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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Dynamics Of Substrate Interactions In Trna (M1g37) Methyltransferase: Implications For Drug Discovery, Maria Kiouppis Palesis Feb 2012

Dynamics Of Substrate Interactions In Trna (M1g37) Methyltransferase: Implications For Drug Discovery, Maria Kiouppis Palesis

Theses and Dissertations

The bacterial enzyme t-RNA (m1G37) methyltransferase (TrmD) is an ideal anti-microbial drug target since it is found in all eubacteria, serves an essential role during protein synthesis, and shares very little sequence or structural homology with its eukaryotic counterpart, Trm5. TrmD, a homodimeric protein, methylates the G37 nucleotide of tRNA using S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) as the methyl donor and thus enables proper codon-anticodon alignment during translation. The two deeply buried binding sites for SAM seen in X-ray crystallography suggest that significant conformational changes must occur for substrate binding and catalytic turnover. Results from molecular dynamics simulations implicate a flexible loop region …


The Role Of Calcineurin In Dendritic Remodeling And Epileptogenesis In A Rat Model Of Traumatic Brain Injury, John Campbell Feb 2012

The Role Of Calcineurin In Dendritic Remodeling And Epileptogenesis In A Rat Model Of Traumatic Brain Injury, John Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, causes potentially preventable damage in part through the dysregulation of neural calcium levels. This dysregulation likely affects the activity of the calcium-sensitive phosphatase, calcineurin, with serious implications for neural function. To test this possibility, the present study characterized the role of calcineurin in a rat model of brain trauma, the lateral fluid percussion injury model. Golgi-Cox histochemistry revealed an acute post-TBI loss and delayed overgrowth of dendritic spines on principal cortical cells. The spine loss appeared to require calcineurin activity, since administering a calcineurin inhibitor, …


A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis Of The Effects Of School, Community And Individual Factors On Substance Use Among Girls In Rural Counties, Taniesa Moore Jan 2012

A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis Of The Effects Of School, Community And Individual Factors On Substance Use Among Girls In Rural Counties, Taniesa Moore

Theses and Dissertations

Substance use among adolescent girls in the United States is increasing. In some regions substance use by rural adolescent girls exceeds that of its urban and suburban counterparts. The purpose of this study is to investigate the adequacy of constructs within Catalano, Hawkins, and the Social Development Research Group's (1996) social development model (SDM) as an empirical-based model pertaining to early adolescent girls' pathways to substance use by examining school, community, and individual risk and protective factors. Risk factors are defined as those traits, variables, or vulnerabilities that, if present for a particular individual, increase the likelihood of those individual …


Effects Of Early Alcohol Exposure On Ocular Dominance Plasticity, Crystal Lantz Jan 2012

Effects Of Early Alcohol Exposure On Ocular Dominance Plasticity, Crystal Lantz

Theses and Dissertations

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is the leading cause of mental retardation in the western world. It is associated with learning and sensory deficits. Some of these deficits are a result of faulty neuronal plasticity. Previously our lab has used ferrets to demonstrate that alcohol exposure during the third trimester of human gestation results in impaired ocular dominance plasticity (ODP). Here we have transferred this model to mice. Mice, treated with 5 mg/kg of ethanol on postnatal days 5, 7 and 9, exhibit a lack of ODP plasticity after 10 days of monocular deprivation (MD) during the critical period of visual …


Intrapersonal Deficits & Revictimization: Factors Predicting Risk Recognition, Kari Mastromonica Jan 2012

Intrapersonal Deficits & Revictimization: Factors Predicting Risk Recognition, Kari Mastromonica

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this exploratory research was to identify whether intrapersonal factors, specifically sexual assertiveness and sexual self-esteem, would predict an individual's ability to detect risk for being sexually revictimized. A previously validated laboratory analogue (Angelone, Mitchell, & Carola, 2009), in which female participants are led to believe that they are engaging in a speed date with a man, was used to measure risk recognition. Additional measures were included to assess sexual victimization history and the intrapersonal factors. Of the total sample, 30.2% (N = 16) had no sexual victimization history, while 69.8% had some form of sexual victimization history. …


Quantitative Genetic Methods To Dissect Heterogeneity In Complex Traits, T. Bernard Bigdeli Jan 2012

