Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Meta-Analysis For Laboratory Diagnostics For Coccidioidomycosis, Mary C. Cowen

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Coccidioidomycosis, commonly referred to as Valley Fever, is a fungal infection found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Infection occurs through inhalation of airborne spores from Coccidioides species, Coccidioides immitis and/or Coccidioides posadasii, and proceeds in both pulmonary and disseminated fashions. Approximately 60% of patients with coccidioidomycosis remain asymptomatic, while 40% will experience symptoms. Within the literature, there are no papers that summarize sensitivity and specificity values between different tests; therefore, this paper presents sensitivity and specificity results across different tests and companies (Meridian, IMMY, and MiraVista).

The Effect Of Hormonal Contraceptive Use On Dominance And Prestige Tactics, Carson Chappell

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between hormonal contraceptives and prestige and dominance status-seeking tactics. Existing literature has examined how the hormones estrogen and progesterone, especially in relation to the fertile window of the menstrual cycle, are associated with prestige and dominance but has yet to look in depth at how hormonal contraceptives might alter this impact. The current study asked participants to complete a 22- item questionnaire assessing dominance and prestige. I hypothesized that women on hormonal contraceptives would have lower scores for prestige and dominance compared to women who are naturally cycling. The results did not …

The Impact Of Brain Cholesterol (24-Hydroxycholesterol (24-Hc) And 27- Hydroxycholesterol (27-Hc)) On Invitro Phenotypes Of Brain Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells, Cherish Iroabuchi

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction: Brain metastases is one of the leading causes of breast cancer mortality and rates continue to increase. It has been previously shown that cholesterol metabolism is an important regulator of cancer progression. 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24-HC) and 27- hydroxycholesterol (27-HC) are cholesterol derivatives primarily found in the brain but their role in regulating oncoprotein expression remains unclear. The goal of this thesis was to determine the effect of 24-HC and 27-HC on in-vitro metastatic phenotypes of breast cancer cells previously shown by the Bailey laboratory to metastasize to the brain in a hematogenous metastasis xenograft model.

Materials and Methods: Western blot …

Difference Between The Impact Of Active Social Media Use And Passive Social Media Use On Adolescent Mental Health: An Expanded Literature Review, Lydia Underwood

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: With the first generation of adolescents being raised with seemingly unlimited access to social media, there is a clear need for research to determine the long-term mental health effects of social media use. Social media use can be categorized into two main categories — active use and passive use. Active use refers to a user posting content and engaging in the media they are viewing. Contrastingly, passive use refers to a user consuming social media content, without engaging in it in ways such as liking or commenting. The aim of this extended literature review was to answer the …

A Multimodal Approach To Decreasing Hesitancy Of The Influenza Vaccine In The Family Care Setting, Carley J. Ellenberger

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

The uptake of the influenza vaccine is the most effective and proactive action an individual can take to defend themselves against the influenza outbreak each season; therefore, it is recommended that everyone at least six months of age and older should receive the annual flu vaccine (CDC, 2022; WHO, 2023). Unfortunately, influenza vaccine hesitancy is demonstrated on a global level affecting the uptake compliance annually each influenza season despite the millions of people that experience influenza symptoms annually (CDC, 2022, WHO, n.d.; Healthy People 2030, n.d.). The PICOT question for this project was in adults, over the age of 18, …

The Effect Of Direct Current Stimulation On The Plasticity Of Cerebellar Purkinje Cell, Emily Graves

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

The cerebellum plays an essential role in movement coordination and balance, and its cortex comprises three layers: the granule cell layer, Purkinje cell layer, and molecular layer. The axons of granule cells, parallel fibers, synapse onto the dendrites of the Purkinje cell. Purkinje cells are the primary inhibitory output of the cerebellar cortex to the deep cerebellar nuclei. Damage to the cerebellum or the related pathway can lead to cerebellar ataxia. Cerebellar ataxia can include abnormal extremity movements, eye and gait incoordination, and loss of balance. Non-invasive brain therapy, transcranial direct current stimulation (DCS), has shown potential benefit to patients …

