Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Neuroprotective Effects Of Retinal Ganglion Cells By Specific Alpha 7 Nicotine Acetylcholine Receptor Agonists And An Acetylcholineesterase Inhibitor, Sara Kaliszak

Honors Theses

In previous studies from this lab, an alpha7 nACh receptor was found to successfully modulate retinal ganglion cell neuroprotection against glutamate assault when bound to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, or if an alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine agonist, such as PNU-282987 was used in in vitro models (Wehrwein et al., 2004; Iwamoto et al., 2013). These in vitro studies support the hypothesis that activation of alpha7 nicotinic ACh receptors triggers neuroprotection against loss of retinal ganglion cells normally induced by excessive glutamate insult. The results from these in vitro studies instigated an in vivo study in our lab using a rat glaucoma model. …

Describing Regional Interdependence For A Patient With Lateral Epicondylalgia Managed With Postural Training And Iontophoresis: A Case Report, Matthew Starkey

Case Report Posters

Background: Lateral epicondylalgia describes a condition where pain and tenderness are present in the wrist extensors, most commonly from repetitive motion activities. Current research suggests the cause is attributed to tissue degeneration due to repetitive stress to the wrist extensors. A concept known as regional interdependence may also influence lateral epicondylalgia. Regional interdependence describes a condition where impairments are present in proximal or distal joint segments and contribute or cause pain to the primary region reported by the patient. Iontophoresis, a common intervention utilized for treating lateral epicondylalgia, is intervention that uses electrical current to drive ionic drugs into the …

Closed-Chain Quadriceps Strengthening And Hamstring Stretching In The Conservative Treatment Of Medial Plica Syndrome: A Case Report, Michael Gamache

Case Report Posters

Background: Medial Plica Syndrome (MPS) is a source of anteriormedial knee pain. Caused by irritation of the medial plica (MP) by overuse, repetitive use or direct impact. Plica are folds on the synovial membrane formed as the synovial joint develops. Conservative treatment aimed at decreasing compressive forces at the knee are recommend have. Interventions should include open-chain activities that cause minimal joint stress on the anterior aspect of the knee and hamstring stretching. Tight hamstrings place stress on the anterior aspect of the knee during extension. Purpose: To demonstrate the use of close-chain quadriceps strengthening and hamstring stretching in a …

Physical Therapy Management Of A Female Adolescent Softball Pitcher With Chronic Low Back And Hip Pain: A Case Report, Paige Friend

Case Report Posters

Background: Low back pain (LBP) in young athletes who participate in sports requiring repetitive flexion/extension/rotation of the spine is common among females, especially during periods of rapid growth. Information collected by Oliver and Plummer on ground reaction forces, kinematics, and muscle activation during the windmill softball pitch indicates how crucial strength and conditioning of the gluteal muscle group is to prevent injury during this movement pattern. Purpose: This case report describes the examination, evaluation, and PT interventions for a female high school softball pitcher with hip and core weakness, and bilateral hip hypermobility leading to low back and hip pain.

The Use Of Electrical Stimulation And Cryotherapy In Pain Reduction For A Patient Following An Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy: A Case Report, Miranda Carlson

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: A partial meniscectomy consists of removing some meniscus from the knee. Pain management is utilized which may include Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and cryotherapy. TENS has been shown to be more effective than pain medication and aid in faster regains of strength and range. Cryotherapy has been shown to have a significant effect on the level of pain and amount of pain medication consumption. The purpose of this case report is to describe the patient management and outcomes of a patient status-post partial medial meniscectomy treated with TENS and cryotherapy for pain management. Case Description: The …

Closed-Chain Quadriceps Strengthening And Hamstring Stretching In The Conservative Treatment Of Medial Plica Syndrome: A Case Report, Michael Gamache

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Medial Plica Syndrome (MPS) is characterized by pain on the anteriomedial aspect of the knee. The pain results from irritation caused by repetitive use or direct impact. Closed-chain exercises and hamstring stretching have shown to decrease compressive forces on the anterior aspect of the knee. This case report will look at using these exercises in the conservative management of MPS. Case Description: The patient is a 13-year-old female who sustained a direct blow to the anteriomedial aspect of her left knee. After a diagnosis of Chondromalacia Patella, she was treated with non-specific exercises. Pain continued and no …

The Relationship Between Pain Sensitivity And Motor Adaptations, Irina Fedulow, Katherine S. Rudolph

Research Report Papers

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between measures of central sensitization and CPM and how they impact motor adaptations in individuals without chronic pain conditions. To conduct this research, we decided to incorporate the “broken escalator phenomenon,” which is the unusual feeling that occurs when an individual steps onto an escalator or moving walkway that is broken and therefore not moving. The body responds with an anticipatory response that includes increased trunk sway and increased forward speed. The body adapts to the stationary walkway by reducing trunk sway and speed. Following that period of adaptation, if …

The Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Adverse Mechanical Tension Including The Use Of Neural Gliders And Tensioners: A Case Report, Brent Manley

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Adverse mechanical tension on one’s nervous system can impair a nerves ability to mobilize in relation to its interfacing tissues and lead to sensations of pain, paresthesia and numbness. The impairment is typically treated by managing the interfacing tissues in addition to mobilizing the nerve through the use of gliders and tensioners. The purposes of this case report were to (1) provide overview of adverse mechanical tension and (2) to report a case describing specific physical therapy management approaches and outcomes during outpatient rehabilitation for a patient with adverse mechanical tension. Case Description: The patient was a …

Over-Expression Of Copper/Zinc Superoxide Dismutase In The Median Preoptic Nucleus Attenuates Chronic Angiotensin Ii-Induced Hypertension In The Rat., John P. Collister, Mitch Bellrichard, Donna Drebes, David Nahey, Jun Tian, Matthew C. Zimmerman

Journal Articles: Cellular & Integrative Physiology

The brain senses circulating levels of angiotensin II (AngII) via circumventricular organs, such as the subfornical organ (SFO), and is thought to adjust sympathetic nervous system output accordingly via this neuro-hormonal communication. However, the cellular signaling mechanisms involved in these communications remain to be fully understood. Previous lesion studies of either the SFO, or the downstream median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) have shown a diminution of the hypertensive effects of chronic AngII, without providing a clear explanation as to the intracellular signaling pathway(s) involved. Additional studies have reported that over-expressing copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), an intracellular superoxide (O2·-) scavenging enzyme, in …

Balance And Functional Skill Training For A Patient With Cognitive Dysfunction And Impaired Safety Awareness: A Case Report, Cameron Mccombs

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: With advances in medicine, there are increasing numbers of people living after stroke. One of the major factors that can limit improvement in ability to complete functional tasks is cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive rehabilitation in conjunction with large amounts of repetition during physical therapy can result in lasting neuronal changes and help improve the safety of patients. The purpose of this case study is to describe the decision making process for physical therapy examination and intervention for a patient who had a stroke with accompanying cognitive dysfunction and decreased safety awareness. Case Description: The patient was a male …

Physical Therapy Management Of A Female Adolescent Softball Pitcher With Chronic Low Back And Hip Pain: A Case Report, Paige Friend

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Low back pain (LBP) is an epidemiological problem, particularly in Westernized countries, and is common among adolescents who participate in competitive sports. There are few comprehensive clinical trials addressing the prevalence of LBP in adolescent athletes and those in existence typically focus on only a few select sports. Physical therapy (PT) is shown to improve function and manage symptoms for adolescent athletes with muscle imbalance, hypermobility, and core weakness in outpatient rehabilitation, however there is a shortage of literature on young female pitchers with LBP. The purpose of this case report is to describe the PT management …

Opportunities And Future Directions For The National Health Security Preparedness Index™, Glen P. Mays

Health Management and Policy Presentations

This presentation examines options and opportunities for future development of the National Health Security Preparedness Index, created through a partnership of national public health and health care organizations led by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO).

Wellness And Food Preferences Among Children Of Latino Immigrant Families In The Arcadia Community Of Spartanburg County, Sarah Grace Keaveny

Student Scholarship

The topic of this capstone is the result of my synthesis across disciplines. As a student with majors in Biology and Spanish with a concentration in Medical Humanities, I wanted to research a topic that would include my disciplines in a way that would meaningfully prepare me to leave my undergraduate years for medical school. This project seeks to generate an understanding of the culturally created eating habits and perceptions of wellness in Latino children living in the Arcadia Community, as told by their mothers. By seeking this understanding, I hope that this project may serve as a tool to …

Dprp: A Database Of Phenotype-Specific Regulatory Programs Derived From Transcription Factor Binding Data, David T. W. Tzeng, Yu-Ting Tseng, Matthew Ung, I-En Liao, Chun-Chi Liu, Chao Cheng

Dartmouth Scholarship

Gene expression profiling has been extensively used in the past decades, resulting in an enormous amount of expression data available in public databases. These data sets are informative in elucidating transcriptional regulation of genes underlying various biological and clinical conditions. However, it is usually difficult to identify transcription factors (TFs) responsible for gene expression changes directly from their own expression, as TF activity is often regulated at the posttranscriptional level. In recent years, technical advances have made it possible to systematically determine the target genes of TFs by ChIP-seq experiments. To identify the regulatory programs underlying gene expression profiles, we …

