Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Relationship Among Pathological Internet Use, Level Of Social Anxiety, And Degree Of Self-Esteem, Mark Tanner Gibson

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the variables of degree of selfesteem, level of social anxiety, level of education, age, and gender can predict whether or not individuals meet criteria for Pathological Internet Use (PIU). The Diagnostic Questionnaire was used to ascertain the degree of pathology in each participant's Internet use. Participants also completed a 25-item Social Anxiety Inventory, a 30-item SelfEsteem Inventory, and several demographic items. The sample consisted of399 individuals, 31 of whom met criteria for PIU (leaving 368 Non-PIUs). A discriminant analysis was used to analyze the data to determine whether PIUs and Non-PIUs …

Perceptions And Practices Of Indiana School Superintendents In Response To The Problem Of Sick Building Syndrome, Janet Elaine Hiller

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare the perceptions and practices of Indiana public school superintendents who represent two groups, those who had experienced building exposure to mold and those who had not experienced building exposure to mold. Seventy-five Indiana public school superintendents responded to the opinionnaire with a return rate of 81.5%. Results indicate that: (1) Indiana public school superintendents who had not experienced building exposure to mold had higher mean values than those who had experienced building exposure to mold relative to closing only classrooms affected by mold and to relocating staff and students exposed to mold; …

Bronchial Airway Epithelial Cell Denudation In The Pathogenesis Of Asthma: The Role Of Il-4 And Il-13, Gail Ramirez-Icaza

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Asthma is characterized by infiltration and shedding of the bronchial epithelium. The Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 are involved in the cellular recruitment and infiltration seen in asthma. The effects ofIL-4 and IL-13 on cell-matrix interactions, gap formation, increased monolayer permeability and epithelial shedding are unknown. Experiments described in this report test the hypothesis that bronchial airway epithelial cells (BAEC) express paxillin, a structural focal adhesion protein, and down-regulation of paxillin by Th2 cytokines lead to BAEC hyperpermeability. Furthermore, the hypothesis that the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 could down-regulate the adherens junction proteins Pcatenin and E-cadherin in BAEC, and …

The Effect Of Rapid Maxillary Expansion On Nasal Cavity Volume And Nasal Airway Resistance, Todd Ehrler

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study examined the effects of Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME). Using Cone Beam CT scanning technology and Rhinomanometry, the volume and nasal airway resistance (NAR) of the nasal cavity was measured immediately before and after RME.

27 subjects (16 female, and 11 male), ages 9-18 were enrolled in the study. After RME all subjects had a statistically significant increase in nasal cavity volume. The pre expansion group experienced a statistically significant reduction in NAR when compared to the post expansion group. Individuals with a high pre expansion NAR experienced the greatest reduction in NAR. The correlation between change in volume …

Enterotoxin B Subunit Lectins As Adjuvants For Improvement Of Mucosal Vaccine, Nak-Won Choi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In comparison with whole organism vaccines, subunit vaccines may be safer for immunization but may lack sufficient immunogenicity to provide complete immunity to the pathogen. To resolve this problem, bacterial and plant enterotoxin B subunit adjuvants containing a variety of receptor-binding properties were used to enhance the immunogenicity of rotavirus subunit vaccines. Enterotoxin B subunit adjuvants were employed to enhance protection against virus infection. Pentameric cholera toxin B subunit (CTB), shiga toxin-1 B subunit (STB) and monomeric ricin toxin B subunit (RTB) molecules were genetically linked to a 90 amino acid peptide from the simian rotavirus (SA11) nonstructural protein NSP4 …

The Potential Role Of Ledgf/P75 In Prostate Cancer, Tracy Ruth Daniels

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The serum autoantibody repertoire from cancer patients is currently being exploited for the identification of tumor associated antigens (TAA) and the design of TAA arrays. Such arrays would facilitate autoantibody profiling and potentially aid in the serological diagnosis and prognosis of tumors. The goal of this study was to identify and characterize prostate-specific TAA. We observed that while the general frequency and titers of autoantibodies in PCa patients were relatively similar to those in matched controls, significant differences could be detected between the two groups in the autoantibody response to the lens epithelial-derived growth factor p75 (LEDGF/p75). LEDGF/p75 is a …

P14arf : A P53-Independent Tumor Suppressor, Monte W. Miller

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Many genetic alterations at the CDKN2A locus on human chromosome 9 have been shown to be at least partially responsible for transformation of cells to a cancerous phenotype. This locus encodes two proteins, p16 and p14, that play a pivotal role in tumor surveillance.

