Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

How Can We Best Measure Fundamental Movement Skills?, Beth P. Hands

Health Sciences Conference Papers

The assessment of movement skill is a critical component of many disciplines and professions. In particular, the effectiveness of movement programs hinges on accurate information about the skill level of participants. This information should be based on assessment that is valid, comprehensive, educative, fair and explicit. The chosen process is matched to the assessment purpose. In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of quantitative and qualitative strategies will be presented and the areas for future research highlighted.

What Do We Really Know About The Constraints And Enablers Of Physical Activity Levels In Young Children?, Beth P. Hands, Helen Parker, Dawne Larkin

Health Sciences Conference Papers

Ample evidence exists to support the benefits of habitual physical activity levels on long term health and well-being for adults, youth and, more recently, children. However information about factors that impact on young children’s choices to be active or inactive is limited because the accurate measurement of physical activity in young children is difficult. Consequently, many statements found in the literature about young children’s physical activity levels are not founded on empirically validated information. Some conclusions are extrapolated to younger children from findings in studies of older children.

This paper is based on an extensive review of literature and the …

Com Outlook Winter 2001-2002, College Of Osteopathic Medicine

COM Outlook

No abstract provided.

Estimating Causal Parameters In Marginal Structural Models With Unmeasured Confounders Using Instrumental Variables, Tanya A. Henneman, Mark Johannes Van Der Laan, Alan E. Hubbard

U.C. Berkeley Division of Biostatistics Working Paper Series

For statisticians analyzing medical data, a significant problem in determining the causal effect of a treatment on a particular outcome of interest, is how to control for unmeasured confounders. Techniques using instrumental variables (IV) have been developed to estimate causal parameters in the presence of unmeasured confounders. In this paper we apply IV methods to both linear and non-linear marginal structural models. We study a specific class of generalized estimating equations that is appropriate to these data, and compare the performance of the resulting estimator to the standard IV method, a two-stage least squares procedure. Our results are applied to …

Two Concepts Of Immortality: Reframing Public Debate On Stem-Cell Research, Frank Pasquale

Faculty Scholarship

Regenerative medicine seeks not only to cure disease, but also to arrest the aging process itself. So far, public attention to the new health care has focused on two of its methods: embryonic stem-cell research and therapeutic cloning. Since both processes manipulate embryos, they alarm those who believe life begins at conception. Such religious objections have dominated headlines on the topic, and were central to President George W. Bush's decision to restrict stem-cell research.

Although they are now politically potent, the present religious objections to regenerative medicine will soon become irrelevant. Scientists are fast developing new ways of culturing the …

Parenting In The Face Of Prejudice: The Need For Representation For Parents With Mental Illness, Leigh S. Goodmark

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Peginterferon Alfa-2a Plus Ribavirin For Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection., Michael W. Fried , M.D., Mitchell L. Shiffman , M.D., K. Rajender Reddy , M.D., Coleman Smith , M.D., George Marinos , M.D., Fernando L. Gonçales , Jr., M.D., Dieter Häussinger , M.D., Moises Diago , M.D., Giampiero Carosi , M.D., Daniel Dhumeaux , M.D., Antonio Craxi , M.D., Amy Lin , M.S., Joseph Hoffman , M.D., Jian Yu , M.D., Ph.D.

Internal Medicine Publications

BACKGROUND

Treatment with peginterferon alfa-2a alone produces significantly higher sustained virologic responses than treatment with interferon alfa-2a alone in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We compared the efficacy and safety of peginterferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin, interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin, and peginterferon alfa-2a alone in the initial treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

METHODS

A total of 1121 patients were randomly assigned to treatment and received at least one dose of study medication, consisting of 180 μg of peginterferon alfa-2a once weekly plus daily ribavirin (1000 or 1200 mg, depending on body weight), weekly peginterferon alfa-2a plus daily placebo, …

Ventricular Pacing Or Dual-Chamber Pacing For Sinus-Node Dysfunction, Gervasio A. Lamas , M.D., Kerry L. Lee ,Ph. D., Michael O. Sweeney , M.D., Russell Silverman , M.D., Angel Leon , M.D., Raymond Yee , M.D., Roger A. Marinchak , M.D., Greg Flaker , M.D., Eleanor Schron , M.S., R.N., E. John Orav , Ph.D., Anne S. Hellkamp, Lee Goldman , M.D., Stephen Greer , M.D., John Mcanulty , M.D., Kenneth Ellenbogen , M.D., Frederick Ehlert , M.D., Roger A. Freedman , M.D., N.A. Mark Estes Iii, M.D., Arnold Greenspon , M.D.

