Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

An Assessment Of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria In Nebraska, Molly Hoffman

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Background. Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the U.S., yet not much is known about the prevalence and risk factors. It is thought to be increasing and most commonly found in women and older adults. The objectives of this project were to estimate the burden of NTM in Nebraska and to describe the patterns of NTM infection including location, species, specimen source, and patient demographic characteristics.

Methods. The National Electronic Disease Surveillance System was searched for all NTM infections reported from 2012-2017. Cases were classified as either pulmonary or nonpulmonary and available information was …

Student Moves: A Mixed Methods Cross- Sectional Study Of Elementary School- Based Physical Education In Omaha Public Schools, Ashley Carroll

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Childhood obesity is one of the leading pediatric health problems and a major concern among Omaha metro parents (Professional Research Consultants, 2015). While there are many inter-related factors that contribute to the development of obesity, physical inactivity is a prominent risk factor. Targeting physical activity in health promotion is desirable for its feasibility and effectiveness in balancing energy consumption and expenditure (Hill, 2012). The Student Moves research project sought to inform school district and community strategies for promoting youth physical activity by assessing current physical education practices among a random sample of third- grade students in Omaha Public Schools. Variables …

Occupational Health Challenges In Research, Anthony Blake

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Employees working in universities and hospitals are faced with common and unique health and safety challenges. Usually, the campus Department of Health and Safety is tasked with reducing employee exposure through risk assessments. Purpose: In this study, we present a unique risk assessment case study related to a research project undertaken by the campus Department of Health and Safety (DHES). This project also describes the activities done by DHES to improve campus safety. We hypothesized that carbon monoxide, particulate matter, formaldehyde, and VOCs emitted from burning wood chips in a closed laboratory space will exceed …

The Effects Of Mild Dehydration On Cycling Performance In The Heat, Elika Hamer

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract

Introduction: Hypohydration exceeding 2% of body mass (bm), affected by heat and thirst level, leads to decreased athletic performance. Both physiological and psychological factors of dehydration have an impact on an athlete’s perceived performance. However, it is unclear whether the effects of psychological, physiological, or both have a negative impact on athletic performance caused by mild hypohydration. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if mild hypohydration affects exercise performance in trained cyclists while blinding their hydration state. Methodology: Eleven competitive male cyclists participated in two blinded experimental trials, hypohydrated and euhydrated states by intra-venous infusions. The …

Novel Determinants That Influence Azole Susceptibility In Candida Glabrata And Candida Albicans, Sarah Garland Whaley

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Despite the scientific and medical communities’ best efforts, the incidence of fungal infections in susceptible populations continues to rise. The most common cause of these opportunistic fungal infections is Candida. In fact, Candida is the fourth most common pathogen associated with nosocomial blood stream infections. Reported mortality rates for patients with candidemia vary, but have not decreased in the past fifteen years and are reported to be as high as 50%. Candida glabrata, second only to Candida albicans among Candida infections, expresses high rates of resistance to treatment with arguably the best class of currently available antifungals - …

Rheological Studies Of Injectable Thermoresponsive Biodegradable Hydrogels And Porcine Ocular Tissues, Chandana Reddy Damera

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

This research has evaluated the rheological properties of two types of materials which include (i) semi-synthetic polymer-based injectable hydrogels [P(NIPAAm-co-DEX-Lactate HEMA) and P(NIPAAm-co-HA-AEMA)], and (ii) biological tissues (porcine ocular tissues).

A series of thermoresponsive and biodegradable in situ hydrogel based on N-isopropyacrylamide (NIPAAm) monomer and hydrolytically degradable oligolactate Dextran-lactate-HEMA or Hyaluronic acid (HA)-AEMA macromer were investigated as encapsulation matrices (scaffolds) for DPSCs/ADSCs and assess their applicability in dental/retinal tissue engineering. The rheological properties of the hydrogels were strongly dependent on the reaction conditions and composition of the hydrogels. Both the hydrogels exhibited linear viscoelasticity, and the values of storage moludus …

Protein Trafficking Of Bk Channel Β1 Subunits In Cerebral Artery Myocytes, Xue Zhai

