Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Women's Health And Fitness Magazines: An Accurate Portrayal?, Jennifer M. Shymansky

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study is a content analysis examining the representation of health information, particularly the leading causes of death, in cover story headlines of one year of the top women's health and fitness magazines: Prevention , Shape , Fitness , Self , Health and Women's Health. The study is grounded in social responsibility theory, a normative media theory. The findings show that women's health and fitness magazines' cover story headlines predominately discuss diet and exercise for weight loss, rather than the leading causes of death facing women. This under representation of actual societal health concerns can limit the vast readerships' health …

Intuitive Eating And Its Relationship With Physical Activity Motivation, Amy Campbell Nielson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Research has shown that restrictive eating, or dieting, can be devastating to one's health. A new paradigm, intuitive eating, suggests that individuals eat based off of their physiological cues, and not for emotional or social ones. To date, restrictive eating has been extensively researched, but intuitive eating has not. The main purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between intuitive eating and its relationship between physical activity motivation and physical activity maintenance, using the self-determination theory.

Participants completed a survey to determine their intuitive eating level, their physical activity motivation, and their physical activity maintenance (n = …

Feasibility Of Implementing Technology-Assisted Intervention For The Treatment Of Mental Health-Related Problems In Rural Communities, C. Scott Roper

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In recent years advances in technology have begun to permeate the everyday lives of citizens in the United States. Technology has affected the way people send and receive information, communication, and entertainment. The world is more connected today than at any other time in history. However, despite this connectivity, there are still rural populations in the United States that remain underserved and disconnected in many areas, including mental health services. This study seeks to understand the feasibility of serving the mental health needs of rural residents through a method of delivery called technology-assisted intervention (TAI). This study polled referral sources, …

The Effects Of A Four Week Single-Leg Balance Training Program On Balance Error Scoring System Scores Of The Trained And Untrained Leg, Roger J. Davies

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 4-week single-leg stance balance training program on balance error scoring system scores of the trained and untrained leg and to determine any differences between genders for balance performance and cross education. Participants (N = 35) between the ages of 18 - 31 from Utah State University were tested three times over a 4-week period and those in the training group trained for a total of 22 minutes over that same time. Results showed balance improved for the trained leg and the untrained leg as well (p = …

Evaluation Of X-Ray Fluorescence (Xrf) Lead Detection Method For Candy, Ashley Marie Phipps

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The harmful effects of childhood exposure to environmental lead continue to be a major health concern. Due to the significance of this hazard, a Healthy People 2010 objective was set to reduce all young children's blood lead levels to less than 10 micrograms per deciliter. Identification and removal of lead-contaminated candies is an integral part of the primary prevention of lead poisoning in children.

This research examined the efficacy of a protocol to use a portable XRF to screen candies for lead contamination. Method Detection Limits (MDLs) of 5.45 ppm and 7.05 ppm were determined in the Bulk Sample and …

Identifying Biomarkers For Resistance To Novel Cisplatin Analogues In Human Lung, Breast And Prostate Cancers, Becky Michelle Hess

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Cisplatin is a common therapeutic agent used in cancer treatment. Unfortunately, resistance to cisplatin in addition to severe side effects limits its use in cancer treatment. Two novel cisplatin analogues, 4DB and 4TB were shown to have varying cytotoxicity in lung, breast and prostate cancer cells. The hypothesis for this study states that the differences in 4DB and 4TB cytotoxicity among different tissue types is due to the type and efficiency of DNA repair mechanisms involved in response to these drugs.

To test the hypothesis, proteins involved in the rate limiting step of nucleotide excision repair (NER) and mismatch repair …

Using Thermoluminescent Dosimeters To Measure The Dose From High And Low Energy X-Ray Sources, Wesley Leon Boyd

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This work focused on using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) to measure the doses from two x-ray sources, a CT scanner and a linear accelerator (linac). In addition ion chambers were used to determine the isodose contours from the operation of the linac. 1mm x 1mm x 1mm TLD-100 microcubes were placed in a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) torso phantom and irradiated using a Toshiba Aquilion One 320-Slice CT Scanner. Different thicknesses of shielding composed of antimony and bismuth powder suspended in an ethylene copolymer were used to shield the phantom and the dose reduction was measured. The dose reduction ranged …

Survey Of Adult Cystic Fibrosis Patients And Parents Of Cystic Fibrosis Patients On Nutrition Education, Dixie Lea Durham

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disorder affecting more than 30,000 Americans, primarily Caucasians (CF Foundation, n.d.a). A defective gene on the seventh chromosome is inherited from the mother and the father. This gene causes the body to produce an abnormal protein that leads to thick, sticky mucus that is secreted by the lungs, pancreas, liver, sweat glands, and reproductive organs. The pancreas normally excretes enzymes that aid in the digestion of food, however this function is impaired in CF, and therefore CF patients must ingest replacement enzymes (CF Foundation, n.d.a). Despite advances in treatment, including replacement enzymes, under-nutrition and …

Defining An Emerging Epidemic: Hcv Seroprevalence In A Large, Tertiary-Care Health Network In Pennsylvania, Margaret Hoffman-Terry Md, Facp, Joseph L. Yozviak Do, Facp, K Nadeem Ahmed Md, Sherrine Eid Mph, Timothy J. Friel Md, Kimberly A. Pacella, Luther Rhodes Iii Md

Department of Medicine

No abstract provided.

