Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Real-Time Pcr Using High-Resolution Melting Analysis Technology For Diagnosis Of Leishmania And Determination Of Types Of Clinical Samples, Serhat Si̇rekbasan, Erdal Polat

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Leishmaniasis is a disease group carried by Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia sand flies infected with Leishmania and is mostly observed in rural areas. In this study, using high-resolution melting analysis (HRMA), we aim to identify the active types of leishmaniasis, which are inadequately identified by classical methods. Materials and methods: Samples of 85 patients were examined in the study. Six of the patients were suspected of having visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and 79 cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). The slides prepared from the samples were stained with Giemsa stain and examined under a light microscope. The results were compared with those determined in …

The Effects Of An 8-Week Stabilization Exercise Program On Lumbar Multifidus Muscle Thickness And Activation As Measured With Ultrasound Imaging In Patients With Low Back Pain: An Exploratory Study, Christian Larivière, Dany H. Gagnon, Sharon M. Henry, Richard Preuss, Jean-Pierre Dumas

Études primaires

Background

Lumbar stabilization exercise programs (LSEP) produce positive effects on clinical outcomes, but the underlying mechanisms remain relatively unexplored. Psychological and neuromuscular mechanisms can be involved, such as a better activation of the lumbar multifidus, which represents one possibility.

Objectives

To determine the following: (1) the effect of an LSEP on lumbar multifidus muscle thickness and activation, as measured with rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI), in patients with low back pain (LBP); (2) the correlation between RUSI measures and any change in clinical outcomes following the LSEP; and (3) the reliability of RUSI measures in control subjects over 8 weeks.

Design …

Development Of Novel Phenanthroline And Thiazole Orange Derived G-Quadruplex Ligands And Telomerase Inhibitors, Siwen Wang

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The end of the human chromosome is protected by telomeres which contain a special tandem guanine-rich DNA sequence, 5’-TTAGGG. The length of telomeres is shortened during cell replications, and its length limits the replication capacity of cells. Telomerase is over-expressed in 85–90% of cancer cells, responsible for extending the telomere length in cancer cells. Guanine-rich DNA sequence can self-assemble into unique G-quadruplex structures that interfere with the extension of telomeres by telomerase. Therefore, DNA G-quadruplex has recently received much attention because of its important regulatory functions in telomerase-mediated cancerization. The formation of G-quadruplex requires monovalent cations (Na+ and K+) or …

Determining The Role Played By Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (Ahr) In The Colon Carcinoma Tumor Model, Poonam Yakkundi

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), commonly known as an environmental sensor involved in the metabolism and elimination of xenobiotic substances, is also an important modulator in the development and functioning of the immune system. AHR expression is varied in the T cell subsets with the highest expression in T-helper 17 and T regulatory cells. Work from many researchers has suggested that AHR can act as a tumor promoter or a tumor suppressor depending on the tumor type. Our goal is to understand the role played by AHR in MC38 syngeneic colon carcinoma tumor model. In the absence of AHR, MC38 tumor …

Role Of Percutaneous Cholecystostomy Tube Placement In The Management Of Acute Calculus Cholecystitis In High Risk Patients, K. M. Inam Pal, Arif Ali, Hassaan Bari

Section of Orthopaedic Surgery

Objective: To evaluate the utility of percutaneous cholecystostomy tube in patients with acute calculus cholecystitis, who are considered unfit for immediate surgery.
Study Design: Observational study.
Place and Duration of Study: The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from January 2010 to December 2014.
Methodology: All adult patients who underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy tube placement for acute calculous cholecystitis were included. These patients were divided into two groups for further analysis. Group-I consisted those who had interval cholecystectomy after tube placement and Group-II were those who had no further treatment. Recurrence of symptoms, infections and operation related complications were noted.
Results …

Osteoid Osteoma: Contemporary Management, Shahryar Noordin, Salim Allana, Kiran Hilal, Riaz Hussain Lukhadwala, Anum Sadruddin Pidani, Nasir Ud Din

