Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Determining The Level Of Patient Satisfaction In A Dental Hygiene Setting., Vinodh Bhoopathi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Not many studies have been conducted in the past to determine patients' level of satisfaction in academic dental hygiene settings. This patient satisfaction study analyzed the level of patient satisfaction with the dental hygiene clinic at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. The purpose of the study was to determine if there was a statistically significant influence of demographic characteristics of the patients and the affective behavior of the care providers on level of patient satisfaction. It was concluded that except for age, other demographic variables did not have any statistically significant influence on patient satisfaction. Also, care provider's …

Role Of Zmpste24 In Prelamin A Maturation., Douglas Paul Corrigan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The nuclear lamins form a karyoskeleton providing structural rigidity to the nucleus. One member of the lamin family, lamin A, is first synthesized as a 74 kDa precursor, prelamin A. Following the endopeptidase and methylation reactions which occur after farnesylation of the CAAX-box cysteine, there is a second endoproteolysis that occurs 15 amino acids upstream from the C-terminal farnesylated cysteine residue. Studies with knockout mice have implicated the enzyme Zmpste24 as a candidate to carry out one or both of these proteolytic reactions. In this body of work, the CAAX endopeptidase activity of recombinant, membrane reconstituted, Zmpste24 is demonstrated using …

Exposure To Volatile Organic Compounds And Effect On Neurobehavioral Function., Abhijeet Jagannath Bhanegaonkar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Data of 1338 respondents from the Priority Toxicant Reference Range Study were analyzed to examine exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Self-reported contact to chemical products and blood concentrations of specific chemicals were analyzed. Neurobehavioral function was assessed by simple reaction time test (SRTT), symbol digit substitution test (SDST), and serial digit learning test (SDLT). Prevalence of exposure to VOC products was, for instance, air freshener/room deodorant - 34.7%, gasoline - 29.2%, finger nail polish - 16.2%, and diesel fuel/ kerosene - 10.6%. The 95th percentiles of blood VOCs (μg/L) were calculated for 41 chemicals including Benzene - 0.476, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane …

Angiogenesis And Myogenesis In A Chronic Ischemic Heart., Esha Ibrahim

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Miniswine underwent procedures to evaluate treating chronic ischemia with the implantation of autologous satellite cells and laser transmyocardial revascularization (TMR). The objective was to combine two therapies to restore cardiac function. This experiment involved three surgical procedures: (1) placing a constrictor on the coronary artery; (2) producing channels and implanting cells; (3) obtaining samples. The swine were divided into groups: Group 1, Ischemia; Group 2, Ischemia + Laser TMR; Group 3, Ischemia + Laser TMR+ Cells; Group 4, Ischemia + Cells. Sonomicrometry and Millar pressure transducers were used to determine contractility, left ventricular pressure, and pressure-volume loops. There were no …

How Individuals With Parkinson's Disease Modify Their Speech In A Repetition For Clarification, Lynn Marie Watkins

Theses and Dissertations

The speech of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) is typically characterized as lacking in proper prosody because of its monopitch and monoloud quality, in addition to its reduced intensity. These qualities make it difficult for others to understand speakers with PD. The purpose of the current study was to identify what individuals with PD would do vocally, if anything at all, to improve speech production following a simulated misunderstanding of what they had just said. The study evaluated the performance of 5 individuals with PD and compared their performance to 5 age- and sex-matched controls. Specifically, measures of vocal intensity …

A Pilot Study: The Effects Of Group Exercise On Fatigue And Quality Of Life During Cancer Treatment, Joanna M. Losito

Master's Projects

Fatigue affects 60-100% of all cancer patients, is difficult to manage, and can have a profound impact on everyday functioning and quality of life. Though seemingly counterintuitive, exercise has emerged as a promising intervention for the management of cancer related fatigue (CRF). Current research predominantly involves individual, home-based exercise programs with few studies exploring other modes of exercise delivery. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if participation in a structured group exercise program (SGEP) was a feasible intervention for adult oncology patients receiving cancer treatment and to test the impact of a SGEP on reducing CRF and …

Exploration Of Lip Shape Measures And Their Association With Tongue Contact Patterns, Jessica Lynn Wagner

Theses and Dissertations

A variety of tools and techniques have been developed to measure the movements of the vocal tract, specifically of the tongue and lips. In recent years, computer technology has allowed for extensive exploration of these precise movements and for the development of speech recognition systems. However, there has been relatively little work on the combination of visible facial movements and internal articulatory activity. In this study, two different technologies were used to explore the internal and external movements of speech production in eight speakers: palatometry quantified tongue contact patterns and computerized video image analysis was used to derive lip shape …

The Relationship Of Attitude, Self-Efficacy, Physician, And Significant Other Influence To Type 2 Diabetes Outcomes, Heidi A. Larson

