Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Predictors Of Money Spent On Drugs In Substance Users, Simona Ciobotaru

DePaul Discoveries

Financial need is a major stressor for individuals who are reentering the community after substance abuse and/or incarceration. Family members and friends make up a great majority the support networks from which reentering people can receive financial support. However, that financial support could possibly contribute to drug use when the individual is actively using. The goal of this study was to further understand the implications of material and financial support specifically being transmitted from family members. This study looks at psychosocial predictors in relation to money spent on drugs in the last 30 days of 270 individuals entering substance abuse …

Phosphorylation Of Gap-43 And The Effect On App Processing, Kaitlynn Tracy, Eric Norstrom

DePaul Discoveries

The phosphorylation of Growth Associated Protein may affect the rate of interaction between GAP-43 and the Amyloid Precursor Protein. By synthesizing mutants of the GAP-43 protein, the amount of C-terminal fragments of APP that results from the interaction could be observed under various conditions. The two mutants, S41A and S41D, and the wild type GAP-43 were both co-expressed with APP in moues neuroblastoma cells and analyzed on a Western blot. The mutant used to block phosphorylation showed a greater rate of interaction with APP, while the mutant that was created to mimic the effect of phosphorylation showed less interaction. Further …

The Effect Of Hydrogen Peroxide On Leishmania Amazonensis Promastigotes, Debra Eluobaju

DePaul Discoveries

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by the parasite Leishmania. The disease causes lesions to the skin and face; when visceral it becomes fatal to its host. Leishmanias are transmitted through the female blood-sucking sand fly into its mammalian host, where it infects macrophages. Within the macrophages, Leishmania differentiates from a motile, rod shaped, nonvirulent promastigotes to a non-motile, spherical shaped, virulent amastigotes. Differentiation is due to the high temperature of the mammalian host body, in addition to the low pH of the macrophage. In vitro, the cells are differentiated in Graces medium (pH 5.3) at 33◦C. I investigated whether …

Knowledge Of Clinical Measures And Healthcare Adherence In Young Gay And Bisexual Men Living With Hiv/Aids, Harry A. Persaud, Douglas Bruce

DePaul Discoveries

Knowledge of HIV/AIDS test results and adherence to healthcare interventions are two important outcomes that reflect proper HIV/AIDS management. This study aimed to determine which demographic and HIV acceptance measures were significantly associated with health literacy and adherence indicators in young MSM. 200 HIV/AIDS positive young MSM completed computer based surveys regarding demographics, HIV/AIDS health literacy indicators, and HIV/AIDS acceptance measures. It was found that young African American MSM, in comparison to young white MSM, had lower odds of knowing both viral load and CD4 measures; health literacy indicators. Further, participants who had a high school diploma were found to …

Measuring Rates Of Atmospheric Phosphorus Deposition Into A Fresh Water Wetland, Cassandra Shah

DePaul Discoveries

No abstract provided.

Homelessness As A Determinant Of Health Disparities Between Young Gay And Bisexual Males In Chicago, Jaclyn M. Shea, Douglas Bruce

DePaul Discoveries

There is limited research documenting health disparities between gay and bisexual males. This study aimed to examine the health behaviors and outcomes of young gay and bisexual males in Chicago, including substance use, mental health, and homelessness. Data was from a cross-sectional survey of 180 bisexual and gay males age 16-24. Bivariate results indicate that bisexual males experience higher rates of homelessness, daily marijuana use, depressive symptoms, lifetime gonorrhea and chlamydia. Logistic regression results reveal homelessness was significantly associated with marijuana use, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and depressive symptoms. Research on disparities within sexual minorities and homelessness are needed to better understand …

A High-Altitude Balloon Platform For Determining Regional Uptake Of Carbon Dioxide Over Agricultural Landscapes, Angela M. Bouche