Section of Orthopaedic Surgery

Osteoid osteoma is a benign bone-forming tumor with hallmark of tumor cells directly forming mature bone. Osteoid osteoma accounts for around 5% of all bone tumors and 11% of benign bone tumors with a male predilection. It occurs predominantly in long bones of the appendicular skeleton. According to Musculoskeletal Tumor Society staging system for benign tumors, osteoid osteoma is a stage-2 lesion. It is classified based on location as cortical, cancellous, or subperiosteal. Nocturnal pain is the most common symptom that usually responds to salicyclates and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. CT is the modality of choice not only for diagnosis but …

Caregiver Selection Of Treatments For Their Child With Autism, Amy Kurowski-Burt

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This project was completed to understand what treatments caregivers are selecting for their child with autism and why treatments were selected and discontinued. Caregivers of children with autism participated in a mixed methods study. An online survey was completed (N=127) to identify treatments used for their child. Interviews were completed (n=14) to understand why treatments were selected and discontinued. Selection of medical, dietary, therapeutic, complimentary/ alternative medicine, community-based, behavioral, and educational treatments were mostly influenced by recommendations of others. Caregivers reported discontinuing because relationships and professionalism were lacking between provider and family. Providers must consider all the variables that influence …

Effect Of A Nurse-Led Lymphoma Survivorship Model Of Care: A Pragmatic Phase Ii Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial, Karen Taylor

Theses

Background: Cancer survivorship is recognised as an integral component of the cancer continuum. Robust evidence on how best to deliver tailored survivorship care is limited, particularly for individuals affected by rarer cancers such as lymphoma, a potentially curable haematological cancer. These survivors may face long-term and late effects affecting quality of life due to the aggressiveness of the disease and treatment that may not be adequately addressed in current follow-up models of care.

Aim: To develop and pilot test a nurse-led model of survivorship care intervention that utilises an individualised survivorship care plan and treatment summary (SCPTS), motivational interviewing, tailored …

Psychometric Testing Of The Endotracheal Suction Assessment Tool© (Esat©): An Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Study, Kylie Davies

Theses

Background: Endotracheal tube (ETT) suction is a common nursing procedure performed in paediatric intensive care settings. Significant side effects of this procedure can dramatically affect the stability of the critically ill ventilated paediatric patient. The lack of clear standards for determining when the procedure is warranted, especially in paediatrics, can present challenges for the inexperienced paediatric intensive care nurse when assessing a patient’s need for ETT suction. Previous research underpinned the development of an Endotracheal Suction Assessment Tool© (ESAT©) to guide inexperienced nurses through the decision making process to determine suction requirements. The aim of the ESAT© is to improve …

Investigating The Molecular Pathology Of Dupuytren’S Disease, Robert Pearce

Theses

The eponymous progressive palmar fibromatosis described by Guillaume Dupuytren in 1831 is a common and debilitating disease with limited treatment options and high rates of recurrence after intervention. Dupuytren’s disease has been generally accepted as predominantly affecting Northern European individuals; Dupuytren’s disease is sometimes referred to as “Vikings Disease” as an attribution to this ethnic origin. Its familial occurrence in all communities is suggestive of Mendelian inheritance as an autosomal dominant disease with incomplete penetrance. The genetic and molecular basis of Dupuytren’s disease (DD) has been the focus of many studies, with increasingly sophisticated approaches since the sequencing of the …

Promoting Student Belongingness: The Development, Implementation And Evaluation Of A Toolkit For Nurses, Christine King

Theses

The literature suggests that the need to belong to a community influences health and wellbeing, which in turn affects behavioural, and cognitive responses. However, student nurses are often in a vulnerable position of being excluded intentionally or otherwise from ward/unit activities. This can lead to feelings of isolation and poor achievement.

