Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Production And Characterization Of A Phage Endolysin With Putative Antimicrobial Activity Against Cutibacterium Acnes, Kathryn M. Collins

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Acne vulgaris (acne) is the eighth most common skin disorder worldwide. Because of the heterogeneous pathology of acne and the increasing antibiotic resistance of the causal agent (Cutibacterium acnes), novel therapeutics need to be developed to treat acne. One option is endolysins, highly conserved enzymes from bacteriophages that disrupt the bacterial cell wall. Endolysins retain bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity when applied to bacteria in vitro and are safe for topical application. We hypothesize that the endolysin (ENDL) from the P100.1 C. acnes bacteriophage will exhibit bacteriostatic activity against C. acnes in vitro. This study aims to bioinformatically characterize the P100.1 …

Stuffed Animals For Coping And Communication In The Hospital: A Child Life Perspective, Becca Scobee

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

No abstract provided.

Sexually-Divergent Differentiation And Inflammatory Response To Osteoclasts, Lilijanna L. Cummings

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

No abstract provided.

The Significance Of Cell-Surface Α2,3-Linked Sialic Acid In Osteoclasts, Christopher S. Harding

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Osteoclasts are giant, multinucleated cells that, alongside osteoblasts, are central to maintaining physiologically healthy bone. The functions of osteoclasts and osteoblasts-degrading and depositing bone matrix, respectively-are paired in healthy bone tissue, thereby yielding no net bone loss or deposition. When these functions become imbalanced, it results in net bone loss or gain, depending on which cell type is being outcompeted. Osteoporosis is one of the most common pathologies stemming from such an imbalance, and predominantly affects postmenopausal women, as the ablation of circulating estrogen-a pro-death signal for osteoclasts-causes a prolongation of osteoclast lifespan and consequent lengthening of their resorptive activity. …

Positive Motivational Self-Talk: The Influence Of Gender On Performance, Perception Of Self-Talk, And Performance Anxiety During A Disc Golf Putting Exercise Before And After A Self-Talk Intervention, Samantha L. Hennessy

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

No abstract provided.

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Expectations Among Certified Nursing Assistants Providing Oral Care To Individuals With Alzheimer's Disease Or Another Form Of Dementia Utilizing Music Therapy, Gina Dunn

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: Current literature was aimed to explore CNAs attitudes, knowledge, and expectations on the use of music for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)/dementia while providing oral care.

Methods: A single survey, 5-point Likert scale survey that included demographic and qualitative questions, was posted on a private CNA Facebook group page. The survey was posted to explore attitudes, knowledge, and expectations of CNAs towards the use of music therapy. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and thematic coding.

Results: A convenience sample of (N = 55) CNAs participated in the study. IBM SPSS® version 28.0.1 was used to analyze the …

Effects Of Gaba On Inflammation And Intestinal Barrier Disruption, Tyrel W. Long

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Gut dysbiosis and intestinal barrier disruption have been linked to multiple sclerosis (MS). Our previous works show that experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induction modifies the gut's microbiota composition, reducing frequencies of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-producing bacteria. GABA levels are reduced in the brains and circulation of MS patients. We engineered Lactococcus lactis with extra copies of gadB (glutamic acid decarboxylase) and gadC (glutamate/GABA antiporter) to increase GABA levels produced by the bacterium (GAD-L. lactis). EAE studies showed that the treatment with GAD-L. lactis and not with a L. lactis control expressing an empty plasmid (P-L. lactis) reduced the severity of the …

Perspectives Of Child Life Specialists On Their Role Supporting Pediatric Psychiatric Boarders, Kerri Sellers

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Powered Toothbrushing On Patients With Diabetes, Kristian Ariel Carrasco

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: Studies have shown that periodontal therapy can help manage diabetes and that powered toothbrushes promote better home care. However, there is no literature making the connection whether powered toothbrushes could assist in blood glucose management in diabetic patients. The primary aim for this study was to evaluate the efficacy of brushing with a powered toothbrush in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Methods: This clinical study included 8 (N = 8) adult participants from Willamette Dental group in Richland, WA. The individuals were asked to participate in a 6-week study testing whether brushing with a powered toothbrush affected their blood glucose …

Evaluating An Interprofessional Ergonomic Intervention For Dental Hygiene Students, Lashonna M. Knight

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: Ergonomics plays an important role in identifying and reducing biomechanical stress and preventing musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries by creating a better fit between physical requirements and work environments. This study examined the benefits of implementing an interprofessional education (IPE) module in a dental hygiene curriculum with a dental hygienist (DH) and occupational therapist (OT) teaching and assessing students’ ergonomics.

