Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Prevalence Of Neurocognitive Test Failure Following Exertion In Athletes Recovering From Concussion, Caitlin Laura Zaring

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

The current return-to-play (RTP) protocol in place for an athlete recovering from a concussion is based on the subjective measure of self-report rather than more objective tools such as computerized neurocognitive testing. Because of this, it is possible that athletes downplay or lie about symptoms they are experiencing in order to expedite the RTP process. The purpose of the current study was to examine the frequency of post-exertional neurocognitive test failure in a sample of high school athletes recovering from concussion that underwent a standardized exertional RTP protocol. This research project used a de-identified medical records review of neurocognitive data …

Improving Antibiotic Resistant Infection Transmission Situational Awareness In Enclosed Facilities With A Novel Interface Design For Tactical Biosurveillance, Ann L. Fruhling, Devika Ramachandran

Interdisciplinary Informatics Faculty Proceedings & Presentations

The implementation of the Electronic Health Record to substantially improve the practice of medicine has not fully reached its projected potential partly due to many barriers to its adoption. There is growing evidence that one of the reasons for the delay in the adoption of EHR has been due to the negative impact of current EHRs on the clinician-patient interaction, clinician workflow and communications. This research studies the usability of the Electronic Health Record for clinicians involved in cardiac care by evaluating various clinician-patient interaction workflows. The aim of the study is to identify inefficiencies by examining the similarities and …

Normative Percent Differences Between Inter-Day And Inter-Limb Upper Extremity Volume In Healthy Adult Females, Chelsea M. Boch, Marissa L. Steppe, Malia A. Woodard, Molly J. Woodhall

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Lymphedema is a frequent complication of breast cancer treatments and can become a chronic condition. Diagnosing lymphedema early is essential to reverse the condition and prevent future complications. Segmental circumferential measurements are the most efficient, reliable, and clinically relevant method to measure UE volume. Diagnosing pre-clinical lymphedema requires an understanding of normal inter-day and inter-limb volume differences among healthy women.

Self-Reported Body Satisfaction Rates Among Collegiate Female Athletes And Their Use Of Social Media, Megan Elizabeth Jeffris

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Social media use has become increasingly popular in the past decade with all demographics. The significance of this research relates to the serious risk factors as a result of body dissatisfaction, including low self esteem, depression, eating disorders and obesity. Literature on the psychological effects of social media on perception of body satisfaction is lacking for the collegiate female athlete population. This mixed-methods study investigated the amount of time spent on social media in relationship to self-reported body satisfaction scores in collegiate female athletes. One-hundred and two collegiate female athletes were surveyed via an online survey about body satisfaction, time …

Depression And Spiritual Predictors Of Wellness In Family Caregivers Of Individuals With Alzheimer’S Disease, Christine Green

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

This study investigated the role of spirituality in family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease as a means of lessening the development of depressive symptomology arising through caregiver burden. For this study, there were 41 caregiver participants taking care of a family member with Alzheimer’s disease. The population was obtained through various divisions of the Alzheimer’s Association of the United States of America. Participants completed a basic demographic survey, the General Well-Being Schedule, the Patient Health Questionnaire- 9, and the Spiritual Experience Index. Two groups, religious and non-religious, had their mental health functioning compared. Results from the 41 surveys suggest …

Granular Cell Tumor Of The Common Hepatic Duct As An Unusual Cause Of Jaundice In A Hepatitis C Patient: Looking Beyond The Tip Of The Iceberg!, Tripti R. Chopade, Mbbs, Colin L. Smith, Md, Warren R. Maley, Md, Ali A. Siddiqui, Md, David A. Sass, Md

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Introduction

Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are rare, benign mesenchymal tumors of Schwann cell origin. Since they were originally described by Abrikossoff in 1926,most GCTs have been described in the dermis, oral area, or subcutaneous tissue of the chest and arms. Only 5%-9% of reported cases have involved the gastrointestinal tract and fewer than 1% of cases have occurred in the biliary tract.Tumors involving the bile duct are difficult to distinguish radiographically from more common etiologies of biliary stricturing, and a tissue diagnosis is difficult to obtain endoscopically. Diagnosis and treatment is most often made via surgical resection.

