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- Title
- YOGA'S EFFECT ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS.
- Creator
-
Licata, Nicole M, Loerzel, Victorial, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world with approximately 1.7 million new cases diagnosed in 2012. While women with breast cancer are treated with a multitude of different therapies, these treatments can lead to long-term effects that impact quality of life (i.e. fatigue, pain, lymphedema, anxiety, depression, osteoporosis). With more people looking into complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), research on yoga�s effect on quality of life in breast cancer...
Show moreBackground: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world with approximately 1.7 million new cases diagnosed in 2012. While women with breast cancer are treated with a multitude of different therapies, these treatments can lead to long-term effects that impact quality of life (i.e. fatigue, pain, lymphedema, anxiety, depression, osteoporosis). With more people looking into complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), research on yoga�s effect on quality of life in breast cancer survivors is vital. Methods: This literature synthesis used PsychINFO, MEDLINE, and CINAHL explore current research on yoga's effects on quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Search terms included: breast cancer, survivor, quality of life, lifestyle, wellbeing, clinical trial, and controlled trial. Literature was excluded if it included men, women under cancer treatment and if yoga was included in a mindfulness intervention. Results: Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria. Yoga was shown to have a positive impact on fatigue, pain, anxiety, depression, and breast cancer survivors' quality of life. A majority of the studies measured quality of life using the FACT-B and FACT-G scale. Others used similar measurement tools and qualitative journal entries. Specific studies indicated improvements in aromatase-inhibitor associated arthralgia, diurnal salivary cortisol levels, and menopausal symptoms. Conclusions: Yoga appears to be beneficial in improving breast cancer survivor's quality of life. More research is needed. However, nurses can use this information to educate clients about the benefit of yoga in survivorship. This research may promote further utilization of CAM in improving quality of life.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFH2000036, ucf:45593
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000036
- Title
- THE USE OF YOGA FOR CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT IN THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION.
- Creator
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Huff, Annabeth, Burr, Joyce, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Chronic pain has an adverse impact on the quality of life in children and adolescents. It can impair a child's physical, psychological, and social functioning, leading to lower satisfaction with life and poor self-image related to health status. Forty-five percent of children experience chronic pain related to either disease processes or idiopathic causes. Not all children who suffer from chronic pain respond to traditional therapies. The purpose of this literature review was evaluation of...
Show moreChronic pain has an adverse impact on the quality of life in children and adolescents. It can impair a child's physical, psychological, and social functioning, leading to lower satisfaction with life and poor self-image related to health status. Forty-five percent of children experience chronic pain related to either disease processes or idiopathic causes. Not all children who suffer from chronic pain respond to traditional therapies. The purpose of this literature review was evaluation of current research on the use of yoga as an integrative therapy for chronic pain management in the pediatric population. A database search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO was conducted. Yoga has few side effects, is inexpensive, and can be practiced almost anywhere, regardless of physical ability or age. There is limited research on the use of yoga as an intervention within the pediatric population. Existing research supports the efficacy of yoga for chronic pain management.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004798, ucf:45332
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004798
- Title
- EQUINE-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY AS AN EFFECTIVE THERAPY IN COMPARISON TO OR IN CONJUNCTION WITH TRADITIONAL THERAPIES.
- Creator
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Wilson, Kristen, Murdoch, Erin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Mental disorders are a prevalent health issue that has an extensive amount of variability in the quantity of disorders, affected populations, and treatment. There are a multitude of approaches or therapeutic methods used by the mental health community. Although each therapy is valuable in unique ways, each therapy may not be suitable to treat every disorder or client. Traditional approaches, such as talk therapy, are effective for certain individuals, whereas some clients may not respond well...
