Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Oxytocin Receptor (Oxtr) Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Indirectly Predict Prosocial Behavior Through Perspective Taking And Empathic Concern, Christa C. Christ, Gustavo Carlo, Scott F. Stoltenberg

Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty Publications

Engaging in prosocial behavior can provide positive outcomes for self and others. Prosocial tendencies contribute to the propensity to engage in prosocial behavior.The oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) has also been associated with prosocial tendencies and behaviors. There has been little research, however, investigating whether the relationship between OXTR and prosocial behaviors is mediated by prosocial tendencies.This relationship may also vary among different types of prosocial behavior. The current study examines the relationship between OXTR, gender, prosocial tendencies, and both altruistic and public prosocial behavior endorsement. Students at a midwestern university (N = 398; 89.2% Caucasian; M …

Building The United Health Services Palliative Medicine Service, Emily Tier

Capstone Projects 2015-Present

As part of UHS, the largest comprehensive healthcare system in the Southern Tier of New York State, the UHS Palliative Medicine Program serves patients with serious, chronic, and/or terminal illnesses, such as cancer, dementia, heart disease, and lung disease. Staffed by an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurse practitioners, and social workers, the program takes a holistic approach to the management of these illnesses, with the goal of maximizing quality of life through the end of life. The program works to help patients at any age and at any stage of illness to: • Understand their options • Manage their symptoms, …

The Efficacy Of The Influenza Vaccine And The Implications On Vaccination Policy, Alexandra Dipietro

Honors Senior Capstone Projects

The purpose of this paper is to examine the efficacy of the influenza vaccine and its implication on vaccination policy as maintaining or increasing vaccination efficacy is important to public health intervention against this virus. To achieve this purpose a literature review will be conducted based on peer-reviewed research to examine current vaccination policy, efficacy of the influenza vaccine, approaches to improve efficacy, and the gap between vaccination policy and scientific evidence.

Suicidal Ideation In Patients Hospitalized For Emergency Medical Treatment Related To Physical Trauma: Effects Of Posttraumatic Stress And Depression, Erin E. Carney

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Survivors of physical trauma may be at increased risk for developing suicidal ideation and behavior both during and after their inpatient hospitalization for medical treatment of wounds. It remains to be understood why a population hospitalized for nonpsychiatric reasons may ultimately develop a desire to take their own life. The current study sought to answer this question by hypothesizing that symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTS) and depression during the recovery period individually mediated the relationship between physical pain and suicidal ideation. Researchers assessed these relationships in 246 patients who were receiving emergency medical treatment for wounds associated with a physically …

Structure-Activity Relationships For Dna Damage By Alkenylbenzenes In Turkey Egg Fetal Liver, Tetyana Kobets, Jian-Dong Duan, Klaus D. Brunnemann, Sylvain Etter, Benjamin Smith, Gary M. Williams

NYMC Faculty Publications

Certain alkenylbenzenes (AB), flavoring chemicals naturally occurring in spices and herbs, are established to be cytotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic in rodents. The purpose of the present study was to determine the DNA damaging potential of key representatives of this class using the Turkey Egg Genotoxicity Assay. Medium white turkey eggs with 22- to 24-day-old fetuses received three injections of nine AB with different carcinogenic potentials: safrole (1, 2 mg/egg), methyl eugenol (2, 4 mg/egg), estragole (20, 40 mg/egg), myristicin (25, 50 mg/egg), elemicin (20, 50 mg/egg), anethole (5, 10 mg/egg), methyl isoeugenol (40, 80 mg/egg), eugenol (1, 2.5 mg/egg), and isoeugenol …

The Use Of And Readiness For Speech-Language Telepractice In Medical Settings Of Rural Areas Of Nevada, Corinne Balliette

