Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Synthesis, Characterization, And Evaluation Of Metal Complexes With Cancer Selective Anti-Proliferative Effects And Hydrogen Evolution Catalytic Properties., Nicholas Vishnosky

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Bis-thiosemicarbazones (BTSC) and their metal chelates have properties that are useful in several different scientific fields. These systems have already received attention in major fields of biology and engineering. Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts need to be cheap and operate under minimal overpotentials with a long lifetime. The treatment of cancer requires, novel agents that have potent cytotoxic activity against cancer cells while displaying minimal side effects. In this dissertation the modular synthesis of these bis-thiosemicarbazone systems is utilized to regulate the redox chemistry for employment in the desired sector of chemistry. The ligand and metal chelates synthesized were characterized …

Hemoglobin A1c Levels And Sport Participation In Children With Type 1 Diabetes., Amy Kozerski

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study’s purpose was to determine a possible difference in hemoglobin A1c levels and sport participation in children with type 1 diabetes. Patients with provided consent via an iPad electronic informed consent/assent (preamble) completed a physical activity and sport participation survey. The survey was linked to their medical chart including demographic and diabetes medical history (e.g. HbA1c). The analyses provided a sample of 120 participants, 40 in the no sport participation group and 78 in the sport participation group with 56 females and 64 males, with an average age12.94±2.8 years. An independent sample t-test, removing one outlier from the …

Marginal Staining Between Pressed Lithium Disilicate Ceramic Crowns And Direct Restorative Materials By Various Fluids : A Microleakage Study., Sarah Ann Jestel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

When treating patients with existing restorations in which indirect restoration placement is indicated and crown lengthening surgery is contraindicated, dentists may choose to finish the crown margin on an existing restoration. The interface between the two dental restorations (resin composite and ceramic crown) may be more susceptible to microleakage and fluid staining, reducing restoration longevity. In this study, 80 extracted molars received indirect restoration margins finished on different direct restorative materials (resin-modified glass ionomer and conventional, flowable, and bulk fill nano-hybrid resin composite) and subjected to common staining fluids of coffee, tea, red wine, or Coca-Cola. If the clinician must …

An Evaluation Of The Supply And Demand Of Radiation Oncology Medical Physicists In The United States., Christine Marie Swanson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: This dissertation is a mixed methods evaluation of the radiation oncology medical physics workforce in the United States. Radiation oncology medical physicists serve a vital role in the safe treatment of patients with radiation therapy. While cancer incidence continues to rise, the pathways to board certification in radiation oncology medical physics continue to narrow causing a potential shortage of radiation oncology physicists in the United States. While there is no lack of data about the medical physics community it has scarcely been used to evaluate the current state of the workforce. In order to ensure patient safety, appropriate physics …

Innovation And Equity In Public Health Research : Testing Arts-Based Methods For Trauma-Informed, Culturally-Responsive Inquiry., Tasha Golden

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As the field of Public Health has shifted from a biomedical paradigm to a social ecological approach, focusing on health equity and social determinants of health, it has increasingly acknowledged the roles of culture and trauma in health outcomes. The field has responded by modifying some research practices, but continues to prioritize conventional methodologies—with few options designed to foreground trauma- and cultural-responsiveness. Unfortunately, to the extent that conventional approaches require health to be defined, communicated, or valued according to dominant norms, they risk perpetuating inequities. Health equity therefore requires the development of research methodologies that increase inclusivity and access, elicit …

Development Of A Lectin-Fc Fusion Protein With Antiviral And Anti-Cancer Activity., Matthew William Dent

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes the development of a novel lectin-Fc fusion protein and its antiviral and anti-cancer activity. The molecule, Avaren-Fc (AvFc), is a fusion of a variant of the actinomycete lectin actinohivin (Avaren) and the Fc region of human IgG1, and is selective for the terminal α1,2-mannose residues found at the ends of high-mannose-type glycans that can be found on the surface of certain heavily glycosylated viruses and cancer cells. Here, AvFc was found to be able to neutralize simian immunodeficiency virus as well as Hepatitis C virus with nanomolar IC₅₀ values. Furthermore, AvFc recognizes a number of cell …

