Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Chronic Stress And Ovarian Function In Female Childhood Cancer Survivors, Theresa Marie Hardy, Mauricio Garnier-Villarreal, Jennifer M. Ohlendorf, Donna O. Mccarthy

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Objectives: To explore the relationships among perceived stress, biomarkers of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) activity, gonadotropin levels, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in female childhood cancer survivors (CCSs).

Sample & Setting: 24 female CCSs from the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, Scotland, were included in the study.

Methods & Variables: Perceived stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale. HPA activity was measured using salivary cortisol and hair cortisol. Ovarian function was measured using serum gonadotropin levels and serum AMH levels. Latent growth curve modeling was used to determine diurnal cortisol slope and intercept. Bayesian structural equation modeling was used to …

On Burr Iii Marshal Olkin Family: Development, Properties, Characterizations And Applications, Fiaz Ahmad Bhatti, Gholamhossein G. Hamedani, Mustafa Ç. Korkmaz, Gauss M. Cordeiro, Haitham M. Yousof, Munir Ahmad

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

In this paper, a flexible family of distributions with unimodel, bimodal, increasing, increasing and decreasing, inverted bathtub and modified bathtub hazard rate called Burr III-Marshal Olkin-G (BIIIMO-G) family is developed on the basis of the T-X family technique. The density function of the BIIIMO-G family is arc, exponential, left- skewed, right-skewed and symmetrical shaped. Descriptive measures such as quantiles, moments, incomplete moments, inequality measures and reliability measures are theoretically established. The BIIIMO-G family is characterized via different techniques. Parameters of the BIIIMO-G family are estimated using maximum likelihood method. A simulation study is performed to illustrate the performance of the …

A Historical Review Of The Catholic Scientists Who Answered The Call Of Humanae Vitae, Richard J. Fehring

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Signs Of Growth And Healing: Health Care And Science, Richard J. Fehring

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

MY ESSAY ON THE HISTORY OF Catholic Natural Family Planning (NFP) scientists (chapter 8 in this volume) ended with discussing scientists who were active during the papacy of John Paul II (1979-2005). This present essay continues with the time period from approximately 2000 to 2018 and, indeed, into the future. My purpose here, however, is to delineate signs of growth and healing in health care and science related to NFP and not to focus on individual NFP scientists. Given that purpose, recent trends in NFP science and historical factors that influence NFP science can provide us with signs of growth …

Safety In Children With Medical Complexity: Our Canaries In The Coal Mine?, Christine A. Schindler, Elisabeth S. Pordes, Steven D. Finkenbinder, K. Jane Lee

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose of review

The goal of this paper is to describe the complicated and diverse safety risks facing children with medical complexity.

Recent findings

Children with medical complexity have an increased risk of experiencing adverse health outcomes related to multiple comorbidities, the complicated nature of their care, and frequent interactions with the health care system. The safety risks experienced by children with medical complexity are in large part due to the complex nature of their care rather than the specific risks posed by the complicated nature of their illnesses.

Summary

The complicated nature of care for children with medical complexity …

Predeath Grief, Resourcefulness, And Perceived Stress Among Caregivers Of Partners With Young-Onset Dementia, Karie Ruekert Kobiske, Abir K. Bekhet, Mauricio Garnier-Villarreal, Marilyn Frenn

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

More than 200,000 Americans are currently diagnosed with young-onset dementia (YOD). YOD is dementia diagnosed prior to the age of 65. Most persons of YOD are cared for by their partners. Using the theoretical framework of Resilience Theory, this cross-sectional, correlational study examined the moderating effects of personal and social resourcefulness on the relationship between predeath grief and perceived stress among 104 YOD caregiving partners (life partners/spouses) using an online survey platform. Results indicated a large positive correlation between predeath grief and caregiver perceived stress (r = .65; p < .001). Together predeath grief, personal resourcefulness and social resourcefulness explained 51.5% of the variance in perceived stress. Personal resourcefulness did not moderate the relationship. Social resourcefulness did positively moderate this relationship between predeath grief and perceived stress. These findings allow for a better understanding of the caregiving experience for a partner with YOD and creates opportunities for future research studies.