Internal Medicine Publications

BACKGROUND

Dual-chamber (atrioventricular) and single-chamber (ventricular) pacing are alternative treatment approaches for sinus-node dysfunction that causes clinically significant bradycardia. However, it is unknown which type of pacing results in the better outcome.

METHODS

We randomly assigned a total of 2010 patients with sinus-node dysfunction to dual-chamber pacing (1014 patients) or ventricular pacing (996 patients) and followed them for a median of 33.1 months. The primary end point was death from any cause or nonfatal stroke. Secondary end points included the composite of death, stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure; atrial fibrillation; heart-failure score; the pacemaker syndrome; and the quality of …

Voriconazole Compared With Liposomal Amphotericin B For Empirical Antifungal Therapy In Patients With Neutropenia And Persistent Fever, Thomas J. Walsh, Peter Pappas, Drew J. Winston, Hillard M. Lazarus, Finn Petersen, John Raffalli, Saul Yanovich, Patric Stiff, Richard Greenberg, Gerald Donowitz, Jeanette Lee

VCU Health Publications

Background

Patients with neutropenia and persistent fever are often treated empirically with amphotericin B or liposomal amphotericin B to prevent invasive fungal infections. Antifungal triazoles offer a potentially safer and effective alternative.

Methods

In a randomized, international, multicenter trial, we compared voriconazole, a new second-generation triazole, with liposomal amphotericin B for empirical antifungal therapy.

Results

A total of 837 patients (415 assigned to voriconazole and 422 to liposomal amphotericin B) were evaluated for success of treatment. The overall success rates were 26.0 percent with voriconazole and 30.6 percent with liposomal amphotericin B (95 percent confidence interval for the difference, –10.6 …

Using Validation As A Consultant In A Richmond, Virginia Continuing Care Retirement Community, John Colletti

Case Studies from Age in Action

Educational Objectives

1. Familiarize readers with the intricacies of setting up a behavioral program for persons diagnosed with Alzheimer's type dementia in a long term care facility.

2. Exemplify importance of interdisciplinary work.

3. Outline the future of the Validation Method in Virginia.

Older Adults, Social Techniques, And Memory, Karla K. Ziegenbalg

Case Studies from Age in Action

Educational Objectives

1. To use a social psychological perspective to examine memory abilities of older adults.

2. To understand in what ways the social environment, through direct social interaction, affects the memory performance of older adults.

3. To find out what, if any, social factors support memory performance in older adults.

Older Homeless Women: Beneath The Safety Net, Anne J. Kisor, Lynne Kendal-Wilson

Case Studies from Age in Action

Educational Objectives

1. Discuss how there is no stereotypical experience of, or explanation for, homelessness among older women.

2. Discuss why it is important to study the experiences of older homeless women.

3. Discuss policy and practice recommendations and specific ways to bridge efforts of aging and homeless service providers.

Are You At Risk For Blindness? Don't Keep Glaucoma A Family Secret! Older Age Is A Risk Factor, Mary Price

Case Studies from Age in Action

Educational Objectives

1. Raise awareness of risk factors for glaucoma.

2. Encourage health care providers to educate the patient about glaucoma risk factors.

3. Educate glaucoma patients to encourage family members to seek a glaucoma examination.

Serratia Marcescens Bacteremia Traced To An Infused Narcotic, Belinda E. Ostrowsky , M.D., M.P.H., Cynthia Whitener , M.D., Helen K. Bredenberg , M.D., Loretta A. Carson , M.S., Stacey Holt , B.S., Lori Hutwagner , M.S., Matthew J. Arduino , Dr., Ph.D, William R. Jarvis , M.D.

Family Medicine and Population Health Publications

BACKGROUND

From June 30, 1998, through March 21, 1999, several patients in the surgical intensive care unit of a hospital acquired Serratia marcescens bacteremia. We investigated this outbreak.

