Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Cd23'S Role As A Negative Regulator Of Allergic Disease: In Vivo Effects Of Murine Cd23 Destabilization And Allelic Mutations, Jill Wallace Ford

Theses and Dissertations

Through underexpression and overexpression studies, CD23 has been shown to negatively regulate IgE production. To investigate CD23 destabilization and its effects on CD23 shedding and IgE synthesis in vivo, we utilized an anti-CD23 stalk monoclonal (19G5) which has previously been shown to enhance proteolysis of CD23 in vitro. Compared to isotype control-treated mice, mice injected with 19G5 displayed enhanced serum soluble CD23 and IgE. Because 19G5 injection substantially enhanced CD23 shedding, it was useful in investigating the identity of the CD23 sheddase. 19G5 enhanced CD23 shedding in ADAM8-/-, ADAM9-/-ADAM15-/-, and ADAM9-/-ADAM12-/-ADAM15-/- mice, ruling out these ADAMs as candidate CD23 sheddases. …

Telomerase Inhibition And Sensitization Of Breast Tumor Cells, Kennon R. Poynter

Theses and Dissertations

Telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein enzyme minimally composed of an RNA template (hTR) and a catalytically active protein subunit (hTERT), synthesizes telomeric repeats onto chromosome ends and is obligatory for continuous tumor cell proliferation, as well as malignant progression of breast cancer cells. Telomerase is an attractive anticancer therapeutic target because its activity is present in over 90% of human cancers, including more than 95% of breast carcinomas, but undetectable in most somatic cells. Traditions chemo- and radio-therapies lack the ability to effectively control and cure breast cancer, in part because residual cells are or become resistant to DNA damaging modalities.While various …

Anesthesia Clinical Performance Outcomes: Does Teaching Methodology Make A Difference?, Nina E. Mclain

Theses and Dissertations

Researchers have studied memory recall of crisis-oriented or emotional events in non-educational settings. However, within the health care field, there has been a limited study of the the concept of recall of crisis oriented or emotional events in& health care education. Crisis-oriented events such as natural disasters, acts of bioterroism, and industrial accidents, have been reported to impact memory. Patient safety is a primary focus in anesthesia education, appropriate crisis management is imperative to quality anesthesia care. Due to the critical nature of anesthesia delivery, there is a strong, constant need to develop methods that will enhance, support, and improve …

Development Of A Core Stability Model, Tricia Lynn Majewski-Haak

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The concept of core stability has transcended physical medicine as well as health and physical performance. It is now considered a fundamental component of general fitness and rehabilitation programming. However, the definition of core stability, its components, and the assessment techniques have not been established. The purpose of this project was to develop a comprehensive core stability model addressing its definition, components, and assessment techniques. The methods utilized in this study incorporated the Delphi technique to develop a unified core stability model.

A group of 15 content experts from United States and Canada, representing a variety of disciplines, participated in …

The Effects Of The Nutriactive Healthy Experience Intervention On Nutrition Knowledge In Kindergarten And First Grade Students, Jennifer Marie Bruss

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Over the past 30 years obesity in elementary school age children has gone from almost non-existence to common place. With obesity on the rise, the occurrence of diseases associated with it such as Type II diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia have also risen for children. These diseases are often carried into adulthood since overweight children are more likely to become overweight or obese adults. This will create another generation of obese children, continue to strain a failing health system, and add additional problems to our economy as the current obese generation heads into retirement.