A Descriptive Study Examining Motivation, Goal Orientations, Coaching, And Training Habits Of Women Ultrarunners, Rhonna Zena Krouse

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Ultrarunners are people who participate in running events that exceed the 26.2 mile marathon distance. Currently, women make up approximately 20% of this population. To date, no studies have investigated female ultrarunners. The present study sought to describe these women (N = 344) by evaluating motivational factors for participation, goal orientations, training habits, and coach utilization. Motivation was measured using the Motivation for Marathoners Scale (7 point Likert scale). General health orientation (M = 4.71± 1.06) and psychological coping (M = 4.71±1.03) were the two categories most endorsed whereas social motives were least endorsed (M = …

An Evaluation Of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Survival On Five Environmental Surfaces Under Two Different Humidities, With And Without The Addition Of Bovine Serum Albumin, Courtney Ann Coughenour

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria is a major public health concern, as they result in greater healthcare costs and increased morbidity and mortality rates. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one organism of particular concern, with the number of infections increasing in epidemic proportion. Bacterial surface contamination with MRSA is significant, as it may serve as a reservoir for transmission and have negative health implications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate survival of MRSA on five environmental surface materials; glass, wood, vinyl, plastic, and cloth. The effect of relative humidity (RH) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were …

An Evaluation Of Plastic Toys For Lead Contamination In Day Care Centers In The Las Vegas Valley, Joseph Alan Greenway

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The harmful effect of childhood exposure to environmental lead continues to be a major health concern. This study examined lead contamination within the plastic of children's toys. It was also hypothesized that the use of lead as a stabilizer would result in higher incidents of elevated lead (> 600 ppm) in polyvinyl chloride plastics (PVC) than non-PVC plastics. It was also hypothesized that, due to the use lead chromate, yellow toys would have higher incidents of elevated lead (> 600 ppm) than toys of other colors. Toy samples were limited to those found in day care centers in Las Vegas, …

Advance Practice Nurses Readiness To Change Assessment Methods In Parents Of Obese Children, Carolyn Leach

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The worldwide epidemic of child and adolescent overweight and obesity continues to increase at disturbing rates. Unhealthy dietary practice is one of multiple causative behaviors leading to child and adolescent overweight and obesity. This behavior can contribute to short and long-term health consequences. Parents are modulators in the development of children's dietary behavior practices. It is recommended clinical practice that pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) assess readiness to change behavior in parents of overweight or obese children. The components of the Prochaska and DiClemente's Transtheoretical Model (TTM) in correlation with the counseling style of Rollnick, Miller and Butler's methods of Motivational …

The Effect Of Concurrent Cell Phone Use And Walking On Gait Characteristics, Jennifer Marie Aldridge

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study examined the effects that cell phone use has on gait and situation awareness. Subjects (n=18; 24.67±3.60 yrs) completed three five-minute treadmill walking conditions (self-selected speed): (1) CONTROL (walking only), (2) TALK (walking and talking), and (3) TEXT (walking and texting). The number of detected lights presented in the visual field was recorded, as were kinematic data of the feet. Using a one-way repeated measure ANOVA it was determined light detection (F _(2,17) =39.777, p<0.001) and TC_min (F_(2,17) =8.574, p=0.001) were different between conditions. Specifically, light detection decreased during TEXT (2.6±2.2 lights) versus TALK (5.8±0.05 lights, p<0.001) or CONTROL (5.9±0.05 lights, p<0.001); TC_min decreased …

Mercury Concentrations In Muscle Tissue From Sportfish In Lake Mead, Nevada, Joanna L. Kramer

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Lake Mead is the largest reservoir by volume in the United States and provides fishing opportunities for numerous anglers. Considerable attention has been given to the bioaccumulation of methylmercury in fish tissues, however, no formal study utilizing approved USEPA methodology has been conducted to quantify the amount of mercury present in fish tissue from Lake Mead. The purpose of this study is to determine the concentrations of mercury present in the most commonly consumed fish from Lake Mead and to identify if any of the 4 major basins contain fish with elevated concentrations of mercury. Largemouth bass (n=49), striped bass …

