Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Docosahexaenoic Acid Modulates Class I Major Histocompatibility Complex Protein Function, Kaleb Marie Hypes

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Fatty acids influence immune responses, but how this occurs at the molecular level is not understood. Class I major histocompatibility complex molecules (MHC I), transmembrane proteins required for antigen presentation to T cell receptors, each consist of a 45kDa α chain noncovalently associated with a 12-kDa β₂-microglobulin (β₂m) molecule. Docosahexaenoic acid’s (DHA) effect on the binding of β₂m and anti-MHC I monoclonal antibodies (Mab) was measured. EL4 and RMA-S cells were cultured 48 hours with 0-45µM DHA or oleic acid. Murine to human β₂m exchange and Mab binding were assessed by fluorescence …

Developing A Scale To Measure Just About Anything: Comparisons Across Groups And Individuals, Katharine Fast

Yale Medicine Thesis Digital Library

No abstract provided.

Examination Of Balance And Weightbearing In Post Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Utilizing The Weight Bearing And Step Up/Over Tests On The Neurocom Balance Master, Kim Broadway, Carrie Grise, Nicky Yamamoto, Franz Yuen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Currently in the United States, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has become one of the most commonly performed surgeries of the lower extremity. Although sports activities commonly cause injury to the ACL, non-athletic individuals are affected as well. With the increasing prevalence of the ACLR procedure, a need appears for researching the effects an ACLR has on balance and weight bearing.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects an ACLR has on balance and weight bearing using the NeuroCom® Balance Master (NBM), version 8.02, Weight Bearing Squat (WBS) and Step Up/Over (SUO) tests with individuals who were …

A Study Of Benefits/Barriers To Physical Exercise Among College Students At The University Of North Dakota, Eric Leopold, Shawn Petrie, Mike Svekcar

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

With the current emphasis on prevention and wellness in the area of public health, there is a need for insight regarding exercise behavior. Since college students are at the age when activity levels begin to decline,1 this may prove to be a crucial intervention point to promote positive exercise behaviors which may carry over into the adult years.

The purpose of this study is to examine personal and facility-related factors influencing exercise behavior among college students at the University of North Dakota. A randomized sample selected from the student population of the University of North Dakota (n = 900) was …

Substance Abuse Treatment: Perceptions From The Client's Point Of View, Margarita Brunilda Salazar

Theses Digitization Project

The focus of this study was to explore and analyze the perceptions of treatment effectiveness among substance abuse clients involved in Bilingual Family Counseling Outpatient Treatment. The intent was to have a better understanding of a treatment centers program's outcome from the clients' point of view and its effectiveness in terms of the usefulness to the client.

Domestic Violence Education And Risk Mitigation For Prelicensure Nursing Students, Frances Maria Dyckman

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this project is to develop a domestic violence consciousness raising-education program and a self-administered risk assessment for a population of community college nursing students. When the faculty became aware that attrition rates were rising and that a high number of requests to drop out of nursing school were disproportionately linked to recent incidences of domestic violence, a potential contributing cause of the high drop out rate was revealed.

Women's Perception Of Substance Abuse Treatment And How It Affects Compliance, Jessica Lynn Watkins

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to investigate how women's perceptions of the helpfulness of services received at a substance abuse treatment clinic affected their compliance with the treatment program. The study surveyed thirty-two women who were receiving treatment from Inland Behavioral and Health Services. The study investigated the efficacy of these elements: parenting classes, health classes, substance abuse therapy groups, group therapy, drug screening, health clinics, Narcotics Anonymous meetings, Dual Diagnosis Anonymous meetings, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, homeless support services, individual therapy, case managers, daycare, transportation.

The Relationship Among The Types, Frequency And Resolution Of Moral Conflicts Perceived By Nurses In West Virginia And Their Educational Preparation, Educational Needs, And Selected Demographics, Nancy K. Dunn

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Technological changes, interpersonal relationships, and scarce resources have created a complex environment for health professionals. Nurses, as the largest group of health care providers, are confronted with moral issues when dealing with managed care policies, end-of-life care and workplace or institutional issues. Moral issues are expressed as moral distress, which has been linked to decreased satisfaction, termination of employment and leaving the profession of nursing altogether. Moral distress, therefore, decreases the number of nurses and contributes to the critical nursing shortage. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships, if any, among the types, frequency and resolution of …

Exploration Of School Administrator Attitudes Regarding Implementation Of Do Not Resuscitate Policy In The Elementary And Secondary School Setting, Martha Hone-Warren

Theses Digitization Project

No previous study has attempted to clarify and articulate administrator attitudes regarding DNR orders in the school setting. Administrative school staff are responsible for development and implementation of school policy therefore understanding administrators' attitudes would assist discussion and decision making related to DNR orders in the school setting.