Poor eating habits and insufficient physical activity …

The Effect Of Three Rest Intervals After A High Intensity Training Protocol On Speed And Strength Variables In Division I Track And Field Sprinters And Jumpers, Eric Lee Hanenberger

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of three different recovery periods (2, 4 or 6 days) after a high intensity strength training protocol on speed and strength variables in Division I track and field sprinters and jumpers. Methods: Research participants (RP) were assessed in a lower body strength test using a back squat one repetition maximum (lRM). A week of recovery was administered following the lower body strength test. A pre-test was administered to establish baseline values on speed and strength variables. Speed variables included 18.3, 36.6 and 54.9 m sprint times and SPLIT 1 (18.3 …

An Evaluation Of Appearance, Fitness, Health, Illness, And Body Satisfaction Levels Plus Overweight Preoccupation Of Female Fitness Instructors In Cedar Falls And Waterloo, Ia, Catherine M. Zubrod

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to compare the researcher's results to published norms. This study investigated appearance, fitness, health, illness, and body satisfaction levels plus overweight preoccupation of female fitness instructors in Cedar Falls and Waterloo, IA. The respondents for the study were 41 female group fitness instructors. They responded to the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (Godin & Shephard, 1985) to determine leisure-time activity levels, the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ; Cash, 2000) to determine appearance levels, fitness levels, health levels, illness levels, body satisfaction levels, and overweight preoccupation, and a self-developed questionnaire to acquire demographic data. The study …

Motor Learning And Its Application To Accent Modification, Lindsey Nicole Clark

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

As the numbers of immigrants and non-native speakers of English continue to be high in the United States, there will also continue to be those who wish to alter their manner of speaking. Currently, there is little research discussing the effectiveness of traditional therapy techniques (i.e. auditory training, drill, and phonetic placement; Schmidt and Meyers, 1995). However, in recent years, research has shown high success rates in therapies based on motor learning principles ( e.g. Backer, 2003; Mueller, 2004; Nelson, 2004). By definition, motor learning is "a set of processes associated with practice or experience leading to relatively permanent changes …

The Effect Of Pediatric Hospital Specialization On Patient Safety And Effectiveness Of Care, James Mitchell Harris Ii

Theses and Dissertations

Provider specialization is an area of interest in health care as patients, payers and policy makers are now demanding better performance and demonstrated proof of the benefits of specialization. While previously ignored in the specialization debate, now even the hospitals focusing on pediatric care (i.e. children's hospitals) are experiencing pressure to demonstrate their value. The current study attempts to answer the questions: do hospitals specializing in pediatric care provide better quality pediatric inpatient care; and do they do so for differing types of patient outcomes and across different levels of care complexity? Contingency Theory is used to develop and assess …

Novel Sulfated 4-Hydroxycinnamic Acid Oligomers As Potent Anticoagulants, Brian Lawrence Henry

Theses and Dissertations

The occurrence of thrombosis in several pathophysiological conditions creates a huge need for anticoagulation therapy. Thrombin and factor Xa have been prime targets for regulation of clotting through the direct and indirect mechanism of inhibition. This work investigates chemo-enzymatically prepared oligomers of 4-hydroxycinnamic acids (DHPs) as potential anticoagulants. Oligomers were prepared through peroxidase-catalyzed oxidative coupling of 4-hydroxycinnamic acids. The products resulting from this reaction are called CDs, FDs and SDs. Structurally, these sulfated DHPs are unique and do not resemble any of the anticoagulants known in the literature.DHP oligomers were found to increase clotting times at concentrations comparable to heparin. …

Fear Of Failure, Experience, And Division As Predictors Of State Anxiety In Usfa Epee Fencers, Elizabeth Helen Athanas

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Research looks for the sources of state anxiety for individual athletes prior to competition, which can be debilitating (Gould, 1993; Gould, Horn & Spreeman, 1983). Non-elite athletes who are high trait anxious (possibly fear of failure) have higher state anxiety than elite athletes (Conroy, 2002; Gould, Horn & Spreeman, 1983). Fencers may be prone to elevated state anxiety. No research links these variables together in fencing. The purpose of the study is to examine fear of failure, experience, and division as predictors of state anxiety for epee fencers prior to competition. Epee fencers (N = 145) who competed in the …

How Do Christian Values, In Comparison To Other Sociocultural Values, Motivate Early Adolescent Girls In Regard To Their Body Image?, Tracy Keizer

