Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Circuit Development In The Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (Dlgn) Of The Mouse., Tania Seabrook

Theses and Dissertations

The visual system is one of the most widely used and best understood sensory systems and the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of the mouse has emerged as a model for investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development and activity-dependent refinement of sensory connections. Thalamic organization is highly conserved throughout species and the dLGN of the mouse possesses many features common to higher mammals, such as carnivores and primates. Two general classes of neuron are present within the dLGN, thalamocortical relay cells and interneurons, both of which receive direct retinal input. Axons of relay cells exit dLGN and …

Targeting The Endocannabinoid System To Reduce Inflammatory Pain, Sudeshna Ghosh

Theses and Dissertations

The endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) exert their effects predominantly through cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, but these actions are short-lived because of rapid hydrolysis by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), respectively. Selective inhibition of either enzyme elevates CNS levels of the appropriate endocannabinoid and produces analgesic effects with fewer psychomimetic side effects than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary active constituent of marijuana. While cannabinoid receptor agonists and FAAH inhibitors reliably produce anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic effects in the carrageenan test and other inflammatory pain models, much less is known about the consequences of inhibiting …

Artemis And Metnase Mediated Processing Of 3΄-Blocked Dna Lesions: Role In Radio/Chemoresistance And Dna Repair, Susovan Mohapatra

Theses and Dissertations

DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) with chemically modified end-termini are the most significant lesions resulting from radio/chemotherapeutic intervention of cancer and non homologous end-joining (NHEJ) factor Artemis nuclease has been implicated in the repair of such breaks. To examine whether the resolution of terminally blocked DNA DSBs is the biologically relevant function of Artemis, Artemis deficient fibroblasts were stably complemented with wild type or an endonuclease deficient D165N mutant Artemis. Physiological levels of wild type (WT) Artemis completely restored DSB repair proficiency and resistance to γ-radiation, bleomycin, and neocarzinostatin. Cells expressing the D165N mutants remained as chemo/radiosensitive and as repair deficient …

Biobehavioral Correlates In Fibromyalgia, Ann Trivigno Mcnallen

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by non-restorative sleep, and fatigue. Over 75% of individuals with FMS complain of poor sleep quality and fatigue. These have been ranked by patients with FMS as having great impact on quality of life. A literature review suggested that poor sleep quality may be a predictor of increased stress and FMS symptom onset in those affected. However, no experimental studies have demonstrated a causal relationship between poor sleep and stress in people with FMS. Methods: Using a single stage cross-sectional design, the primary study aim was to compare 25 women with …

A Comparison Of Maximal Exercise Responses Among Patients With A Total Artificial Heart, A Left Ventricular Assist Device, Or Advanced Heart Failure, Justin M. Canada

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate graded exercise responses to treadmill exercise in patients with a total artificial heat (SynCardia, Tucson, AZ). Additionally, this study sought to compare the exercise response in total artificial heart (TAH) patients to both advanced heart failure (HF) patients on medical management only and HeartMate II (Thoratec Corp., Pleasanton, CA) left‐ventricular assist device (HMII) patients. For patients with biventricular heart failure the TAH is a viable option to bridge patients until transplant becomes available. Its demonstrated improvement in mortality and increasing usage necessitates a shift in focus to quality of life in the …

The Role Of Fyn And B-Cell Expressed Adam10 In Early B Cell Development, Germinal Center Formation And Terminal B Cell Differentiation, Natalia Chaimowitz

Theses and Dissertations

In these studies we sought to determine the role of Fyn kinase and ADAM10 in B cell biology. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) is a zinc dependent proteinase related to matrix metalloproteinases. ADAM10 has emerged as a key regulator of cellular processes by cleaving and shedding extracellular domains of multiple transmembrane receptors and ligands. In particular, ADAM10 has been identified as a key regulator of lymphocyte development. Here we report that ADAM10 is dispensable for early B cell development within the bone marrow. However, deletion of ADAM10 from all peripheral B cells or in post-switch cells leads to severe …

Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors On Selective Cellular Subtypes In Epileptogenic Malformed Cortex, William Bruch

