Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Candida Albicans Adhesion And Biofilm Formation On Phosphated And Non-Phosphate Containing Poly(Methylmethacrylate) Polymers, Kathryn Elizabeth Ryan

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Denture-induced stomatitis is prevalent among prosthesis users, particularly the elderly and institutionalized where it has been estimated to be present in over 60-65% of denture wearers. Treatment of this clinical condition is problematic due to incomplete disinfection of the acrylic surface and rapid microbial re-colonization. Moreover, ingestion or aspiration of pathogens in denture plaque exposes the elderly and immunocompromised to unexpected infections.

Acrylic polymers have generally been used to replace missing teeth and periodontal tissues in edentulous or partially dentate patients. Currently, edentulous adults in the US population are common, with complete edentulism greater than 41% among Americans aged 65 …

Bracket Bond Strength Effects Of Incorporation Of Novamin Into An Orthodontic Bonding Resin, Jeffrey Waterhouse

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Despite advances in caries research and the development of protective mechanisms and materials, orthodontic white spot decalcification remains a significant problem. Increased plaque buildup around orthodontic appliances, combined with inadequate hygiene and a susceptible patient, can lead to unesthetic demineralized lesions in enamel.

Relatively new to the arena of caries prevention, NovaMin, a bioactive glass, has shown some promise in areas of remineralization of early lesions, protection against acidic challenge, and has demonstrated antiplaque properties. This study explored a new application of the material, incorporation into an orthodontic bonding composite resin. Objectives of the study were: to determine if the …

Light-Activation Influence On The Thermal Analysis Of A Resin-Modified Glass-Ionomer, Raksha Srinivas

Master's Theses (2009 -)

The acid-base and light polymerization reactions in resin modified glass ionomers (RMGI) have been shown to compete and possibly inhibit one another during early RMGI development. Earlier beginning times of light polymerization initiation may limit the acid-base reaction and if time allowed for the acid-base components to react is increased, the extent of light cure reaction may be lesser. The thermal behavior of a commercially available RMGI was investigated in relation to a light initiation regimen using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The relationship between delay in light initiation or no light initiation and the resultant set matrix of the …

Bonding With Self-Etching Primers - Pumice Or Pre-Etch? An In Vitro Study, Ian J. Fitzgerald

Master's Theses (2009 -)

The objective of this study was to compare the shear bond strengths (SBS) of orthodontic brackets bonded with self-etching primer using different enamel surface preparations.

A 2-by-2 factorial study design was used. Sixty human premolars were harvested, cleaned and randomly assigned to four groups (n=15/group). Teeth were bathed in saliva for 48 hours to form a pellicle. Treatments were assigned as follows: Group 1 was pumiced for 10 seconds and pre-etched for five seconds with 37% phosphoric acid before bonding with self-etching primer (Transbond Plus). Group 2 was pumiced for ten seconds before bonding. Group 3 was pre-etched for five …

Cementoblastic Response To High Vs. Low Level Of Mechanical Force In Vitro, Natalie Nicole Mullally

Master's Theses (2009 -)

One of the possible complications of orthodontic treatment is apical root resorption. During orthodontic treatment, as the teeth are being moved, the alveolar bone is continually being modeled to accommodate the teeth. This process activates specific cells that are responsible for bone resorption and can have the unwanted effect of resorbing the apex of the tooth root adjacent to the bone. It is unclear exactly what aspects of orthodontic treatment may trigger the resorptive process. A positive correlation, however, between root resorption and mechanical loading applied during orthodontic tooth movement has been established implicating orthodontic treatment in this adverse effect. …

Application Of Mechanical Vibration To Modulate Orthodontic Tooth Movement (Otm) In Mice, Andrew Rummel

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to use micro CT to evaluate the effect of mechanical vibration on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in mice. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six mice (C57BL/6, 20 weeks old, male) were randomly divided into four groups: spring/vibration (SV), spring only (S), vibration only (V), control (C). A nickel-titanium (NiTi) spring was fabricated and inserted bilaterally between the maxillary 1st molars, delivering an initial force of 20 grams. From day 0, mechanical vibration (4Hz frequency, 20micron displacement, 5 min per session duration) was applied to the left maxillary 1st molar every three days for 3 weeks …

Pushing Techniques Used By Midwives When Providing Second Stage Labor Care, Kathryn Osborne

Dissertations (1934 -)

A growing body of evidence suggests that spontaneous pushing during the second stage of labor results in better outcomes than directed pushing, which usually involves repeated use of the Valsalva maneuver. However, birth attendants in the United States (U.S.) continue to use directive methods when caring for women in the second stage of labor. This study used quantitative methods with the Theory of Diffusion of Innovations as a framework to identify and describe the practices used by certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives, practicing in the U.S., when caring for women in second stage labor. Data were gathered using a questionnaire …

