Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Role Of Mkl1 In Megakaryocytopoiesis And In T(1;22)-Associated Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia, James Troy

Yale Medicine Thesis Digital Library

The t(1;22)(p13;q13) translocation creates a fusion of the genes RBM15 and MKL1 and is exclusively associated with the infantile form of Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia, or AML variant M7. Although MKL1 is a known coactivator of the Serum Response Factor (SRF) pathway, it is not known whether MKL1 plays an important role in megakaryocytic commitment or differentiation. This project investigated the role of MKL1 in normal megakaryocytopoiesis by using a human CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) model. Human CD34+ HSCs were transduced with lentiviral vectors expressing either MKL1 or dominant negative MKL1 (DN-MKL1) and were cultured in conditions promoting megakaryocytopoiesis. After …

Older Adults' Understanding Of Cardiovascular Risk And Preventive Medication Benefit, Elizabeth R. Wahl

Yale Medicine Thesis Digital Library

Medication decision making in older adults with multiple chronic conditions is complicated; communication between patients and physicians to establish concordant treatment goals can enhance this process. While patients' ability to make informed decisions about treatment priorities depends on their ability to understand the risks and benefits of medications and the likelihood of disease outcomes, patients' knowledge of medication-related benefits is unexplored. We examined older adults' estimation of their 10-year risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke, and the degree to which they thought common medications were able to prevent these outcomes. 150 male veterans age 65 or older and taking …

A Narrative Study: Exploration Of Arts And Crafts As Meaningful Productivity In A Middle-Old Adult Who Resides In An Independent Living Facility, Sara E. Thornburg

Masters Theses

This qualitative study explored the meaningfulness of engagement in arts and crafts in one older adult who resides in an independent living facility. A narrative approach was used and one participant was purposefully selected for the study. Data was collected through the use of semi-structured interviews. Additional data sources included the participant’s book of memories, artifacts, and photos. Analysis consisted of thorough readings of the data and the development of a chronology from the participant’s stories and hook of memories. Participant feedback and peer debriefing was elicited in order to insure validity of the researcher’s findings. Consistent with narrative research, …

Success Rates Of Temporary Anchorage Devices Placed In An Orthodontic Clinic, Alex C. Schreiber

All ETDs from UAB

In recent years, the use of a variety of temporary placed implants to attain absolute anchorage has been described in the orthodontic literature. The use of temporary implants, fixed to bone, overcomes some of the limitations of traditional anchorage and their reliance on patient compliance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors relating to the successful placement of miniscrew temporary anchorage devices in an orthodontic clinic. The orthodontic records of patients who had miniscrews placed during their treatment at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry Postgraduate Orthodontic Clinic were selected. After application of the inclusion …

Mapks Regulate Nuclear Import Of Human Papillomavirus Type 11 Replicative Helicase E1, Jei-Hwa Yu

All ETDs from UAB

Papillomaviruses (PV) are prevalent pathogens that infect human or animal squamous epithelia. Its genome is a double strand circular DNA of approximately 7.9 kb. It contains origin of replication (ori) and encodes early viral proteins for viral DNA amplication, and late capsid proteins for packaging viron. The viral DNA replicates as extrachromosomal nuclear plasmid in the host cell. Infections by low risk virus, such as HPV-6 and -11, can result in benign papillomas, condylomata, and low grade squamous intraepithelial dysplasias (SIL), whereas infection by high risk virus, such as HPV-16 and -18, can progress to high grade SIL, carcinoma in …

An Educational Resource Forum For Family Caregivers Of Individuals With Alzheimer's Disease, Tina Langlie, Karli Morman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There are currently 10 million Americans who care for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia (Alzheimer's Association, 2008). Monitoring and maintaining the health of the caregiver is important because it allows the individual with Alzheimer's disease to remain in their familiar home environment for as long as possible. It has been proven that both physical and emotional health of a caregiver decline with the demands associated with caregiving (O'Rourke, Cappeliez, & Neufeld, 2007). Healthcare professionals are responsible for assisting caregivers with maintaining their own health while caring for their loved one. Therefore, it is important …

