Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Use Of Cobalt(Iii) And Copper(Ii) Complexes With Thiosemicarbazone Ligands And Berberine Chloride As Anti-Cancer Agents Against Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Duaa Rashad Alajroush

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

It is a worrying fact that chemotherapeutic options for treating triple negative breast cancer are limited in nature, including the use of inorganic pharmaceuticals such as cisplatin and its analogues. It has been reported that cisplatin has undesirable side effects when used as a chemotherapeutic drug. As such, there is a need to use non-platinum-containing complexes as chemotherapeutic agents. Based on that issue, it has been reported by our research group and others that cobalt- and copper-containing complexes have shown great potential in anti-cancer properties when compared to cisplatin. In this research project, the cytotoxic effects of the following complexes: …

Use Of Ultrasound For Identification Of Musculoskeletal Injury In Active Populations, Kathleen Karen Hogan

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Lower extremity tendinopathies and fasciopathy conditions are prevalent amongst sedentary individuals,^1,2 athletes,^3,4 elite runners,^5,6and military personnel⁷ and can lead to chronic disability and reduction in quality of life. ^8,9 Both tendinopathy and fasciopathy are thought to be mechanical in nature and caused by acute or chronic overloading leading to a disruption in the uniformity of the soft tissue structure. Ultrasound imaging has gained popularity in the last decade among many sports medicine clinicians to gain information regarding tissue structure for musculoskeletal injury (MKSI) management. Ultrasound imaging allows for the evaluation of in-vivo structures and at …

Assessing Nurse Practitioner Student Competence Using A Modified Creighton Competency Evaluation Instrument, Katie L. Mcdermott

Dissertations (1934 -)

Nursing education programs are faced with urgent demands to transition to competency-based education (CBE) to address the limitations of the nursing workforce. The AACN (2021) has developed the Essentials, or the core competencies for graduating entry- and advanced-level nurses to inform CBE. A concept analysis of Foundational Competence was developed by this researcher offers a refined perspective on the definition (McDermott & Dreifuerst, 2022). Foundational Competence is the competence of nursing student graduates at the end of an education program at the time of transition to practice. Assessment of competence has been identified as the biggest challenge facing CBE operationalization, …

The Shared Experiences Of Novice, Full-Time Allied Dental Community College Educators, Misty L. Mesimer

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

A well-prepared oral healthcare workforce is essential to the overall health of the general population. A knowledgeable and qualified workforce would be non-existent without strong academic programs and faculty to prepare oral health professionals. For over 20 years, the dental and allied dental educator workforce has been a concern for the oral health professions. Since most allied dental education programs are based in community and technical colleges, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the transition experiences of faculty teaching at these institutions. It is only through application and use of this knowledge that these faculty can be recruited, supported, and …

Occupational Stress And Coping During A Public Health Emergency: A Mixed-Methods Approach To Understand The Experiences Of Lactation Professionals In Clinical Settings, Mya Michele Carter

Health Services Research Dissertations

Introduction: During public health emergencies, such as the coronavirus 2019 pandemic, breastfeeding is still the recommended feeding option, and mothers and babies may need additional support to reach breastfeeding goals. Pandemic-related, clinic-level restrictions posed new challenges for postpartum mothers and their healthcare teams, including lactation professionals (LPs). The pandemic and subsequent restrictions may have impacted lactation professionals’ work-related stress and limited their ability to provide lactation support. Coping strategies to mitigate occupational stress can be useful in preventing adverse outcomes for both the provider and the patient. The need for continuous support for this profession of healthcare workers is paramount. …

Pediatric Oral Health Literacy Among Caregivers Of Young Children, Melissa L. Sullivan

Health Services Research Dissertations

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a common dental condition that affects the primary teeth of infants and young children. ECC can have a significant negative impact on a child’s oral health and overall well-being. Caregivers have an important role in the prevention of early childhood caries through knowledge, understanding, and awareness of good oral hygiene practices. Caregivers who possess adequate oral health literacy (OHL) may be more likely to recognize the risks associated with ECC, implement proper oral hygiene practices, and make informed oral health choices for themselves and their child.

