Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Evaluation Of Flexural Strength, Modulus, Translucency, Stain Resistance, And Gloss Of Different 3d Printing Materials, Shantanu Mankar

All ETDs from UAB

Background: 3D printing, the next step in digital dentistry, has improved the technical accuracy in treating patients. There are many advantages of 3D-printed techniques in the field of prosthodontics. It can be clearly experienced from an intraoral scanner, with its digital data, making many physical working models. With the recent 3D-printed, we can eliminate the traditional impression technique, similar to the fabrication procedure. The milling method, which includes a computerized programmed pattern of cutting the material with, but can be a wastage of materials along with producing noise, heat, and other components (Park, Ahn, Cha, & Lee, 2018)Objectives: To evaluate …

Investigation Into The Structure And Function Of Streptococcal Antigen I/Ii Family Of Proteins, Joshua L. Mieher

All ETDs from UAB

Streptococci are involved in the infections of the oral cavity as well as at various sites throughout the body. Their initial contact with tissues/surfaces is enabled by adhesins present on the microbial surface. Among these the Antigen I/II- family (AgI/II) of adhesins are known be important factors in these infections as they enable adherence to multiple host proteins thus allowing the bacteria to gain a foot hold. In this thesis, we have structurally and functionally characterized yet another adhesin on S. mutans, the glucan binding protein C, which resembles the V-region of AgI/II. In addition, we have also resolved the …

Efficacy Of Lower Incisor Intrusion Using Clear Aligners, Cason Roberson

All ETDs from UAB

Objective: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate pre and posttreatment lateral cephalometric radiographs on patients treated with Invisalign by the same orthodontist where lower incisor intrusion was prescribed and to determine the amount of true lower incisor intrusion achieved during treatment. Methods: This retrospective case series study included 48 patients with an overbite exceeding 2mm, who were treated with Invisalign clear aligner therapy, and whose Clincheck treatment plan included lower incisor intrusion. The mean age of the study group was 27 years with 14 (29%) of the subjects being male and 35 (71%) being female. The mean …

Statistical Methods For Evaluating Confounding In Nutritional Epidemiology: Examining The Association Of Dietary Measures And Incident Type 2 Diabetes, Stephanie E. Tison

All ETDs from UAB

Nutrition is a key factor in the development of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer, which are continuing to increase globally. Research on dietary patterns is crucial for informing what aspects of diet are most critical for preventing and possibly reversing chronic disease. Dietary patterns focus on the types of food that are consumed which reflects the complexity and cultural aspects of diet rather than focusing on a single food or nutrient. Observational cohort studies are able to observe typical dietary intake and thus better reflect the real association between diet and chronic disease. In …

Pain Among Older Adults With Cancer-Results From The Cancer And Aging Resilience Evaluation (Care) Registry, Mustafa Al Obaidi

All ETDs from UAB

Purpose: The impact of pain on functional status and mental health among older adults with cancer is a relevant, yet understudied issue. Our aim of this study sought to identify prevalence of pain at diagnosis in older adults with cancer and evaluate the association with functional status limitations, cognition, and mental health issues. Methods: This study included patients diagnosed with cancer at age ≥60 enrolled in the CARE Registry at University of Alabama at Birmingham. Patients completed a patient-reported geriatric assessment at the time of their initial visit with a medical oncologist. Pain measured in numeric rating scale from 0-10. …

Statistical Methodology For Mendelian Randomiztion Analysis, Phillip Hunter Allman

All ETDs from UAB

Instrumental variable (IV) methods are causal analysis techniques used on observational data to address confounding, provided that certain assumptions are met. In the usual observational setting, some exposure of interest �� is associated with some outcome of interest ��, but confounders �� could distort the measure of the association between �� and ��. A valid IV is a proxy of sorts for �� which behaves in a very specific way, in that the IV operates analogously to the treatment group assignment seen in randomized trials. Finding a valid IV is no trivial task, but if one exists and we identify …

The Association Between Post-Stroke Delirium And Mortality Among Stroke Patients In Long-Term Facilities, Nuo Xu

All ETDs from UAB

Delirium is a common neurobehavioral complication following a stroke. Patients who have post-stroke delirium (PSD) are more likely to have severe prognoses, such as physical function decline, high mortality and an increased need for long-term care. Nursing home residents as one of the fragile and special populations sharing the attributes of old age, and high prevalence of chronic diseases and limited mobility. However, there only a few studies have investigated the association between PSD and mortality among individuals admitted to a long-term care facility. This retrospective cohort study aimed to examine the association between PSD and mortality among the participants …