METHODS

A case was defined as the occurrence of S. marcescens bacteremia in any patient in the surgical intensive care unit during the period of the epidemic. To identify risk factors, we compared patients with S. marcescens bacteremia with randomly selected controls. Isolates from patients and from medications were evaluated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The hair of one employee was tested for fentanyl.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients with S. marcescens bacteremia were identified; …

Effectiveness Of Colors Used On Safety And Health Signs For Communicating Severity Of Injury, Andrew M. Mccammack, Roger C. Jensen

Safety Health & Industrial Hygiene

Signs are used extensively in workplaces and on products to identify hazards and provide instructions for appropriate behavior. A fundamental element of these signs is the signal-word panel located at the top of the sign. The colors and words in this panel are intended to convey information about the hazard identified. One type of hazard information concerns the severity of injury/illness associated with the hazard. The standard of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for facility signs uses three severity categories: 1) death or serious injury, 2) minor or moderate injury, and 3) property damage. The standard specifies which signal-word …

Case Study Of An Ergonomics Training Program For Nursing Home Workers, Roger C. Jensen

Safety Health & Industrial Hygiene

This paper describes a case study of a labor-based ergonomics-training program that makes use of some effective worker training methods. The program focus was on ergonomics awareness and back injury prevention for nursing home workers. It was developed and conducted by a not-for-profit organization affiliated with the Service Employees International Union. Training methods included the train-the-trainer model and the small group activity method. The investigation also compared the program components with those identified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as being key elements in effective safety training.

Safety And Health Sign Colors And Signal Words For Communicating Information On Likelihood And Imminence Of Threat, Roger C. Jensen, Andrew M. Mccammack

Safety Health & Industrial Hygiene

Signs are used extensively in workplace facilities and on products to identify hazards and provide instructions and safety information. A fundamental component of these signs is a signal-word panel located at the top of the sign. Certain colors and signal words in this panel are intended to convey information about a hazard, including likelihood of harm and imminence of the threat. The purpose of this study was to determine if young adults without prior training on safety signs associate signal words and color with likelihood of harm and imminence of the threat. The sample population consisted of 59 college students. …

Synapse, Alabama Health Libraries Association

Synapse - Newsletter of ALHeLa

This is the Winter, 2002 edition of the ALHeLa newsletter - Synapse.

Contents include:

• News from NN/LM
• Photos Anyone?
• ALHeLA Member named MLA Academic Librarian of 2002
• ALHeLA Executive Committee Members (2002)
• ALHeLA Executive Board Meeting (January 25, 2002)

West Virginia Registered Dietitians' Knowledge And Attitudes Of Diabetes Care, Marie R. Gravely

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study addresses diabetes knowledge and attitudes of West Virginia dietitians as they relate to Medicare certified provider guidelines. A questionnaire was developed using the Diabetes Attitude Scale, questions from A CORE Curriculum for Diabetes Education, and demographic questions addressing length and type of practice, route to registration, and specialty credentials. Responses were analyzed to determine overall knowledge and attitude as well as how demographic information affects knowledge and attitude. Results indicated demographic information (except for specialty credentials and hours working with diabetes) did not have a significant effect on the dietitian’s diabetes knowledge and attitude. Specialty credentials did have …

An Evaluation Of Germ City : Finding A Suitable Design, Suzanne Cherie Lusher

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Evaluations are used to determine a program’s merit. “Germ City” utilizes experiential learning of adequate hand washing skills. An elementary school in southwestern West Virginia served to determine if the evaluation design for “Germ City” would prove to be an effective assessment for the hand-washing program. Four hundred and eighty-four participants completed an eight-question pre/post test; one hundred and forty-nine students underwent a hand quadrant evaluation. In addition, a soap and paper towel usage log was recorded. Fifty-four percent of the participants were male, forty-six percent female (n=483) with a mean grade level of 3.6 (n=484). Post test results indicated …

The Relationship Between Leadership Styles Of Nurse Managers And Staff Nurse Job Satisfaction In Hospital Settings, Jan Warner Ramey

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between leadership styles of nurse managers and job satisfaction of registered staff nurses in hospital settings in an Appalachian state. Names and addresses of 7,190 registered staff nurses were obtained from the state Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses and 200 subjects were selected using simple random sampling. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire was used to measure leadership style of nurse managers as perceived by staff nurses. The Work Quality Index was used to measure job satisfaction of registered staff nurses. A positive, moderate correlation was found between job satisfaction …

Comparison Of Domestic Violence Outcomes Among Emergency Department Nurses, Pamela S. Neal

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between domestic violence education, organizational support, screening, danger assessment, safety planning, and referral practices among professional registered nurses in two ED settings.

