Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Autonomic And Behavioral Reactivity To An Acute Laboratory Stressor, Jeremy C. Peres

University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Stress has been widely shown to directly influence people’s emotional and behavioral processing as well as their underlying biological systems. This project examined physiological and behavioral responses as indicators of stress and coping in the context of a psychosocial stressor in a controlled laboratory setting. We examined the association between indicators of behavioral coping and underlying physiological reactivity within participants while experiencing stress. Participants included 68 emerging adults. Physiological measures include autonomic biomarkers (e.g., heart-rate, skin conductance) at rest and during the stressor while behavioral indicators that were coded include acute verbal and non-verbal actions exhibited by participants during the …

Septohippocampal Gabaergic Neurons Mediate The Altered Behaviors Induced By N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Antagonists., Jingyi Ma, Siew Kian Tai, L Stan Leung

Physiology and Pharmacology Publications

We hypothesize that selective lesion of the septohippocampal GABAergic neurons suppresses the altered behaviors induced by an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, ketamine or MK-801. In addition, we hypothesize that septohippocampal GABAergic neurons generate an atropine-resistant theta rhythm that coexists with an atropine-sensitive theta rhythm in the hippocampus. Infusion of orexin-saporin (ore-SAP) into the medial septal area decreased parvalbumin-immunoreactive (GABAergic) neurons by ~80%, without significantly affecting choline-acetyltransferase-immunoreactive (cholinergic) neurons. The theta rhythm during walking, or the immobility-associated theta induced by pilocarpine, was not different between ore-SAP and sham-lesion rats. Walking theta was, however, more disrupted by atropine sulfate in ore-SAP than …

Using The Theory Of Planned Behavior And Barriers To Treatment To Predict Intention To Enter Further Treatment Following Residential Drug And Alcohol Detoxification: A Pilot Study, Peter J. Kelly, Frank P. Deane, Zoe Mccarthy, Trevor P. Crowe

Trevor Crowe

There has been limited research examining the impact of clients’ behavioural beliefs on whether they intend to access further treatment following residential drug and alcohol detoxification. Treatment post-detoxification is generally recommended to reduce relapse and for more sustained positive outcomes. The present pilot study examined the extent to which (1) primary components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), (2) perceived barriers to accessing treatment and (3) the participants’ previous involvement in substance abuse treatment predicted intentions to enter further treatment following residential detoxification. One hundred and sixty eight participants accessing Salvation Army detoxification units in Australia completed a survey …

Innovativeness In Nursing: A Phenomenological And Constructivist Study, Maria Joseph

Maria (Lindell) Joseph

Hospital administration and the medical field have maintained the status quo of nursing practice, in which nurses have adopted bureaucratic structures where conformity and regimentation are maintained to ensure large-scale efficiency. The lack of control to act on nursing knowledge and expert judgment is linked to work conditions of oppression, lack of autonomy, dissatisfaction, concomitant patient mortality, and morbidity. A climate of innovativeness is one strategy to reverse the negative impact caused by hospital administration and the medical field. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the behavioral characteristics of lived experiences and knowledge of innovativeness among nurses …

Using The Theory Of Planned Behavior And Barriers To Treatment To Predict Intention To Enter Further Treatment Following Residential Drug And Alcohol Detoxification: A Pilot Study, Peter J. Kelly, Frank P. Deane, Zoe Mccarthy, Trevor P. Crowe

Frank Deane

There has been limited research examining the impact of clients’ behavioural beliefs on whether they intend to access further treatment following residential drug and alcohol detoxification. Treatment post-detoxification is generally recommended to reduce relapse and for more sustained positive outcomes. The present pilot study examined the extent to which (1) primary components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), (2) perceived barriers to accessing treatment and (3) the participants’ previous involvement in substance abuse treatment predicted intentions to enter further treatment following residential detoxification. One hundred and sixty eight participants accessing Salvation Army detoxification units in Australia completed a survey …