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study was developed to investigate the readiness or willingness of providers, speech language therapists (SLPs), and patients to participate in telepractice for speech-language therapy services in rural areas of Nevada. Nevada has not ranked high in healthcare for several years and was noted to have low SLP to patient ratios, especially in rural areas of Nevada. A thorough literature review identified international and national studies that have shown resistance to telepractice expressed by patients and providers, but it has also shown an increase in interest post telepractice therapy. Nevada does not have current research on readiness to participate in …

Mediating Factors In The Relationship Between Non-Suicidal Self-Injury And Suicide Attempt, Amanda Gail Williams

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is considered a strong predictor of suicidal behavior, although the exact relationship between NSSI and suicide is not clear. Several factors have been suggested in previous research, including attitudes toward one’s own body, thoughts and beliefs regarding death and suicide, and the ability to cause physical harm to oneself. In the current study, the researcher obtained data from 285 young adult participants who reported a history of NSSI. Two multiple mediation models were tested in which body protection, suicide-related concerns, and acquired capability for suicide were examined as mediators of the relationship between NSSI and suicide attempt …

Validation Of A Pressure Pain Threshold Scale In Patients Diagnosed With Myofascial Pain Syndrome And Fibromyalgia, Scott William Cheatham

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Palpation is an examination technique used to diagnose and treat myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and fibromyalgia (FM). Currently, there is no validated technique for classifying the results. A valid and reliable pressure pain threshold scale (PPTS) may provide a means for clinicians to grade, document, and report findings. The purpose of this dissertation was to validate a PPTS in patients diagnosed with MPS and FM. Design and Methods: An observational study. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were placed into three equal groups: MPS, FM, and control. All participants underwent one, two-part testing sessions using the American College of …

Improving Vascular Access Outcomes: Attributes Of Arteriovenous Fistula Cannulation Success, Abram Oudshoorn

Nursing Publications

Background Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are the preferred access for hemodialysis (HD) yet they are underutilized. Cannulation of the fistula is a procedure requiring significant skill development and refinement and if not done well can have negative consequences for patients. The nurses' approach, attitude and skill with cannulation impacts greatly on the patient experience. Complications from miscannulation or an inability to needle fistulas can result in the increased use of central venous catheters. Some nurses remain in a state of a 'perpetual novice' resulting in a viscous cycle of negative patient consequences (bruising, pain), further influencing patients' decisions not to pursue …

Propofol-Induced Frontal Cortex Disconnection: A Study Of Resting-State Networks, Total Brain Connectivity, And Mean Bold Signal Oscillation Frequencies., Pieter Guldenmund, Ithabi S Gantner, Katherine Baquero, Tushar Das, Athena Demertzi, Pierre Boveroux, Vincent Bonhomme, Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse, Marie-Aurélie Bruno, Olivia Gosseries, Quentin Noirhomme, Muriëlle Kirsch, Mélanie Boly, Adrian M Owen, Steven Laureys, Francisco Gómez, Andrea Soddu

Brain and Mind Institute Researchers' Publications

Propofol is one of the most commonly used anesthetics in the world, but much remains unknown about the mechanisms by which it induces loss of consciousness. In this resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study, we examined qualitative and quantitative changes of resting-state networks (RSNs), total brain connectivity, and mean oscillation frequencies of the regional blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal, associated with propofol-induced mild sedation and loss of responsiveness in healthy subjects. We found that detectability of RSNs diminished significantly with loss of responsiveness, and total brain connectivity decreased strongly in the frontal cortex, which was associated with increased mean oscillation …

Revising The Bis/Bas Scale To Study Development: Measurement Invariance And Normative Effects Of Age And Sex From Childhood Through Adulthood., David Pagliaccio, Katherine R Luking, Andrey P Anokhin, Ian H Gotlib, Elizabeth P Hayden, Thomas M Olino, Chun-Zi Peng, Greg Hajcak, Deanna M Barch