Theses and Graduate Projects

The period of adolescence in a young girl's life is a time of differentiation and change, A young girl's journey into adolescence involves several adjustments including physical, moral, social and cognitive changes. All of the unique influences and adjustments affecting a young girl also affect her body image. These influences include the culture, media, family, friends, and a girls own personality and temperament. One influence that has not been studied is the motivation of Christian values on a young girl's body image. Christian values have the strength to positively motivate people to do many constructive things. The purpose of this …

A Study Of The Caring Relationship Between Nurses And Culturally Diverse Clients, Carol Phillips

Theses and Graduate Projects

This is a qualitative study that examines the caring relationship between the nurse and the culturally diverse client. The purpose was to gain insight into the process of the delivery of culturally congruent care. A method of Hermeneutic Phenomenological analysis was used to discover the meaning within the stories told by the nurse participants.

Biomechanical Testing Of Two-Level Cervical Disc Arthroplasty, Laura J. Gilmour

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

In vitro biomechanical studies comparing two-level cervical disc arthroplasty with two-level fusion were completed using an established cadaveric cervical spine model. Three conditions were tested: non-instrumented, instrumented with two-level fusion (C5-C6 and C6-C7), and instrumented with two-level arthroplasty (C5-C6, C6-C7) using the Prestige Low-Profile (Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Memphis TN) or ProDisc-C (Synthes Spine, West Chester PA) prosthetic disc. Specimens were tested non-destructively in physiologic flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation to an end-limit load of 3-Nm or 45o rotation. Rotations at the superior, implanted, and inferior motion segment units (MSU) of the instrumented conditions were normalized to the non-instrumented condition …

Tyrosine Phosphorylation Of Villin: Effects On Actin Dynamics, Cell Morphology And Cell Migration, Alok Tomar

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Cell migration is a key aspect of many normal and abnormal biological processes, including embryonic development, defense against infections, wound healing, and tumor cell metastasis. In this study we demonstrate that an epithelial cell actin-binding protein, villin, plays a crucial role in the process of cell migration. Overexpression of villin in doxycyline-regulated HeLa Tet-off and MDCK Tet-off cells enhanced cell migration. We further demonstrate that tyrosine phosphorylation of villin by c-src is required for villin-induced cell migration. Previously, we identified four tyrosine phosphorylation sites in the amino-terminal domain of villin. I further identified six new sites in the carboxylterminal region …

A Computer Simulation Model Of The Human Head-Neck Musculoskeletal System, Jun Yan

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Objective. The objective of this research was to develop a muscle-driven biomechanical model of the human head-neck system that could be used to simulate neck movements under muscle control. This model can further be modified to enable input from an external stimulus, such as EMG data.

Summary of background data. Utilizing computer aided design (CAD) and dynamic simulation software programs, the Joint Implant Biomechanics Laboratory at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center developed a virtual model of the human cervical spine to simulate the in vitro biomechanical experiments. This in vitro model did not include any muscle …

Molecular Screening Of Azoreductase Gene And Its Activity In Human Intestinal Bacteria, Syndia S. Todd

McCabe Thesis Collection

The intestinal microflora are capable of performing a wide variety of metabolic transformations. "The intestinal bacteria can enhance the function of the entire gastrointestinal tract, protect against pathogenic, maintain the vital chemical balance of the gastrointestinal system, and produce needed vitamins and hormones" (http;//www.upwardquest.com/crit2.html). Some of the products of this metabolism have been associated with carcinogenic processes, such as cancer, tumor formation, gastrointestinal disease, and infections. The ability of human intestinal microbes to interact with metabolites directly or after recirculation may contribute toward different toxicological disorders and disease.

