Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Enhancing Long-Term Outcomes: Implementing Community Engaged Research To Augment Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Kevin M. Quinn

Masters Theses

The Universal Evaluation Tool is an intuitive self-assessment instrument to enhance long-term treatment outcomes for Guiding Light’s residential addiction rehabilitation program. Designed as a versatile method for collecting primary data, the Universal Evaluation Tool can be administered to clients at any point during the recovery program (i.e., intake to discharge). The data collected from the survey can be used as a framework to guide treatment decisions, develop personalized care plans, offer insight into a client’s progress, and collect baseline data (e.g., sociodemographic characteristics) on a treatment population for use in grant applications.

A pilot study to generate preliminary data was …

Effects Of Dietary Phytoestrogens On Spermatogenesis And Male Reproductive Tract In Mice, Trenton A. Dalm

Masters Theses

Increases in infertility over the past 50 years are linked to environmental exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). One type of EDC is phytoestrogens, commonly found in soy-based diets and foods such as cauliflower, tofu, and broccoli. Phytoestrogens may bind estrogen receptors and have positive or negative effects on receptor signaling. The developing male reproductive tract is potentially susceptible to endocrine disruptors leading to changes in adult reproductive function and possibly infertility. We hypothesized that dietary phytoestrogen exposure would have a dose dependent effect with the high diet yielding the lowest sperm count and worst performance compared to the medium …

A Comparison Of Pm-Nato3’S Influence On Neural Progenitors And Mature Dopamine Neurons, Mary E. West

Masters Theses

This thesis presents significant findings regarding the role of PM-Nato3 in its interaction with developing neurons in the context of Parkinson's disease (PD) and regenerative medicine. We investigated the effects of PM-Nato3 on dopamine (DA) neurogenesis under different culture conditions, both in vitro and in vivo. In the standard dopaminergic culture condition, PM-Nato3 potentially increased the speed of DA neuron production but did not significantly increase the yield of DA neurons. In a minimal culture condition, there was no notable difference between the control and PM-Nato3 conditions, suggesting minimal impact on DA neurogenesis. In vivo studies using a mouse model …

Influences Of Chronic Stress On Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Anxiety, Depression, And The Microbiome, Julia A. Semaan

Masters Theses

IBS effects approximately 5% of the world’s population with symptoms ranging from unexplainable constipation to daily abdominal pain. Though treatment options are available and have been proven beneficial for certain individuals, discovering the root cause of IBS has been difficult to accomplish due to the variety of symptoms that differ from case to case. This study aims to increase understanding of the influence that chronic stress has on irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, depression, and the microbiome in the college-age population since this group is likely to experience daily stressors, anxiety- and depressive-like thoughts, as well as IBS symptoms. Current research …

Comparative Anatomical Study Of The Brachial Plexus Of Primates, Alison Leann Camero

Masters Theses

Old world monkeys, new world monkeys, and humans all originate from a common ancestor. Although humans and old world monkeys are phylogenetically more closely related, old world monkeys and new world monkeys have similar locomotion. A difference in muscle patterns exists between old world monkeys, new world monkeys, and humans. Different musculature may be due to differences in locomotive patterns and species-specific use of their forearms. Muscles in the forelimbs are innervated by the nerves of the brachial plexus. There are differences among the brachial plexuses of human and non-human primates as well as variability within the species.

In this …

The Use Of Occupational Therapy Services In Outpatient Mental Health, Kelsey A. Wasik, Matt T. Valois, Kaylee M. Essenberg, Kelcie P. Beck

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is aimed to explore the structure and utilization details of occupational therapy in outpatient behavioral health settings. Two occupational therapists participated in qualitative phenomenological interviews which were transcribed and analyzed using the thematic approach. A total of two themes emerged: billing and coverage, and education and advocacy. Participants identified there are necessary factors for reimbursement of services, in addition to the need for education and advocacy for occupational therapists to practice in outpatient behavioral health settings. Future research should be aimed at recruiting more participants, occupational therapists, and from other roles in these clinics such …

