2019 Theses and Dissertations

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/11274/13277

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A comparison of the attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge of nutrigenomics between dietetic students in the USA and Mexico
(2/5/2019) VanBuren, Christine A.; Imrhan, Victorine; Prasad, Chandan
The purpose of this study was to compare nutrition/dietetic students from Texas Woman’s University (TWU) and Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) in respect to their perceived need, interest, and knowledge of different topics within nutritional genomics. A nutritional genomics survey was administered to students at UANL and compared to students at TWU that had taken the survey as part of a previous study. The data was analyzed using chi-square test of homogeneity and Fisher’s exact test. The results showed that students from TWU and UANL differed from each other in their knowledge level, desire to learn more, and perceived need for ‘omic’ technologies. Both TWU and UANL students lack a high level of knowledge about different ‘omic’ topics but recognize the important role that ‘omics’ will play in their future careers as dietitians.
A convergent parallel mixed method study on the experience of coping during high-risk pregnancy and prescribed bed rest
(5/14/2019) Boyd, Ellen; Freysteinson, Wyona M.
Antepartum bed rest and hospitalization are frequently prescribed for high-risk women experiencing pregnancy complications. Bed rest may result in problems for the high-risk mother including isolation, boredom, anxiety, depression and separation from their families. The aim of this study is to analyze the coping behaviors of high-risk pregnant women hospitalized and prescribed bed rest. Also, to describe the lived experience of high-risk pregnant women hospitalized and prescribed bed rest. A convergent parallel mixed method design was used to analyze the coping behaviors of 40 high-risk pregnant women. A secondary analysis of data from the Brief Cope Scale (Carver, 1997) was used for the quantitative portion. Transcripts from the same 40 high-risk mothers were reviewed as a secondary analysis using a Step-by-Step Simple Thematic Analysis (Nowell Norris, White & Moules, 2017). The most frequently identified maternal coping behaviors were emotional support, positive reframing, religion, acceptance, instrumental support and planning. The less frequently used coping behaviors were self-distraction, humor, substance use, self-blame, denial and behavioral disengagement. The overreaching theme from the qualitative analysis was Coping in High-Risk Pregnancy. Seven themes were identified from the transcripts: Family Burdens, Fearfully Waiting, Leaning on Faith, Hope, Acceptance, Knowledge Seeking and Support Enhances Maternal Coping. Quantitative and qualitative data were triangulated to identify those behaviors that were convergent or divergent in this mixed method design. By identifying adaptive coping behaviors of high-risk hospitalized mothers antepartum care may be improved.
A phenomenological study of parents of autistic children’s experiences with safety
(4/26/2019) Celia, Tania; Freysteinson, Wyona M.
Autism is a complex problem with a significant global burden with increasing prevalence. Autism is a complex disorder with varying presentations. Autistic children are most often cared for by parents who, at the time their child is diagnosed, are overwhelmed and have limited knowledge of autism and the potential safety issues that exist. Safety may not be an immediate consideration while they learn to cope with the diagnosis and what it means for them and their family. It is unknown if healthcare providers are communicating enough about safety issues specific to autism to give these parents appropriate anticipatory guidance during check-ups. A review of the literature reveals limited recommendations for the education of parents of autistic children about how to manage safety concerns specific to autism or what safety issues to anticipate once their child has been diagnosed with autism. During this phenomenological study, parents of autistic children were interviewed. The study explored the safety issues they have experienced with their child and where they obtained information about safety specific to autism. Ricoeur's hermeneutic phenomenology method was used to interpret the data. Two underlying structures which demonstrated the trajectory of the experience were: lost/ finding our way and battle-ready/battle weary. The phenomenological themes within battle weary included: living with fear, living with uncertainty, and living with disappointment. The participants provided recommendations for other parents and healthcare providers to help keep autistic children safe. This study illustrates the unique perspective of parents of autistic children concerning safety.
A qualitative content analysis of the perceptions of the meanings & experiences of infertile African American couples
(3/28/2019) Jenkins, Eunice; Brock, Linda J.
