Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Male Caregivers: Breaking Through The Male Self-Sufficiency Barrier To Help Those In Need, James J. Hutchinson

Case Studies from Age in Action

Educational Objectives

1. To generate awareness of characteristics and issues specific to male caregivers;

2. To examine successful strategies for education and awareness programs that motivate male caregivers to request services when needed;

3. To identify effective services targeted to male caregivers that have been initiated by three Area Agencies on Aging that received funding from the Virginia Department for the Aging.

Partnership For Prescription Assistance Of Virginia (Pparx), Sarah Huddle

Case Studies from Age in Action

Educational Objectives

1. To inform Virginia's older adult population and those who serve them about the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, a new program to help qualifying patients who lack prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need through the public or private program that best suits them, including the new Medicare prescription drug benefit.

2. To demonstrate, to older adults and those who assist them, the accessibility and ease of use of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance of Virginia.

Health Related Quality Of Life In Sickle Cell Patients: The Pisces Project, Donna K. Mcclish, Lynne T. Penberthy, Viktor E. Bovbjerg, John D. Roberts, Imoigele P. Aisiku, James L. Levenson, Susan D. Roseff, Wally R. Smith

Biostatistics Publications

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic disease associated with high degrees of morbidity and increased mortality. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among adults with sickle cell disease has not been widely reported.

Methods We administered the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form to 308 patients in the Pain in Sickle Cell Epidemiology Study (PiSCES) to assess HRQOL. Scales included physical function, physical and emotional role function, bodily pain, vitality, social function, mental health, and general health. We compared scores with national norms using t-tests, and with three chronic disease cohorts: asthma, cystic fibrosis and hemodialysis patients using analysis of …

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 82, No. 2, 2005)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 82, No. 4, 2005)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 82, No. 3, 2005)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Stability Study Of Phoslactomycin B And Analysis Of Degradation Products, Choudhuri Suparna Das

Theses and Dissertations

Phoslactomycin B (PLM-B), a potent and selective inhibitor of serine threonine phosphatase is of interest for its antitumor, antifungal and antiviral activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of phoslactomycin B at various pH and temperature conditions. Phoslactomycin B was produced from the mutant strain NP1 of Streptomyces sp.HK-803 and was purified by semi-preparative HPLC . A study of PLM-B degradation was carried out in the pH range of 2-10 at 30ºC and 50°C using HPLC. The PLM-B decomposition was observed to exhibit a U-shaped pH profile and demonstrated both acid and base-catalyzed decomposition. The decomposition …

A Quantitative Comparison Of The Fill Density Of Mta Produced By Two Different Placement Techniques., Priscilla Yeung

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to quantitatively compare the fill density of MTA produced by hand condensation and hand condensation with indirect ultrasonic activation. Thirty acrylic block with 30 degree curved canals (group C) and 30 with straight canals (group S) were instrumented to a final apical size of 45 of 0.06 taper crown-down technique. After irrigating with water and drying with paper points, each block was weighed to the nearest 0.0001g with a digital electronic balance. In half of the specimens, chosen at random, the canal first filled with MTA using the hand condensation method (H) then weighed. …

Child's Temperament And Conscious Sedation Outcomes, Jennifer Mark Dixon

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of child temperament and its effect on the outcome of conscious sedation using the following agents: Chloral Hydrate (35mg/kg), Meperidine (2mg/kg), and Hydroxyzine (2mg/kg).The Emotionality, Activity, Sociability (EAS) Temperament Survey for Children was used to measure the child's temperament. The temperament survey measures three realms (Emotionality, Activity, Sociability/Shyness). The sedation outcomes were rated using the modified North Carolina Behavior Rating Scale (NCBRS) from 1-4 (Quiet, Annoyed, Upset, and Wild). The final sample population consisted of 34 children, 24 girls (71%) and 10 boys (29%), ranging in age from 0-9 years …

Blood Lead And Decision Speed In Working Age Adults, S. W. Harkins

Theses and Dissertations

Lead is a central nervous system poison. Healthy People 2010 established a target blood lead level (BLL) for children of 0 μg/dL by 2010, but is silent with regard to any changes in BLLs standards for working age adults. In this paper, the relation of BLL to performance on two neurobehavioral tests was assessed in working age adults (N = 4909; Age 20 to 59 years; 51.4% Female) employing data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES 111). Multiple linear regression analyses indicated a significant effect of BLL on time taken to complete an attention demanding cognitive task …

Clinical Pharmacology Of Ms-275, A Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor, Milin R. Acharya