Type 2 Diabetes Related To Chronic Health Disease, Health Status, And Effect On Quality Of Life, Smanatha M. Hieger

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background In the United States, 29.1 million people, or 9.3% of the population have diabetes mellitus (CDC, 2014). The total cost of diabetes in the United States has been estimated at $245 billion, which included the direct medical costs as well as the reduced productivity (CDC, 2014). Diabetes greatly increases the risk of other chronic illnesses such as coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction (MI), retinopathy, nephropathy and stroke. These chronic conditions may cause serious harm or even death. Objectives The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of chronic health diseases among diabetic adults in the United States, …

A Study Designed To Explore Trends In 30-Day Readmission Rates Of Patients With Congestive Heart Failure After Implementation Of New Patient Education Tools, Kelly Williams

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a major problem in the United States today. So many aspects to the disease process exist that creating and implementing interventions to manage symptoms during the progression of the disease presents a challenge. Providing effective patient education to patients with this chronic disease process is a challenge due to the high frequency of readmissions to the hospital for these patients. Recently a CHF discharge class and visual educational tool were implemented at a hospital in Northwest Arkansas in an attempt to improve knowledge retention of patient education material. The purpose of this study was to …

Weight Management Of Diabetic Patients: Can Text Messaging Help?, Culver Randolph

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

The prevalence of obesity and diabetes have steadily increased over the past three decades with projections calling for 83% of men and 72% of women becoming overweight or obese by 2020; similarly, the incidence of women with diabetes is projected to increase from 37 % to 44% (Shute, N., 2011). These drastic increases have brought about a dramatic growth of innovative disease management tools that have proven to increase patient control over their disease as well as enhance patient-practitioner correspondence. The literature provided information involving the use of text messaging to prompt the patients to increase their adherence to the …

Determining A Discernable Pattern In Intensive Care Unit And Coronary Care Unit Readmissions: A Quality Improvement Project, Jade Angelea Letbetter

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract Background: Unplanned readmissions to the intensive care unit (ICU) are a significant clinical concern associated with more severe illnesses, longer lengths of stay, higher costs, and higher risk for hospital and overall mortality (Boots, 2013; Brown, Ratcliffe, Kahn, & Halpern, 2012; Elliot, Crookes, Worrall-Carter, & Page, 2011; Kramer, Higgins, & Zimmerman, 2013; Rosenberg, Hofer, Hayward, Strachan, & Watts, 2001; & Schorr, 2012). Objective: This quality improvement project was intended to identify a discernable pattern or characteristic associated with unplanned readmissions to the intensive care unit/coronary care unit. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used all patients discharged and subsequently readmitted …

Male Escorts’ And Male Clients’ Sexual Behavior During Their Last Commercial Sexual Encounter: Comparing And Contrasting Findings From Two Online Studies, Christian Grov, Carlos E. Rodríguez-Díaz, Gerardo G. Jovet-Toledo

Publications and Research

Much of what is known about commercial sexual encounters between men is based on data gathered from escorts. With few exceptions, studies have not compared male clients’ reports of behavior during commercial sexual encounters with male escorts’. The present study draws from two datasets, a 2012 survey of clients (n = 495) and a 2013 survey of escorts (n = 387)—both used virtually identical measures of sexual behavior during the most recent commercial sexual encounter. For clients and escorts, the majority eschewed having sex without a condom, and kissing and oral sex were among the most common behaviors reported. Using …

Skin-To-Skin Contact And Its Impact On Exclusive Breastfeeding Upon Discharge, Hayden Strobel

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if immediate skin-to-skin contact after Caesarean birth had an impact on exclusive breastfeeding rates at time of discharge. According to previous studies, when immediate skin-to-skin contact is implemented with mother and baby after birth, the choice to exclusively breastfeed increases. This study, utilizing a retrospective data analysis was done to compare exclusive breastfeeding rates prior to initiation of skin-to-skin contact after Caesarean birth and after initiation of skin-to-skin contact after Caesarean birth to determine if skin-to-skin contact had an effect on the rates of exclusive breastfeeding. It was hypothesized that skin-to-skin contact …