This qualitative content analysis study examined scholarly peer-reviewed research journal articles, dissertations, and theses published or defended between 1980 – 2018 that focused on the meanings and lived experiences of infertile, African American heterosexual couples. Currently, infertility affects approximately six million men and women in the United States, which estimates to one in eight couples facing difficulty with conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to full term (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008b). Ambiguous loss theory (Boss, 1999) was used to offer a framework for examining and understanding the experience of infertility among African American couples in terms of grief and loss. The findings revealed that infertile African American couples, (1) were aware of how the biological, psychological, and social changes impacted their experience of infertility; (2) understood the impact infertility had on the functioning of the relationship both positively and negatively; (3) openly expressed the meaning they placed on their infertility experience; (4) had deeply held consideration of how sharing their stories was a blessing to others and a coping mechanism for them; and (5) considered their experience of infertility as trauma which led couples to shy away from delving into that part of their experience . Five themes emerged from the data: (a) Biopsychosocial Interaction: Emotional Rollercoaster, (b) Relationship Functioning and Satisfaction, (c) Meaning of Infertility, (d) Sharing our Story: Strength in Release and Support, and (e) Ambiguous Loss: Physical Absence and Psychological Presence. Couples’ responses were included to illustrate the themes. Limitations and clinical implications for African American couples and families, Marriage and Family Therapists, and healthcare providers are discussed. Recommendations for further research include: (a) examining the experiences of infertility among other minority groups for comparison; (b) utilizing a longitudinal study to explore how the meanings and perceptions of infertility change over a longer period of time; (c) exploring how infertility impacts other family members; (d) investigating the experience of infertility among infertile remarried couples; (e) studying how therapy practices when used as a coping resource impacts how infertile couples make meaning and perceive their infertility; and (f) exploration of the experiences of infertility from the male researcher perspective.
A qualitative exploration of women-of-color professional academic advisors' perceptions and experiences
(7/10/2019) Tamplin, Elia S.; Kessler, Mark
Within higher education institutions and research, Women-of-Color’s (WOC) professional experiences have become more visible. Yet, the lived experiences of WOC professional academic advisors working in colleges and universities are missing from the literature. WOC advisors are vital to student success as they are mentors, teachers, guides, cheerleaders, stand-in parental figures, role models, and advocates. As well, they are important because they contribute to serving as a mediator and bridge in higher education conversations around supporting and affirming Students of Color. Perhaps uncovering their stories and learning how they can be better supported will allow them to better thrive in their roles on campus and in higher education. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore and make visible the lives and experiences of WOC advisors, while expanding understandings of WOC experiences within the university as a whole. This phenomenological study, inspired by critical-feminist/womanist epistemologies and intersectionality, consists of semi-structured interviews with nine Women-of-Color professional academic advisors. Results contribute significantly to past research that examines the experiences of WOC in the Ivory tower. As well, the results introduce a more focused look at Advisor of Color experiences within academic advising. More specifically, this study contributes detailed information on Women-of-Color professional academic advisors and their experiences, information that can be used to make recommendations that guide advising and institutional best practices and policy.
A retrospective study to identify unique contributors to falls in hospitalized adult hematology patients
(1/10/2020) Mbango, Catherine; Toms, Robin
A fall may be defined as an event that results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on a lower level surface or an unplanned descent to the floor with or without injury. Fall prevention is a concept associated with hindering a fall from happening through advance care planning or action. The body of knowledge on falls, risk factors, consequences, and prevention originates from studies of older persons who have experienced a fall. The medical community has made several efforts toward fall risk assessment with an emphasis on prevention of the reoccurrence of falls, but this approach could potentially skew attention away from initial fall prevention efforts. The purpose of this retrospective case-control study was to identify unique contributors to falls in hospitalized adult cancer patients with a hematologic diagnosis. Falls in this population are a great safety concern for nurses and other healthcare providers. Patients with hematologic disorders are at an increased risk of sustaining an injury due to their low platelet counts resulting from chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Patient falls, and patient falls with injury are healthcare outcome measures that are currently being used to evaluate the quality of hospital nursing care, and are an integral part of the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services no longer reimburses hospitals for in-hospital falls with injury, therefore, placing a greater burden on nursing staff to ensure patient safety through the development of nurse-driven fall prevention strategies, and the implementation of risk reduction plans of care. A total of 94 electronic medical records, which served as the primary sources of data were reviewed in this study and data on ten independent variables and one dependent variable were analyzed. Simple logistic regression between continuous variables and one dependent variable, and cross-tabulation between categorical variables and the dependent variable was used to analyze study results. Stepwise logistic regression was utilized for the final analysis of data. The relationship between fall incident and fall risk assessment score on admission was significant, X2 (1) = 6.153, p<.013, Cramer’s V = .256. Additional research is planned for generalizability.
