Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Gene Expression Following Traumatic Brain Injury, Rajiv Malhotra

Theses and Dissertations

The pathology which results from traumatic brain injury (TBI) have long been believed to be immediate and irreversible. However, recently it has been shown that, although the primary effects are virtually unavoidable, the secondary effects manifest themselves through biochemical processes set in motion at the time of the injury. These events are frequently mediated through the process of excitotoxicity, which results from a widespread release of excitatory neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters go on to activate both ionotropic and metabotropic receptors. The signal transduction initiated through these receptor populations gives rise to changes in gene expression.

One result of this release of …

Telemedicine, Marcia A. O'Connor

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Cardiorespiratory Fitness And Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors In Postmenopausal Women, Bryan L. Haddock

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In spite of the reductions in cardiovascular disease mortality over the last several years, cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of death in the U.S. Prior to menopause, women have approximately 2.5-4.5 times lower risk of cardiovascular disease than do men of a similar age. Within about 10 years following menopause, however, the rate in women becomes similar to that seen in men. Increased cardiorespiratory fitness and use of hormone replacement have been suggested as ways to improve the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profile. Unfortunately, very little is known about the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness on the CVD risk …

Parental Divorce And Lds Young Adult Attitudes Toward Marriage And Family Life, Sarah D. Finney

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the influence of parental divorce on the attitudes of young adult members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) toward marriage and family life. A sample of 180 students from three universities completed self-report questionnaires measuring various attitudes toward aspects of marriage and family life. The results indicated that parental divorce alone was not a significant predictor (p.≤.05) of young adults' attitudes toward marriage and family life. The one difference found was that young adults' coming from divorced families-of-origin were less attracted to the idea of commitment and sacrifice involved in a marriage …

Fitness To Stand Trial In Australia: The Investigation And Comparison Of Clinical Opinion And Legal Criteria, Miranda P. Hogg

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The extent to which Australian psychologists and psychiatrists are cognisant of the legal standard for Fitness to Stand Trial (FST) was investigated. 198 psychologists from The Australian Psychological Society (APS), and 125 psychiatrists from The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) responded to a survey. Psychiatrists identified a greater number of legal criteria than psychologists. This finding extended across clinicians who had experience in the evaluation of fitness to stand trial and those who did not. No difference was found between psychologists and psychiatrists for mentioning irrelevant or insufficient considerations. However, a within-group analysis revealed that the …

Women's Perceptions Of Successful Breastfeeding During The Early Stages Of Being A Mother, Shelagh Lawrence

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The purpose of this qualitative study, guided by Rubin's Model was to describe women's perceptions of successful breastfeeding during the early stages of being a mother. The transition to motherhood marks a time of great developmental change in a woman's life. Infant feeding is an important aspect of this adaptation to the maternal role. The physiological benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby are well documented, but there is limited research on the psychological advantages of breastfeeding for the mother. This Masters research was a discrete part of a larger research project entitled the Perth Metropolitan Breastfeeding Study. This project …

Development Of Rapid Assessment Protocols For Evaluating The Mental Health Status Of Incoming Bosnian Refugees In Waterloo, Iowa, Susan Renee Dobie

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to develop rapid assessment protocols to evaluate the prevalence of common symptoms of clinical depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in the adult Bosnian refugee population in Waterloo, Iowa.

An extensive literature review was conducted to research (a) refugeeism around the world, (b) causes of refugeeism, (c) the refugee experience, (d) refugee health challenges, (e) post-traumatic stress disorder in refugees, (t) depression in refugees, (g) acculturation stress in refugees, (h) rapid assessment procedures in public health, (i) rapid mental health assessments, (j) the case of refugeeism in the former Yugoslavia, (k) the history of refugeeism …

Pure-Tone Thresholds And Otoacoustic Emission Strength As A Function Of Language Delay In Children, Emily Ann Haisman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study investigated the relationship between ultra-high frequency hearing loss and delays in speech and language development in 10 language delayed children and 10 nonlanguage delayed children. The study utilized both pure-tone sensitivity measures and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) strength to assess hearing capability. Behavioral audiometric thresholds were obtained at 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000, 10000, 12500, 16000, 18000, 19000, and 20,000 Hz with standard air conduction audiometry and ultra-high frequency air conduction audiometry. DPOAE strength was measured at approximately 1000, 1100, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 8000, 12000, 16000, and 20000 Hz using a standard …

Cancer Prevention Behavior In Traditional College-Age Individuals, Michelle Renee Hartwig

