Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Resources For Assisting Elderly Individuals With Insomnia: An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Michelle Linn Anderson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to provide a resource manual for elderly individuals, and those providing care to elderly people, to assist the individual in relieving symptoms of insomnia. Insomnia affects elderly individuals worldwide. Studies document that approximately 50% of individuals in the United States over the age of 65 are noted to have either clinically diagnosed or self-diagnosed insomnia (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2007). As the population worldwide continues to age, it is important that occupational therapists, elderly individuals, family members and care providers be aware of the impact that symptoms of insomnia may …

Evaluating Dimensional Accuracy And Reliability Of "Stitched" Small Field Of View (Ssfov) Cone Beam Computed Tomography (Cbct) Datasets For Use In Proprietary Dental Implant Guided Surgery Software, Nicholas Luke Egbert

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Background: Recently a "stitched" small field of view (SSFOV) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) extraoral imaging system (Kodak 9000D, Carestream Health Inc, Kodak Dental Systems, Marne‑la‑Vallee, France) has been released. The benefits of the 3D stitching module of stitched SFOV CBCT may include: broader range of applications, affordability, flexibility, safety optimizing radiation dose and improved workflow. With the reduced effective dose of radiation and cost to both the patient and clinician, this superior imaging modality becomes more accessible to the community, potentially elevating the standard of care. Currently, stitched data sets are restricted to diagnostic data gathering only. To date, …

Eccentric Interchangeability Of The Semi‑Adjustable Articulator: A Pilot Study, Mark James Hopkins

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Background: Dental articulation is a method of approximating the patient's mandibular motion in order to allow for analysis of dental relations and fabrication of appliances. The most prevalent method used in teaching institutions is the semi-adjustable articulator. Several of these instruments claim interchangeability without loss of clinical accuracy and studies have supported this claim. No studies to date have assessed the interchangeability of the articulators in any relation other than hinge axis closure. Assessment of the accuracy of interchangeability of calibrated articulators will inform the profession of this parameter of articulation and allow for informed decisions on whether or not …

Efficacy Of Temporary Fixed Retention Following Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment, Mark J. Owens

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Instability of the occlusion is a common problem following orthodontic treatment. The purpose of the present research was to evaluate posttreatment relapse at long-term recall (> 10 years) in cases (A) treated with temporary fixed mandibular retention plus Hawley retainers compared to (B) a similar group retained with just removable retention (standard Hawley type retainers alone). Fixed retainers were removed after having been in place for about 2.5 years. Following this period, use of removable retention was left up to the discretion of the patient in both groups. Data consisted of orthodontic records of 166 American whites, all of whom …

Inflammatory Proteins, Genetic Variation, And Environmental Influences On Health Care Associated Infection Development In Sepsis, Reba Antoinette Umberger

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of baseline systemic inflammation (pro‑inflammatory cytokine, anti‑inflammatory cytokine, and their ratio), genetic variability, and environment on the development of health care associated infections (HAI) among sepsis patients during their ICU stay (up to 28 days).

Methods: A prospective observation study was conducted at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in the Medical Intensive Care Unit over an 18 month period. A total of 78 patients were enrolled within 72 hours of presenting to the ICU with sepsis. Patient were excluded if they were receiving immunosuppressants (chemotherapy or greater than one mg/kg …

Evaluating Consumer Preferences For Medicare Part D Using Conjoint Analysis, La'marcus Wingate

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The establishment of an outpatient prescription drug benefit in Medicare, Medicare Part D, was one of the more significant events in United States healthcare reform history. Many seniors have chosen to enroll in the plan as the program has an enrollment of over 27 million. One central premise of Medicare Part D was that the plan would be administered entirely through private insurance plans. Because many plans would be competing against one another for potential beneficiaries, it was expected that companies would offer seniors plans with high quality benefits at lower costs that would presumably be attractive to seniors. However, …

Activity Of Epithelial Defensin Hbd-3 Against A Periodontal Pathogen, Norman B. Fine

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Defensins are cationic (positive-charged) peptides with broad-spectrum antibiotic activity. In humans, there are two types of defensins, alpha (α) and beta (β). Human neutrophils contain four α-defensins known as Human Neutrophil Peptide (HNP) 1-4. Epithelial cells produce four β-defensins known as Human Beta Defensin (HBD) 1-4. Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria that are associated with periodontal disease are resistant to human α-defensins, but are killed by β-defensins.