Access versus attitude: Determining influences on fruit and vegetable intake of fifth grade students
(6/10/2019) Gardner, Julie G; Golman, Mandy
Obesity rates are at the highest ever with 39.8% of American adults and 18.5% of Americans aged 6 to 19 years considered obese (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2018a; CDC, 2018c; Hales, Carroll, Fryar, & Ogden, 2017). Obesity is a serious health concern that increases the risk for chronic disease as well as psychological issues (CDC, 2018c; Dauchet, Amouyel, Hercberg, & Dallongville, 2006; Litwin, 2014). Improved fruit and vegetable intake reduces risk for weight gain; however, many Americans fail to get the recommended daily intake (World Health Organization [WHO], 2014). Additionally, a person’s positive attitude toward consumption, as well as access to healthy foods impacts eating habits and patterns. This study examined the school-based intervention Grow into Health (GIH) and its attempt to improve fruit and vegetable (FV) intake. The study examined how attitude and perceptions of access to healthy foods may affect FV intake. Over 700 students participated in the intervention. This study utilized pre- and post-survey data to analyze the intervention, attitude, and perceptions of access as predictors of improved FV intake. Although, the program was designed to improve knowledge and behavior related to fruit and vegetable consumption, analysis of the data found no statistically significant impact which provides opportunity for future researchers to learn. School-based interventions should include a comprehensive approach which should be long term and involve educational, environmental, and physical strategies (Brown et al., 2016). The strategies must include input from a comprehensive personnel team including classroom teachers, family members, and student support systems (Brown et al., 2016; Mahmood, Perveen, Dino, & Mehraj, 2014; Mei et al., 2016; Mukamana & Johri, 2016). The GIH intervention was restricted by internal and external limitations which contributed to the absence of statistical significance. Researchers should invest time in survey design and intervention planning to better understand content, evaluation and data analysis to improve program efficiency and outcomes.
Acute effects of concurrent exercise on biomarkers of angiogenesis and cardioprotection in sedentary adults
(8/19/2019) Brisebois, Matthew F.; Rigby, B. Rhett; Duplanty, Anthony A.
It is recommended that adults perform a combination of resistance and aerobic exercise, or concurrent exercise, to optimize health and fitness. However, the precise pattern of concurrent exercise to maximize health and fitness benefits remains elusive. The purpose of this study was to compare biomarkers of angiogenesis and cardioprotection in response to integrated and serial concurrent exercise (CE) sessions in young, sedentary adults. Seven males (mean ± SD age: 27.1 ± 4.4 yrs; BMI: 24.9 ± 3.7 kg/m2; VO2max: 31.1 ± 3.3 ml/kg/min) and four females (mean ± SD age: 22.0 ± 1.2 yrs; BMI: 24.0 ± 2.2 kg/m2; VO2max: 27.5 ± 3.6 ml/kg/min) who were healthy and not performing regular structured physical activity performed acute sessions of serial CE and integrated CE. During serial CE, participants performed resistance exercise and aerobic exercise within the same session, without mixing the two. During integrated CE, participants performed a brief period of aerobic-type exercise before each set of resistance exercise. The exercise sessions were matched for time and volume, and differed only in the order of exercises performed. The exercise sessions were randomly assigned and separated by at least 3 weeks. Concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and expression of circulating microRNAs (c-miR) -126 and -222 were assessed from blood collected before exercise (PRE), immediately post-exercise (IP), 1 hr post-exercise, and 3 hr post-exercise. Males and females were analyzed separately. There were no significant changes in VEGF in males or females. Circulating miR-126 significantly increased from PRE to IP for males following both serial CE (p = .036) and integrated CE (p = .018). Circulating miR-222 significantly increased from Pre to IP in males following integrated CE (p = .028) but not serial CE. There were no significant changes in c-miR-126 or -222 in the females; however, two of the four females demonstrated an increased expression of c-miR-126 and -222 following both exercise patterns, with an apparent greater increase following integrated CE. In conclusion, both patterns of CE resulted in significantly increased levels of miR-126 in males, and only integrated CE resulted in significantly increased levels of miR-222 in males. Both exercise patterns may result in enhanced expression of miR-126 in young, sedentary males, and an integrated CE pattern may result in enhanced expression of miR-222 in young, sedentary males.