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and its' relationship to Type 2 diabetes outcomes. One hundred and sixty-two adults ages 45 to 75 with Type 2 diabetes were recruited from two physicians' offices in the Midwest. Participants completed instruments that assessed (a) diabetes-specific attitude, (b) diabetes-specific self-efficacy, ( c) physician influence, ( d) significant other influence, and ( e) diabetes-specific quality of life. A measurement of metabolic control was also obtained. Multiple regressions were performed using (a) quality of life and (b) metabolic control as criterion variables. Attitude, self-efficacy, and physician influence …

The Experience Of American And Canadian Cancer Patients In Deciding To Seek Alternative Care In Mexican Cancer Clinics, Alicia Bright

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Background. Each year, despite warnings from the American Cancer Association, many US and Canadian citizens travel to Tijuana, Mexico, for cancer care. The main criticism of these clinics is that they provide treatments that are unproven, potentially unsafe, and expensive. Despite this, about 35 clinics exist in Tijuana that provide alternative care to patients who pay cash for these services.

Objectives. To understand the lived experience of people who have made the choice to receive cancer treatment at alternative cancer clinics in Tijuana, and gain insight into the process by which that decision occurs.

Population. 5 participants were interviewed. Three …

Effects Of Resistance Training Volume And Variety On Dietary Intake And Mood State In Untrained Subject, Suzette K. Smith

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: While there is research on the effects of aerobic training on various aspects of mood state and nutrient intake, little is known of the effect of resistance training on these variables.

Purpose: To examine the effects of resistance training (RT) volume and variety on total energy (kcal) and macronutrient intake, and mood states in a healthy, untrained population.

Method:The investigation was part of a prospective experimental study examining the effects of three RT protocols on body composition and strength. An initial 102, healthy, untrained male and female participants, ages 20-40, were recruited, and randomized into one of three …

Screening Of Postpartum Depression Among Chinese Immigrants, Beahwa Yeoh

Master's Projects

Postpartum depression among the Chinese population in the United States has been understudied even though the Chinese community continues to rapidly increase in numbers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of postpartum depression among Chinese immigrants using the "Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale," a self-report questionnaire. This study also reports demographics obtained from participants and explores the practice of "zuo ye zi" among Chinese immigrants. In the spring of 2005, twenty-eight postpartum Chinese women, all first generation immigrants, were asked to participate in this study during home visits conducted by public health nurses in Alameda County, CA. …

Healthcare Resources For Older Adults In A Medium Sized Community, Ashley Nielson

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Healthcare has become a large concern for a number of older Americans. With increases in healthcare costs and complex programs such as, Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap insurance policies and community programs, many older Americans are left worrying where they will find the money and resources to provide for themselves and their healthcare needs. Medicare, Medicaid and community care resources help to offset individual healthcare costs, but they are often not enough. The programs are complex and confusing and are limited in the care they provide.

Predicting Body Mass Index In Northern Plains American Indian Children, Tami Jollie-Trottier

Theses and Dissertations

Obesity has become a major health concern for American Indians. Obesity prevalence is higher for minority groups, however American Indians consistently have higher rates than any other U.S. population. Of more concern is the trend towards higher rates of overweight and obesity in American Indian children. Obesity has been associated with many health concerns such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes mellitus in both American Indian adults and children. The purpose of this study is to identify predictor variables that may be contributing to the development or possibly maintenance of obesity in American Indian children. …

Incidence And Clinical Predictors Of Risk Factors For Inappropriate Shock In Patients With Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators, Shu-Ling Lo Phd

Dissertations

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major unresolved medical problem worldwide. Although Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICD) are highly effective in diagnosing and treating life threatening arrhythmias, inappropriate shock therapy (IST) occurs in approximately 5-20% of ICD recipients. IST results in pain, anxiety, induction of ventricular arrhythmias, decreased battery longevity, and even death. Researchers studying clinical predictors of IST have drawn findings based on single case studies with small samples or with outdated data. This study filled this gap by describing the incidence and co-existing clinical predictors of IST. Methodology This descriptive, retrospective study analyzed the incidence and clinical predictors of IST …

An Exploratory Study Of Functional Status In Post Cardiac Arrest Survivors Discharged To Home, John J. Whitcomb Phd

Dissertations

Cardiopulmonary arrest is a major health problem, claiming 350,000 to 450,000 lives per year in the United States, but survival has increased to 49% from the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) by lay personnel. Leidy's work on functional status is a comprehensive framework to describe functional status and has not been used in this population. The specific aims of the project were to describe perceived functional capacity, physical functional performance, mental health, symptom distress, and demographic factors in survivors of cardiopulmonary arrest after discharge to home and to examine the relationship among perceived functional capacity, mental health and physical …

Evidence-Based Practice Considerations In Facilitating The Risk Surveillance Of Occupational Exposure To Antineoplastic Agents, Theresa A. Rafique