Investigation Of Movement Coordination In Reaching Through The Modulation Of The Cerebello-Thalamo-Cerebral Tract By Cerebellar Tes In Awake Mice, William Johnston

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

Cerebellar ataxia is a neurological disorder that can be genetically or sporadically acquired. Ataxia is the loss of the ability to coordinate the range, rate, force, and direction of movements. Loss of gait stability, and reaching smoothness is progressively seen clinically. The non-invasive brain therapy called transcranial electric stimulation (tES) has been shown to have an impact on the behavior of humans with cerebellar dysfunction. However, the physiological and behavioral effects of tES are not well studied. Quantitative measurements were used in reaching behavior assays with head fixation using normal and ataxic mice before and after tES treatment. Frame by …

Nurses' Perceptions Regarding Supportive Care In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Brandi D. Garrett

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

NICU nurses are the primary supporters of NICU families and their infants, making it vital that nurses understand the impact of a NICU visit on families and how to improve the parental experience. The complex challenges begin at the NICU admission, where families are left bewildered and unprepared for the uncertainty that lies ahead. During the NICU stay, nurses support families by providing encouragement and empowerment as they navigate their new role as NICU parents. In addition, NICU nurses are advocates for supportive initiatives to help NICU families cope with challenges such as being away from their infant and better …

Electronic Health Records: Using Polarity Thinking To Explore The Relationship Between Technology And Nursing Practice, Debra Winckler

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Building a robust information technology infrastructure has been recognized as integral in addressing national concerns about patient safety, healthcare quality, and healthcare costs. Federal efforts to promote the nationwide adoption and integration of electronic health records (EHRs) include the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009, which provided over $27 billion in federal incentives to healthcare organizations and providers to incorporate EHRs into healthcare practices. Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record Incentive Programs, initiated in 2011, were enacted to expand EHR functionality, encourage EHR system upgrades, and establish nationwide use of certified EHR technology. Subsequently, …

The Effect Of An Occupational Balance Educational Module On Life Satisfaction And Occupational Balance For University Students, Unique Bowden

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Engaging in a variety of occupations daily can support university students in feeling a sense of balance and satisfaction in their lives. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an occupational balance education module on improving the life satisfaction and occupational balance of university students ages 18-22 in a public university in the southwest region of the United States. Five participants were recruited using convenience sampling from a student support services program. A four-part education module was provided using a one-group pretest posttest quasi-experimental design, which included education on occupational balance, barriers and supports to occupational balance, strategies to …

Differential Expression Of Microrna Mir-145 And Mir-155 Downstream Targets In Oral Cancers Exhibiting Limited Chemotherapy Resistance, Conner Belnap

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: New evidence has suggested that non-coding microRNAs play a significant role in mediating and modulating chemotherapy resistance, particularly among oral cancers. One recent study found that the expression of miR-145 and lack of miR-155 expression strongly correlated with a limited chemotherapy resistance to Cisplatin, 5-Fluorouracil and Paclitaxel , although the mechanism(s) responsible for these observations remain unidentified.

Methods: Using commercially available cell lines of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), RNA was isolated using phenol:chloroform extraction. The isolated RNA was converted into cDNA by reverse transcription and subsequently screened for the presence or absence of downstream targets of miR-145 and …

Seasonal Climate And Environmental Conditions Associated With Physiological Variations Of Southwestern United States Pines, Taylor Brewer

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Juvenile and adult conifers in the southwestern United States are vulnerable to a range of different abiotic and biotic factors, yet it is unclear how their stress tolerance varies across environments. Predicted increases in the frequency and intensity of disturbance as well as greater climate and weather variability across the region highlight the potential for differential physiological responses across tree species and populations. This thesis focuses on two physiologic mechanisms, hydraulic vulnerability and mortality, that could be altered by climate change in two broadly distributed southwestern United States conifers: ponderosa pine and pinyon pine.