Recovery Posture Post Hiit Exercise In The Active Population, Sydney Goll

Masters Theses

Introduction: By stimulating the sympathetic nervous system during a high intensity cycle HIIT workout, the effects of body posture on heart rate recovery can be recorded as the body is returning to a resting state. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the physiology of recovery related to different body positions after high intensity exercise in order to account for the quickest recovery. Design: Original research. Methods: 18 healthy college aged individuals, 9 males, 8 females, mean age 21.7 ± 2.22, performed a submaximal HIIT workout on a cycle ergometer with a metabolic cart to record respiratory data. …

An Examination Of The Underutilization Of Mental Health Resources In Collegiate Student-Athletes, Kathleen Olivia Glover

Masters Theses

Previous and developing literature indicates that collegiate student-athletes, while more susceptible to psychological problems, are underutilizing mental health resources. This project examines the aforementioned problem through the use of extensive student-athlete mental health literature to identify themes that are affecting student-athlete’s likeliness of seeking psychological services. Throughout the themes, the need for additional support from student-athlete stakeholders is presented. A workshop series to guide increased mental health literacy in student-athlete stakeholders to create opportunities to recognize signs of mental illness and form cultures that encourage the utilization of psychological services is constructed. It is anticipated that by including stakeholders in …

Blood Flow Restriction And Various Intensity Exercise In The Upper Extremity, Noelle Ashlyn Kaminski, Andrew Lowe

Masters Theses

Purpose: To determine if using Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) combined with low-load exercise can elicit an increase in strength and tendon size of the distal biceps tendon when compared to high-load exercise protocol. Methods: Twenty-one participants (11 M, 10 F; 2 Left-handed: 19 Right-handed; Age range 18-25yoa) were randomized to either the treatment group (BFR + low load exercise) or the control group (high load exercise). Participants were enrolled in a 7-week exercise protocol, with exercise sessions held twice weekly. The first week included measurements of each participant's 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and ultrasound measurements of the dominant distal bicep’s …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived-Experiences Of Families Transitioning To Permanent Housing, Ellie Olsen, Samantha Ruhe, Ellen Brown, Courtney Zanni

Masters Theses

There is limited support and resources available for homeless individuals, resulting in limited opportunities to engage in meaningful occupations, therefore decreasing these individual's overall sense of well-being, social interactions, and health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact family-centered interventions have on the lived experiences of families as they transition to permanent housing. The Occupational Self-Assessment (OSA) was used to determine important areas of occupation and was used to develop three intervention sessions. Case study methods were used and data was collected during the final interview session. Two main themes were identified: “Empowerment” and “Resolution.” This …

Does Epa Cause A Decrease In Inflammation Of Bend.3 Cells Through Ffar4?, Clay J. Weidenhamer

Masters Theses

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease initiated by low and oscillatory shear stress on the endothelium. The inflammatory process recruits leukocytes to the vessel wall by expression of the adhesion molecule VCAM-1. Activation of the NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway is responsible for the increase in VCM-1 expression. Omega 3 FAs, such as EPA, reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by decreasing this inflammatory response. The pathway by which omega 3 FAs is proposed to inhibit inflammation includes activating FFAR4 to decrease NF-κB activation thereby reducing expression of adhesion molecules. We hypothesized that treatment of endothelial cells with 30 μM EPA would decrease …

Adult Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome: Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Current State Of Practice, Megan Eisses, Megan Hicks, Megan Mitchell, Sabrina Vanderklipp

Masters Theses

BACKGROUND: Persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) is a complex diagnosis involving symptoms that affect nearly all domains of occupational therapy (OT) for adults. Currently, there is a lack of clarity in PPCS symptoms and diagnosis criteria, as well as little research reflecting the best practice patterns of OT practitioners treating adults with PPCS. This study’s primary purpose was to conduct a survey to understand OT practitioners’ current state of practice for adult patients with PPCS, as well as their current knowledge of PPCS.

