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Articles 3391 - 3420 of 4193
Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
A Community-Engaged Research Approach To The Development Of An Assessment Tool For Historical Data Collection Of Saara Client Population, Jessica Markey
A Community-Engaged Research Approach To The Development Of An Assessment Tool For Historical Data Collection Of Saara Client Population, Jessica Markey
Theses and Dissertations
Through collaboration between the Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance (SAARA) and several community partners, a need was identified for a new measurement tool to gather comprehensive client histories for program evaluation and development. The purpose of this study was to (1) develop a culturally relevant and organizationally appropriate mechanism for the collection of comprehensive client histories and (2) to provide the opportunity for staff to engage in a new process of developing and implementing data collection strategies. As a result of the use of a community-based participatory approach, (1) a missed opportunity for program evaluation and development was identified, …
A Qualitative Approach To Explore The Experiences Of Health Care Providers Who Treat Patients For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd), Mark Killebrew
A Qualitative Approach To Explore The Experiences Of Health Care Providers Who Treat Patients For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd), Mark Killebrew
Theses and Dissertations
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that occurs when people are exposed to stressful, life-threatening experiences. Consequently, after exposure to such an event, many people may experience fear, guilt, or anger and may believe the trauma is reoccurring. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 5.2 million U.S. adults age 18-54 have PTSD in any given year. The prevalence of PTSD is even more problematic within the military where an estimated 30% of those who have spent time in war zones experiences PTSD. Researchers have been examining the impact of veterans’ PTSD symptoms on family …
Statin Use And The Risk Of Clostridium Difficile In Academic Medical Centers: A Matched Case Control Study, Christine Motzkus
Statin Use And The Risk Of Clostridium Difficile In Academic Medical Centers: A Matched Case Control Study, Christine Motzkus
Theses and Dissertations
BACKGROUND: Increasing rates of hospital acquired Clostridium difficile (CDI), as well as mortality owing to CDI, warrants further exploration of risk factors. Clostridium difficile bacteria typically produce toxins which inactivate the Rho proteins found in the colonic epithelium. Statins also disrupt Rho protein cell signaling functions. The objective of this study was to estimate the extent to which use of statins increases the risk of healthcare-acquired CDI. METHODS: Patients over 18 years of age admitted to hospitals contributing data to the University HealthSystem Consortium between 2002 and 2009 were eligible. We identified 25, 111 incident cases of CDI and matched …
The Relationship Between Treatment-Seeking And Characteristics Of Depression Among African Americans, Tamara Scott
The Relationship Between Treatment-Seeking And Characteristics Of Depression Among African Americans, Tamara Scott
Theses and Dissertations
Objective: Depression is a common psychiatric condition, and despite the availability of effective treatments, this condition is largely under-recognized and undertreated, particularly among African Americans. One reason for this discrepancy may be that depressive symptoms often co-occur with physical health conditions, which can influence both the reporting of depressive symptomology, willingness to seek care, and the type of healthcare provider sought. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between treatment-seeking characteristics and diagnostic attributions of depression among community-dwelling African American adults. Methods: Data come from the National Survey of American Life, a nationally representative sample of African …
Strategies For Deriving A Single Measure Of The Overall Burden Of Antimicrobial Resistance In Hospitals, Alessandro Orlando
Strategies For Deriving A Single Measure Of The Overall Burden Of Antimicrobial Resistance In Hospitals, Alessandro Orlando
Theses and Dissertations