Acute effects of high-intensity interval exercise vs. concurrent exercise on flow-mediated dilation in college-aged women
(10/30/2019) Allen, Ashley N.; Rigby, B. Rhett
Heart disease is the leading cause of female mortality worldwide. As a treatment, exercise can improve cardiac and endothelial function, increase bone mineral density, promote lean muscle mass, and improve pulmonary function. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of two different modes of exercise on flow mediated dilation in the brachial artery in college-aged women. Ten recreationally active women were assigned to either a high intensity interval group (HT) or a group who completed strength exercises and high intensity interval exercise, called the concurrent exercise group (CT). Measurements of flow mediated dilation (i.e., the hyperemic response of a blood vessel post occlusion) were taken at baseline, after one workout session, and after three workout sessions. There were no differences for FDM% or brachial artery diameter across all time points for either training protocol. Neither a combination of high-intensity interval exercise and resistance exercise or high-intensity interval exercise alone acutely led to structural or functional changes in the brachial artery in recreationally active healthy young women.
Acute effects of plasma from women with PCOS treated with whey protein on vitamin D metabolism in 3T3-L1 adipocytes
(11/4/2019) Patterson, Desireé; LeMieux, Monique J.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive disorder often associated with vitamin D (VD) deficiency, obesity, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). While nutritional treatments for PCOS are limited, VD supplementation increases insulin secretion and improves glycemic control. Whey protein isolate (WPI) supplementation increases insulin secretion and lowers glucose in individuals with T2DM. Mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes were exposed to plasma from women with and without PCOS who consumed WPI for 7 days. Adipocytes were then exposed to 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25VD) and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25VD) to determine the interaction of plasma from women consuming WPI and vitamin D3 on the genetic expression of 25-hydroxylase (CYP2R1) and 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1). This study found no effect of plasma or forms of VD on CYP2R1 expression; however, 1,25VD increased the CYP24A1 expression. Overall, neither plasma nor forms of VD seem to change VD metabolism gene expression under normal or PCOS-like conditions.
An exploratory study of college students' attitudes toward dietary protein: Development of a dietary protein assessment survey instrument
(6/12/2019) Ackerman, Parker C; Warren, Cynthia; Miketinas, Derek
The purpose of this exploratory study was to develop a survey to estimate college students’ attitudes towards dietary protein. The dimensionality of the attitude constructs in the Dietary Protein Assessment Survey (DPAS) instrument was explored in this study. The survey consisted of 64 questions, including 14 attitude questions. The dimensionality of the attitude constructs was explored by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using principal axis factoring and a promax rotation. Internal consistency reliability was examined using Cronbach’s alpha. After removing items that did not factor, the EFA retained three factors and explained 73.9% of variance: human/environmental health (5 items), organic sources (2 items), and protein RDA (2 items). The Kaiser-Meyer-Oklin test (0.76) and Bartlett’s test (p <0.001) indicated data was appropriate for EFA. Attitudes towards protein appear to be multi-dimensional and correlated. Further testing is needed to confirm the hypothesized 3-factor model and to estimate test-retest reliability of this survey.
An investigation of the efficacy of check in/check out as an intervention for students with disabilities in virtual school
(5/23/2019) Farmer, Jennifer C; Myers, Diane
Addressing the needs of all students with behavioral problems is important, as research and legislation prioritize the implementation of school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS) in school settings. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) specifically includes a provision to consider behavior supports in educational planning for students with disabilities (IDEIA, 2004; National Education Association, 2014). With the rising growth of virtual schools, educators must find ways to provide behavior supports to students with disabilities in the virtual school environment as IDEIA requires. This study is a single case multiple baseline study investigating the effects of Check In/Check Out (CICO), on student on-task behavior in a full-time virtual K-12 school in Texas. CICO is a multi-step process to decrease problem behaviors by increasing both adult interaction and positive reinforcement contingent upon appropriate behaviors for students (Campbell & Anderson, 2011; Simonsen, Myers, & Briere, 2011). Four secondary students enrolled in a full-time virtual school with disabilities participated in this study. Results of this study suggest that implementation of CICO with three out of the four participants resulted in improvements in on-task behavior. Additionally, CICO was implemented with high fidelity and was rated favorably by stakeholders.