Influences Of Alcohol, Marijuana, Peer Pressure, Parental Or Adult Supervision, Knowledge Of Std's/Hiv And Pregnancy On The Initiation Of Sexual Activity, Beatrice Ihegharauche Okonkwo, Marissa Louise Sitz

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of the study was to show the variables that influence adolescents' sexual activities that have not been well defined. What leads adolescents to be more sexually active than previous generations? A Survey was conducted at the Fontana Unified School District.

Pressure Ulcer Development And Prevention In Long-Term Care Facilities In Virginia: A Descriptive Survey, Audrey D. Arthur

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The development of pressure ulcers is a common occurrence among older persons who may be temporarily immobilized or confined to a bed. An estimated 60,000 deaths annually can be attributed to complications from pressure ulcers. Guidelines recommended by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research have been disseminated nationally and continue to be recommended as the standard of care for pressure ulcer prevention. In spite of the use of the recommended guidelines, pressure ulcer rates persist, suggesting there are other factors contributing to pressure ulcer development in long-term care facilities.

A survey was conducted to investigate which provider related …

Cytoanalysis Of Pancreatic B-Cells: Using An Avian Model, Mammalian Tissue Culture And Implications Of Antisense Oligonucleotides Transfection, Ayman Salah-El-Deen Amer

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Calbindin-D_28k (CaBP_28K) is a vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein that may alter intracellular calcium ion levels, [Ca²⁺]i. This dissertation describes experiments done to gain an understanding of the potential role of CaBP_28k in pancreatic B-cells in control of insulin secretion. The localization of CaBP_28k and insulin in chicken pancreas are shown in Chapter 1. CaBP_28k expression was found to be highest in ventral and dorsal lobes and lowest in splenic lobe. Insulin concentrations were distributed similarly among these lobes. Confocal microscopic studies demonstrated colocalization of insulin and CaBP_28k in Bcells. These findings …

Sitting Pressure-Mapping Of The Buttocks Region Of Elderly People Who Use Wheelchairs For Locomotion, Brian A. Rud, Wheelchairs

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Elderly people who spend multiple hours in a wheelchair are prone to skin breakdown of the buttock and leg regions. Pressure relief of these areas can help prevent skin breakdown and can be achieved through the use of a wheelchair cushion, weight shifting, and positioning. Strategies for effective pressure relief can be found for individuals by utilizing pressure-mapping technology.

The purpose of this study was to identify if elderly wheelchair-dependent nursing home residents (n = 6) had adequate pressure relief of the buttock and leg regions. Pressures at the buttock and leg regions were measured with the FSA Pressure-Mapping device …

Perceptions Of Motivation In The Recovery Process Among African American Women With Children, Raven Nicole Pagson

Theses Digitization Project

Substance abusing women with children are a diverse group, but some of them are among the most disadvantaged individuals in the United States. These women are in dire need of effective treatment modalities in order to sustain sobriety. Using a quantitative research design, this study examines the perception of motivation in the recovery process among African American women with children. Through research surveys these women identify the motivating factors necessary for successful treatment outcomes. Scales were created to measure extrinsic motivators, intrinsic motivators, and barriers to treatment. Factors examined included attendance at twelve step meetings, church attendance, court mandates, family …

An Evaluation Of The Care Of Displaced Elderly Evacuated During The San Bernardino Mountain Firestorms Of Fall 2003, Judith Lee Christman, Terry Lee Cottle

Theses Digitization Project

This project reflects on the observations and experiences that occurred during the firestorms in Southern California in October and November 2003. It specifically focused on elders during this disaster as a vulnerable population. Recommendations are made for the role of the nurse in preparation and planning for evacuation of the elderly.

The Effects Of A Persuasive Presentation And Group Discussion On Parental Attitude In A Youth Sports Camp Parent Conference, Nicholas Charles Mirabile

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The general purpose of this study was to increase parental support for inclusion of services for children with special needs. A persuasive presentation and group discussion were conducted at a parent conference at a youth sports camp

The presenter was a social worker who has experience working with children with special needs. The presenter developed the presentation and helped guide the discussion.

Anonymous pre-test and post-test surveys of parental attitude toward the presentation issue were taken. From these surveys, the effects of level of involvement and level of knowledge on level of importance were assessed.

