support as a moderator for the relationship between income and food insecurity among seniors. Methods: Logistic regression models were used to analyze data collected in 2019 from seniors residing in Southern Nevada. Predictors of food insecurity, sociodemographic factors, social support variables, and income and …

Improving Self-Care Measures Of Hypertension Through Implementation Of An Education And Action Plan, Crystal Celeste Huffaker

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Hypertension (HTN) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and one of the most common conditions seen by primary care providers. Current clinical practice guidelines recommend lifestyle modifications for patients with elevated blood pressure (BP) and diagnosed HTN. Despite these recommendations, many patients diagnosed with HTN make insufficient modifications to their lifestyle. The purpose of this project was to determine the impact of implementing an education session, with development of a patient action plan, along with 4-week, 8-week, and 12-week follow-ups on the adoption of self-care measures for HTN. Participants had their BP, height, and weight measured along …

Food Insecurity And Risky Sexual Behaviors Among College Students, Bertille Octavie Mavegam Tango Assoumou M

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Food insecurity and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are growing public health problems in the United States. Young people in general, and particularly college students, exhibit high prevalence of food insecurity, STIs, and risky sexual behaviors (RSB). Food insecurity and STIs among college students can have short- and long-term impacts on their academic success and their lives. Several studies have reported an association between food insecurity and some risky sexual behaviors among specific populations including HIV-infected people and homeless people. However, little is known about the relationship between food insecurity and RSB among college students. Given the high prevalence of food …

The Relationship Between Racial Microaggressions And Multiracial Identity Turbulence, Aimy Paulsen

Undergraduate Research Symposium Podium Presentations

Efforts to understand the development of Multiracial identity have gained traction in recent years, with studies focusing on different socialization factors to explain the common struggles that Multiracial individuals face. This online cross-sectional study sought to understand the association between microaggression experiences and Multiracial identity. I recruited 140 adults who were proficient in English and identified with two or more races to explore the relationship between racial microaggressions, challenges in Multiracial identity, and how they are racialized by others—street race. Microaggressions are subtle, ambiguous, or unintentional slights that can cause stress in marginalized individuals. For this study, Multiracial identity turbulence …

Transcriptomic Phases Of Periodontitis Lesions Using The Nonhuman Primate Model, Jeffrey L. Ebersole, Radhakrishnan Nagarajan, Sreenatha Kirakodu, Octavio A. Gonzalez

Dental Medicine Faculty Research

We used a nonhuman primate model of ligature-induced periodontitis to identify patterns of gingival transcriptomic after changes demarcating phases of periodontitis lesions (initiation, progression, resolution). A total of 18 adult Macaca mulatta (12–22 years) had ligatures placed (premolar, 1st molar teeth) in all 4 quadrants. Gingival tissue samples were obtained (baseline, 2 weeks, 1 and 3 months during periodontitis and at 5 months resolution). Gene expression was analyzed by microarray [Rhesus Gene 1.0 ST Array (Affymetrix)]. Compared to baseline, a large array of genes were significantly altered at initiation (n = 6049), early progression (n = 4893), and late progression …

Covid-19 Vaccine Acceptance Among College Students: A Theory-Based Analysis, Manoj Sharma, Robert E. Davis, Amanda H. Wilkerson

Environmental & Global Health Faculty Research

The severity and pervasiveness of the COVID-19 pandemic have necessitated the emer-gency use of COVID-19 vaccines. Three vaccines have been approved in the United States (USA). However, there is still some hesitancy in COVID-19 vaccine acceptability among some subgroups, including college students. While research is limited on vaccine acceptability behavior among college students, preliminary data suggests hesitancy as being high. This study aimed to explain the correlates of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among college students who reported hesitancy toward the COVID-19 vaccine and those who did not using the initiation component of the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change. Using …

Depression In Women Migrants Living In Slums In North India, Ram Lakhan, Manoj Sharma

Environmental & Global Health Faculty Research

No abstract provided.

