Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Living As A Dying Child: A Gadamerian Analysis Of The Poetry Of Mattie J. T. Stepanek, Corinne Ann Settecase-Wu

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Yearly, approximately 500,000 children live with life-limiting conditions in the United States; 50,000 die. Yet, details regarding children’s days of living as dying are unknown. The aim of this qualitative hermeneutic study is to gain understanding of the phenomenon of living as a dying child. A Gadamerian-inspired approach was implemented to underpin the study, and to analyze poetic text to address the research question: What is it to be living as a dying child? The text sample included 499 poems written by Mattie J. T. Stepanek, a dying child. The Settecase-Wu Conceptual Guide was developed and implemented to ensure accuracy …

Mindfulness In Medicine: Modified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (Mbsr) Program Among Future Doctors, Virtue Sankoh

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Medical trainees are at particular risk for stress-related illness, including mental health problems such as suicidal ideation, substance abuse, and mood disorders. A vast literature on mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), consisting of mindfulness education and structured meditative practices, has consistently demonstrated that MBSR and related mindfulness-based interventions improve mental and physical health, as well as one’s overall sense of well-being. Moreover, theorists and researchers have begun to suggest further that mindfulness plays a particular role in social cognition, or social-emotional learning. Medical schools have long been interested in ways to improve the “soft skills” related to interpersonal connectedness that are …

Screening For Hearing Loss: Physician Attitudes And Practice, Theresa N. Vitale

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Age related hearing loss (ARHL) is considered a public health hazard in large part due to the negative health outcomes with which it is associated, such as, cognitive decline, increased risk of falling, social isolation and depression. Despite the health-related costs of ARHL, physician’s rarely screen older adults for ARHL. Some of the reasons previously cited include a lack of time and resources in medical offices, a lack of reimbursement for such measures, or lack of knowledge of risk factors associated with hearing loss. The latter is problematic as improved communication among physicians and their patients is an important correlate …

Caring For Persons With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Toolkit For Audiologists, Melanie Rosenthal

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

As the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can mimic those of hearing loss, an audiologic evaluation is often a component of the differential diagnostic process. These audiologic evaluations can be complicated by social communication deficits, as well as sensory issues demonstrated by individuals with ASD. Typical testing procedures may need to be adapted, as well as multiple appointments may be needed, to obtain sufficient audiologic information. Although there is an abundance of literature suggesting that alternative approaches (i.e. visual schedules, social stories) should be utilized in the audiologic evaluation, there has yet to be a comprehensive toolkit for audiologists …

How To Implant A Phrenic Nerve Stimulator For Treatment Of Central Sleep Apnea?, Ralph S Augostini, Timothy W Smith, Et Al.

2010-2019 OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a breathing disorder caused by the intermittent absence of central respiratory drive. Transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation is a new therapeutic option, recently approved by the FDA , for the treatment of CSA.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique used to implant the transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation system (the remedē System, Respicardia, Inc).

METHODS: The remedē System is placed in the pectoral region, typically on the right side. A single stimulation lead is placed in either the left pericardiophrenic vein (PPV) or the right brachiocephalic vein (RBC). A sensing lead is placed into the azygous vein …

Differential Iron Regulatory Genetics In 2d & 3d Culture Of Breast Cancer Cells, Tyler Hanna, Suzy Torti Ph. D, Frank Torti M.D., Mph, Nicole Farra Ph. D.

Honors Scholar Theses

The iron regulatory axis has consistently been shown to be perturbed in cancer cell lines relative to non-cancerous cell lines. As cancer cells rapidly divide and grow, they require iron to fuel many intracellular processes, including DNA replication and protein synthesis. Three-dimensional cell culture is an increasingly popular method of culture that purportedly more accurately mimics the in vivo microenvironment of cancers over traditional two-dimensional culture. This project was prompted by previous lab results to investigate differential iron regulatory gene expression in 2D and 3D spheroid culture models. We replicated the findings that the gene hepcidin is induced in 3D …

