Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Investigating Gray And White Matter Microstructure In Parkinson Disease Patients Using Diffusion Weighted Imaging, Wafaa Sweidan

Wayne State University Dissertations

Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized histologically by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN), and clinically by motor symptoms. PD pathology extends beyond the SN, and involves the presence of intraneuronal inclusions in neuronal bodies (Lewy bodies) and dendrites (Lewy dendrites). A staging system for Lewy pathology has been proposed, where it is hypothesized that the disease initiates in the peripheral nerves system and spreads along a caudal-rostral pathway to the brain stem and the cerebral cortex. Histological and imaging studies highlight a role for cortical Lewy pathology and atrophy, respectively, in mediating the …

A Geostatistical Study Of Socioeconomic Status (Ses), Rurality, Seasonality And Index Test Results As Drivers Of Free Private Groundwater Testing In Southern Ontario, 2012–2016, Shahryar Qayyum, Paul Hynds, Harriet Richardson, Kevin Mcdermott, Anna Majury

Articles

Approximately 12% of the Canadian population uses private wells for daily water consumption; however, well water testing rates are on the decline, resulting in an increased risk of waterborne acute gastrointestinal illness. To date, limited research has explored the determinants influencing well testing practices. Accordingly, the current study sought to investigate the drivers of “one-off” and repeat well water testing in southern Ontario during the 5-year period 2012–2016, using the worlds largest private groundwater testing data-frame. Data from >400,000 wells were geospatially integrated with all tests conducted by the provincial laboratory in southern Ontario. The Ontario Marginalization Index (ON-Marg) was …

Blood Eosinophil Counts In Clinical Trials For Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Dave Singh, Mona Bafadhel, Christopher E. Brightling, Frank C. Sciurba, Jeffrey L. Curtis, Fernando J. Martinez, Cara B. Pasquale, Debora D. Merrill, Norbert Metzdorf, Stefano Petruzzelli, Ruth Tal-Singer, Christopher Compton, Stephen I. Rennard, Ubaldo J. Martin

Journal Articles: Pulmonary & Critical Care Med

No abstract provided.

Heme Metabolism Genes Downregulated In Copd Cachexia, Ava C. Wilson, Preeti L. Kumar, Sool Lee, Margaret M. Parker, Itika Arora, Jarrett D. Morrow, Emiel F.M. Wouters, Richard Casaburi, Stephen I. Rennard, David A. Lomas, Alvar Agusti, Ruth Tal-Singer, Mark T. Dransfield, J. Michael Wells, Surya P. Bhatt, George Washko, Victor J. Thannickal, Hemant K. Tiwari, Craig P. Hersh, Peter J. Castaldi, Edwin K. Silverman, Merry-Lynn N. Mcdonald

Journal Articles: Pulmonary & Critical Care Med

INTRODUCTION: Cachexia contributes to increased mortality and reduced quality of life in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and may be associated with underlying gene expression changes. Our goal was to identify differential gene expression signatures associated with COPD cachexia in current and former smokers.

METHODS: We analyzed whole-blood gene expression data from participants with COPD in a discovery cohort (COPDGene, N = 400) and assessed replication (ECLIPSE, N = 114). To approximate the consensus definition using available criteria, cachexia was defined as weight-loss > 5% in the past 12 months or low body mass index (BMI) (<  20 kg/m

RESULTS: The prevalence of …

Machine Learning-Based Automated Phenotyping Of Inflammatory Nocifensive Behavior In Mice., Janine M Wotton, Emma Peterson, Laura C. Anderson, Stephen A Murray, Robert E Braun, Elissa J Chesler, Jacqueline K White, Vivek Kumar

Faculty Research 2020

The discovery and development of new and potentially nonaddictive pain therapeutics requires rapid, yet clinically relevant assays of nociception in preclinical models. A reliable and scalable automated scoring system for nocifensive behavior of mice in the formalin assay would dramatically lower the time and labor costs associated with experiments and reduce experimental variability. Here, we present a method that exploits machine learning techniques for video recordings that consists of three components: key point detection, per frame feature extraction using these key points, and classification of behavior using the GentleBoost algorithm. This approach to automation is flexible as different model classifiers …

Improving The Evaluation Of Copd Exacerbation Treatment Effects By Accounting For Early Treatment Discontinuations: A Post-Hoc Analysis Of Randomized Clinical Trials., Agnieszka Król, Robert Palmér, Virginie Rondeau, Stephen I. Rennard, Ulf G. Eriksson, Alexandra Jauhiainen