Effects Of Dehydration On Changes In Arterial Stiffness With Passive Heating, Az Satterfield

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Context: There is an inverse relationship between baseline arterial stiffness and the change in arterial stiffness with passive heating. However, it is unknown whether this relationship is affected by dehydration. Objective: To investigate the effect of acute dehydration on arterial stiffness during passive heat stress. Design: Two randomized counter-balanced trials. Setting: Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Eleven healthy males (age=24.5 ± 2.8 years, body mass=76.6 ± 9.1 kg, body fat=16.8 ± 6.4%). Interventions: In one trial subjects were dehydrated (DE) and in another euhydration (EU) was maintained during passive heating to a 1.5°C increase in body temperature. Subjects were euhydrated …

Congestive Heart Failure Readmission Rates With Relation To Patient Compliance, Samantha Corral

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between patient compliance with medical recommendations for congestive heart failure and readmission rates. The study sought to examine what elements of patient teaching the individuals retained, as well as their perception of how well they adhered to the recommendations. This study examines individuals who have been admitted to the hospital on at least two occasions with the primary diagnosis of congestive heart failure. Each participant was asked to complete one qualitative survey and one quantitative survey that were used to identify daily habits, as well as level of compliance, to …

Comparison Of Survival In Patients With T Cell Lymphoma After Autologous And Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation As A Frontline Strategy Or In Relapsed Disease., Amer Beitinjaneh, Rima M. Saliba, L. Jeffrey Medeiros, Francesco Turturro, Gabriela Rondon, Martin Korbling, Luis Fayad, Michelle A. Fanale, Amin M. Alousi, Paolo Anderlini, Oran Betul, Uday R. Popat, Barbara Pro, Issa F. Khouri

Kimmel Cancer Center Papers, Presentations, and Grand Rounds

We studied the roles of autologous (A) and allogeneic (allo) stem cell transplantation (SCT) in the treatment of 134 patients with T cell lymphoma (TCL) at our center. For frontline SCT, 58 patients were studied. The 4-year overall survival (OS) rates for ASCT (n = 47; median age, 49 years) and alloSCT (n = 11; median age, 55 years) groups were 76% and 54%, respectively (P > .05). The 4-year OS rates for first complete remission (CR1) patients were 84% and 83%, respectively. For SCT for relapsed disease, 76 patients were studied (41 with ASCT and 35 with alloSCT). The 4-year …

Phenytoin-Induced Purple Glove Syndrome: A Case Report And Review Of The Literature, John Okogbaa, Ifeanyi Onor, Oluwatoyin Arije, Martha Harris, Rebecca Lillis

Faculty and Staff Publications

OBJECTIVE:To present a case report and literature review of phenytoin-induced purple glove syndrome (PGS).CASE SUMMARY:A 54-year-old African American male presented to our hospital's emergency department (ED) following a seizure episode, cardiac arrest, and loss of consciousness. On arrival to the ED, the patient's total phenytoin level was subtherapeutic at 4.1 mcg/mL and his corrected total phenytoin level was subtherapeutic at 5.1 mcg/mL. In the ED, the patient received a loading dose of intravenous (IV) phenytoin 1,000 mg once via the left cephalic vein, at a rate of 50 mg/min, and was admitted to the medicine service. A day following IV …

Descriptive Analysis Of Common Functional Limitations Identified By Patients With Shoulder Pain, Enrique V. Smith-Forbes, Stephanie D. Moore-Reed, Philip M. Westgate, W. Ben Kibler, Timothy L. Uhl

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Context: Recent establishment of G-codes by the US government requires therapists to report function limitations at initial evaluation. Limited information exists specific to the most common limitations in patients with shoulder pain.

Objective: To describe the most commonly expressed shoulder limitations with activities and their severity/level of impairment from a patient’s perspective on the initial evaluation.

Design: Descriptive.

Setting: Patients reporting pain with overhead activity and seeking medical attention from one orthopedic surgeon were recruited as part of a cohort study.