Seeing Eye To Eye: A Machine Learning Approach To Automated Saccade Analysis, Maigh Attre

Honors Scholar Theses

Abnormal ocular motility is a common manifestation of many underlying pathologies particularly those that are neurological. Dynamics of saccades, when the eye rapidly changes its point of fixation, have been characterized for many neurological disorders including concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and Parkinson’s disease. However, widespread saccade analysis for diagnostic and research purposes requires the recognition of certain eye movement parameters. Key information such as velocity and duration must be determined from data based on a wide set of patients’ characteristics that may range in eye shapes and iris, hair and skin pigmentation [36]. Previous work on saccade analysis has …

Smartphone Ecological Momentary Assessment: Adherence, Stress, And Sleep Study, David Massabni

Honors Scholar Theses

It is known that lack of sleep correlates with more stress throughout the day. In this unique study, we utilize participants smartphones to complete surveys through a hyperlink via text message. The use of smartphones could help because stress and sleep can only be measured at a moment’s notice. A sample of 8 participants were assessed for Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), College Student’s Stressful Event Checklist (CSSEC) along with their height, weight, and blood pressure at baseline. Next, participants were asked to respond to five scheduled surveys over the next two days where they completed …

Investigation Of The In Vitro Interactions Between Two Common Cystic Fibrosis Pathogens, Staphylococcus Aureus And Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia., Matthew Hill

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common autosomal disorders in Caucasian populations. This disorder creates a very opportune environment for many pathogens within the patient’s lung. Two common pathogens that infect CF patient’s lungs are Staphylococcus aureusand Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. These two species of bacteria can colonize host environments and establish mats of cells known as biofilms that become very difficult to eradicate with antibiotics. Once inside a CF lung, these pathogens must not only evade the host immune response but they also interact and compete with each other; however, how bacterial pathogens interact inside the host lung …

Increasing Low-Income Residents’ Access To Fresh Produce Through A Local Mobile Pantry, Laura Wasson

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Seeds that Feed (STF) is a mobile food pantry located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. STF receives produce from local farmers to distribute to residents in low-income housing sites throughout Northwest Arkansas. According to Feeding America, food insecurity affected 14.3% Washington County, Arkansas’ population in 2016. The purpose of this study was to determine if STF’s model is an effective way to increase individuals’ access to fresh fruits and vegetables and increase their potential to meet the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Patterns (USDA-FP) for to fruit and vegetable consumption. Twenty-three participants from three sites completed the study. A survey was …

Opening Doors For Health Disparities Research In Appalachia, Frances J. Feltner, Mace Baker, Kentucky Homeplace, University Of Kentucky

Center of Excellence in Rural Health Presentations

Rural Appalachian communities in eastern Kentucky suffer from some of the nation’s most severe health disparities and barriers to health care. Communitybased research can be an effective way to address health disparities and promote equitable access to care by identifying problems and sharing workable solutions. However, significant challenges exist for successful recruitment and retention of research participants because rural Appalachian populations can be difficult to reach.

Kentucky Homeplace (KHP) is a nationally-recognized Community Health Worker (CHW) program established in 1994 by the University of Kentucky (UK) Center of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH) in Hazard. KHP is an invaluable and …

Healthalachia: Rural Appalachian Youth Creating Solutions For Our Future, Frances J. Feltner, Melissa A. Slone, Beth Bowling

Center of Excellence in Rural Health Presentations

Kentucky’s Appalachian youth experience high rates of adverse childhood experiences. Opioid abuse, poverty and unemployment dominate our news headlines. Youth are suffering negative impacts of these issues and experiencing disproportionate rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, food insecurities, obesity and lack of physical activity. Overdose deaths and incarceration rates among parents with substance abuse disorders negatively impact family units and contribute to increased homelessness, foster care and kinship care among our youth population.