The Case Of Reintegration Of Women Post Incarceration, Deana Raley Noble Phd

Dissertations

Women released from prison or jail face particular obstacles and challenges on reentry to the community, many of which are related to their childhood and to gender roles as women and mothers. This study relates the lived experience of one woman's successful transition to economic and mainstream societal reintegration and family reconnection after release from prison and the insights gained by the researcher. Case study methodology congruent with Miller's Relational-Cultural Theory philosophical framework was utilized in this in-depth, single case design and represents a unique case. The overall purpose of this descriptive and explanatory research was to explore precursors to …

Environmental Health News, Georgia Southern University

Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Environmental Health Sciences: News & Publications (2011-2018)

• NOAA Grant

A Handbook For Non-Medicinal Forms Of Music Performance Anxiety Therapy, Aaron Evans

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Role Of Tissue Factor In Mycobacterium Tuberculosis-Induced Inflammation And Disease Pathogenesis, Hema Kothari, Shiva Keshava, Rit Vatsyayan, Nigel Mackman, L. Vijaya Mohan Rao, Usha R. Pendurthi

Cellular and Molecular Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic lung infectious disease characterized by severe inflammation and lung granulomatous lesion formation. Clinical manifestations of TB include hypercoagulable states and thrombotic complications. We previously showed that Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection induces tissue factor (TF) expression in macrophages in vitro. TF plays a key role in coagulation and inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the role of TF in M.tb-induced inflammatory responses, mycobacterial growth in the lung and dissemination to other organs. Wild-type C57BL/6 and transgenic mice expressing human TF, either very low levels (low TF) or near to the level of wild-type (HTF), in …

E2f4 Regulatory Program Predicts Patient Survival Prognosis In Breast Cancer, Sari S. Khaleel, Erik H. Andrews, Matthew Ung, James Direnzo, Chao Chung

Dartmouth Scholarship

Genetic and molecular signatures have been incorporated into cancer prognosis prediction and treatment decisions with good success over the past decade. Clinically, these signatures are usually used in early-stage cancers to evaluate whether they require adjuvant therapy following surgical resection. A molecular signature that is prognostic across more clinical contexts would be a useful addition to current signatures. We defined a signature for the ubiquitous tissue factor, E2F4, based on its shared target genes in multiple tissues. These target genes were identified by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) experiments using a probabilistic method. We then computationally calculated the regulatory activity score …

Analysis Of Clock-Regulated Genes In Neurospora Reveals Widespread Posttranscriptional Control Of Metabolic Potential, Jennifer M. M. Hurley, Arko Dasgupta, Jillian M. Emerson, Xiaoying Zhou, Carol S. Ringelberg, Nicole Knabe

Dartmouth Scholarship

Neurospora crassa has been for decades a principal model for filamentous fungal genetics and physiology as well as for understanding the mechanism of circadian clocks. Eukaryotic fungal and animal clocks comprise transcription-translation-based feedback loops that control rhythmic transcription of a substantial fraction of these transcriptomes, yielding the changes in protein abundance that mediate circadian regulation of physiology and metabolism: Understanding circadian control of gene expression is key to understanding eukaryotic, including fungal, physiology. Indeed, the isolation of clock-controlled genes (ccgs) was pioneered in Neurospora where circadian output begins with binding of the core circadian transcription factor WCC to a subset …

Syndecan 4 Is Required For Endothelial Alignment In Flow And Atheroprotective Signaling, Nicolas Baeyens, Mary Jo Mulligan-Kehoe, Federico Corti, David D. Simon, Tyler D. Ross, John M. Rhodes, Thomas Z. Wang

Dartmouth Scholarship

Atherosclerotic plaque localization correlates with regions of disturbed flow in which endothelial cells (ECs) align poorly, whereas sustained laminar flow correlates with cell alignment in the direction of flow and resistance to atherosclerosis. We now report that in hypercholesterolemic mice, deletion of syndecan 4 (S4−/−) drastically increased atherosclerotic plaque burden with the appearance of plaque in normally resistant locations. Strikingly, ECs from the thoracic aortas of S4−/− mice were poorly aligned in the direction of the flow. Depletion of S4 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) using shRNA also inhibited flow-induced alignment in vitro, which was rescued by re-expression …

College Of Public Health News, Georgia Southern University

College of Public Health: News & Publications

• NOAA Grant
• Trends in the Use of Volunteers

Los Efectos De La Violencia Familiar Y Las Percepciones De Las Mujeres Afectadas: Un Estudio De Las Mujeres Victimas De La Violencia Familiar A Ahmauta / The Effects Of Family Violence And Perceptions Of Women Affected :A Study Of Women Victims Of Domestic Violence To Ahmauta, Catherine Oidtman