HBD-3 is the most active β-defensin. HBD-3 is a longer peptide than HNP 1-4. HBD-3 has additional amino acid residues with hydrophobic side chains near the N-terminus and residues with cationic side chains at the …

Role Of Protein Kinase C Zeta (Pkcζ) In Regulation Of Epithelial Tight Junctions, Suneet Kumar Jain

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Occludin is hyperphosphorylated on Ser and Thr residues in intact epithelial tight junctions. The dynamics of epithelial tight junctions appear to involve reversible phosphorylation of occludin on Ser and Thr residues. In the present study we determined the role of PKCζ in occludin phosphorylation and the dynamics of tight junctions. Inhibition of PKCζ by specific PKCζ pseudo substrate rapidly reduced TER, increased inulin permeability and induced redistribution of occludin and ZO‑1 in Caco‑2 and MDCK cell monolayers without inducing cytotoxicity. Reduced expression of PKCζ also resulted in compromised tight junction integrity. Both PKCζ pseudo substrate and reduced expression of PKCζ …

Craniofacial Changes Following Nonextraction Orthodontic Treatment: A Long-Term Cephalometric Analysis, James Austin Rahaim

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Long-term posttreatment cephalometric changes from late adolescence into early adulthood were analyzed in this study. Lateral cephalometric radiographs from a sample of 30 Class II division 1 Caucasian females treated without extractions were evaluated at posttreatment (mean age = 15.9 years) and recall (mean age = 28.3 years). All of the subjects were treated in the private practice of a single, experienced practitioner. The cephalograms were examined to investigate changes in the cranial base, midface, maxilla, mandible, maxillomandibular relationships, dental relationships, and the soft tissue profile that occurred at an average of 12.4 years posttreatment. Descriptive and inferential statistics were …

Genetic Intervention As A Lifestyle Approach An Analysis Of Disease And Treatment, Jennifer L. Dempton

HIM 1990-2015

Purpose: The scientific knowledge of how genes affect disease expression and evolution can facilitate more effective environmental and drug therapy interventions delivered by health care professionals. The purpose of this paper is to a) describe the role of genetic science in healthcare; b) explore genotype determinants for environmental and pharmacological interventions; c) and analyze ethical dilemmas, barriers to access, and allocation of resources based on genotype. Methods: A review of literature was conducted from the disciplines of nursing, medicine, psychology, and sociology using the CINAHL, Ebsco Host, Medline, and PsychINFO databases. The search was limited to peer reviewed, full text …

Enhancing Communication Through The Use Of Augmentative And Alternative Communication In Patients Status Post Traumatic Brain Injury, Reanna Greene

HIM 1990-2015

Patients who suffer from traumatic brain injury often face communication deficits during their hospital stay. This thesis intended to examine approaches the nurse can use to facilitate communication in collaboration with the speech-language pathologist. A review of literature was conducted to examine current research on the most effective devices used to facilitate communication in this patient population. Research revealed that low-technology devices were the most effective means of communicating in the hospital setting. Barriers to effective communication were identified as lack of time, education and access to the devices. Recommendations for future research include developing a documentation component that emphasizes …

Effectiveness Of Nonpharmacological Techniques For Procedural Analgesia In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Lauren E. Flaherty