Healthalachia was developed and piloted as a student-based, youth empowerment initiative that provides competitive mini-grants and research mentors to groups of high schoolers who aim to identify a …

Healthcare’S Responsibility To Care: The Call To Support Both Patients And Their Families Through Illness, Madeline Merwin

Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All

The contemporary healthcare institution operates on the philosophy of patient-centered care [PCC], growing from the medical culture of the past: care centered around an omniscient provider, defining the patient by their illness versus their identities. While this widely practiced philosophy succeeds in meeting the chief complaint and needs of a patient, it neglects to care for the patient in the context of his or her broader life constituents: the family and loved ones. Health care providers and their institutions are stopping short of adequate, all-encompassing healthcare when the family is not regarded as an equal member of the care team. …

Human Anatomy And Physiology I: Course Map With Expected Learning Outcomes, Carlos Liachovitzky

Open Educational Resources

This document contains a list with all the Anatomy and Physiology I expected learning outcomes organized by topics, and grouped into ten units: 1. Introduction to A&P: body plan & organization; 2. Introduction to A&P: homeostasis; 3. The chemical level of organization; 4. Levels of organization: the cellular level of organization; 5. Levels of organization: the tissue level of organization; 6. Support and movement: integumentary system; 7. Support and movement: skeletal system & articulations; 8. Support and movement: muscular system; 9. Regulation, integration, and control: nervous system; 10. Regulation, integration, and control: special senses

Each learning outcome is referred to …

Prevalence, Intensity And Risk Factors Of Tungiasis In Kilifi County, Kenya Ii: Results From A School-Based Observational Study, Lynne Elson, Susanne Wiese, Hermann Feldmeier, Ulrike Fillinger

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Introduction Awareness of the public health importance of tungiasis has been growing in East Africa in recent years, but data on epidemiological characteristics necessary for the planning and implementation of control measures do not exist. The work presented here was part of a larger cross-sectional study on the epidemiology of tungiasis in coastal Kenya and aims at identifying risk factors of tungiasis and severe disease in school children. Methods A total of 1,829 students of all age groups from five schools and 56 classes were clinically examined for tungiasis on their feet based on standardized procedures and observations made about …

Modelling Appropriate Use Of Trypanocides To Restrict Wide-Spread Multi-Drug Resistance During Chemotherapy Of Animal African Trypanosomiasis, Ibrahim I. Wangwe, Sarah A. Wamwenje, Caroline Mirieri, Nicodemus M. Masila, Lillian Wambua, Benard W. Kulohoma

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Trypanocide resistance remains a huge challenge in the management of animal African trypanosomiasis. Paucity of data on the prevalence of multi-drug resistant trypanosomes has greatly hindered optimal veterinary management practices. We use mathematical model predictions to highlight appropriate drug regimens that impede trypanocide resistance development in cattle. We demonstrate that using drugs in decreasing resistance order results in a negligible increase in number of cattle with resistant infection, in contrast to a more pronounced increase from trypanocide use in increasing resistance order. We demonstrate that the lowest levels of trypanocide resistance are achieved with combination therapy. We also show that …

Identifying Patients At Risk For Cardiovascular Disease, Shealyn Berry

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing DNP Capstone Projects

Purpose: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a condition that affects adults within the United States. In Oklahoma, CVD is the number one cause of death. Without an intervention, death rate from CVD will continue to rise. This author designed a project to address the needs of reducing CVD among Oklahoma residents. Methods: The Health Belief Model was used to design a screening for CVD within the Electronic Health Record (EHR) using secondary data according to evidence-based guidelines. A retrospective chart review identified patients at risk for developing CVD. Patients were identified based upon current guidelines and statistics in Oklahoma (OK) for …

Educational Program For The Management Of Low Back Pain, Amanda Johnson

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing DNP Capstone Projects

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons that patients seek care from their primary care provider as well as the number one cause of disability worldwide. While low back pain is a prevalent condition that is seen in primary care, the outcomes of treatment continue to remain poor. Facilitating effective care for patients with pain is a major public health concern. Clinical practice guidelines are published but it often takes time for the recommendations to be translated into practice. Dissemination of information is needed. An educational program was created for providers within the Mercy Hospital Rogers system. …