Predictors Of Hpv Knowledge And Awareness In Rural America, Melanee Dulfon

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Prior research has shown that overall awareness of HPV is low among women in America. Yet limited research exists as to the awareness of HPV among rural U.S. women. The goal of this study was to determine the factors that predict women's knowledge and awareness of HPV in rural America. Secondary data was utilized from the National Cancer Institute Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) of 2005. The sample consisted of 788 adult women over the age of 18 from rural areas of the U.S. Results indicated younger age, increased education, receipt of a Pap exam in over three years, …

Basement Membrane Proteoglycans: Modulators Par Excellence Of Cancer Growth And Angiogenesis., Renato V. Iozzo, Jason J. Zoeller, Alexander Nyström

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Proteoglycans located in basement membranes, the nanostructures underling epithelial and endothelial layers, are unique in several respects. They are usually large, elongated molecules with a collage of domains that share structural and functional homology with numerous extracellular matrix proteins, growth factors and surface receptors. They mainly carry heparan sulfate side chains and these contribute not only to storing and preserving the biological activity of various heparan sulfate-binding cytokines and growth factors, but also in presenting them in a more "active configuration" to their cognate receptors. Abnormal expression or deregulated function of these proteoglycans affect cancer and angiogenesis, and are critical …

State Infant Mortality: An Ecologic Study To Determine Modifiable Risks And Adjusted Infant Mortality Rates., David A. Paul. Md, Amy Mackley, Rnc, Robert G. Locke, Do, John L. Stefano, Md, Charlan Kroelinger, Phd

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors contributing to state infant mortality rates (IMR) and develop an adjusted IMR in the United States for 2001 and 2002. DESIGN/METHODS: Ecologic study of factors contributing to state IMR. State IMR for 2001 and 2002 were obtained from the United States linked death and birth certificate data from the National Center for Health Statistics. Factors investigated using multivariable linear regression included state racial demographics, ethnicity, state population, median income, education, teen birth rate, proportion of obesity, smoking during pregnancy, diabetes, hypertension, cesarean delivery, prenatal care, health insurance, self-report of mental illness, and number of in-vitro fertilization …

The Pakistan Risk Of Myocardial Infarction Study: A Resource For The Study Of Genetic, Lifestyle And Other Determinants Of Myocardial Infarction In South Asia, Danish Saleheen, Moazzam Zaidi, Asif Rasheed, Usman Ahmad, Abdul Hakeem, Muhammed Murtaza, Waleed Kayani, Rashid Jooma, Nadir Khan, Nabi Shah, Asad Ali Shah, Maria Samuel, Farina Hanif, Madiha Yameen, Sobia Naz, Aisha Sultana, Aisha Nazir, Shehzad Raza, Muhammad Shazad, Sana Nasim, Muhammad Ahsan Javed, Syed Saadat Ali, Mehmood Jafree, Muhammad Imran Nisar, Altaf Hussain, Ayeesha Kamran Kamal, Philippe M. Frossard

Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences

The burden of coronary heart disease (CHD) is increasing at a greater rate in South Asia than in any other region globally, but there is little direct evidence about its determinants. The Pakistan Risk of Myocardial Infarction Study (PROMIS) is an epidemiological resource to enable reliable study of genetic, lifestyle and other determinants of CHD in South Asia. By March 2009, PROMIS had recruited over 5,000 cases of first-ever confirmed acute myocardial infarction (MI) and over 5,000 matched controls aged 30-80 years. For each participant, information has been recorded on demographic factors, lifestyle, medical and family history, anthropometry, and a …

Angiotensin Modulation Of Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla (Rvlm) In Cardiovascular Regulation, Erick A. Bourassa, Alan F. Sved, Robert C. Speth

HPD Articles

The rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and the presympathetic bulbospinal neurons in this region play a critical role in cardiovascular regulation. However, there is ambiguity regarding the precise anatomical coordinates of the RVLM and much still needs to be learned regarding the regulation and neurochemistry of this region. This brief review discusses some of these issues and focuses on the role of angiotensin-mediated signaling in the RVLM in blood pressure regulation.

Plant Vaccines: An Immunological Perspective., Douglas C. Hooper

Department of Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

The advent of technologies to express heterologous proteins in planta has led to the proposition that plants may be engineered to be safe, inexpensive vehicles for the production of vaccines and possibly even vectors for their delivery. The immunogenicity of a variety of antigens of relevance to vaccination expressed in different plants has been assessed. The purpose of this article is to examine the utility of plant-expression systems in vaccine development from an immunological perspective.