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Rationale: Large-conductance calcium (Ca²⁺)-activated potassium channels (BK) are expressed in arterial myocytes to control arterial contractility. It is composed of pore- forming BKα and auxiliary β1 subunits. Auxiliary β1 subunits associate with BKα which modulate Ca²⁺ sensitivity of BK channel. Previous data showed that BKα locates at cell membrane, whereas β1 subunits are primarily intracellular which regulated by Rab11A- positive recycling endosomes. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a vasoconstrictor, induces contraction of myocytes. ET-1 inhibits BK channel but mechanisms are not fully understood. It is unclear that vasoconstrictors regulate the cellular distribution of BK channels. Furthermore, BK channels are involved …

Somatic Mutation Detection In Leukemia-Derived Circulating Dna: Utility In Monitoring Clonal Dynamics And Disease Response In Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Sarah Hisham Abdelaziz Youssef

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Despite the improved outcome associated with current treatment strategies ofpediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), relapse still represents a major challenge. Pediatric ALL demonstrates branched evolution in response to selective pressure exerted by therapy; relapse founder clones emerge from pre-leukemic clones or minor subclones present at diagnosis. It is hence crucial to develop biomarkers capable of tracking subclones throughout therapy. Current practices for monitoring disease response in leukemia rely on the analysis of BM biopsy sample at specific time points throughout therapy. Not only the invasiveness of the BM biopsy hinders the sequential sampling, but also, the currently implied techniques are …

Health-Related Quality Of Life In Female Children With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Mixed Methods Study, Lacretia Carroll

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Introduction. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has become a meaningful area in research, medical management, and in the evaluation of health outcomes. However, in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), HRQOL is a long-neglected subject. Previous research in individuals with CAH typically focused on medical treatment and outcomes, which suggested that HRQOL is influenced by personal factors such as genital ambiguity, impaired growth, higher incidence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, acute adrenal crisis, as well as losses in psychosexual milestones and psychological functioning. Social contexts, such as family, were identified as factors that contribute to an individual’s perceived HRQOL. Today, …

Serum Proteomics In African American Female Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Exploratory Study, Kristen R. Weaver-Toedtman Phd, Acnp, Anp, Gail D.Eramo Melkus, Jason Fletcher, Wendy A. Henderson

Publications

Background Sex and subtype differences within patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) complicate the understanding of disorder pathogenesis and hinder the design of efficacious, therapeutic interventions. Objectives The aims of this study were to harness the power of shotgun proteomic analysis, identify circulating proteins that differentiate African American female patients with IBS from healthy controls (HC), and gain biological insight on symptomatology. Methods Serum proteome analysis was performed upon a cohort of overweight, African American female participants with constipation predominant IBS symptoms (n = 5) and HC (n = 5), matched on age, sex, years of education, body mass index, …

Harnessing Social Media To Explore Youth Social Withdrawal In Three Major Cities In China: Cross-Sectional Web Survey, Lucia Lin Liu, Tim Mh Li, Alan R. Teo, Takahiro A. Kato, Paul W.C. Wong

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Socially withdrawn youth belong to an emerging subgroup of youth who are not in employment, education, or training and who have limited social interaction intention and opportunities. The use of the internet and social media is expected to be an alternative and feasible way to reach this group of young people because of their reclusive nature.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the possibility of using various social media platforms to investigate the existence of the phenomenon of youth social withdrawal in 3 major cities in China.

Methods: A cross-sectional open Web survey …

Reaching Those At Risk For Psychiatric Disorders And Suicidal Ideation: Facebook Advertisements To Recruit Military Veterans, Alan R. Teo, Samuel B.L. Liebow, Benjamin Chan, Steven K. Dobscha, Amanda L. Graham

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Younger military veterans are at high risk for psychiatric disorders and suicide. Reaching and engaging veterans in mental health care and research is challenging. Social media platforms may be an effective channel to connect with veterans.

Objective: This study tested the effectiveness of Facebook advertisements in reaching and recruiting Iraq and Afghanistan-era military veterans in a research study focused on mental health.