The aim of this project was to design and develop a toolkit for nurses in an e-learning format using reflective learning to promote a sense of belonging and inclusion of student nurses in the clinical team. Upon completion of the development of the e-learning program, distribution commenced to selected …

The Who.I.Am Study : Identity Formation And Motor Competence In Adolescents, Amanda Timler

Theses

Our sense of identity is an emergent concept that develops over the lifespan in response to many factors, however the adolescent phase is the most critical. During adolescence, some factors that influence identity are level of parent and peer support, environmental stresses and the ability to form personal interests and goals. These factors influence the health of one’s identity in both positive and negative ways, which may differ between males and females. Therefore, identity health refers to an individual’s capacity to develop a positive sense of self and to integrate their self within a number of valuable social settings. One …

Aboriginal Women Yarning About Experiences As Undergraduate Nursing Students In Western Australian Universities, Melanie Robinson

Theses

The inequities and poor health outcomes experience by Aboriginal people in Western Australia are well documented. It has been suggested that such issues could be better addressed if more Aboriginal nurses are employed, as there appears to be a link between improved health outcomes and the inclusion of Aboriginal health professionals in practice. In recent years the number Aboriginal nursing students undertaking tertiary studies has increased, but their completion rates could be improved. Aboriginal nursing students continue to struggle to achieve success.

The aim of this study was to investigate factors that enabled (supported) or inhibited (prevented) the progress of …

The Factors Influencing Nurse Graduates Use Of Mobile Technology In Clinical Settings In Perth Western Australia: A Mixed Method Study, Benjamin Hay

Theses

The ubiquitous use of mobile technology in today’s society extends to the learning and teaching environment. Most academics in universities encourage its use, aided by libraries offering online resources. Whilst the literature highlights benefits of using mobile technology in learning, particularly for nurses to keep up-to-date, there is limited evidence on such use in clinical settings by graduate nurses in Western Australia (WA). Additionally, there is a lack of information and clarification on the use of such technology in WA hospitals. The purpose of this study was to identify and explore factors influencing the use of mobile technology by newly …

Open Versus Endovascular Thoracic Aneurysm Repairs In Australia, Timothy Shiraev

Theses

Objectives: Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) affect 10 per 100,000 people, and are responsible for significant mortality. Open surgical repair carries substantial risks of both morbidity and mortality. Endovascular TAA repair is a relatively new technology, with numerous proposed benefits over open repair. However, data is yet to demonstrate whether endovascular TAA repairs outperform open repair. We sought to observe trends and outcomes of TAA repairs over the previous decade in order to identify the optimal method of management of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysm repairs, as well as predictors of poor outcome.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients …

Evaluation Of An E-Learning Training Package By Nurses For Various Designations For Developing Clinical Skills And Knowledge., Nitasha A. Narayan

Theses

An essential component of nurses delivering good healthcare is continuous education. However, nurses’ [participation in continuing education can be hampered by lack of time, limited access to educational resources and cost concerns. Globally, electronic learning has emerged in the last decade as a flexible mechanism to provide education for nurses.

The purpose of this research is to evaluate an e-learning training package used by nurses of various designations for developing clinical skills and knowledge at a private hospital in Perth, Western Australia (‘The Hospital’). This study employs descriptive correlational design – a non-experimental quantitative approach. Data was collected via a …

Intensive Care Nurses’ Attitudes, Beliefs And Reported Practices Relating To Patient Sleep: A Descriptive Study, Rebecca Hahn

Theses

Empirical evidence suggests that patients treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) experience chronic sleep disturbance, leading to sleep deprivation. Multiple intrinsic and external factors contribute to poor quantity and quality of sleep among critically ill patients. Noise, light and clinical interventions are some of the external factors most disruptive to patient sleep in the ICU. Given that nurses are the gatekeepers to the ICU, understanding their perceptions and practices relating to patient sleep is necessary to elicit change. However, ICU nurses’ attitudes, beliefs and practices relating to sleep are poorly understood.