Breakdowns in the p14 pathway have been estimated to be present in approximately 40% of human cancers and only recently have its binding partners and effects begun to be defined. Its interaction with the p53 pathway, which is estimated to be inactivated or mutated in 50% of all cancers, makes it difficult to determine its own …

The Effect Of Topical Fluorides On The Microleakage Of Sealants, N. Jared Nation

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible microleakage found in two groups of sealants; a group bonded with a dentin bonding agent (DBA), and a group bonded without a DBA after exposure to a variety of topical fluorides.

Materials and Methods: Extracted, human molars were placed into 8 groups. Half of the groups contained sealants that were bonded with a DBA and the other remaining groups of sealants were bonded without a DBA. There were two control groups, one that had sealants bonded with a DBA and the other had sealants bonded without a DBA, but …

The Effect Of Naocl, Ca(Oh)2, Mta And Mtad On Root Dentin Fracture Resistance, Sunil Ilapogu

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Various materials are used for the treatment of immature teeth that have been subjected to trauma or decay. It is not well established what effect these materials may have on the immature root dentin. A concern would be the resistance to fracture of the remaining root dentin. The purpose of this study was to compare the resistance of fracture of bovine teeth treated with sodium hypochlorite, calcium hydroxide, gray MTA and gray MTA in conjunction with MTAD after certain periods of time. One hundred and ninety five freshly extracted, intact bovine incisors were prepared using a modified Haapasalo and Orstavik …

Cbct Panoramic Images Vs. Traditional Panoramic Radiographs, Sunny Young Hutchinson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this research was to compare the accuracy of angular measurements of the panoramic image of the Newtom 9000™ Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) with the Sirona™ Orthophos panoramic unit. The study was separated into three parts: phantom study, patient study, and archform study. The phantom study used fabricated phantom typodonts to compare angular measurements between the Newtom 9000™ panoramic image and the Sirona™ panoramic radiograph. Accuracies of the measurements were then determined by comparing the values to the actual phantom typodont. No marked differences in angular measurements were recorded for the phantom typodont using either of the …

Demographics And Perceptions Of Work Environment For Registered Nurses, Pamela Brotherton Sedano

Master's Projects

Registered nurses (RNs) are the lifeblood of hospitals. Therefore, retaining skilled nurses is necessary to insure the viability of these institutions. A two-year longitudinal, non-experimental research study utilized a descriptive design to compare the perceptions of RNs who remained on their units to those who left or changed units over a two-year time period. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether there was a statistically significant difference between these two groups. Results in several areas indicate that further evaluation is necessary by nurse managers and administration. This information could help retain RNs as well as attract qualified nurses …

A Closer Look At Development Of Self-Awareness And Compensatory Strategy Use In Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury, Melissa A. Byrne

Masters Theses

My study investigates the development of self-awareness and use of compensatory strategies in eight adults with traumatic brain injuries using the Awareness Questionnaire (AQ) and three additional questions of descriptive nature. This study also examines whether or not the severity of brain injury (mild, moderate, severe) impacts the development of self-awareness. In addition, the spouses' perceptions of client awareness are compared to the relatives' to determine existence of potential variance.

Results indicate that while there is no significant difference in self-awareness_ between the mild and moderate groups, the severe group significantly varies from both the mild and moderate groups. Also, …

Childhood Experiences Of Appalachian Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence During Adulthood., Amy L. Reeves

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent national surveys in the United States estimate one in five females will experience abuse by an intimate partner during her lifetime. Previous quantitative research linked childhood victimization to repeated victimization in adult relationships. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of childhood in eight female victims of intimate partner violence who were born and reared in southern Appalachia. Interviews were analyzed using a descriptive-interpretative phenomenological method, as described by Van Manen. The three essential themes from childhood were identified as: living 'as if' an orphan; surviving in chaos; and, manifesting a devalued self. These themes were congruent with findings …

Papain: A Novel Urine Adulterant., David Burrows

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The estimated number of employees in the United Stated screened annually for illicit drugs is approximately 20 million, with marijuana being the most frequently abused drug. Urine adulterants provide an opportunity for illicit drug users to obtain a false negative result on commonly used primary drug screening methods such as the Fluorescence Polarized Immunoassay (FPIA) technique. Typical chemical adulterants such as nitrites are easily detected or render the urine specimen invalid as defined in the proposed federal guidelines for specimen validity testing based on creatinine, specific gravity and pH. Papain is a cysteine protease with intrinsic ester hydrolysis capability. The …

A Survey Of California's Nurse Practitioners' Regarding Practice, Knowledge And Atitudes Of The National Asthma Management Guidelines, Colleen M. Hughes