The purpose of this study is to characterize and isolate the azoreductase …

Language Delays And The Influence Of Therapeutic Riding: A Case Study Of An Autistic Child, Nadia Suckarieh

Graduate Theses

Autism is a Pervasive Development Disorder characterized by stereotype behavior and trouble with communication. One focus of working with this population is increasing the verbal and communication ability of the nonverbal individuals. The present study focused on the effects a six-week therapeutic horseback riding program would have on the stereotypical behaviors present in a six-year-old autistic child, and if this program would help the his verbalization and communication ability. The Psychoeducation Profile, 3rd Edition was used to measure possible changes the intervention might have influenced. The result of the study indicated there was a decrease in the child’s physical stereotype …

Paved With Good Intentions: A Definitional Study On The Issue Of Psychological Child Abuse, Anita Renee Fromm

Graduate Theses

Definitional issues concerning child abuse have long plagued the identification and treatment of this malady. This study examined the role of perpetrator intention in categorizing adverse parenting skills, as well as psychological child abuse potential. Exploitative parenting styles were displayed and rated in a variety of vignettes. Social service professionals and university students were participants in this vignette style questionnaire study. Results indicated that with a few exceptions, a constant perpetrator intention did not appear to alter subject perceptions that the scenarios presented adverse parenting skills and child abuse potential. The participants were indecisive concerning scenarios that represented excessive athletic …

African American Father-Child Reproductive Health Communication, Nnenna Ohalete Phd

Dissertations

African-American children have their sexual debut (first voluntary penile-vaginal penetration) earlier thus are at disproportionately greater risk for more sexual partners and sexually transmitted infections. Father-child reproductive health communication was found to influence the timing of sex in other children however, a dearth of studies in African-American fathers existed. In this qualitative study reproductive health communication was explored in tape-recorded interviews of 19 African-American fathers from the perspective of critical theory, with the use of critical ethnography as methodology. How the content and pattern of reproductive health communication influenced sexual debut, and how fathers' moral/ethical stances influenced reproductive health communication …

The Aggression Questionnaire As An Indicator Of Anger Expression By Abused Women In Therapy, Audrey Steakley

Graduate Theses

The present study examined whether adult women in therapy who have been physically abused express anger differently than their counterparts who have been sexually abused, and whether they are aware that they express anger in noticeable ways. The first hypothesis stated that physically abused women express anger directly and physically, whereas sexually abused women express anger indirectly, avoiding direct confrontation. The second hypothesis proposed that they are not aware how much they express their anger outwardly. Participants were female clients at a local counseling agency, with issues stemming from physical and/or sexual abuse. They voluntarily completed the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) …

A Kinematic Analysis Of Sprint Starts With Varied Starting Block Foot Placement Widths, Jesse Lee Rhoades

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effect of relative lateral foot placement in the starting blocks on the sprint start. The sprinting kinematics during the first four steps out of the blocks were examined. Eight females from the a Midwest University Track and Field team performed sprint starts using a pair of modified Fusion I starting blocks. These starting blocks were made in double wide configuration to accommodate a variety of foot placements. Foot placements were determined using relative hip to ankle angle. Experimental hip-ankle angles were± five degrees (Narrow/Wide), and zero degrees (neutral). The sprinters were recorded with four cameras at …

Resilience And Depressive Symptoms In Midlife Women, Keverne L. Lehman

Masters Theses

Rates of depression are increasing throughout the world, with women experiencing depression twice as often as men. This study utilized the Neuman Systems Model to examine the relationship in midlife women between depressive symptoms and resilience. Women ages 35-55, selected from four health care settings, completed written surveys on demographic information, life events, depression, and resilience. Results supported depressive symptoms as a health concern for mid-life women: 32% reporting current or previous treatment for depression, and 24% screening positive for depression. Resilience, measured by the Polk Resilience Patterns Scale, was related to education, perceived health, conflict in the living situation, …

A National Estimate Of The Cost Of Illness In Parkinson's Disease Using Retrospective Data Analysis, Katherine Anderson

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to estimate the cost of illness of Parkinson’s disease in the United States. Direct medical expenditures, with the exception of nursing home costs, were estimated using data from the 1999-2003 Medical Expenditures Panel Survey Household Component (MEPS-HC). Nursing home costs were estimated using the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey Nursing Home Component (MEPS-NHC). Indirect costs for lost productivity due to missed work or bed-days (morbidity) were estimated using the MEPS-HC and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Indirect costs for lost productivity due to death (mortality) were estimated using the National Vital Statistics System.