An investigation of the implementation of the greeting circle to promote social and emotional skills in pre-kindergarten children
(1/8/2020) Murphy, Pamela A.; Moore, Lin
The research study investigated the effectiveness of the implementation of the Greeting Circle to promote social and emotional skill development in pre-kindergarten children. The participants in the study were nine pre-kindergarten teachers from three campuses in a charter school district. This research study utilized a phenomenological mixed methods approach. The qualitative data was collected to support the quantitative data. Qualitative data was collected using focus group interviews. Quantitative data included the Children’s Learning Institute Progress Monitoring Tool (CLI) (University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston, 2017) Social and Emotional Behaviors Checklist and the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) (Pianta, La Paro, & Hamre, 2008). Classroom quality was measured by the CLASS observations in the fall and spring. There are three domains in the CLASS scoring system: Educational Support, Instructional Support, and Classroom Organization. Mean scores for Emotional Support and Classroom Organization increased, while there was a decrease in mean scores for Instructional Support. Changes in scores from fall to spring were not significant. Children’s social and emotional skill development was measured using the CLI Progress Monitoring Tool. The CLI was used by the pre-kindergarten teachers to score the children’s skills across five dimensions: Positive Social Behavior, Classroom Community, Regulation, Self-Care, and Approaches to Learning. The fall and spring scores for each of these dimensions were used in the analyses. Additionally, data based on the Social and Emotional Behaviors totals were used to determine the overall progress in social and emotional skill development for boys and girls. The children made significant gains in mean scores in four of the dimensions. Self-Care scores increased but not significantly. The total mean scores for Social and Emotional Behaviors increased significantly. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the best predictors of the spring Social and Emotional Behaviors total scores. The independent variables included the CLASS domain scores, the teachers’ years of teaching, and children’s gender. None of the variables were found to be significant predictors. Focus group interviews were conducted with pre-kindergarten teachers at each of the campuses. Teachers described their experiences with implementing the Greeting Circle. The focus groups interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed by the researcher. Based on several readings of the transcripts, four themes emerged. These themes were supplementing curriculum, use of strategies, challenges, and successes.
An investigation of trunk control in infants and toddlers with down syndrome
(8/8/2019) Flores, Megan; Mitchell, Katy, Ph. D.
Infants and toddlers with Down syndrome (DS) display gross motor developmental delays and decreased trunk control. Trunk control is a precursor to upright gross motor skills, but this relationship has not been fully explored in infants and toddlers with DS. The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) is a reliable and valid measure of motor skills for children with DS. The Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) shows promise as a simple measure that can be employed by a physical therapist to measure segmental changes in trunk control, but it has not been studied in this population. The purposes of this study were: 1) to examine the reliability of the SATCo 2) to explore the relationship of the SATCo with the GMFM, and 3) to explore the impact of a dynamic standing device (Upsee) on trunk control and motor skills in infants and toddlers with DS. Eighteen children with DS, ages six to 24 months, were tested once on the GMFM and twice on the SATCo by two different physical therapists. SATCo scores among live and video recorded sessions were compared between three raters. The SATCo and GMFM were compared using Spearman’s rho correlation and linear regression. A subset of six children with DS participated in a A1BA2 withdrawal/reversal single-case experimental design study to explore the impact of a dynamic standing device home program on trunk control and gross motor skills in infants and toddlers with DS. Interrater reliability of the SATCo was moderate to good and intrarater reliability was good to excellent. The SATCo showed a good to excellent significant correlation with the GMFM and was a significant predictor of total GMFM scores in infants and toddlers with DS. After six weeks of using the dynamic standing device as a home program, three children had significant increases in GMFM scores and three children did not show significant changes. SATCo scores did not change significantly in any of the children and no adverse effects were reported. For infants and toddlers with DS, the SATCo is a reliable and valid tool and a home program using a dynamic standing device may improve gross motor skills.
Anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective role of tart cherry polyphenols in SW1353 human chondrocytes
(1/25/2019) Lucero, Jacquelynn Elise; Broughton, K. Shane
The aim of this study was to investigate the chondroprotective effect of tart cherry polyphenols (TCP) using human chondrocytes. Chondrocytes (SW 1353) were pre-treated with TCP at concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10 µg/mL for 24 h then stimulated with the recombinant interleukin-1β (20 ng/mL) for 24 hours. After an initial increase (p<0.05) in cell proliferation at 1.25 µg/mL TCP, a dose-dependent decrease in cell proliferation was observed with higher doses of TCP. Following a significant decrease in nitrate levels at the 1.25 µg/mL TCP dose, there was a dose-dependent increase in nitrate concentration. The dose-dependent increase in nitrate levels occurred with concomitant decreases in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) intracellular protein expression at the two highest TCP doses. Reductions in cartilage degradation were observed in the 2.5, 5, and 10 µg/mL TCP doses, as indicated by decreases in glycoprotein-39 (YKL-40) levels. TCP appeared to have no significant effect on total protein expression of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor, necrosis factor kappa B (NF-κB), or the matrix degrading enzyme, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3). In conclusion, these findings suggest that TCP promote cartilage health by modulating pro-inflammatory pathways implicated in extracellular matrix destruction, as indicated by the effect of TCP doses on nitrite, iNOS, and YKL-40 levels. However, further research is need to elucidate the mechanism by which tart cherry polyphenols elicit these positive effects on cartilage health.