METHOD: This research project involves a cross-sectional design, mixed methods, 23-question survey that was distributed to OT practitioners …

Best Practice In Dementia Communication: Determining The Effectiveness Of Pre-Recorded, Presentation-Based Learning For Cnas Working In Residential Care Facilities, Mary Kate Hoeve

Masters Theses

The dramatic increase in the aging population and predicted rise in individuals diagnosed with a dementia-related disorder in the next 30 years has sparked an increase in the exploration of gerontology and best practice in dementia care (Curyto & Vriesman, 2016). Additionally, each person living with dementia spends less than two percent of their day engaging in social communication with a care worker (Ward et al, 2005). With a significant increase in the development of dementia-related disorders and minimal social interaction, understanding the manifestations of dementia and methods of effective communication between individuals with dementia-related disorders and direct care workers …

How Do Food Shopping Behaviors Differ Between High-Income And Low-Income Shoppers In The Grand Rapids Metropolitan Area?, Alison M. Cooney

Masters Theses

Background: The social determinants of health and health equity are influenced by access, environment, and socioeconomic status (SES). Health inequities are preventable and can be avoided with systemic policy change surrounding the distribution of wealth and resources. Few studies have researched the differences in different income levels and the influence income has on food shopping behaviors.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in food shopping behaviors between high-income and low-income shoppers living in the same zip code. Subjects Sixty-eight individuals who live in the 49341 zip code which represents a small city in Kent County, …

Meta-Analysis Of The Association Between Acute Particulate Matter Exposure And Cardiovascular Disease, Issa El-Kildani

Masters Theses

Cardiovascular disease, which involves a wide range of conditions, including narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, has remained the leading cause of death in the United States for over 50 years. The majority of cardiovascular conditions are preventable, which can be identified through risk factors. However, maintaining healthy life choices can be difficult for most Americans, as the vast majority live in populated urban cities. Urban life can pose hazardous conditions to individuals, especially air pollution. Air pollution includes gaseous pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone and sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. Of these pollutants, particulate matter has become …

From The Dinner Pot To Smoking Pot; How A Better Understanding Of Cannabidiol In Crayfish Could Alleviate Anxiety And Modulate Hunger, Christopher Michael Timmer

Masters Theses

Anxiety affects approximately 1/3 of the US population and presents in many different forms, ranging from social to panic disorders. It also presents with high comorbidity for other mental disorders. One treatment is Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) which allow for increased activation of serotonin (5-HT) receptors. SSRIs come with an extensive list of side effects, which can fail to maintain quality of life. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabis derived compound which has been shown to decrease anxiety by activation of multiple subtype 5-HT amine receptors. CBD has few side effects, is not psychoactive, and exhibits anti-psychotic properties. The current …

Microbial Experience Influences Tumor- Infiltrating T Lymphocytes, Hanna Groeber

Masters Theses

Immune cells, including T cells, have been used for anti-cancer therapy with varying degrees of success. One potential reason for immunotherapy failures in clinical trials may be that typical specific pathogen free (SPF) mice do not accurately replicate human microbial experience, which has important influence on shaping the adaptive immune response. Recently, several previous studies have shown that the immune system of SPF mice more closely resembles newborn human immunity, whereas immune systems from mice exposed to diverse pathogens more closely reflect adult human immunity.

To study the impact of microbial experience on the immune response, we have adopted a …

The Determination Of Phosphorylation Of Nato3 By Pka, Miranda M. Regenold

Masters Theses

One of the leading regulators of neuronal cell differentiation in the CNS is the family of basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factors. One of these proteins, Nato3, is associated with the formation of dopaminergic neurons. Transcription factors can be regulated by kinase activity, and in order to detect the associated change of phosphorylation of Nato3, we have generated Nato3 with specific epitope tags that allow for the detection and isolation of the Nato3 protein. Through subcloning techniques and a successful transformation of the Nato3 gene with the sequences of the 3X-Flag epitope and the Myc epitope into the pcDNA3.0 vector, we …