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this escalating single-dose phase I research study was to determine the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics as well as in vitro metabolism and plasma protein binding of MS-275, a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, in patients with solid tumors and lymphomas. A validated LC/MS assay was developed to quantitate MS-275 in plasma, human liver microsomes and urine. The pharmacokinetic (PK) evaluation was done using a non-compartmental approach. In-vitro plasma protein binding profile of MS-275 was characterized by a validated micro-equilibrium dialysis method. In vitro phase I and phase II hepatic metabolism of MS-275 were evaluated using human liver microsomes. …

The Influence Of Direct-To-Consumer Advertising: Who Will Talk To Their Doctor As A Result Of Prescription Drug Advertisement?, Hai Dubo Chen

Theses and Dissertations

OBJECTIVES: To identify the types of patients who talk with their physicians as a result of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) advertising. METHODS: Data were taken from a national survey, "Public Health Impact of Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Drugs, July 2001- January 2002", conducted by researchers from Harvard Medical School. Participants (n = 3000) were interviewed by telephone. We constructed a conceptual framework consisting of outcomes (3 types of physician visits), intervention (DTC experience) and five groups of explanatory factors (health beliefs, demographics, health status, socioeconomic status and market factors). Data were analyzed with three multivariate stepwise logistic regressions. The three dependent variables …

The Predictive Ability Of Specific Questions Related To Symptoms In The Diagnosis Of Endodontic Disease, Boyd Aaron Vaughn

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test the predictive ability of specific questions in diagnosis of pulpal and periradicular disease in a dental school population. 210 patients were recruited to fill out a questionnaire, and undergo a clinical examination for pulpal and/or periradicular disease.The Questionnaire asked if the patient had in the last 6 months: 1. a toothache that kept them up at night 2. a toothache that required pain killers 3. facial swelling caused by a tooth 4. injury to any teeth 5. a broken tooth 6. a tooth darker in color than the surrounding teeth 7. a …

Evaluation Of The Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Relationship, Metabolism And Plasma Protein Binding Of The Novel Antitumor Agent, 2-Methoxyestradiol (2me2), Following Oral Administration In Patients With Solid Tumors., Nehal Jagdish Lakhani

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to determine safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of 2ME2 in patients with solid tumors and determine maximum tolerated dose (MTD). The following hypotheses were tested: 1) 2ME2 will be well tolerated in clinic when given orally and will have quantifiable effects on the ex vivo markers of angiogenesis and apoptosis; 2) 2ME2 will exhibit linear pharmacokinetics; 3) Plasma protein binding will be extensive and linear; 4) Sulfation will be the major metabolic pathway for 2ME2.This was a phase I dose escalation study. Twenty patients with refractory solid tumors were enrolled. 2ME2 was administered orally starting …

Variations In Quality Outcomes Among Hospitals In Different Types Of Health Systems, Askar S. Chukmaitov

Theses and Dissertations

Although prior research has found differences in costs and financial performance across different types of hospital systems, there has been no systematic study of variations in patient quality of care or safety indicators across different systems. Our study examines whether five main types of health systems - centralized (CHS), centralized physician/insurance (CPIHS), moderately centralized (MCHS), decentralized (DHS), and independent (IHS) - as well as other hospital characteristics are associated with differences in quality of patient care. Data were assembled for 6 years (1995 - 2000) from multiple sources. We used 4 AHRQ risk adjusted inpatient quality indicators (IQIs) and 5 …

Ischemic Preconditioning Protects Adult Rat Cardiomyocytes Against Necrosis But Not Apoptosis, Via Activation Of Pkg, Marc J. Caligtan

Theses and Dissertations

The role of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) dependent protein kinase (PKG) in necrotic and apoptotic pathways of many cell types is well established; however its role in the ischemic preconditioning (IPC) of cardiomyocytes is not clearly defined. In the current study, we assessed the hypothesis that PKG protects against cell death following ischemidreperfusion injury in myocytes subjected to IPC. Freshly isolated adult rat ventricular myocytes were subjected to IPC by incubating in ischemic buffer for 30 minutes (min) followed by incubation in normal medium for 30 min. Prolonged simulated ischemia (SI) was created by incubating myocytes in the ischemic buffer …

The Study Of The Effect Of Drugs Of Abuse On Protein Kinase A Activity In Mouse Brain And Spinal Cord, George D. Dalton