Patients: 176 with shoulder superior labral tear from anterior to posterior (SLAP), subacromial impingement, …

Obstetric Transition In The World Health Organization Multicountry Survey On Maternal And Newborn Health: Exploring Pathways For Maternal Mortality Reduction., Solange Da Cruz Chaves, José Guilherme Cecatti, Guillermo Carroli, Pisake Lumbiganon, Carol J. Hogue, Rintaro Mori, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objective: To test whether the proposed features of the Obstetric Transition Model-a theoretical framework that may explain gradual changes that countries experience as they eliminate avoidable maternal mortality-are observed in a large, multicountry, maternal and perinatal health database; and to discuss the dynamic process of maternal mortality reduction using this model as a theoretical framework.

Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study by the World Health Organization that collected information on more than 300 000 women who delivered in 359 health facilities in 29 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, during a 2-4-month …

Comparison Of Ballet And Modern Dance In Terms Of Kinetics, Kinematics And Muscle Activation During Landing For College Dancers, Yayoi Jones

Health and Kinesiology Theses

The dance leap is one of the most difficult techniques to accomplish, and improper landing is a common reason for injuries. The incidence of foot and ankle injuries among modern dancers is much lower than among ballet dancers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate how modern technique is different from ballet technique and the benefits each provide for both ballet and modern dancers. The primary hypothesis was that ballet dancers would demonstrate greater typical risk factors associated with foot and ankle injuries during landing compared to the modern dancers. The secondary hypothesis was that the ballet leap …

Live Model Simulation: Improving Nursing Students' Attitudes And Knowledge Of Alzheimer's Disease, Teresa Maharaj

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Our country's older adult population (those 65 and older) continues to grow at unprecedented rates yet few nurses are prepared to safely and competently care for them with their challenging needs, especially those with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). Research focused on teaching strategies that influenced students' preconceived attitudes and improved knowledge toward older adults with or without Alzheimer's disease (AD) is limited. This study examined whether a live-model simulation used as a teaching modality could improve student attitudes and knowledge of AD. Findings indicated that within the group of students who participated in the AD lecture and AD …

Job Embeddedness: The Differences Between Registered Nurses And Health Care Assistants, Zelda Gibbs

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Job embeddedness (JE) directly affects job retention and quality of service. Financial challenges for hospitals demand strategies to ensure superior patient satisfaction scores. Knowledge regarding JE of HCAs is lacking, and studies about the differences between JE of RNs and HCAs in acute care facilities could not be located. Job descriptions for HCAs in acute care facilities are extremely diverse, and RNs feel reluctant to assign responsibilities to HCAs. Job retention, job satisfaction, commitment, and professional relationships can potentially suffer as a result. RNs valued community sacrifices significantly higher than HCAs. Total JE scores between baby boomers and millennials were …

Comparing Functional Motor Control And Gait Parameters In Children With Autism To Those Of Age-Matched Peers Who Are Typically Developing, Patricia Stevenson, Samantha Novotny, Jillian May, Christopher Ancell

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to compare motor performance of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to that of age-matched peers who are typically developing (TD) on motor control tasks plus symmetry and variability of gait parameters across four walking conditions. A sample of convenience of children with ASD (n=6) and peers who are TD (n=6) were recruited. Motor control was assessed using initiation and completion times on the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Gait parameters were collected using a computerized walkway under four trial conditions: 1) walking at self-selected velocity (SSV); 2) walking during a tray-carrying task …

The Effects Of Instruction On Landing Strategies In Female College-Aged Dancers And Non-Dancers: A Pilot Study, Brittany Keating, Jason Pyfer, Kimberly Vialpando

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background Female athletic participation has increased over the past decade and with it the prevalence of knee injuries. Current research demonstrates an increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury for female athletes. However, a number of studies have pointed out that ballet and modern dancers exhibit a lower incidence of ACL injuries despite the fact that they perform jumping and landing frequently.

Objective The objective of this study was to examine how dance experience and instruction affect the lower extremity biomechanics during drop landings. Specifically, lower extremity joint alignment and muscle activation of gluteus maximus and gluteus medius were …

The Effects Of Enhanced And Decreased Expectations On Balance Performance In Those With And Without Parkinson’S Disease, Joshua Ostrander, Granuaile Parrish, Jacob Blood

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: It has been reported individuals typically perform well on a task when enhanced expectancy was provided prior to task performance. It has also been reported people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are especially susceptible to pre-task placebo cuing and suggestion. Evidence of this susceptibility has been previously demonstrated through brain imaging studies and with demonstration by individuals with PD improved balance performance.

