Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Study Of The Cultural Appropriateness Of Service Delivery Models In The Australian Mental Health System, Mong L. Connell

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study is an attempt to examine the cultural appropriateness of the mental health system in relation to the Vietnamese refugee community in Australia. Culture and mental health, as widely acknowledged in the field of transcultural psychiatry, are closely linked. No aspect of the diagnosis or treatment methods can be justified without reference to the cultural traditions of the mental health system and the client. In a country like Australia, where multiculturalism is a dominant feature of the society, the need is even greater in incorporating culture into every aspect of the mental health system, if it desires to provide …

Mutation Detection For Genotype/Phenotype Correlation Studies In Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease, Marie Mccluskey

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one of the most common genetic disorders (Gabow, 1993), with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 400 to 1 in 1000 (Dalgaard, 1957; Gabow, 1993). The disease is the fourth leading cause of renal failure with more than 10 million people affected worldwide (Grantham, 1997). Mutations in at least two genes (PKD1, PKD2) can lead to the disease (European PDK Consortium, 1994; Mochizuki, et al, 1996). This project deals with autosomal dominant PKD, caused by mutations in the PKD1 gene, which account for 85% of reported cases.

Bottle-Feeding Mothers' Experiences Of Coping In A Pro-Breastfeeding Context : The Case For A Caring-Options-Responsive Model Of Midwifery Services, Elizabeth P. Duffy

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The original contribution of this qualitative study is that it sketches the front-line of the contested domain of infant feeding choices by exploring the under-researched experiences and perceptions of mothers who actively choose to bottle-feed their babies. Twelve bottle-feeding mothers in Western Australia participated in open-ended, in-depth interviews. The interview findings were further explored using participant observations of relevant hospital practices and critical, hermeneutic re-readings of midwifery's professional and policy documents. The thesis argues that bottle-feeding is marginalised by the midwifery profession that currently defines its practices in accordance with policies such as the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. Bottle-feeding mothers …

Fatigue, Ambulance Perspectives In A Comparative Study Between Air And Road Transports, Wayne J. Mckenna

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The study of fatigue in the health and transport sectors has predominantly been focused on night shift or day shift operations. This study has been applied to the hours of operation of Ambulance Officers who perform both night and day shifts, while also being required for on-call. The Officer on-call is on stand-by between shifts, to be available to respond for duties from the completion of one shift until the commencement of the next, usually a ten-hour shift. Studies of a similar focus have not been identified so a comparison of these specific findings has not been possible. However trends …

Neonatal Pain Management: The Evaluation Of Two Methods On Educating Neonatal Nurses, Jacqueline Jupin Manzi

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Genetic Dissection Of Behavioral And Neurogenomic Responses To Acute Ethanol, Aaron Wolen

Theses and Dissertations

Individual differences in initial sensitivity to ethanol are strongly related to the heritable risk of alcoholism in humans. To elucidate key molecular networks that modulate ethanol sensitivity we performed a systems genetics analysis of ethanol-responsive gene expression in brain regions of the mesocorticolimbic reward circuit (prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens and ventral midbrain) across the BXD RI panel, a highly diverse family of isogenic mouse strains before and after treatment with ethanol. Acute ethanol altered the expression of ~2,750 genes in one or more regions and 400 transcripts were jointly modulated in all three. Ethanol-responsive gene networks were extracted with a …

Mapping Of Cortical Motor Reorganization In Spinal Cord Injury, Leonid Rozhkov

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The annual incidence of spinal cord injury (SCI), not including those who die at the scene of the accident, is approximately 10,000 new cases in the United States. SCI, in its best outcome, may partially and temporarily disconnect the spinal cord from the brain. Some neuronal pathways remain intact in most S CI individuals, whose recovery depends on the utilization of the surviving connections. There is a change in the control of voluntary movements of the extremities by the cerebral cortex of the brain following spinal cord injury.