Assessment Of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Safety: Allied Health Professional Clinical Competence, Tiffany Houser

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Magnetic resonance imaging is a major advancement in the diagnostic imaging field. Most patients can tolerate an MRI however, there are some who are unable to complete a lengthy scan while lying completely still without sedatives or anesthesia. Non-MRI healthcare providers are trained to use equipment that is “unsafe” in the MRI suite due to the strong magnetic field. Staff who are not fully knowledgeable and trained in MRI safety measures can endanger staff and patients.

The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge level of non-MRI healthcare providers regarding safety risks associated with MRI and to determine …

When Process Becomes Processing: Managing Instructor Response To Student Disclosure Of Trauma In The Composition Classroom, Kelci Barton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In first-year composition courses, there are three aspects of teaching that are researched well so far: disclosure of trauma in student writing, instructor feedback, and emotional labor. The disclosure of trauma is almost completely unavoidable in first-year composition. We encounter an issue with instructor feedback; how do we provide feedback to student writing, like grammar and mechanics, when the student has disclosed trauma in the writing? Additionally, we can build off this with emotional labor, which already occurs consistently in teaching but is heightened in this instance. When providing feedback to a student who has disclosed trauma, this can be …

Phase Specific Changes In Rate Of Force Development And Muscle Morphology Throughout A Block Periodized Training Cycle In Weightlifters, Dylan Guidetti Suarez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the kinetic and morphological adaptations that occur during distinct phases of a block periodized training cycle in weightlifters. Monitoring data from nine experienced collegiate weightlifters was examined retrospectively. Isometric mid-thigh pull and ultrasonography results from pre and post three specific training phases within a macrocycle leading up to a competition were compared. Changes in isometric rate of force development and vastus lateralis cross-sectional area reflected the expected adaptations of each training phase.

Motor And Sensory Characterization Of A Mouse Model Of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Type 2o Disease, Swaran Nandini

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Dynein is an essential motor protein required for the maintenance and survival of cells. Dynein forms a motor complex to carry intracellular cargoes like organelles, growth factors, peptides, and hormones along the microtubules inside the cells. In neurons, the dynein is the retrograde motor protein that moves cargoes from the neuronal tip to the neuronal soma along the length of an axon. Dynein has an established role in neuronal nuclear migration, transport of neuronal survival signals and growth factors, organelle positioning inside neurons etc. Hence, it is not very surprising that numerous mutations in dynein have been reported in association …

The Impact Of Palm Cooling Gloves On Cardiovascular, Thermoregulatory, Metabolic, Perceptual, And Ergogenic Responses Produced From Rowing Ergometry., Ian O'Brien

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Subjects (n = 34) did three rowing workouts of up to eight 2- minute stages separated by 45-60 second rests. Cardiovascular, ergogenic, thermoregulatory, perceptual and metabolic responses to workouts may be aided by intermittent palm cooling. Subjects received one of the following treatments per workout in a randomized sequence: no palm cooling, intermittent palm cooling during workouts, or palm cooling applied intermittently during workouts and post-exercise recovery. Methods: Palm cooling entailed intermittent cold (8-11o C) against the palmar surface of subject’s hands. Workouts began with 10 minutes of rest, followed by a 10-minute low- intensity warm-up and the workout, concluding …

Development Of Bar-Peptide Nanoparticles And Electrospun Fibers For The Prevention And Treatment Of Oral Biofilms., Mohamed Yehia Mahmoud

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Periodontal diseases are globally prevalent inflammatory disorders that affect ~47% of U.S adults. Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) has been identified as a “keystone” pathogen that disrupts host-microbe homeostasis and contributes to the initiation and progression of periodontitis. Pg associates with oral streptococci in supragingival plaque and this interaction represents a potential target for therapeutic intervention. Previously our group developed a peptide (designated BAR), that potently inhibits Pg/Streptococcus gordonii (Sg) adherence in vitro and Pg virulence in a murine model of periodontitis. While efficacious, BAR (SspB Adherence Region) provided transient inhibition and required higher concentrations of BAR to disrupt established …