Exploring Neighborhood Level Variation In Incidence And Secondary Transmission Of Seasonal Influenza, Melissa Freeland

Masters Theses

Influenza epidemics in the United States, are major causes of morbidity and mortality, and cause serious economic disruption on an annual basis. Evidence has begun to accumulate linking neighborhood-level socioeconomic disadvantage to higher rates of hospitalization and mortality related to influenza (Cordoba & Aiello, 2016; Jung, Lin, & Viswanath, 2013). Some studies suggest that this may be due to lower rates of vaccination, higher rates of comorbidities in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities (Cordoba & Aiello, 2016; Jung, Lin, & Viswanath, 2013; Ross & Mirowsky, 2001). However, few studies have evaluated the effects of neighborhood level socioeconomic disadvantage and structural features on …

The Acute Effects Of Melatonin On Striatal Dopamine Release: Progressive Electrochemical Analysis In An Ex Vivo Mouse Model Utilizing Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry, Kevin D. Hughes

Masters Theses

The caudate putamen is a sub region of the basal ganglia, containing neural tracts important for cognition, reward learning, and voluntary motor function. Dopamine (DA) signaling received from the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta mediate locomotion, degradation of which is the characteristic neuropathology for Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is an initially neurovegetative motor disorder but can progress to include cognitive impairments as well. Sundowner’s syndrome (SS) has been observed in patient populations with neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by the decline of cognition into evening hours. Due to the circadian influence which the hormone melatonin has on the sleep-wake …

Women & Adhd Functional Impairments: Beyond The Obvious, Noelle Marita Lynn

Masters Theses

Women with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are an understudied and underserved population. Research on women with ADHD has shown that they are significantly impaired by ADHD and its functional impairments. It also shows that women often internalize their symptoms and impairments. However, no research was found that explores what this internalization does to the women. The researcher chose to begin to address this gap in the literature through this qualitative phenomenological study. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of functional impairments caused by ADHD on the internal lived experiences of women.

The researcher conducted fourteen interviews …

Factors Associated With Rapid Repeat Pregnancy Among Women In A Healthy Start Program In Kent County, Michigan, Sarah Jane Schmidt

Masters Theses

Strong Beginnings (SB) is a federal Healthy Start Program aiming to improve the health and well-being of black and Hispanic families by promoting racial equity and eliminating racial disparities in birth outcomes, including rapid repeat pregnancy (secondary pregnancy within 18 months of index birth). To better prevent the occurrence of rapid repeat pregnancy (RRP), this study explores individual, social, and environmental factors associated with RRP. De-identified data for this study included information from SB, the Maternal Infant Health Program, Medicaid claims, and birth certificates. The sample includes women enrolled in SB with an index birth between 2013 and 2015. Chi-square …

Analysis Of Growth And Prevalence Of Malnutrition During Total Parenteral Nutrition Weaning: A Methodological Demonstration, Lauren Ashley Kane

Masters Theses

Background: Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is a life-saving intervention which provides nutrition to premature infants with immature gut functioning. Though essential for nutrition provision in the first days of life, TPN is not without risk. Therefore, it is important to introduce feedings into the gut and to wean off TPN when able. During this weaning phase, calorie and protein deficits have been observed to occur. Very few studies have investigated TPN weaning periods, and there are no studies on malnutrition associated with the TPN weaning period in premature infants.

Methods: This study employed a retrospective chart review, with medical …

The Relationship Between Neuroticism, Self-Esteem, And Disordered Eating Attitudes: Examining The Health At Every Size Theory, Liana Cho

Masters Theses

Background. In the modern day treatment of overweight/obesity, conflicting recommendations regarding treatment have been released by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and advocates of the Health at Every Size (HAES) movement. While the AND have indicated their support for self-monitoring practices, such as keeping a food diary or tracking calories, HAES advocates have claimed that these restrictive practices may result in increased disordered eating tendencies and poor self-esteem.