Direct …

Patient Handling Safety For Nursing Staff, Don Nielsen

Dissertations

The effectiveness of video scoring and feedback about the scoring of the components of safe patient transfers was observed among eight nursing staff members in a skilled nursing department within an acute care hospital.

An ABCA (and sometimes ABCDA), multiple baseline across individuals design was utilized in the study. The dependent variable under investigation was the percentage of safe lifting components. Following baseline measures, nursing staff participated in an information phase during which they reviewed and discussed components of safe patient transfers. A video scoring phase was introduced, during which, participants viewed and scored a model video of a patienttransfer. …

A Delphi Survey Of Experts’ Opinions Regarding Prevention Of Impairment In Professional Psychology Training, Kin-Ming Chan

Dissertations

This study sought to identify the most important measures that may be implemented in professional psychology training to prevent the future impairment of professionals. An adjunctive research question of this study addressed how these important measures can be successfully implemented. A 2-round Delphi method was conducted. Twenty-eight experts in impairment prevention participated in the first round study, and 20 of them continued to participate in the second round. In the first round, the experts rated the importance of an original list of 38 preventive measures, suggested additional important preventive measures, and provided considerations for successful implementation of their most important …

A Continued Investigation Of Craniofacial Growth In Infant Heart Transplant Recipients Receiving Cyclosporine, Gabriel Enriquez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Since the mid 1980’s, Cyclosporine has proved to be an effective immunosuppressive drug and now has a widespread application in organ transplantation. Several studies, however, have implicated cyclosporine as adversely affecting craniofacial growth in the pediatric population. ^16,18 The purpose of this follow-up study was to continue to evaluate the possible untoward effects of long-term use of cyclosporine on craniofacial growth in a group of infant heart transplantation recipients by re-evaluating as many subjects as possible from the original study and evaluating new subjects. A pediatric group (N=13) was composed of six Caucasian subjects (4 male and 2 female, ages …

An In Vitro Model Of Ovarian Cancer: Studying The Effects Of Talc And Pycnogenol®, Amber Renée Buz'zard

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer and accounts for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. The American Cancer Society has suggested that poor diet, talc and industrial pollutants may increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Talc is ubiquitous and concern is raised about its safety, role as a possible carcinogen and known ability to cause irritation and inflammation. Due to the silent nature of ovarian cancer, chemoprevention is a high priority. The most useful chemopreventive compounds will inhibit, delay or reverse carcinogenesis, and can be taken for long periods of time with …

Resorbable Barrier Effect In Sinus Graft Using Anorganic Bone, Kyung-Soo Choi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The effect of a resorbable membrane on new bone formation in human maxillary sinus augmentation using anorganic bovine material is unclear at the present time. As a pilot study, six patients who required bilateral maxillary sinus augmentations for endoessous dental implant treatment were grafted with anorganic bovine bone material. All six patients had a resorbable collagen membrane placed over the graft material on only one side for the sinus augmentation. At the time of implant placement, a minimum of 8 months following sinus graft healing, a biopsy was made of each side to permit histomorphometric analysis.

Similar amounts of new …

Minority Adolescents At Risk For Obesity: Health Behaviors And Perceptions, Linda D. Jones

Master's Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine behaviors related to nutrition and physical activity of inner-city minority adolescents, and their perception of normal weight and overweight. The research study used a descriptive, non-experimental design which had a convenience sample of thirty-seven 8th grade minority adolescents who attended a chartered urban K-8 grade school in Northern California. There were no statistically significant differences in the results, however, over 50% of the students reported not eating the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Another 68% reported participating more than 30 minutes in exercising or playing sports during physical education class. …