The technology of high-resolution EEG co-registered with MRI was applied to non-invasively …

A Harm Reduction Intervention For Drinking Games, Nicholas A. Lind

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Binge drinking is not only responsible for the leading cause of death of 18-21 year olds (alcohol-related accidents), but is also associated with alcohol dependence, sexual assault, and school failure. Little research has addressed one of the major contexts in which college binge drinking occurs, namely participation in drinking games. The current study used a quasiexperimental pre-post design to examine the effectiveness of a drinking game intervention based on Marlatt's (1996) Harm Reduction model of prevention. Six male residence hall floors and seven fraternities were randomly identified as experimental groups and three floors and three fraternities were designated as controls. …

Refugee Experiences Of Trauma And Ptsd Effects On Psychological, Physical, And Financial Well-Being, Karen J. Cusack

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Characterization Of Seca-Sod Operon In Borrellia Burgdorferi., Tonya Lynn Nichols

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, has been characterized as a microaerophilic spirochete. O2 consumption and utilization potentially yield reactive oxygen intermediates, such as superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, and hydrogen peroxide. This study investigated the expression of the sod gene, which encodes the only, identified oxidative defense mechanism in B. burgdorferi. Using primer extension analysis and RT-PCR, it was found that sod and secA are organized as a single transcriptional unit under the control of σ70-like promoter upstream of the secA open reading frame. Generally, gene expression decreases with increased distance from the promoter; however, secA expression was observed …

Involvement Of Females As Authors, Editors, And Participants In Journals Concerned With Mental Retardation And Related Topics, Cari L. Porter

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Bacteremia Associated With Early Childhood Caries, Eddie Chang

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Previous research has investigated the post-operative bacteria levels caused by a variety of clinical procedures such as anesthetic injections, standard dental procedures, endodontic treatment, periodontal surgery, root scaling, and oral surgical procedures in children. Other studies have suggested that bacteremias are often caused by oral infections. Although numerous studies have examined how oral infections lead to various medical conditions (i.e. brain abscess) none have studied the potential for preoperative bacteremia that may arise in conjunction with early childhood caries (ECC). The purpose of this study was to compare potential systemic facultative and anaerobic bacteria found in otherwise healthy children who …

Effects Of A Serine 364 To Proline Mutation Of The Connexin43 Protein In Transgenic Mice, Chia-Ling Nhan-Chang

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

[Abstract Not Included]

Development Of A Model For Infective Endocarditis Via Intravenous Injection And Tooth Infection Of Rats Using Pathogenic Bacteria, Shahrokh Shabahang

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Historically, focal areas of infection have been linked to a number of systemic ailments. During the early part of the 20th century, patients who were suffering from inexplicable diseases and who were suspected of having infected teeth were referred to the dentist for multiple extraction of their dentition. The discovery of antibiotics provided a false sense of security that the war against microorganisms is no longer a concern for mankind. However, more recently, it has become common belief that increasing numbers of systemic diseases are linked to chronic infections. Recovery of bacteria from representative tissues has led investigators to believe …

Breathlessness Descriptors In Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Versus Congestive Heart Failure, Adelaide De Souza Caroci

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This cross-sectional descriptive study investigated breathlessness (dyspnea) in stable patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). The purpose of this study was (a) to characterize the most common terms COPD and CHF patients use to describe their breathing, (b) to identify the frequency of dyspnea in patients with COPD and CHF, and (c) to determine the intensity of dyspnea in these populations.

A purposive sample of 60 patients, 30 with moderate to severe COPD and 30 patients with moderate to severe CHF, met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in this study. The participants provided …

Behavioral Changes In Adult C57bl/6j Mice Following Prenatal Exposure To Ethanol., Kevin Wade Nunley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) labels children with physical, mental and behavioral deficits exposed to alcohol in utero. Current research indicates that timing of alcohol exposure of the embryo/fetus is a critical determinant of the behavioral deficits associated with FAS. This study represents a model for binge drinking, in which C57BL mouse embryos were exposed to alcohol during 2 separate critical periods of brain development, gestational day (GD) 7 or 8. As adults, the offspring were tested to determine if loco-motor activity and emotional reaction to a novel environment had been affected. Significant differences due to treatment and sex were …

Using An Importance-Performance Analysis Of Summer Students In The Evaluation Of Student Health Services., Candice Cline Duvernois

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hitherto, students have not evaluated the importance and performance of services provided by the student health service (SHS) at East Tennessee State University. An evaluation could provide valuable feedback to providers and administration.