Methods: Facebook ads requesting participation in an online health survey ran for six weeks in 2017. Ads varied imagery and headlines. Validated instruments were used to screen for psychiatric disorders and suicidality. Outcomes included impressions, click-through rate, …

Oregon Medicaid Expenditures After The 2014 Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion: Over-Time Differences Among New, Returning, And Continuously Insured Enrollees, Rachel Springer, Miguel Marino, Jean P. O'Malley, Stephan R. Lindner, Nathalie Huguet, Jennifer E. Devoe

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background—There is interest in assessing healthcare utilization and expenditures among new Medicaid enrollees after the 2014 Medicaid expansion. Recent studies have not differentiated between newly enrolled individuals and those returning after coverage gaps.

Objectives—To assess healthcare expenditures among Medicaid enrollees in the 24 months after Oregon’s 2014 Medicaid expansions and examine whether expenditure patterns were different among the newly, returning, and continuously insured.

Research Design—Retrospective cohort study using inverse-propensity weights to adjust for differences between groups.

Subjects—Oregon adult Medicaid beneficiaries insured continuously from 2014-2015 who were either newly, returning, or continuously insured.

Measures—Monthly expenditures for inpatient care, prescription drugs, total …

Protocol Development In The Or: Lessons Learned, Megan Sims

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The management of pain in those undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy is complex and challenging. There have been advances in the understanding of the physiology of pain and a wide variety of treatment options are now available. Establishing a preventative multi-modal protocol with different types of pain medications that work on a variety of receptors along the pain pathway is imperative. Through an exhaustive literature review, a preventative multi-modal approach was established and introduced at a small hospital in Central Illinois available for all laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients undergoing surgery over a 10 week implementation period. There was only one completed case …

Introduction Of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery For Colorectal Surgical Patients: A Quality Improvement Project, Amanda R. Mcvey

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The purpose of this practice project was to develop and introduce an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for colorectal surgical patients at a tertiary care center in southern Illinois. Project aims included reviewing available literature and study outcomes to develop an evidenced-based ERAS protocol for colorectal surgery and educating anesthesia providers about ERAS to introduce the evidenced-based ERAS protocol for colorectal surgery. An educational presentation and learning assessment tool were developed and subsequently presented to the anesthesia providers at the host facility. The first step toward implementing the protocol is education, as such, the results of the assessment questions …

Improving Acute Postoperative Pain Management For Opioid-Tolerant Patients: Development Of A Postoperative Ketamine Infusion Protocol, Jeri Dockins

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Anesthesia providers are encountering a growing number of opioid-tolerant patients. To date, the treatment for acute pain has been the administration of opioids. The administration of opioids leads to postsurgical complications. This project’s purpose was to improve acute pain management for opioid-tolerant patients by creating a postoperative ketamine infusion protocol. Ketamine is a noncompetitive antagonist at N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor sites involved in nociceptive and inflammatory pain transmission (Radvansky et al., 2015; Vandivelu et al., 2016). Research has demonstrated ketamine administered as a bolus dose or a continuous low-dose infusion for 24 to 48 hours postoperatively often results in a decrease in …

Improving Perioperative Management Of Patients Experiencing Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity: An Assessment Of A Staff Educational Program, Sarah O'Leary

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) is a rare but life-threatening complication occurring after administration of local anesthetics. With the increasingly widespread use of local anesthetics (LAs), healthcare providers must be educated on safe administration, as well as recognition and treatment of LAST. This project involved the development of a computer-based learning (CBL) module for staff at a tertiary care center in central Illinois with a focus on the definition, characteristics, prevention, symptoms, and treatment of LAST.