Anti-proliferative activity of novel amidoximes in human and murine malignant cell lines and in mouse mammary carcinoma
(10/25/2019) Gekombe, Amon; Bergel, Michael; Mirsaleh-Kohan, Nasrin
Cancer incidence and mortality is on the rise worldwide, which necessitates newer and more potent therapies to combat cancer. In this study, four novel amidoximes, JJMB5, JJMB6, JJMB7 and JJMB9, were analyzed for their ability to inhibit proliferation of human and murine malignant cell lines, and in mouse mammary carcinoma. We established that JJMB5 and JJMB6 induced inhibition of acetylation of core histones H3K9 and H4K5 prior to apoptosis. Moreover, JJMB5, JJMB6 and JJMB9 inhibited acetylation of core histone H3K27, but JJMB7 did not. Additionally, JJMB5, JJMB7 and JJMB9 inhibited the proliferation of murine mammary malignant cell lines in culture but did not inhibit mouse embryonic fibroblasts, as established by the MTS colorimetric assay. When human and murine malignant cell lines were treated individualy, or in combination of various amidoximes or amidoximes with cisplatin, several combination treatments resulted in significantly lower growth inhibitory concentration (GI50) compared to individual treatments. Once the MTDs for the amidoximes were established, tumor studies were carried out. Results on tumor volume reduction were mixed. For example, mice treated with JJMB7 demonstrated significant tumor volume reduction in the first experiment but not in subsequent experiments. On the other hand, mice treated with JJMB9 had the lowest tumor volumes in all experiments. In The second experiment, tumor volumes were significant up to day 21. There were no differences in lung metastasis area between the treatment groups. Acetylation studies of 4T1 cells from tumors revealed that JJMB9 induced significant inhibition of acetylation of H4K5. Also, JJMB9 was able to induce drug resistance in MCF-7 cells, and this resistance was reversed by cisplatin. The amidoximes have potential if certain changes can be made on the protocol such as decreasing 4T1 cells implanted into the mammary fat pad, amidoxime dose escalation, and using alternate routes of administration.
Assessing caregiver stress in a school-age specialized pediatric population
(8/27/2019) Dryden, Mary; DeOrnellas, Kathy
Parental quality of life and stress levels have been linked to family and child functioning and outcomes. Assessing stress levels in caregivers raising children with medical complexity can guide clinicians in providing appropriate and needed interventions. School attendance and medical technology dependence in children are factors that may impact parental functioning and stress levels. These specific factors have not been thoroughly examined in the literature. The current study used data collected from a pediatric clinic in a large, urban hospital. The parent questionnaire contained items assessing caregiver physical, emotional, social, and cognitive functioning; communication; and worry. Significant differences in parental stress levels were not found between children attending school and those not attending school. In addition, significant differences were not found between level of medical technology dependence and age of the child. However, a main effect of school attendance was found when examining the worry subscale on the measure of parental quality of life with those parents with children attending school reporting more worry than parents with children not attending school. This study contributes to the knowledge base surrounding parental stress in raising children with medical complexity and will assist those who work closely with this population to implement effective and necessary intervention.