Theses and Dissertations

Morphine and Δ9-THC are drugs that produce analgesia and rewarding effects. However, chronic treatment with morphine and Δ9-THC produces problematic side-effects including tolerance and physical dependence. The cellular mechanisms underlying opioid and cannabinoid antinociceptive tolerance have been studied for years. Research has demonstrated that the expression of morphine and Δ9-THC antinociceptive tolerance may be mediated through intracellular signaling pathways, such as the adenylyl cyclase /Protein Kinase A (PKA) cascade. The present study investigated the role of PKA in the expression of morphine and Δ9-THC antinociceptive tolerance. Male Swiss Webster mice were treated chronically with morphine or Δ9-THC and the warm-water …

Predictors Of Sun Protection Practices Among Adult Women In The United States, Anne Ridgely Minter

Theses and Dissertations

Background. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The main modifiable risk factor for skin cancer is exposure to excessive sun and UV radiation. More than 90% of all skin cancers are known to be caused by sun exposure. However, studies on excessive sun and UV exposure are limited. The purpose of this study was to examine risk and protective factors affecting sun protection behaviors of adult women in the United States. Methods. Data on U.S. adult women (n=17,425) from the 2003 National Health Information Survey (NHIS) was analyzed. Sun protection behaviors were assessed …

Predictors Of Early Onset Of Sexual Intercourse In Male And Female Residents Of The United States, Brianna Michele Magnusson

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Purpose: The United States has the highest rate of teen pregnancy of any industrialized nation. Adolescents who have their first sexual intercourse at a young age are at increased risk for teen pregnancies and acquiring a sexually transmitted disease. This study examines predictors of early onset sexual intercourse in male and female residents of the United States. Methods: A nationally representative sample of N=7,643 females and N=4.928 males ages 15-44 was procured from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), Cycle 6. Age at first sexual intercourse was used to define early onset of sexual debut(<18 years). Socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics of the respondents, demographic and selected reproductive characteristics of the respondent's parents were examined using multiple logistic regression modeling. Results: Non-fispanic black, being raised without both parents, having a mother less than 18 years old at the age of first birth and age difference between partners were significant predictors of early onset of sexual intercourse for both males and females. Maternal education less than high school was a significant protective factor for female respondents [OR=0.72 (95%CI=0.58- 0.90)] and paternal education completed high school only [OR=1.4 (95% CI=l. 1-1.7)] was a significant risk factor for male respondents. Conclusions: Racelethnicity, age difference between partners, not being raised by both parents, having a mother who had her first birth before the age of 18 and parental education are important predictor variables. Further study should be conducted to investigate the protective effect of lack of maternal education for female respondents. Intervention programs for teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection prevention should target these at risk groups.

Effect Of Medicaid/Schip And Wic On Oral Health Of Low-Income Children, Dahlia Naqib

Theses and Dissertations

Oral caries is the most prevalent chronic disease among US children, and disproportionately impacts those of low socioeconomic status. Studies have shown that the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC) improves access to dental care among Medicaid children. This study investigated the impact of WIC, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) on the prevalence of dental caries among low-income children. The 1999-2000 and 2001-2002 NHANES data were utilized for this analysis. Children 2-4 years old who participated in WIC, Medicaid, or SCHIP, or who were uninsured, and for whom both interview and complete …

Method Of Infant Feeding As A Predictor Of Maternal Responsiveness, Emily Eiwen Drake

Theses and Dissertations

Infants need to develop effective, secure attachment to their primary caregivers in the first year of life. Researchers have not been able to identify all the factors that may influence the development of infant attachment. Most of the studies in this area have been done without regard to infant feeding as a potential factor. Maternal responsiveness appears to be key in the child's development of secure attachment behaviors, yet even after decades of research on infant attachment and maternal responsiveness, there is little evidence available to assist with early identification of families at risk and few interventions known to be …

Identification And Characterization Of The Expression Profile Of Oligodendrocyte-Derived And Associated Proteins Via Unilateral X-Irradation Of The Rat Optic Nerve, Nicholas Greco

Theses and Dissertations

Recent studies examining cell-cell interactions during CNS development and following disease or trauma have highlighted our limited understanding of the in vivo functions of the myelinating cell of the CNS, the oligodendrocyte. With this in mind, our laboratory has developed techniques by which a profile of proteins derived from or regulated by oligodendrocytes can be elucidated. Specifically, we have demonstrated that oligodendrocytes can be selectively eliminated from one optic nerve of a rat by treating the animal with a unilateral exposure of X-irradiation at the time of birth. Consequently, this approach allowed us to experimentally create, within the same animal, …

Analysis Of The Impact Of A Social Norms Campaign On The Alcohol Use Of Undergraduate Students At A Public, Urban University, Amanda B. Wattenmaker