In chapter 2, I measured the …

Occupational Therapy-Led Tai Chi: Elevating Perceived Competence In Daily Activities Among Semi/Fully Retired Adults, Lester Buenviaje

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This doctoral capstone project explored the impact of a Tai Chi intervention led by the occupational therapy student researcher, on self-perceived competence and engagement in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) among semi/fully retired adults at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Using the Occupational Self-Assessment (OSA) questionnaire, the project measured changes in participants' confidence and abilities before and after the participation of the Tai Chi program.

The Tai Chi intervention was a six-week Tai Chi program designed to accommodate the physical and cognitive capabilities of semi-retired and retired adults. This program not only …

Development And Usage Of Analytic Tools And Recommendations For Validation And Reliability Studies Using Consumer-Grade Wearable Technology, Bryson Carrier

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: Wearable technology is increasingly utilized across various fields, yet the validity and reliability of the physiological data these devices provide are often unverified due to a lack of rigorous testing standards.

Purpose: This dissertation contains three primary works, and therefore multiple purposes. The purpose of the first project (Chapter 2) is to introduce a new risk of bias assessment tool, specifically for assessing methodological quality and the risk of bias in validity and reliability studies using wearable technology, with a focus on consumer-grade wearable technology. The purpose of the second project (Chapter 3) was to perform a systematic review …

The Influence Of Bihemispheric Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation On Muscle Fatigue, Ananya Singh Chauhan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Unilateral transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) using two electrodes placed over the primary motor cortex (M1) and the contralateral supraorbital (SO) region (M1-SO montage) has been shown to decrease the progression of muscle fatigue. The primary purpose was to determine the impact of bihemispheric tDCS (bi-tDCS) applied over the left and right M1s (bi-tDCS) on the time to task failure (TTF) of a precision-grip task. The study implemented a double-blind, randomized, SHAM-controlled, within-subjects design. A total of 20 participants performed two experimental sessions (bi-tDCS and SHAM conditions) separated by a one-week washout. During each experimental session, a fatiguing isometric contraction …

Improving Patients’ Readiness For Discharge: The Development Of An Occupation-Based Group Therapy Protocol In Inpatient Rehabilitation, Valerie Cheng

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The literature showed a lack of studies involving occupation-based group therapy in an inpatient rehabilitation setting, with notable barriers including lack of time, space, and equipment. The barriers lead occupational therapists (OT) to pursue an impairment-based approach, steering away from occupation-based approaches, which is what makes up the core of OT. Current literature is also limited to patients' perceptions of discharge readiness, with most research primarily concentrated on clinicians' perspectives. This 14-week capstone experience will include developing an occupation-based group therapy protocol for inpatient rehabilitation that will be implemented at Dignity Health Rehabilitation Hospital. Through conducting occupation-based group therapy in …

Sens"Ability" Coaching: Inspire And Empower Parents With Occupational Performance Coaching Using Dunn’S Model Of Sensory Processing – A Manualized Education Program For Clinicians, Kelby Christian

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: The current literature found a need for improved collaboration styles and programs that can adapt to the needs of the various mental health diagnoses. This capstone project focused on creating a manualized education program called SensABILTY Coaching, which aims to improve clinicians’ confidence in educating caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on Dunn’s Model of Sensory Processing using principles of Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC). Improving clinicians' confidence increases positive reactions and enhances caregiver and clinician collaboration. This capstone project outlines the benefits of using the principles of OPC intervention styles and sensory-based strategies for their effectiveness when …

The Influence Of Bilateral Dual Source Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation On The Progression Of Muscle Fatigue, Eliza Clinton

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied unilaterally to the primary motor cortex (M1) can significantly prolong the time to task failure (TTF) of a fatiguing contraction. The primary purpose of the study was to examine the influence of bilateral dual source tDCS (dstDCS) applied over the left and right M1s (ds-tDCS) on the TTF of a precision grip task. This was accomplished through the utilization of a double-blind, randomized, SHAM-controlled, within-subjects design. Fourteen participants completed two experiments (ds-tDCS and SHAM stimulation conditions) with a seven-day washout period between sessions. Each experiment involved the performance of a sustained isometric fatiguing contraction …