Objective: This study was designed to further previous studies’ results for improved task performance with enhanced expectancy. The purpose of this study was to investigate if the pre-task verbal delivery of enhanced expectancy, decreased expectancy and no expectancy …

Comparing Usability And Variance Of Low- And High Technology Approaches To Gait Analysis In Health Adults, John Mcconnell, Brian Silverman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the usability, reliability, and objectivity of four tools that represented varying gait analysis technologies used in clinical practice and/or research. Low technology clinical tools included the Gait Abnormality Rating Scale (GARS-M) and the Rancho Los Amigos Observational Gait Analysis (Rancho OGA). High technology tools included the GAITRiteÒ computerized walkway, and the APDM Mobility LabÔ wearable sensor system.

Subjects: 74 healthy adults ages 18-41 years (mean = 24.82, SD = 4.39) 33 males and 40 females.

Methods: Subjects were instructed to walk at a self-selected speed for two minutes …

Four Weeks Of Minimalist Style Running Training Reduced Lumbar Paraspinal Muscle Activation During Shod Running, Stephanie Barton, David Brown, Talia Joyce

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Research has shown that the risk of low back dysfunctions in runners is related to the increased mileage of distance running. Repetitive shock loading of the spinal structures during running has been indicated as one of the important biomechanical mechanisms underlying such injury. Acute changes in foot strike pattern, like those seen during minimalist style running, have been shown to lead to modifications in lumbar range of motion. Minimalist style running could lead to changes in lumbar biomechanics and muscle activation, potentially reducing the loading on the musculoskeletal structures of the lower back. However, the long term …

Nurse Managers' Hiring Selection Of Newly Licensed Rns: A Grounded Theory Approach, Susan Adamek

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this research study was to construct a substantive grounded theory regarding how acute care nurse managers select the newly licensed RNs (NLRNs) they hire. This is important because a good selection process can reduce expensive employee turnover and improve teamwork on units. There has been extensive research regarding interventions that improve the retention of NLRNs after they are hired, such as residency programs, preceptors, mentors and support groups, but there is very little in the literature about the processes or preferences nurse managers use to select the right candidates to be hired. A constructivist grounded theory approach …

Changes In Sprint Kinetics Or Kinematics Following Static Or Dynamic Stretching, Kristyne Bartel

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of static or dynamic stretching on hip kinematics and kinetics during intermittent sprinting. To achieve this aim, intermittent sprint athletes were asked to complete either a static or dynamic stretch, followed by a repeated-sprint protocol. Hip joint kinematics and performance measures were evaluated during the sprint, including changes that occurred in these variables over the course of the sprint protocol. In addition, hip flexion torque was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. Ten male (age = 25±2.3 years, 175±3.2 cm, 76.2±2.7 kg) and female (age = 20±1 years, 166±1.3 cm, 60±1.1 …

Increasing Comfort With End-Of-Life Discussions, Theresa Catherine Berton

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

End-of-life discussions and advanced care planning are part of the healthcare process, and within the scope of practice for providers. Despite the evidence supporting the effectiveness of these conversations, the system falls short. Talking about death is never easy. At times, it is difficult for healthcare providers to approach the topic with patients who are living with serious life-limiting illness. Reports in the end-of-life literature reveal that healthcare professionals avoid discussions about preparations for end-of-life care due to feeling unprepared, and a lack of framework for such discussions. Purpose: The purpose of this doctoral project was to improve the quality …

The Design, Build, And Validation Of A Hybrid Tower Used To Conduct Helmet Impact Tests, Darren Benn

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) was established to enlist research directed towards the reduction of head injuries in organized sports. The function of the test methods developed by NOCSAE is to provide the blueprint for reliable and repeatable procedures to measure the evaluation of various types of protective sports headgear and projectiles. In addition, the methods also govern hardware such as testing apparatus and data acquisition instrumentation. In helmet testing, the method dictates whether the impact is induced by a projectile system or by a drop tower system with an anvil at the base. Altogether, …