Master's Projects

Background: Pediatric asthma morbidity and mortality continues to rise in the United States despite the institution of the National Institute of Health/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's diagnostic and treatment guidelines. This study examines the practices, knowledge and attitudes of California's pediatric and family nurse practitioners regarding the national asthma guidelines. Method: A quantitative mail-in survey of pediatric, pulmonary, emergent, urgent care, and family nurse practitioners was utilized to gather the data regarding the care of pediatric asthma patients. The survey collected demographic data and the NP' s current asthma practices in a Likert scale format. Results: The nurse practitioners …

Fostering Clinical Judgment During Preceptorship, Susan Mcniesh

Master's Projects

The role transition from student nurse to new graduate nurse commonly includes a preceptor relationship. Preceptorships are often the culminating nursing education experience for senior baccalaureate nurses and are used as well for orienting new graduates as they begin their staff nurse role in the hospital setting. The preceptee is paired with an experienced nurse who is charged with supporting, teaching, and exemplifying safe and competent patient care. In many cases preceptors are ascribed the task of independently validating the preceptee's ability to exercise clinical judgment. Today's health care environment requires nurses to be proficient critical thinkers. Patients need more …

Folk Healing In The Tradition Of The Fidencista Movement, Katherine Brittain

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The Fidencista Movement is a religion in process . Like in many other medico-religions whose primary ministry is healing, women hold the highest positions of authority. The shamanic channeling of the spirit of the folk saint, Niño Fidencio , plies Fidencistas' belief in the spirit world and ameliorates physical and emotional healing. Fidencistas are concentrated in the Texas/Mexico borderland region where they are facing a passing of traditionalism, the social matrix in which folk healing thrives. However, the signature of the Movement, the penitential trek up the Vía de Dolores in Espinazo, is a cohering bi-annual ritual that fortifies devotion …

The Effectiveness Of Personal Data Assistants In Improving Daily Function Of Adults With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Connie Lee Budiwarman

Masters Theses

This study evaluated the effectiveness of using Personal Data Assistants to help with memory and/or organizational difficulties with adult patients who had survived mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Utilizing an AB single subject design method with a training period, one subject ultimately completed the study. The study demonstrated mixed results. Through the use of daily record sheets, the subject reported improvement in three areas of daily function but reported negative improvement in three areas of daily function. This study suggests, but does not completely support, the potential use of Personal Data Assistants with patients with Traumatic Brain Injury.

Muscle Vibration's Effect On The Threshold Frequency Of An Electrically Induced Muscle Cramp, Joshua D. Williamson

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of muscle vibration on the threshold frequency of an electrically-induced muscle cramp of the flexor hallucis brevis. Design and setting: This study used a 2 x 2 factorial design study. The independent variables consisted of treatment ( control and vibration) and time (pretest and post-test). The dependent variable was the threshold frequency of an electrically induced muscle cramp. Subjects: 16 healthy individuals, aged 21.6 ± 8.0 years, free from any lower extremity neurological, muscular, or vascular pathology were used in this study. Methods: Subjects reported on three consecutive days …

The Clinical Utility Of The Behavior Rating Inventory Of Executive Function (Brief) In The Diagnosis Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Stephen J. Mccandless

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Current theories hypothesize that deficits in executive :functioning (EF) are responsible for the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and that specific patterns ofEF deficits may be associated with different subtypes of ADHD. Standard assessment practices for ADHD include behavior rating scales filled out by teachers and parents. The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) is a behavior rating scale designed to assess dimensions of executive :functioning. This study evaluated the validity and clinical usefulness of the BRIEF in assessing for ADHD in a • clinic-referred sample of children and adolescents. This study also examined the effectiveness of …

Childhood Traumatic Brain Injury: Recovery Of Working Memory Function And Behavioral Adjustment, Gayle L. Crahen

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Children and adolescents with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) were the focus of this investigation using an extant data set. The 3 7 participants were between the ages of 5 and 15 years at the time of injury, and the majority had a severe TBI. Participants were evaluated soon after injury for a Baseline description of functioning on measures of cognition and memory and re-evaluated at one and/or two year return appointments. Parents provided estimates of adaptive, internalizing, and externalizing behaviors at Baseline and at follow-up appointments on the V ABS and CBCL. It was expected that parents' descriptions of …

The Use Of Increased Clinical Opportunities For Student Nurses At Two Different Intervals Within The Undergraduate Nursing Curriculum, Jerrilee Lamar

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effects of two hospital-based clinical programs for student nurses on six dimensions of nursing. The two programs included a I 0-week student nurse summer extern program which was offered to nursing students who had completed a minimum of two clinical semesters of nursing school. The second program, a 12-week student nurse intern program, was offered to student nurses during their last semester of nursing school prior to eligibility for the national registered nurse licensure exam. The Schwirian Six-Dimension Scale of Nursing was used as a pretest and posttest self-assessment at the beginning and endings of each …