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to describe cancer prevention behaviors practiced by traditional college-age individuals enrolled at a four year university. Specifically, the study was designed to determine what primary and secondary prevention behaviors the students were practicing and if there was a difference in prevention behaviors between males and females. Demographic information collected was limited to sex of the participant. The behavioral categories examined included tobacco use, early detection practices, alcohol use, nutrition, physical activity, ultraviolet radiation exposure, and sexual behavior. The distribution of the 210 respondents was almost equal with 102 males and 108 females participating. The …

Low-Cost Videoconferencing For The Clinical Management Of Speech & Language Disorders, Dale Lee Burgess

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Videoconferencing allows participants separated by distance to see and hear each other in real time. Traditionally, videoconferencing has been associated with expensive, room-based systems that limit the number of potential users. Recent advances in technology have made it possible to videoconference via desktop computers using inexpensive software programs. This has allowed broader participation in videoconferencing, thus, making it a more affordable means of communication. The purpose of this study was to determine if desktop videoconferencing (DVC) could be used in the clinical management of individuals with communication disorders. One of the potential advantages of DVC over traditional therapy programs is …

Identification Of Factors That Influence Physician Generated Referrals To Hospice Programs, Cheryl A. Hoerner

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The hospice movement is just over 20 years old in this country. Hospice programs are dependent on physicians to educate and refer their terminal patients to hospice care. The purpose of this study was to identify factors which influence physicians in rural Iowa to refer terminal patients to selected hospice programs. The study involved Medicare-certified hospice programs and non-certified programs located in rural communities in Iowa. One hundred and fifty licensed physicians were randomly selected to complete a 14-item questionnaire. A total of 86 questionnaires were returned. The survey tool addressed demographic information, as well as identifying factors that influenced …

A Descriptive Study Of Non-Accredited Athletic Training Programs, Donald Lee Bishop

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of the study was to describe the current status of non-accredited athletic training programs at four-year colleges and universities in relation to receiving future accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Since it was first organized, the National Athletic Trainers' Association, Inc. (NATA) has continually sought to elevate the standards of its members. There were no certification or education requirements for athletic trainers until 1970. These requirements, once very broad and open-ended, have since been refined and delimited to ensure the highest quality for athletic trainers. The NATA has once again raised their …

The Effects Of Aerobics And Walking On Social Physique Anxiety And Self-Esteem Of Female College Students, Jessica L. Lloyd

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations (1964–2006)

The purpose of this investigation was to explore the effectiveness of walking and aerobics as a way of modifying body image apprehension and self-esteem of female college students. Participants from this study comprised 88 (25 African Americans and 63 Caucasians) students from a Southeastern university. The participants were administered the 9-item Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS) (Martin, Rejeski, Leary, McAuley, & Bane, 1997) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) (Rosenberg, 1979). Body composition, body weight, body height, and body mass index (BMI) were also evaluated. The participants performed in a 9-week walking or aerobics physical activity class. At the completion …

Quality Of Care Provided To Hiv-Infected Clients By Nurse Practitioners At A Specialized Nursing Center, Deborah A. Griggs

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations (1964–2006)

This study evaluates the quality of care provided by nurse practitioners HIVinfected clients in a specialized nursing center in Georgia. Quality of care is evaluated using Donabedians' Structure-Process-Outcome domains as presented in the Unifying Model of Quality Health Care. Structure is evaluated as the nurse practitioners in this clinic providing health care. The interpersonal aspect ofthe process of quality health care is measured by the researcher developed Outpatient Client Satisfaction Survey. The technical aspect ofthe process ofquality health care is measured by the researcher developed Provider Adherence Measurement Tool which measures adherence to current clinical practice guidelines. Reliability and validity …

Corporate Executive Perspective Of Worksite Health Promotion Programs, Barbara E. Gay

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Health promotion programs at the workplace are increasing in popularity for both large and small businesses across the United States. The workplace has been recognized as a favorable setting for health promotion programs because it provides a captive audience for promoting health. The workplace also provides the employee with an opportunity for support in making healthy lifestyle changes. Numerous studies have documented that worksite health promotion programs will improve employee health and morale, increase productivity, and decrease absenteeism. Comparing the cost to the benefits is often the basis for making business decisions, including the decision to implement a health promotion …

The Effect Of Stride Angle On Ball Velocity And Stride Length In Softball Pitching, Jeanna Marie Foster

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to determine differences in stride length and ball velocity which occur as a result of changes in the stride angle in the underarm fastball pitch. All subjects were female collegiate level softball pitchers who pitched windmill style. Each pitcher's preferred stride angle, stride length, and ball velocity were recorded. Stride lengths and ball velocities for predetermined stride angles were then recorded. An artificial environment was designed with a grid marked to measure stride length and stride angle. A radar gun was used to measure ball velocity. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to calculate …