Quantitative Genetic Methods To Dissect Heterogeneity In Complex Traits, T. Bernard Bigdeli

Theses and Dissertations

Etiological models of complex disease are elusive[46, 33, 9], as are consistently replicable findings for major genetic susceptibility loci[54, 14, 15, 24]. Commonly-cited explanations invoke low-frequency genomic variation[41], allelic heterogeneity at susceptibility loci[33, 30], variable etiological trajectories[18, 17], and epistatic effects between multiple loci; these represent among the most methodologically-challenging issues in molecular genetic studies of complex traits. The response has been con- sistently reactionary—hypotheses regarding the relative contributions of known func- tional elements, or emphasizing a greater role of rare variation[46, 33] have undergone periodic revision, driving increasingly collaborative efforts to ascertain greater numbers of participants and which assay …


Predictors Of Carbapenem Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria In A Consortium Of Academic Medical Center Hospitals, Mera Ababneh Jan 2012

Predictors Of Carbapenem Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria In A Consortium Of Academic Medical Center Hospitals, Mera Ababneh

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Gram-negative resistance is a growing problem worldwide. It is generally believed that rates of resistant bacteria within a hospital are a function of antibiotic use, resistant organisms brought into the hospital, infection control efforts, and underlying severity of patient illness. The relative contribution of each to a particular resistance phenotype is unclear. P. aeruginosa is responsible for many hospital acquired infections and it may become resistant to carbapenems. In addition, newer threats to the future utility of the carbapenems are carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae Purpose: To determine if there is an association between the volume and composition of antibiotic use, …


Circuit Development In The Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (Dlgn) Of The Mouse., Tania Seabrook Jan 2012

Circuit Development In The Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (Dlgn) Of The Mouse., Tania Seabrook

Theses and Dissertations

The visual system is one of the most widely used and best understood sensory systems and the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of the mouse has emerged as a model for investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development and activity-dependent refinement of sensory connections. Thalamic organization is highly conserved throughout species and the dLGN of the mouse possesses many features common to higher mammals, such as carnivores and primates. Two general classes of neuron are present within the dLGN, thalamocortical relay cells and interneurons, both of which receive direct retinal input. Axons of relay cells exit dLGN and …


Targeting The Endocannabinoid System To Reduce Inflammatory Pain, Sudeshna Ghosh Jan 2012

Targeting The Endocannabinoid System To Reduce Inflammatory Pain, Sudeshna Ghosh

Theses and Dissertations

The endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) exert their effects predominantly through cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, but these actions are short-lived because of rapid hydrolysis by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), respectively. Selective inhibition of either enzyme elevates CNS levels of the appropriate endocannabinoid and produces analgesic effects with fewer psychomimetic side effects than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary active constituent of marijuana. While cannabinoid receptor agonists and FAAH inhibitors reliably produce anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic effects in the carrageenan test and other inflammatory pain models, much less is known about the consequences of inhibiting …


Artemis And Metnase Mediated Processing Of 3΄-Blocked Dna Lesions: Role In Radio/Chemoresistance And Dna Repair, Susovan Mohapatra Jan 2012

Artemis And Metnase Mediated Processing Of 3΄-Blocked Dna Lesions: Role In Radio/Chemoresistance And Dna Repair, Susovan Mohapatra

Theses and Dissertations

DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) with chemically modified end-termini are the most significant lesions resulting from radio/chemotherapeutic intervention of cancer and non homologous end-joining (NHEJ) factor Artemis nuclease has been implicated in the repair of such breaks. To examine whether the resolution of terminally blocked DNA DSBs is the biologically relevant function of Artemis, Artemis deficient fibroblasts were stably complemented with wild type or an endonuclease deficient D165N mutant Artemis. Physiological levels of wild type (WT) Artemis completely restored DSB repair proficiency and resistance to γ-radiation, bleomycin, and neocarzinostatin. Cells expressing the D165N mutants remained as chemo/radiosensitive and as repair deficient …