Using a descriptive survey method, this study investigated …

Development Of A Professional Practice Competency For Undergraduate Nursing Students At A Private Catholic University In Western Australia: A Mixed-Method Study, Christine Adams

Theses

This research investigating professional student nursing practice occurred at a private Catholic university in Western Australia. The objects of this university articulate the provision of education in the context of Catholic faith and values. The objects are further expressed through the university’s 10 graduate attributes, which every student should have achieved by graduation. These attributes aim to foster and grow the qualities of ethical practice, interpersonal skills, professionalism, specialist knowledge and skills to support local and global communities. Suggested university strategies for attaining these attributes include undertaking high-quality work-integrated learning and building strong and mutually beneficial relationships with industry partners …

Characterization Of Tetraethyl Orthosilicate-Based Dynamic Hydrogels For Use As Reversible 3-D Cell Culture Matrices, Krisitan Stipe

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Examining Upper Extremity Injuries In Male Baseball Players Between The Ages Of 14 To 22 Years Old, James T. Yancy

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Yancy, James T. (J.T.), MAT., May 2018 AthleticTraining

Examining Upper Extremity Injuries In Male Baseball Players Between The Ages Of 14 To 22 Years Old

Chairperson: Melanie McGrath

The number of upper extremity injuries is increasing in advanced baseball (14 to 22 years old) at an alarming rate. The length of seasons, multiple leagues and the velocity of throwing in overhead sports are the most common causes of elbow and shoulder injuries. In addition, biomechanical variables also influence the risk of injury. Any alteration in range of motion (ROM) directly impacts the biomechanics of overhead activities, such as pitching or …

Working To Improve Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination Uptake In Michigan, Courtney Cole, Angela Mcfall

Michigan Journal of Public Health

Increased cases of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) related cancers and low HPV vaccine uptake are public health concerns that directly affect young adults and adolescents around the country. The HPV vaccine is recommended to prevent HPV associated cancers. Increased awareness and health education interventions are needed to promote the importance of the HPV vaccine and to achieve an HPV vaccine completion rate of 80% as outlined by the Healthy People 2020 goal. The Michigan Cancer Consortium HPV vaccine Priority Workgroup is working to improve vaccine uptake in Michigan through statewide projects that promote health education resources and address barriers associated with …

Collaborative Efforts To Improve Cancer Survivor Quality Of Life, Audra K. Putt, Mph, Cph

Michigan Journal of Public Health

This "Notes from the Field" piece provides information on the work of MCC's cancer control priorities and the results of collaborative efforts to address them. The MCC's Survivorship Workgroup was tasked with developing a project to support the Cancer Plan for Michigan’s Quality of Life Goal.

Lessons Learned From Revising The Cancer Plan For Michigan, Dilhara Muthukuda Mph, Debbie Webster Bsn, Rn, Lmsw, Polly Hager Msn, Rn, Sarah Mott Mph, Ms, Rdn

Michigan Journal of Public Health

Comprehensive Cancer Control (CCC) programs are a collaborative method to address cancer burden. Each CCC program is required to have a cancer plan to guide activities to reduce the cancer burden in their jurisdiction and should reflect the most recent research and evidence-based strategies. In 2015, Michigan set out to revise its CCC plan that met the needs of its coalition while using a participatory process involving its network of approximately 100 stakeholders. A collaborative approach involving multiple workgroups was used to develop the criteria and content for the CCC plan. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) …

A Comparison Of Lumbar Spine And Muscle Loading Between Male And Female Workers During Box Transfers, Denis Gagnon, André Plamondon, Christian Larivière

Études primaires

There is a clear relationship between lumbar spine loading and back musculoskeletal disorders in manual materials handling. The incidence of back disorders is greater in women than men, and for similar work demands females are functioning closer to their physiological limit. It is crucial to study loading on the spine musculoskeletal system with actual handlers, including females, to better understand the risk of back disorders. Extrapolation from biomechanical studies conducted on unexperienced subjects (mainly males) might not be applicable to actual female workers. For male workers, expertise changes the lumbar spine flexion, passive spine resistance, and active/passive muscle forces. However, …

Estimation Of The Ear Canal Displacement Field Due To In-Ear Device Insertion Using A Registration Method On A Human-Like Artificial Ear, S. Benacchio, O. Doutres, A. Le Troter, A. Varoquaux, E. Wagnac, V. Callot, F. Sgard