DePaul Discoveries

Interactions between the biosphere and atmosphere are an important part of the global carbon cycle, and quantifying the carbon dioxide exchanges between them is helpful in predicting the uptake of carbon dioxide from anthropogenic sources by the biosphere in the future. In the Midwestern United States, agricultural systems cover a large part of the landscape, so understanding their role in influencing the global carbon budget is crucial as anthropogenic sources of carbon dioxide grow larger. Carbon dioxide exchanges can be measured by eddy covariance at the ecosystem level (bottom-up approach) or regionally by inversion techniques (top-down approach). Here we describe …

Diol-Mediated Versus Water-Mediated Proton Transfer Reactions, Angela Moses

DePaul Discoveries

The triple-proton-transfer reactions of 8H-1,8-naphthyridin-2-one (8H-naph) have been investigated by employing different ab initio quantum mechanical methods. The proton transfer reactions studied were facilitated through an adjacent 1,3-propanediol molecule or two adjacent water molecules. Identical proton transfer reactions were studied using a model system of 8H-naph to investigate the validity of computational approaches that use model systems to study more complex systems. The solvent effects on the structures were investigated for comparison to the initial gas phase calculations. The potential energy, reaction force, and work profiles were studied along the intrinsic reaction coordinate to monitor the developing proton transfer reactions.

Do Oaks With A Provenance Related To Warmer Climates Emit More Isoprene?, Elizabeth Carter

DePaul Discoveries

The hydrocarbon isoprene plays an important role in atmospheric chemistry, particularly in regards to air pollution and climate change. It is important to know why certain plant species emit isoprene and what factors affect its production in order to predict future air quality. Past research has indicated that isoprene aids in coping with heat stress, so it was hypothesized that source latitude (a proxy for climate) would significantly impact isoprene production by oaks grown in a common location. Twelve bur oaks collected from a latitudinal range (30-45˚) and raised at the Morton Arboretum were assayed for their isoprene emission rate …

Teamwork And Collaboration: Integration Of Interprofessional Education Across Pharmacy And Nursing Curricula, Charlene Smith, Kylene Abraham, Karen M. Parker

Nursing Faculty/Staff Publications

In this 30 minute presentation, presenters articulated the evidence and need for interprofessional education supporting teamwork and collaboration. Strategies for integrating Interprofessional Education in curricula were discussed. Finally, challenges and lessons learned in implementing IPE across the curricula were described by presenting faculty.

Ultrasound Evaluation Of Umbilical Coiling Index In Second Trimester Of Gestation And Its Association With Small For Gestational Age Status At Birth, Josephine Mwikali Ndolo

Master of Medicine in Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology

Introduction: The degree of coiling of the umbilical cord, referred to as umbilical coiling index, has been shown to have an effect on perinatal adverse outcomes such as small for gestational age neonates, interventional delivery, meconium staining, low fetal pH and low Apgar score. This study proposes that the antenatal umbilical coiling index performed in the second trimester of pregnancy has a correlation with the gestation-specific birth weight and can therefore be used as a marker to predict small for gestational age neonates. Objective: To determine the association between antenatal umbilical coiling index (aUCI) in the second trimester and small …

Assessing Predictors Of Contraceptive Use And Demand For Family Planning Services In Underserved Areas Of Punjab Province In Pakistan: Results Of A Cross-Sectional Baseline Survey, Syed Khurram Azmat, Moazzam Ali, Muhammad Ishaque, Ghulam Mustafa, Waqas Hameed, Omar Farooq Khan, Ghazunfer Abbas, Marleen Temmerman, Erik Munroe

Community Health Sciences

Background: Although Pakistan was one of the first countries in Asia to launch national family planning programs, current modern contraceptive use stands at only 26% with a method mix skewed toward short-acting and permanent methods. As part of a multiyear operational research study, a baseline survey was conducted to understand the predictors of contraceptive use and demand for family planning services in underserved areas of Punjab province in Pakistan. This paper presents the baseline survey results; the outcomes of the intervention will be presented in a separate paper after the study has been completed.
Method: A cross-sectional baseline household survey …