Pediatric Oncology Nurses’ Perceptions Of Prognosis-Related Communication, Amy Rose Newman, Kristin Haglund, Cheryl C. Rodgers

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Disclosure of prognosis-related information is an essential aspect of communication with pediatric patients with cancer and their families. The nurse is believed to play an important role in this process, but nurse perceptions and experiences have not been well-described.

Purpose

Provide an exploration of pediatric oncology nurses’ experiences with prognosis-related communication (PRC).

Method

Mixed-methods, multiphase design. This paper highlights the qualitative portion of the study.

Findings

Three themes were identified: Importance of collaboration, impact of PRC, and delivery of prognostic information.

Discussion

Collaboration is a critical element of PRC. Nurses are often not included in the disclosure process, which …

Through The Microbial Looking Glass: Premature Labor, Preeclampsia, And Gestational Diabetes: A Scoping Review, Alexis B. Dunn, Lisa Hanson, Leona Vandevusse, Sharon Leslie

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

The influence of microbial factors on adverse perinatal outcomes has become the focal point of recent investigations, with particular interest in the role of the microbiome and probiotic interventions. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify and critique the most recent evidence about these factors as they relate to pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia (PEC), preterm birth (PTB), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane) were searched for articles published in English in the last 10 years with the concepts of the microbiome, probiotics, and PEC, PTB, or GDM. Forty-nine articles were …

Effect Of Implementing Discharge Readiness Assessment In Adult Medical-Surgical Units On 30-Day Return To Hospital The Readi Randomized Clinical Trial, Marianne E. Weiss, Olga Yakusheva, Kathleen L. Bobay, Linda L. Costa, Ronda G. Hughes, Susan A. Nuccio, Morris Hamilton, Sarah J. Bahr, Danielle M. Siclovan, James Bang

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Importance: The downward trend in readmissions has recently slowed. New enhancements to hospital readmission reduction efforts are needed. Structured assessment of patient readiness for discharge has been recommended as an addition to discharge preparation standards of care to assist with tailoring of risk-mitigating actions.

Objective: To determine the effect of unit-based implementation of readiness evaluation and discharge intervention protocols on readmissions and emergency department or observation visits.

Design, Setting, and Participants: The Readiness Evaluation and Discharge Interventions (READI) cluster randomized clinical trial conducted in medical-surgical units of 33 Magnet hospitals between September 15, 2014, and March 31, 2017, included all …

Health Policy Engagement Among Graduate Nursing Students In The United States, Pamela B. De Cordova, Mary Beth Wilson Steck, Amber Vermeesch, Natacha Pierre, Audra Rankin, Jennifer M. Ohlendorf, Sherry Lawrence, Anne Derouin

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Aim

The aim was to understand how health policy education is currently being delivered in the United States’ graduate nursing programs.

Methods

This exploratory cross‐sectional design used an anonymous online survey to target graduate nursing students attending American Association of College of Nursing (AACN) member institutions.

Results

Over 75% of the sample (n = 140) reported taking a dedicated health policy course and 71.5% ( n = 131) of the sample responded that a health policy course was required and an equal distribution among master’s and doctoral students. There was no significant difference between type of graduate degree sought …

A New Leadership Development Model For Nursing Education, Jane M. Miles, Elaine S. Scott

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Leadership competency is required throughout nursing. Students have difficulty understanding leadership as integral to education and practice. A consistent framework for nursing leadership education, strong scholarship and an evidence base are limited.

Purpose

To establish an integrated leadership development model for prelicensure nursing students that recognizes leadership as a fundamental skill for nursing practice and promotes development of nursing leadership education scholarship.

Method

Summarizing definitions of nursing leadership, conceptualizing leadership development capacity through reviewing trends, and synthesizing existing leadership theories through directed content analysis.

Discussion

Nine leadership skills form the organizing structure for the Nursing Leadership Development Model. Leadership …

Integrating Research And Quality Improvement Using Teamstepps: A Health Team Communication Project To Improve Hospital Discharge, Joseph Beiler, Kristi Opper, Marianne E. Weiss

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose/Objectives:

The purpose of this article is to describe an innovative approach to the integration of quality improvement and research processes. A project with the objective of improving health team communication about hospital discharge provides an exemplar case.