Readability Of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures For Persons With Aphasia, Sara Gray

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The relationship between positive health outcomes in persons with aphasia (PWA) and personcentered care is highlighted by personally relevant information obtained directly from the PWA. Such is often facilitated via patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). In order to provide accurate responses to PROMs, PWAs must to read, comprehend, formulate and generate answers to a variety of questions. PROMs designed for other clinical populations assessed/treated by speech-language pathologists have been found to be largely unreadable. Despite the significant role of PROMs in assessment and management of aphasia, no study to date has examined the readability of these measures. Four readability formulae …

Implementation Of The Roles And Responsibilities Of Speech Language Pathologists In The Schools, Tamar Nir

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine how the roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in schools are being implemented, whether speech-language pathologists in schools feel comfortable with their roles, and whether they are willing to engage in professional learning activities to hone knowledge and skills in role areas in order to inform pre-service and in-service learning This study utilized an online survey to collect responses. The survey included questions related to the rate of implementation, comfort level, and desire for further professional learning with regards to the roles and responsibilities prescribed by American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) …

Role Of Atm In T Cell Dysfunction During Chronic Viral Infections, Juan Zhao

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to a phenomenon of inflammaging, in which chronic infection or inflammation induces an immune aged phenotype with T cell dysfunction. Thus, HCV or HIV infection has been deemed as a model to study the mechanisms of T cell infammaging and viral persistence in humans. In this dissertation, T cell homeostasis, DNA damage and repair machineries were investigated in patients with chronic HCV or HIV infection at risk for inflammaging. We found a significant depletion in CD4 T cells, which was correlated with their apoptosis in chronically HCV/HIVinfected patients, compared …

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Homeless Chronicity, And Age At Onset Of Homelessness, Joseph T. Tucciarone Jr.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Childhood adversity is associated with numerous negative outcomes across multiple domains, including mental and physical health, interrelationships, and social functioning. Notably, research suggests that childhood adversity has a dose-response relationship with these outcomes; that is, greater numbers of adverse experiences in childhood are associated with worse outcomes. These outcomes overlap with many risk factors of homelessness. This study sought to address two questions: 1) Does a dose-response relationship exist between childhood adversity and chronic homelessness? 2) Does childhood adversity negatively predict the age at which homelessness first occurs? Adults experiencing homeless who are accessing homeless services in the Tri-Cities area …

Effect Of Prebiotic, Probiotic, And Enzyme Supplementation On Gut Fermentation, Markers Of Inflammation And Immune Response In Individuals With Gi Symptoms, Kaitlyn Webb

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Current practices support the use of probiotic and prebiotic supplementation to improve chronic gastrointestinal distress (GID). The aim of this study was to determine the tolerance and benefits of GlutenShield (GS), a prebiotic, probiotic, and enzyme supplement, on adults with GID. Subjects (n=20) took either GS or the placebo for 30 days and completed a pre-treatment FFQ as well as a pre- and post-treatment GID questionnaire, blood draw, and stool sample. Participants consumed more total and saturated fat, and less fiber and whole grains compared to the recommended intake. A significant reduction in IgG2 was observed in the GS group …

The Prevalence And Context Of Adult Female Overweight And Obesity In Sub-Saharan Africa, Ifeoma Ozodiegwu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Adult women bear a disproportionate burden of overweight and obesity in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Precise information to understand disease distribution and assess determinants is lacking. Therefore, this dissertation aimed to: (i) analyze the prevalence of adult female overweight and obesity combined in lower-level administrative units; (ii) analyze the effect modification of educational attainment and age on the association between household wealth and adult female overweight and obesity; (iii) synthesize qualitative research evidence to describe contextual factors contributing to female overweight and obesity at different life stages. Bayesian and logistic regression models were constructed with Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data …