Using The Theory Of Planned Behavior And Barriers To Treatment To Predict Intention To Enter Further Treatment Following Residential Drug And Alcohol Detoxification: A Pilot Study, Peter J. Kelly, Frank P. Deane, Zoe Mccarthy, Trevor P. Crowe

Peter Kelly

There has been limited research examining the impact of clients’ behavioural beliefs on whether they intend to access further treatment following residential drug and alcohol detoxification. Treatment post-detoxification is generally recommended to reduce relapse and for more sustained positive outcomes. The present pilot study examined the extent to which (1) primary components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), (2) perceived barriers to accessing treatment and (3) the participants’ previous involvement in substance abuse treatment predicted intentions to enter further treatment following residential detoxification. One hundred and sixty eight participants accessing Salvation Army detoxification units in Australia completed a survey …

Internet Addiction Phenomenon In Early Adolescents In Hong Kong, Daniel T. L. Shek, Lu Yu

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

The present study investigated the prevalence and demographic correlates of Internet addiction in Hong Kong adolescents as well as the change in related behavior at two time points over a one-year interval. Two waves of data were collected from a large sample of students (Wave 1: 3,328 students, age = 12.59 ± 0.74 years; Wave 2: 3,580 students, age = 13.50 ± 0.75 years) at 28 secondary schools in Hong Kong. Comparable to findings at Wave 1 (26.4%), 26.7% of the participants met the criterion of Internet addiction at Wave 2 as measured by Young's 10-item Internet Addiction Test. The …

Utilizing A Health Behavior Model To Design Drug Education/Prevention Programs, Donald Iverson

Don C. Iverson

The underlying philosophical and practical problems encountered when designing drug education/prevention programs are reviewed. The necessity for utilizing a health behavior model as the basis for any prevention program is discussed and the Health Belief Model is proposed as the model of choice. The Health Belief Model is described and its most relevant components are outlined. The drug education material and teaching methodology which complement the model are reviewed as well as specific suggestions regarding selection of the most appropriate material for inclusion in the program.

Reassessment Of The Knowledge/Attitude/Behavior Triad, Donald Iverson, Barry Portnoy

Don C. Iverson

No abstract provided.

Health Behavior Models Compared, P Mullen, James Hersey, Donald Iverson

Don C. Iverson

This study compares the health belief, Fishbein/Ajzen, and PRECEDE models to predict changes in smoking, exercise, and consumption of sweet and fried foods over an eight-month interval. Data were collected from a panel of 326 adults in two large cities of the western United States. The PRECEDE model accounted for more variance in behavior than both the Fishbein/Ajzen and health belief models, but it required far more questions. Fishbein/Ajzen and PRECEDE provide a limited theoretical basis for selecting specific types of beliefs or predisposing factors without turning to the health belief model, making the health belief model complementary to either …

Does Personality Moderate Reciprocity?, Arianna Groveman

Honors Theses

I completed this experiment in order to better understand how personality moderates reciprocity. Reciprocity is a compliance strategy that involves giving or doing something for someone in exchange for something in return (Cialdini, 1993). I originally predicted that high self-monitors would show greater reciprocity than low self-monitors. Also, I predicted people with high need for cognition will show more reciprocity than people with a low need for cognition. In addition, I hypothesized that people with a low need to evaluate will show more reciprocity than people with a high need to evaluate. Participants were randomly assigned to either a “Soft …

Differences In Touching Behavior With Strangers And Acquaintances Based On Adult Attachment Theory And Sociability, Kaitlin Camilleri

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between adult attachment style and touching behavior, as well as the relationship between sociability and touching behavior, when interacting with both strangers and acquaintances. Previous research on romantic relationships suggests that individuals with avoidant attachment styles tend to avoid touching their romantic partners, whereas individuals with anxious attachment styles over-touch their romantic partners. As well, research on personality traits suggests that individuals who are high in openness and agreeableness, both characteristics of sociable people, tend to participate in touching behavior more. In the current study, 125 participants completed the Experiences …