In 2001, there were 944 student visits in the summer sessions. Approximately 256 students were offered a survey containing an Importance-Performance scale of which 151 (59.0%) responded. The I-P scale rates the importance students place on healthcare services and the performance of the SHS in delivering services (i.e., patient satisfaction).

Based on mean scores, students reported high importance, high performance on urgent care, pharmacy and patient education. …

Relationship Between Nursing Nutrition Knowledge And Attitudes And Identification Of Malnutrition In The Acute Care Setting, Susan D. Kendziorski

Masters Theses

Malnutrition is widespread in healthcare and effective protocols are needed to identify those at risk. Nurses are well suited to carry out screening for malnutrition because they are in close contact with the patient and are responsible to coordinate each patient's care. In order to perform this role nurses must have nutrition knowledge and the skills to complete an accurate nutrition screen. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between nursing nutrition knowledge, nursing attitudes towards nutrition, and the accurate completion of a nutrition screening protocol. Patient's charts were reviewed for accurate completion of the nutrition screening protocol …

Molecular Studies Involving The Rev Protein Of Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus And Visna Virus., Bridget Michele Graves

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Caprine Arthirtis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV) and Visna Virus are two viruses of the lentivirus family. They encode three structural genes (gag, pol, and env) and two regulatory genes (rev and tat). The Rev protein regulates Gag, Pol and Env expression by transporting their mRNAs to the cytoplasm by binding to the RRE (Rev Response Element) found on their mRNAs. Previous studies have indicated that Rev may be toxic to transfected cells, overexpression of exogenous RREs or a better binding RRE can inhibit Rev activity and Rev-C (CAEV Rev) can trans-activate RRE-V (Visna Virus …

Effect Of Monounsaturated Fat Rich Almonds On Hemostatic And Inflammatory Factors In Healthy Adults, Kristianne M. Connell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: The frequent consumption of nuts is inversely associated with the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Nuts are known to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing serum total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Markers of inflammation including C-reactive protein, E-selectin and interleukin-6 have been proposed to be newer risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, the influence of nuts such as almonds on markers of inflammation and hemostasis that influence cardiovascular disease risk is not currently known.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of almond consumption on markers of inflammation and hemostatic factors in healthy …

The Relationship Between Acculturation Level And Patient Satisfaction Among Adult Mexican American Emergency Department Patients, Sharon M. Schaaf

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The relationship between acculturation level and patient satisfaction among adult Mexican American emergency department patients was explored. Acculturation level was determined by the Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-II (ARSMA-II). Patient satisfaction was measured with the Patient Satisfaction Inventory (PSI). The study was conducted in an emergency department in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, where 23 participants provided the data. The questionnaires were offered in English and Spanish. The independent variable of acculturation level did not demonstrate a significant relationship with the dependent variable of patient satisfaction. A statistically significant difference was identified among the subscales of …

State Regulations Of Smoking In Public Places: Determinants And Implications On The Demand For Smoking And Consumers' Behavior, Ioana Raluca Mazare

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Comparison Of Hot Packs And Light Or Moderate Exercise On Rectus Femoris Temperature, Sean J. Sreniawski

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: Hot packs, light exercise, and or moderate exercise are used to heat soft tissue injuries before rehabilitation or competition for their desired effects. This comparison is beneficial to clinicians, so that they may be better educated on the use of the most effective therapeutic modality heating protocols when treating a soft tissue injury. Objective: To compare the application of a hot pack to light intensity exercise and moderate intensity exercise on peak temperature of the rectus femoris muscle, and the time at which peak temperature is reached. Design: A 1 x 3 factorial design was used in this study. …

Factors Related To Resilience Abilities And Self-Care Practices In Adolescents, Sandra L. Solem Phd, Msn, Rn