Methods: Students participated in an IPE intervention to incorporate preventive techniques into their daily routine, to model these protective strategies for use as practicing DHs throughout their careers. Prior to the module and at the end of the six-week study, students …

A Pilot Study: Periodontal Risk Factor Screening Tool For Certified Diabetes Care Education Specialists, Holly Brawner

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: There is a bidirectional link between uncontrolled diabetes and untreated periodontal disease. Controlling periodontal infection plays an essential role in the overall management of diabetes. This study explored an interprofessional (IP) collaboration between Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES) and Dental Hygienists and the utility of a point of care Periodontal Screening Tool (PST) for CDCES to build confidence in informing their clients on periodontal disease risk factors and providing resources to seek dental care.

Methods: This pilot study used a pre-test post-test design where a survey was administered prior to CDCES participating in an Education and Training …

Investigating The Protective Effects Of Intestinal Gaba[Subscript A] Receptor Activation On An Animal Model Of Multiple Sclerosis, Hannah M. Kohl

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, produced by neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) and by some species of intestinal bacteria. GABAA receptors are found not only in the CNS, but also in T cells and within the intestines. Past studies have indicated that GABA can have an anti-inflammatory effect and production of GABA by gut bacteria decreases in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We examined whether administration of a positive allosteric GABAA receptor modulator, farnesol, ameliorates the progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a murine model of MS and whether those effects correlated with a decrease …

Preparing Student Dental Hygienists In Care Of Persons Of Developmental Disabilities Using A Virtual Patient Module, Janis Mcclelland

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine if participation in an interactive virtual patient (VP) module increased dental hygiene students’ knowledge in caring for individuals with developmental disability (DD) and if participation in an interactive, VP module would impact dental hygiene students’ perception of difficulty in caring for individuals with DD.

Methods: The study utilized a mixed-methods study design with a convenience sample composed of eighteen (N=18) dental hygiene students. A pre-test/post-test design was utilized in two measures based on the content of the VP module. The eight-item Disability Situations Inventory (DSI) measured perceived sense of difficulty in …

Psychosocial Preoperative Preparation In A Non-Children's Hospital Without Child Life Supports, Haley M. Fricke

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

On average, 6 million children undergo general anesthesia for surgery annually in the United States (Shah et al., 2021).Anesthesia can be one of the most stress provoking experiences, with 40% to 60% of children displaying emotional and behavior stress before surgery (Boles, 2016). Psychosocial preoperative preparation in pediatrics has been seen to lower children’s stress levels, enhance understanding, increase compliance, decrease length of time in recovery, and decrease analgesic use (Aranha et al., 2017; Al-Yateem et al., 2016; Dolidze et al., 2013; Tunney & Boore 2013; Wenstrom et al., 2011). The purpose of this exploratory case study was to better …

Developing A Vector For Expressing Serratiopeptidase In Lactococcus Lactis, Taylor C. Mauzy

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Chronic inflammation stems from the inability of the body to resolve acute inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a growing health concern, as nearly 60% of Americans reported coping with at least one chronic condition (as of 2014). On a world scale, three fifths of deaths result from a chronic inflammation disease. Treatments for chronic inflammation include lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) and a variety of conventional drugs. Beyond these treatments, supplementing the body with systemic enzymes may attenuate inflammation. One promising enzyme is serratiopeptidase. Serratiopeptidase is a serine protease expressed by Serratia marcescens which has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-edemic, and analgesic activity …

A Pilot Study Of Meditation As A Stress Reliever For Dental Hygiene Students During Times Of Heightened Stress, Sarah Henderson

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: Dental hygiene students face an exorbitant amount of stress during their educational pursuits. This has only been compounded by the added stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students may benefit from the practice of meditation in managing their stress levels during these trying times. This study analyzes the effectiveness of meditation as a stress reliever for dental hygiene students as they navigate their education during the pandemic and the effects it may have on perception of stress, academic achievement, and physical health.