Background: Antimicrobial-resistant infections result in hospital stays costing between $18,000 and $29,000. As of 2009, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services no longer upgrade payments for hospital-acquired infections. Hospital epidemiologists monitor and document rates of individual resistant microbes in antibiogram reports. Overall summary measures capturing resistance within a hospital may be useful. Objectives: We applied four techniques (L1- and L2-principal component analysis (PCA), desirability functions, and simple summary) to create summary measures of resistance and described the four summary measures with respect to reliability, proportion of variance explained, and clinical utility. Methods: We requested antibiograms from hospitals participating in the …
Self-Ligating Vs. Conventional Brackets As Perceived By Orthodontists, Chase Prettyman
Self-Ligating Vs. Conventional Brackets As Perceived By Orthodontists, Chase Prettyman
Theses and Dissertations
Introduction: Within the past decade, significant developments, new designs, and numerous proposed advantages of self-ligating (SL) brackets have caused them to gain great popularity among practicing orthodontists. The purpose of this study was to determine if there are significant clinical differences between SL and conventional brackets on orthodontic treatment as perceived by practicing orthodontists, and more specifically, if the proposed advantages of SL brackets are evident in clinical practice. Methods: A survey was developed to evaluate how SL brackets compare to conventional brackets when perceived by practicing orthodontists (n=430). The initial series of questions focused on individual practitioner characteristics and …
Lip Profile Preferences Of Asian Americans, Hung Quoc Lu
Lip Profile Preferences Of Asian Americans, Hung Quoc Lu
Theses and Dissertations
The aim of this study was to evaluate how Asians, non-Asians, and orthodontists in America view esthetic soft tissue Asian lip profiles. The null hypothesis was that there was no difference in the perception of lip profile esthetics of Asian patients between Asian laypersons, non-Asians laypersons, and orthodontists. A survey was constructed using the profile photographs of one adult male and one adult female Asian American patient taken from the VCU Orthodontics Clinic records. Using Dolphin Imaging 3D, the original photographs were digitally altered. The lips in each photograph were moved in increments forward and backwards to produce 5 images …
Use Of Cone Beam Computed Tomography In The Determination Of Mental Foramen Location In Relation To Mandibular 1st And 2nd Premolars, Sanjay Bhagchandani
Use Of Cone Beam Computed Tomography In The Determination Of Mental Foramen Location In Relation To Mandibular 1st And 2nd Premolars, Sanjay Bhagchandani
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to use existing Cone Beam Computer Tomography images to determine the vertical and horizontal location of the mental foramen in relation to the mandibular first and second premolars, as well as the distance in millimeters from the apex of each. The distance from the inferior border of the foramen to the inferior border of the mandible was also recorded. The average distance from the apices of the mandibular first and second premolars to the mental foramen was 7.43mm (SD= 1.97) and 5.30mm (SD=1.65) respectively. The foramen was located 11.44mm (SD=1.49) from the inferior border …
Endodontic Residents’ Understanding Of Biostatistics: A 2010 Survey Of Endodontic Residents In The United States, Paul Letellier Jr.
Endodontic Residents’ Understanding Of Biostatistics: A 2010 Survey Of Endodontic Residents In The United States, Paul Letellier Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
Endodontic residents must keep current with clinical information to practice evidence- based dentistry. To do so, endodontic residents must access research papers and interpret results. This requires a knowledge of biostatistics. However, the biostatistical knowledge of endodontic residents is relatively unknown. The purpose of the study was to assess the biostatistical knowledge of endodontic residents using a survey instrument to prove or reject the hypothesis that there exists a lack of understanding of biostatistic principles among endodontic residents. A survey consisting of 29 questions querying attitudes and biostatistical knowledge was distributed to 230 endodontic residents and returned with a 32% …
Master Of Public Health Research Project: Unmarried Women In Ghana, Africa: Predictors Of Condom Use- An Analysis Of The 2008 Ghana Demographic And Health Survey/Questionnaire Database, Emilie Hill
Theses and Dissertations
Background: Many factors affect whether women will insist that their sexual partners use a condom. This research project will identify some of the predictors of condom use among unmarried women in Ghana, Africa. Methods: This research project evaluated data from the 2008 DHS of women in Ghana, Africa for predictors of condom use among unmarried women. A total of 4,916 women completed the surveys. Of these, 1,966 women were unmarried. The research project employed multiple logistic regression analysis to determine condom use predictors at the time of the last sexual encounter for these 1,966 unmarried women. Results: Women with a …