An Occupational Therapy Guide For Teaching Handwriting Skills To Adults, Kyla Miller, Nichole Schroeder

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Handwriting is a skill utilized widely by adults; however, there is a lack of guidelines, information, or literature on the subject as it relates to adults. The purpose of this project was to develop guidelines for occupational therapists to use when providing handwriting interventions with adults. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, DynaMed, and professional journals to further understand the topic of handwriting with adults and its relation to occupational therapy. Currently, there is limited research and information regarding handwriting with adults and no programs or guidelines were found to assist occupational therapists in developing treatment interventions …

Reintegrating Military Personnel To Community Life: An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Carlotta Booth, Heather Hanson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The numbers of returning service men and women from Iraq and Afghanistan are experiencing combat-related complications is an area of growing concern for military health providers. This scholarly project investigated the risk factors and problems associated with post traumatic stress disorder among service men and women returning from military duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine occupational performance issues faced by the returning soldier. The most significant complications include: inadequate coping skills, loss of interest/participation in leisure, vocational disruptions, problems with reintegrating into the family structure, and ineffective communication/interpersonal skills.

The Lifestyle Redesign Program …

Achieving Positive Benefits For Chronic Pain: Complementary And Alternative Medicine And Occupational Therapy, Cheryl A. Keffeler

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Complementary and alternative medicine can fit into the occupational therapy practice framework to prepare chronic pain patients for participation in occupational performance. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies can be used preparatory to the therapy process or as treatment modalities in their own right.

A comprehensive literature review explores the use and efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine associated with chronic pain diagnoses seen by occupational therapists. Massage, yoga, biofeedback and cognitive-behavioral therapy, Feldenkrais, and Pilates are all techniques that can be utilized by occupational therapists. However, Pilates and Feldenkrais methods are used less frequently by occupational therapists, possibly due …

The Effects Of A Heel Lift On Gait Parameters During Ambulation For People With Hemipareses, Bryan Avery, Lindsay Riley, Shannon Webster

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

People with hemiparesis can have difficulty weight-bearing through their involved lower extremity. This can lead to asymmetry during static standing and dynamic activities including gait. Previous research has shown improved symmetry in static standing when a heel lift is inserted under the non-paretic lower extremity. The purpose of this study is to determine if a heel lift can improve symmetry during dynamic gait in people with hemiparesis.

Five subjects (1 female, 4 male) with unilateral hemiparesis were recruited from the community. All demonstrated greater than 55% of weight-bearing on the non-paretic limb in static standing. Hemiparesis resulted from either a …

Effectiveness Of Pelvic Floor Exercises On Women With Urinary Incontinence :, Kayla Bucher, Brittany Carter, Ashley Waller, Rachel Zinski

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Exercises in Women with Urinary Incontinence Purpose: Urinary incontinence is common in women; especially those who have had one or more vaginal deliveries. The purpose of our case study was to measure the effectiveness of pelvic floor exercises and biofeedback in women with urinary incontinence (VI) in a rural midwest physical therapy clinic.

Methods: Patients participating in this study were referred to a physical therapy clinic by their physician for a urinary incontinence program. During the initial evaluations, baseline biofeedback readings were recorded and home exercise programs were given. Patients were then seen for follow-ups at …

The Influence Of Partial Body Weight Support On The Muscle Activity In Normal Subjects: On Incline/Decline Surfaces At A Constant Speed, Kristin Citterman, Leanne Gere, Jessica Price, Kayley Uvaas

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to collect data on the effects of incline and decline surfaces, combined with partial body weight support (PBWS), on muscle activity of the lower extremities during treadmill walking for normal subjects. By collecting lower extremity electromyographical (EM G) data we hope that the information may be applied to the development of treatment alternatives or future research options for patients with both neurological and orthopedic dysfunction.