Inhibition Of Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Ameliorates Synaptic Alterations And Ca2+ Dysregulation In Aged Rats, Diana M. Sama, Hafiz Mohmmad Abdul, Jennifer L. Furman, Irina A. Artiushin, David E. Szymkowski, Stephen W. Scheff, Christopher M. Norris

Graduate Center for Gerontology Faculty Publications

The role of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) in neural function has been investigated extensively in several neurodegenerative conditions, but rarely in brain aging, where cognitive and physiologic changes are milder and more variable. Here, we show that protein levels for TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) are significantly elevated in the hippocampus relative to TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) in aged (22 months) but not young adult (6 months) Fischer 344 rats. To determine if altered TNF/TNFR1 interactions contribute to key brain aging biomarkers, aged rats received chronic (4-6 week) intracranial infusions of XPro1595: a soluble dominant negative TNF that preferentially inhibits …

Cattle Browsing Sagebrush Steppe During Fall: Effects On Plant Community Structure And Influence Of Experience On Cattle Foraging Behavior And Body Weights, Charles A. Petersen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Historic and repetitious spring grazing by livestock, combined with altered fire regimes, has increased the density and abundance of big sagebrush and reduced the frequency of perennial grasses and forbs on many western landscapes. Periodic disturbance is critical for maintaining and improving sagebrush ecosystems. Compared with traditional disturbances – chemical, mechanical, and fire – strategic grazing with livestock offers several benefits. They include creating locally adapted cattle that can rejuvenate sagebrush steppe, which reduces costs associated with mechanical and chemical rejuvenation treatments and feeding cattle during winter, the major cost of ranch operation.

I evaluated the practicality of strategically timed …

Higher, Faster, Stronger, Drunker?, Lynda Ransdell, Kathy Hildebrand, Caile Spear, Shelley Lucas

Shelley Lucas

In light of the increasing number of girls participating in sports, the pressures associated with "big time sports," and interest in preventing alcohol-related problems in female athletes, the purpose of this viewpoint is to examine the prevalence of alcohol abuse in female athletes and to provide coaches and teachers with suggestions for education and prevention. Some of these include a continual increase in the competition, negotiating relationships with teammates and coaches, performance anxiety or fear of failure, decreased social interaction due to competition, time management issues, burnout, and coping with injuries (Storch, Storch, Killiany, & Roberti, 2005).

Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase-1 Prevents The Development Of Tactile Sensitivity In A Rodent Model Of Neuropathic Pain, Christian Ndong, Russell P. Landry, Joyce A. Deleo, Edgar A. Romero-Sandoval

Dartmouth Scholarship

Neuropathic pain due to nerve injury is one of the most difficult types of pain to treat. Following peripheral nerve injury, neuronal and glial plastic changes contribute to central sensitization and perpetuation of mechanical hypersensitivity in rodents. The mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) family is pivotal in this spinal cord plasticity. MAPK phosphatases (MKPs) limit inflammatory processes by dephosphorylating MAPKs. For example, MKP-1 preferentially dephosphorylates p-p38. Since spinal p-p38 is pivotal for the development of chronic hypersensitivity in rodent models of pain, and p-p38 inhibitors have shown clinical potential in acute and chronic pain patients, we hypothesize that induction of …

Dyschronic, A Drosophila Homolog Of A Deaf-Blindness Gene, Regulates Circadian Output And Slowpoke Channels., James E C Jepson, Mohammad Shahidullah, Angelique Lamaze, Drew Peterson, Huihui Pan, Kyunghee Koh