Perceptions Of A Community-Based Playgroup To Promote Caregiver Knowledge Of Resources And Prevention Of Developmental Delays In A Rural Setting, Chesnee Clingman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

For children living in rural communities, the likelihood of having a developmental delay substantially increases compared to children living in urban areas (Weglarz-Ward et al., 2019). This can be due to a lack of access to resources, limited education, and geographical isolation. Despite the rising trend of developmental delays among rural children, there is a noteworthy lack of early intervention resources for both the child and their family. This trend of minimal resources is demonstrated in Lincoln County, Nevada. Using an occupational therapy lens, a community-based playgroup program was developed for residents in Lincoln County. Community-based playgroups involve a structured …

Educational Series On Sensory Processing Differences And Sensory-Related Responses: An Occupational Therapy Perspective To Promote Caregiver Understanding, Jessemae Delarmente

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The objective of this doctoral capstone was to create and conduct a five-part online educational series for caregivers of children ages 0-5 about the impact sensory processing differences (SPD) has on occupational participation and performance, as well as how to navigate sensory-related responses (SRRs) on a daily basis. SPD and SRRs are complex topics commonly talked about on a graduate level as it requires knowledge of the nervous system and child development. Caregiver resources on SPD and SRRs are difficult to obtain and may not present the information appropriately for varying health literacy levels. This leads many caregivers to have …

Post-Operative Endotracheal Reintubation Rates, Robert Erickson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Immediate post-operative endotracheal reintubation after major abdominal surgery a significant patient safety concern due to the potential for failure to rescue, or other adverse outcomes such as altered mental status, aspiration, and hypoxia due to respiratory or cardiac arrest if left unrecognized. To facilitate major abdominal surgery (outside of a cesarean section performed under spinal anesthesia), the patient must be anesthetized, pharmacologically paralyzed, and endotracheally intubated to facilitate ventilation via mechanical respiration. Those steps create the optimal environment to allow the abdominal muscles to relax, and permits the surgeon obtain appropriate exposure of the abdominal cavity. An induced chemical paralysis …

Pain Management Series For Stroke: Identifying Teaching Methods To Increase Clinical Self-Efficacy For Occupational Therapy Doctoral Students, Apasara Jittprasert

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose

Post-stroke pain has been identified as a significant challenge for individuals experiencing a stroke. Occupational therapists play a crucial role in the complex treatment of post-stroke pain but often face challenges due to a lack of self-efficacy in implementing treatments for stroke-related pain. This project’s purpose was to,1) to identify which teaching methods are effective for increasing clinical self-efficacy in doctoral occupational therapy students for implementing pain management treatment for individuals’ post-stroke and 2) to increase reported clinical self-efficacy levels among these students following the completion of a pain management educational program for stroke pain.

Methodology

This project recruited …

The Feasibility Of High-Intensity Training To Improve Self-Control And Occupational Participation In At-Risk Adolescents, Tashia Kaplan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose

Adolescence is a challenging time navigating self-control and decision-making, creating vulnerability to developing poor habits and unhealthy behaviors. This feasibility study aimed to determine if a high-intensity training program (HIT) would improve self-control, health-related behaviors, and healthy occupational participation in at-risk adolescents in the Real Talk Youth Impact Program (Real Talk), measured by the Occupational Experience Profile (OEP).

Methodology

Three at-risk adolescent were recruited via convenience sampling from Real Talk to participate in a twelve-session HIT intervention, one participant completed all sessions. Researchers used a quasi-experimental exploratory sequential mixed-methods design to examine self-control, health-related behaviors, and occupational participation measured …

Characterization Of Fibronectin Adhesion Isolated Dental Pulp Progenitor Cell Populations, Heoijin Kim

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: The DPSC constitutes a significantly small population, comprising approximately 1% of the total cells in the pulp tissue. Therefore, it is imperative to successfully culture and populate DPSCs in vitro before utilizing them for therapeutic purposes. Understanding DPSC heterogeneity is crucial for innovative regenerative therapies, prompting the investigation of mixed populations using fibronectin as a biological marker. It is reported that cellular phenotype and biological function may undergo alterations as cells replicate in a cultured environment or the substrate to which the cells adhere.