HIM 1990-2015

The purpose of this thesis is to provide a critical analysis of research findings about nonpharmacological techniques used independently of pharmacological techniques to prevent or reduce procedural pain for infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A synthesis of the current research related to nonpharmacological pain relief techniques for infants was conducted for this thesis. Nonpharmacological interventions reviewed in this study include: Kangaroo Care, swaddling, facilitated tucking, positioning, music, non-nutritive sucking and sucrose. An interdisciplinary review of the research was performed using the interdisciplinary databases Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health, PubMED, and PsychINFO. Inclusion criteria for this …

The Effect Of Chemical Fragrances On Child Health And Development, Katie L. Gilton

HIM 1990-2015

The American public is bombarded with chemically fragranced products every day, typically in combination with each other. These products can include cosmetics, perfumes, detergents, air fresheners, soaps, and deodorants. Contained in these fragranced products are chemicals that can be harmful to child health and development. Many articles have been published examining the chemicals found in fragranced products and the effects that these chemicals can have on the human body. This integrated literature review examines empirical evidence related to the health and safety of particular chemicals used in these products. Nurses need to be aware of the actual and potential harms …

The Effects Of Preoperative Education On Stress In The Pediatric Population, Amy Y. Howard

HIM 1990-2015

The purpose of this research was to critically analyze relevant literature regarding the effects of preoperative education on levels of stress in the pediatric population. The goal of this research is to review and analyze the available literature to determine best practice as it relates to educating the pediatric preoperative patient in order to relieve stress. Research was retrieved from Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE-EBSCOhost databases using keywords pediatric, preoperative, anxiety, stress, fear, children, hospitalized child, education, play therapy, and surgery. Inclusion criteria included research that focused on relieving anxiety or stress in the …

An Investigation Of Self Care Modalities For The Effective Treatment Of Lymphedema, Amber Major

HIM 1990-2015

The purpose of this literature review is to investigate the most effective forms of self-care that patients can perform to reduce swelling caused by lymphedema. Lymphedema may occur secondary to lymph node trauma, which makes it difficult for lymph fluid to leave an extremity. Even though lymphedema is more recognized as a side effect of breast cancer treatment, it can also be the result of many other ailments or treatments and can be present in any part of the body. By knowing which therapies are most effective, nurses and other health care professionals can educate patients to help ease the …

How Am I Not Myself? A Semiotic Analysis Of Images, Michael G. Main

HIM 1990-2015

There has been much debate in the history of philosophy aimed at determining what it is, exactly, that makes a person who and what she is. Varying theories have offered a wide range of concepts in pursuit of the answer to this question. Some thinkers, such as B.F. Skinner, have claimed that it is observable behavior patterns that determine who and what a person is. Yet other thinkers, such as Carl Jung, have attributed unconscious motivators as being determinative in deciphering who and what a person is. Jung claims that it is the conscious and unconscious working together that determines …

Factors Related To Stress In Nursing Students, Marie E. Shultz

HIM 1990-2015

The purpose of this review of literature was to explore and critically analyze relevant literature regarding stress factors and the consequences of stress in nursing students. Findings from this review of literature aimed to provide a better understanding of stress factors and the physical and psychological impact of stress on nursing students. Information was collected from the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE- EBSCOhost databases to explore what research has been conducted and to assess the current knowledge base. Analysis of the literature indicated that nursing students reported experiencing increased levels of stress during the …

Nursing Interventions In The Care Of Patients Undergoing Induced Hypothermia, Angela D. Zimmerman

HIM 1990-2015

Use of induced hypothermia for the purpose of lowering intracranial pressure and preserving neuronal function has increased as research data reveals a trend of positive outcomes in patients treated with this therapy. Recently induced hypothermia following cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation has been deemed successful. Current research has expanded to evaluate the effectiveness of induced hypothermia as a treatment modality for severe stroke and head trauma. In spite of its efficacy, complications exist with this treatment modality. The purpose of this literature review is to examine potential complications secondary to induced hypothermia and highlight the nurse's role in managing …

Aortic Dissection Or Myocardial Infarction, Saulat H. Fatimi, Maria Mahboob, Awais Ashfaq

Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Aortic dissection is a rare and a life threatening event. Classically, aortic dissection presents as sudden, severe chest, back or abdominal pain that is characterized as ripping or tearing in nature. However, a timely diagnosis can be elusive in the event of an atypical presentation. So, a high index of clinical suspicion is mandatory for the accurate and rapid diagnosis of aortic dissection. We report a case of a 56 years old male who presented with signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction and was later found to have aortic dissection. This patient was successfully managed with surgery.