Brain and Mind Institute Researchers' Publications

Carver and White's (1994) Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) Scales have been useful tools for studying individual differences in reward-punishment sensitivity; however, their factor structure and invariance across development have not been well tested. In the current study, we examined the factor structure of the BIS/BAS Scales across 5 age groups: 6- to 10-year-old children (N = 229), 11- to 13-year-old early adolescents (N = 311), 14- to 16-year-old late adolescents (N = 353), 18- to 22-year-old young adults (N = 844), and 30- to 45-year-old adults (N = 471). Given poor fit of the standard 4-factor model (BIS, …

Caregiver Fatigue And Surrogate End-Of-Life Decision Making, Vivian Mcalister

Data and Test Instruments

The Supreme Court of Canada ruling in the case of Carter versus Canada (2015 SCC 5) concerns the right of a competent adult to a physician-assisted death if his or her suffering from a grievous and irremediable medical condition is intolerable. Discussions of the ruling have extended the parameters to include competent minors and advanced directives. They may also have altered the way we look at a separate but related end-of-life scenario, withdrawal of life-support; the number of anesthetic agents used to cover a patient during the withdrawal of life-support appear to have increased recently.How is it that all our …

Investigating The Effects Of Increasing Anti-Ama1, Anti-Msp1, And Anti-Msp2 In Preventing Malaria Incidence, April Skipper

Selected Honors Theses

Malaria is a life-threatening illness that 3.2 billion people, half of the world's population, are at risk of contracting. In 2015, there were 214 million malaria cases and 438,000 deaths caused by the disease. It is caused by Plasmodium parasites which infect humans through the bite of the Anopheles mosquito. The four species of Plasmodium that are known to cause malaria are P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi. The symptoms of malaria greatly resemble symptoms of a common cold, so accurate diagnosis can be a challenge. Symptoms commonly include fever, headache, …

Investigating The Efficacy And Anti-Resistance Activity Of Fexinidazole In Conjunction With Eflornithine Against Trypanosoma Brucei For Treatment Of Human African Trypanosomiasis, Mercy Toma

Selected Honors Theses

Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is one of 17 neglected tropical disease prioritized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Neglected tropical diseases are diseases which affect poor or developing countries and which do not get as much as attention as the ‘big three’: malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. HAT specifically affects coutries in Sub-Saharan Africa and is caused by a parasitic protozoa, Trypanosoma brucei. There are two stages of HAT: the early haemolymphatic and late meningo-encephalitic stages. There are also two subtypes of the disease caused by either T. b. gambiense or T.b rhodesiense forms of the parasite. There are four drugs …

Alumni Journal - Volume 87, Number 1, Loma Linda University School Of Medicine

Alumni Journal, School of Medicine

Features
8 | APC 2016: A Preview
12 | Risley Hall: More than 75 Years of Research and Basic Sciences
14 | Interview: Making a Bigger Difference Karen Gaio Hansberger ’91
20 | Family Medicine: Its Genesis, Growth, and Current Status
26 | Vision 2020: Loma Linda Prepares to Construct Two New Hospitals

Departments
2 | From the Editor
3 | From the President
4 | From the Dean
5 | The Student Fund
6 | School of Medicine News
38 | AIMS Report
40 | Book Review
44 | In Memoriam
48 | Historical Snapshot
49 | What's Up …

Couple Resilience To Economic Pressure Over Time And Across Generations, April S. Masarik, Monica J. Martin, Emilio Ferrer, Frederick O. Lorenz, Katherine J. Conger, Rand D. Conger

Psychological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Research suggests that economic stress disrupts perceived romantic relationship quality; yet less is known regarding the direct influence of economic stress on negative behavioral exchanges between partners over time. Another intriguing question concerns the degree to which effective problem-solving might protect against this hypothesized association. To address these issues, the authors studied two generations of couples who were assessed approximately 13 years apart (Generation 1: N = 367, Generation 2: N = 311). On average and for both generations, economic pressure predicted relative increases in couples’ hostile, contemptuous, and angry behaviors; however, couples who were highly effective problem solvers experienced …