The Effectiveness Of Counselors As Care Managers In Improving Self-Management And Medical Outcomes In Persons With Poorly Controlled Diabetes, Ularisi Rebecca Green

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

This study investigated whether providing counselors as care managers to individuals who were having difficulty managing their Type II diabetes improved their self-management, health, and functioning. Counselors used the Motivational Interviewing Model and met weekly over a six month period with patients who had Type II diabetes who had been identified as not functioning well in managing their disease. The success of the intervention was determined by a number of measures including physical symptoms of patients; patients' perceptions of the care they received; and patients' self-efficacy in managing their diabetes. The results of this study suggested that providing counselors as …

A Randomized Trial Of Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure Device And High Flow Oxygen For Persistent Dyspnea In, David Hui

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Background: Dyspnea is a common and distressing symptom among patients with advanced cancer. The role of bilevel positive airway pressure (BIPAP) and Vapotherm in the relief of dyspnea have not been well defined. We aimed to determine and to compare the efficacy of BIPAP and VapoTherm for cancer related dyspnea.

Methods: In this randomized, open-label, crossover study, we randomly assigned advanced cancer patients with persistent dyspnea >=3/10 to either Vapotherm for 2 hours followed by BiPAP for 2 hours, or BiPAP followed by Vaptherm. A variable washout period was instituted between interventions. The primary end point was change in numeric …

The Effect Of Arm Dominance On Specimen Integrity When Sampling Blood From Iv Catheters, Jay M. Andross

Nursing Masters

The purpose of this study was to examine whether or not arm dominance contributes to rates of hemolysis in blood samples that are drawn from intravenous catheters at the time of their initial placement. A quantitative, prospective, quasi-experimental design was used. Fifty-eight subjects were randomized to either the control group who had blood drawn through an IV catheter placed in their dominant arm or the experimental group for whom the non-dominant arm was selected. The Sarstedt Monovette collection system was used to obtain blood samples from the IV catheter. Overall, blood specimens demonstrated a very low rate of hemolysis. Only …

Using A Self-Learning Module To Teach Nurses About Caring For Patients With Eating Disorders, Carrie Steinwachs

Nursing Masters

Background: The rate of eating disorders is on a rise, especially in adolescents. Eating disorders are very serious and can cause detrimental health problems requiring hospitalizations. Due to the many complications associated with eating disorders, nurses who care for these patients should have proper training and education regarding the disease and its ‟ treatments. Purpose : The purpose of this study was to increase nurse‟s knowledge about caring for patients with eating disorders along with determining the effectiveness of using a self-learning module (SLM) as a teaching method. Methods: A pre and post-assessment test was used in this study. Participants …

Using Simulation: Emergency Care For Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction, Katharine M. Mcgahey

Nursing Masters

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting nearly eighty million people (American Heart Association IAHAI, 2009). Included in this population are those with heart attack or myocardial infarction (MI). Coughlin (2008) estimated that about 1.2 to 1.5 million Americans will have an MI annually. For approximately thirty eight percent of these patients, it is a recurrent event.

Pilot Study On Pet Therapy And Quality Of Life, Kathy L. Vanvoorhis

Nursing Masters

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines quality of life (QOL) as an individual’s perception of his or her position in life in the context of their culture and value systems in relation to their goals and expectations. The goal of this pilot study was to determine how pet therapy can influence QOL of residents in assisted living facilities. To measure the anticipated change in QOL, each participant in the experimental group was required to complete the WHO Quality of Life brief questionnaire, WHOQOL-BREF, before the initiation of the pet therapy program and after the session, for a total of two …

Developing An Educational Module For Advanced Practice Nurses: The Screening And Management Of Postpartum Depression In Primary Care, Lynne Weiler

Nursing Masters

Postpartum depression (PPD) is thought to affect 13% of new mothers. Yet it is believed that up to 50% of cases escape detection, resulting in a host of adverse sequelae for mother, infant and family. The current state of the science is promising, as advances in pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy have demonstrated PPD's amenability to treatment. However, expertise among providers appears to be deficient, as seen in survey results which portray most physicians and nurse practitioners largely ill-equipped to detect and deal with PPD. A rich opportunity to intervene exists, particularly within primary care settings, where suffering women may be encountered. …

An Analysis Of Restaurant Food Safety Violations: Human Factors, Non-Human Factors, And Food-Borne Illness, Jai Choung

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

An estimated 76 million food-borne illnesses occur in the United States each year, causing 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Food safety is an increasingly important topic to governmental food regulators, not only in trying to reduce the number of illnesses from contaminated food. Governmental regulators also are becoming aware of the vulnerability of the food supply chain as a target for bioterrorism. Recommendations have been developed to protect the U. S. food supply from terrorism, but little of the research and recommendations relate to the food-service level.