Improving Hbpc Utilization, Janet Freeman

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing DNP Capstone Projects

Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) services in the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) are underutilized among high-needs, high-risk (HNHR) patients based on baseline assessment of provider capacity. It is important to evaluate this problem as these patients have the highest need for frequent care yet face the most difficult challenges in accessing care. The purpose of this project was to analyze the factors that contribute to the under-utilization of HBPC services in the CAVHS and make recommendations for improvement. An assessment of the CAVHS HBPC service was completed using the Dartmouth Institute Microsystem Academy Outpatient Specialty Care Workbook. Microsystem …

Clinical Pathway For Treating Chronic Knee Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty, Allen T. Thomas

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing DNP Capstone Projects

The focus of this DNP project was to develop a clinical pathway for treating patients who suffer from chronic knee pain after knee replacement by creating a standardized documentation template. Currently, there are four teams comprised of four physicians and four mid-level providers who treat patients in the clinical setting. Through review of literature, it was determined that laboratory tests ESR, CRP, and synovial fluid assay; physical knee exam, and radiographic imagine are the three necessary components needed to work-up and diagnose patients with this problem. Gap analysis through chart review showed inconsistency between teams with documenting specifically with the …

Barriers To Patient Electronic Portal Usage, Debbie Hoza

Applied Research Projects

This paper focuses on the barriers that patients have as to why they do not use their electronic patient portal. The literature suggests that the age and socioeconomic status of the individual has a big impact on the use of the electronic portals. A review of the literature showed that all populations have not been represented. This study surveys a broader range of patients including all ages, genders, education and socioeconomic statuses to see what barriers that this broader range of patients has to using their electronic portals.

Postpartum Depression Interventions, Maggie Brown, Corie Vanarsdale Msn

Anna Vaughn School of Nursing Undergraduate Work

PPD affects up to 19% of women worldwide. Possible behavioral changes include poor child outcomes, altered mother-infant bond, and even abuse of the child by the mother. The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize current research to answer the question, what nursing interventions best treat postpartum depression affecting mothers of low SES in developed countries. The methodology included 10 articles in research of interventions related to sleep, exercise, and social support. Of these interventions in the discussion, exercise is the most effective. Peer support increases maternal mood and likelihood of seeking professional help. Volunteer support is effective if …

Factors Influencing Unmet Medical Need Among U.S. Adults: Disparities In Access To Health Services, Ahmad Khanijahani

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Inequities in access to health services has negative consequences on individual well-being, and imposes financial and emotional burden on patients, families, health care systems, and the public. Inequities engendered from differences in socioeconomic status, health insurance coverage, race, and other characteristics can engender disparities. This study aimed to identify the potential predictors of unmet medical need among the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. adults. Inability to receive needed medical care or receiving medical care after a delay, due to the associated costs, constructed unmet medical need. This study used a four-year (2014-2017) National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data (sample size: 296,301 adults) …

A Comparative Analysis Of The Ketogenic, Paleolithic, And Vegan Diets, Megan N. Bahr, Kandise M. Chrisostom, Serena S. Chrisostom, Natalie K. Peters, Pheba M. Thomas, Patricia A. Catts, Aprn, Phd

Anna Vaughn School of Nursing Undergraduate Work

The obesity epidemic in America costs the healthcare system hundreds of billions of dollars every year and takes a toll on the physical and mental health of the patient. Analyzation of different weight loss methods allows healthcare providers to provide accurate and relevant education to patients who are suffering from obesity. A search for the paleolithic, ketogenic, and vegan diets, resulted in fifty-four scholarly studies via purposive sampling. Data was collected on the paleolithic, ketogenic, and vegan diets and all had conclusive positive effects on weight loss. Individuals studied on the paleolithic diet lost up to 2.3 kg in three …

