Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Discipline, Facial Affect Recognition And Self-Efficacy, Julie Harris

Graduate Theses

The present study explored facial affect recognition, discipline and self-efficacy correlates, predicted using the Social Cognitive Theory framework. A sample of undergraduate students (N—114) from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, were surveyed on parental style, discipline, self-efficacy, and then tested for facial affect recognition. The results indicated that participants reporting more corporal punishment scored lower on facial affect than those reporting less corporal punishment (p < .05). No significance was found for corporal punishment and self-efficacy (p > .05). The parental style of the father emerged as a significant predictor for the relationship between corporal punishment and facial affect recognition (p < .05). Results appear to support the idea that the social environment parents, especially fathers, create via discipline may hinder ability to interpret emotion. One important implication of this study is that paternal influence may be more vital to emotional detection development than previously considered.

The Challenges Of Bilingual Speech-Language Therapy: Perspectives From Speech-Language Pathologists, Dana Marie Roberts

Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All

In the United States, the increasing population of people who speak a language other than English, especially the Spanish-speaking population, has resulted in a greater number of linguistically diverse clients appearing on speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs’) caseloads and has also effectively increased the demand for bilingual SLPs. However, bilingual SLPs continually report a number of challenges in the field, which could explain why recruiting bilingual SLPs is difficult. This study highlighted the importance of assessing the challenges faced by bilingual SLPs through an analysis of the perspectives of four Spanish-English speaking bilingual clinicians in Central New York. The challenges the participants …

The Unfolded Protein Response Increases Production Of Pro-Angiogenic Factors By Tumor Cell Lines, Nan Liao

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The rapid growth and proliferation of tumor cells will be limited at a stage when they encounter inadequate levels of oxygen and nutrient supply within the poorly vascularized tumor mass. These severe conditions negatively affect the proper folding of nascent proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and lead to accumulation of unfolded protein within ER which is referred to as ER stress. Consequently, it will trigger the unfolded protein response (UPR) signal pathway through ER membrane stress sensor proteins including activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), inositol-requiring 1 (IRE1) and PKR-like ER localized kinase (PERK). The UPR is largely a cytoprotective …

Esthetic Evaluation Of Edgewise Orthodontic Treatment In Matched Class Ii, Division 1 Subjects, With And Without A Mara, Kelly-Gwynne Mason Fergus

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Orthodontics’ concern about facial esthetics has motivated the investigation of treatment options, and their effects, in hopes of discerning the optimal treatment for patients, both esthetically and functionally. In our efforts to determine the optimal treatment option for patients with Class II, division 1 malocclusions, we examined two current treatment methods’ effects on facial esthetics, namely (1) orthopedic functional therapy using a MARA in combination with Edgewise appliances and (2) Edgewise mechanics alone. This study was a retrospective esthetic evaluation of profile silhouettes (prior to and following orthodontic treatment) of 30 consecutively treated American white adolescents with Class II, division …

Structural Basis Of Bilayer Deformation By Membrane-Associated Scaffolds, Adam Frost

Yale Medicine Thesis Digital Library

The assembly of amphipathic lipids into fluid bilayers that are impermeable to macromolecules is fundamental to the existence of viruses, organelles, and cells. Conversely, membrane compartmentalization poses problems, since essential processes like cell division, cell migration, endo-, exo-, and transcytosis all require cells to remodel and even break their membranes without opening lethal leaks. Evolutionary forces have consequently generated proteins that can reversibly mold membranes into planes, spheres, cylinders, and saddle-shaped surfaces. Principally, the BAR (Bin, Amphiphysin, RVS) domain superfamily of proteins are recruited from the cytoplasm to induce or stabilize states of high membrane curvature, while the Dynamin superfamily …

Use Of Monoclonal ∆-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Antibodies Chemically Bound To A Polystyrene Surface Using Glutaraldehyde For The Purpose Of Extracting ∆-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol And ∆-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxylic Acid From Postmortem Whole Blood Samples For Analysis By Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry, Thomas Sidney Pittman