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Violence against women is a social problem that demands much attention from society because it is a human rights issue and is damaging to the mental health status of women. The purpose of this investigation is to use an ethnographic approach to analyze the perceptions of women who have suffered from domestic violence to determine how perceptions of domestic violence impact subsequent mental health outcomes. Women (n=6) were recruited from the NGO Amhauta, an educational program that advocates for the rights of women and children in San Jerónimo, a district of Cusco, Peru. This analysis uses an ethnographic approach to …

Health Policy & Management News, Georgia Southern University

Health Policy & Community Health: News & Publications (2011-2018)

• Trends in the Use of Volunteers

The Effect Of Tea And Its Constituent L-Theanine On Anxiety: A Review Of The Literature, Christine Gilbert

Food Science and Nutrition

Mental health disorders are a universal issue and affect millions of individuals every day. Anxiety is the most common type of mental disorder, affecting social, physical, and cognitive health. Although clinicians usually suggest prescriptive medications, they carry side effects, are expensive, and only acutely alleviate symptoms. As a result, recent interest has been directed towards nonconventional dietary therapies, including tea and its constituent L-theanine, for anxiolytic effects. Tea is the most prevalent beverage consumed after water; it is historically and globally accepted. The purpose of this literature review is to explore whether tea and its constituent L-theanine carry anxiolytic effects. …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Methacrylated Hyaluronan-Based Hydrogels For Tissue Engineering, Keegan Bradley Compton

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Polymers have revolutionized the field of tissue engineering due to the countless possibilities of scaffolds that can be constructed from such a material. Through conjugation of other functional groups onto a polymer backbone, the mechanical properties of polymers can be controlled and has the ability to span a wide range of strengths, allowing for application in multiple tissue environments. One such polymer, hyaluronic acid (HA), is a natural polysaccharide found most abundantly in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of connective tissues with structural, lubricating, and wound healing functions in the human body; for this reason, HA has great potential for utilization …

Development Of A Mobility-Enabling Spinal Orthosis And Methods For Evaluating And Developing Spinal Orthoses On A Robotic Platform, John C. Simmons

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Introduction: A number of decompressing spinal braces (typically pneumatic) have been introduced that attempt to mechanically emulate the “buoyancy” of water therapy by offloading upper torso load to the pelvic girdle as a treatment for lower back pain (LBP). Unfortunately, the beneficial upward force they apply on the upper torso typically makes it difficult or impossible for the patient to bend. For those cases where stabilization is not indicated, this undesirably hinders therapeutic exercise, independent living, and return to work. The cosmetic stigma of wearing an external pneumatic assembly large enough to provide significant offloading may provide additional disincentives to …

Correlating Coworker Relations, Employee Involvement, And Leadership With Associate Commitment In Select Healthcare Companies Using A Mixed Sequential Explanatory Design, Kimberly Ann Lee

Theses & Dissertations

Increasing patient demands and decreasing reimbursement require better efficiency and effectiveness in health care systems and, subsequently, in health care teams. These environmental and societal factors are further complicated by the complex initiatives set forth by the Affordable Care Act (2010). In this study, the researcher sought to examine and identify the strongest variables of health care teaming and to explore resulting themes through the perception of groups of health care associates. This mixed sequential explanatory design first examined the relationships between coworker relations, employee involvement, and leadership with associate commitment and with each other. An existing database of associate …

Pre-Operative Outpatient Physical Therapy Of A Torn Rotator Cuff And Peripheral Nerve Injury Caused By Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: A Case Report, Taylor Lacouture

Case Report Posters

Background: Due to the high degree of available range of motion of the Glenohumeral joint, it is highly susceptible to instability and injury. 98% of all traumatic shoulder dislocations are anterior. Rotator cuff injuries and peripheral nerve injuries are commonly associated with traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations. Very little literature exists on pre-operative PT. Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of pre-operative physical therapy (PT) management including passive range of motion, joint mobilization and exercises for a patient with both a torn rotator cuff and suspected neuropraxic peripheral nerve injury.

Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Stroke Utilizing Muscular Facilitation Techniques In A Skilled Nursing Facility: A Case Report, Erin Bayne

Case Report Posters

Background: Stroke is the leading cause of serious long term disability in the United States. Hemiparesis is a well-known impairment following stroke. Trunk musculature asymmetry is also common and often overlooked when assessing a patient’s muscular control. Trunk musculature is an essential link between the upper extremities and lower extremities during activities of daily living. Impairments in trunk musculature can result in decreased safety and balance. Purpose: The purpose of this case is to provide the framework for treatment and an overview of a care plan for a patient following stroke, with special attention to trunk musculature facilitation, in a …