The Effects Of Two Novel Anti-Inflammatory Compounds On Prepulse Inhibition And Neural Microglia Cell Activation In A Rodent Model Of Schizophrenia, Heath W. Shelton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent studies have shown elevated neuroinflammation in a large subset of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. A pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), has been directly linked to this neuroinflammation. This study examined the effects of two TNFα modulators (PD2024 and PD340) produced by our collaborators at P2D Bioscience, Inc., to alleviate auditory sensorimotor gating deficits and reduce microglial cell activation present in the polyinosinic:polycytidylic (Poly I:C) rodent model of schizophrenia. Auditory sensorimotor gating was assessed using prepulse inhibition and microglial activation was examined and quantified using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy, respectively. Both PD2024 and PD340 alleviated auditory sensorimotor gating deficits …

Power Shift Within A Couple’S Journey Through Addiction, Carly Brack Marketto

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Addiction is a rapidly growing problem for many couples, but most treatment plans focus solely on the individual with a substance abuse diagnosis rather than taking a systemic approach. Investigating the power dynamics of couples who have been through addiction and recovery could assist future treatment plans to include underlying factors in relationships instead of only addressing symptoms of the problem. This grounded theory research study strives to understand the power shift within couples when one partner goes from being in active addiction to being sober for one year or more. Power is viewed through the four aspects that Knudson-Martin …

Enmeshment In Military Families, Alexus Hamilton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While most research regarding enmeshment has been decidedly negative, researchers analyzing diverse cultures have found that enmeshment can act as a healthy tool for family members. This thesis examines the limits of healthy enmeshment and focuses on military families. It strives to answer whether enmeshment can be a tool utilized to keep the family safely together. This thesis combines narrative and grounded analysis to determine that military families can experience variations of enmeshment that can be healthy and safe.

Faculty Socialization Of Graduate Students’ Attitudes And Perceptions Toward The Irb, Elisa Jolls

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Graduate student mistrust and fear of the institutional review board (IRB) is an issue that is commonly encountered at academic institutions. Research has shown that students emulate and are vulnerable to assuming the norms of faculty, which is supported by research that shows that students who have difficult relationships with the IRB often have faculty mentors who also have difficult relationships with the IRB. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore how novice researchers’ perceptions of the IRB changed through their research submission and IRB interactions required during the IRB approval process, as well as to identify …

Fabrication Of Polyelectrolyte Nanoparticles Through Hydrophobic Interaction, Ruginn Porce Catarata

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Anticancer drugs like gemcitabine (GEM) are used to treat cancers such as, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the use of free gemcitabine yields challenges including cytotoxicity to healthy cells and poor circulation time. By encapsulating GEM in nanoparticles these challenges can be overcome. In this study poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-GEM nanoparticles are fabricated by coupling GEM onto PAA. The particle formation is driven by the hydrophobic interaction of GEM, which collects in the core of the nanoparticle, forming a PAA shell. The nanoparticles were optimized by studying the PAA/GEM ratio and pH during fabrication. Characteristics of the nanoparticles including size, morphology …

Development Of 3d Printed And 3d Metal-Based Micro/Nanofabricated, And Nano-Functionalized, Microelectrode Array (Mea) Biosensors For Flexible, Conformable, And In Vitro Applications, Charles Didier

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Emerging fields such as "Organs on a Chip", disease modeling in vitro, stem cell manufacturing and wearable bioelectronics are demanding rapid development of 3D Microelectrode Arrays (MEAs) for electrical interfacing with biological constructs. The work reported in this thesis focuses on two developmental tracks: "Dynamic 3D MEAs" and metal microfabrication for 3D MEAs. In the first part of the thesis, we explore the capabilities and limitations of 3D printed microserpentines (µserpentines) and utilize these structures to develop dynamic 3D microelectrodes. Analytical modeling of µserpentines flexibility followed by integration into a flexible Kapton® package and PDMS insulation are demonstrated. These 3D …