Beyond hearing: Nurses' active empathetic listening behaviors from the voice of the patient
(1/8/2020) Myers, Karen K., MSN; Krepper, Rebecca
The purpose of this study was to distinguish between effective and ineffective nurse active empathetic listening (AEL) behaviors as perceived by adult inpatients from an acute care hospital. Nurse communication and more specifically, nurse listening is at the core of nurse-patient interaction and influences quality, safety, and patient experience. Nurse listening from the patient’s perspective is poorly understood with a large gap in nursing science. A non-experimental two-group comparison descriptive study was conducted to determine if there was a difference in AEL behaviors as perceived by patients for nurses who listened (n=194) and those who did not (n=50). The two groups were identified based on the response to an initial filter question. A total of 244 medical and surgical patients responded to survey instruments (biographical data form; AEL survey) sent either to their home address or via email at a minimum of 15 days post discharge from a large acute care facility. No statistical difference was found between the demographics of the two groups. An independent t-test (α=.05) revealed a statistically significant difference in the two groups perception of listening behaviors for those who listened and those who did not based on total score, subscales (sensing, processing, and responding) and each of 11 AEL items. The AEL behavior most frequently identified by all participants as most important to them as a patient was “My nurses understood how I felt.” The Cronbach’s alpha calculated for the AEL scale’s total score and subscales exhibited strong reliability. In conclusion, the findings of this study begin to narrow the gap in nursing science related to nurse listening behaviors from the perspective of the patient. Through a better understanding of nurse listening, practice changes can be implemented to impact quality, safety, and the patient experience.
Calcium-dependent global chromatin compaction protects DNA from UV inflicted damage
(1/13/2020) Abbas, Mohammad M; Bergel, Michael
Eukaryotic genomes are packaged into chromatin, which is the physiological substrate for all DNA-mediated functions, including DNA damage repair. At the DNA damage site, chromatin organization undergoes critical rearrangements during the repair process. These rearrangements around the lesion sites accommodate at least three steps: providing access to the repair factors, repair, and restoring the DNA’s pre-lesion. chromatin architecture. However, the global changes to chromatin after UV-irradiation were less explored and understood. To investigate the relationship between chromatin condensation and UV irradiation, HeLa-S3 cells were irradiated and subjected to micrococcal nuclease digestion analysis. The results showed that chromatin globally commenced compaction five minutes after UV-irradiation. Twenty-four hours after irradiation chromatin returned to the pre-UV steady-state. Southwestern blots showed that cells were irradiated twice at 15 J/m2 with a five minutes break had a significantly lower cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) and DNA (6-4) photoproduct (6-4PP) rate in comparison to cells subjected to 30 J/m2, and had no significant difference from cells irradiated with a single dose of 15 J/m2. Western blot analysis demonstrated a post-UV core histone deacetylation wave which followed the chromatin condensation. Western blots analysis of caspase-3, which is activated in apoptotic cells both by extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, showed no caspase-3 activation after five and ten minutes post UV-irradiation. Here, we demonstrate that an environmental genotoxic agent, UV radiation, causes immediate and global chromatin compaction in HeLa cells and this compaction results in a robust reduction in the newly formed lesions. Our data suggest an influx of calcium cations after UV irradiation is directly involved in inducing chromatin compaction.
Caregiver perceptions regarding the experience of and use of mirrors for a person with dementia
(5/17/2019) Kelsick, June R.; Freysteinson, Wyona M.
ABSTRACT JUNE R. KELSICK CAREGIVER PERCEPTIONS REGARDING THE EXPERIENCE OF AND USE OF MIRRORS FOR A PERSON WITH DEMENTIA MAY 2019 The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore caregivers’ perceptions and understandings of the experience of observing a person with dementia viewing self in the mirror. The study was conducted in a large metropolitan city in the Southern region of the United States (U.S.). Participants were recruited from a registered professional national organization headquartered in the U.S. that offers services to caregivers of persons with dementia. To gain insight into the understanding of the experience, caregivers of persons with dementia were recruited as this could not be accomplished by directly interviewing persons with dementia. Purposive sampling was used to secure a sample of approximately 18 caregivers who met the following criteria: have provided needed care and assistance for an individual with dementia, are 18 years and older, are English-speaking and witnessed the person with dementia whom they cared for viewing self in the mirror. Sampling continued until saturation was reached. Data was collected using two instruments developed by the researcher, a demographic data form, and a semi-structured interviews guide. Audio-recorded face-to-face interview lasted approximately 30 minutes. Data analysis was conducted using Ricoeur’s hermeneutic phenomenological theory of interpretation. Structural analysis revealed two themes in the home and long-term care setting consisting of the number of mirrors available and the caregiver’s actions. Mirrors of all types were more readily available in homes versus long-term care settings. Home caregivers more consistently incorporated mirrors in to care, particularly early in the disease trajectory. While some long-term care staff used mirrors to enhance care, it was less consistent, particularly in facilities without mirrors or when dealing with staff who felt mirror viewing was inappropriate for Dementia patients.

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