Effective Interventions To Reduce The Increase In Elective Cesarean Sections In Low Risk Women, Kimberly Kelsey, Crystal Hunter, Brianna-Kirsten Tan, Sara Shea, Heather Holland, Sasha Riley, Mary Uy, Tenzin Tsomo, Fasha Ruys-Solorzano, Dolma Tso

Student Research Posters

According to the Annals of Family Medicine, the amount of babies born via cesarean section has increased from 4.5% in 1965 to 26.1% in 2002 and nearly 40% of all cesarean sections are repeats. After an extensive literature review, results showed that patients need to be educated about the risks and benefits of vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery. It was also found that there needs to be policy changes to decrease the amount of cesarean sections done and increase the labor and delivery support without using interventions. Further study should be focused on morbidity and mortality very low birth weight …

Ua61/1 Nursing Spirit, Volume 1, Neal Chambler, Dean, Mary Bennett, Director, Susan Megahee, Editor, Creative, Wku School Of Nursing

School of Nursing Publications

No abstract provided.

Micro- And Nanoparticulates For Dna Vaccine Delivery, Eric Farris, Deborah M. Brown, Amanda Ramer-Tait, Angela K. Pannier

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

DNA vaccination has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional protein-based vaccines for the induction of protective immune responses. DNA vaccines offer several advantages over traditional vaccines, including increased stability, rapid and inexpensive production, and flexibility to produce vaccines for a wide variety of infectious diseases. However, the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines delivered as naked plasmid DNA is often weak due to degradation of the DNA by nucleases and inefficient delivery to immune cells. Therefore, biomaterial-based delivery systems based on micro- and nanoparticles that encapsulate plasmid DNA represent the most promising strategy for DNA vaccine delivery. Microparticulate delivery systems allow …

Deficits In Sound Pattern Sequencing In Children With Specific Language Impairment: A Networks Approach, Sara J. Benham

Open Access Theses

Children with specific language impairment (SLI) demonstrate primary deficits in morphosyntax, which has served as the central theme in theoretical and clinical approaches. However, a striking number of children with SLI also exhibit speech sound deficits, characterized both by increased error patterns and by high levels of variability. These speech sound deficits have been under-studied and are not explicitly tied to accounts of SLI. In the present study, theoretical approaches drawn from dynamical systems and sequence learning are used to address speech production learning in children with SLI. Standard approaches to sound accuracy and variability and articulatory variability are integrated …

Medicine + Health Magazine, Spring 2016, George Washington University, School Of Medicine And Health Sciences, Office Of Communications And Marketing

Medicine + Health Magazine

No abstract provided.

Add-On Laba In A Separate Inhaler As Asthma Step-Up Therapy Versus Increased Dose Of Ics Or Ics/Laba Combination Inhaler., David B Price, Gene Colice, Elliot Israel, Nicolas Roche, Dirkje S Postma, Theresa W Guilbert, Willem M C Van Aalderen, Jonathan Grigg, Elizabeth V Hillyer, Victoria Thomas, Richard J Martin

Medicine Faculty Publications

Asthma management guidelines recommend adding a long-acting β2-agonist (LABA) or increasing the dose of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) as step-up therapy for patients with uncontrolled asthma on ICS monotherapy. However, it is uncertain which option works best, which ICS particle size is most effective, and whether LABA should be administered by separate or combination inhalers. This historical, matched cohort study compared asthma-related outcomes for patients (aged 12-80 years) prescribed step-up therapy as a ≥50% extrafine ICS dose increase or add-on LABA, via either a separate inhaler or a fine-particle ICS/LABA fixed-dose combination (FDC) inhaler. Risk-domain asthma control was the primary end-point …

Engaging Individuals In Their Healthcare Through Education And Awareness, Margaret L. Hudock

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Translational and Clinical Research Projects