Dissertations

Quantitations of drugs and their respective metabolites in postmortem blood samples using gas chromatographic instrumentation is a primary analytical practice used to determine if drugs played a role in or were the cause of a victim's death. Postmortem blood samples often prove difficult to work with due to interfering substances formed during the putrefaction process. Attempts to eliminate interfering substances with present day extraction methods can be time-consuming, costly and often ineffective when dealing with drugs that exhibit toxicity or impairment at very low concentrations. This study was conducted using monoclonal antibodies chemically bound to a polystyrene surface to extract …

The Effects Of Flaxseed Sdg On Perimenopausal Women With Mild Hyperlipidemia, Bonnie Marblestone Phd

Dissertations

In 2001, the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) expanded their guidelines for evaluation and treatment of hyperlipidemia which includes not only a low cholesterol diet and exercise, but also the use of plant stanols such as Flaxseed and Soluble fiber. According to the NCEP III guidelines, women with mild hyperlipidemia and low risk cardiac factors would not qualify for drug therapy to control their cholesterol. However, the use of plant stanols could be used as an alternative. As there are limited studies involving postmenopausal women in regards to treatment of heart disease, there is virtually no information or research on …

Design, Synthesis, And Evaluation Of Small Molecules In The Discovery Of Novel Antimicrobial Agents, Kimberly D. Grimes

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis, pushes us to discover new antibacterial agents to maintain adequate patient coverage. This body of work highlights the use of medicinal chemistry methodologies that encompass cross-disciplinary fields of study. Chapter 1 gives an introduction to the antibacterial drug targets, resistance, and how scientists are working to overcome obstacles encountered with drug-resistant bacteria. It also details modern medicinal chemistry applications in antimicrobial drug discovery. Chapter 2 details the use of a structure-guided library approach to drug design, in which large virtual libraries against the target …

Cephalometric Evaluation Of Bionator Therapy In The Early Treatment Of Class Ii Malocclusions, Daniel C. Sawrie

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Early or two-phase orthodontic treatment of Class II malocclusions is a debated topic in orthodontic circles primarily because the benefits of early intervention have not been consistently reproduced among researchers. The present study was a retrospective analysis of cephalograms from patients with Class II, division 1 malocclusions at the start of treatment. These were 50 consecutively treated youths who received phase 1 (early) treatment with a Bionator appliance and later treatment with full appliances (all treated by a single clinician). The comparison group consisted subjects treated in a single phase with fixed Edgewise appliances only. Importantly, subjects in the two …

Why Pharmacists Choose To Seek Or Not Seek Board Certification In Pharmacy Practice: A Comparison Of Motivation And Motivating Factors, Mark Tankersley

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The stated mission of the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS) with regard to specialization is, via board certification, to recognize specialty areas, define skill standards for those specialty areas, and evaluate the knowledge and skills of individual Pharmacy specialists. The perceived or real benefits to the pharmacist of pursuing board certification are unknown. These benefits can be evaluated by separating into values (valences) and instrumentalities, the latter of which is the perceived or known probability that a performance will lead to an outcome. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the differences in values and instrumentalities perceived by …

Influence Of Tooth Crown Size On Malocclusion, Michael Kelly Agenter

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Malocclusion is an increasingly common, multifactorial problem in industrialized countries. Although the causes of dental malocclusion are obscure in most instances, one contributing factor may be tooth size. While several researchers have studied whether tooth size contributes to malocclusion, there still is no consensus. Some have found that the mesiodistal widths of the mandibular incisor teeth are significantly larger in subjects with anterior crowding, while others have been unable to support this conclusion. Study designs often have been confounded by combining the sexes, which confuses sexual dimorphism with the supposed effect of tooth size on crowding. The present study tested …

An Analysis Of The Differences In Preemptive Kidney Transplantation Between Blacks And Whites, Kennard D. Brown

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Background. This cohort study investigates whether there are inequities in the allocation of cadaver kidneys for preemptive kidney transplants (PKT) between blacks and whites.

