Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Online Communities For People Who Stutter: An Ethnographic Study Of A Facebook Social Networking Support Group, Erik X. Raj

Wayne State University Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of people who stutter who digitally connect and share with other people who stutter on a social networking site, specifically Facebook. This study used a qualitative, ethnographic approach to gain insight from members of a private Facebook group for people who stutter and to collect their opinions as to whether an online community was a beneficial means of obtaining psychosocial support from other people who stutter. The primary investigator collected textual data and artifacts from 3 months of Facebook group postings, semi-structured interviews with 7 of the Facebook group members, …

Adipocyte-Induced Inflammation In Prostate Tumor Progression In Bone: Role Of Cxcr2 And Osteopontin, Aimalie Lynnette Hardaway

Wayne State University Dissertations

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men. Evidence suggests that age and obesity, conditions associated with adipocyte accumulation in the bone marrow, are linked to increased risk of developing PCa and progressing to metastatic disease. Studies presented in this dissertation were based on the hypothesis that metastatic progression in bone is a result of a cooperative effort between bone marrow adipocytes, macrophages, osteoclasts, and PCa cells. We specifically focused on two adipocyte-supplied chemokines, CXCL1 and CXCL2, and bone marrow macrophage-secreted osteopontin as key drivers of pro-inflammatory environment in the bone marrow and important …

Agency And Resistance Strategies Among Black Primary Care Patients, Janella Nicole Hudson

Wayne State University Dissertations

Research has identified marginalized and minority patients as displaying fewer participatory behaviors during the clinical interaction. Using a culture-centered framework, this study examines the process by which patients with a previous history of discrimination employed agency and resistance strategies in order to influence the outcome of their clinical interactions. This study conducted a secondary analysis of the video taped interactions of 25 black primary care patients in an urban low-income clinic. Using qualitative content analysis, I identified five emergent themes for patient agency: interrupting the physician, stating observations of care, expressing needs and desires, constructing identity, and agenda/goal management. Participants …

Investigation Of Whether Sedentary And Physically Active Conditions Lead To Altered Gabaergic Signaling In The Rvlm, Maryetta Donna Dombrowski

Wayne State University Dissertations

Investigation of whether sedentary and physically active conditions lead to altered GABAergic signaling in the RVLM

MD Dombrowski, and PJ Mueller

Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI

A sedentary lifestyle is a major risk for cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease has been associated with elevated basal sympathetic nerve activity. The rostral ventrolateral medulla is a bilateral brainstem region that is an important for the control of resting and reflex control of sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure. The activity of these neurons in this region is tonically inhibited by the neurotransmitter γ-butyric amino acid (GABA). Interestingly, …

Quintessential Intractability: Attractors And Barriers In The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, Samuel (Muli) Peleg

Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution

Intractable conflicts are those that linger despite the parties' understanding that they would be better off resolving their disagreements in negotiation. The obvious ensuing question is why these conflicts persist when rational considerations indicate they should cease. A valuable way to examine this ostensible paradox is through the lens of Dynamical Systems Theory ("DST") and specifically by applying the concept of conflict attractors, which are "patterns of thinking, feeling and acting ... pulling ... toward a negative, destructive state that becomes self-organizing and selfperpetuating." The DST frame is particularly useful to observe intractable conflicts since it focuses on nonlinear, multi-dimensional …

Beginning With Yes: A Review Essay On Michael Wheeler's The Art Of Negotiation: How To Improvise Agreement In A Chaotic World, Leonard L. Riskin

Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution

This Review Essay describes the book, introduces a new system for understanding models of negotiation, and uses it to explain and expand upon some of the ideas in The Art of Negotiation. Then it suggests a different title for Wheeler's book, and describes recent efforts to connect improv with negotiation and mediation training and practice. I mean to honor Wheeler's important work by extending it.

Heterometallic Titanium–Gold Complexes Inhibit Renal Cancer Cells In Vitro And In Vivo, Jacob Fernandez-Gallardo, Benelita T. Elie, Tanmoy Sadhukha, Swayam Prabha, Mercedes Sanau, Susan A. Rotenberg, Joe W. Ramos, Maria Contel

Publications and Research

Following recent work on heterometallic titanocene–gold complexes as potential chemotherapeutics for renal cancer, we report here on the synthesis, characterization and stability studies of new titanocene complexes containing a methyl group and a carboxylate ligand (mba ¼ S–C6H4–COO) bound to gold(I)-phosphane fragments through a thiolate group [(h-C5H5)2TiMe(m-mba)Au(PR3)]. The compounds are more stable in physiological media than those previously reported and are highly cytotoxic against human cancer renal cell lines. We describe here preliminary mechanistic data involving studies on the interaction of selected compounds with plasmid (pBR322) DNA used as a model nucleic acid, and with selected protein kinases from a …