Nutritional And Metabolic Effects Of Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor In Adults And Adolescents With Cystic Fibrosis, Julianna Bailey

All ETDs from UAB

Background: Since malnutrition is a main clinical consequence of CF, a high-calorie, high-fat diet is recommended. Highly effective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators promote improved growth and weight gain in subsets of the CF population. Recently Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor (ETI) was approved for use in up to 90% of people with CF. Our single center open-label observational cohort study aimed to explore the changes in dietary and metabolic outcomes with use of ETI. Methods: Participants underwent baseline (V1) measurements prior to taking their first dose of ETI. Follow-up measurements were obtained at 28 days (V2) on ETI and > 6 months …

Cardiovascular Disease Risk In Head Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients: Using Electronic Medical Records Data, Amrita Mukherjee

All ETDs from UAB

The objective of my dissertation research was to assess burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in Head Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) patients and to determine the association of traditional CVD risk factors and HNSCC-related factors with incident CVD outcomes. For this clinical cohort study, I analyzed electronic medical records (EMR) and tumor registry data on HNSCC patients diagnosed between January 2012 and December 2018 at UAB hospital and O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. First, I assessed prevalence and incidence of traditional CVD risk factors at HNSCC diagnosis (baseline) and at one-year post HNSCC diagnosis, respectively. Then I determined the …

The 340b Drug Pricing Program: Are 340b Covered Entities Providing More Services And More Uncompensated Care?, Isabell M. Pacheco

All ETDs from UAB

The 340B Drug Pricing Program enacted in 1992 requires pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in the Medicaid program to provide statutorily defined discounts on "covered outpatient drugs" purchased by government-supported facilities, known as covered entities, that are expected to serve the nation's most vulnerable patient populations. The Program has been under copious scrutiny by industry stakeholders and Presidential Executive Orders that threaten its macrocosm. While previous research suggests that health systems with a mix of 340B participating and non-participating locations are not associated with expanded access to care, additional research is needed to determine if entities participating in the 340B Drug Pricing …

The Relationship Of Debt Ratio And Financial Performance For Large Nfp Health Systems, Mark Lombardi

All ETDs from UAB

This dissertation was a quasi-experimental research study exploring the relationship between long-term to debt capitalization ratio and financial performance in an environment where interest rates remained historically low and stable, while investment returns in the U.S. equity markets increased year over year. The study reviewed 142 not for profit health systems and examined total and non-operating margins along with long-term debt to capitalization ratio to determine if margins increased as long-term debt increased. Researchers have discussed the opportunity that not for profit health systems have to utilize low cost, tax-exempt debt to maintain or grow their endowments and in turn …

Production And Purification Of Titanium-45 For Imaging Of Psma+ Prostate Cancer, Ivis Francis Chaple

All ETDs from UAB

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) has revolutionized the world of molecular imaging, increasing the potential for improved diagnosis and characterization of various disease states, including cancer. Molecular biology has afforded the knowledge that each type of cancer cell is different, and these differences can be leveraged to develop methods for targeting these cells for imaging or therapy, as well as understanding of other characteristics. Due to the increased diversity in available targets, there has been an equal need to develop new agents used to image these receptors. Radioisotopes with varying halflives, chemical and nuclear properties have been studied in recent years …

Fqhcs, Health Center Controlled Network Affiliation And Performance, Armika Jessica Berkley

All ETDs from UAB

Since the mid-1960s, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) have been funded by the U.S. federal government to provide access to preventative and primary care for medically underserved communities. The federal government’s involvement in the funding of FQHCs was a response to extreme poverty, economic instability, and civil unrest related to the Civil Rights movement. Adoption of value-based care delivery practices to improve clinical and financial performances among FQHCs has been slow. This slow adoption has been attributable to cost, lack of expertise, and support. Since August 1994, the Department of Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the funding source for …

Self-Efficacy And Sexual And Reproductive Health In Women With Cystic Fibrosis: A Mixed Methods Study, Janet L. Brown

All ETDs from UAB

SELF-EFFICACY AND SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN WOMEN WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS: A MIXED METHODS STUDY JANET BROWN DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN NURSING ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-limiting genetic disorder among Caucasians. There are approximately 30,000 individuals with CF in the United States and over 70,000 worldwide, with approximately 1,000 new cases diagnosed globally each year. In other chronic diseases, a positive relationship between self-efficacy and behavior has been identified. Self-efficacy may be a factor related to behaviors, including underutilization of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care services for women with CF.METHODS: Self-efficacy and utilization of …