Biobehavioral Correlates In Fibromyalgia, Ann Trivigno Mcnallen Jan 2012

Biobehavioral Correlates In Fibromyalgia, Ann Trivigno Mcnallen

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by non-restorative sleep, and fatigue. Over 75% of individuals with FMS complain of poor sleep quality and fatigue. These have been ranked by patients with FMS as having great impact on quality of life. A literature review suggested that poor sleep quality may be a predictor of increased stress and FMS symptom onset in those affected. However, no experimental studies have demonstrated a causal relationship between poor sleep and stress in people with FMS. Methods: Using a single stage cross-sectional design, the primary study aim was to compare 25 women with …


A Comparison Of Maximal Exercise Responses Among Patients With A Total Artificial Heart, A Left Ventricular Assist Device, Or Advanced Heart Failure, Justin M. Canada Jan 2012

A Comparison Of Maximal Exercise Responses Among Patients With A Total Artificial Heart, A Left Ventricular Assist Device, Or Advanced Heart Failure, Justin M. Canada

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate graded exercise responses to treadmill exercise in patients with a total artificial heat (SynCardia, Tucson, AZ). Additionally, this study sought to compare the exercise response in total artificial heart (TAH) patients to both advanced heart failure (HF) patients on medical management only and HeartMate II (Thoratec Corp., Pleasanton, CA) left‐ventricular assist device (HMII) patients. For patients with biventricular heart failure the TAH is a viable option to bridge patients until transplant becomes available. Its demonstrated improvement in mortality and increasing usage necessitates a shift in focus to quality of life in the …


The Role Of Fyn And B-Cell Expressed Adam10 In Early B Cell Development, Germinal Center Formation And Terminal B Cell Differentiation, Natalia Chaimowitz Jan 2012

The Role Of Fyn And B-Cell Expressed Adam10 In Early B Cell Development, Germinal Center Formation And Terminal B Cell Differentiation, Natalia Chaimowitz

Theses and Dissertations

In these studies we sought to determine the role of Fyn kinase and ADAM10 in B cell biology. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) is a zinc dependent proteinase related to matrix metalloproteinases. ADAM10 has emerged as a key regulator of cellular processes by cleaving and shedding extracellular domains of multiple transmembrane receptors and ligands. In particular, ADAM10 has been identified as a key regulator of lymphocyte development. Here we report that ADAM10 is dispensable for early B cell development within the bone marrow. However, deletion of ADAM10 from all peripheral B cells or in post-switch cells leads to severe …


Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors On Selective Cellular Subtypes In Epileptogenic Malformed Cortex, William Bruch Jan 2012

Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors On Selective Cellular Subtypes In Epileptogenic Malformed Cortex, William Bruch

Theses and Dissertations

Cortical malformations from altered development are common causes of human epilepsy. The cellular mechanisms responsible for the epileptic state of cortex remain unclear and a significant portion of these cases do not respond to treatment. Previous electrophysiological recordings in the Jacobs lab in a rat polymicrogyria model indicated an increased response to group I metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists in the region adjacent to the malformation (PMZ). In addition there was a novel response in low threshold spiking (LTS) interneurons via mGluR5 activation. To determine whether cell specific expression of these receptors was altered in malformed cortex immunohistochemical stains were performed …


The Role Of High Affinity Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors On Anxiety-Like Behavior: A Study In Female Mice, Jessicka Hall Jan 2012

The Role Of High Affinity Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors On Anxiety-Like Behavior: A Study In Female Mice, Jessicka Hall

Theses and Dissertations

Tobacco dependence is high in women who suffer from anxiety disorders yet little is known about the contributions of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on anxiety-like behavior. β2*nAChRs (*denotes assembly with other subunits) are the most abundantly expressed nAChRs in the brain yet little is known about the contributions of β2*nAChRs on anxiety-like behavior in female mice. In this study, antagonism and nicotine effects on anxiety-like behavior was investigated across the life span in 6, 12 and 24-month-old drug-naïve knockout (KO), heterozygous (HET) and a gain of function α6L9S mice and wild type (WT). HET mice showed increased sensitivity to di-hydrobeta-erythroidine …


Cns Neural/Glial Progenitors As Targets Of Hiv-1 And Opiates: Effects On Proliferation And Population Dynamics May Alter Behavior Outcomes., Yun Kyung Hahn Jan 2012