Inequalities And Approximations Of Weighted Distributions By Lindley Reliability Measures, And The Lindley-Cox Model With Applications, Broderick O. Oluyede, Macaulay Okwuokenye, Karl E. Peace

Biostatistics: Faculty Publications

In this note, stochastic comparisons and results for weighted and Lindley models are presented. Approximation of weighted distributions via Lindley distribution in the class of increasing failure rate (IFR) and decreasing failure rate (DFR) weighted distributions with monotone weight functions are obtained including approximations via the length-biased Lindley distribution. Some useful bounds and moment-type inequality for weighted life distributions and applications are presented. Incorporation of covariates into Lindley model is considered and an application to illustrate the usefulness and applicability of the proposed Lindley-Cox model is given.

How Long Does That 10-Year Smoke Alarm Really Last? A Survival Analysis Of Smoke Alarms Installed Through The Saife Program In Rural Georgia, Haresh Rochani, Valamar Malika Reagon, Steve Davidson

Biostatistics: Faculty Publications

Background: When functioning properly, a smoke alarm alerts individuals in the residence that smoke is near the alarm. Smoke alarms serve as a primary prevention mechanism to abate morbidity and mortality related to residential fires.

Methods: Using survival analysis, we examined the length of operability of 10-year lithium battery powered smoke alarms installed through the Georgia Public Health/CDC SAIFE program in Moultrie, Georgia. Attempts were made to reach all homes in the city limits. The premise of the study is that geographic clusters (in the case of Moultrie city quadrants) are associated with decreases in the length of time that …

Influence Of Novel Techniques On Solubility, Mechanical Properties And Permeability Via Hot Melt Extrusion Technology, Eman A. Ashour

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hot melt extrusion (HME) was evaluated as a continuous processing technology for the manufacture of solid dispersions. The aim of the current research project was to study the effect of pressurized carbon dioxide (P-CO2) on the physico-mechanical properties of three different grades of cellulose polymers, Klucel™ ELF, EF and LF hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) resulting from hot melt extrusion techniques, and to assess the plasticization effect of P-CO2 on the tested polymers. The physico-mechanical properties as well as the tablet characteristics of the extrudates with and without injection of P-CO2 and with non-extruded polymers were examined. P-CO2 acted as plasticizer for Klucel™ …

Design, Synthesis, And Biological Evaluation Of Sigma Receptors (Σrs) Ligands As Potential Pharmacotherapy For Cancer And Drug Addiction, Walid Alsharif

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sigma receptors are a well-defined unique class of receptors and are highly expressed in the central nervous system and also widely distributed in peripheral organs and tissues. There are two subtypes of sigma receptors: sigma-1 and sigma-2. These receptors are thought to be associated with functions and disorders such as inflammation, depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and drug abuse. The sigma-1 receptor has been demonstrated to be involved in acute and chronic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine toxicities. However, the role of sigma-2 receptors is less clear due to the lack of availability of detailed protein structural information and truly …

The Role Of Self-Regulation, Self-Efficacy, And Outcome Expectancy Value On Physical Activity Of Former Division I Student Athletes, Takilya T. Davis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In an effort to acknowledge the needs of student athletes after college, the NCAA designed the Challenging Athletes Minds for Personal Success (CHAMPS) Life Skills program to assist student athletes with this transition. In this program personal development outside of occupational skills is often ignored. Though physical activity appears to be of little focus of the CHAMPS Life Skill program, recent research revealed that student athletes' physical activity patterns surpass those of their peers while in college but this difference is not maintained among alumni student athletes and their peers (Sorenson, 2012). Self-regulation interventions have successfully mediated and predicted physical …

Assessing Computer Vision Syndrome Risk For Pilots, Curt Mowry, David C. Ison

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

The purpose of this study was to determine if pilots are at risk for computer vision syndrome (CVS) as computer display technology becomes commonplace in modern cockpits and simulators. A review of computer vision syndrome respect to causes and effects is provided. Display technology used in aircraft and simulators are outlined. Ergonomics and human factors for pilots in aircraft and in simulators are discussed in relation to video displays. A survey of 178 individuals was conducted to determine if there is a statistically significant link between exposure to computer displays and three categories of symptoms of CVS on the flight …

Impact Of Refill Synchronization On Medication Adherence For Chronic Diseases, Divya Verma

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the impact of medication synchronization (med sync) on medication adherence for three drug classes under the CMS Star Rating system i.e. oral diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-post study design was employed using pharmacy prescription fill data from various independent community pharmacies located in different regions of Mississippi. Using Proportion of Days Covered (PDC), medication adherence before and after the med sync was calculated. Total study period of one year for each patient including six months of pre-period and post-period was used for the analysis. Descriptive statistics were calculated. …