Methods: Twenty subjects (14 female, 6 male) were recruited for this study. EMG data was collected for lower extremity muscle activity during conditions of level, incline …

Effects Of External Ankle Support On Dynamic Movements: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Danny Henderson, Brian O'Neal, Kevin Voss, Bret Zowada

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Ankle sprains, are one of the most common injuries among athletes and individuals that perform dynamic activities on a daily basis. A common treatment or prevention for ankle sprain is the use of external ankle support in the form of braces or tape. This study's purpose was to determine whether external ankle support influenced dynamic performance measures.

The study consisted of 15 males and 15 females totaling thirty participants with a mean age of24.67 years old. Subjects were included if they were healthy and had no previous ankle injuries. Using the NeuroCom Balance Master 8.2, each subject performed two dynamic …

Emg Analysis Of A Hamstring Co-Contraction And Its Effects On Abdominal Strength, Stephanie Rodman, Heather Robbins, Rebecca Thurn

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Back pain and instability are common diagnoses treated by physical therapists. Treatment often includes abdominal or core strengthening exercises that act to improve stability about the lumbar spine. Hip flexors prevent the weaker abdominal muscles from working to their full potential and increase the lumbar lordosis placing the spine at risk of injury. Hip extensors work with abdominal muscles to reduce the lumbar lordosis, and restrict the hip flexor activity, allowing a stronger abdominal contraction. The purpose of this study was to determine if a co-contraction of the hamstring muscles during an abdominal crunch increased the electromyographic …

Analyzing Seated Pressure On Different Surfaces Using The Fsa Pressure Mapping System, Christine Robinson, Sara Sailer, Jennifer Weber, Amber Weide

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Pressure ulcers are a current problem for many individuals, both ambulatory and non-ambulatory. Insurance companies offer few policies and programs for individuals with pressure ulcers who are ambulatory, leaving these individuals minimal options to acquire pressure reliving devices that are covered by insurance. Non-traditional, inexpensive pressure reliving devices may be used as a cost effective alternative to a more expensive cushion. Little research has been conducted to determine if a less expensive device, such as a Homedics Micropedic Therapy pillow, would be effective in relieving pressure while seated.

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a …

Density Of Gutta Percha By Weight In Straight Root Canals And Curved Root Canals After Single Cone, Cold Lateral, And Warm Vertical Condensation, Gerald Clay Sparrow

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare the density of gutta percha following three different obturation techniques using two split-tooth models. One split-tooth model was constructed with a straight rooted maxillary incisor and the other with the curved palatal root of a maxillary molar. Each tooth was obturated using single cone, cold lateral, and warm vertical obturation techniques without sealer. Each obturation technique was performed 20 times for each of the root systems. The weights of the gutta percha were recorded for each root type and obturation technique by subtracting the post-fill weight from the pre-fill weight of the …

African American Women And Hypertension: Their Resources Of Information, Knowledge Level, And Health Promoting Behaviors, Winnie Wood

Graduate Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to describe the information resources, level of knowledge on hypertension, and health promoting behaviors (diet and exercise) of young African American women, and to determine whether there was a relationship between their knowledge level and health promoting behaviors (diet and exercise). The study sample consisted of African American women (N=31) 18 to 30 years old. Data was collected using a demographic questionnaire, High Blood Pressure IQ Quiz, and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. Participants reported they received majority of their information from doctors, family, television, and schools. Participants scored an average of 70% …

Functional Analysis Of Human Beta Defensin-1: Novel Insight Into Its Role In Prostate Cancer, Rebecca S. Bullard

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men in the United States. The molecular pathogenesis of this disease includes genetic alterations, infection, and exposure to inflammatory or dietary oxidants. Recently, research has focused on the role of host defense peptides in tumor immunity. Defensins, a highly conserved multigene family of proteins that possess antimicrobial and antiviral properties, play an essential role in innate and adaptive immunity. These peptides are categorized into alpha- and beta-defensins based upon the spacing and connection between the six conserved cysteine residues of the mature peptide. Human Beta Defensin-1 (hBD-1), an important …