Cns Neural/Glial Progenitors As Targets Of Hiv-1 And Opiates: Effects On Proliferation And Population Dynamics May Alter Behavior Outcomes., Yun Kyung Hahn

Theses and Dissertations

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients with a history of injection opiate abuse have higher incidences of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and neurological dysfunction. The use of combined anti-retroviral therapy has significantly reduced the prevalence of mortality and progression to AIDS. Due to extended life expectancy, these patients are still at a great risk for HIV-associated neurological disorders and impairment in their later life. Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) play critical roles in brain growth and repair after injury and insult. Pediatric HIV patients whose glial populations are still developing are especially at risk for central nervous system (CNS) damage. Our …


Effectiveness Of Sensory Integration And Behavioral Interventions On Nonengagement In Preschool Aged Children, Tiffany Kuyper Jan 2012

Effectiveness Of Sensory Integration And Behavioral Interventions On Nonengagement In Preschool Aged Children, Tiffany Kuyper

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract EFFECTIVENESS OF SENSORY INTEGRATION AND BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS ON NONENGAGEMENT IN PRESCHOOL AGED CHILDREN By Tiffany Ann Kuyper, OTR/L A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2012 Director: Marie Anzalone ScD, OTR, FAOTA This single subject pilot study explored a combination of sensory-based interventions and behavioral interventions in a preschool aged child identified with Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR). Children often display nonengagement associated with escaping and avoiding tactile and/or vestibular information because they perceive sensory input as negative or aversive. The subject …


Factors Influencing Pharmacists’ Decision To Report Adverse Events Related To Dietary Supplements, Ali M. Alhammad Jan 2012

Factors Influencing Pharmacists’ Decision To Report Adverse Events Related To Dietary Supplements, Ali M. Alhammad

Theses and Dissertations

Background: The increasing consumption of dietary supplements (DS) has drawn the attention of regulatory agencies, researchers and healthcare professionals. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require premarketing assessment of DS considering them safe unless proven otherwise. However, the reporting rate of DS adverse events (DS-AE) is low. Objective: To describe pharmacists’ attitudes and knowledge of DS and DS information resources, and to determine the importance of selected attributes in pharmacists’ decisions to report a DS-AE. Methods: A convenience sample of practicing pharmacists in Virginia was surveyed using a web-based self-administered questionnaire. A conjoint analysis exercise was developed …


Role Of Extracytoplasmic Function Sigma Factors In Porphyromonas Gingivalis, Suhasini Yanamandra Sai Jan 2012

Role Of Extracytoplasmic Function Sigma Factors In Porphyromonas Gingivalis, Suhasini Yanamandra Sai

Theses and Dissertations

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major etiological agent that is responsible for the cause and progression of periodontal diseases. The bacterium is exposed to various environmental conditions and oxidative stress conditions while it is in the oral cavity. So, P. gingivalis should have an efficient regulatory system in order to adjust and survive in the oral cavity. But little is known about the regulatory mechanisms that help the bacteria to survive in the oral cavity. So, it is essential to understand and characterize these regulatory mechanisms. The response and adaptation of P. gingivalis to environmental stress conditions occur at the level …


Designing Direct And Indirect Factor Xa Inhibitors, Rami Al-Horani Jan 2012

Designing Direct And Indirect Factor Xa Inhibitors, Rami Al-Horani

Theses and Dissertations

Anticoagulants are the basis for treatment and prevention of thrombotic diseases. The currently available medicines are associated with a wide range of adverse reactions that mandates developing new anticoagulants. Several lines of evidence support the superiority of factor Xa (FXa) as a promising target to develop novel anticoagulants. This work focuses on the design of direct and indirect FXa inhibitors using an interdisciplinary approach. As indirect FXa inhibitors, a focused library of tetrasulfated N–arylacyl tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ) nonsaccharide allosteric antithrombin activators was designed, synthesized, and biochemically evaluated to establish their structure–activity relationship (SAR). An N–arylacyl THIQ analog having carboxylate at position–3, …


Investigating The Role Of Α6 And Α4 Containing Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors In Nicotine And Cocaine Conditioned Place Preference Tests In Mice., Sarah Sanjakdar Jan 2012