Likelihood Based Inferential Methods To Analyze Trials Incorporating Patient's Treatment Choice, Rouba A. Chahine

All ETDs from UAB

Randomized clinical trials (RCT) are the gold standards for clinical trials as they reduce bias and minimize variability between different arms of a study. One of the drawbacks of these designs is their lack of flexibility to incorporate patient’s preference, which may reduce recruitment rates and/or reduce patient’s tolerance if they receive a non-preferred treatment. Designs incorporating choice allow a subset of participants to choose a preferred treatment. Some of these designs are Zelen’s (1979), Brewin’s (1989), and Rucker’s (Two-Stage RCT, 1989). Current methods to analyze two-stage RCT are based on an analysis of variance (ANOVA) approach that do not …

Mental Health And Chronic Disease Management: Examining The Association Between Depression And Multiple Sclerosis (Ms) Outcomes, Christina J. Glenn

All ETDs from UAB

The aim of this dissertation is to determine whether depression is associated with clinical (relapses and disability worsening) and MRI outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS) by conducting a secondary data analysis of the CombiRx clinical trial. Psychiatric comorbidities, including depression are common in people living with MS (PwMS), often underreported, and contribute to reduced quality of life and mortality associated with the disease. Most clinical studies that have examined the relationship between depression, depression medication usage, and MS outcomes have been small, excluded participants with relapsing-remitting subtypes and severe depressive symptoms, and had relatively short study periods—all shortcomings this thesis …

Campus Recreation And Fitness Center Utilization During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Keagan Kiely, William A. Mase, Bridget F. Melton, Haresh Rochani

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has far reaching effects for college students' health and physical activity behaviors. This analysis focuses on university student fitness center usage pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers hypothesized a reduction in fitness center utilization when comparing Fall 2019 to Fall 2020 utilization rates.

Methods

Patterns of the recreation center and fitness center utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic are compared to pre-pandemic patterns of a matched time period in the previous academic year in an observational study. Overall utilization was evaluated using secondary data from the university’s recreation center data system. Six weeks …

Barriers To Purchasing Narcan® In Georgia: A Survey Of Pharmacy Staff, Thomas E. Griner, Sheryl Strasser, Stacie Kershner, Ashli Owen-Smith, Matthew J. Hayat

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: In Georgia, recent measures have expanded public access to naloxone-containing products like Narcan® to combat opioid-related overdose deaths. Although laypersons may legally purchase naloxone products without a prescription for use during opioid-related overdose events, barriers may remain.

Methods: We conducted an anonymous telephone survey to investigate three potential barriers to purchasing naloxone (Narcan®) in Georgia: availability, price, and working knowledge of legal requirements among pharmacy representatives. We surveyed pharmacy representatives in select Georgia counties with high volumes or high rates of poisoning deaths compared with other counties. We also compared responses among chain and non-chain representatives. Descriptive statistics are …

Parental School Involvement On Physical Activity And Screen Time Among Middle And High School Students, Joseph Greer, Kiran Thapa, Jessica Mcnulty, Janani R. Thapa

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: High levels of sedentary activity and low levels of physical activity have led to an increase in childhood obesity. A reduction of sedentary behavior and the promotion of an active lifestyle positively impacts weight status of children. A child may modify their behavior through direct interventions from their parents, such as enforcement of rules or guided activities, or through broad interventions, by expressing their values and modeling behavior. Current research does not establish if broad or specific parental involvement has a greater effect on healthy behavior. Our group sought to support existing evidence that parental involvement directly impacts behavior …

Zika Virus Concern And Preventative Behaviors During Pregnancy: Analysis Of 2017 Georgia Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Data, Priya R. Nair, Christine E. Stauber

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Zika virus infection can cause severe health complications in pregnant women such as microcephaly and other congenital anomalies in the developing fetus but it can be prevented. It is imperative to develop an understanding of concern about Zika virus among pregnant women as this can influence their Zika virus preventative behaviors.

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of Zika virus concern among women in Georgia with live births in 2017 and to examine the frequency of condom use among those who were sexually active during their most recent pregnancy.