Subjects. The participants for this study included 410 students at Grand Valley State University. Almost 80% of participants were female, and just over 85% of participants identified as white. …

The Relationship Between Feeding Type And Temporomandibular Joint Morphology In Superfamily Musteloidea, Travis L. Garvin

Masters Theses

Many studies have focused on the soft tissue analysis of carnivores and have demonstrated a relationship between feeding biomechanics and feeding types. Herbivores and omnivores rely heavily on anteroposterior and helical movement of the mandible and teeth for the breakdown of fibrous foods resulting in a flat mandibular fossa while the function of the carnivore TMJ is different, as they need a much stable joint for ripping and tearing of the flesh. I aim to look at whether the bony morphology of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be directly related to feeding type, specifically in the superfamily Musteloidea. I sampled …

Is Tpmt Testing A Predictor Of Duration Of Use Or Long-Term Benefit Of Thiopurine Agents?, Shatoya R. Wilson

Masters Theses

Background: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects as many as 1.3 million Americans and includes both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Recent practices have moved towards using immunomodulators early in the course of disease to prevent disease progression. Patients have shown improved outcomes on immunomodulators compared to aminosalicylates, and reduced risk for tachyphylaxis compared to corticosteroid treatment. Thiopurine agents such as azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine are immunomodulators often used to treat IBD. Unfortunately, many patients experience cytotoxicity from thiopurine use. Recent studies have shown that patients deficient in thiopurine-S-methyltransferase (TMPT), produce an overabundance of the therapeutic end product, 6-thioguanine nucleotide …

The Effect Of Alpha-Linolenic Acid (Ala) On Endothelial Cell Expression Of Connexin43, Benjamin Pichette

Masters Theses

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarctions and strokes. The formation of these atherosclerotic plaques occurs through localized inflammatory responses in blood vessels. Epidemiological evidence suggests omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) decrease vascular inflammation. The omega-3 FAs eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) reduce inflammation through pathways that may include the free fatty acid-4 (FFA-4) receptor. While EPA and DHA are well studied, less is known about the essential omega-3 FA from which they are synthesized: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Thus, this study will investigate whether ALA can activate the FFA-4 receptor and thereby contribute to anti-inflammatory …

Effects Of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (Epa) On Mouse Endothelial Cell Health, Spencer C. Pageau

Masters Theses

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of adults in the US (~800,000 lives every year:1 in 3 deaths). Evidence suggests omega-3 fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), found in fish oils, reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Many of these diseases are caused by atherosclerotic plaque development in vessels due to endothelial cell damage initiating inflammatory responses. Recent work argues omega-3 fatty acids stimulate anti-inflammatory responses by binding to Free Fatty Acid (FFA) receptors. Inflammatory responses in endothelial cells alter the expression of many proteins that affect the function of those cells. In particular, gap junction protein (connexin: …

Effects Of Chronic Atrazine Exposure On Male Reproductive Function In Sprague Dawley Rats, Josh Quinn

Masters Theses

Estrogens, in addition to testosterone, are much more physiologically relevant to normal sperm production in the testis and overall male fertility than previously thought. Current use herbicides, such as atrazine, are known endocrine disruptors and have been suggested to disrupt male reproductive health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic atrazine exposure on male reproductive function in Sprague Dawley rats. Three groups of rats were treated until 7 months of age. The first group was the control vehicle and given only water. The second group was given a low dose of atrazine (0.1 mg/kg) and …

Use Of The Montreal Cognitive Assessment As An Early Indicator Of Tumor Progression In Patient With Stage Iii And Iv Gliomas, Eric David Laney

Masters Theses

Patients diagnosed with high grade glioma have a short life expectancy due to rapid progression of disease following and/or during treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the primary method of surveying tumor progression, but is costly, lengthy in duration and often uncomfortable for the patient. An alternative to MRI that is cost efficient and patient friendly is of great interest to the medical community. If this alternative could also provide advanced notification of disease progression, then this patient population would have the opportunity for earlier treatment and the potential for greater efficacy. To pursue this concept, we assessed whether the …