The Use Of Lactobacillus In The Treatment Of Clostridium Difficile Infection In Hospitalized Adult Patients, Ali Alhammad

Theses and Dissertations

Objective To describe the use of Lactobacillus by hospitalized patients and to examine its relationship with various Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) related outcomes. Methods The characteristics of Lactobacillus users and non-users and the initiation of Lactobacillus with respect to initiation of antibiotic therapy and CDI treatment were described using national hospital discharge database. The relationships between Lactobacillus use and post-CDI length of stay, mortality, switch of CDI therapy, and readmission were analyzed. Results Lactobacillus users and non-users were different in most characteristics. Metronidazole and fluoroquinolones were the most frequently used antibiotics by Lactobacillus users. They were mainly CDI cases, used …

Nucleic Acids Encoding Sarcocystis Neurona Antigen And Uses Thereof, Daniel K. Howe

Veterinary Science Faculty Patents

The present invention provides novel isolated nucleic acids encoding antigenic proteins derived fromSarcocystis neurona, or unique fragments thereof. In particular, the invention provides novel isolated nucleic acids encoding membrane-associated polypeptides SnSAG2, SnSAG3, and SnSAG 4. Also provided are purified antigenic polypeptide fragments encoded by the novel nucleic acid sequences set forth herein that encode for SnSAG2, SnSAG3, and SnSAG 4. Also provided are isolated nucleic acids capable of selectively hybridizing with the nucleic acid from Sarcocystis neurona. The invention also provides vectors comprising the nucleic acids of the invention encoding an antigenic protein derived from Sarcocystis neurona or a …

Examining Adolescent Suicide: How To Identify The Risks, Kelsey Moellering

Honors Capstones

Capstone submitted as a graduation requirement for the BSU Honors Program.

Modifying National Public Health Performance Standards For Local Public Health Department Accreditation, Jeffrey G. Kuhr

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Public health officials throughout the United States are currently preparing for a national accreditation initiative for local and state public health agencies. As a voluntary program, the accreditation process will measure the degree to which state, local, tribal, and territorial public health departments meet nationally recognized standards and measures. Proponents of the initiative feel that evaluating public health agencies on their capacities to achieve certain standards will lead to improved service quality, consistency of public health roles nationally, and a greater understanding of those roles among the general population. However, in planning for agency accreditation some potential barriers must be …

Pattern Of Benzodiazepine Use In Psychiatric Outpatients In Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Survey., Syed Ahmer, Sumera Salamat, Rashid Am Khan, Saleem Perwaiz Iqbal, Imran Ijaz Haider, Ayesha Shabaz Khan, Mohsan Zafar

Department of Psychiatry

Background: Benzodiazepines (BDZ) are the largest-selling drug group in the world. The potential of dependence with BDZ has been known for almost three decades now. In countries like Pakistan where laws against unlicensed sale of BDZ are not implemented vigorously the risk of misuse of and dependence on these drugs is even higher. Previous studies have shown that BDZ prevalence among Patients/visitors to general outPatient clinics in Pakistan may be as high as 30%. However, no research has been carried out on the prevalence of BDZ use in psychiatric Patients in Pakistan. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional survey over …

Kuhn, Brenda Interview For The Miami Valley College Of Nursing And Health Oral History Project, Donna M. Curry, Carol Holdcraft, Jamie Gerdemann, Brenda Kuhn

Wright State University - Miami Valley College of Nursing and Health Oral History Project

Donna Miles Curry, Carol Holdcraft, and Jamie Gerdemann interviewed Brenda Kuhn about the Wright State University College of Nursing and Health. In the interview Dr. Kuhn discusses why she became interested in nursing and her education at Wright State University.

Hansen, Gregory Alfred (Fa 396), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid and full-text of paper (click on "Additional File" below) for Folklife Archives Project 396. Paper: "[Nautilus Center at Lovers Lane Racquetball Club]" written by Gregory Alfred Hansen for a Western Kentucky University folk studies class.

Applying Leadership Paradigms To Public Health Challenges

Florida Public Health Review

In the 2008 volume of the Florida Public Health Review we published some student essays in which specific leadership paradigms were applied in theory to tackle some of public health’s most challenging problems. We continue that in effort in 2009 and invite other public health students, faculty, and practitioners from around the state to contribute ideas that foster leadership skills and the development of dynamic leaders.

Creating Pathways To Participatory Research

Florida Public Health Review

Many disciplines, including Public Health, have recognized the importance of participatory research methods in creating change in communities. The ability of participatory research to create change- particularly in behaviors- is what makes it such a promising area of research in health promotion. Whereas the value of participatory research is recognized, a “disconnect” exists in that the support mechanisms for this research are not in place. In fact, many researchers are encouraged to forgo the use of participatory research methods via the policies or biases of tenure and promotion committees, funding agencies and institutional review boards. These entities may claim to …