Methods: Students participated in a four-week meditation study, consisting of a 30-minute guided meditation completed once weekly. Prior …

A Pilot Study Of Oral Health Related Quality Of Life During Gynecologic Cancer Treatment, Stephanie Kushnir

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if oral health education increases oral health related quality of life in gynecologic oncology patients.

Methods: In this pilot study, 23 participants (18 - 70+ years) with a history of gynecologic cancer were recruited to participate in the study. Participants completed an Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire prior to and after given education packet.

Results: At baseline, the mean pre-test OHIP-14 score was 6.7 (SD 8.4) and mean OHIP-14 post-test score was 8.8 (SD 8.4). Pearson Correlation was .90. P (T< = t) one-tail p < .008. Demonstrating statistical significance.

Conclusion: OHIP-14 scores increased after four-weeks, higher scores of …

Interprofessional Education Between Dental Hygiene And Occupational Therapy Students In Relation To Stroke Care, Morgan Umlauf

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: To determine if interprofessional education (IPE) program with dental hygiene and occupational therapy students help determine roles and responsibilities in patients post-stroke.

Methods: A virtual 90-minute educational module was presented to occupational therapy and dental hygiene students, hosted over zoom with a 30-minute presentation followed by an open discussion over two case studies. A pretest was administered before the event and followed by an immediate posttest. Both tests included the Modified Readiness for Interprofessional Learning (mRIPLS) items that are on a 5-point Likert scale.

Results: The virtual IPE showed that there were positive changes in pretest to posttest scores. …

Assessing Interpersonal Communication In Dental Hygiene Students Providing Geriatric Care, Lasandra Wilson

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: This study examined the implementation of an educational module regarding development of communication skills between dental hygiene students and the geriatric population. The educational module assessed students’ perceived abilities and confidence in communicating with the geriatric population. Subsequently, a standardized rubric determined if there is a difference between how faculty assess students, patients assess students, and students assess themselves.

Methods: Dental hygiene students from the University of South Dakota participated in the educational module and completed pre and post tests. Voice recordings from student-patient interactions in the clinic setting were evaluated by faculty, patients, and students using a rubric …

Virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examinations As A Framework For Active Learning And Assessment: A Retrospective Analysis Of Dental Hygiene Student And Instructor Perceptions, Kellie Whitcomb

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: Millennials have unique needs as learners and have come to expect the use of technology in education. Utilizing technology to implement formative virtual objective structured clinical examinations (vOSCEs) may engage millennial students due to the non-linear nature and active pedagogy while also preparing them for provisional or full licensing exams. The purpose of this study was to determine what implications there may be for future formative vOSCE use in dental hygiene programs by assessing dental hygiene student and clinic faculty experience with vOSCEs.

Methods: Research was from a qualitative perspective. The design was a retrospective phenomenological cohort study utilizing …

Understanding Job Roles, Preparedness And Challenges Faced By Academic Advisors In U.S. Medical Schools, Brittney L. Haong

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Acute Fatigue On Reactive Strength Index In Modern Dancers, Jordan Tingman

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute fatigue on stretch shortening cycle (SSC) performance measured by the Reactive Strength Index (RSI) derived from a drop jump. Methods: Twelve professional modern dancers (8 female, 4 male) participated in this study. Two force plates were utilized to record the force-time data during drop jumps (DJ) before and after an acute, fatiguing protocol. Dancers performed a 5-10 minute self-selected warm up followed by 3-5 practice trials of DJs onto the force plates. Three trials were recorded from each dancer with 30-60 seconds (s) of rest between trials. …

Physiological Adaptations To Training And Associations With Performance In Division I Cross-Country Runners, Kailyn Renae Sanchez

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

No abstract provided.