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive pre/post study was to identify if individuals within a church population were engaged participants in their health and healthcare. The project aims were three: (a) to ascertain the knowledge, skills and confidence of the participating parishioners in relation to their health through the use of the Patient Activation Measure^TM (PAM^TM) , (b) to provide information and awareness on healthcare topics to all participants (engagement, care transitions, communication with one’s healthcare provider and the importance of asking questions), and (c) to assess the health status and health education needs using a demographic health …

Pertinacity Volume 2 Issue 1, Yuri Hosokawa

Pertinacity

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Two Commercial Dna Extraction Kits For The Analysis Of Nasopharyngeal Bacterial Communities, Marcos Pérez-Losada, Keith Crandall, Robert J. Freishtat

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Characterization of microbial communities via next-generation sequencing (NGS) requires an extraction ofmicrobial DNA. Methodological differences in DNA extraction protocols may bias results and complicate inter-study comparisons. Here we compare the effect of two commonly used commercial kits (Norgen and Qiagen)for the extraction of total DNA on estimatingnasopharyngeal microbiome diversity. The nasopharynxis a reservoir for pathogens associated with respiratory illnesses and a key player in understandingairway microbial dynamics.
Total DNA from nasal washes corresponding to 30 asthmatic children was extracted using theQiagenQIAamp DNA and NorgenRNA/DNA Purification kits and analyzed via IlluminaMiSeq16S rRNA V4 ampliconsequencing. The Norgen samples included more sequence reads …

Evaluation Of Glucose Monitoring Technologies For Cost Effective And Quality Control/Management Of Diabetes, David P. Paul Iii, Stacy Ashworth, Leslie Salyers, Sarah Saldanha, Alberto Coustasse

Management Faculty Research

The diabetes epidemic in the United States (U.S.) has become a burden in regards to treatment, disease management, and associated costs. Key advancements in medical technology have been developed in efforts to mitigate this issue. We compare several types of glucose monitoring systems with respect to quality of care, management, and cost-effectiveness for type 1 and type 2 diabetics.

Why Children, Adults And The Elderly Are Living On The Streets In Moroccan Cities And What Morocco Is Doing About It., Nora Charidah

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The aim of this independent study project is to explore the determinants of homelessness in the cities of Morocco, more specifically in Rabat,Casablanca and Salé, and how Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) are working to eradicate this epidemic. Poverty, Dysfunctional Families, Mental Illness and Addiction can all be causes as well as results of homelessness; all of these factors have the potential of seriously affecting individuals throughout the entirety of their life. Children, Adults and the Elderly are all affected by poverty throughout Morocco yet street children and the rural impoverished are the populations of the homeless where most research predominately focuses. …

Section Abstracts: Medical Science

Virginia Journal of Science

Abstracts of the Medical Science Section for the 94th Annual Virginia Academy of Science Meeting, May 18-20, 2016, at University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA.

The Effect Of Cost, Benefit, And Level Of Technology On Patient Preference And Satisfaction With Hearing Aids, Lindsay M. Young

Doctoral Dissertations

The present double blind study sought to determine if experienced hearing aid users can differentiate between different levels of hearing aid technology. Specifically, the following research questions were addressed: (1) Are HINT scores affected by level of hearing aid technology for experienced hearing aid users?; 2) Is benefit/satisfaction of hearing aids affected by level of technology for experienced hearing aid users?; and (3) How do hearing aid users rank different levels of technology? If a perceptual difference in hearing aid technology is identified by hearing aid users, participants were asked to identify how money much they would be willing to …

Sensory Closet Program Design For Alzheimer's And Dementia Population, Grace V. Willard

MOT Student Capstones

Background: The prevalence of individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia is growing exponentially in long term care facilities, with restraints and seclusion becoming the method of intervention when behaviors arise (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2015). North Carolina is moving to decrease the amount of physical restraints and psychotropic medication usage in long term care to decrease harm caused to the residents. Project Purpose: This project intends to design a sensory integration closet program for use in a long-term care facility to facilitate a decrease in behavior outbursts and correlating psychotropic medication usage in residents with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Coinciding training …