Methods. This analysis uses descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate analyses to identify factors associated with the determination of whether a patient receives a PKT or a conventional, post dialysis kidney transplant. The sample includes patients identified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as having end stage renal disease (ESRD), >19 years of age, either black or white, and receiving either a PKT (0-<6 months dialysis) or conventional transplant between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2003 (n = 10,067) from any of the 11 organ procurement regions in the United States.

Results. Whites were more likely to receive a PKT …

A Mechanical And Histological Study Of Functionally Graded Hydroxyapatite Implant Coatings, Suzanne Kemp Coco

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Ever since Dr. Brånemark discovered that titanium was biocompatible with bone, extensive research has been done to improve the osseointegration of dental implants. As advances in medicine continue, the average life span of the population is ever increasing. Today, people of all ages are investing more money and time into dental treatment than ever before. Patients are becoming more educated on dental treatment options and expect the best treatment possible. As a result, the replacement of missing teeth with implants is becoming more and more commonplace in dental practices.

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate bone-implant interaction …

Nadph Oxidase In Pc12 Cell Differentiation And Apoptosis, Lina Begdache

Graduate Dissertations and Theses

Neuronal differentiation is an important process during human development and regenerative medicine. One factor linked to differentiation of neurons in vivo as well as in vitro is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, neurodegeneration is the disease of the old age that is currently affecting millions. Although the etiology of each neurodegenerative disease differs, oxidative stress has been the common factor leading to neuronal death. PC12 cells differentiate into sympathetic-like neurons in the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF). Once terminally differentiated, PC12 cells undergo apoptosis following NGF deprivation with similar characteristics of sympathetic neuronal death. These …

Predictors Of African American Women's Perceived Health Status In The Context Of Caring For A Relative With End Stage Renal Disease, Dina Jo Byers

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The purposes of this study of African American women who were family caregivers of persons with end stage renal disease (ESRD) were to: (1) identify their perceived health status and changes in perceived health status since assuming the caregiver role, (2) document the association between objective health status and caregiver age, (3) document the relationship between age and perceived health status, (4) identify demographic and subjective and objective health factors that predict perceived health status, and (5) identify their health promotion behaviors. The design for this study was a cross-sectional, descriptive correlational secondary analysis of data obtained from 75 African …

Time-Related Centile Ranges For Quality Of Life Outcomes In Renal Transplantation, Katy Garth

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to create time-related centile ranges that could be
used as benchmarks for evaluating and monitoring quality of life (QoL) following kidney transplantation. QoL is commonly viewed as an important indicator of successful outcomes in chronic disease including kidney transplantation. Despite extensive research documenting the value of QoL, routine measurement of QoL outcomes in clinical practice as a means of patient evaluation to augment clinical care has not been widely accepted. Lack of benchmarks for interpreting QoL scores may contribute to the reluctance to incorporate QoL measures into clinical care. The research question and study …

The N-Terminal Domain Of The Y-Box Binding Protein Yb-1 Plays A Major Role In Cell Proliferation And Apoptosis, Payal Khandelwal

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Y-box binding protein, YB-1, is a member of the cold shock domain superfamily of proteins. It is involved in a plethora of cellular functions, including cell proliferation. The molecular mechanisms governing the involvement of YB-1 in cell proliferation are still unclear. Earlier studies done in chicken pre-B lymphocyte DT-40 cells in our laboratory have shown that a targeted disruption in one allele of chicken YB-1

(Chk-Yb-1b) gene at its N-terminal domain resulted in multiple abnormalities in the heterozygous mutants, including slower growth rate, abnormal cell morphology, increased cell size, increased genomic DNA content and significant changes in levels of cell …

Self-Efficacy, Physical Activity, And Aerobic Fitness In Middle School Children: Examination Of A Pedometer Intervention Program, Dana M. Manley