Isolation Of Mycobacterium Avium From Potable Water In Homes And Institutions Of Patients With Hiv Infection In Finland And The United States, Matti Ristola, Robert D. Arbeit, C. Fordham Von Reyn, C. Robert Horsburgh

Dartmouth Scholarship

Symptomatic disease by nontuberculous mycobacteria has been linked to potable water from institutional and domestic potable water systems. Potable water samples were collected from homes and institutions of patients with AIDS. Colonization of potable water with nontuberculous mycobacteria was demonstrated in 230 (15%) of 1489 samples collected from domestic and institutional water systems of patients with HIV infection in the United States and Finland. Mycobacterium avium was the most common species and colonization was favored at temperatures of 40–50°C in recirculating hot water systems. Such systems are a plausible source of human infection and disease.

Distribution And Diversity Of The Vectors Of Rift Valley Fever Along The Livestock Movement Routes In The Northeastern And Coastal Regions Of Kenya, Samwel O. Arum, Christopher W. Weldon, Benedict Orindi, Tobias Landmann, David P. Tchouassi, Hippolyte D. Affognon, Rosemary Sang

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Knowledge of vector ecology is important in understanding the transmission dynamics of vector borne disease. In this study, we determined the distribution and diversity of mosquitoes along the major nomadic livestock movement routes (LMR) in the traditional pastoral ecozone of northeastern Kenya. We focused on the vectors of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFv) with the aim of understanding their ecology and how they can potentially influence the circulation of RVFv. Methods: Mosquito surveys were conducted during the short and long rainy seasons from November 2012 to August 2014 using CO2-baited CDC light traps at seven sites selected for their …

Art Therapy And Evidence-Based Practice: An Exploration Of Interactions, Michael G. Bauer, Chauney Peck, Aubrey Studebaker, Naomi Yu

LMU Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine the attitudes and beliefs of art therapists towards Evidence-Based Practices (EBP). EBP is a rising trend in healthcare that refers to the process of using empirically validated research to make clinical decisions that best meet the needs of each client (Patterson, Miller, Carnes & Wilson, 2004).The investigators used a mixed methods approach to the research topic. Part A consists of a survey distributed to graduates of the Department of Marital and Family Therapy (MFT) at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). In addition to answering questions, survey participants were asked to create an art …

Expanding The Theoretical Lenses Of Addiction Treatment Through Art Therapy Practice, Lily F. Braverman

LMU Theses and Dissertations

This research explores the connection and interaction between literature describing addiction theory and clinical art therapy practice. Literature spanning a wide variety of theoretical understandings of addiction and recovery was reviewed, as well as literature published on the use of art therapy with the substance abuse population. Using the review of the substance abuse literature as a base, key theoretical concepts were identified and formatted into a table that came to serve as a data coding system. Applying case study methodology, this coding system was then utilized as an analysis tool for the art therapy process and artwork of four …

Reproductive Genetics: Desired Genes, Gendered Ethics, And Eugenic Echoes, Marykate K. Bodnar

The Hilltop Review

Present knowledge of genetics and assisted reproduction make fertile ground for a new type of eugenics: reproductive genetics. Proponents of reproductive genetics aim to separate these techniques from the problematic and negative connotations associated with historical eugenic policies by claiming them as part of the liberal eugenic movement. In-vitro fertilization (IVF), the market for sperm and eggs, and prenatal genetic testing allow conscious decision-making regarding the potential genetic make-up of children. Decisions are made in a gendered and politicized environment, shaping understandings of genes, eggs, and sperm around stereotypes and ideal social norms. In choosing “desirable” characteristics, whatever they may …

17th Annual Pacific Research Day Abstracts, University Of The Pacific

Excellence Day

No abstract provided.