The overarching purpose of this dissertation is to explore …

Body Image Dissatisfaction, Positive Body Image, And Health Behaviors During Pregnancy: A Between-Trimester Comparison, Cassidy M. Sandoval

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Body image during pregnancy is a critical concern for maternal and fetal health, as it is associated with adverse health outcomes for mothers and neonates. Findings regarding if and how body image dissatisfaction changes during pregnancy are equivocal. A vast majority of studies examining body image during pregnancy focus on negative aspects of body image (e.g., body dissatisfaction), and there are limited studies of positive body image during pregnancy. Although the literature examining body image’s association with mental health concerns during pregnancy is well-developed, there is far less research exploring associations with physical health. Given these notable gaps, the present …

Gender Measurement Invariance Of The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory - Adolescent - Restructured Form (Mmpi-A-Rf) Internalizing And Externalizing Specific Problem Scales, Thomas Jay Augustin

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Due to social, psychological, biological, and cultural differences in adolescent development, it is important to evaluate measurement invariance in psychological measures. Although the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) assessments have a plethora of research to evaluate their utility in clinical practice, few published studies have examined the measurement invariance between males and females for any of the scales in the adolescent versions (MMPI-A/MMPI-A-RF). The present study examined the measurement invariance of the MMPI-A-RF Internalizing and Externalizing Specific Problem Scales between male and female adolescents. Data were obtained from an outpatient sample and from Pearson’s mail-in service resulting in 1,622 valid …

Medical Practice As Rhetorical Art Functional Medicine’S Therapeutic Partnership, Cristina Elena De León-Menjivar

English Theses & Dissertations

The current rates of provider burnout are at an all-time high, and our healthcare system is currently seeing numerous providers leave the system. The U.S. Surgeon General has deemed burnout rates at crisis levels, creating an exigency for research and work to help ameliorate this issue. One main issue at the heart of provider burnout is the idea of meaning and purpose in one’s professional life, and Functional Medicine methodology argues that it provides the means by which it can mitigate burnout while improving professional fulfillment and joy through deeper connections with patients. Their methodology is rooted in a concept …

Contribution Of Dentoalveolar Heights On Facial Heights In Class I And Class Ii Untreated Subjects, Mira Bharat Suvagia

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Objective: This research aims to investigate the impact of dentoalveolar heights on craniofacial growth and the development of Class I and Class II malocclusions in untreated subjects aged 6-18 years. The study seeks to establish relationships between dentoalveolar heights and anterior and posterior facial heights. The findings contribute to understanding the dynamic interplay between dentoalveolar growth, mandibular rotation, and facial height establishment, shedding light on critical aspects of craniofacial development. Materials and Methods: The study draws upon cephalograms from the University of Michigan Growth Study, encompassing untreated Class I and Class II subjects aged 6-18 years. A subsample of 408 …

Orthodontic Load Quantification Leveling A Deep Curve Of Spee With Different Archwire Designs, Ahmed Youssef

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Objective: This study aimed to quantify the effects of different materials, sizes of the continuous archwires in leveling the exaggerated curve of Spee. We used an orthodontic force tester apparatus to measure the forces and moments delivered by the archwires to the brackets attached to the sensors of one quadrant of the arch (from 1st incisor to 2nd molar). The hypothesis is that there is no difference in the load and moments between the incisors when the curve of Spee is leveled with the three different mechanical designs being tested. Methods: An orthodontic force tester (OFT) was used to measure …

The Hoof Inside Out: A Comprehensive Investigation About The Shoe Configuration Effects On The Behavior Of The Equine Hoof, Rita Aoun

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The equine hoof is a unique organ in biology that has intricate elastic properties. From simple protection to therapeutic and corrective measures, horseshoes are widely used in the equine industry. Various types of shoeing have been designed and used based on their unique targeted functions following hoof care. Shoes can modify the gait of the horse, affect the alignment of the distal joints, and alter stress and strains on specific hoof regions. The objective of this dissertation is to provide an overview of the available research on the existing methodology and literature on the effects of shoeing on equine gait …

What Are The Psychosocial Effects Of Service Dogs On Handlers With Disabilities, Kylie Kline

University Honors Theses

This study looks to explore the psychosocial effects that service dogs have on handlers with disabilities. A cross-sectional survey designed to gather information about this directly from service dog handlers was administered to a sample of 20 participants. Then, a qualitative analysis was conducted on data from the survey using an inductive coding scheme that identified themes in the data as key terms and ideas emerged.