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To conduct a secondary analysis of survey data collected at a large, urban university assessing for change in students' alcohol use perceptions and behaviors between 2002 and 2004. After the baseline data collection in 2002, the campus launched an intensive media intervention to normalize low-risk drinking. Simultaneously, the campus shifted from being a primarily commuter to primarily residential. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used data collected from students in randomly selected undergraduate classes in February 2002 (n= 662) and 2004 (n=1334). The survey instrument used was the National College Health Assessment. Variables were categorized as demographic, alcohol perception, and alcohol …

Characterization Of The Zona Incerta, Heather Joyce Green

Theses and Dissertations

Parkinson's Disease affects more than 1 million people in the United States with 60,000 new cases being diagnosed each year. Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson's Disease, but there are several treatment options available. Currently the most popular surgical option is Deep Brain Stimulation. Microelectrode recording helps identify nuclei as the microelectrode passes through them. While the firing frequencies of the target nuclei are well defined, other nuclei are not. This study will attempt to characterize the Zona Incerta, which is the structure directly above the Subthalamic Nucleus, a target nucleus. Characterization of the firing frequency of the Zona …

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 82, No. 1, 2005)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Interleukin-10 Induces Apoptosis In Developing Mast Cells Via A Mitochondrial, Stat3-Dependent Pathway, Daniel Paul Bailey

Theses and Dissertations

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of interleukin-10 on mast cell development from bone marrow progenitors.Materials and Methods. Unseparated mouse bone marrow cells were cultured in IL-3+SCF, giving rise to mast cells and monocytes/macrophages. The addition of IL-10, and the use of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT)3-deficient bone marrow cells were employed to measure the effects of IL-10 and STAT3 expression on cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation. Bax-deficient and Bcl-2 transgenic bone marrow cells were used to determine the importance of the mitochondria in IL-10-mediated effects.Overview. Mast cells arise from hematopoietic stem cells …

Effects Of Unilateral Extraction Treatment On Arch Symmetry And Occlusion, Theodore William Struhs

Theses and Dissertations

Occlusal asymmetries are common in orthodontic patients. A treatment option for correcting moderate asymmetries is asymmetric extractions. This study evaluated post-treatment dental arch symmetry in patients treated with unilateral premolar extractions. Post-treatment casts of 60 patients were divided into four treatment groups based on the history of occlusal asymmetry and the treatment plan. DesignCAD3000 software (Upperspace Corporation, Pryor, OK) was used to evaluate asymmetrically treated arches for symmetry. The four treatment groups were compared to identify differences in arch asymmetry based on treatment. The lateral incisor and canine were found to be more palatal on the extraction side in patients …

Long-Term Consequences Of West Nile Virus In Virginia., Diana Cruz Ocampo

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to describe the long-term effects and functional outcomes of patients in Virginia who were reported to the Virginia Department of Health with West Nile virus (WNV) non-neuroinvasive and neuroinvasive disease. The study identified the duration of symptoms after initial illness, the number of persons who fully recovered versus the number who continue to be symptomatic and how patients' quality of life differed after illness.Methods: The study population was drawn from 60 human cases that met the surveillance case definition for non-neuroinvasive and neuroinvasive WNV illness in Virginia between 2002-2004. Information was collected during …

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Performance And Perceptions: Use Of A Handheld, Computerized, Decision Making Aid During Critical Events In A High-Fidelity Human Simulation Environment, Vicki C. Coopmans

Theses and Dissertations

With the increasing focus on patient safety and human error, understanding how practitioners make decisions during critical incidents is important. Despite the move towards evidence-based practice, research shows that much decision making is based on intuition and heuristics (“rules of thumb”). The purpose of this study was to examine and evaluate the methodologic feasibility of a strategy for comparing traditional cognition versus the use of algorithms programmed on a personal digital assistant (FDA) in the management of unanticipated critical events by certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).

A combined qualitative-quantitative methodology was utilized. The quantitative element consists of a pilot study …

Quality Laboratory Services – Is It Related To Personal Credentials?, Maria Dannessa Delost

Theses and Dissertations

Performance on proficiency test (PT) surveys provides an objective and consistent evaluation of laboratory quality. The goal of the study, a retrospective review of existing PT results (2003) from six clinical laboratories in northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania was to determine the relationship of PT performance to the personnel credentials of the laboratory testing personnel. Predictor variables included the practitioner's major area of study, degree, certification and years of laboratory experience.

The study group consisted of 174 testing personnel and 11,689 proficiency-testing results, of which 11,233 were valid and included in the study. Of the 11,233 results, there were 11,120 …