A Study Of Pediatric Heart Transplant Patients In Relationship To Post Transplant Coronary Artery Disease, Mark Randall

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Post transplant coronary artery disease influences short and long-term survival of pediatric heart transplant recipients. Associated cardiovascular disease risk factors among non-heart transplant adult and pediatric heart populations for development of coronary artery disease have been documented. Little is known about these typical cardiovascular disease risk factors as well as other possible risk factors in the development of post transplant coronary artery disease. Objective: The purpose of this research was to examine children/adolescents (n=194), 5-18 years old, at least one-year post heart transplant. This study also investigated if there were physiological and psychological/behavioral differences between recipients with (n = 28) …

Benefits Of A Postgraduate Education: The Physician Assistants' Perspective, Jamie Cotter

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: This study was completed to better understand the use of postgraduate education in the physician assistant profession. This research project gathered information to better understand how physician assistants have utilized postgraduate education in their careers. The potential benefits of a postgraduate education were also examined from the perspective of the physician assistant. The overall goal was to determine the benefits of a PA postgraduate education. Methods: For this research project, a survey was completed by practicing physician assistants who attended the Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants (MAPA) Conference/North Central Regional Meeting that was held on March 27-29, 2003. This …

Assessment Of A Body Composition-Focused Approach To Obesity Treatment, Beverly D. Hall

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Obesity is a significant United States’ public health concern. However, high relapse rates continue to be a problem for obesity treatment programs while the focus remains on weight loss, not body composition change. This study examined whether a clinic-based obesity treatment program, focused on body composition change through resistance training, lead to improved body composition, exercise behaviors, and attitude change from focus on weight loss to body composition change. Improvements in self efficacy, outcome expectations and stages of change were also examined. Forty-eight physician-referred overweight or obese adult women (mean body fat 41%, SD = 6.65%), completed assessments and questionnaires …

Factors That Contribute To Nursing Job Satisfaction At Valley Hospital, Christopher Jones

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The United States is in the midst of a nursing shortage and it is expected to get even worse in the coming years due to several trends. These trends include the aging of the workforce where many nurses will be retiring in the next few years, the low enrollment in nursing schools, nurses leaving the profession for other fields of work and the lack of interest that many people are showing towards a career in nursing.

The Efficacy Of A School-Based Support Group On Adolescent Self-Esteem And Social Support, Julia Ann Smith Phd

Dissertations

Adolescents are faced with daily obstacles that affect their ability to progress into adulthood successfully. Rising divorce rates and subsequent single parenting, adolescent pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, violence, and lack of parental involvement represent only a few of the many issues teens confront. School nurses are on the front lines, attempting to educate youth against an alarming rise in personal and social controversies that impede their ability to come to school ready to learn. As part of the educational team, school nurses are in a prime position to develop and integrate intervention strategies aimed at assisting adolescents during this …

Application Of Queuing Theory And Procedure Time Estimation In A Local Healthcare System, Galina Tsoy

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

People in the United States pay more for their basic healthcare needs than do people in any other nation in the world. When we consider that the United States is the wealthiest nation in the world, controlling the majority of the world's resources, it seems only reasonable to ask: Why should it be this way?

In an effort to address this problem, this thesis examines two possible methods of improving health care efficiency in hospitals. The thesis is thus in two parts: the first part examines resource allocation in medical units using Queuing Theory, and the second part examines a …

The Role Of Dairy Products In The Calcium Intake Of Suburban Adolescents, Simie Bredeweg-Dejager

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine consumption of dairy products by suburban adolescents. This was a secondary analysis of data from a questionnaire administered in late fall of 2003. There were 255 adolescents who completed the questionnaire. Data were examined to estimate calcium intake from dairy products.

There was a significant difference in the amount of calcium adolescents consume from cheese, compared to that supplied by milk (t = -8.502, p = .000). Further analyzing by gender, there was a significant difference between boys and girls intake of milk and cheese. No significant difference was found between boys …

Il-2 Receptor Signaling Regulates Ets1 Translation In Human Natural Killer Cells, Eric M. Grund

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Natural Killer (NK) cells are critical for protection from cancer and infectious disease. The hypothesis that there is a molecular link between IL-2 receptor signaling and Ets1 was investigated. This hypothesis was based on the correlation between an NK-deficient phenotype generated by gene targeting of the Ets1 transcription factor, IL-2 receptor, IL-2 and IL-15, indicating that each of these proteins is required for the proper development and function of NK cells. The findings presented show that both IL-2 and IL-15 induce a post-transcriptional regulation of Ets1 in NK cells. Pharmacological and transient transfection analyses, using a method developed within to …