Eighty percent of reported cases …

Patient Centered Care Approach To Adherence With Cardiovascular Medications: Self-Determination Theory Integration, David S. Li

Health Services Research Dissertations

Problem statement. Behavioral intervention is used to improve adherence with medication in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), but the effect was not sustainable. Patient-centered care (PCC) as a consumer movement has gained acceptance, but it lacks a theoretical framework. Self-determination theory (SDT) may provide an alternative to improve patients' adherence to chronic cardiovascular medication, as well as a theoretical framework for PCC. Both approaches to CVD management have not been evaluated.

Methods. The study was a quasi-experimental pretest posttest comparison design with consecutive sampling of a hospitalized cardiac patient population. Sixty patients each for the usual care (UC) …

Parenting Behaviors And Their Relationship With A Child's Weight Status, Michele L. Polfuss

Dissertations (1934 -)

Pediatric obesity is a critical healthcare problem that has continued to increase in prevalence. It has been well established that pediatric obesity is a multifactorial problem

with no easy solution. Complicating matters has been the fact that there has been a disproportionate increase across ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Parents have been found to play a critical role supporting a child's behavior through environment, role modeling and ongoing parenting practices.

This study utilized a cross sectional correlational study design to determine what the relationship is, if any, between a child's weight status and parenting behaviors. In addition the study examined if …

Associate Degree Nursing Students' Thoughts, Feelings, And Experiences Of Short Study Abroad In A Low-Income Country, Cynthia Foronda

Dissertations (1934 -)

Associate Degree Nursing students are rarely offered opportunities to study abroad. Educational research about nursing students studying abroad is limited but suggests positive outcomes. Prior research has focused on graduate or baccalaureate students in developed and less developed countries, thus, the experience of studying abroad in a low-income country for the associate degree student is unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of associate degree nursing students who participated in a short study abroad course in a low-income country. Ten students participated in phone interviews to share narratives two to six weeks following …

Neuromechanical Analysis Of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Risk Factors In Female Collegiate Soccer Athletes, Nelson Cortes

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) acts in an essential role to prevent anterior tibial displacement when experiencing jump-landing forces that are applied to the lower extremity; more than 100,000 injuries per year in the United States in sport activities that often require landing, deceleration-acceleration, cutting and pivoting actions have been reported. The aim of this study was to examine the nature of any lower limb coupling differences between a drop-jump and a side-step cutting actions, assess kinematic and kinetic differences between three tasks, and evaluate the effects of two landing techniques in biomechanical risk factors while performing two unanticipated tasks. …

The Correlation Between Visual Observations And Inclinometric Measurements For Special Tests Related To Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Erin Quada

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is generally described as an insidious onset with pain increasing during running, jumping, ascending and descending stairs as well as sitting with the knees flexed for an extended period of time. Clinicians often use special tests in injury evaluations and range of motion assessments, usually making a visual observation of that status of the patient. The purpose of this study was to examine how interval measurements utilized in flexibility and range of motion assessments correlate with visual observations of special tests (active knee extension test, Thomas test, Ober's test, rectus femoris flexibility, and Craig's test). The …

The Effects Of An Anterior Cruciate Ligament Prevention Program And Retention Period On Lower Extremity Biomechanics, Ryan S. Mccann

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Researchers have attempted to determine the effects of strength, flexibility, agility, and plyometric training, as well as expert feedback on biomechanical risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Currently, the literature lacks information regarding athletes' ability to retain adaptations made during programs designed to reduce biomechanical risk factors for ACL injuries. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 10-week strength and agility program on lower extremity kinetics and kinematics of collegiate athletes immediately following training and after a 11-week retention period. Ten NCAA Division I female soccer players free of lower extremity injury, volunteered …

Outcomes Associated With A Unlv Outdoor Adventures' Women's Wilderness Canoe Trip, Joanna Leigh Libby

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes associated with a short term women's canoe trip. Short debriefings, field observations and in-depth interviews were used to capture women's experiences and the processes that take place to achieve these experiences.

Eight females from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas participated in a three day canoeing trip led by the University's outdoor program. Their ages range from 18 to 40 and are all affiliated with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in some way.