Attitude change occurred in this …

Renal Basolateral Transport Of Glucuronides And Other Organic Anions In Rat In Vitro Models, Sarah L. Miles

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Glucuronidation is a common Phase II biotransformation reaction that increases the hydrophilicity, and thus elimination, of toxins, xenobiotics, and endogenous compounds. Previous studies suggest that the kidney can secrete glucuronide conjugates, but the renal transport mechanisms for glucuronide secretion have not been determined. Based on the chemical nature of glucuronide metabolites, it is hypothesized that organic anion transporter (OAT) proteins along the basolateral membrane of the renal proximal tubule promote renal accumulation of glucuronide conjugates. The purpose of this study was to develop a rat renal proximal tubule model which demonstrates OAT activity and by which the contribution of OAT …

Meta-Analysis, Spatial, And Temporal Models To Analyze The Possible Association Between Childhood Leukemia In Proximity To Nuclear Facilities, Peter Baker

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to gain a better understanding of the possible association between childhood leukemia and nuclear facilities by conducting a meta-analysis and by the use of spatial and temporal models with respect to Pickering Nuclear Generator (PNG) in Ontario, Canada. The meta-analysis was conducted to combine and statistically analyze the many studies of childhood leukemia in the vicinity of nuclear facilities. Our focus was on studies that calculated SMRs or SIRs for individual nuclear sites. Due to variability between studies in defining age and geographic zones, eight separate analyses were performed based on age and zone …

The Effects Of Torque Production Using A Stationary Hand-Held Dynamometer On Different Points Of The Forearm When Manual Muscle Testing Elbow Flexors, Justin Allred, Ross Homstad, Eugene Monette

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Muscle testing using a stationary dynamometer has given therapists a more objective method of assessing a patient's strength. However, few studies have been performed as to the effects that dynamometer placement has on force production.

The purpose of this randomized, repeated measure study was to determine whether there was a significant difference in reliability between torque measurements with dynamometer placement at two well-defined points on the forearm. The differences in torque values from the two points of application (distal wrist crease and the midpoint of the forearm) were also compared to assess for differences between these values.

Thirty-two healthy subjects …

A Survey Of Educators' Needs When Accommodating Students With Physical Disabilities In Regular Education Classrooms, Heather Fisher, Lynn Mckay, Barbara Roise, Katrina Sem

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Students with physical disabilities have been included in regular education classrooms, under IDEA, since the 1970's. Research has shown that many teachers do not feel adequately prepared for adapting their classrooms for a student with physical disabilities. The purpose of this study is to assess the perceived needs of regular educators in North Dakota and determine what ways physical therapists can offer assistance to educators when accommodating for a student with physical disabilities.

Subjects and Methods. Six hundred and fifty questionnaires were sent out to randomly selected, North Dakota teachers via the mail (325) and email (325). …

Electromyographic Analysis Of Lower Extremity Muscle Activity During Plyo Press Jump And A Vertical Jump, Leigh James Griffith, Kristen Michelle Olson, Daniel Kenneth Sinness, Steven Peter Thomas

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Many training programs have been developed to aid in training the athlete with their goal of maximizing strength and performance. The Plyo Press machine was developed for training athletes enrolled in the Frappier Sports Acceleration Program. This machine was designed to couple strength training with plyometrics to enhance dynamic muscle activity and speed.

There has been limited research on the Plyo Press machine to support these claims. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to compare muscle recruitment during a vertical floor jump versus a plyojump in the Ply Press leg machine. EMG analysis of selected lower extremity muscles was …

The Effects Of The "Get Off Your Rocker" Exercise Class On Balance For Patients Following A Cva: A Case Study Approach, Michele Jackson, Kimberly Lindemann

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Cerebral vascular accident (CV A) is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability and the third leading cause of death in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 75% of people who have a stroke survive, many of whom live with some level of impairments that impact their activities of daily living and quality of life. One of the results of these impairments can be decreased balance. Limitations in balance may impact an individual's risk of falls, ability to ambulate, and performance of functional activities. Exercises emphasizing balance training playa significant role in improving postural control. …

The Relationship Between Work Related Injury And Participation In Exercise And Recreational Activities, Stephen Kaiser, Chris Kuhn, Jay Steckler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background/Purpose: The cost of health care is on the rise for both employers and employees. Research has shown that exercise in any capacity will improve overall health and fitness levels. Limited research has shown that proper exercise can lead to a decrease in musculoskeletal injuries. With the number of musculoskeletal injuries occurring in the workplace at high levels, establishing a connection between injury reduction and exercise is imperative. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between participation in exercise and recreational activities and injury in the workplace.