Theses and Dissertations

Cortical malformations from altered development are common causes of human epilepsy. The cellular mechanisms responsible for the epileptic state of cortex remain unclear and a significant portion of these cases do not respond to treatment. Previous electrophysiological recordings in the Jacobs lab in a rat polymicrogyria model indicated an increased response to group I metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists in the region adjacent to the malformation (PMZ). In addition there was a novel response in low threshold spiking (LTS) interneurons via mGluR5 activation. To determine whether cell specific expression of these receptors was altered in malformed cortex immunohistochemical stains were performed …

The Role Of High Affinity Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors On Anxiety-Like Behavior: A Study In Female Mice, Jessicka Hall

Theses and Dissertations

Tobacco dependence is high in women who suffer from anxiety disorders yet little is known about the contributions of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on anxiety-like behavior. β2*nAChRs (*denotes assembly with other subunits) are the most abundantly expressed nAChRs in the brain yet little is known about the contributions of β2*nAChRs on anxiety-like behavior in female mice. In this study, antagonism and nicotine effects on anxiety-like behavior was investigated across the life span in 6, 12 and 24-month-old drug-naïve knockout (KO), heterozygous (HET) and a gain of function α6L9S mice and wild type (WT). HET mice showed increased sensitivity to di-hydrobeta-erythroidine …

The Gift Of Life: Optimizing Organ Donation Through Collaboration, Jennifer Houp Rn, Cnrn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

To Uniform Or Not To Uniform? That Is The Question…, Nicole Hartman Msn, Rn, Donald J. Butz Rn, Cnrn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Rapid Assessment Unit – The Difference At The Emergency Department Door, Diane Haines Msn, Rn, Cen

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Budging Culture, Hope L. Johnson Msn, Rn, Cnor

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Swat: Empowering Staff To Own Their Environment Through Peer Accountability, Sharon Clark Bs, Rn, Julie Kaszuba Bsn, Rn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Infectious Intracranial Aneurysms: Collaboration For Treatment Success, Erin M. Conahan Rn, Bsn, Cnrn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

A Networkwide, Multidisciplinary Approach To Improving Perioperative Medication Safety, Diane Kimsey Rn, Ms, Cnor, Jeanne P. Luke Msn, Rn, Cnor

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

It's Time To Teach Back: An Inter-Professional Approach To Enhance Learning And Reduce Neuroscience Readmissions, Jill P. Peoples Bsn, Rn, Cmsrn, Cnrn, Amanda Yerkes Rn, Bsn, Cmsrn, Cnrn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Predicting Re-Intubation In Patients Who Self Extubate In The Icu, John Reed Rrt, Kenneth Miller Med, Rrt-Nps, Robert Leshko Bs,Rrt, Michael J. Weiss Mph

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

The Development Of A Respiratory Supplies Indexing System To Improve Retrieval Time, David Blalock Rrt, Heather A. Skiles Rrt, Kenneth Miller Med, Rrt-Nps, Raymond W. Smith Rcp

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Educational Interventions To Improve Clinician Documentation, Joel Strohecker Bs, Rrt, Kenneth Miller Med, Rrt-Nps, Linda Cornman Bs, Rrt-Nps, Kristen Lal Rrt, Kelly M. Torres Rrt, Magdaline Brezak

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Relationship Of Main Pulmonary Artery Diameter To Pulmonary Arterial Pressure In Scleroderma Patients With And Without Mild To Moderate Interstitial Fibrosis, Robert Kane Mccall

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To determine the validity of main pulmonary artery diameter (MPAD) as a marker of pulmonary hypertension in scleroderma patients with and without interstitial lung disease (lLD). Materials and Methods: We cross-referenced the radiologic database with medical records to identify patients with both computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest and right-heart catheterization separated by no more than six months. Computed tomography scans were reviewed to determine MPAD and extent of ILD for each patient. Ground glass opacity and fibrosis were individually scored by a single thoracic radiologist on a five-point scale. The same radiologist also determined the quality of …

Letter And Number Reversals – Identifying The Problem, Janet Richmond

ECU Posters

Letter and number orientation affects legibility

Healthway Research Program, Laura Drummy

ECU Research Week

No abstract provided.