Results from the participant's interviews highlighted four major themes. These themes are the disengagement from traditional …

Development Of A Functional Mri Olfactory Protocol, Jeremy Mangum

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Many people can spend a few days with an acute form of sinusitis, a stuffy nose, or sinus congestion that inhibits their ability to smell, but there are fourteen million Americans over the age of fifty that suffer from some form of chronic olfactory dysfunction. Some neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease have demonstrated that olfactory dysfunction is a frequent and early sign. While these diseases have no known cure, there are medicines that exist to slow the progression of such debilitating illnesses. By identifying such diseases in their early stages, we can improve the quality of …

The Effects Of Cocaine And Ecstasy On Cardiac Myocytes And The Intact Myocardium, David A. Tiangco

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Cocaine and ecstasy are widely used illicit drugs. Both drugs have undergone intense scrutiny as information regarding their side-effects has become available. One important yet incomplete area of investigation pertains to their effects on the heart. The purpose of the current studies was to test the hypothesis that exposure to cocaine or ecstasy will adversely affect cellular homeostasis and normal heart function. Cultured cardiac myocytes (H9c2) and New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were used to measure the responses to various concentrations of cocaine or ecstasy at both the cellular and intact organ system levels. We observed that cocaine and …

The Influences Of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Expression On Glioblastoma Pathology, Nicholas Pullen

Theses and Dissertations

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive central nervous system (CNS) cancer characterized by enhanced tumor cell motility, pernicious invasion into the normal brain, extensive tumor-induced angiogenesis, and adaptive resistance to current therapeutic paradigms. One of the difficulties associated with GBM is the ability of the tumor cells to infiltrate normal CNS tissue. Neurosurgeons can remove the primary tumor mass, but peripheral cells that are inaccessible will ultimately result in a secondary lesion that can lead to death. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are well known for their abilities to facilitate processes of cellular motility and invasion through their clearance of extracellular …

A Matter Of Trust: The Impact Of Transcultural Communication Between Culturally Diverse Nursing Staff, Patricia Reed

Theses and Graduate Projects

The diversity in the U.S. population is increasing. Nurse Managers today are challenged by not only a changing health care system but also one that is more culturally diverse than ever. It is also important to recognize the influence culture has on personal relationships, productivity and performance. Expectations about work styles, communication patterns, role relationships, taking initiative and concepts of time are all examples of factors that are influenced by culture. The purpose of this project is to help nursing staff (registered nurses and patient care assistants) come to understand their cultural differences and how these differences impact their communication …

Formant Changes In Amateur Singers After Instruction In A Vowel Equalization Technique, Emily Mullins Heaton

Theses and Dissertations

Vowel equalization is a technique that can be used by singers to achieve a more balanced vocal tone. The technique balances corresponding front and back vowels, which share approximate tongue heights, and also balances high and low vowels in a more neutral or centralized lingual posture. Formants are resonance peaks that define each specific vowel. This study measured shifts in the first and second formants (F1 and F2) of the vowels /e, i, ɑ, o, u/ following training in vowel equalization. Prior to the training, the vowel formants were measured in amateur 15 college-aged singers. They sang the first two …

Comparison Of A New Opposed Phase Imaging Protocol To The Standard Conventional Mri Protocol In Demonstration Of Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease At 1.5t., Peter C. Magabe

Master of Medicine in Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare diagnostic yield of a new Opposed Phase Imaging protocol [OPI] to the standard conventional MRI protocol [CONV] in demonstration of lumbar degenerative disc disease at 1.5T. Materials and Methods: A total of 102 patients suspected of lumbar disc disease were examined using the two protocols. Images from both protocols were then analyzed independently by two radiologists. Category of disc disease[normal, bulge ,protrusion, extrusion] and anatomic clarity of spinal structures related to disc disease[nerve roots, osteophytes, modic changes and hemangiomas ] were assessed using a standard 4 point scoring scale [1=inadequate,2 =adequate,3=normal …

Effective And Compassionate Communication Between Hospital Staff And Parents Of Children With Newly Diagnosed Cancer, Natalie Volz

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This study was conducted to determine the most effective and compassionate modes of communication for hospital staff at The Children's Hospital to use when conveying information to parents of children with cancer. Twelve parents whose children were four to twelve weeks post diagnosis were interviewed. Parents were asked a series of eleven open-ended questions addressing their experience with hospital staff's communication skills. Recurring themes resulting from the interviews include delivery of diagnosis, value of information, receptiveness to questions and availability of hospital staff. These themes reveal that parents value thorough and complete explanations of their child's diagnosis and treatment plans, …

The N400 Event-Related Potential In Children Across Sentence Type And Ear Condition, Laurie Anne Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the neurophysiology of semantic language processing in children, ages 5 to 12 years. A well-established marker of semantic processing, the N400 event related potential (ERP), was analyzed within and across child age groups. Child N400s were recorded in response to correct sentences, semantically incorrect sentences, and syntactically incorrect sentences. N400s were also recorded across ear condition to examine potential processing differences. Children across all age groups consistently demonstrated N400s in the semantic error condition. N400s were also regularly observed in the syntactic error condition; especially, for younger children. Younger children also demonstrated N400s even in response to …