Methods: A random stratified sample of 396 …

The Effect Of Direct Access With Direct Reimbursement On Physical Therapy Practice, Heather Lafreniere, Katie Sauvageau

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

In 2002, North Dakota passed legislation that allowed physical therapists to be directly reimbursed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota for physical therapy services. The purpose of the study is to determine the effects of direct access with direct reimbursement on physical therapy practice. The survey was sent to 400 licensed physical therapists within Arizona, Maryland, and Minnesota. These states were chosen for their experience in utilizing direct access with direct reimbursement and the geographic location.

The survey consisted of 7 categories addressing demographics, clientele changes, marketing strategies, physical therapist/physician relationship, insurance changes, direct effects on patient care …

Electromyographic Analysis Of An Isometric Vastus Medialis Oblique Contraction With Incorporated Adductor Component, Dan Thielen, James Turner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Knee pathology is a common clinical complaint that may result in diminished function of the affected lower extremity, ultimately leading to atrophy of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle. The VMO contributes a great deal to the medial tracking mechanism of the patella which is crucial for normal biomechanical function of the knee joint. Effective strengthening of the VMO is a challenging task in physical therapy clinics. The purpose of this study was to determine if it is possible to enhance the muscle activity of the VMO with the addition of an adductor contraction.

Thirty-one subjects between the ages of …

Examination Of Multiple Fatigue Models During Prolonged Cycling In Hot Versus Cold Climates, Chris Abbiss

Theses : Honours

Much of the previous research into understanding fatigue during prolonged cycling has found that endurance performance may be limited by numerous physiological, biomechanical, environmental, mechanical, and psychological factors. From the literature presently available, fatigue would appear to be task- and condition- specific. Studies demonstrating this, however, are limited. The purpose of this thesis, therefore, was to examine variables from multiple fatigue models concurrently to determine which variables were best related to fatigue during prolonged endurance exercise in hot versus cold conditions. Following a 100-km familiarization time trial (22°C) , nine endurance trained male cyclists ( VO_2max = 62.1 ± …

Awareness Of Heart Health Promotion And Heart Disease Prevention Programs Among African, African-American, And Caucasian American Women, Leenghoi Lower

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The aim of this study was to assess awareness of African, African-American, and Caucasian American women regarding heart health promotion and heart disease prevention programs. A survey consisting of 10 questions was given to 150 women from the Minnesota cities of Mankato, Minneapolis, and Saint Paul. Data was collected from 60 women. Results from this study indicated that 32.45% of women were aware of heart health promotion and heart disease prevention programs while 67.55% were not aware. An investigation was also carried out to determine knowledge of women regarding heart disease as the leading cause of morbidity in women. Results …

The Qi Connection: A Study In Studying Qi, Elizabeth Brooke Barrett

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

The concept of Qi (pronounced "chee") is a difficult one to understand, let alone study. It strikes most of us as amorphous at best. Traditional Chinese Medicine enthusiasts in the West translate the term as "life-energy". How much more broad could it be! Some try to make the term scientific, referring to Qi as "bio-electrical" or "bio-magnetic", but they succeed only in clouding the issue further. Certainly, it does not help matters that those who would seem to know the most about this concept of Qi, the Qigong masters, are themselves most mysterious. Is it any wonder that many in …

The Biopsychosocial Model Of Medicine: Implications For The Future Of Healthcare, Abby M. Luensmann

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

The science of medicine is changing at an incredible rate. New treatments, technologies, and biologically-based discoveries seem to occur almost daily. In fact, the health care business has evolved into the largest service industry in the United States, grossing more than $1 trillion annually (Taylor, 2003). Despite the obvious attention paid to health-related issues in this country, is our health care system actually providing American citizens with the most efficient and effective care treatments possible? Do current medical practices have the best interests of the American public in mind, or are outdated philosophies being used to treat illnesses and diseases …

Cerebral Palsy: Physical Therapy And Medical Treatment Issues, Jill Pedretti

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

A discussion of the various terms associated with CP as well as the different classifications will precede a review of several randomized controlled trials, case studies, cohort studies and other related articles regarding treatment methods. Specifically, the use of Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy (1TB), Botulinum toxin injections (Botox), Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy, Threshold Electrical Stimulation (TES), and Pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy will be examined.