Sample & Setting: A convenience sample of 63 professional registered nurses provided data from two EDs. An ED located in Kentucky where state mandated continuing education in domestic violence was required (n = 33) and an ED in West Virginia (n = 30) where mandated continuing education in domestic violence was not required was the setting for the study. The samples were separated based on nurses who …

Average Beverage Intake And Average Bmi In 2-5 Year Old Wic Children, Jenna Lynn Matthews

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Average Body Mass Index (BMI) and beverage intake were examined to determine if children who drank excessive amounts of beverages had a higher BMI than children who drank average amounts of beverages. Ninety-six WIC charts were reviewed. Average total fluid intake was 32.5 oz/day. For juice and total milk, the average intakes were 11.9 oz/day and 15.6 oz/day, respectively. The average intake of other drinks was 2.4 oz/day. Average BMI of children who drank excessive amounts and average amounts of total fluids was 16.143+1.60 and 16.457+1.90, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between BMI and the consumption of total …

A Mechanistic Study Of Myoglobin Nephrotoxicity, Jennifer L. Minigh

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Myoglobin is an endogenous protein that can become nephrotoxic under certain conditions such as crush injuries, drug overdose, and seizures where prolonged contraction of muscle leads to cell death and leakage of myoglobin. The mechanism of myoglobin-induced nephrotoxicity is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to characterize the sequence and mechanistic events associated with the in vitro toxicity of myoglobin in renal cortical slices. Renal tissue was isolated from Fischer 344 rats. Slices of renal cortex were prepared by freehand. These slices were then incubated for 60-180 minutes with myoglobin (0-12 mg/mL) pretreated with 4 mM ascorbic …

Pkcα Translocation And Actin Remodeling In Contracting A7r5 Smooth Muscle Cells, Chenwei Li

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Recent research indicates that protein kinase C (PKC) plays an important role in smooth muscle contraction. Because PKC activation and specificity of substrate phosphorylation is believed to be associated with the relocalization of the enzyme to specific cell sites, we first investigated the subcellular translocation of PKCα in A7r5 smooth muscle cells by confocal microscopy through use of standard immunohistologic staining and PKCα - enhanced green fluorescent protein (PKCα -EGFP) fusion protein expression. PKCα was diffusely distributed throughout the cytosol in the unstimulated A7r5 cell. Upon stimulation with phorbol 12, 13 dibutyrate (PDBu), PKCα was translocated primarily to either the …

A Survey Of Neonatal Suction Techniques Performed By Registered Nurses, Craig H. Register

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the suction practices of the registered nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Design. A descriptive research design was used to describe the suctioning practices of the registered nurse providing care to the neonatal patient.

Method. Data were collected through the use of demographic and knowledge questionnaires. Frequency and percentages of responses were determined. The independent samples t test was used to determine what, if any, differences in practice existed based upon nursing education, nursing experience, or NICU experience.

Findings. The results of this study demonstrated that the current practices were …

Characterization Of Host-Bacteria Interactions Contributing To Group B Streptococcus Colonization, Jennifer Marie Smith

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of life-threatening bacterial infections during the first three months of life. GBS is also a frequent cause of maternal postpartum infections. Both types of infections stem from maternal vaginal and/or rectal colonization with GBS in the perinatal period. Limited information is available concerning how the colonization process occurs and what role the host immune system may play in the establishment of persistent colonization by GBS. The complex interactions between the immune system and GBS normally should end in clearance of the bacteria. However, since colonization by GBS occurs in a large number …

Gravistimulation Of Pisum Sativum And Expression Of The Cell Membrane Expansin Proteins, Sherrine A. Ibrahim

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This thesis research investigates the regulation of gene expression in pea stems (Pisum sativum) after changes in orientation to gravity (gravistimulation). Specifically, this project examines the changes in extracellular soluble proteins due to gravistimulation in pea seedlings. This change in gravity alters the cellular growth pattern, which can be directly linked to enzymatic activity resulting in the expression of cell wall loosening proteins called expansins. This loosening of the cell wall matrix subsequently increases elasticity in growing cells, thus leading to an upward curvature of the stems. These changes in enzymatic activity and gene expression are crucial for …

2001 Cancer Care Annual Report, Children's Mercy Hospital

Cancer Center Annual Reports

Annual report of cancer care and oncology services at the Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City MO, a pediatric medical center, with a focus on Wilms' Tumor.

Information Interface - Volume 30, Issue 1 - January/February 2002, George Washington University, Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library

Information Interface (1976 - 2009)

News and information about Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library of interest to users.