The Effect Of Medicaid Policy Reform On Dental Utilization Rates For Children, Matthew Winheim
The Effect Of Medicaid Policy Reform On Dental Utilization Rates For Children, Matthew Winheim
Theses and Dissertations
Background: Regular access to dental services is a well-known factor in the oral health and development of children.1 As such, the United States federal government mandates each state to include dental services for children enrolled in Medicaid through the age of 21. Despite this mandate, the utilization rate of dental services among Medicaid enrolled children has remained remarkably low.2 In July 2005, Virginia implemented a sweeping Medicaid policy reform titled “Smiles for Children,” specifically aiming to increase Medicaid pediatric dental utilization rates. The purpose of this study aims to assess the effect of this 2005 policy reform on the utilization …
The Association Between Prenatal Care Content And Quality With Preterm Birth And Maternal Postpartum Health Behaviors, Susan Cha
Theses and Dissertations
Background: Health policies that seek to improve pregnancy outcomes focus on increasing the availability and access to prenatal care (PNC) services based on studies that support an association between insufficient PNC and adverse birth outcomes. These studies employ PNC utilization indices that measure the adequacy of PNC use, but these indices fail to account for the content or specific components of PNC. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to utilize PRAMS and birth certificate data to evaluate the content and quality of PNC in Virginia, and its impact on preterm birth and maternal postpartum health behaviors. Methods: Data was …
When Volunteering Doesn’T Cut It: A Critical Examination Of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Surveillance And Trends In The United States., Erica E. Smith
Theses and Dissertations
Background. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, are newly emerging pathogens of public health importance. Currently no nationally representative or mandatory surveillance or reporting system exists to examine trends of these important pathogens. Objective. The purpose of the current study was to estimate trends in overall microbial burden and carbapenem resistance in E. coli and K. pneumoniae and to understand the extent to which hospitals which report to voluntary surveillance systems represent all hospitals in the United States. Design. We conducted a descriptive study to compare the hospitals participating in voluntary reporting systems of the University HealthSystem Consortium …
Nonmedical Prescription Drug Use On College Campuses: Risk Factors For Abuse, Jennifer Barber
Nonmedical Prescription Drug Use On College Campuses: Risk Factors For Abuse, Jennifer Barber
Theses and Dissertations
Background: In recent years, there has been an increase in prescription drug abuse, particularly among adolescents and young adults. While substance abuse on college campuses has remained a pervasive public health concern, rates of nonmedical prescription drug use surpass commonly abused drugs. The three most commonly abused prescription drugs (central nervous system (CNS) depressants, opioids, and stimulants) were assessed to identify differences among student characteristics, as well as their relationship with abuse. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to conduct a secondary analysis to explore demographic variables (race, gender, academic performance, living arrangement, alcohol and other drug usage, and …
The Association Between Domestic Violence, Hiv Status And Consent To Testing Among Zambian Women, Kara Nelson
The Association Between Domestic Violence, Hiv Status And Consent To Testing Among Zambian Women, Kara Nelson
Theses and Dissertations
In the past twenty years a global trend has emerged illustrating increasing rates of violence against women, with HIV rates among this population also steadily on the rise. Despite the burden of the problem, there is scant corpus of literature exploring the influence of domestic violence on HIV. Therefore, this study examined the association between domestic violence and women’s decision to consent to HIV testing, and their HIV status. Using the 2007 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey, it was found that Zambian women who have experienced domestic violence are 13% more likely to consent to an HIV test. After adjusting …