Vitamin D3 Induces Mesenchymal-To-Endothelial Transition And Promotes A Proangiogenic Niche Through Igf-1 Signaling, Lei Chen, Anweshan Samanta, Lin Zhao, Nathaniel R. Dudley, Tanner Buehler, Robert J. Vincent, Jeryl Hauptman, Magdy Girgis, Buddhadeb Dawn

School of Medicine Faculty Research

Biological Sciences; Physiology; Molecular Biology; Cell Biology

Dietary Strawberries Improve Cardiometabolic Risks In Adults With Obesity And Elevated Serum Ldl Cholesterol In A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial, Arpita Basu, Kenneth Izuora, Nancy M. Betts, Jefferson W. Kinney, Arnold M. Salazar, Jeffrey L. Ebersole, R. Hal Scofield

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

Background and aims: Dietary berries, such as strawberries, are rich in bioactive compounds and have been shown to lower cardiometabolic risk. We examined the effects of two dietary achievable doses of strawberries on glycemic control and lipid profiles in obese adults with elevated serum LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). Methods: In this 14-week randomized controlled crossover study, participants were assigned to one of the three arms for four weeks separated by a one-week washout period: control powder, one serving (low dose: 13 g strawberry powder/day), or two-and-a-half servings (high dose: 32 g strawberry powder/day). Participants were instructed to follow their usual diet …

Changes In Body Mass Index Among Antiretroviral Therapy Naïve People Living With Hiv In Southeastern Nigeria, John O. Olawepo, Jennifer R. Pharr, Chad L. Cross, Babayemi O. Olakunde, Chinedu Aniekwe, Mercy Niyang, Raisa Kabir, Ayodotun Olutola

Environmental & Global Health Faculty Research

The proportion of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are overweight or obese is rising, leading to a double epidemic of HIV and obesity. The purpose of this retrospective longitudinal study was to examine changes in body mass index (BMI) among PLHIV who were new to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in two states in Southeastern Nigeria. The BMI at baseline and 12 months were compared and the difference in proportions in each BMI category was tested. The association between the BMI at 12 months and the demographic and/or clinical variables was examined using multiway analysis of covariance. The study included 2,146 …

Intraluminal Endovascular Coil Migration: A Rare Complication Post-Embolization Of The Gastroduodenal Artery For A Previously Bleeding Duodenal Ulcer, Yassin Naga, Mahendran Jayaraj, Yousif Elmofti, Annie Hong, Gordon Ohning

School of Medicine Faculty Research

Transarterial angiographic embolization is a highly effective, safe treatment for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding refractory to endoscopic intervention. However, intraluminal coil migration is a possible complication. Coil migration, while usually a self-limiting process, can lead to significant rebleeding. In our case, a patient presented with a life-threatening duodenal ulcer hemorrhage, likely precipitated by intraluminal endovascular coil migration after a recent gastro-duodenal artery embolization. He was successfully managed without endoscopic coil removal and had no additional gastrointestinal bleeding. It is important for endoscopists to be aware of this complication and weigh the risks and benefits of coil removal.

The Association Of Education In A New Society And Social Support From The Education With The Health Of North Korean Defectors: A Cross-Sectional Study, Jihyun Lee, Yui Park, Dong Hun Han, Ji Won Yoo, Wenlian Zhou, Pearl Kim, Jay J. Shen

School of Medicine Faculty Research

Background: The number of North Korean defectors (NKDs) escaping to South Korea has increased. The health status of NKDs is an essential factor for a successful settlement into South Korean society. However, no studies have been conducted on the health status of NKDs in terms of education and social support. The aim of this study was to determine the associations of education and social support with the self-rated health status among NKDs. Methods: This study utilized data gained from face-to-face interviews with 126 NKDs. A multivariable logistic regression and path analysis were performed to assess the effects of education in …

Stress And Coping Among American Indian And Alaska Natives In The Age Of Covid-19, Tristesse Burton, Johanna E. Adlam, Megan Murphy-Belcaster, Melva Thompson-Robinson, Carolee Dodge Francis, Daryl Traylor, Eboni Anderson, Kristina Ricker-Boles, Sutton King

Honors College Faculty Research

The COVID-19 pandemic compounds stressors of daily life among American Indian/Alaska Natives. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 among American Indian/Alaska Natives and non-Hispanic whites by examining depressive symptoms, overall stress, resilience, and coping, utilizing the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping. Of the 207 individuals participating in this study, 109 identified as American Indian/Alaska Native and 98 as non-Hispanic white. Despite demographic similarities, American Indian/Alaska Natives exhibited more stressors related to COVID-19 as well as higher depressive symptom scores compared to non-Hispanic whites. Furthermore, COVID-19 stressors were more positively correlated with depressive symptoms for American Indian/Alaska Natives than …