Description of the Project/Program:

The TeamSTEPPS 10-step action planning guide provided the structure for planning, developing, and evaluating a redesign of interprofessional health team communication to improve hospital discharge led by 2 clinical nurse specialists. The redesign involved development of processes for team bedside rounding, registered nurse bedside shift reports, and briefing tools to support the rounding processes.

Outcome:

Using the TeamSTEPPS …

The Impact Of Maternal Bmi, Gestational Weight Gain, And Breastfeeding On Early Childhood Weight: Analysis Of A Statewide Wic Dataset, Jennifer M. Ohlendorf, Karen Marie Robinson, Mauricio Garnier-Villarreal

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Early childhood obesity is a persistent health concern with more frequent and significant impact on low-income families. Maternal weight factors impact offspring weight status, but evidence on whether breastfeeding protects against this impact is mixed. This analysis examined a model to predict early childhood obesity risk, simultaneously accounting for maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain, and breastfeeding. The team analyzed 27,016 unique maternal-child dyadic records collected via the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Wisconsin Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) between 2009 and 2011. Generalized Linear Modeling, specifically logistic regression, was used to predict a child's risk …

Effects Of Positive Thinking On Dementia Caregivers’ Burden And Care-Recipients’ Behavioral Problems, Abir K. Bekhet, Mauricio Garnier-Villarreal

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Most dementia care is provided at home by family members. This caregiving places an additional burden on the family members, which can negatively impact their physical and psychological well-being. The caregivers’ burden can also contribute to behavioral problems in the care-recipients. The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating/moderating effects of positive thinking (PT) on the relationship between caregivers’ burden (embarrassment/anger, patient’s dependency, and self-criticism) and their care-recipients’ behavioral problems (memory, depression, and disruption) in a sample of 100 dementia caregivers. Results indicated that caregivers’ embarrassment, self-criticism, and perception of patient dependency predicts depression in care-recipients, and these …

Translational Modeling Of Non-Invasive Electrical Stimulation, Dennis Quangvinh Truong

Dissertations and Theses

Seminal work in the early 2000’s demonstrated the effect of low amplitude non-invasive electrical stimulation in people using neurophysiological measures (motor evoked potentials, MEPs). Clinical applications of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) have since proliferated, though the mechanisms are not fully understood. Efforts to refine the technique to improve results are on-going as are mechanistic studies both in vivo and in vitro. Volume conduction models are being applied to these areas of research, especially in the design and analysis of clinical montages. However, additional research on the parameterization of models remains.

In this dissertation, Finite Element Method (FEM) models of …

Using Fundamental Properties Of Light To Investigate Photonic Effects In Condensed Matter And Biological Tissues, Laura A. Sordillo

Dissertations and Theses

Light possesses characteristics such as polarization, wavelength and coherence. The interaction of light and matter, whether in a semiconductor or in a biological sample, can reveal important information about the internal properties of a system. My thesis focuses on two areas: photocarriers in gallium arsenide and biomedical optics. Varying the excitation wavelength can be used to study both biological tissue and condensed matter. I altered the excitation wavelengths to be in the longer near-infrared (NIR) optical windows, in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) range, a wavelength region previously thought to be unusable for medical imaging. With this method, I acquired high …

Restrictive Ventilatory Patterns In Residents Of Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Christine R. Kovach, Murad H. Taani, Crystal-Rae Waltons, Sheryl Kelber, Irwin Margolis

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Restrictive ventilatory patterns (RVPs) in older adults may contribute to morbidity and decreased quality of life. The purpose of this study was to begin to understand (a) the number of older adults residing in Continuing Care Retirement Communities with RVPs, (b) factors associated with RVP, and (c) whether RVP is associated with ambulation level. This descriptive study was conducted at three sites. RVP was evident in 34 of the 65 participants (52%), and 33 (97%) of these were either moderate or severely restricted. Dementia, dyspnea, kyphosis, and lower muscle strength were significant predictors of RVP. Eighty percent of the nonambulatory …

Metastatic Vertebral Lesion Mimicking An Atypical Hemangioma With Negative 18f-Fdg Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography, Ana Cecilia Belzarena Genovese