Journal Articles: Pulmonary & Critical Care Med

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) clinical trials aimed at evaluating treatment effects on exacerbations often suffer from early discontinuations of randomized treatment. Treatment discontinuations imply a loss of information and should ideally be considered in the statistical analysis of trial results, particularly if the discontinuations are related to the disease or treatment itself. Here, we explore this issue by investigating (1) whether there exists an association between the risks of exacerbation and treatment discontinuation in COPD clinical trials and (2) whether disregarding this association can cause bias in exacerbation treatment effect estimates. We focus on the hypothetical estimand, i.e. …

Agonist-Specific Desensitization Of Pge2-Stimulated Camp Signaling Due To Upregulated Phosphodiesterase Expression In Human Lung Fibroblasts, Francisco J. Nunez, Nancy Schulte, David M. Fogel, Joel Michalski, Stephen I. Rennard, Raymond B. Penn, Myron L. Toews, Rennolds S. Ostrom

Journal Articles: Pulmonary & Critical Care Med

Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by fibroblasts persisting in an activated form, producing excessive fibrous material that destroys alveolar structure. The second messenger molecule cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) has antifibrotic properties, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) can stimulate cAMP production through prostaglandin E (EP)2 and EP4 receptors. Although EP receptors are attractive therapeutic targets, the effects of long-term exposure to PGE2 have not been characterized. To determine the effects of long-term exposure of lung fibroblasts to PGE2, human fetal lung (HFL)-1 cells were treated for 24 h with 100 nM PGE2 or other cAMP-elevating agents. cAMP levels stimulated by acute exposure to …

Myrf Represses Nodal Signaling Via Furin During Left-Right Patterning And Gastrulation, Sarah Amalraj

Yale Medicine Thesis Digital Library

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common major birth defect in children, affecting nearly 3% of children and is the leading cause of infant mortality. Heterotaxy (Htx) is a disorder of left-right (LR) patterning, in which organs, including the heart, are mispatterned relative to the LR axis. Htx is associated with severe forms of CHD, but its genetic causes remain largely undefined. Exome sequencing studies of large patient cohorts have recently revealed hundreds of CHD/Htx candidate disease genes, which now need to be validated in experimental systems for causality in order to better understand the causes and biological mechanisms …

Campus Map: Online Learning Spaces For Commuters, Sacred Heart University

University Briefings & Virtual Events

Sacred Heart has numerous outdoor spaces and informal places to study in our buildings. However, to provide additional options for learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have identified four areas throughout our campuses where students may choose to participate in online learning.

St. Vincent’S College, Sacred Heart University Student Guide 2020-2021 Edition, Sacred Heart University

Handbooks & Factbooks

The Student Guide is the official student handbook and provides essential St. Vincent’s College policies and procedures for academic progression and graduation. This guide is intended to supplement the University Catalog and provide information specific to our programs. All students are expected to review and abide by the current Student Guide.

Allergic Reaction In Hem/Onc Patient, Children's Mercy Kansas City

Clinical Pathways (Formally Known As Care Process Models)

No abstract provided.

Fostering Trauma-Informed Schools By Considering The Experiences Of Teachers In Working With Trauma-Exposed Students, Allison A. Stiles

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

High rates of trauma exposure among youth in the United States and the detrimental effects of trauma on students’ psychosocial and academic outcomes are well-established. Such findings have engendered the emergence of trauma-informed schools across the nation. While research regarding trauma-informed schools has understandably focused on the needs of students, shockingly little is known about teachers’ experiences in working with trauma-exposed students. In particular, very few studies have examined the relationship between teachers’ indirect exposure to student trauma and related symptoms of secondary traumatic stress (STS), as well as factors that may predict STS levels or explain variation in the …

Development And Guiding Principles Of The Icelandic Model For Preventing Adolescent Substance Use, Alfgeir L. Kristansson, Michael J. Mann, Jon Sigfusson, Ingibjorg E. Thorisdottir, John P. Allegrante, Inga Dora Sigfusdottir

Public and Population Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Adolescent substance use—the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful drugs—remains a persistent global problem and has presented ongoing challenges for public health authorities and society. In response to the high rates of adolescent substance use during the 1990s, Iceland has pioneered in the development of the Icelandic Model for Primary Prevention of Substance Use—a theory-based approach that has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing substance use in Iceland over the past 20 years. In an effort to document our approach and inform potentially replicable practice-based processes for implementation in other country settings, we outline in a two-part series of articles the …

Covid-19 Personal Protective Equipment Sterilization System, Uwe Reischl

Public and Population Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

A portable system based on a non-destructive sterilization method was developed that consists of a chamber producing ozone concentration levels reported in the scientific literature to deactivate 99.9% of all microorganisms. The system includes a small cordless 30mg/h ozone generator placed inside a 20L enclosed chamber. Personal protective equipment is loaded into the chamber and automatically exposed to an ozone concentration up to 18 ppm for 30 minutes. PPE is then removed and ventilated in open air to allow residual ozone to degrade to oxygen. The paper describes the design and performance characteristics of this technology.