Relationship Between Self-Esteem, Eating Behaviors, And Eating Attitudes Among Female Collegiate Swimmers, Melissa Ann Fey

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between self-esteem and eating behaviors/attitudes among female collegiate swimmers. Specifically, the relationship between self-esteem as measured by the Rosenburg Self-Esteem Scale (1965) and eating behaviors/attitudes as measured by the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) (Gamer, Olmstead. Bohr. & Garfinkle. 1982) was determined for a purposive sample of female collegiate swimmers at the University of Northern Iowa. A total of 24 subjects completed self-report measures on self-esteem and eating behaviors/attitudes. Subjects' Body Mass Index was also assessed. Pearson product-moment correlation was used to examine the relationship among the scores on the Rosenburg …

The Relationship Between The Intensity And Duration Of Extracurricular Activities And Teenage Pregnancy, Rhonda L. Drilling

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Extensive research has been done in the area of adolescent pregnancy prevention. One possible means of prevention that has not been adequately explored is involvement in extracurricular school activities. The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship existed between the intensity and duration of participation in extracurricular school activities and the incidence of teenage pregnancy. In the study, 200 female high school students who had never been pregnant and 36 females who had become pregnant as teenagers were surveyed. All females were from Fayette County, Iowa. A 33-item questionnaire was used to survey the two groups regarding …

Awareness Of Deficits In Dementia Of The Alzheimer’S Type And Normal Aging, Jay D. Anderson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Past research has documented the presence of frontal lobe dysfunction in both dementia of the Alzheimer's Type (DAT) and normal aging. The purpose of the present study was to further investigate whether one particular type of frontal lobe dysfunction, unawareness of deficits or anosognosia, differs qualitatively or quantitatively when occurring in DAT versus the normal aging process. Anosognosia was investigated in three groups of subjects: individuals diagnosed with DAT (N = 25), older normal controls (N = 25), and middle-aged normal controls (N = 25). Unawareness of deficits was operationalized as the discrepancy between subjects' self-rating and that of another …

Intentional Classroom Humor In Nursing : A Multiple Case Study, Joan Kay Ulloth

Dissertations

Problem. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived connections between the intentional use of humor in the nursing classroom and student learning in the cognitive and affective domains while seeking to understand student and teacher perceptions and responses to humor.

Method. This study used a case study approach and the end result is a multiple case study of three associate degree nursing instructors in the Midwest. The data collection methods included observations, interviews, and surveys. Data from the different sources were examined within and across cases for commonality or difference of experience. Connections were made between …

Eating-Disorder Patterns In The Minnesota Multiphasic Personaity Inventory, Karen Baer-Barkley

Dissertations

Problem. Early intervention is crucial for effective treatment of eating disorders. While there have recently been many assessment tools developed specifically for eating disorders, a screening tool is still needed. This study sought to identify, in an eating-disordered sample, the existence of a v-shaped pattern on scales 4-5-6 of the MMPI, a commonly used general measure of psychopathology.

Method. The sample consisted of 356 females who were being treated for eating disorders through the HOPE program between 1989 and 1996. Past research on the MMPI has produced equivocal results on identifying significant patterns on the clinical scales. Since prior research …

Reliability Of The Dynamic Gait Index In Vestibular Disorders, Diane M. Wrisley

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) when used with patients with vestibular disorders. Subjects included 30 patients aged 27-88 years, with vestibular disorders, who were referred for vestibular rehabilitation. Subjects' performance on the DGI was concurrently rated by two physical therapists experienced in vestibular rehabilitation to determine inter-rater reliability. To determine intra-rater reliability each subject repeated the DGI one-hour later. Percent agreement and kappa statistics were calculated for individual DGI items. Kappa statistics for individual items were averaged to yield a composite kappa score of the DGI. …

A Discovery-Oriented Process Study Of Enactment In Family Therapy: Development Of The Family Therapy Enactment Rating Scale, Elizabeth Ong-Mythuan Fong

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

With the effectiveness of psychotherapy now well-supported in both the individual and family literatures (Garfield & Bergin, 1994), we are entering an era where questions of how and why therapy works are of interest. More specifically, there has been support and encouragement by some researchers (Rice & Greenberg, 1984; Mahrer, 1988) for the use of discovery-oriented methodologies to explore clinical phenomena that have yet to be empirically validated. The following is a discovery-oriented study of enactment, a structural family therapy intervention. The theoretical goals of enactments, their relevance to clinical practice, as well as how they are actually implemented in …

The First Publicly Funded, Government Sponsored Natural Medicine Clinic: A Descriptive Case Study, Jennifer Lynne Schneider

Dissertations and Theses

The Natural Medicine Clinic (NMC) is the first publicly funded, government sponsored clinic of its kind in the United States to integrate natural medicine and conventional medicine at the public health level. The purpose of this thesis was to provide a holistic, contextually-based, in-depth, and meaningful description of the emergence and development of the NMC.