Farber Institute for Neuroscience Faculty Papers

Many aspects of behavior and physiology are under circadian control. In Drosophila, the molecular clock that regulates rhythmic patterns of behavior has been extensively characterized. In contrast, genetic loci involved in linking the clock to alterations in motor activity have remained elusive. In a forward-genetic screen, we uncovered a new component of the circadian output pathway, which we have termed dyschronic (dysc). dysc mutants exhibit arrhythmic locomotor behavior, yet their eclosion rhythms are normal and clock protein cycling remains intact. Intriguingly, dysc is the closest Drosophila homolog of whirlin, a gene linked to type II Usher syndrome, the leading cause …

Effects Of Behavior Responses On The Vasovagal Tonus Index In Healthy Dogs, Walasinee Moonarmart, Kripitch Suttummaporn, Thapana Jarutummsiri, Rungrote Osathanoniri

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The vasovagal tonus index (VVTI) is a time-domain analysis method of heart rate variability acquired over a short period. It is a useful measurement for evaluating severity and prognosis heart failure in dogs. Behavior responses can be used to evaluate stress in each dog individually. Stress during clinical examination may interfere with the VVTI since it influences the sympathetic nervous system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of behavior responses during clinical examination on the VVTI. Data set obtained from physical examination, systolic blood pressure measurement, electrocardiography, VVTI calculation, and video recording were collected from 50 …

Cures For Procrastination In College Students, Ashley-Tate Hollis

A with Honors Projects

This project examines some cures for procrastination in college students.

Pirandello’S Analogy: A Source For A Better Understanding Of The Social Impact Of Stroke, M.A.C. Van Haaren, Maggie Lawrence, P.H. Goossens, B. Van Den Bossche, M.J.H. Wermer, A.A. Kaptein

Dr. Maggie Lawrence

Background: Suffering a stroke has major implications for the patient. To understand human suffering, one should understand society. Pirandello described society as a higher entity than the individual, thereby justifying human adaptability to society. We explore a qualitative finding that suggests that social trends may influence how stroke patients prioritize aspects of their rehabilitation. Methods: We compare a contemporary patient’s experience of stroke recovery with that of a fictional character from the works of Luigi Pirandello. Both patients had two main residual symptoms: hemiparesis and aphasia. Results: The rehabilitation priorities of the two patients differed, and appeared to reflect the …

Seasonal And Group Effects On Dairy Cow Behavior In Large Yards, Akbar Nikkhah, Rasool Kowsar

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

In mechanized modern dairy facilities with competitive environments, monitoring behavior provides opportunities to manipulate and optimize the nutritional, health, and social status of high-merit cows. The objective of the current study was to determine seasonal and cow group effects on the eating, ruminating, standing, and lying behaviors of dairy cows in large yards. Seasonal data on various behaviors of lactating cows in different production and lactation stages were collected continuously for 26 months, from December 2006 through February 2008. The herd had approximately 3000 dairy cattle housed in groups within specific yards. A total of 415 multiparous high-producing cows (MH), …

Behavioral And Immunological Phenotypes Of Transgenic Mice Overexpressing Human Secreted Amyloid Precursor Protein Alpha: Implications For Autism, Antoinette R. Bailey

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Autism is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by impaired social interaction and communication as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors and focused interests. In addition to the cardinal behavioral characteristics observed for diagnosis, autistic individuals exhibit a number of comorbid conditions as well as a variety of aberrant immunological features. Recent studies report that plasma from autistic children contained elevated levels of secreted amyloid precursor protein alpha (sAPP-á), the á-secretase cleavage product of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) which is ubiquitously expressed in the brain, spleen, thymus and other organs. Interestingly, the sAPP-á fragment functions as a neurotrophic …

A Punishment-Free, Toilet-Training Protocol For Children With Developmental Disabilities, Chelsea Lynn Pearsall

All Master's Theses

The present investigation adapted a behaviorally-based toilet-training protocol for use with two male children with developmental disabilities. Positive practice and verbal reprimands were eliminated, and reinforcement, scheduled sits, and a urine alarm were utilized. Data were collected on the number of intoilet urinations, urinary accidents, and self-initiations. Results show that both participants exhibited significant improvement in their toileting skills and met the final success criteria rapidly. These results were maintained through follow-up. Implications for the elimination of punishment procedures in future toilet training protocols are discussed.