Chronic Apocynin Treatment Attenuates Beta Amyloid Plaque Size And Microglial Number In Happ(751)Sl Mice, Melinda E. Lull, Shannon Levesque,, Michael J. Surace, Michelle L. Block

Pharmacy Faculty/Staff Publications

Background: NADPH oxidase is implicated in neurotoxic microglial activation and the progressive nature of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Here, we test the ability of two NADPH oxidase inhibitors, apocynin and dextromethorphan (DM), to reduce learning deficits and neuropathology in transgenic mice overexpressing human amyloid precursor protein with the Swedish and London mutations (hAPP(751)SL).

Methods: Four month old hAPP(751)SL mice were treated daily with saline, 15 mg/kg DM, 7.5 mg/kg DM, or 10 mg/kg apocynin by gavage for four months.

Results: Only hAPP(751)SL mice treated with apocynin showed reduced plaque size and a reduction in the number of cortical microglia, when compared …

Diesel Exhaust Activates & Primes Microglia: Air Pollution, Neuroinflammation, & Regulation Of Dopaminergic Neurotoxicity, Shannon Levesque, Thomas Taetzsch, Melinda E. Lull, Urmila Kodavanti, Krisztian Stadler, Alison Wagner, Jo Anne Johnson, Laura Duke, Prasada Kodavanti, Michael J. Surace, Michelle L. Block

Pharmacy Faculty/Staff Publications

BACKGROUND:

Air pollution is linked to central nervous system disease, but the mechanisms responsible are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES:

Here, we sought to address the brain-region-specific effects of diesel exhaust (DE) and key cellular mechanisms underlying DE-induced microglia activation, neuroinflammation, and dopaminergic (DA) neurotoxicity.

METHODS:

Rats were exposed to DE (2.0, 0.5, and 0 mg/m3) by inhalation over 4 weeks or as a single intratracheal administration of DE particles (DEP; 20 mg/kg). Primary neuron-glia cultures and the HAPI (highly aggressively proliferating immortalized) microglial cell line were used to explore cellular mechanisms.

RESULTS:

Rats exposed to DE by inhalation demonstrated elevated levels …

Understanding Depressive Symptoms Among High-Risk Pregnant African American Women, Kristine M. Molina, Michele Kiely

Publications and Research

Much has been written about depression and its risk factors, particularly among women. However, a growing body of literature on prenatal depression has begun to emerge, given that depression during pregnancy presents a major public health concern, since it is found to be a common experience among childbearing aged women (Gaynes et al., 2005; Marcus, 2009). In fact, the onset of depressive symptoms is most likely to occur between 20 to 40 years of age, the range when most women become pregnant (Marcus & Heringhausen, 2009). Further, prior studies have found rates of depression among pregnant women to range from …

Domestic Violence And Pregnancy: The Challenge Of Framing A European-Wide Research Question., Caroline Andries, Nicola Buckley, Kristien Roelens, Ingunn Studsrød, Marleen Temmerman, An-Sofie Van Parys, Elisabeth Willumsen

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

No abstract provided.

Lived Experiences Of Transitions In International Nursing Students, Shellye A. Vardaman

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Throughout life, individuals are faced with various transitions, and how they manage these transitions impacts the transition outcomes and actual or potential alterations in health. It is imperative that nurses have knowledge of the conditions and processes of transitions as well as possible effects on well-being. From this perspective, nurses are able to intercede and assist individuals to positive transitional outcomes. The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to describe the transition experience of international nursing students studying in the United States.