2015 Commencement For Jefferson School Of Health Professions, Jefferson School Of Pharmacy, And Jefferson School Of Nursing

Jefferson College of Nursing Commencements

No abstract provided.

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Reduces Vx-809 Stimulated F508del-Cftr Chloride Secretion By Airway Epithelial Cells, Bruce A. Stanton, Bonita Coutermarsh, Roxanna Barnaby, Deborah Hogan

Dartmouth Scholarship

Background:

P. aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that chronically infects the lungs of 85% of adult patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Previously, we demonstrated that P. aeruginosa reduced wt-CFTR Cl secretion by airway epithelial cells. Recently, a new investigational drug VX-809 has been shown to increase F508del-CFTR Cl secretion in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells, and, in combination with VX-770, to increase FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) by an average of 3-5% in CF patients homozygous for the F508del-CFTR mutation. We propose that P. aeruginosa infection of CF lungs reduces VX-809 + VX-770- stimulated F508del-CFTR Cl secretion, and …

Development And Validation Of A Bangladeshi Pediatric Silhouette Scale (Bpss), Ana Mola

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

There is no culturally congruent children's silhouette scale to understand how Bangladeshi mothers perceive their children's body sizes and weight categories. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an ethnic congruent Bangladeshi Pediatric Silhouette Scale (BPSS) and a facial feature scale to assess the mothers' perceptions of their children's body sizes, weight categories and facial features. The study methodology was a quantitative, descriptive design with scale content validation. The sample was comprised of 29 Bangladeshis mothers ages 25-40 and their four-five year old children living in London, England and New York City. The Mola Facetool analyses revealed …

Women Of Faith: Adaptation Of African American Women Breast Cancer Survivors, Pearline Lincoln Okumakpeyi

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the adaptation experience of African American women breast cancer survivors. The African American women's perception of the influence of faith on the breast cancer survivorship experience was explored.

This study utilized the directed qualitative content analysis method, which extracted themes and patterns that emerged in a narrative content. The 15 study participants were self-identified African American breast cancer survivors. The study was conducted using semi-structured interview questions that were derived from the modes of the Roy Adaptation Model (RAM). The discussion was framed within the context of the themes …

Development Of Instructional Competencies For Assessing And Managing Suicide Risk For Baccalaureate Nursing Education, Abigail Kotowski

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Suicide is a major health problem and a leading cause of death throughout the world. Reforming health professional education has been identified as a primary goal for suicide prevention, and although nursing leadership is involved in this reform, nurses frequently lack the competence to care for patients in suicidal crisis. An identified gap in baccalaureate nursing education is instructional competencies for assessing and managing suicide risk. Instructional competencies are targeted components of knowledge, attitudes, and skills that nursing students need to know in order to assess and manage patients expressing suicidal ideation. This study aimed to develop a set of …

Investigating The Effects Of Combining Treadmill Training With Trans-Spinal Direct Current Stimulation On Motor Skill Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury, Jennifer Blake, Rebecca Bullen, Jeremy Pahl, Samantha Scicchigno

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This study assessed the effect of treadmill training with or without trans-spinal direct current stimulation on motor recovery following a T13/L1 spinal cord hemi section in CD-1 mice. Mice all received the same spinal cord injury, which resulted in left hind limb paralysis, and were assigned to one of three groups. Control animals received no treatment. Treadmill only mice were treated with 5 sessions of treadmill training. Treadmill + stimulation animals were treated with concurrent treadmill training and trans-spinal direct current stimulation. Progress was assessed by analyzing each subject’s steps on a horizontal ladder test, which the animals performed both …

Implications Of Muscle Activation Patterns On Balance In The Elderly, Arielle Bailey, Goldie Baum, Hadassa Radzik, Aruna Woods