Objectives: In this study, we compared and analyzed the impact of various isolation methods on …

Reframing Addiction As A Coping Response: A Needed Shift In Modern Public Health Paradigms, Anthony King

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

What are the primary risk factors that compel one person towards addiction and not another? After decades of research, there is still no clear consensus. Some experts say addiction is a brain disease; others say it is a willful act, or even an outright crime. Nevertheless, the three research studies contained within this dissertation suggest an alternative, more parsimonious public-health-centered framework for viewing addictive behavioral patterns: as a biopsychosocial coping strategy for past and present stressors. In Study 1, this idea was examined by evaluating how symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were associated with problem gambling severity, different gambling …

Interdisciplinary Education On Using The Combilizer For Grooming Tasks In The Intensive Care Unit, Bonnie Lei

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide a teaching and learning program to the interdisciplinary team on how to use the Sara Combilizer with critically ill patients to increase efficacy for early progressive mobility (EPM) by facilitating grooming tasks. Methods: A teaching and learning program on using the Sara Combilizer to facilitate grooming tasks was provided to the acute care therapy team at a hospital. The program included an evidence-based lecture, a practice case study, and a digital instructional manual. The program was evaluated through a pre- and post-survey, and a quality improvement survey. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test …

Unraveling The Relationship Between Social Vulnerability Index And Covid-19 Prevalence In Southern Nevada, Andrea Lopez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The COVID-19 pandemic was a catastrophic global event that exacerbated public health issues and disparities, especially in socially vulnerable communities. Thus, this study examines areas classified by the CDC's Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) metric, which assesses vulnerable communities experiencing adverse events through sixteen social determinants that impact health. The purpose of this study will be to determine if (1) COVID-19 testing rates and/or COVID-19 vaccination rates mediate SVI and COVID-19 prevalence rates and (2) if COVID-19 testing rate and COVID-19 vaccination rates serially mediate SVI and COVID-19 prevalence rates. In order to achieve this, census tracts within Southern Nevada will …

Compliance And Efficacy Of Orthodontic Medicaid In Southern Nevada: A Retrospective Study, Troy Mccartney

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: The study’s main objective is to evaluate efficacy and compliance in Medicaid orthodontic patients compared to private insurance and cash (self-pay) patients in Southern Nevada. In addition, the paper will study the trends in approval selection such gender, age, race/ethnicity, and case type. This information will be used to discuss the barriers that Medicaid patients face and offer solutions for the issues found in the orthodontic Medicaid system.

Introduction: Medicaid coverage was brought forward by the Federal Social Security Act in July of 1965. Since then, there have been many discussions on how orthodontic treatment should be covered under …

Effectiveness Of A Virtual Simulation Program As A Novel Approach To Improve Clinical Judgment In Prelicensure Nursing Students, Monica Millard

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Problem: Limited clinical placement opportunities for practicing decision-making skills have widened the academic-practice gap. Research shows a disturbing decline in entry-level competency among newly graduated registered nurses. Innovative strategies like virtual patient simulation may foster decision-making skills and prepare prelicensure nursing students for practice. However, research is lacking in examining virtual patient simulation (VPS) as an effective approach for developing clinical judgment in prelicensure nursing students. The American Association for Academic Nursing has determined that clinical judgment is an essential nursing attribute. Moreover, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing developed the Next Generation National Council Licensure Exam based …

Behavioral Health, Mental Health, And Overall Well-Being Of Informal Caregivers Before And After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Zahra Mojtahedi

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Informal caregivers, such as relatives or close friends, are vital for maintaining the welfare of the individuals they provide care for. However, caregiving can be difficult and stressful that adversely impacts caregivers’ health. The extra stress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic can potentially aggravate health problems, particularly mental health. The current research aimed to nationally analyze whether the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly associated with behavioral health (physical activity and smoking), mental health (worrying, nervousness, hopelessness, little interest, and psychological distress score), and the perception of overall well-being among informal caregivers in the United States. Whether behavioral health could mediate …