Results revealed many nuances surrounding service dogs' effects on handlers' psychosocial health. Notable results include: 20 of 20 participants (100%) reporting their service dogs have had positive impacts on their quality of life; 19 …

The Validation Of Remote-Synchronous And Remote-Asynchronous Physical Performance-Based Outcome Measurements, Kieran James Mullen

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Performance-based outcome measures are used by clinical and research communities to identify health risks, assess change in physical function over time, and assess the success of treatment. With the onset of COVID-19, remote assessments were sought as alternatives to in-person testing, however there is inadequate literature on the validity of remote performance-based outcome measurement to assess physical function. Current literature is limited to small cohort studies, and none take advantage of novel comparison of agreement methodology. This study assessed the level of agreement between three methods of performance-based outcome data collection: in-person data collection, remote synchronous data collection, and remote …

Neonatal Nurses’ Intention To Stay In The Nicu, Carolyn Penn-Griffin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Neonatal nursing leaders and national health care organizations within the United States are concerned about the recent shortage of skilled and experienced neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses that may reduce the quality of care delivered to NICU patients. NICU nurses are passionate about caring for premature and ill full-term infants and providing educational and emotional support for their parents, some NICU nurses remain in the NICU long-term, yet others contemplate leaving the specialty. The purpose of this qualitative interpretative phenomenological research guided by Martin Fishbein and Ajezen’s theory of reasoned action was to explore the lived experiences of NICU …

Evaluation Of Flooding Disaster Risk Initiatives In Vulnerable Homeless Communities, Nicholas W. O'Clair

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Homeless individuals, who have limited resources and lack stable lodging, are particularly vulnerable during disasters, further jeopardizing their already precarious health conditions. By examining the effectiveness of existing preparedness and response strategies on the readiness of homeless individuals during flood events, insights can be gained to enhance emergency operations. The purpose of the study was to investigate the experiences and vulnerabilities of homeless populations in a northeastern U.S. city with the goal of promoting inclusivity and resilience. Research questions involved understanding knowledge of dangers of flooding disasters; disaster preparedness, response, and recovery; and how current public promotion practices of disaster …

Evaluation Of Flooding Disaster Risk Initiatives In Vulnerable Homeless Communities, Nicholas W. O'Clair

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Homeless individuals, who have limited resources and lack stable lodging, are particularly vulnerable during disasters, further jeopardizing their already precarious health conditions. By examining the effectiveness of existing preparedness and response strategies on the readiness of homeless individuals during flood events, insights can be gained to enhance emergency operations. The purpose of the study was to investigate the experiences and vulnerabilities of homeless populations in a northeastern U.S. city with the goal of promoting inclusivity and resilience. Research questions involved understanding knowledge of dangers of flooding disasters; disaster preparedness, response, and recovery; and how current public promotion practices of disaster …

Assessing The Effects Of Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury On Risk/Reward Decision Making And Catecholamine Associated Proteins, Christopher Knapp

Theses and Dissertations

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) disrupts cognitive processes that influence risk taking behavior; however, the effects of repetitive mild injury (rmTBI) or whether these outcomes are sex specific are unknown. Risk/reward decision making is mediated by the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which is densely innervated by catecholaminergic fibers. Aberrant PFC catecholamine activity has been documented following TBI and may underlie TBI-induced risky behavior. Here, we exposed rats to sham (no injury), single, or three closed-head controlled cortical impact (CH-CCI) injuries to characterize the effects of rmTBI on 1) risk/reward decision making behavior using a probabilistic discounting task (PDT) and 2) levels …

Manufacturing Of Aligned Electrospun Nanofiber Yarns For Their Enhanced Mechanical And Piezoelectric Properties, Adaugo Mary-Frances Enuka