The Effectiveness Of An Incentivized Program To Increase Daily Fruit And Vegetable Dietary Intake By Low Income, Middle-Aged Women, Rebecca White

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Little is known about the effectiveness of the SagePlus' Smart Choices Fruits and Vegetables Program's influence on behavior change and the effects of that behavior change on the cardiovascular health of the participants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the SagePlus Smart Choices Fruits and Vegetables Program at increasing the number of fruits and vegetables in participants' diets and decreasing their cardiovascular disease risk factors. A nonexperimental, descriptive correlational design was used in this study. The Minnesota Department of Health provided data from 327 SagePlus participants that had re-enrolled in the SagePlus Smart Choices Fruits …

Migrant Workers In Kazakhstan : Gender Differences In Hiv Knowledge And Sexual Risk Behaviors, Baurzhan Zhussupov

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Background:

Aging, Neuromuscular Decline, And The Change In Physiological And Behavioral Complexity Of Upper-Limb Movement Dynamics, S. Morrison, K. M. Newell

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Aging is characterized by a general decline in physiological and behavioral function that has been widely interpreted within the context of the loss of complexity hypothesis. In this paper, we examine the relation between aging, neuromuscular function and physiological-behavioral complexity in the arm-hand effector system, specifically with reference to physiological tremor and isometric force production. Experimental findings reveal that the adaptive behavioral consequences of the aging-related functional decline in neurophysiological processes are less pronounced in simple motor tasks which provides support for the proposition that the motor output is influenced by both extrinsic (e.g., task related) and intrinsic (e.g., coordination, …

Effectiveness Of Sensory Integration And Behavioral Interventions On Nonengagement In Preschool Aged Children, Tiffany Kuyper

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract EFFECTIVENESS OF SENSORY INTEGRATION AND BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS ON NONENGAGEMENT IN PRESCHOOL AGED CHILDREN By Tiffany Ann Kuyper, OTR/L A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2012 Director: Marie Anzalone ScD, OTR, FAOTA This single subject pilot study explored a combination of sensory-based interventions and behavioral interventions in a preschool aged child identified with Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR). Children often display nonengagement associated with escaping and avoiding tactile and/or vestibular information because they perceive sensory input as negative or aversive. The subject …

Cns Neural/Glial Progenitors As Targets Of Hiv-1 And Opiates: Effects On Proliferation And Population Dynamics May Alter Behavior Outcomes., Yun Kyung Hahn

Theses and Dissertations

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients with a history of injection opiate abuse have higher incidences of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and neurological dysfunction. The use of combined anti-retroviral therapy has significantly reduced the prevalence of mortality and progression to AIDS. Due to extended life expectancy, these patients are still at a great risk for HIV-associated neurological disorders and impairment in their later life. Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) play critical roles in brain growth and repair after injury and insult. Pediatric HIV patients whose glial populations are still developing are especially at risk for central nervous system (CNS) damage. Our …

Communicating H1n1 Risk To University Students: A Regional Cross-Sectional Survey-Study, Francisco Soto Mas

Francisco Soto Mas

The purpose of this study was to assess university students’ self-reported knowledge, behavior, and behavioral intention regarding H1N1 influenza. Participants included students at a major university in the southwestern US. Data were collected in early spring 2010 through a 24-item selfadministered survey. Outcome variables included knowledge, behavior and intention. A total of 483 students participated. Most reported trying to prevent H1N1 influenza though specific behaviors. Many lacked knowledge about symptoms and treatment; a few (10%) had been vaccinated; and half had no intention of getting vaccinated or practicing self-isolation. Gender and age were significantly associated with the three outcome variables. …