Investigating The Role Of Α6 And Α4 Containing Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors In Nicotine And Cocaine Conditioned Place Preference Tests In Mice., Sarah Sanjakdar

Theses and Dissertations

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors modulate both cholinergic and non-cholinergic synaptic transmission. Our research concerns α6 and α4 neuronal nicotinic subunits because they often co-assemble with the β2 subunit, which has abundant expression in the CNS and previous work has demonstrated that β2* nAChRs are involved in nicotine and cocaine reward. α6β2* and α4β2* nAChRs are highly expressed in midbrain, which is known to be critical for the incentive salience associated with natural and artificial (drug) reward. Our goal was to assess the role of α6β2* and α4β2* nAChRs in nicotine and cocaine reward using an unbiased conditioned place preference (CPP) …


Development Of Dual-Pathway Inhibitors Of Raf/Mek/Erk And Pi3k/Akt Signaling Pathways., Sasha Fraser Dec 2011

Development Of Dual-Pathway Inhibitors Of Raf/Mek/Erk And Pi3k/Akt Signaling Pathways., Sasha Fraser

Theses and Dissertations

In the present study, we designed a new chemical template that contains an oxindole moiety as potential dual-pathway inhibitors of the Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. The design hypothesis is to evaluate whether the oxindole ring system will approximately orient functional groups in a similar manner to the thiazolidinedione moiety, and thus maintain biological activity as dual-pathway inhibitors of the Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Furthermore, the oxindole ring will provide the flexibility to allow the introduction of various substituents on the oxindole moiety, thereby facilitating comprehensive SAR studies to further explore the biological activity.


The Development And Initial Validation Of The Glassboro Inventory For Twelve-Step (Gifts), Andrew Assini Dec 2011

The Development And Initial Validation Of The Glassboro Inventory For Twelve-Step (Gifts), Andrew Assini

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the present research was to collect qualitative data regarding twelve-step programs which was then used to inform the creation of a new measure of twelve-step engagement. Focus groups were conducted, consisting of twelve-step members, to ascertain an insider perspective on the twelve-step experience. Results showed that "successful recovery" was considered more than just time abstinent by these insiders. These findings were then used to guide the creation of the Glassboro Inventory For Twelve-Step (GIFTS), a new measure of twelve-step engagement which improves upon previous twelve-step measures. The GIFTS was validated against the Alcoholics Anonymous Involvement (AAI; Tonigan, …


Framework To Secure Cloud-Based Medical Image Storage And Management System Communications, Timothy James Rostrom Dec 2011

Framework To Secure Cloud-Based Medical Image Storage And Management System Communications, Timothy James Rostrom

Theses and Dissertations

Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) have been traditionally constrained to the premises of the healthcare provider. This has limited the availability of these systems in many parts of the world and mandated major costs in infrastructure for those who employ them. Public cloud services could be a solution that eases the cost of ownership and provides greater flexibility for PACS implementations. This could make it possible to bring medical imaging services to places where it was previously unavailable and reduce the costs associated with these services for those who utilize them. Moving these systems to public cloud infrastructure requires …


Age Dependent Spatial Characteristics Of Epileptiform Activity In Malformed Cortex, L. Andrew Bell Dec 2011

Age Dependent Spatial Characteristics Of Epileptiform Activity In Malformed Cortex, L. Andrew Bell

Theses and Dissertations

Developmental cortical malformations are a major cause of intractable seizures. Determining the location and timing of susceptibility for epileptiform activity is critical to identifying what mechanisms contribute to epileptogenesis in any model. Using the freeze lesion rat model of polymicrogyria, we have identified, in lesioned cortex, these two aspects of epileptogenesis. Previous studies have demonstrated that epileptiform activity cannot be evoked prior to postnatal day (P) 12, but the malformed cortex is more susceptible to seizures as early as P10. An increase in excitatory afferents to the epileptogenic zone occurs before the onset of network epileptiform activity. Whether or not …


An Investigative Study Of The Influence Of Religion On Help Seeking Behaviors In The Field Of Mental Health, Kristen Darroch Dec 2011

An Investigative Study Of The Influence Of Religion On Help Seeking Behaviors In The Field Of Mental Health, Kristen Darroch