Show moreMental disorders are a prevalent health issue that has an extensive amount of variability in the quantity of disorders, affected populations, and treatment. There are a multitude of approaches or therapeutic methods used by the mental health community. Although each therapy is valuable in unique ways, each therapy may not be suitable to treat every disorder or client. Traditional approaches, such as talk therapy, are effective for certain individuals, whereas some clients may not respond well to any of the traditional talk therapies. When traditional therapies are not working, a referral can be made for a therapy that might suit the client better. Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an experiential psychotherapy that has done well not only in assisting typical clients, but also with clients that have had trouble in traditional modes of therapy. This is a collaboration of current works and research in EAP, along with the knowledge base of a current licensed practitioner of EAP. The purpose is to lay out the fundamentals of EAP, which offers a different modality than traditional talk therapies. By crafting a better picture of EAP, perhaps it can kindle further research in its efficacy and guide additional mental health professionals towards this type of therapy.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004316, ucf:45042
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004316
- Title
- HEALING HANDS: REVIEWING THE POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS OF ENERGY THERAPIES TO REDIRECT PAIN DURING LABOR AND CHILDBIRTH.
- Creator
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Dinh, Cecelia, Burr, Joyce, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The birth experience is a highly subjective phenomenon that leaves a lasting impression for mothers and their families and friends. Although the passage of a child from the mother's womb into the world is typically joyous, the experience is not always as positive. Negative physical and psychological factors may greatly impact a woman's impression of the childbirth experience. Among childbearing women, the two main concerns of childbirth are pain and safe management. Similarly among healthcare...
Show moreThe birth experience is a highly subjective phenomenon that leaves a lasting impression for mothers and their families and friends. Although the passage of a child from the mother's womb into the world is typically joyous, the experience is not always as positive. Negative physical and psychological factors may greatly impact a woman's impression of the childbirth experience. Among childbearing women, the two main concerns of childbirth are pain and safe management. Similarly among healthcare providers, management of labor pain is one of the main goals of maternity care. Pain is a highly subjective phenomenon that is expected during the birth experience. Pharmacologic interventions have significantly reduced pain perception, but have left many women dissatisfied with the overall birth experience due to their potential adverse effects. Energy therapies have been studied for their role in creating a positive birth experience in relation to pain. This literature review examines the empirical evidence and makes suggestions for research and practice regarding energy therapies during labor and childbirth published between 1986 and 2012. Energy therapies, specifically Reiki, Therapeutic touch (TT), and Healing touch (HT) were examined in regards to pain perception and the childbirth process. Although pharmacologic interventions have been successful in reducing some childbirth concerns, the addition of complementary therapies such as Reiki, TT, and/or HT provides a holistic approach to pain management during labor and childbirth.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004246, ucf:44962
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004246
- Title
- SURFACE ENGINEERING OF GOLD NANOPARTICLES AND THEIR APPLICATIONS.
- Creator
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Dai, Qiu, Huo, Qun, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with their unique sizes, shapes, and properties have generated much enthusiasm over the last two decades, and have been explored for many potential applications. The successful application of AuNPs depends critically on the ability to modify and functionalize their surface to provide stability, compatibility, and special chemical functionality. This dissertation is aimed at exploring the chemical synthesis and surface modification of AuNPs with the effort to (1)...
Show moreGold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with their unique sizes, shapes, and properties have generated much enthusiasm over the last two decades, and have been explored for many potential applications. The successful application of AuNPs depends critically on the ability to modify and functionalize their surface to provide stability, compatibility, and special chemical functionality. This dissertation is aimed at exploring the chemical synthesis and surface modification of AuNPs with the effort to (1) control the number of functional groups on the particle surface, and to (2) increase the colloidal stability at the physiological conditions. To control the functionality on the particle surface, a solid phase place exchange reaction strategy was developed to synthesize the 2 nm AuNPs with a single carboxylic acid group attached on the particle surface. Such monofunctional AuNPs can be treated and used as molecular nanobuilding blocks to form more complex nanomaterials with controllable structures. A "necklace"-like AuNP/polymer assembly was obtained by conjugating covalently the monofunctional AuNPs with polylysine template, and exhibited an enhanced optical limiting property due to strong electromagnetic interaction between the nanoparticles in close proximity. To improve the colloidal stability in the psychological condition, biocompatible polymers, polyacrylic acid (PAA), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were used to surface modify the 30 nm citrate-stabilized AuNPs. These polymer-modified AuNPs are able to disperse individually in the high ionic strength solution, and offer as the promising optical probes for bioassay applications. The Prostate specific antigen (PSA) and target DNA can be detected in the low pM range by taking advantages of the large scattering cross section of AuNPs and the high sensitivity of dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurement. In addition to the large scattering cross section, AuNPs can absorb strongly the photon energy at the surface plasmon resonance wavelength and then transform efficiently to the heat energy. The efficient photon-thermal energy conversion property of AuNPs has been used to thermal ablate the Aβ peptide aggregates under laser irradiation toward Alzheimer's disease therapy.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002395, ucf:47767
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002395
- Title
- How Much is Enough? Trauma Recall and the Exposure Therapy Process.