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

More than one third of adults ages 65 years old and older fall each year in the United States. This can result in trauma, hospital admissions, and potential death. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of waist-pull perturbation training on balance in the elderly. There were two experimental groups, elderly non-fallers (n=9) and elderly fallers (n=5) between ages 65-86, and a control group comprised of young, healthy subjects (n=10) ages 21-31. All subjects underwent baseline and post-training measurements using EMG recordings of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, vastus lateralis and semimembranosus. Training was performing using repeated waist-pull …

Use Of The Bioness L300® Functional Electrical Stimulator In Acute Stroke Rehabilitation, Christine Flanigan, Colleen M. Martinez, Beth N. Terranova, Nicholas Wildi

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Purpose. Over 150,000 people in the U.S. every year experience foot drop following a stroke, slowing their ambulation and increasing their falls risk. We explore whether the use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) to the common fibular nerve during acute rehabilitation can maximize ambulation gains. Methods. Five in-patients admitted at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital experiencing foot drop participated. While receiving conventional physical therapy, four subjects wore the Bioness L300® device, and one subject used an elastic figure-8 wrapped elastic bandage. Gait parameters were evaluated at initial evaluation, an intermittent evaluation, and discharge. Results. During their stay, subjects significantly improved in gait …

The Influence Of Forward Head Posture On Suprahyoid Activity During Oropharyngeal Swallowing: A Surface Electromyographic Analysis, Brianne Carroll, Sierra Hunt, Katherine Sheeleigh, Mark Wnukowski

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

STUDY DESIGN: Within subjects repeated measures design.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research is to explore the effect that Forward Head Posture has on the mylohyoid muscle during swallowing in a healthy population.

BACKGROUND: Forward Head Posture (FHP) is the most common deviation from ideal head posture, and has become more prominent due to the rise of smart phones and the prevalence of computers in the household and workplace. FHP is associated with a variety of detrimental effects on the musculoskeletal system that arise from the abnormal positioning of the cranial and cervical bones and joints. In particular, the muscles …

An Electromyographic Comparison Of The Functional Performance Of The Gluteus Maximus Muscle In Prolonged Sitting Versus Standing Populations, Kerry Campagnola, Giusi Gerbino, Erica Johnson, Adrienne O’Keefe

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

PURPOSE: A common clinical concern of Physical Therapists is the inexplicably weak gluteus maximus (GM) muscle; we hypothesized that this may be linked to the popular habit of prolonged sitting. The purpose of this study was to determine if surface electromyography (sEMG) output and timing of the GM and hamstrings muscles differed between people who sit for prolonged periods of time and people who stand for prolonged periods of time. METHODS: The design of our study was a single session case-control study. Subjects were 22 healthy adults (23-36 years old) who either sat or stood for 8-10 hours a day …

Dancer Performance On The Lower Quarter Y Balance Test: A Longitudinal Study, Megan Dehey, Kelly Kaems, Molly Saunders, Gabrielle Schneider

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Purpose: There is a need in the current literature for further information regarding dancer performance on the Y Balance Test (YBT). This study tracked the test scores of a group of dancers to assess change over time and relationship of balance scores to injury risk. It is hoped that clinicians may be able to use the information found in this study to more accurately screen dancers for asymmetries, deficits, and changes over time using the YBT. Such screenings would allow for more effective care and better assessment of readiness to return to dance. Method: A group of 12 dancers between …

The Effects Of Cooling During Gait On Gait Endurance In Persons With Multiple Sclerosis Using The Six Minute Walk Test, Meghan Higgins, Esther Sosowsky, Elisheva Zinberg

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Background: Persons with MS (pwMS) are limited in their mobility due to thermosensitivity. Exercising at a sufficient volume and intensity to increase mobility can result in increased core temperatures and resultant worsening of symptoms. The use of cooling garments to lower core temperature has been found to be a successful means of allowing pwMS to exercise for longer periods. Previous studies have relied on precooling for an extended period of time prior to activity, to achieve improved exercise performance. Cooling during the performance itself, or pericooling, may allow for similar performance gains to be realized without spending the time needed …