Theses and Dissertations

Electrospinning is a widely used technique for producing nanofibers with diverse applications. This method uses polymer solutions and strong electric fields to generate nano-sized fibers with unique properties. This study presents a novel manufacturing approach that enables the production of electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) nanofiber yarns using an automated parallel track system and an adjustable roll-to-roll collector. This research examines the impact of an automated post-drawing system on the polymer chain orientation, crystallinity, tensile strength, morphology, and piezoelectric properties of PVDF-HFP nanofiber yarn. The results reveal that the post-drawing process significantly improves molecular alignment, increases tensile strength, and enhances the …

An Evaluation Of The Premack Contingency To Increase Physical Activity In Teenagers With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Shreeya S. Deshmukh

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (2018) recommends that teenagers engage in physical activity to improve their cardiovascular health and muscle and bone strength. Yet, most teenagers with and without autism spectrum disorder do not meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity. Research related to promoting physical activity has evaluated group contingencies, reinforcement-based interventions, and antecedent interventions; however, these interventions are time-intensive, require many resources, or are ineffective. The purpose of this study was to extend Allen and Iwata (1980) by reinforcing completion of a low-probability exercise to a specified criterion with access to a high-probability exercise. …

Chemotherapy Drug Release From Hollow Core Polyethyleneimine Nanoparticles, Brian Boyle

Theses and Dissertations

Novel anticancer delivery vehicles are arising from engineered nanostructured materials. This work involved the synthesis, characterization, and release of novel hollow core polymeric nanoparticles (HCPNPs) for controlled drug delivery. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) was bound to AuNPs, forming polymer-shell nanoparticles with dissolution of the gold core via iodine forming HCPNPs with drug intercalated DNA bound to the surface. A high density (85 molecules/particle) of DNA intercalated with daunorubicin was conjugated. Particles were spherical with an average diameter of 105.7 ± 17.3 nm and zeta potential of 20.4 ± 3.54 mV. We hypothesize the DNA backbone electrostatically condensed to the primary amines on …

3d Organ-Scale Models Of Tumor Growth And Treatment, Rafael Ramon Bravo

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

To understand the dynamics of cancer, mathematical oncologists have developed models of tumor growth and treatment response. Some models are mechanistic and approach tumor growth at the cell-scale, focusing on the evolution of cancerous cells within the ecology of normal tissue, and are often simulated with agent-based modeling. Other models are more clinically motivated and model tumor growth operating at the organ-scale, using patient data to predict treatment response, and are often simulated with partial differential equations. We developed the Hybrid Automata Library which includes both agent-based modeling and partial differential equations for modeling at either of these scales. We …

Bayesian Analysis Of Hospital Service Quality: Pre- And Post-Covid, Ling Hu

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The hospital sector is the largest revenue-generating industry in the United States, with a revenue of $1.4 trillion in 2022, accounting for 5.8% of the U.S. GDP. Its service quality profoundly impacts societal welfare, especially given the aging population reached 55.8 million in 2020 and is expected to reach 82 million by 2050. Therefore, multiple policies aim to incentivize sustained healthcare service quality improvements. As an integral component of the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing (HVBP) Program, the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey, administrated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), serves as a cornerstone …

Physiological And Circadian Outcomes Of Fkbp5 Imbalance: Insights From Two Models, Niat Tsegai Gebru

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Circadian rhythms are crucial in regulating various physiological processes, including mood regulation, and disruptions in these rhythms have been linked to several neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. FKBP51, a protein involved in stress responses and glucocorticoid receptor function has emerged as a potential regulator of the circadian clock. FKBP51’s interaction with glucocorticoid receptors impacts the transcriptional regulation of circadian-related genes. In recent years, FKBP51 has been associated with genetic and epigenetic alterations in neuropsychiatric disorders, highlighting its potential as a target for intervention. The heterogeneity associated with neuropsychiatric disorders arises from a combination of genetic, environmental, …

The Role Of Pregnancy Intendedness In Shaping Contraceptive Practices And Family Planning Experiences: Evidence From Sub-Saharan Africa, Otobo I. Ujah

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background: Despite the associated adverse health and economic implications associated with unintended pregnancy, there remains a paucity of literature examining the effect of unintended pregnancy on postpartum contraceptive and reproductive behavior in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including Nigeria.