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among self-efficacy levels, physical activity, aerobic fitness, and body composition (relative body mass index; RBMI) and to determine whether a school-based pedometer intervention program would improve those variables and prevent weight gain in sixth and seventh graders in rural mid-South middle schools. Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory served as the theoretical basis for the study.Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test design was used. The sample, recruited from two rural middle schools in Kentucky, consisted of 116 sixth and seventh grade students (98% Caucasian, 51% male, age=11.65±0.71). Anthropometric assessment of height, weight, …

Molecular Profile Of Women With And Without Secondary Breast Cancer After The Treatment Of Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma, Belinda Neal Mandrell

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

dentification of genetic risk factors associated with the development of secondary cancers would facilitate identification of at risk patients and permit modification of therapy and heightened surveillance that may reduce cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Women survivors of pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality associated with secondary effects of therapy, with a 35-75 fold excess risk of developing breast cancer over the general population. The mechanism for secondary breast cancer among Hodgkin survivors is not understood. Researchers have postulated that the familial characteristics of HL could be associated with mutations found within familial cancer syndromes; …

Golgi Specificity And Development Of Autoreactive B Cells, Fazlullah Salar Khan Nawazi

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

B cell receptors with certain heavy/light chain pairs predominate in the periphery of anti-DNA heavy chain transgenic mice while certain other B cell receptors are absent. We wanted to know why. To answer this, we re-constructed B cell receptors represented in the anti-DNA transgenic mice by cloning them as single chain variable fragments (scFv) to analyze their affinity to dsDNA. scFv representing receptors that were recovered from the spleens of transgenic mice had very little to no affinity to dsDNA. scFv representing receptors that were absent in the spleen had high affinity to dsDNA. We therefore concluded that receptors with …

Biochemical And Immunological Mechanisms Underlying Differential Interaction Of Superantigens With Host Immunogenetic Factors In Streptococcal Sepsis, Mohammed Nooh

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Group A streptococci (GAS) are serious human pathogens that can cause a wide array of diseases ranging from pharyngitis to streptococcal toxic shock (STSS), which is caused by excessive cytokines responses triggered by streptococcal superantigens (Strep SAgs). SAgs interact simultaneously with HLA class II molecules on antigen presenting cells (APC) and with the T cell receptor beta chain variable elements (TCR V) and cause excessive stimulation of both cell types and massive release of inflammatory mediators.

The Strep SAgs include the streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins (Spes), which play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of severe invasive streptococcal diseases, including Strep …

Flavonoids And Related Compounds As Nucleoside Transporter Inhibitors, Surekha Ravaji Pimple

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Mammalian nucleoside transporters can be classified into two main categories, namely, equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENTs) and concentrative nucleoside transporters (CNTs). ENTs are ubiquitous, and mediate sodium-independent bi-directional facilitated diffusion nucleoside transport processes. CNTs on the other hand, are secondary active unidirectional transporters that are sodium-dependent. Both the equilibrative and the concentrative nucleoside transporters have several family members which are ENT1 to ENT4 and CNT1 to CNT6. Over the past two decades, important advances in the understanding of nucleoside transporter functions have been made. Identification and molecular cloning of the ENT and CNT families from mammals and protozoan parasites have provided …

Predictors Of Depressive And Anxiety Symptoms Among African American Hiv-Positive Women, Nina Katherine Sublette

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

This descriptive correlation study had four purposes: describe depressive and anxiety symptom levels in pregnant and non-pregnant African American (AA) HIV-positive women, examine the association between underlying vulnerabilities and depressive symptoms in HIV-positive AA women, determine the association between underlying vulnerabilities and anxiety symptoms in AA HIV-positive women, and determine the predictors of depressive and anxiety symptoms among African American HIV-positive women. A convenience sample of 80 African American HIV-positive women was recruited from university-based obstetrics/-gynecology and infectious disease practices in a large metropolitan city in the Mid-South. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale …

Sleep, Fatigue And Caregiver Burden In Parents Of Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (All), Jerithea Tidwell

