Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Role Of Olfactory Cues In The Sequential Radiation Of A Gall-Boring Beetle, Bradley Rhodes

Master’s Theses

Species diversity itself may cause additional species diversity. According to recent findings, some species modify their environment in such a way that they facilitate the creation of new niches for other species to evolve to fill. Given the vast speciesdiversity of insects, the occurrence of such sequential radiation of species is likely common among herbivorous insects and the species that depend on them, many of them being insects as well. Herbivorous insects often have close associations with specific host plants and their preferences for mating and ovipositing on a specific host-plant species can reproductively isolate host-specific populations, facilitating speciation. Previous …

Hibernacula Microclimate And White-Nose Syndrome Susceptibility In The Little Brown Myotis (Myotis Lucifugus), Laura Grieneisen

Master’s Theses

The objective of this project was to determine the relationship between hibernacula microclimate and White-nose Syndrome (WNS), an emerging infectious disease in bats. Microclimate was examined on a species scale and at the level of the individual bat to determine if there was a difference in microclimate preference between healthy and WNS-affected little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) and to determine the role of microclimate in disease progression. There is anecdotal evidence that colder, drier hibernacula are less affected by WNS. This was tested by placing rugged temperature and humidity dataloggers in field sites throughout the eastern USA, experimentally determining the …

Application Of The Water Poverty Index In Border Colonias Of West Texas, Marcelo Korc

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This study applied the Water Poverty Index (WPI) in border colonias and other rural areas of west Texas. The colonias are mostly unincorporated communities located primarily in New Mexico and Texas along the border with Mexico and are characterized by high poverty rates and substandard living conditions. In Texas, access to drinking water and sanitation services has been identified as one of the most significant determinants of health in over 350 colonias with about 50 thousand residents.

The WPI is a multidimensional measure that links household welfare with water availability. WPI components were identified and prioritized by a wide range …

Development And Evaluation Of A Personalized Normative Feedback Intervention For Hispanic Youth At High Risk Of Smoking, Holly Mata

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Despite reductions in overall smoking rates, data show that adolescents continue to smoke at higher rates than adults and that adolescents living in the Texas-Mexico border area are more likely than their counterparts living elsewhere in Texas to smoke. While adult smoking in the Paso del Norte Region has decreased significantly over the past decade, area youth smoking rates exceed both state and national averages. Recent estimates report cigarette smoking among El Paso youth in the past month to be slightly more than 28% as compared with 21% among Texas youth participating in the 2009 statewide Youth Risk Behavior Survey …

Unreported Concussion In High School Football Players, Princess Arcelia Puga

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Recent research in sport-related concussions has begun to reveal more about the specific hazards of high school football. However, the national reports of incidence/prevalence of concussions in this population appear to be inaccurate, because only emergency department (ED) visits are accounted for in reporting the number of concussions sustained in football. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there is a statistically significant difference between the frequencies of concussion reports by athletic trainers (ATC) versus hospital records on concussion in high school football players in El Paso, Texas. Method: A questionnaire was delivered to athletic trainers through …

Relationships Between Central Obesity, Fructose Intake, And Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease In Overweight Hispanic Adolescents, Hector Reyes

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether central (visceral) fat measured as waist circumference and daily fructose intake were associated with measures of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Hispanic overweight adolescents.

Methodology: Thirty four obese boys (n=15) and girls (n=19) between the ages of 13 and 18 years were measured for body composition, waist circumference, and dietary fructose intake. Fasting alanine (ALT) and aspartate (AST) aminotransferase levels in blood, ALT/AST ratio, and hepatic fat fraction (HFF) by magnetic resonance imaging were measured and used as surrogates for NAFLD. Pearson Product-Moment correlation analyses were used …

Altered Leptin Signaling On Dendritic Cells As A Potential Mechanism For Cancer Immunotherapy, Lorena Y. De Los Santos

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Leptin is a pleiotropic hormone synthesized primarily by white adipocytes and its receptors are expressed in a variety of tissues and cells such as in the hypothalamus and cells of the immune system. Multiple cell types can produce a considerable amount of leptin such as skeletal muscle, placenta, and osteoblasts to name a few and its synthesis has been shown to be regulated by sex hormones and a broad range of inflammatory mediators. Although leptin has been shown to directly affect immune response, we are interested in how leptin affects dendritic cell function and their ability to induce a proper …

The Role Of Perceptual Processes In The Use Of And Willingness To Use Professional Health Care Services, Luis Omar Rivera

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

To better address ethnic health disparities, it is imperative that we understand the psychological processes that shape people's use of and willingness to use professional health care services. The current research proposes and tests a model in which people's attentional orientation toward context discourages them from seeking professional health care services because (a) attentional orientation toward context encourages people to attribute symptoms of illness to external/environmental factors and (b) attributing symptoms of illness to external/environmental factors is associated with less use of professional health care services. The results of two studies show mixed support for the proposed model. Consistent with …