Theses and Dissertations

The present study was undertaken to assess the influence of religion on help seeking behaviors regarding mental health. Participants (n = 167) were volunteers from three different churches of Christian denominations who anonymously completed questionnaires regarding their religiosity and their attitude toward seeking help from a mental health professional. Analysis of the data found that subjects who belonged to liberal denominations of Christianity were more likely to seek help from a mental health professional for mental health issues than subjects belonging to more traditionally conservative denominations of Christianity. The study also found that subjects belonging to conservative denominations of Christianity …


Medication-Related Problems In Older Adults: A Focus On Underuse Of Warfarin And Warfarin-Antibiotic Interactions, Parinaz K. Ghaswalla Dec 2011

Medication-Related Problems In Older Adults: A Focus On Underuse Of Warfarin And Warfarin-Antibiotic Interactions, Parinaz K. Ghaswalla

Theses and Dissertations

The work presented in this dissertation focuses on two important medication-related problems in older adults, that is, untreated indication and drug-drug interactions, specifically with respect to a high-risk medication such as warfarin. Warfarin is a challenge to use in clinical practice due to its narrow therapeutic index, variability in dose-response and its interactions with numerous foods and drugs. This dissertation presents the research from two projects. In the first project the prevalence and predictors of warfarin use in nursing home (NH) residents with atrial fibrillation (AF), and use of secondary stroke prevention strategies was determined, in order to understand the …


Development Of A Novel Approach To Assess Qualitative And Quantitative Dynamics Associated With The Subcutaneous Or Intramuscular Administration Of Pharmaceuticals And Associated Parenteral Delivery Systems, Eric Edwards Dec 2011

Development Of A Novel Approach To Assess Qualitative And Quantitative Dynamics Associated With The Subcutaneous Or Intramuscular Administration Of Pharmaceuticals And Associated Parenteral Delivery Systems, Eric Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

There has been a significant increase in the number of injectable pharmaceutical products over the last decade that have been incorporated into unique delivery systems such as pen injectors, auto-injectors, or pre-filled syringes. The advancement of these delivery systems and the paradigm shift towards administration of injectables in the out-of-hospital or home setting have introduced variables that can affect the bioavailability of injectable drugs and potential pharmacologic outcomes. An approach that allows for the qualitative and quantitative dispersion assessment of an injectable at the moment of tissue deposition coupled with an assessment of systemic exposure parameters could provide substantial information …


The Determinants Of A Nurse's Discretionary Decision To Respond To Situations That Place Patients At Risk For Safety Events But Requires A Response That Is Beyond The Scope Of Nursing Practice, Kathy Baker Dec 2011

The Determinants Of A Nurse's Discretionary Decision To Respond To Situations That Place Patients At Risk For Safety Events But Requires A Response That Is Beyond The Scope Of Nursing Practice, Kathy Baker

Theses and Dissertations

A nurse’s contribution to patient safety in regards to early detection of issues in the clinical setting is undisputed (Redman, 2008). If these patient situations require a response that is beyond the scope of nursing practice, in most instances nurses are not sanctioned to intervene without physician consultation (Gaba, 2000). The evidence in the nursing literature does suggest that some nurses exercise professional discretion and are, at times, making the decision to initiate interventions independently (Benner, Hooper-Kyriakidis, & Stannard, 1999; Hutchinson, 1990; Tiffany, Cruise, & Cruise, 1988). The focus of this inquiry was to examine the determinants of a nurse’s …


Response To And Recovery From Endotracheal Suctioning In Preterm Infants Using Routine Versus Four-Handed Care, Sharon Cone Dec 2011

Response To And Recovery From Endotracheal Suctioning In Preterm Infants Using Routine Versus Four-Handed Care, Sharon Cone

Theses and Dissertations

Neonatal Intensive Care Units have experienced profound advances in technology and treatment modalities over the last two decades. Infants born at the edge of viability are now surviving despite prolonged hospitalizations. These infants born preterm are prone to a high degree of stress from life sustaining and routine interventions. Much focus has been directed toward addressing noxious environmental factors such as noise, light, and infectious disease; however, little has been done to examine the stress experienced by the professional caregiver who work in these environments. Environmental press theory, which focuses on the interplay between human beings and their surroundings, is …