A Review Of “The Medical Library Association's Master Guide To Authoritative Resources In The Health Sciences", Denise O'Shea

University Libraries Scholarship and Creative Works

The article reviews the book "The Medical Library Association's Master Guide to Authoritative Information Resources in the Health Sciences," by L. L. Thompson.

The Parasite That Causes Whirling Disease, Myxobolus Cerebralis, Is Genetically Variable Within And Across Spatial Scales, Nilanjan Lodh, Billie L. Kerans, Lori Stevens

Clinical Lab Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Understanding the genetic structure of parasite populations on the natural landscape can reveal important aspects of disease ecology and epidemiology and can indicate parasite dispersal across the landscape. Myxobolus cerebralis (Myxozoa: Myxosporea), the causative agent of whirling disease in the definitive host Tubifex tubifex, is native to Eurasia and has spread to more than 25 states in the USA. The small amounts of data available to date suggest that M. cerebralis has little genetic variability. We examined the genetic variability of parasites infecting the definitive host T. tubifex in the Madison River, MT, and also from …

The Cumulative Impact Of Unemployment On Risks Of Acute Myocardial Infarction, Guangya Liu, Matthew E. Dupree, Linda K. George, Eric D. Peterson

Faculty Scholarship

Background: Employment instability is a major source of strain affecting an increasing number of adults in the United States. Little is known about the cumulative effect of multiple job losses and unemployment on the risks for acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods: We investigated the associations between different dimensions of unemployment and the risks for AMI in US adults in a prospective cohort study of adults (N=13 451) aged 51 to 75 years in the Health and Retirement Study with biennial follow-up interviews from 1992 to 2010. Unadjusted rates of age-specific AMI were used to demonstrate observed differences by employment status, …

Effects Of Whole-Body Vibration Compared To A Community-Based Exercise Program For Improving Older Adults' Balance And Mood, Zi Yan, Bradley J. Cardinal, Ruben J. Guzman, Walker A. Maddalozzo, Gianni F. Maddalozzo

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Whole-body vibration (WBV) may be an effective means of improving body composition and physical functioning in older adults, and the benefits may be comparable to traditional exercise modalities. The aim of this study was to test the effects of WBV on older adults’ balance and mood state.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-one participants (5 male, M age= 89.8 ±8.8, and 26 female, M age = 74.5±8.1) were randomly assigned to WBV or a community-based exercise program (CBEP). The intervention lasted 6 months, with participants doing WBV 10-15 min, 5 d/wk or CBEP 50 min, 2 d/wk. The Sensory Organization Test …

A Hospital For Maine: History Of Maine Medical Center, Maine Medical Center

Histories

A Hospital for Maine explores the evolution of patient care, education, and research through the microcosm of the state's first and foremost general hospital.

Spirit And Practice Excellence, Maine Medical Center

Annual Reports

Biennial Report on Nursing, 2011-2012

Motivation: An Occupational Therapists Guide For Motivating Young Male Clients With Spinal Cord Injuries, Michael A. Nelson, Elizabeth M. Schleicher

Occupational Therapy Capstones

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2010), males account for approximately 80% of those who endure a spinal cord injury (SCI). Most newly diagnosed clients with spinal cord injuries are between the ages of 15-35 years (50%-70%) (CDC, 2010). Occupational therapists often work with clients who have sustained a SCI. It is in the best interest of the profession and our clients to address the psychosocial impact motivation can have on clients' recovery.

According to authors of research, a major problem to participation in treatment with clients who had a spinal cord injury was a lack of …

Developing Fine Motor Skills In Preschool Age Children, Linnea Starkey

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Based on the findings of the literature review, fine motor skills are an important skill to develop during the preschool years. Marr, Cermak, Cohan and Henderson (2003) described the importance of fine motor skills to engage in valued occupations in addition to educational activities. A child's occupations that demand fine motor skills may be dressing, tying shoes, play, among other daily tasks. If a child has difficulty with fine motor skills it could have a negative outcome on their daily lives and how they perform in school. Children who have difficulty coordinating the small muscle groups in their hands have …