Speech-Language Pathologists' Reports Of Interprofessional Collaboration And Exposure During Graduate School, Carly Ruth Robalin

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Although the importance and benefits of interprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional collaboration (IPC) in healthcare have been well demonstrated, the majority of graduate programs in speech-language pathology (SLP) only offer discipline-specific coursework and related experiences. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore SLPs' perceptions of their graduate programs' success at preparing them to be interprofessional team-members in the medical work setting. Method: Medically-based SLPs in five Texas cities responded to a survey addressing IPE and IPC. Responses were collected regarding: 1. Interprofessional exposure to physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) during graduate school, 2. IPE opportunities …

Assessment Of Intra-Urban Traffic-Related Air Pollution On Asthmatic Children's Exposure At Schools In The Paso Del Norte Region, Amit Ugamraj Raysoni

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Traffic-related air pollution can be a major public health concern in any urban area. This problem is compounded in the Paso del Norte region that has experienced rapid economic growth, and a substantial number of people living in close vicinity of major roadways. The desert surroundings, arid weather, frequent temperature inversions, heavy border traffic at the international ports of entry between El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, and poorly maintained vehicle fleet further exacerbates this problem. A growing body of air quality and epidemiologic research has discerned the linkage between traffic emissions and respiratory disorders.

Initial health investigations in the Paso …

Nutrition Education Resources Used By Renal Dietitians For The Education Of The Outpatient Dialysis Population In Michigan, Susan L. Leslie

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Utilization Of Opt-Out Registries In Emergency Clinical Research, Samkeliso Mawocha

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Background: Emergency clinical research aims to study and develop new treatments for acute injuries and illnesses such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, seizures, and meningitis. While the regulations require that researchers provide information about ways in which individuals wishing to be excluded from a study may indicate this preference, they do not require emergency clinical research investigators to provide specific resources to members of the public who may wish to opt out of the research.

Objectives: We investigated the methods which potential research subjects at a Midwest US university community might use to opt out of emergency clinical researcher. The …

The Impact Of Breast Cancer Educational Workshops On Knowledge And Breast Self-Examination Practice Among Korean-American Women, Corinne Lee

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Among Korean-American women, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death. Although their incidence is lower than that of Caucasian women, Korean-American women are more likely to be diagnosed at more advanced stages of breast cancer. One of the suggested methods in breast cancer prevention is early detection and routine screenings. The present study was conducted to explore the impact of breast cancer educational workshop on breast cancer knowledge and breast self-examination practices among Korean-American women. The knowledge of breast cancer and the health beliefs (perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and perceived self-efficacy) was examined before and after the educational …

Relationship Between Nursing Home Size And Their Dietetic Support Effort, Kyla Bacon

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Background: While nursing homes in Oklahoma are required to utilize a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Qualified Nutritionist, there are no specifications for minimum utilization. Objectives: Investigate how Oklahoma nursing homes determine RD utilization and whether a relationship exists between resident census and RD availability. Design: Questionnaires focused on RD work patterns were sent to 150 Oklahoma nursing homes.

Results: Nursing homes with a resident census of 50, 51-100, and 101 employed a RD for approximately 7. 9, 7.3, and 56.3 hours/month, respectively. The RD is the primary decision maker in determining hours worked, followed closely by corporate staff and governmental …

A Retrospective Study To Evaluate The Efficacy Of Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (Tmp/Smx) Compared To Daptomycin Or Linezolid For The Treatment Of Infections Due To Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (Mrsa), Aparna Lakshmi Murari

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is still considered one of the most significant human pathogens in terms of morbidity, mortality, and costs. Vancomycin should be avoided if possible for the treatment of MRSA when the Minimum Inhibiting Concentration (MIC) to Vancomycin is 2μg/mL, as it poses a therapeutic challenge. Main therapeutic options include Daptomycin and Linezolid, two new, expensive drugs, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole(TMP/SMX), an old, inexpensive agent. Study aims were to compare the clinical efficacy and potential cost savings associated with TMP/SMX use.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Detroit Medical Center. For calendar year 2009, unique adult patients (>18 years) …

Clinical Use Of Probiotics: A Survey Of Physicians’ Beliefs And Practice Patterns, Anastasia Ensminger

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Background: Probiotics have the potential to be used as a preventive agent or adjuvant therapy for various medical conditions, and recent research is beginning to illuminate some of the associated benefits. Some clinicians currently prescribe probiotics in practice. Understanding physicians’ beliefs and practice patterns regarding the use of probiotics will help identify current practices, barriers preventing their acceptance, and the sources of information that impact clinical practice.

Objective: To identify and describe physicians’ beliefs and practice patterns regarding the use of probiotics.