Primary Care Providers' Provision Of Therapeutic Lifestyle Change Counseling For Patients With Cardiovascular Risk, Tristen Jackson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cardiovascular disease is important to the U.S. healthcare system, as it constitutes a high prevalence of deaths and costs the system billions each year. In lieu of this, research directed at preventative measures is important, especially those related to therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC). TLC represents a host of healthy behaviors, such as physical activity and healthy nutrition, that have shown to provide benefits in both preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. While public experts have advocated for physicians to recommend not only TLC for patients at cardiovascular risk but also to help …

Predictors Of Use Of Hydroxyurea And Its Impact On Clinical And Economic Outcomes Among Children With Sickle Cell Disease, Manasi Datar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and predictors of use of hydroxyurea (HU) and its impact on clinical and economic outcomes in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) enrolled in Medicaid. Methods: A cohort of patients with SCD was identified in 2006 using ICD-9-CM codes from Medicaid claims from 40 US states. Patients who filled three prescriptions of HU in within 6 months in 2007 were identified as HU users. HU users were then matched with non-users and the impact of HU use on the presence of crises and economic outcomes including presence of …

Association Of Kidney Stones With Chronic Disease Among Adults In The United States: Considerations By Race-Ethnicity, Lashaunta Marie Glover

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: little research has been conducted to describe the relationship between kidney stones and risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke in individuals of different race ethnicities. Purpose: the purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of co-morbidities and to investigate whether there was a statistically significant association between kidney stone formers and increased odds of cardiovascular disease and stroke in race-ethnicity groups. Methods: data from the 2007-2012 cycles of the national health and nutrition examination survey (Nhanes) were used. Survey and biological data used included kidney stone cases, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke. …

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 92, No. 3 [I.E. 2], 2015)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

The Acute Effects Of Aerobic Exercise Durations On Arterial Compliance In Recreationally Active Males, Joe Angel Lopez

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to 1) examine the acute effects of different aerobic exercise durations on large (LAC) and small (SAC) arterial compliance, 2) examine the acute effects of different aerobic exercise durations on central pulse wave velocity (cPWV), peripheral pulse wave velocity (pPWV), Aortic Index (AIx), and 3) to examine the acute effects of aerobic exercise durations on hemodynamics.

METHODS: Eighteen male subjects (age= 23.4±2.0) performed a maximal aerobic stress test (Bruce protocol) in order to estimate VO2max. Participants were required to meet in the lab fasted for at least 8 hours for three …

Health Behaviors Of Mandated And Voluntary Students In A Motivational Intervention Program, Donna M. Kazemi Phd, Rn, Cne, Fiaan, Maureen J. Levine, Jacek Dmochowski, K Roger Van Horn, Li Qi

Publications

UNLABELLED: College students engage in many unhealthy behaviors, one of these, heavy alcohol use, is a major global public health problem. OBJECTIVE: This longitudinal study examined whether students' mandated/voluntary status in a program to reduce college drinking was associated with overall health, ethnicity, gender, and personality traits. Both mandated and voluntary groups participated in the Motivational Intervention (MI) program to prevent high risk drinking. METHODS: Freshmen (710 voluntary, 190 mandated, n = 900) between the ages of 18 and 21, received the MI at baseline and again at 2 weeks, with boosters at 3, 6 and 12 months. Participants completed …

African Americans' Culturally Specific Approaches To The Management Of Diabetes, Ida J. Spruill, Gayenell S. Magwood Phd, Rn, Faha, Faan, Lynne S. Nemeth, Tiffany H. Williams

Publications

Spirituality is an important multidimensional cultural resource and coping strategy used by many African Americans for managing chronic diseases such as diabetes. Yet, few studies examine meaning and interpretation of colloquial terms frequently used for coping within the context of a community culture. We designed an interpretive qualitative study to gain a deeper understanding of a colloquial phrase, "I ain't claiming it," used among Project SuGar research participants when discussing diabetes. Thematic analysis revealed two major themes, Acknowledgment and Denial, as coping mechanisms through an active or passive relationship with God. Sub-theme of acknowledgment was presented as front seat driver …

Complementary Alternative Medicine: Awareness And Perceptions Of Health Care Providers Who Provide Systemic Lupus Care, Carmen Ionie Bartley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this study was to explore healthcare providers' awareness and perceptions of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in providing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) care. This phenomenolgical study was built upon existing research indicating SLE patients' need to foster better communication about CAM use. Participants were recruited from the Long Island Rheumalogical Clinic in the State of New York. Individual in-depth semistructered interviews were conducted to explore the awareness and perceptions of a purposive sample of 10 healthcare providers who care for patients with SLE. Transcripts were analyzed, and categorical themes were developed. Guided by the use of …