MSN Research Projects

According to Martin and Larson (2003), healthcare professionals involved with handling antineoplastic drugs may be exposed inadvertently to these agents, placing them at potential risk for acute and long-term adverse effects. For example, cyclophosphamide one of the most frequently used antineoplastic agents in clinical treatment facilities, is a known human carcinogen (Larson, Khazaeli, & Dillon, 2003). While the health risks associated with cytotoxic use have been well established, there is little information available about how people perceive these risks, particularly among those most affected by it-chemotherapy nurses. Therefore, the purpose of this Evidence Based Practice (EBP) project was to develop …

Second Graders' Favorite Weather Drawings, Ashley L. Sherman

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The Favorite Weather Drawing has been used extensively as an art therapy assessment tool. It has been theorized to contain certain variables that relate to a child’s underlying mood or perception of his or her environment. Since neither the Favorite Weather Drawing nor the similar Favorite Kind of Day Drawing have been researched extensively or standardized with normative populations, there has been a lack of research that could provide a much-needed foundation for such a popular assessment technique. This study explored regional and gender differences in the Favorite Weather Drawing of 2nd grade students as a way to provide groundwork …

Characteristics Of Bipolar Disorder In Adult Favorite Weather Drawings, Carrie L. Elder

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify graphic indicators of Bipolar Disorder in Favorite Weather Drawings. The subjects in this study consisted of 9 individuals diagnosed with a Bipolar Disorder and 16 individuals without a Bipolar Disorder diagnosis. The age range was 22 to 64 years. It was hypothesized that Favorite Weather Drawings rendered by individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder would differ in color, expansiveness, line quality, and weather themes from Favorite Weather Drawings rendered by individuals without a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. These differences were measured using a Favorite Weather Drawing Checklist and analyzed for resulting patterns.

This …

The Importance Of Athletic Training Students Performing On-Field Evaluations, Amisha Patel

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: It is unclear the frequency with which athletic training students perform on-field evaluations. Objective: The purpose of this study is to: (1) quantify the frequency senior ATSs observe, assist, and perform on-field evaluations during their clinical rotations; and (2) assess the senior ATSs perceptions of their experiences during on-field evaluations. Design: A 28-item survey entitled Survey of Senior Level Athletic Training Students Perceptions of Quality and Quantity of On-Field Evaluations During Clinical Rotations was developed based on a comprehensive literature review. The survey was grouped as follows: 3 demographic questions, 8 Likert scale statements, 9 "check all that apply", …

An Electromyographic Assessment Of Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles During Core Stability Exercises, Alicia Marleina Osuna

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: Clinicians often use Swiss balls in exercise regimens to recruit activity of the paraspinal musculature. However, we do not know if muscle activity differences exist while performing an exercise on a stable or unstable surface. Design and Settings: A 1 X 2 factorial with repeated measures design guided this study. The single within-subjects factor was a core stability exercise with 2 levels: a stable condition (chair) and an unstable condition (Thera-band® exercise ball). The dependent variables were the integrated electromyography (I-EMG) amplitude of the left and right lumbar paraspinal musculature. Subjects: Sixteen moderately active and healthy male subjects (age: …

Therapeutic Benefits Of Ultrasound Can Be Achieved And Maintained With 1 Mhz, 4 Era Ultrasound Treatment, Lori B. Meyer

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: Thermal ultrasound has been used for the past two decades because of its ability to increase underlying local tissue temperatures promoting healing. It is recommended that ultrasound treatment be performed on a 2-3 ERA area for 10 minutes. However, clinicians often need to treat larger areas using ultrasound, clinicians may add to the possible treatment sights and not rely on or purchase other machines. Research has yet to investigate if therapeutic levels can be obtained by increasing the treatment time. Objective: To investigate if increasing the duration of an ultrasound treatment with a treatment area of 4 timesthe sound …

The Effect Of Exercise On The Threshold Frequency Of An Electrically Induced Muscle Cramp, Hiroki Sato

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: It has been observed that subjects that have experienced an exercise associated muscle cramp (EAMC) exhibited decreases in the threshold frequency (TF) of an electrical induced muscle cramp (EIMC). Hovvever, it is not known if this change was due to the exercise alone. Objective: To determine if full effort football conditioning exercises cause a shift in TF of an EIMC. Design: A 2 X 2 folly repeated measures factorial design was used for this study. The two independent variables were condition (rest, and exercise), and time (pre, and post). Setting: Subjects: Nine NCAA Division IAA football players participating in …

The Effects Of An Analgesic (Biofreeze®) On The Motoneuron Pool Excitability Of The Soleus Muscle, Desiree R. Barth