Is Food Insecurity A Contributing Factor To Childhood Obesity? The Association Of Household Food Insecurity And Obesity Prevalence Among Children And Adolescents In The United States, Zarah Liz Panaguiton
Is Food Insecurity A Contributing Factor To Childhood Obesity? The Association Of Household Food Insecurity And Obesity Prevalence Among Children And Adolescents In The United States, Zarah Liz Panaguiton
Theses and Dissertations
The obesity epidemic is a major public health concern, where the prevalence rates amongst the American children population have more than doubled since the 1980s. Among overweight children, the risk of becoming an overweight or obese adult is 70% higher than children of normal weight, and obese children are more likely to remain obese into adulthood and face a number of morbidities associated with it, including lower quality of life and increased financial burden. In this research, we examined the relationship between household food security and obesity among children and adolescents between the ages of 2-18 years old. We used …
Endodontic Education And Educators: Who Is Teaching Our Predoctoral Students And What Methods Are Being Taught?, Ellison Turner
Endodontic Education And Educators: Who Is Teaching Our Predoctoral Students And What Methods Are Being Taught?, Ellison Turner
Theses and Dissertations
A survey was conducted to assess the current state of predoctoral endodontic education in the United States. Fifty-one schools received surveys and 73% responded. Seventy-six percent were from public schools with most having a graduate endodontic program (84%). Preclinical training most often began in the spring of second year and clinical training started in the fall of third year (each 54%). All programs that responded stated that endodontists routinely instruct students in the clinic. Sodium hypochlorite 2.5% was the irrigation of choice. Calcium hydroxide was the most common intracanal medicament. Cold lateral condensation with gutta-percha was the most frequently indicated …
Spinal Cord Injury: Exploring The Histology Of Electrospun Implants In Vivo, Charles Lin
Spinal Cord Injury: Exploring The Histology Of Electrospun Implants In Vivo, Charles Lin
Theses and Dissertations
Spinal cord injury results in loss of motor function and sensory perception. A myriad of obstacles prevent axonal regeneration and ultimately functional recovery in those afflicted with spinal cord injury. Combinatorial strategies addressing many of these obstacles simultaneously have shown promising results. Laboratories investigating contusional spinal cord injuries must overcome the formation of a fluid filled cyst, a physical gap that axons must traverse, at the injury epicenter. To fill the cyst, our lab has generated a 3-D electrospun matrix that is capable of directing neurite outgrowth, delivering neurotrophic support, and reducing the activity of neuroinhibitory compounds. These electrospun matrices …
The Epidemiology Of Snakebite Injury In The Amazonian Regions Of Ecuador, Sarah Stuppy
The Epidemiology Of Snakebite Injury In The Amazonian Regions Of Ecuador, Sarah Stuppy
Theses and Dissertations
The epidemiology of snakebite injury in the Amazonian regions of Ecuador Introduction: Morbidity and mortality from snakebite envenomations is a major public health issue in remote areas of under-developed countries. Several attempts have been made to approximate the impact of snakebites worldwide, however these are assumed to be underestimations due to the lack of documentation on the local level. Ecuador's Amazonian region lacks a comprehensive community-based surveillance system, however it is unique in that an aero-medical transport system is in place to transfer the patients requiring hospitalization to one of the five urban medical centers. Beginning in 1998, Servicio Aéreo …
Maternal Attitudes Related To Infant Feeding And Breastfeeding Behaviors In Taiwan, Yen-Ju Ho
Maternal Attitudes Related To Infant Feeding And Breastfeeding Behaviors In Taiwan, Yen-Ju Ho
Theses and Dissertations
Background: The government in Taiwan has promoted breastfeeding in recent years yet, exclusive initiation rates and continuation of breastfeeding remain low. Maternal attitudes have been found to be better predictors of infant feeding method during the postpartum period than socio-demographic factors. Understanding maternal attitudes related to infant feeding in Taiwan will support the development of better targeted, more effective health promotion programs aimed at increasing breastfeeding rates. Objectives: To examine maternal attitudes toward breastfeeding and the relationship of these factors to breastfeeding duration at six weeks postpartum. The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) was translated into Chinese for this …