Knowles’ adult learning theory served as the primary foundation and theoretical framework for the development of the CBL. A comprehensive review of the literature …

The Implementation Of A Health Blog At A Community College, Colin M. Solomon, Roxanne Strohbeck

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This projects details the implementation of a health blog at a Midwestern community college family health clinic. The literature review examines issues regarding benefits of college health clinics to students, health dangers college students face, social media usage for health education, how enhanced awareness of college health clinics can lead to increased usage, social media intervention design, and ethics of social media use for health promotion. A theoretical nursing framework is applied to the project of designing the blog. Clinical relevance for nurse practitioner practice is established with supporting literature review. Methods of project implementation are delineated including possible improvements, …

The Ush2a Gene: An Analysis Of Ultrasonic Vocalizations In A Mouse Model Of Usher Syndrome Type 2, Kiana R. Akhundzadeh

Honors Scholar Theses

Usher syndrome type 2 is a complex autosomal recessive genetic disorder that is characterized by moderate to severe congenital sensorineural hearing loss, the onset of retinitis pigmentosa in the second decade of life, and in some cases, vestibular dysfunction. Mutations in the USH2A gene account for 85% of cases of type 2. The USH2A gene is responsible for encoding the protein usherin, which has an important role in the development and function of inner ear hair cells and retinal photoreceptors. Until recently, it has been believed that carriers of the USH2A mutation were phenotype free. However, recent data has suggested …

The Systemic Quantification Of Immune Cell Populations In Various Murine Models: How Age, Tumor Burden, And Immunotherapy Affect The Immune Response, Kavita Sinha

Honors Scholar Theses

Immunotherapy as a form of cancer treatment has become increasingly popular in the past few decades. Researchers have worked to figure out how to best use the body’s natural defense mechanism, the immune system, to fight off and destroy cancer cells. In particular, the goal has been to manipulate checkpoint blockades such as CTLA-4 and PD-1 in order to take the breaks off of the immune system, allowing for a prolonged immune response to the cancer. This work has led to the development of human versions of anti-CTLA4 antibodies (ipilimumab, tremelimumab) and anti-PD1 antibodies (pembrolizumab and Nivolumab) that are currently …

Is Concussion-Related Sleep Disturbance Present After Return To Play In College Athletes?, Alexander Gallaer

Honors Scholar Theses

As one of the most commonly experienced symptoms, the ramifications of sleep disruption as a result of concussion are potentially great, yet widely unexplored. Particularly troublesome is murky data regarding the length of sleep disruption following a concussion. By analyzing self-reported sleep data via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, this study seeks to investigate potential differences in sleep quality between injured college athletes 40 days after they have been cleared to play and matched controls. Data was analyzed using ANOVA analysis as well as Pearson correlation. No significant differences were found in sleep quality between groups, nor was there a …

An Investigation Of The Impact Of Family Dynamics On Obesity Among African American Adolescent Girls, Tina Mcdyess

Dissertations

Children who are overweight and obese are more likely to maintain their weight status into adulthood (Fletcher, Cooper, Helms, Northington, & Winters, 2009; World Health Organization [WHO], 2015). The prevalence of obesity has shown a more consistent increase among African Americans aged 2-19 (Flegal, Carroll, Kit, & Ogden, 2012; Ogden, Carroll, Kit, & Flegal, 2012; Ogden, Carroll, Kit & Flegal, 2014) with an even greater disparity among African American girls (Ogden & Carroll, 2010). Family dynamics is one of the many factors of the environment that has been linked to obesity among children and adolescents. The purpose of this study …

Roller Derby As A Form Of Self-Empowerment: An Examination Of Female Athletes' Resilience To Intimate Partner Violence, Esmeralda Castillo

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to explore if playing roller derby can yield one more resilient to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). IPV is a major wellness concern to our present lives. However, there are many who experience violence, yet do not develop debilitating symptoms. The subject of resilience has emerged to account for this. Resilience can be interpreted as “bouncing back” from adversity, and adapting well to sources of stress (American Psychological Association, n.d.). Sport psychologists have recognized sport as a site for the development of resilient qualities. For females, team sports offer a context to experience empowerment. The …

Mexican American Counselor And Client: Perceptions Toward Substance Use Disorders, Eluterio Blanco Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Over 28.6 million Americans have admitted to the ongoing use of illicit drugs and more than half of Americans are current alcohol drinkers yet a significant number of these people do not seek treatment. Trends regarding substance-related treatment have shown Hispanic drug users tend to underutilize drug and alcohol services and treatment avoidance is especially prevalent among Mexican Americans who reside along the US-Mexico border, due in part to the stigma associated with substance use. In addition, counselor attitudes as well as student counselors-in-training attitudes are showing a manifestation of the same kind of stigma toward substance use as the …