All Publications

Atypical hemangiomas of the spine can mimic metastatic lesions on magnetic resonance imaging, therefore making this distinction is a diagnostic challenge. In most cases, this conundrum can usually be solved with positron emission tomography/computed tomography images, because hemangiomas do not usually present with increased uptake while metastatic lesions do. Here we present a case of a patient with a unique diagnosis, myxoid liposarcoma, in which the vertebral metastatic lesion did not present with increased uptake in positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans. While keeping the imaging particularity of this rare sarcoma in mind, proceeding with a biopsy when the suspicion of …

Detection Of Sickle Cell Disease-Associated Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Using A Graphene Field Effect Transistor, Kandace Fung

CMC Senior Theses

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a hereditary monogenic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide and is associated with symptoms such as stroke, lethargy, chronic anemia, and increased mortality. SCD can be quickly detected and diagnosed using a simple blood test as an infant, but as of now, there is currently limited treatment to cure an individual of sickle cell disease. Recently, there have been several promising developments in CRISPR-Cas-associated gene-editing therapeutics; however, there have been limitations in gene-editing efficiency monitoring, which if improved, could be beneficial to advancing CRISPR-based therapy, especially in SCD. The CRISPR-Chip, a three-terminal graphene-based field …

Giardia Lamblia Growth In Viscoelastic Fluids, Kelly Watanabe

CMC Senior Theses

Giardia lamblia is a single-celled protozoan parasite that when ingested, causes diarrheal disease and infects 33% of people in developing countries. Previous studies observe Giardia in water-like fluids, but Giardia's infectious environment consists of viscoelastic mucus in the small intestine. Therefore, Giardia was cultured in viscoelastic fluids, and its population growth was observed in vitro. To create shear-thinning viscoelastic fluids, 0.2% and 0.4% long-chain polyacrylamide (LCPAM) was added to cell culture media. Giardia was cultured in control media, 0.2% LCPAM, and 0.4% LCPAM, and population growth was quantitatively determined over time. Increasing LCPAM concentration resulted in a solution with …

Healthy Skepticism: The Relationship Between Funding Source And Conclusion In Nutrition-Related Scientific Articles On Saturated Fat, Lili Muskal

CMC Senior Theses

Recently published scientific articles have led to mixed nutritional advice on dietary saturated fatty acids. Lesser et. al (2007) identified that mixed conclusions in scientific articles on sweetened beverages might be attributed industry funding, as articles funded by the beverage industry are four to eight times more likely to report conclusions in favor of the sponsor’s products. This thesis applies Lesser’s methods to determine whether industry funding influences the inconsistent conclusions on saturated fatty acids. This thesis analyzes 100 articles on foods high in dietary saturated fatty acids. While studies with food industry funding are more likely to produce favorable …

Fostering Transformational Leadership In Asian Americans: How To Reach The C-Suite, Khadija Ganijee

CMC Senior Theses

This paper investigates what has caused a lack of Asian American leadership in the corporate space and how transformational leadership can be the solution for these people by using their culture to their advantage. This was accomplished through a comprehensive review of transformational leadership and the personality traits associated with it, as well as psychological research on Asian American issues in the workplace and the role of Asian American culture. Stereotyping and discrimination play a role in the workplace, but usually, what a person can do to combat these issues is not explicated. This thesis aims to fill in that …

Momentum 2019, Stephanie Clarke

Momentum

A journal of undergraduate research

Reducing Return Of Disease Activity In Patients With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Transitioned From Natalizumab To Teriflunomide: 12-Month Interim Results Of Teriflunomide Therapy., Stanley Cohan, Keith Edwards, Lindsay Lucas, Tiffany Gervasi-Follmar, Judy O'Connor, Jessica Siuta, Vineetha Kamath, Lore Garten, Chiayi Chen, James Thomas, Kyle E Smoot, Kiren Kresa-Reahl, Kateri Spinelli

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

Background: Natalizumab is an effective treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis. Return of disease activity upon natalizumab discontinuance creates the need for follow-up therapeutic strategies.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of teriflunomide following natalizumab discontinuance in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients.