Methods: This cross- sectional study used …

Learners' Motivational Response To The Science, Pe, & Me! Curriculum: A Situational Interest Perspective, Senlin Chen, Haichun Sun, Xihe Zhu, Ang Chen, Catherine D. Ennis (Posthumous)

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Background: The Science, PE, & Me! (SPEM) curriculum is a concept-based physical education curriculum that offers students coherent educational experiences for constructing health-related fitness knowledge through movement experiences. The purpose of this study was to evaluate students’ motivational response to the SPEM curriculum from the situational interest perspective.

Methods: The study used a cluster randomized controlled design in which 30 elementary schools in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the eastern United States were randomly assigned to an experimental or comparison condition. Although all students in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades in the targeted schools were …

Wearing Knee Sleeves During Back Squats Does Not Improve Mass Lifted Or Affect Knee Biomechanics, Hunter J. Bennett, Alexandria Trypuc, Kevin A. Valenzuela, Zachary A. Sievert

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Purpose:
Knee sleeves have become widely popular in the exercise realm, especially for knee support during back squats. Knee sleeves are successful in providing frontal plane knee support during functional tasks, but have not been investigated in back squats. Knee wraps, a somewhat similar elastic material, provide elastic energy that increases weight lifted during back squats. Thus, it is possible the thick neoprene knee sleeves could prove advantageous for back squats. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of knee sleeves on weight lifted, knee biomechanics, and muscle activations during back squats.

Methods:
Fifteen resistance trained men …

Green Inequities: Examining The Dimensions Of Socioenvironmental Injustice In Marginalized Communities, Akiebia S. Hicks, Zachary Malone, Megan A. Moore, Roslynn Powell, Austin Thompson, Patricia A. Whitener, Rowan Williams

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

In the realm of socioenvironmental justice, much discourse centers on equal access to green areas and on climate injustice in the United States. Marginalized communities, including Indigenous populations, are being excluded from current narratives surrounding the natural spaces that in many cases are historically tied to under-represented groups. This article aims to explore some of the many dimensions of environmental racism, green inequities, climate injustice, and access. The dimensions include but are not limited to racial gatekeeping, nature deprivation in low-income communities, green gentrification, light pollution, and access to clean water. The recommendations section serves as a guide during decisionmaking …

Aplasia Cutis Congenital Of Scalp With Right Parietal Encephalocele- A Rare Association With Surgical Apropos, Dr. Anshika Tyagi, Dr. Col.T.S. Vasan

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

No abstract provided.

A Case Of Premature Ejaculation, Dr.Pogula Anusha, Dr.Pranahit Reddy, Dr. Kishor M

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

No abstract provided.

A Case Of Neonatal Varicella, Dr. Santosh Gunasekaran, Dr.Deepthi Thandaveshwara, Dr. Keerthana Srinivas

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

No abstract provided.

Fibroid Uterus, Adiyuga Sharath

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

No abstract provided.

Aesthetic Rehabilitation In A Patient With Skeletal Mandibular Deficiency And Open Bite: Journey From Splinted Metalloceramic Prosthesis To All-Ceramic Crowns, Rizwan Nazeer, Shizrah Jamal, Farhan Raza Khan

Section of Dental-Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

This case report is of a 31-year-old female who presented with splinted and faulty metalloceramic prosthesis on maxillary anterior teeth, which was responsible for localised periodontal disease and poor aesthetics. At multiple sites the ceramic had chipped off and the prosthesis colour did not match with the adjacent healthy teeth. A multidisciplinary approach of endodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics was employed for this case. The treatment plan consisted of removing the faulty prosthesis, endodontic retreatment of inadequately root-treated teeth and endodontics in the other coronally prepared abutment teeth. Crown lengthening surgery was performed for the correction of periodontal pockets and high …

Inculcating Research Curriculum In Operative Dentistry - Endodontics Residency Programme: Experience And Outcomes, Farhan Raza Khan, Rabia Ghafoor, Fahad Umer, Munawar Rahman

Section of Dental-Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

Incorporating research education and training in residency curriculum increases the understanding of evidence-based decision-making among doctors in training. Evidence suggests that the addition of research is linearly associated with improvement in clinical competence, and encourages the residents to shape their career as clinical investigators. The current paper was planned to share the experience of adding research into the core curriculum of Operative Dentistry-Endodontics residency programme at a tertiary care university hospital, and to evaluate the outcome achieved with that change.

Voice Of A Baby - Thanks Midwife For Your Devotion, Laiba Asif

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

No abstract provided.