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Parents often report that their child diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and receiving steroid therapy experience altered sleep patterns, fatigue, irritability, and other behavioral changes. As a consequence, parents may experience altered sleep, fatigue, and increased caregiver burden. If so, the differences seen in parental sleep efficiency and sleep duration may be attributed to the child experiencing altered sleep secondary to receiving dexamethasone. The purpose of this study was to describe, caregiver sleep, fatigue, and caregiver burden immediately before and during their child’s dexamethasone pulse in continuation therapy for ALL and to compare parent quality of sleep and fatigue …

The Structural And Functional Study Of Git1 Paxillin Binding Domain, Ziwei Zhang

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The G protein coupled receptor (GPCR)-kinase (GRK) interacting protein 1 (GIT1) is a multidomain protein that plays an important role in cell adhesion, motility, cytoskeletal remodeling, and membrane trafficking. GIT1 mediates the localization of p21-activated kinase (PAK) and PAK-interactive exchange factor (PIX) to focal adhesions, and its activation is regulated by the interaction between its C terminal paxillin-binding domain (PBD) and the LD motifs of paxillin.

In this dissertation, we determined the solution structure of rat GIT1 PBD by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The PBD folds into a four-helix bundle, which is structurally similar to the focal adhesion targeting …

Pathophysiology Of Arbroviral Encephalitides In Laboratory Rodents, Aaron L. Olsen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) is an arboviral pathogen naturally found in North America. The primary disease phenotype associated with WEEV infection in susceptible hosts is a relatively long prodromal period followed by viral encephalitis. By contrast, in the current work, experimental inoculation of WEEV into the peritoneum of Syrian golden hamsters produced rapid death within approximately 96 h. It was determined that direct virus killing of lymphoid cells leads to death in WEEV-infected Syrian golden hamsters, and that inflammatory cytokines have the potential to enhance virus-induced lymphoid cell destruction. It was further concluded that WEEV retains its ability to …

Broken Masks: A Study In Sanity, Jessica Ann Schmidt

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

"Broken Masks: A Study in Sanity" is a mixed work of fiction and nonfiction short stories that explore the lives of people who are off center of normal. Some of the protagonists are different because of psychological trauma, some are different because of the circumstances of their birth, and some are different because what is normal to them seems horrific to the reader. The idea of the mask, sense of Self or social role, has interested me since my undergraduate days in psychology, and I have attempted to blend current psychological understanding of trauma and psyche with fictional and nonfictional …

Art Made By Native American Women With Breast Cancer, Hanni Woelk

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

This study sought to find recurrent themes in artwork made by Native American women with breast cancer. The hypothesis of this analysis stated that a theme concerning body image would emerge. Subjects were found through the “Healing Pathways: Art for Survivors” workshop in which art therapy tasks were given to Native American cancer survivors. Analysis of the artwork occurred using situational content analysis from a grounded theory perspective. Results found many recurrent themes in the participant’s artwork, but did not support the hypothesis that body image was a concern. Themes concerning the self, anxiety, religion, and the body were found …

Integrating Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy Into Art Therapy: Depression Treatment In Juvenile Justice Settings, Elizabeth Illig

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

This single case mixed methods research study integrated Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) into art therapy in the treatment of incarcerated adolescents experiencing a depressed mood. The review of the literature focused on depression treatment as approached by REBT practitioners and art therapists, and revealed that an integration of these approaches had not been previously attempted. Before the study commenced the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale-2 was administered to both participants. Then individual REBT-enhanced art therapy sessions were conducted. After the conclusion of these sessions the RADS-2 was re-administered, an exit interview conducted, and a formal analysis of the artwork was …

Raising Girls’ Self-Esteem: An Art Therapy Approach Using Photography, Alison Mcallister

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

American girls’ self-esteem plummets around age 12, negatively affecting various aspects of their lives. This group art therapy research study explored the effectiveness of the use of photography in raising girls’ self-esteem. The study included seven girls between the ages of 10 and 12 in their fifth grade year. The participants attended six group sessions over an 8 week period. The study utilized a mixed methods design and data collection came from the Coopersmith Self-Esteem inventory, taped interviews, and analysis of artwork. Comparison of Coopersmith pretest and posttest scores indicates that the majority of participants made gains in the total …