Effect Of Thyroid Hormones On At1r Mrna Levels In Hek 293 Cells: Implications For Early-Onset Hypertension In Children Born Of Preeclamptic Women, Amanda Eddins

Theses and Dissertations

This experiment tested the effect of thyroid hormones, T3 or T4, on angiotensin II type 1 receptor mRNA levels in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK). Maternal preeclampsia is a prediction of higher ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) in the exposed offspring. The mother's blood pressure affects the blood pressure of the fetus since the placenta mediates blood flow. Thyroid hormone can increase production of angiotensinogen, which is a part of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). RAS regulates blood pressure. Hypothesis: HEK 293 cells treated with T3 and T4 will have more angiotensin II type I receptors than those not treated with T3 …

A Quick Guide To The Management Of Traumatic Upper Extremity Injuries: For Entry Level Occupational Therapists, Marty Melland

Occupational Therapy Capstones

According to Kasch, Greenberg, and Muenzen (2003), occupational therapists who are initiating their entry into hand therapy or upper extremity or1hopaedic specialization do not have the knowledge and skills of an experienced therapist. This is especially true for occupational and physical therapists who enter the workforce with a general overview of many treatments but have not trained or worked in a specialized upper extremity or1hopaedic practice. Upper extremity orthopaedics is a specialty area of the occupational therapy (OT) profession which requires not only a wide range of generalized knowledge and experience, but also an extended knowledge of specific diagnostic categories …

Investigation Of Social Connectedness In A College Population And Its Relationship To Perceived Stress And Health Symptoms, Sanya Sholetta Whittaker

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The present study investigated factors related to social connectedness and social support in a college population. Participants in the study were 486 volunteer students at the University of North Florida. All data were collected through a world wide web surveying program that allowed each participant to complete surveys on computers from any location. The surveys administered were the Social Connectedness Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Perceived Stress Scale 10, the Patient Health Questionnaire 15 (PHQ15), and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale- Revised (CESD-R) along with a demographics questionnaire. Results show that participants in …

Examining The Effects Of Nurse Work Hours, Inter-Shift Recovery, Fatigue, And Sleep Debt On Intent To Leave, Amy M. Manderscheid

Masters Theses

The nursing profession contains dedicated professionals who work varying shifts with assorted time frames to recover before returning to work. The purpose of this study was to examine shift work, inter-shift recovery, fatigue, sleep debt and intent to leave among full-time nurses. Data were collected through the use of electronic questionnaires from a sample of 36 registered nurses from the Sigma Theta Tau Kappa Epsilon Chapterat- Large.

Findings revealed significant differences among nurses working 10 hour shifts and their accumulation of sleep debt in comparison to nurses working 8 or 12 hour shifts. Significant differences were not found between acute …

Treatment Of Industrial Wastewater Containing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients With A Membrane Bioreactor, With The Aim Of Reducing Resource Consumption, Pádraig Colm Ó'Maolcatha

Theses

The biodegradation of a selected active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) during wastewater treatment in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) was examined experimentally. A comparison study was conducted by operating a conventional activated sludge (CAS) pilot plant in parallel to the MBR. The MBR was operated under varying conditions of pH (pH6 and pH8), MLSS (6g/L and l0g/L) and SRT (20 days and 30 days) according to a full factorial design of experiments. In the CAS, pH and SRT were altered as above but MLSS was maintained at 3-4g/L. Comparable average API removal results of 95.5% and 95.7% were obtained for the MBR …

Art Therapy Student Placement : Challenge And Opportunity?, Niamh Kennedy

Theses

The purpose of this research project is to explore the sector of Student Placement as it forms a significant part of the training programme on the MA in Art Therapy in Cork. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of this part of the educational process for trainees and investigate the impact the Clinical Placement experience has on Student Art Therapists.