A Cross-National Analysis Of The Nutrition Habits Of Hispanic Mothers And Daughters, Monica N. Ramirez

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

The rates of obesity in Hispanic women increased significantly between 1994 and 2008 from 35.3% to 45.1% (National Center for Health Statistics, 2010). Poor nutritional habits and obesity have longterm negative health ramifications that warrant targeted efforts to stem this growing epidemic. Two articles are included in this portfolio. The first article discusses the state of the science in relation to cultural aspects of nutrition choices of Hispanic women. The aim of this article is to set the context for the cross-national study which is the focus of the second article. This study examines current eating habits, weight history, health …

Empowerment As A Hypertension Management Strategy For African American Women, E'Loria Simon Campbell

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Successful health management strategies remain elusive for the 25 million African- American (AA) women afflicted with high blood pressure. The purpose of this study was to determine if a psychological empowerment coaching (PEC) intervention had an impact on health promotion outcomes. The primary research strategy measured the impact of a PEC intervention on health care empowerment, self-efficacy, intent to exercise, and health outcomes among hypertensive AA women. Pender's Revised Health Promotion Model (Figure 1) served as the theoretical model for this quasi-experimental study utilizing pretest-posttest measurement with subjects serving as their own controls. A convenience sample of 35 hypertensive women …

Noise, Delays, And Resonance In A Neural Network, Austin Quan

HMC Senior Theses

A stochastic-delay differential equation (SDDE) model of a small neural network with recurrent inhibition is presented and analyzed. The model exhibits unexpected transient behavior: oscillations that occur at the boundary of the basins of attraction when the system is bistable. These are known as delay-induced transitory oscillations (DITOs). This behavior is analyzed in the context of stochastic resonance, an unintuitive, though widely researched phenomenon in physical bistable systems where noise can play in constructive role in strengthening an input signal. A method for modeling the dynamics using a probabilistic three-state model is proposed, and supported with numerical evidence. The potential …

Ankle Morphometry For Development Of Ankle Prosthesis, Y Khanasuk, P Itiravivong, P Tangpornprasert, C. Virulsri

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background : Ankle arthroplasty plays an important role in pain relieve and improving the functions of end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. Now the ideal prosthesis is being developed. The fundamental data for invention of a novel design is ankle morphology objective : To study ankle morphology in the Thai population and compare with the current morphologic data. This study also seeks for the most compatible design for the Thai population. Design : Descriptive study Setting : Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University Material and Methods : Ankle images from MRI were collected and measured parameters that are important for develop …

Focused Abdominal Ct Scan For Acute Appendicitis In Children: Can It Help In Need, Waseem Akhtar, Sumera Ali, Muhammad Arshad, Farzana Nawaz Ali, Naila Nadeem

Department of Radiology

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the focused abdominal CT scan [FACT] in clinically equivocal cases of acute appendicitis in paediatric population.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Radiology Department of Aga Khan Hospital, from August 2007 to November 2008. A total of 84 patients (42 males & 42 females) with clinically equivocal signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis referred to radiology department for CT evaluation were studied. CT findings were compared with histopathology and clinical follow-up.

RESULTS: The sensitivity of focused CT for acute appendicitis was 91%; specificity was 69% and accuracy of 76% while PPV and NPV were 58%, …

Physical Activity And Sedentary Activity Patterns Among Children And Adolescents: A Latent Class Analysis Approach, Carrie D. Patnode, Leslie A. Lytle, Darin J. Erickson, John R. Sirard, Daheia J. Barr-Anderson, Mary Story

Faculty Publications

Background: While much is known about the overall levels of physical activity and sedentary activity among youth, few studies have attempted to define clusters of such behaviors. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe unique classes of youth based on their perception in a variety of physical activity and sedentary behaviors. Methods: Latent class analysis was used to characterize segments of youth based on patterns of self-reported and accelerometer-measured participation in 12 behaviors. Children and adolescents (N =720) from 6th-11th grade were included in the analysis. Differences in class membership were examined using multinomial logistic …