The Mechanism Of Mitochondrial Folate Transport By The Mitochondrial Folate Transporter, Scott Alan Lawrence
The Mechanism Of Mitochondrial Folate Transport By The Mitochondrial Folate Transporter, Scott Alan Lawrence
Theses and Dissertations
The mitochondrial folate transport protein (MFT) functions to transport folates into the mitochondrial matrix. The MFT is a member of a mitochondrial carrier family (MCF) of proteins that have a high degree of sequence and structural similarities, yet they transport vastly different substrates at high specificities. In this dissertation research, the folate-specific transport mechanism of the MFT was explored using experimental and computational techniques. MFT residues that differed from MCF consensus residues in conserved PxD/ExxK/R motifs and at a predicted substrate-binding site common to all MCF proteins were investigated. Site-directed mutagenesis of these anomalous residues in the MFT revealed that …
Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 (Igfbp-3) Plays An Essential Role In Cellular Senescence: Molecular And Clinical Implications., Amanda Garza
Theses and Dissertations
Normal somatic cells have a limited proliferative capacity in vivo and in vitro, termed senescence and later, thought to contribute to molecular and cellular organismal aging. There are several studies that demonstrate the importance of the GH/IGF axis in longevity, aging and cellular senescence. One primary component of the IGF signaling involves IGFBP-3. It is well documented that IGFBP-3 levels are significantly increased in senescent human diploid fibroblasts however IGFBP-3 function is not known in this system. Interestingly, Werner syndrome fibroblasts, commonly used as a model of cellular aging, have upregulated IGFBP-3 levels in young and late passage cells compared …
Focal Adhesion Kinase, A Major Regulator Of Oligodendrocyte Morphological Maturation And Myelination, Audrey Lafrenaye
Focal Adhesion Kinase, A Major Regulator Of Oligodendrocyte Morphological Maturation And Myelination, Audrey Lafrenaye
Theses and Dissertations
The formation of the myelin sheath is a crucial step during development because it enables fast and efficient propagation of signals within the limited space of the mammalian central nervous system. During the process of myelination, oligodendrocytes actively interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM). These interactions are considered crucial for proper and timely completion of the myelin sheath. However, the exact regulatory circuits involved in the signaling events that occur between the ECM and oligodendrocytes are currently not fully understood. Therefore, in this dissertation we investigated the role of a known integrator of cell-ECM signaling, namely, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), …
Exploring The Mechanism Of Alginate Acetylation In Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Janice Paletta
Exploring The Mechanism Of Alginate Acetylation In Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Janice Paletta
Theses and Dissertations
The opportunistic pathogen P. aeruginosa is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis patients. During chronic infection of the cystic fibrosis lung, P. aeruginosa undergoes conversion to a mucoid phenotype, constitutively producing the exopolysaccharide alginate, composed of the uronic acids D-mannuronate and L-guluronate. This alginate production contributes significantly to virulence in the cystic fibrosis lung. Evidence suggests that the acetylation state of the mannuronate component of the alginate influences the ability of components of the immune system to phagocytose the organism. To garner new and relevant information regarding the mechanism of alginate acetylation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a …
A Survey Of The Usage Of Topical Anesthesia Among Dentist, Lawrence Shults
A Survey Of The Usage Of Topical Anesthesia Among Dentist, Lawrence Shults
Theses and Dissertations
Purpose: The purposes of this study were four-fold: 1) to determine the types and effectiveness of various topical anesthetics being used among dentists currently treating children, 2) to determine the types of procedures for which topical anesthetics are being used among children, 3) to understand the awareness and use of a relatively newer compounded topical gel Oraqix (Dentsply Caulk) among children, 4) to understand the adverse reactions to topical anesthesia that are seen among children. Methods: A cross sectional survey was designed, regarding the type, procedural use, effectiveness, and adverse reactions noted among children to various topical anesthetics. The survey …