Études primaires

Passive and active in-ear devices (IED) occluding the ear canal are commonly used to (i) protect people from high noise levels (earplugs), (ii) assist people suffering from hearing impairment (hearing aids) or (iii) help people in listening from their sound systems (earbuds). However, the usability and/or efficiency of IEDs can be greatly affected by several discomfort components (physical, acoustical and functional). The mechanical pressure exerted by the IED onto the ear canal walls is greatly suspected to affect the aforementioned comfort components. This physical characteristic is closely related to the displacement field induced by the IED insertion, which has to …

Exposure To Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (Pbdes) In American And Canadian Workers: Biomonitoring Data From Two National Surveys, Sabrina Gravel, Jérôme Lavoué, France Labrèche

Études primaires

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants commonly found in many household and industrial products. They can be detected in the serum of the general population, and in even higher concentrations in workers of certain industries, due to an additional occupational exposure. The purpose of this analysis is to determine background exposure levels of PBDEs in the general working population, using national surveys where working status was self-reported. Participants aged 20–65 were selected from the 2003–2004 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 1141) and the 2007–2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey (n = 1337). Only four congeners were …

Trunk Postural Balance And Low Back Pain: Reliability And Relationship With Clinical Changes Following A Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Program, Ali Shahvarpour, Dany H. Gagnon, Richard Preuss, Sharon M. Henry, Christian Larivière

Études primaires

Lumbar stabilization programs reduce pain and disability, but the mechanisms of action underlying this treatment are unknown. Trunk postural control during unstable sitting represents a surrogate measure of motor control mechanisms involved to maintain the dynamic stability of the spine. This exploratory study aimed to determine the reliability of trunk postural control measures over an 8-week interval, their sensitivity to low back pain status and treatment and their relationship with clinical outcomes. Trunk postural control measures were determined in patients with low back pain before and after an 8-week lumbar stabilization exercise program. Healthy controls were assessed over the same …

Exploring Gender Differences Throughout Normal Rat Aging - A Role For Estrogen Signaling In The Brain, Christopher Mark Evola

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Females are more protected than males from neurodegenerative diseases until they go through menopause when this protection drops dramatically. It has been hypothesized that this neuroprotection is hormone-dependent. The current study characterized cell signaling molecules downstream of estrogen receptor beta that are known to play a role in memory, PKC, ERK, and connexin-43, in regions of the brain associated with memory decline in an attempt to elucidate significant changes that occur post-estrus. Total whole cell lysates were compared to isolated mitochondrial protein because mitochondrial function is known to be altered during aging. As hypothesized, protein concentrations differed depending on age, …

Black Males, Trauma, And Mental Health Service Use: A Systematic Review., Robert Motley, Andrae Banks

Brown School Faculty Publications

Objective: To systematically review the evidence of and synthesize results from relevant studies that have examined barriers and facilitators to professional mental health service use for Black male trauma survivors ages 18 and older.

Methods: A thorough search of selected databases that included EBSCO, ProQuest, and Web of Science Core Collection and careful consideration of inclusion and exclusion criteria yielded a final six studies for detailed review.

Results: Black male trauma survivors were significantly less likely to be utilizing mental health services than other sex-ethnic groups. High levels of daily crises, a lack of knowledge of steps to …

The Role Of Cannabinoids And Terpenes In Cannabis Mediated Analgesia In Rats, Margaret A. Rousseau

Honors Theses

Objective: This research examined the contributions of terpenes (volatile oil) and cannabinoids in cannabis mediated analgesia in rats. Methods: In experiment 1, separate groups of rats received IP administration of either vehicle, 5, 10, or 15 mg/kg cannabis extract, one of three concentrations of volatile oil alone in these cannabis extracts, one of three concentrations of these extracts with volatile oils removed, 2.5, 5, or 7.5 mg/kg Δ9-THC, or 10 or 18 mg/kg morphine 30 m before hotplate and tail-flick tests of thermal nociception. One week later, separate groups of rats received a second administration of these test articles IP …