- Creator
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Morrison, Krystal, Beidel, Deborah, Bowers, Clint, Bohil, Corey, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Prevailing theoretical models of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as exposure therapy (EXP) methodology suggest that recall of a trauma is crucial to altering the conditioned fear response associated with PTSD (Benito (&) Walther, 2015; Craske et al., 2008; Foa (&) Kozak, 1986). However, it is unclear whether limited recall of the event impacts the EXP process and treatment outcomes. This study examined whether incomplete trauma recall affected pre-treatment PTSD severity, Initial...
Show morePrevailing theoretical models of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as exposure therapy (EXP) methodology suggest that recall of a trauma is crucial to altering the conditioned fear response associated with PTSD (Benito (&) Walther, 2015; Craske et al., 2008; Foa (&) Kozak, 1986). However, it is unclear whether limited recall of the event impacts the EXP process and treatment outcomes. This study examined whether incomplete trauma recall affected pre-treatment PTSD severity, Initial Fear Activation (IFA), Overall Fear Activation (OFA), Within-Session Habituation (WSH), Between-Session Habituation (BSH; overall extinction), average length of EXP sessions, number of EXP sessions, and post-treatment PTSD severity, in 166 veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn, who completed EXP treatment. Contrary to predicted outcomes, the extent of recall did not attenuate veterans' participation in EXP as measured by IFA, OFA, WSH and BSH. Furthermore, less recall did not result in more severe pre-treatment PTSD, longer EXP sessions, more EXP sessions, or attenuated treatment response, as measured by the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-IV (CAPS; Weathers, Ruscio, (&) Keane, 1999) and PTSD Checklist Military Version (PCL-M; Weathers, Huska, (&) Keane, 1991) at pre- and post-treatment. This suggests that veterans who are unable to recall aspects of their traumatic experience can engage successfully and benefit equally from EXP akin to veterans who experience less difficulty recalling trauma details. This research is the first to examine trauma recall in the context of the EXP process and contributes to the current body of literature that aims to address the question: For whom do treatments work?
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007347, ucf:52116
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007347
- Title
- The Dynamic Functions of Bax are Dependent on Key Structural and Regulatory Features.
- Creator
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Boohaker, Rebecca, Khaled, Annette, Cole, Alexander, Zervos, Antonis, Tatulian, Suren, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Bax is an essential mediator of cell fate. Since its discovery in 1985 as a protein that interacts with the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2, key elements related to its function, structure and regulation remains to be determined. To this end, mitochondrial metabolism was examined in non-apoptotic Bax-deficient HCT-116 cells as well as primary hepatocytes from Bax-deficient mice. Although mitochondrial density and mitochondrial DNA content was the same in Bax-containing and Bax -deficient cells,...
Show moreBax is an essential mediator of cell fate. Since its discovery in 1985 as a protein that interacts with the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2, key elements related to its function, structure and regulation remains to be determined. To this end, mitochondrial metabolism was examined in non-apoptotic Bax-deficient HCT-116 cells as well as primary hepatocytes from Bax-deficient mice. Although mitochondrial density and mitochondrial DNA content was the same in Bax-containing and Bax -deficient cells, MitoTracker staining patterns differed, suggesting the existence of Bax -dependent functional differences in mitochondrial physiology. