Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Parent Perceptions Of Occupational Therapy In Early Childhood Special Education Programs Following Transition From Early Intervention Programs, Anita M. Wyrick

Theses and Dissertations

A qualitative approach was used to explore the perspectives of seven parents of preschool age children with disabilities in Virginia regarding occupational therapy and the transition from early intervention (EI) to early childhood special education (ECSE). Open-ended interviews were used to collect data from each family participant and were presented as individual case reports. A cross-case analysis revealed six common categories and four overarching themes. Results indicated that the transition was viewed positively when parents saw benefits of the change and when they were oriented toward the future. Parents viewed the EI and ECSE systems as not sharing their same …

A Rural Vs. Urban Analysis Of Procedures Provided To Medicaid Recipients By Pediatric, General, And Public Health Dentists In The Commonwealth Of Virginia: Fiscal Years 1994-1995, Frank Carmen Pettinato

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the distribution of procedures provided to Virginia Medicaid children by three types of dental providers in rural and urban areas. Methods: Medicaid claims filed for dental patients younger than 21 were obtained and analyzed for fiscal years 1994 and 1995. Dental providers were categorized according to their practice type: general practice (GP), pediatric (PD) and public health (PH) dentists. Each type of practice was categorized as practicing in a Metropolitan, Urban, Rural or Completely Rural location and evaluated for percentages of preventive, diagnostic, and corrective services provided.Results: The number of procedures …

Utilization Of The Vacuum Form Machine: Custom Mouthguards Versus Esthetic Bleaching Trays, Jacqueline Michele Carney

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study analyzed the percentage of Virginia practitioners utilizing vacuum form machines, types of appliances recommended, and types of patient information provided.Methods: Questionnaires were constructed and mailed to 2500 dentists.Results: 80% of dentists utilized vacuum form machines, 42.5% recommended mouthguards, 60.2% recommended home bleaching trays, 37.6% provided patient information on mouthguards, 37.1% provided patient information on home bleaching trays, 16.5% inquired on patient questionnaires about mouthguard protection during contact sports,and 17.3% inquired on patient questionnaires about tooth color satisfaction.Conclusions: Dentists use vacuum form machines for home bleaching trays more than mouthguards. General dentists and pediatric dentists provide patient information …

The Effect Of Chlorhexidine Gluconate As An Endodontic Irrigant On The Apical Seal: Long-Term Results, David B. Ferguson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether chlorhexidine gluconate (0.12%), used as an endodontic irrigating solution would affect the apical seal of three root canal cements. One hundred extracted human single-canal teeth were divided into 9 experimental groups of 10 teeth each, in addition to a positive and negative control group of 5 teeth each. The teeth were decoronated at the level of the cementoenamel junction, accessed, instrumented to a Master Apical File #50, irrigated with either sterile saline, 5.25% NaOCl or 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate, and dried using paper points. Obturation was accomplished using lateral condensation and one …

Lip Profile Preferences In Varying Sagittal Mandibular Positions, Grant Gordon Coleman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of sagittal mandibular position on preferred lip position in profile. Five androgynous silhouette profiles differing only in the degree of mandibular retro- or prognathism (-25º, -18º, -11º, -4º, & +3º facial contour angles) were created. Using a computer animation program, evaluators moved the lips independently into the position deemed to be the most esthetic for each profile. Evaluators included adolescent orthodontic patients, parents of patients, and orthodontists. In general, no differences in preferred lip position were found between the –11º & -4º profiles or between the –18º & +3º profiles, …

An In-Vitro Comparison Of The Retention Of Prefabricated Parallel-Sided Vented Titanium Posts Cemented With Three Different Dual-Polymerizable Resin Cements, Maha Mamdouh Mostafa El-Sayed

Theses and Dissertations

AbstractAN IN-VITRO COMPARISON OF THE RETENTION OF PREFABRICATED PARALLEL-SIDED VENTED TITANIUM POSTS CEMENTED WITH THREE DIFFERENT DUAL-POLYMERIZABLE RESIN CEMENTSBy Maha M. El-Sayed, B.D.S., D.M.D.A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University.Virginia Commonwealth University, 2003Thesis Director: David R. Burns, D.M.D. Associate Professor and Program DirectorGraduate ProsthodonticsDepartment of ProsthodonticsPurpose: The purpose of this in-vitro study was to compare the retentive strength of an autopolymerizing resin cement to three dual-polymerizable resin cements when used to cement paraposts without light activation and to relate diametral tensile stress and hardness as a measure …

Post-Processing Of Low Dose Mammography Images, Jesung Kim

Theses and Dissertations

In mammography, X-ray radiation is used in sufficient doses to be captured on film for cancer diagnosis. A problem lies in the inherent nature of X-rays to cause cancer. The resolution of the images obtained on film is directly related to the radiation dosage. Thus, a trade-off between image quality and radiation exposure is necessary to ensure proper diagnosis without causing cancer. A possible solution is to decrease the dosage of radiation and improve the image quality of mammograms using post- processing methods applied to digitized film images. Image processing techniques that may improve the resolution of images captured at …

A Novel Electrocardiogram Segmentation Algorithm Using A Multiple Model Adaptive Estimator, Gregory S. Hoffman

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a novel electrocardiogram (ECG) processing algorithm design based on a Multiple Model Adaptive Estimator (MMAE) for a physiological monitoring system. Twenty ECG signals from the MIT ECG database were used to develop system models for the MMAE. The P-wave, QRS complex, and T-wave segments from the characteristic ECG waveform were used to develop hypothesis filter banks. By adding a threshold filter-switching algorithm to the conventional MMAE implementation, the device mimics the way a human analyzer searches the complex ECG signal for a useable temporal landmark and then branches out to find the other key wave components and …

Determination Of The Protein Fraction And Presence Of Antibodies In The Seminal Fluid Of Llama (Lama Glama), Francisco Flores Lopes

Theses and Dissertations

At an international level, Bolivia possesses the largest population of llamas followed by Peru. This makes our country a power, in this renewable resource, to create and generate economic development primarily for the quality of llama meat which has nutritional properties superior to other species of animals used for food. The development of the investigation of llamas in our country has not been very far-reaching. In other countries, advances have been made for quite some time, specifically in the area of reproduction, which presents problems in bringing about an intensive repopulation due to the unique characteristics of llama copulation and …

Distance Education And Dementia Caregivers: A Comparison Of Three Methods, Mary Colleen Corrigan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the research is to examine the family experience of dementia caregiving and design an educational intervention to assist family members in the caregiving role. Stress results when a caregiver confronts environmental demands (dementia behaviors) that threaten personal well-being. The perception of threat is the process of primary stress appraisal. Caregivers evaluate coping options, a process of secondary stress appraisal. Positive secondary appraisal (view the situation as amenable to change) has the potential to trigger re-appraisal of the primary threat, and to reduce overall stress.

Education is one way to affect secondary appraisal. Adult learners benefit from progressive …

The Effect Of Endodontic Solutions On Resorcinol-Formalin Paste, Ronald Nicholas Vranas

Theses and Dissertations

This study determined if any of four endodontic solutions would have a softening effect on resorcinol-formalin paste and if there were any differences in the solvent action between these solutions. Resorcinol, formalin and zinc oxide were mixed and allowed to set for 30 days. The solutions tested were 0.9% sodium chloride, 5.25% NaOCl, chloroform and Endosolv R. Seven samples per solution were tested and an additional seven samples served as controls. Each sample was saturated with one of the solutions and the depth of penetration was tested at 1 min, 2 min, 5 min, 10 min and 20 min using …

Placement Of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Using Two Different Techniques, Anita Aminoshariae

Theses and Dissertations

AbstractTHE PLACEMENT OF MINERAL TRIOXIDE AGGREGATE USING TWO DIFFERENT TECHNIQUESBy Anita Aminoshariae, D.D.S.A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth UniversityVirginia Commonwealth University, 2003Major Director: Gary R. Hartwell, D.D.S., M.S.Chairman and Professor, Department of EndodonticsThe purpose of this study was to determine if the adaptation of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) to the walls of the samples would differ when placed into simulated root canals of varying length using two different placement and condensation methods. Hand condensation was compared to ultrasonic condensation. Eighty polyethylene tubes were divided into four groups …

Cleaning Efficiency Of Nickel Titanium Gt And .04 Rotary Files When Used In A Torque Controlled Rotary Handpiece, Calvin Buford Suffridge

Theses and Dissertations

This study determined if the cleaning efficiency of NiTi rotary files in an endodontic electric handpiece using a no torque control setting was superior to that obtained when using the torque control feature. Fifty extracted human anterior teeth with straight canals were divided into two groups of 20 and two control groups of 5. Canals were instrumented with GT and .04 Profile NiTi files until a size 35 advanced to working length. Samples were sectioned, the apical 6 mm of the canal was photographed (x20) and projected onto a 3 x 4 foot grid with squares measuring 0.5 inches each. …

Formulation Of Balanced Diets In Base Of Grains Of Left-Over Of Corn, Wheat, And Barley For Guinea Pigs (Cavia Porcellus), Egresado Hever Patricio Castro Calvache

Theses and Dissertations

The present investigation was carried out in the rural community La Rinconada, located in the canton Ibarra of the province of Imbabura. The field work was developed during 12 months. Previous activities were developed to the rehearsal like socialization of the program; training in areas of: poscosecha of grains, alfalfa cultivation and systems of growth of guinea pigs. The rehearsal lasted 70 days and it was developed in the property of three families of the community. The formulation of diets balanced based on grains of waste of corn, wheat and barley for the growth and increment of weight of guinea …

Creation Of Three Nutritional Mixes Based On Amaranth (Amaranthus Caudatus) And Other Andean Crops For School-Aged Children (Cochabamba-Bolivia), Sandra Carola Delgadillo Barriga

Theses and Dissertations

In Bolivia we have three very valuable Andean grains: amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus), quinoa (Chenopodium quinua), and canihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule), which combined with cereals and legumes can become a complete and balanced food in order to combat the malnutrition that is so widespread in our region. In this study, various nutritional mixes were formulated, based on amaranth and other Andean crops, and the three best were chosen according to nutrition, palatability, and cost. They were: Andean Baby Food, Mixicereal, and Amaranth Cookie, which have an amino acid complement between 79% and 100% and give satisfactory amounts of protein, energy, and minerals …

Scoring Sentences Developmentally: An Analog Of Developmental Sentence Scoring, Amy Seal

Theses and Dissertations

A variety of tools have been developed to assist in the quantification and analysis of naturalistic language samples. In recent years, computer technology has been employed in language sample analysis. This study compares a new automated index, Scoring Sentences Developmentally (SSD), to two existing measures. Eighty samples from three corpora were manually analyzed using DSS and MLU and the processed by the automated software. Results show all three indices to be highly correlated, with correlations ranging from .62 to .98. The high correlations among scores support further investigation of the psychometric characteristics of the SSD software to determine its clinical …

Effect Of A Desensitizing Agent And An Adhesive System On Microleakage Associated With Cast Restorations Luted With A Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement, Saleh Abdulaziz Al-Rowaieh

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study evaluated microleakage associated with cast restorations that were luted with a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RelyX) following obturation of the dentinal tubules with either a desensitizing agent (Gluma Desensitizer) or an adhesive system (Scotchbond Multipurpose Dental Adhesive). The effect of acid etching on the removal of the smear layer and its influence on the extent of microleakage associated with the adhesive system was also evaluated.

Materials and Methods: Extracted mandibular premolars (N = 48) were prepared for complete cast restorations and divided into 4 groups (N = 12). In group A ( control), neither a desensitizing agent …

Factors Influencing Mammography Utilization Among Disabled And Nondisabled Women, Jeffrey S. Legg

Theses and Dissertations

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in women in the United States. Because the majority of risk factors for breast cancer are not modifiable, early detection methods such as mammography are essential. However, concern exists for the equitable provision and use of mammography services in the U.S. Mammography is ofien underutilized by various subpopulations resulting, potentially, in these groups not experiencing the benefits of early detection. A subpopulation that has received little attention in the study of mammography utilization encompasses persons classified as disabled.

The 1998 National Health Interview Survey provided the data for this analysis. …

The Effects Of An Aquatic Intervention Program On The Discomforts Of Pregnancy, Sheila Anne O'Hanlon Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Approximately 50% to 80% of pregnant women complain of low back pain, edema, and other discomforts. Although exercise programs have been recommended to decrease the discomforts of pregnancy and improve body image. There is a paucity of research in this area. There is very little research on exercise in water, despite theoretical and empirical advantages of such activity.

This study’s aims were to determine the impact of an aquatic exercise intervention program on pregnant women’s body image, self-efficacy, perception of barriers to health-promoting behaviors, health-promoting behaviors, mobility, and discomforts. Pender’s Health Promotion Model (1996) served as the framework for the …

Working Length Determination In Palatal Roots Of Maxillary Molars, Melanie A. Kim-Park

Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study was to determine if a buccal curvature in the palatal roots of maxillary molars affected the clinician’s ability to accurately determine working length. Twenty-seven extracted, human maxillary molars were sorted by palatal root curvatures as J- and C-type and the angle of curvature was determined. Straight-line access was made and a #20 file was placed into the canal until the tip was visible at the apical foramen then withdrawn. The file, tooth and calibration wire were radiographed on one image using the RVG. Actual (file) and radiographic (tooth) lengths were determined using the RVG ruler. …

The Association Of Organizational Performance And Market Factors With Hospital Acquisition, Jeffrey P. Harrison

Theses and Dissertations

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This research focuses on the relationship between hospital acquisition and operational performance, market factors, and organizational factors following the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. Resource dependence and financial theory guided the methodology. According to resource dependence theory, organizations desire to remain autonomous until they are faced with scarce resources. This scarcity of resources is caused by the dynamic interaction with the external environment. Financial theory recognizes the organizations ability to be successful by ensuring access to capital through profitability, strong bond ratings, lines of credit, and equity financing. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 reduced hospital Medicare reimbursement and …

Genetic Dissection Of Behavioral And Neurogenomic Responses To Acute Ethanol, Aaron Wolen

Theses and Dissertations

Individual differences in initial sensitivity to ethanol are strongly related to the heritable risk of alcoholism in humans. To elucidate key molecular networks that modulate ethanol sensitivity we performed a systems genetics analysis of ethanol-responsive gene expression in brain regions of the mesocorticolimbic reward circuit (prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens and ventral midbrain) across the BXD RI panel, a highly diverse family of isogenic mouse strains before and after treatment with ethanol. Acute ethanol altered the expression of ~2,750 genes in one or more regions and 400 transcripts were jointly modulated in all three. Ethanol-responsive gene networks were extracted with a …

Alveolar Ridge Dimension Analysis Following Socket Preservation Using Clinical Assessment And Cone Beam Computed Tomography (Cbct)., Sayward Duggan

Theses and Dissertations

AIM: Extraction of a tooth can lead to alveolar ridge resorption which can be minimized by socket preservation. The aim of this study is to analyze vertical and horizontal alveolar ridge dimensions clinically and by CBCT immediately following extraction and 3-4 months following socket preservation. METHODS: The preserved group (P) consisted of 20 patients with1-2 non-molar teeth requiring extraction with socket preservation, while the control group (C) consisted of 5 patients requiring extraction alone. An acrylic stent was fabricated presurgically in order to measure vertical and horizontal ridge dimensions clinically and radiographically immediately following extraction and 3-4 months following socket …

Eating, Nutrition And Of Health Diagnostic Of The Elementary Schools Of The Communities Of Guambo And The Rinconada, Province Of Imbabura 2002-2001, Ruth Muriel

Theses and Dissertations

The rural communities of the province of Imbabura present multiple problems of environmental, educational, and economic kind. Previous studies show that the rural communities of the Ecuadorian population present serious problems of health and nutrition, among those that excel are: poliparasitosis, respiratory infections and diarrheal, malnutrition, deficiency of micro nutrients, sanitary deficiency, scarce economic resources and low level of instruction. All these factors have caused a decrease in the productive capacity of the country and affected their level of development. In addition, delay exists in size in the students, which leads to a decrease in the capacity for physical work, …

Interdisciplinary Education At Academic Health Centers: Attitudes And Barriers Affecting Its Delivery, Stephanie F. Gardner

Theses and Dissertations

Interdisciplinary care is a method of providing patient care that incorporates the efforts of various health care providers. Studies show this approach can improve patient care and decrease overall costs to the healthcare system. Despite the evidence for the benefits of interdisciplinary care, there are no well-defined models for training students during their didactic years to become members of an interdisciplinary team. This study determines the attitudes of administrators of professional schools toward interdisciplinary education, identifies perceived barriers to interdisciplinary education, examines the extent to which interdisciplinary education is occurring at academic health center campuses, and identifies the courses that …

The Pineal Gland, Via Melatonin, Protects Dna, Coordinates The Endocrine System With The Immune System And Controls The Timing Of Reproduction, Craig L. Anthony

Theses and Dissertations

The pineal gland secretes the hormone melatonin (n-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) with a circadian rhythm. This secretion's rhythm becomes disrupted with age. When melatonin secretion is decreased with advanced age, the immune, endocrine and reproductive systems fail to function optimally. Melatonin possesses lipophilic and anti-oxidant properties, providing it with access to nuclei. Melatonin protects the DNA, preventing cancerous mutation. Hippocampal degeneration and age increase and prolong the adrenocortical responses to stress. Melatonin supplementation reduces the prolonged exposure to harmful hormones.

Titrating And Evaluating Multiple Drug Regimens Within Subjects, Margaret Shih

Theses and Dissertations

The dosing of combination therapies is commonly undertaken empirically by practicing physicians, and there is a lack of a coherent algorithm to approach the problem of combination dosing. Current methods of evaluating multiple drug combinations in clinical trials generally do not provide information regarding the location of more effective dosages when the combination is not found to differ from the standard, even though the absence of a difference does not necessarily mean the new combination is ineffective. Additionally, if a new combination is found to be more effective, often a large proportion of the subjects has not benefited from the …

A Comparative Study Of Murine Mast Cell Progenitors, Shirley K. Desimone

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a comparative study of variables affecting differentiation and proliferation of progenitor cells from various embryonic and fetal tissue sites as they differentiate into mast cells. Embryonic stem cells from gestation day 4.5 (d4.5) differentiated exclusively into mast cells when cultured in semi-solid media with stem cell factor (SCF) and Interleukin-3 (IL-3). The same was true of d8-1 1 yolk sac cells and d8-1 1 cells from the embryo itself. However, culture with SCF and IL-3 of cells from dl4 fetal livers differentiated into mast cells, cells of the erythrocyte lineage and a few "macrophages" which may have …

A Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Eye Protection Methods Used In General Anesthesia, Larry W. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quasi experimental, clinical study was to determine whether taping of the eye or applying ophthalmic ointment along with taping of the eye yields a difference in occurrence and symptoms of corneal epithelial defects in surgical patients undergoing general anesthesia. Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory provided the theoretical framework for this study.

Fifty subjects were randomly selected from a convenience sample of surgical patients in two 300 bed hospitals located in a Midwestern state. The subjects ranged from 18 to 60 years of age. The subjects had no history of previous eye surgery or glaucoma, and were not …

An Object-Oriented Approach To The Modeling And Visualization Of Breast Cancer Tumors, Bruce C. Jenkins

Theses and Dissertations

Great strides have been made in controlling the progression of breast cancer, but medical professionals continue to rely primarily upon traditional mammography for early detection. Enhancing breast cancer detection capabilities - and thus reducing tumor detection time - should result in a reduction in mortality rates. The detection capabilities of mammography may be enhanced through improved modeling and visualization techniques. This thesis is an extension of initial research conducted at the Air Force Institute of Technology. Previous efforts focused on developing a mathematical model for simulating the growth of cancer within unconstrained 3-dimensional space. The research also explored the behavior …