By reflecting on the advancement of Art Therapy in our neighbouring isle and exploring the growth of Art Therapy as a profession in the Republic of Ireland, this study aims to chronicle a more recent Irish history of Art …

Evaluation Of The Antecedents Of Cultural Competence, Mary Harper

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The threefold purpose of this research is to identify the essential antecedents of cultural competence as identified by international nurse researchers, to compare the content of the extant cultural competence instruments to these antecedents and to potentially identify gaps in their conceptualization. A secondary aim of this research is to initiate validation of Harper's model of ethical multiculturalism. Conceptual Basis: The model of ethical multiculturalism depicts the attributes of ethical multiculturalism as the fulcrum of a balance between two ethical philosophies of fundamentalism and relativism. The attributes of moral reasoning, beneficence/nonmaleficence, respect for persons and communities, and cultural competence …

Occupational Therapy Interventions For Pre And Post Liver Transplant Patients, Tina M. Sauber

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Liver transplantation is the only treatment of choice for chronic liver disease. The illness distress associated with liver disease and transplantation involves every aspect of the individual's life (physical, psychological, social and spiritual) and impacts the individual's quality of life, an important outcome measure of life satisfaction and well-being (Belle, Hoofnagle, Lake, Porayko & Zatlerman, 1997). Patients on the liver transplant waiting list experience a decline in functional performance or may expire while waiting.

The occupational therapist has the challenge of motivating the patient to independently mange his or her life and will complete a comprehensive evaluation with emphasis on …

Promoting Children's Health In The Home Environment: A Parent/Guardian Handbook, Shannon Troje, Stacie Voth

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The World Health Organization (2003) stated that "obesity is a global epidemic". The United States (U.S.) in particular has a statistically significant higher rate of obesity in children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2003), 15.3% of children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old are obese as a result of unhealthy habits and routines. Because these habits and routines often begin in the home environment, health promotion activities should involve parents/guardians (Manios, Kafatos, & Mamalakis, 1998).

At this time there are few resources available for parents/guardians and their children to promote wellness in the home environment. …

An Occupational Therapy Approach To A Wellness Program For Adolescents With Mental Illness, Holly Silewski, Christina Thompson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project was to identify wellness needs of adolescents with mental illness (MI) and to provide a structured program that incorporates occupational activities into wellness programming within a mental health setting.

A literature review was conducted using PubMed, EBSCOhost, PsychInfo, SCOPUS, OT search, and CINAHL to determine the need for wellness programs for this population. Resources included journals, books, websites, government agencies, and government reports.

After an extensive literature review it was found that there are a limited number of wellness programs, as well as a need among adolescents with MI, as evidenced by increasing rates of …

A Novel Method For The Production Of Potentially Therapeutic Human Monoclonal Antibodies In Vitro, Adria L. Bykowski

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

We have developed a novel approach for the production of potentially therapeutic human monoclonal antibodies in vitro. This method holds great promise for generating therapeutic antibodies against infectious disease, cancer, and inflammation. The complex nature of current methods for producing human monoclonal antibodies is a major impediment to large scale passive transfer immunotherapy. Our novel technique utilizes Epstein-Barr virus immortalized tonsil or peripheral blood B cells from healthy human volunteers. These B cells are forced to undergo non-specific differentiation to become mature IgG antibody producing plasma "like" cells that continuously proliferate in vitro. Using this method, millions of transformed B …

Examining The Effects Of Non-Intensive Therapy On Word Retrieval, Speech Intelligibility And Quality Of Life Following Intensive Therapy, Hillary Leigh Goodwin

LSU Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if involvement in intensive treatment would help a patient with aphasia, secondary to a cerebral vascular accident, accompanied by dysarthria, maintain skill levels during non-intensive treatment. A literature review uncovered numerous studies on intensive treatment. These studies discussed the improvements the subjects were able to make across various areas during the time of intensive treatment; however, very little research was available to indicate these subjects’ success when re-entering non-intensive treatment. This study proposed two specific questions: was the subject able to maintain word retrieval, speech intelligibility, and quality of life levels from …