Methods: A cross-sectional online questionnaire was administered to 130 physicians employed by or affiliated with Danville …

Adrenal Beta-Arrestin 1 Inhibition In Vivo Attenuates Post-Myocardial Infarction Progression To Heart Failure And Adverse Remodeling Via Reduction Of Circulating Aldosterone Levels, Anastasios Lymperopoulos, Phd, Giuseppe Rengo, Md, Carmela Zincarelli, Md, Jihee Kim, Phd, Walter J. Koch, Phd

Center for Translational Medicine Faculty Papers

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether adrenal betaarrestin 1 (betaarr1)-mediated aldosterone production plays any role in post-MI HF progression.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) represents one of the most significant health problems worldwide and new and innovative treatments are needed. Aldosterone contributes significantly to HF progression after myocardial infarction (MI) by accelerating adverse cardiac remodeling and ventricular dysfunction. It is produced by the adrenal cortex after angiotensin II (AngII) activation of AngII type 1 receptors (AT1Rs), G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that also signal independently of G proteins. G protein-independent signaling is mediated by betaarrestin (betaarr) -1 and -2. We recently reported that …

The Relationship Of Financial Performance, Quality Indicators, And The Role Of Nurse Executives In Virginia Nursing Homes, Jeany V. Murphy

Health Services Research Dissertations

Problem statement. The dynamic nature of the healthcare industry has triggered changes in nurse executive functions. The job has expanded into entrepreneurial roles to be able to provide the most cost effective services while maintaining good quality outcomes for the residents. The new responsibility requires a different set of knowledge and competencies that is usually achieved through advanced education. It is not known whether nurse executives in long term care in Virginia possess the skills to influence both the financial and quality outcomes of the facility.

Methods. This descriptive research study examined the relationship of the nurse executives' technical, human, …

Does Melatonin Have A Significantly Positive Effect On Night-Shift Workers' Overall Recovery, Mood, Tiredness, Alertness, Attention, And Sleep Quality?, Vincy Zachariah

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to verify whether or not Melatonin has a significantly positive effect on night -shift workers' overall recovery, mood, tiredness. alertness, attention. and sleep quality.

What Is The Safety And Efficacy Of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Used For Weight Loss Supplements?, Meghan M. Walsh

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine the safety and efficacy of conjugated linoleic acid for weight loss in obese individuals.

Can Ultrafiltration Be Used As Primary Treatment Of Congestive Heart Failure?, Jennifer Tallis

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: To determine whether ultrafiltration can be used as primary treatment of Congestive Heart Failure.

Is Sildenafil Citrate A Safe And Effective Treatment For Pulmonary Hypertension In Adults?, Atekelt Tadese

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether or not the Phosphodiesterase inhibitors drug Sildenafil Citrate is safe and effective treatment for Pulmonary Hypertension in adults

What Is The Safety And Efficacy Of Tarenflurbil (R-Flurbiprofen) In Mild To Moderate Alzheimer’S Disease?, Lauren Viscount

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine what is the safety and efficacy of Tarenflurbil (R-flubiprofen) in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease.

Are Proton Pump Inhibitors A Safe And Effective Treatment For Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease In Infants Less Than Twelve Months Old?, Mariah Smith

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not proton pump inhibitors are a safe and effective treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants less than twelve months old.

Is Clofibrate (Atromid-S) A Safe And Effective Adjunctive Treatment To Phototherapy For Neonatal Jaundice?, Nicole Tindall

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: To determine, “Is clofibrate a safe and effective adjunctive treatment to phototherapy for neonatal jaundice?”

Is 5% Imiquimod Cream More Efficacious At Sustained Clearance Of Genital Warts At 3 Months Compared To 1% Imiquimod, Ablation Therapy, And A Placebo Vehicle Cream?, David A. Smith

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not 5% Imiquimod is more efficacious at sustained treatment of genital warts at 3 months compared to 1% Imiquimod, ablation, and a placebo vehicle cream.

Does Beta Amyloid Immunization Reduce Amyloid Plaques And Preserve Cognitive Function In Patients With Alzheimer’S Disease?, Andrea Sasin

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to examine the efficacy of beta amyloid immunization in reducing amyloid plaques and preserving cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Is A Structured Comprehensive Warm Up Program Effective In Preventing Injuries In Female Soccer Players?, Lena Sifen

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not a comprehensive warm up program is effective in preventing injuries in female soccer players.

Is Opt-80 A Safe And Effective Treatment For Patients With C.Difficile Infection?, Heather A. Shupp

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: Objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not OPT-80 is a safe and effective treatment for patients with C.difficile infection.

Is Topical 1% Pimecrolimus Cream An Effective Treatment For Rosacea?, Lauren Sloan

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not topical 1% pimecrolimus cream is an effective treatment for rosacea.