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects on the Hoffman reflex and motor response with an analgesic (Biofreeze®). Design: The study was a 2X6 design. The independent variables in this study were treatment and time. The dependent variables were the H-reflex (volts) and the M response (volts). Treatment was randomly assigned to control for the effects of order. Setting: This study took place in the Exercise Physiology Laboratory located in the Health and Human Performance Building at Indiana State University. Subjects: 14 volunteers who were physically active and had no known neurological problems. Measurements: Skin and …

Ankle Bracing Does Not Affect Force Development During A Single-Legged Vertical Jump, John M. Ibarra

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The effect of prophylactic ankle bracing on functional performance and isolated joint torque has been well studied. However, the potential effect of external 111 ankle support on force production during a sport-specific task remains unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the potential effects of two widely used prophylactic ankle braces on lower extremity force development while performing a onelegged vertical jump. Design and Setting: A 1 x 3 factorial was used in this study. The single independent variable was ankle brace with 3 levels: 1) Semi-rigid ankle brace; 2) Lace-up style brace; and 3) control …

The Effects Of Divided Attention On Speech Motor, Verbal Fluency And Manual Motor Task Performance, Erin Hamblin

Theses and Dissertations

Research in dual task performance varies widely in its methodology and results. The present study employed three different types of activity to provide insights into the interference that occurs in dual task performance. Twenty young adults completed a speech task (repeating a sentence), a verbal fluency task (listing words beginning with the same letter), and right- and left-handed motor tasks (placing pegs and washers in a peg board) in isolation and in concurrent conditions. Speech kinematic data revealed that during concurrent performance of manual tasks, lip displacement and peak velocity decreased, while sound pressure level and spatiotemporal variability increased. The …

Effect Of Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders On Measures Of Group Cohesion In Substance Abusers, Sharon Bradford Robbins

Doctoral Dissertations

Substance dependence and treatment have been the focus of research for a number of years. Recently more attention has been directed toward identifying the most appropriate treatments for people with more complicated substance disorders, those with substance dependence and mental illness. The current study examined three aspects of group cohesion, a necessary condition for effective outcomes, in 64 substance abusers with a comorbid mental illness. The rated aspects of group cohesion included overall group climate, individual group members' self-worth, and each member's perception of the relationship with the group leader. Groups were divided according to profiles based on results from …

Organization And Signal Processing Of The Descending Tracts In The Cervical Spinal Cord, Yanmei Tie

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation addresses the research for the development of spinal cord-computer interface (SCCI). The main objective of SCCI is to generate voluntary motor control signals for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

In the neuroscience aspect, organization of the fibers in the descending tracts of the dorsolateral funiculus of the cervical spinal cord was investigated in cats. The spinal cord was penetrated with silicon substrate microelectrodes at 400 μm intervals in the medio-lateral direction at the C5/C6 and C6/C7 segmental borders. The stimulus consisted of a 20 ms train of charge-balanced biphasic pulses at 330 Hz. The evoked activities from …

Workplace Empowerment And Job Satisfaction In Primary Care Nurse Practitioners In Southeast Kansas, Karen Zafuta Johnson

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

The purpose guiding this study was to identify perceptions of workplace empowerment and levels of job satisfaction in a group of primary care nurse practitioners in the southeast Kansas area. A quantitative study was conducted and examined as to what background variables are significant for empowerment to be fully realized. This will add knowledge to other studies that have been done on nurse practitioner's job satisfaction so that more will be known about this vital and growing profession.

The population for this study included 30 nurse practitioners that currently work in a primary care setting in the southeast Kansas area …

Managing Susceptibility To Hereditary Breast And Ovarian Cancer, Cynthia E. Perry Phd, Msn, Rn

Dissertations

The recent identification of Breast Cancer 1 (BRCA1) and BRCA2 genes offers an opportunity for high-risk individuals to learn whether they may be genetically predisposed to develop breast and/or ovarian cancer. The purpose of this study was to examine how unaffected women, identified as BRCA positive and variant of uncertain significance (VUS) mutation carriers, managed their susceptibility to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). Thirty North American women ranging in age from 22 to 60 years responded to open-ended interviews. These interviews were analyzed using constant comparative method to generate a grounded theory. Managing Susceptibility was identified as the basic …

What Is Positive Disclosure And To Whom Do We Disclose? The Role Of Topics, Gender And Type Of Relationship In Positive Self-Disclosure, Elizabeth Landers Ford

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

This study examined what topics (including experiences, feelings, and thoughts) people define as positive self-disclosure. The study also looked at reasons people generate for self-disclosing versus not disclosing something positive. Male and female students spontaneously described a past experience or feeling they perceive to be personal and positive. They then indicated whether or not they disclosed about these experiences or feelings to their father, mother, same-sex friend, and a past or present significant other/spouse. These descriptions were coded into one of eight categories: Religion, Family Development, Friendship, Sex, Romance, Self-Confidence, Achievement, and Helping Behavior, plus a Miscellaneous category. There were …