A Retrospective Evaluation Of The Prevalence Of Cracked Teeth Among An Adult Population In Nevada, Jacob Ozuna, Benjamin Barborka, Neamat Hassan Abubakr

Dental Medicine Faculty Research

Objective: To identify the distribution and characteristics of cracked teeth in a Southern Nevada population attending the dental clinics of the School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (SDM, UNLV). Methods: A retrospective keyword search of the clinical notes of SDM, UNLV patient charts in AxiUm™ was performed using the search terms “crack” and “fracture” to discern the number of patients that had clinically identifiable teeth with cracks, and which teeth (if any) had documented symptoms consistent with the cracks. The inclusion criteria for the record search were individuals ≥ 18 years old, seen at the dental clinic …

Associations Among Stress, Anxiety, Depression, And Emotional Intelligence Among Veterinary Medicine Students, Julia Wells, Kylie Watson, Robert E. Davis, Syed Siraj A. Quadri, Joshua R. Mann, Ashutosh Verma, Manoj Sharma, Vinayak K. Nahar

Environmental & Global Health Faculty Research

Background: Veterinary students are faced with immense pressures and rigors during school. These pressures have contributed to elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and depression (SAD) among veterinary students relative to the general population. One proposed concept to help students combat SAD is that of emotional intelligence (EI). We explored the relationship between EI and SAD among veterinary students at a college in the Southeast United States. Methods: A crosssectional study design was implemented among a convenience sample of 182 veterinary medical students. The survey instrument contained 56 items that elicited information about students’ demographics, perceived stress, anxiety, and depression, and …

Influence Of Previous Covid-19 And Mastitis Infections On The Secretion Of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor And Nerve Growth Factor In Human Milk, Veronique Demers-Mathieu, Dustin J. Hines, Rochelle M. Hines, Sirima Lavangnananda, Shawn Fels, Elena Medo

Psychology Faculty Research

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) play a critical role in neurodevelopment, where breast milk is a significant dietary source. The impact of previous COVID-19 infection and mastitis on the concentration of BDNF and NGF in human milk was investigated. Methods: Concentrations of BDNF and NGF were measured via ELISA in human milk samples collected from 12 mothers with a confirmed COVID-19 PCR, 13 mothers with viral symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, and 22 unexposed mothers (pre-pandemic Ctl-2018). These neurotrophins were also determined in 12 mothers with previous mastitis and 18 mothers without mastitis. Results: The NGF …

International Psychogeriatric Association (Ipa) Consensus For Defining Psychosis In Major And Mild Neurocognitive Disorders, Mary Sano, Jeffrey Cummings, Dilip V. Jeste, Sanford Finkel, William Reichman

School of Medicine Faculty Research

No abstract provided.

Economic Insecurity As A Risk Factor During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Klaus E. Cavalhieri

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently spreading at a rapid rate worldwide. The current pandemic may have several adverse effects on overall psychological functioning and health behaviors. Economic insecurity, operationalized as financial strain and employment uncertainty, can be a significant risk factor for both psychological outcomes and compliance with shelter-in-place recommendations (i.e., health behaviors). One hundred and twenty four participants answered survey data on economic security, fear of COVID-19, health care system distrust, anxiety, well-being, and compliance with CDC recommendations to curb the spread of COVID-19 (i.e., health behaviors; CDC, 2020). Economic security was significantly associated with well-being, …

The Culture Factor: The Effects On Healthcare Decisions Among Guyanese Men, Harrynauth Persaud

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Culture, religious beliefs, and ethnic customs, all play a role in how patients make healthcare decisions. As the racial and ethnic diversity continues to increase in the United States, so does the culture, religious beliefs, and customs. This research aims to explore the cultural and other influences on making healthcare decisions among Indo-Guyanese immigrant men. In-depth interviews were conducted among participants residing in the neighborhood areas of Queens, New York. Thorough qualitative analyses were performed on the data for which three major themes emerged. Family influences on health behaviors, the use of alternative medicines, and religious beliefs were found to …