Methods: Clinically stable relapsing multiple sclerosis patients completing 12 or more consecutive months of natalizumab, testing positive for anti-John Cunningham virus antibody, started teriflunomide 14 mg/day, 28 ± 7 days after their final natalizumab infusion. Physical examination, Expanded Disability Status Scale, laboratory assessments, and brain magnetic resonance imaging were performed at screening and multiple follow-up visits.

Results: Fifty-five patients were enrolled …

The Psychosocial Effects Of Solid Organ Transplantation On Living Donors: A Literature Review, Christopher G. Evans

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Historically the source for most organ donations were from the cadavers of deceased donors. Over time living organ donation has become an important way to address the shortage of organ availability. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the psychosocial effect the organ donation process has on the living donor. The body's physiological response to organ donation had been well documented. However, the psychosocial effect of donation is now being more appreciated and studies are being done to try to elucidate the factors that can influence the living donor's response to the transplant pro The ultimate goal of …

Fall Risk Assessment In Community- Dwelling Older Adults: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Study, Maryann Dool

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Abstract

Aims: 1) To determine fall risk assessment using subjective and objective measures; 2) To understand older adults' perception on fall risk assessment.

Methodology: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used and consisted of two phases. Phase 1, the quantitative data was collected from nineteen older adults at an independent living facility in Orlando, Florida. Phase 2, the qualitative data was collected from three participants of Phase 1. After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, the study was conducted at Lutheran Towers an independent living facility located in the downtown area of Orlando, Florida. Three measurement tools were used: demographic …

The Efficacy Of Meditation-Based Treatments In Relapse Prevention For Persons With Substance Use Disorders, Florence C. Bates

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Substance abuse is a global problem that has contributed to a variety of societal, financial, health, and familial strains. An increasing prevalence of illicit drug, prescription opioids, and alcohol abuse has created a need for re-evaluation of recovery and relapse treatments. This literature review examines the efficacy of meditation-based treatments for relapse prevention in persons recovering from Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). A comparative analysis of Mindfulness Based Relapse Programs (MBRP), an adapted MBRP-W program, and a Transcendental Meditation (TM) intervention was used to examine the success of meditation-based interventions. Research supports improvements associated with the meditation-based interventions including significant reductions …

Assessing The Impact Of Digital Health Technologies On Maternal Health Care In Sub-Saharan Africa, Samerawit Tadele

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Maternal morbidity and mortality are prevalent issues worldwide that profoundly affects low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Africa. Estimates vary, but by the end of 2015, at least 300,000 women died in LMICs due to preventable pregnancy and childbirth conditions. Pregnant women die from complications that could be detected and managed if they were able to receive early access to necessary health interventions. Mobile technology is increasingly common across the globe, including LMICs, and incorporating digital health technologies, especially mobile phone (mHealth) programs, can offer a possible solution to morbidity and mortality related to pregnancy. A literature review analyzing the …

The Use Of Hydrotherapy For Chronic Pain, Emily S. Medal

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to provide a critical analysis of research findings about hydrotherapy as a means of reducing chronic pain used independently of opioids. Chronic pain is often treated with analgesics of varying potency, some with serious adverse side effects if used over a long period of time. Exploring the effectiveness of therapies other than medication to treat chronic pain is important to decrease or eliminate the amount to pain medication taken for chronic pain. Hydrotherapy is one therapy that may improve the pain experience for those with chronic pain. A literature search was conducted using the …

Nursing Interventions For Intradialtyic Hypotension: Using Blood Volume Monitoring Guided Ultrafiltration, Suzette S. Cedeno

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Intradialytic hypotension is a potential complication experienced by patients with end-stage renal disease who receive hemodialysis. This complication occurs during the dialysis treatment in 15-30% of all treatments. The multiple comorbidities that exist in hemodialysis patients predispose them to recurrent intradialytic hypotension episodes. Recurrent intradialytic hypotensive episodes can result in negative short-term and long-term clinical consequences. Short-term consequences include complications such as ischemic events (e.g., heart attacks, strokes), clotting of patient dialysis access, or heart rhythm abnormalities. Long-term consequences include end-organ damage, increased cardiovascular morbidity, and a higher mortality rate. Problem Statement: Available nursing interventions used to treat intradialytic …