Mechanisms Associated With Aging And Age-Related Disease In Drosophila, Melanie Jones
Mechanisms Associated With Aging And Age-Related Disease In Drosophila, Melanie Jones
Theses and Dissertations
Aging is an intrinsic process that is independent of obvious disease. In contrast to normal aging, age-related diseases are conditions that typically manifest at advanced ages, are associated with explicit pathology and cause disability and premature death. We used Drosophila as a model to investigate the molecular-genetic mechanisms associated with aging and age-related disease. Age-related locomotor impairment (ARLI) is a serious condition for the elderly and greatly impacts their quality of life. Toward identifying genes and mechanisms that influence ARLI, we performed a forward genetic screen using Drosophila mutants. This screen identified a loss of function mutant in PDK1, a …
Oral Health Status Of Children In The Child Health Investment Partnership (Chip) Program, Latrice Foster
Oral Health Status Of Children In The Child Health Investment Partnership (Chip) Program, Latrice Foster
Theses and Dissertations
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe children’s dental disease status and functional health literacy of families enrolled in the Child Health Investment Partnership program in Roanoke Valley. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of children (n=166) enrolled in the Child Health Investment Partnership of Roanoke Valley, Virginia (CHIP). The parents of the 166 children completed the Life Skills Progression (LSP) survey at enrollment between September 2004 and September 2008 to assess their functional health literacy levels. Their LSP scores were used to determine their subsequent health care literacy (HCL), personal health literacy (PHL), and dental-child utilization …
Identification Of Loci Contributing To The Smith-Magenis Syndrome-Like Phenotype And Molecular Evaluation Of The Retinoic Acid Induced 1 Gene, Stephen Williams
Identification Of Loci Contributing To The Smith-Magenis Syndrome-Like Phenotype And Molecular Evaluation Of The Retinoic Acid Induced 1 Gene, Stephen Williams
Theses and Dissertations
Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a multiple congenital abnormalities intellectual disability syndrome that results from a deletion of chromosome 17p11.2 or mutation of the retinoic acid inducted one gene (RAI1). SMS is characterized by a multitude of phenotypic features including craniofacial defects, short stature, obesity, intellectual disability, self-abusive behavior, sleep disturbance and behavioral abnormalities. Interestingly, although SMS is a clearly defined syndrome with a known molecular change at its foundation, ~40% of all candidate cases sent to the Elsea lab for evaluation do not have a mutation or deletion of RAI1. We hypothesize that at least one other locus must be …
Characterization Of Adherence, Cytotoxicity And Biofilm Formation By Gardnerella Vaginalis, Jennifer Patterson
Characterization Of Adherence, Cytotoxicity And Biofilm Formation By Gardnerella Vaginalis, Jennifer Patterson
Theses and Dissertations
Worldwide, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal disorder in women of childbearing age. BV is of major clinical importance due to its ability to significantly affect pregnancy outcome and enhance the transmission and acquisition of HIV. BV is characterized by a dramatic shift in the vaginal microflora; in most BV cases, the predominant bacterial species is Gardnerella vaginalis. It has been demonstrated that G. vaginalis forms an adherent biofilm on the vaginal epithelium of women with BV. Furthemore, evidence suggests that the high rate of recurrence associated with BV is related to incomplete eradication of the biofilm. The …
Characterization Of The Staphylococcus Aureus Immunodominant Surface Antigen B, Isab, Nicole Lawrence
Characterization Of The Staphylococcus Aureus Immunodominant Surface Antigen B, Isab, Nicole Lawrence
Theses and Dissertations
Staphylococcus aureus is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality world-wide. This opportunistic pathogen is capable of causing several severe diseases that are exacerbated by its diverse and widespread antibiotic resistance profile. Therefore it is necessary to identify novel therapeutic targets to effectively treat S. aureus disease. Lorenz et al first described the Immunodominant Surface Antigen B, IsaB, because it was 1 of 4 unique proteins immunogenic during septicemia and not colonization, suggesting that IsaB may be a virulence factor and a possible novel therapeutic target. Interestingly, IsaB has no homology to proteins of known function and appears to be …