Xerostomia: A Comprehensive Review, Danevin Putrus

Honors College Theses

This thesis will be highlighting the condition known as Xerostomia. Xerostomia is the condition also known as “dry mouth”. This condition affects many people all throughout the world with symptoms causing bad breath, discomfort, difficulty speaking and many other. The seriousness of this condition can lead to cardiovascular disease, dementia, respiratory infections, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer (Absolutedental.com). Currently there is not any one specific solution for the condition although many have been proposed. Throughout the thesis I will closely examine former research studies, current solutions proposed, and propose my own study and solution based on research and …

Mindfulness-Based Interventions For Adolescents With Cancer And Teen Cancer Survivors, Daniela Ramirez-Ibarra

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Adolescence is a significant period for identity construction and self development (Jones, Blunda, Biegel, Carlson, Biel, & Wiener., 2013). This critical development period is quickly disrupted for adolescents with cancer. With the challenges of undergoing cancer treatment, come abnormal daily routines and changes to the developing self, which may cause anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders (Jones et al., 2013). Even after an adolescent survives cancer, he or she may be likely to face chronic adjustment difficulties, cognitive challenges, struggles at school, social deficits, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression (Jones et al., 2013). To address the stressful …

Learning Style Preferences In Undergraduate Speech-Language Pathology And Audiology Students, Callahan Shirk

Honors Theses

Learning styles can be described as an individual’s unique way of assimilating new information based on his/her preferences and methods of acquiring knowledge. The awareness of a student’s learning style preference can be beneficial to both students and instructors. The goal of this project was aimed at identifying the learning style preferences of undergraduates in the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology programs within the state of Mississippi. The researchers surveyed 137 participants involved in this study by utilizing the Kolb Learning Style Inventory and the VARK Questionnaire. Results from this study revealed that students enrolled as undergraduates in Speech-Language Pathology and …

Hiv-1 Integrase Multimerization By Quinoline Based Drugs, Samer Beauti

Honors Theses

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1), a single stranded RNA retrovirus, affects over 30,000,000 people world-wide1. The virus works by infecting and promoting destruction of CD4 immune cells. and thus, suppressing proper immune functions2. Contrary to DNA viruses, the absence of extensive proofreading mechanisms in RNA viruses makes HIV latency a major obstacle in the discovery of long-term, effective treatments. Moreover, the importance of exploring novel therapeutic targets and designing complimentary inhibitory molecules remains steadfast in HIV research3 Recently, HIV-1 Integrase (IN) multimerization, the core enzyme used for integration of the viral DNA into an invaded host chromosome, has been …

Halo Gravity Traction Can Mitigate Preoperative Risk Factors And Early Surgical Complications In Complex Spine Deformity, Sravisht Iyer, Oheneba Boachie-Adjei, Henry Ofori Duah, Kwadwo P. Yankey, Rufai Mahmud, Irene Wulff, Henry O. Tutu, Harry Akoto

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Study Design.  Retrospective review of prospective cohort. Objective.  We sought to examine the role of halo gravity traction (HGT) in reducing preoperative surgical risk. Summary of Background Data.  The impact of HGT on procedure choice, preoperative risk factors, and surgical complications has not been previously described. Methods.  Patients treated with HGT before primary surgery were included. The FOCOS Score (FS) was used to quantify operative risk. FS was calculated using patient-factors (ASIA, body mass index, etiology), procedure-factors (PcF; osteotomy planned, number of levels fused, etc.), and curve magnitude (CM). Scores ranged from 0 to 100 with higher scores indicating increased …

The Effects Of Meditation In Lowering Blood Pressure And Reducing Symptoms Of Stress In Baccalaureate Nursing Students, Isabella Fleming

Honors Theses

Hypertension and stress are two conditions that have the capability to cause extensive and long-term damage to both mental and physical health. Baccalaureate nursing students report high levels of stress while in the process of obtaining a degree. This population is at risk for consistently high stress levels; therefore, they are also at risk for physiologic complications of stress such as hypertension.

In this study, all participants were asked to complete two short surveys: one assessed their stress, and one survey assessed their perceptions of meditation. The blood pressure (BP) of all participants was measured as well. Once the surveys …