Aims: The overall aim of this doctoral dissertation was twofold. First, to quantitatively examine whether and to what extent the intendedness of a woman’s most recent pregnancy is linked to subsequent contraceptive behaviors and family planning experiences. Secondly, to disentangle the influence of compositional and contextual level factors on these study outcomes. In the first paper, I investigated the extent …

Working With Bilingual Populations: Clinical Practices Of Speech-Language Pathologists In New Mexico, Wylie L. Skillman

Speech and Hearing Sciences ETDs

New Mexico is uniquely positioned as a state that has more bilingual speakers than the United States on average, meaning that Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) here are more likely to work with bilingual speakers than elsewhere. Best practices for bilingual evaluation and treatment are taught in graduate education for SLPs but the extent to which they are known and utilized by school-based SLPs differs based on many factors.

As the body of research supporting culturally responsive bilingual assessment and intervention continue to grow, it is unknown how or if clinicians are using this knowledge to assess and treat students who …

Evaluating Behavioral Skills Training For The Acquisition And Generalization Of Run Blocking Skills Of High School Football Players, Jason Caleb Wiley

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Behavioral skills training has been used to increase football player’s performance in one prior study, but limited data were collected on how the skill generalized from the training environment to the natural environment. The purpose of this study is to further evaluate the effects of BST in enhancing football player’s performance while also evaluating the generalization of a skill taught in a training environment (i.e., practice) to the natural environment (i.e., game simulated scrimmage). This study included five high school offensive line football players and recorded their run blocking skills in the training context and a game context in baseline …

The Role Of Spontaneous Activity In Maturation Of The Calyx Of Held Nerve Terminal And Its Synaptic Target In The Medial Nucleus Of The Trapezoid Body, Daniel Tatsuo Heller

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Neural circuit formation is a complex process involving synergistic roles between neurons and glial cells regulated by coordinated genetic and molecular cues and activity-dependent mechanisms. The canonical pathway for synapse formation begins with neurogenesis and migration followed by axonal outgrowth and dendritic arborization allowing for the capture and formation of nascent synapses. These initial synaptic contacts are exuberant in nature ensuring proper neural connectivity and undergo a period of pruning of superfluous inputs followed by maturation and strengthening of the remaining contacts. This maturation includes pre- and postsynaptic specialization of the active zone, localization and clustering of ion channels, and …

The Influence Of Childhood Trauma On Dna Methylation Patterns And Sex-Specific Cortisol Stress Reactivity: A Secondary Analysis, Isabella F. Correia

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Childhood trauma has been shown to significantly impact physical and mental health outcomes, leading to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, and difficulties in decision-making and maintaining relationships. Exposure to such trauma has the potential to dysregulate an individual’s stress response system, resulting in abnormal cortisol levels. Many studies suggest a lasting impact of early-life stress on DNA methylation patterns and, separately, cortisol stress reactivity. In addition, there are known sex differences in exposure to childhood trauma and cortisol reactivity; yet studies to date have not investigated whether there is an association to DNA methylation. This study utilized a …

Roles Of Mitochondrial Chchd2 And Gpcr-Associated Β-Arrestin2 In The Pathogenesis Of Lewy Body Disorders, Teresa R. Kee

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain containing 2 (CHCHD2) is a mitochondrial protein that plays important roles in cristae structure, oxidative phosphorylation, and apoptosis. Multiple mutations in CHCHD2 have been associated with Lewy body disorders (LBDs), such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), with the CHCHD2T61I mutation being the most widely studied. We generated the first transgenic mouse models expressing human CHCHD2WT and the PD-linked CHCHD2T61I mutation driven by the mPrP promoter. CHCHD2T61I Tg, but not CHCHD2WT Tg mice exhibit perinuclear mitochondrial aggregates, neuroinflammation, and have impaired long-term synaptic plasticity associated with synaptic dysfunction. Dopaminergic neurodegeneration, a hallmark of PD, …