Proposing The Mindful Check-In: A Brief Mindfulness Exercise, Michael Viveiros

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

This study investigated the effectiveness and adherence rate of the mindful check-in compared to a traditional mindfulness exercise. This study compared the effects of a traditional mindful breathing exercise and a no-treatment control condition to the mindful check-in on measures of mindfulness, psychological flexibility, affect, compassion, and adherence to the proposed practice schedule. Statistical analyses showed that the mindful check-in reduced negative affect compared to the other two conditions, increased mindful ability on one of the two measures of mindfulness, had a marginally-significant increase in psychological flexibility, and reduced fear of receiving compassion from others and giving compassion to yourself. …

Comparison Of Lower Extremity Strength And Strength Symmetry Among U.S. Ski Team Sports, Benjamin J. Adams

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Most research in ski sports performance, injury, and sport physiological demands focuses on alpine ski racing. Very little research is available describing aerial and moguls ski competitors. Purpose: Compare lower extremity strength limb symmetry index (LSI) and relative strength (RS) among alpine, mogul, and aerials ski competitors. Methods: Archival data from 156 males and females from the U.S. Ski Team at Olympic, World Cup, and national levels were analyzed to compare RS and LSI among ski sports. Strength data consisted of maximal isometric bilateral squat strength values from each leg independently. A 3x2x2 factorial ANOVA was conducted to determine differences …

Oral Care During Pregnancy: An Educational Intervention, Holly Redwine

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: Interprofessional collaboration can help prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes related to poor oral health. This study was conducted to see if an educational module provided by a dental hygienist (DH) could increase the knowledge and confidence of physician assistant (PA) students with preventive oral care for the pregnant patient.

Methods: A one group mixed-method approach was used in this research. Pregnancy and oral health knowledge were assessed using a 9-item pretest and posttest survey. Participants completed the pretest, were presented an educational module, and were asked to complete an immediate posttest. A second posttest was sent via e-mail to the …

Using Motivational Interviewing And Technology To Increase Confidence In Nutritional Counseling Among Dental Hygienists: A Thesis, Heather Anderson

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: Research shows definite connections between food choices and caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. Dental hygienists have the unique opportunity to educate patients on how nutrition can improve oral health. Dental hygiene students are introduced to these concepts but struggle to gain confidence to share this knowledge with patients. This study looked at an educational module on motivational interviewing (MI) and an electronic assessment tool to build student confidence with nutritional counseling.

Methods: Students participated in an educational module to review MI and introduce the electronic nutritional risk assessment and counseling tool. Prior to the module, participants completed a …

Organic Compound Farnesol Reduces Disease Severity And Onset In Mouse Model Of Multiple Sclerosis, Lacey B. Sell

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

No abstract provided.

Codependency Traits And The Mere Presence Of A Cell Phone, Brittany R. Aguila

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

The present study was designed to determine whether one's attention could be manipulated by the mere presence of a cell phone, especially when the individual scores high in codependency traits. Previous research suggests that the mere presence of a cell phone is sufficient to inhibit an individual’s ability to perform a task. Codependency has been seen as unhealthy or dysfunctional relational patterns, and is often explained as an addiction to relationships. Eastern Washington University students (N=56) participated in cognitively demanding tasks, either with a cell phone present or without, and completed a codependency questionnaire to assess how participants respond interpersonally …

Improving Dopamine Monitoring With Ncam And The Effects Of Intranasal Oxytocin On Dopamine Signaling In The Rat Brain, Darren Earl Ginder

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Dopamine (DA) is a neurohormone highly involved in learning and memory. Oxytocin (OXT), another neurohormone, has also been implicated in learning and memory. Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is a method used for the real-time examination of DA neurotransmission in the brain. Implanting FSCV electrodes is an invasive technique that likely results in an inflammatory response (i.e. gliosis) that can restrict FSCV recording of DA signals. Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) may reduce gliosis and potentially improve the ability of FSCV electrodes to monitor DA signaling. Chapter 1 Methods: FSCV electrodes were coated with NCAM and implanted in the rat brain. …