Perceptions Of Applied Behavioral Analysis In Speech-Therapy With Individuals With Autism, Irene Cortez

Theses and Dissertations

Speech language pathologists in the pediatric setting will typically find themselves working with children with autism and implementing behavior management strategies in order to implement the most effective therapy. Many of these behavior management strategies fall under the category of applied behavioral analysis, however applied behavioral analysis is not widely implemented as a whole in speech therapy. This thesis reviews current literature regarding autism, behavior management, and Applied Behavioral Analysis in speech therapy; and how speech language pathologists currently perceive applied behavioral analysis and its usefulness in speech therapy. General findings of this thesis revealed that the majority of speech …

Reanalyzing The Activity Anorexia Protocol Using An Addiction Theory, Rolando Alfredo Botello

Theses and Dissertations

One researched and developed phenomenon is activity anorexia (AA) in rats and its resemblance to the human pathology anorexia nervosa (AN). Researchers have long relied on this comparative model for AN as AA. This study aims to reanalyze the overt physiological phenomena of AA to test an addictive theory against the prevalent AA theory. Equal numbers of subjects could eat or run during a one hour feeding period and all activity was monitored per 30 minutes. Results showed that daily running correlated with an increase in food consumption with no effect of food suppression. The only factor that regressed to …

Cultural Awareness: Latinos Perceptions In A Multicultural Counseling Course [Concientización Cultural: Percepciones De Estudiantes Latinos En Un Curso De Consejería Multicultural], Leila Flores-Torres

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the experiences and perceptions from a multicultural counseling course of Latino graduate counseling students at a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). The purpose of the study was to understand the students’ lived experience and its impact in developing their multicultural counselor identity and competencies. The research questions included the following: What course experiences and personal values do Latino graduate students identify as relevant to their multicultural counseling preparation? What psychological process do Latino graduate students use to make meaning of their experiences and values in their multicultural counseling preparation to serve the needs of culturally diverse clients?

The …

Transitioning Adults From A Tube-Feeding To An Oral Feeding In Long-Term Care Facilities, Patricia D. Mejorado

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this investigation is to gain information regarding the transition of adults from a tube feeding to an oral feeding in long-term care facilities. Twelve surveys were administered to the speech language pathologist population from the UTRGV and UTPA communication sciences and disorders alumni via email invitation. The survey consisted of questions regarding: years practiced in long-term care facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration, protocol and/or algorithms for transitioning patients from a tube feeding to an oral feeding, documentation programs, access to meal intakes, the SLP’s role in the transition to oral feedings, and areas of concerns regarding the transition from …

Multicultural Counselor Supervision And Perceived Differences On Client Outcome, Andrew Perez

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine the differences between counselor supervisors’ and supervisees’ perceptions of the impact of multicultural supervision on client outcome. Counselor supervisors and supervisees may have differences in how much they believe multicultural factors affect client outcome and this study aims to determine what differences exist. These differences are important in understanding how supervisors might better serve supervisees and in turn clients. There were 61 participants in the study that consisted of faculty, counselor supervisors, counselors, and graduate students in counseling-related fields. The current study found that multicultural supervision/competence alone predicted supervisor client outcome. The …

Knowledge And Attitudes Toward Persons With Schizophrenia Among Hispanic University Students Enrolled In Mental Health And Non-Mental Health Disciplines, Manisha Sharma

Theses and Dissertations

The present study was designed to examine university students’ knowledge regarding schizophrenia and factors that can influence university students’ attitudes toward persons with schizophrenia. An attribution questionnaire ([AQ-27], Corrigan, Markowitz, Watson, Rowan, & Kubiak, 2003), the Error Choice Test ([ECT], Michaels & Corrigan, 2013), and the Social Desirability Scale ([SDS-13], Reynolds, 1982) were utilized to collect data from undergraduate students attending The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), the largest U.S. Hispanic serving university located on the Texas-Mexico border. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to analyze the survey data. Results indicated a non-significant relationship between students’ knowledge regarding …