Dissertations

Identification of resilience factors in adolescents is necessary to promote health and decrease the incidence of negative health outcomes related to risk-behaviors in this age group. The purpose of this descriptive-correlational research was twofold: (1) to investigate the inter-relationships of perceived health status, perceived self-efficacy, resilience abilities, self-care agency and self-care practices in adolescents and (2) to evaluate a revised measure, The Solem Adolescent Resilience Abilities Scale (SARAS-R). Orem's self-care theory was used as the theoretical framework for this study. The convenience sample of 100 adolescents from San Diego county in southern California were recruited through health professionals and secondary …

Attitudes Toward And Usages Of Humor Among Practicing Marriage And Family Therapists, Nicholas Todd Wilkens

Dissertations

A descriptive study was conducted exploring attitudes toward and usages of humor among marriage and family therapists. This was an internet study, novel for both St. Mary's University and for marriage and family therapy research in general.

The literature review highlighted the research and theory that has evolved over the past century, addressing the topic of humor in mental and physical health and development. It was noticed that humor has not been a significant topic of study in marriage and family therapy research, nor have attitudes toward and usages of humor been measured among any of the health professions, though …

An Evaluation Of Families And Service Providers Participating In Participatory Action Research Related To Self-Determination In Young Children With Disabilities, Kristen L. Kozlowski

Dissertations and Theses

The concept of self-determination or "acting as the primary casual agent in one's life and making choices and decisions regarding one's quality of life free from undue external influence or interference" (Wehmeyer, 1996, p.24) has long been a focus of educating adults with disabilities. Recently, researchers and educators have begun to examine teaching foundational skills of self-determination to young children with disabilities. It is important to evaluate programs and methodologies that are said to enhance self-determination in order to ensure their efficacy. Research has examined self-determination programs involving adults and older children, however to date there have been few studies …

Map Kinases In Cynomolgus Monkey Sperm Hyperactivation, Emily Nicole Haynes

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Mammalian sperm exhibit characteristic motility patterns, termed hyperactivated (HA) motility, associated with completion of capacitation. In cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) sperm, this HA motility is dependent in vitro upon the addition of exogenous cyclic nucleotide mediators, caffeine and dibutyryl-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (dbcAMP). Previous reports have shown protein tyrosine phosphorylation to be an integral component of this caffeine- and cAMP-stimulated HA motility. This study investigated the involvement of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase-signaling cascade. Semen specimens were collected in Talp-HEPES medium from proven breeders via electroejaculation. After washing, sperm were incubated in the presence and absence of the MAP …

Development Of An Electrotransformation Technique For Streptococcus Iniae And Preliminary Characterization Of The Hemolysin Associated With This Bacterium, Kimberly Ann Hahn

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Streptococcus iniae is a gram-positive organism responsible for causing disease in both freshwater as well as saltwater fish. Every year fisheries lose fish by the tons due to diseases caused by this organism. In 1991, the first reported human case of disease associated with this organism was described. Since this initial case, there have been numerous other reported cases of S. iniae infections. This organism is a catalase negative, facultatively anaerobic organism that produces a capsule and when plated onto blood agar demonstrates β-hemolytic activity.

In this study, the relationship between the hemolysin produced by S. iniae and the lactate …

The Distribution Of Airborne Coal Dust In Soil Profiles Of Norfolk, Va And Its Implication For Arsenic Loading To These Soils, William Joseph Bounds

OES Theses and Dissertations

Norfolk, Virginia is home to the Northern Hemisphere's largest coal terminal the Lamberts Point Docks. The coal loading process of this terminal creates large amounts of coal dust, which subsequently is distributed throughout the local region by atmospheric transport and deposition. While the coal dust itself poses only minor health hazards, certain trace elements within the coal, particularly arsenic, may pose environmental as well as significant health hazards. Within coal, arsenic occurs primarily in the mineral pyrite. As pyrite in the coal dust is subsequently oxidized via exposure to the atmosphere and/or meteoric water, arsenic may be released to the …

Prescott V.A. Medical Center, Megan E. Edwards

Honors Theses

Discusses therapy techniques, including MOHO, COTE, and KidCOTE, and their implementations. Also presents the case of fictional patients and their proposed treatment plans.