A Medial Congruent Polyethylene Offers Satisfactory Early Outcomes And Patient Satisfaction In Total Knee Arthroplasty, Benjamin M. Frye, Caitlyn Patton, Jason A. Kinney, T. Ryan Murphy, Adam E. Klein, Matthew J. Dietz

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Background

Although a successful operation, almost 20% of patients are dissatisfied with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to see if a medial congruent (MC) polyethylene would offer satisfactory early outcomes and patient satisfaction after TKA.

Methods

We reviewed prospectively collected data on 327 TKAs using multiple bearings within the same implant system. Ninety-six received an MC bearing, 70 received a cruciate-retaining (CR) bearing, and 161 received a posterior-stabilized (PS) bearing. We evaluated the visual analog scale pain scores and range of motion (ROM) at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year; …

Can A Prescribed Walking Program With Or Without Monitoring Impact Dizziness In The Older Adults? A Pilot Study, Amie Marie Jasper

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background. Dizziness, a common complaint among older adults, is associated with multiple falls, loss of function and independence, and reduced balance confidence. The Clinical Practice Guideline for Peripheral Vestibular Hypofunction recommends walking for endurance as a component of vestibular rehabilitation (VR). However, studies on VR in the olderadults do not include walking in the intervention.

Research Design: 1) A pragmatic, randomized, experimental design to evaluate the impact of walking on vestibular outcomes, length of stay, and number of visits, and to examine whether pedometers increase the adherence of older adults with vestibular issues to a walking program; 2) a descriptive …

Does The Type Of Dual Cognitive Task Impact Gait Variability Using The Quantitative Timed Up And Go (Qtug) In Community-Dwelling Adults?, Laurie G. Hiatt

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine how different cognitive dual-tasks impact gaitvariability in community-dwelling adults using the Quantitative Timed Up and Go (QTUG).

Methods: Participants aged 65 and older were recruited from two communities in Iowa and Wisconsin. Inclusion criteria: theability to stand and ambulate without an assistive device, having no orthopedic surgical procedures in the previous six weeks, living independently in the community, demonstrating corrected vision and ability to read, sufficient auditory function to carry on a conversation and ability to follow directions. Participants needed to follow three step commands and have no history …

Heat Generation Of Bulk-Fill Composites Polymerized By Multipeak Versus Single Peak Light Curing Units, Fahad Baabdullah

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Multipeak light-curing units (LCUs) are gaining popularity due to potential need to activate different photoinitiators. One of the risks associated with using LCUs is heat generation which can reach the pulp chamber through restorative materials and may cause an adverse pulp reaction. However, there is a limited data on heat generation potential of multipeak as compared to single peak LCUs.

Objective: Evaluate the difference in heat generation, and transmission from single peak versusmultipeak LED-LCUs through dentin and different bulk-fill resin-based composites (BFRCs) at pulpal wall (PW).

Materials and Methods: A single extracted sound human molar was used for standardized …

Identifying Attitudes And Knowledge Deficits Regarding Constipation In The Neurosurgical Patient: A Quality Improvement Project, Denise Trestyn Diaz

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Constipation is a common problem in hospitalized patients worldwide. The providers’ lack of knowledge of the complications that can occur from constipation lead to increased discomfort and increased healthcare costs. Purpose: The purpose of this evidence-based practice education intervention was to improve neurosurgical health providers’ knowledge and attitudes on constipation prevention in neurosurgical patients. Theoretical Framework: Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory was used to guide this project. Methods: A pre- and post-test survey design guided this project. The physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses completed a pre-test and post-test survey on prevention of constipation in the neurosurgical patient before and after the …

Pediatric Insomnia And Sensory Processing: Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy Practitoners In Sleep Medicine, Jason Browning

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background. Since the founding of occupational therapy, the occupation of sleep has existed within the scope of practice for practitioners. Sleep disturbances in pediatric clients are estimated to be between 20% and 40% (Galland, Taylor, Elder, & Herbison, 2012; Mindell, Telofski, Wiegand & Kurtz, 2009; Meltzer, Johnson, Crosette, Ramos, & Mindell, 2010; Owens & Mindell, 2011; Sadeh, Mindell, & Owens, 2011). Deficits insensory processing of pediatric clients play a role in daily functioning and possibly in the ability to settle and transition to sleep (Dunn, 2001; Foitzik & Brown, 2018). Purpose. The purpose of this study is to explore the …

Oral Probiotic Supplementation As An Adjunct To Non-Surgical Therapy In Peri-Implantitis Lesions: A Pilot Study, Po-Ning Polly Huang