For the purposes of illuminating and understanding the formation of the NMC, a descriptive case study was chosen. The case study approach is considered an excellent strategy for describing in-depth a unique, real-life phenomenon such as the NMC, and when posing how or why research …

Examination Of Benefits Of Binaural Auditory Stimulation For Children With A Cochlear Implant And A Hearing Aid In The Contralateral Ear, Evonne Nicol Altesleben

Dissertations and Theses

Congenital or acquired hearing impairments put children at risk of delayed language development. Today the cochlear implant (Cl) is a viable amplification option for some children with profound hearing losses. Audiologists often recommend that children with hearing impairments be fitted with binaural hearing aids in the hope that maximum stimulation will occur and that auditory deprivation will be lessened. An area lacking investigation is whether binaural stimulation will be beneficial to the cochlear implant recipient.Controversy also exists regarding the use of a hearing aid in the non-implanted ear.

The focus of this study was to compare binaural auditory stimulation benefits …

Alterations In Calcium Homeostasis And The Insulin-Like Growth Factor Signaling Pathway Induced By Carcinogenic Polycyclic And Halogenated Aromatic Hydrocarbons In Human Mammary Epithelial Cells, Stacey L. Tannheimer

Pharmaceutical Sciences ETDs

Breast cancer is a major health concern for women, with only a small percent of the risk factors currently identified. It has been estimated that environmental factors may contribute to up to 80% of breast cancer cases. Many environmental carcinogens, such as polycyclic and halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs and HAHs), are proven mammary carcinogens in animal models. Therefore, these studies were conducted to elucidate potential roles of PAHs and HAHs in alterations in known signaling pathways in human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC). Carcinogenic PAHs have previously been shown to produce sustained alterations in the calcium (Ca2') homeostasis of lymphocytes Therefore, …

A Comparative Study Of Nursing And Non-Nursing Majors Knowledge And Attitudes Toward Hiv And Aids At The Sophomore And Senior Level, Diana R. Lubandi

Electronic Dissertations and Theses

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a baccalaureate nursing program on the knowledge and attitudes of United States nursing students towards HIV/AIDS. Mathematics and engineering majors were used as a comparison group and to control the threats to internal validity of history and maturation. Data for this study was obtained using an AIDS Knowledge Scale and an AIDS Attitude Scale in the form of questionnaires. A convenience sample of 103 students comprised of 30 sophomore nursing students, 34 senior nursing students, 16 sophomore Non nursing students and 23 senior non-nursing students was utilized. The …

The Relationship Between Childhood Aggression And Impulsiveness, Mary Gail Glover

Graduate Theses

Previous research on the relationship between children's levels of aggression and impulsivity have been inconclusive. Studies of each of these behaviors independently have shown that they are correlated with many of the same factors. However, no studies have been found in which aggression and impulsivity have correlated specifically with each other. The purpose of the present study was to determine if a relationship exists between aggression and impulsivity in children. The participants of this study consisted of 115 children who had been tested at a center for behavioral analysis to determine diagnoses of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. They had been referred for …

Locus Of Control, Activity Level, And Living Situation Among The Elderly, Jennifer L. Birchenough

Masters Theses

The focus of this study was to investigate the relationships among locus of control, activity level, and living situation in the elderly. The participants in this study consisted of 62 elderly individuals who resided in one of three living situations: (1) independent living, (2) assisted living, and (3) comprehensive care centers. All participants were screened for cognitive status using the Mini-Mental State Assessment (Folstein, M., Folstein, S., & McHugh, 1975). Individuals who scored in the normal range then completed a Locus of Control Scale (Rotter, 1966) and the Index of Occupational Behavior (Gregory, 1983) to address the meaningfulness of, and …

Cultural Considerations In Clinical Reasoning: An Occupational Therapy Case Study, Sandra M. Winter

Masters Theses

This study looked at an occupational therapist's work with clients from varied cultural backgrounds. Qualitative research strategies and a phenomenological approach were used to gather data through interviews with a single respondent and observation of treatment. This methodology was used to examine the process utilized to acquire cultural knowledge and integrate that knowledge into treatment planning. Research focused on: (a) how the cultural background of a client influenced an occupational therapist as she planned and implemented treatment, (b) how the treatment process was influenced by cultural differences between the therapist and the client, and (c) how training or education helped …