Social Aspects Of Food-Sensitive Adults, Jean Elizabeth Duane

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

People living with food-related illnesses find themselves subjugated by commonly held ideologies causing awkwardness in social situations. The current study is a qualitative analysis addressing how people with celiac disease (CD) navigate social situations in light of dominant beliefs that influence behaviors. Initially, I identify macro-level patriarchal, religious, sexist, ableist and etiquette-related commensality ideologies that disadvantage those with CD. Drawing from the communication narrative sense making (CNSM) theory that supports storytelling and memorable messages as a sense-making tool for individuals diagnosed with chronic illness and their family members, this work highlights retrospective stories and memorable messages from 20 randomly selected …

Exploring Early Temperament Predictors Of Maladaptive Behavior In A Group Of Elementary School Age Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Caren D. Rhodes-Doudna

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The current study is an ex post facto nonexperimental design analyzing archival data collected from previous trials of a large-scale longitudinal study conducted by researchers at JFK Partners, Center of Excellence in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities in collaboration with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical School (Principal Investigator: Susan Hepburn, Ph.D.). Specifically, the study looked at the temperament characteristics of mood, intensity, adaptability, and approach measured within early childhood and how they relate to later maladaptive behavior within a group of elementary age children diagnosed with ASD. Maladaptive behavior is a particularly salient outcome, as it impacts the child and …

How Informational Imperfections Lead To Sub-Optimal Solutions In Health Savings Plan And Potential Remedies In A Competitive Marketplace, Jacob Gene Dengg

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the growing trend of consumer-driven health insurance, more consumers than ever have access to a high-deductible health plan paired with a health savings account, where consumers can save pre-tax income for healthcare but also face higher out-of-pocket prices, in hopes that consumers will become smarter shoppers. The Health Savings Plan is successful at lowering costs, but at the expense of consumers lowering their adherence to healthcare, raising health risk. Even in a competitive market, HSP plan designs require smart shoppers and more active healthcare self-management, but without dealing with the informational imperfections that need to be overcome to encourage …

Stigma In The Post Crisis Age: External Barriers To Accessing Hiv Treatment, Internalized Trauma, And Strategies Of Support In Orlando, Florida, Julian Cerrell Nilsson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In 2017, The CDC (center for disease control and prevention) released a memo confirming popular medical opinion that an HIV positive person with an undetectable viral load was unable to transmit the HIV virus. While treatment and prevention options are advancing, this advancement may not translate directly into reduced stigma, which is produced and reproduced by external barriers to accessing healthcare, and internalized by HIV positive people as emotional trauma. This research explores the relationship between the availability of contemporary resources for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS, and the environment of stigma experienced by positive gay and bisexual men …

Evaluation Of A Sexual Health Training For Child Welfare Workers, Katie Massey Comsb

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Elevated rates of early pregnancy and parenting among youth in foster care (YFC) are well documented. Training child welfare workers to provide sexual health information and resources is stated throughout the extant literature as a pressing need in efforts to prevent unintended pregnancy among YFC. However, few child welfare agencies offer such training to their workers, and little is known about the extent to which conversations about sexual and reproductive health already occur between child welfare workers and youth. Thus, this study aimed to: a) assess baseline attitudes, knowledge, and communication among child welfare workers regarding sexual health of …

Behind The Mask Of Morality: (E)Urochristian Bioethics And The Colonial-Racial Discourse, Jennifer L. Mccurdy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The discipline of bioethics is insufficient and ineffective in addressing the persistent issues of racism and racial inequalities in healthcare. A minority of bioethicists are indeed attentive to issues such as implicit bias, structural racism, power inequalities, and the social determinants of health. Yet, these efforts do not consider the colonial-racial discourse -- that racism is an instrument of eurochristian colonialism, and bioethics is a product of that same colonial worldview. Exposing mainstream bioethicists to the work of anti-colonial scholars and activists would provide bioethicists a framework through which they would be better equipped to address issues of race through: …