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: During the last decade, the results of several clinical studies suggested that oral probiotics may potentially improve oral health. The first study examining the effects of probiotics on oral health demonstrated that almost every patient with gingivitis, periodontitis or pregnancy gingivitis, had significant improvements in measurable periodontal indices when they were treated with a locally administered culture supernatant of a Lactobacillus acidophilus strain. This finding sparked several other studies to further examine the potential for treating oral diseases, such as, combating halitosis, oral candidiasis, and dental caries with probiotics. Of our interest, Fernandez et al. and Hollstrom et al. …

Implications Of A Multicomponent Sleep Program After Brain Injury: A Mixed Methods Study, Brandi M. Fulwider

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Decreased sleep can negatively affect mental and physical health and can significantly disrupt participation in daily occupations and leisure interests. Even though sleep is an area of occupation, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for sleep. The purpose of this embedded mixed methods research study was to identify how disruptions in sleep affected daily occupational performance and to understand the effectiveness of occupational therapy- directed non-pharmacological sleep interventions for three participants in a community re-entry program for brain injury. This study utilized a single-subject research design during a 4- to 5-week multicomponent sleep program using …

Dentists’ Communication Skills As Determinants Of Patient Initiation Of Treatment, Nojoud Omar A Balubaid

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In the medical field literature, studies allude to the importance of interpersonal relationships between the caregiver and the patient. Communication has been highlighted as a key factor that mediates the doctor to patient relationship. This study investigated the relationship between patient initiation of treatment with the patients’ perceptions of the quality of the dentist-patient communication. A cross-sectional study that solicited from patients seeking services at Nova Southeastern University Post-Graduate Dental Programs responses to a questionnaire that measured patient’s perception of the quality of communication of the attending dentist. The participants of the study were patients of the NSU Post-graduate dental …

Transitioning From Individualized Pediatric Dental Care Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder At The Mailman Segal Dental Clinic To Traditional Dental Settings, Toni-Marie Small

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Children with special healthcare needs (SHCN) such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) usually develop strong bonds with their pediatric dental care provider. However, as they mature, transitioning to other services or providers is necessary. Low rates of successful transition of children with SHCN have gained national attention especially since their lifelong conditions require continuous care. It is important to facilitate a smooth transition among providers; dental care providers specifically. These transitions are imperative to prevent these children from losing access to dental care as they mature. This pilot study seeks to describe the proportion of children with ASD seen …

Dental Visual Support Schedule App For Behavior Management Of Pediatric Dental Patients With Autism: Pilot Study, Ana Lina Gonzalez Caceres

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in the U.S (about 1 in 54 children). Treating children with ASD in the dental office can be challenging due to their impairments in social interactions, communication and aversive behavior. Visual Support Schedules are visual aids or picture cues that have been beneficial for the behavior management of patients with ASD. There are limited studies regarding effective behavior management techniques that could help those patients have a better experience at the dentist. Methods: A Visual Support Schedule App was used for behavior management compared to Tell Show DO (TSD) on …

Relationship Between Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency And Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Lindsay Megenhardt

Health Sciences Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic condition that causes inadequate production of the alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) protein, which is known to protect connective tissues in the body from destruction. The purpose of this dissertation study was to identify if individuals with mild to severe AATD are at higher risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea than the general population. The investigator hypothesized there would be a higher prevalence of OSA in the AATD population due to the etiology of disease. A seven-question sleep apnea risk assessment questionnaire, STOPBAG, was applied to the retrospective, de-identified, self-reported 2,338 participant responses from the …

College Of Pharmacy 2020, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Perspectives Winter/Spring 2020, Nova Southeastern University

Perspectives

Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences

Does One Session Of Pre-Operative Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Aid In Improving Urinary Incontinence Immediately Following Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy? A Retrospective And Pilot Study, Francine Noel-Ford

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Despite advancements in surgical techniques through the use of robotic assisted radical prostatectomy, urinary incontinence remains the most common side effect following surgery affecting men’s quality of life.

Objective: To explore the role of a single pre-operative pelvic floor muscle training session. To determine if men who receive the training session have a decrease incidence of incontinence post-op, whether pelvic floor muscle strength pre-operatively is an independent predictor of urinary incontinence, and the impact of incontinence on quality of life in men following a robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy in the early stages post-operatively.

Design: A two part study with a …

Neck Muscle Composition In Persistent Whiplash Associated Disorder: A Relationship With Disability, Bradford G. Callan

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Purpose/hypothesis: Neck pain and related symptoms following a motor vehicle collision (MVC) can significantly influence the quality of life for some people. While the MVC related mechanics of the head and neck gives rise to the term whiplash, the signs and symptoms of neck related disability are often complex and are clinically referred to as whiplash associated disorder(WAD). Muscle fatty infiltrate (MFI) has been associated with persistent WAD, but its influence on the generation and maintenance of WAD is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between MFI and baseline demographic variables related to persistent …