Health-Related Beliefs Among Low-Income African American Women And Their Perceptions About Obesity, Cenora Kimberly Akhidenor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The aim of this study was to explore the health-related beliefs and perceptions of low-income African American women regarding obesity. Phenomenology served as the conceptual framework for this study. African American women, especially those in low-income brackets, have been shown to weigh more than women of other racial/ethnic groups. The consequences of these high rates are increased risks of developing chronic health disorders, such as type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study sample consisted of 7 low-income obese African American women, ranging in age from 20 to 62, who resided in the Pacific Northwest. Recruitment for participation occurred via …

Predicting Post Traumatic Stress Disorder In Children With Prior Mental Health Diagnoses, Earnest E. Airhia

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Hurricane Katrina devastated the U.S. Gulf Coast and subjected the city of New Orleans to disastrous flooding, which resulted in numerous after effects that impacted the children and adolescents of the city. The disaster contributed to high levels of stress, increased risk of psychological disorders, and was associated with an increased percentage of New Orleans children presenting symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To help address these problems associated with hurricanes and other disasters, the current study investigated how age, gender, race, and pre-existing conditions increased or decreased the likelihood of a child being diagnosed with PTSD following Hurricane …

Post Hysterectomy Discharge Destination And Risk Of Hospital Readmission In Elderly Women, Ruth Ann Churley-Strom

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In elderly women, discharge after gynecologic surgery is often associated with increased morbidity. Little information exists about elderly women's discharge destination after gynecologic surgery and the outcome of early hospital readmission. The purpose of this study, conceptualized using the quality health outcomes model, was to examine whether post hysterectomy discharge destination is an independent predictor of 30-day hospital readmission in women age 65 and older. Examination of covariates included patient age, race, medical comorbidity and complications of care, as well as surgical anatomic approach and operative technique. This study involved use of a retrospective cohort design and data from 10,598 …

Risk Factors And Food-Borne Illness: An Analysis Of Restaurant Violations In Georgia, Jovan Harris

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Restaurant managers complete certification in food safety in order to ensure that food is handled and prepared in a manner that decreases risk factors associated with food-borne illness. However, the literature has been inconclusive concerning the connection between manager certification and the incidence of critical food-safety violations. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationship between the presence or absence of a certified food safety manager (CFSM) and the number of risk factors cited on food inspection reports and the food safety score. In addition, this study was designed to determine whether operation type (i.e., chain vs. …

Retention In Nursing Programs: Factors Contributing To The Success Of Esl Students, Patience Jegbefu Mbulu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this project is the high attrition rate among English as Second Language (ESL) students in a local community college associate degree nursing program. If the retention problem is addressed, the increase in the number of ESL nursing student graduates could result in a more diverse nursing workforce, reflecting the diversity of the community. The purpose of this study was to examine student and faculty views regarding factors that contribute to the academic success and retention of ESL students. To that end, a qualitative case study approach was used, guided by the theoretical frameworks of Cummins's contextual …

Increasing Initiation And Exclusivity Of Breastfeeding In The Hospitalized Postpartum Dyad, Candace L. Rouse

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this project was to highlight an intervention to increase breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding during the birth hospitalization in a coastal mid-Atlantic inner city hospital. Although researchers and national standards promote early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, there continues to be a significant number of women who do not breastfeed and/or supplement with formula. The advantages of breastfeeding for mother and infant are substantial and include protecting babies from allergens to reducing maternal breast and ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding rates of initiation and exclusivity at the project hospital were below benchmarks set by international, national, and state agencies. The …

Development Of A Home Health Transitional Care Program For Elderly Heart Failure, Pamela Leshel Wright

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Ineffective transitional care programs for ensuring the continuation of care from the hospital setting to the home setting often result in rehospitalization for elderly heart failure patients age 65 and older. The purpose of this project was to develop a home health transitional care program for elderly patients transitioning from inpatient settings to home settings using care bundles consisting of evidence-based practices to reduce preventable rehospitalizations within 30 days of discharge. The home-based chronic care model, which provides a foundation for home health's integral role in chronic disease management by ensuring patient-centered evidence-based care, guided the development of this program. …

Quantitative Study Of Clostridium Difficile Incidence Related To Influenza And Antimicrobial Use, Eileen M. Yaeger

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In the United States, influenza causes approximately 36,000 deaths and over 200,000 hospitalizations each year with elderly most often affected. Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is another major health care challenge and pressing public health issue associated with 14,000 deaths and over 335,000 hospitalizations annually. The use of antibiotics has been implicated in the development of CDI. This study's purpose was to test the relationship of seasonal influenza incidence and antiviral/antibiotic use in CDI development among hospitalized patients. Grounded in the epidemiologic wheel model of man-environment interactions, this retrospective observational study described and analyzed data from a proprietary, laboratory, and pharmacy-based …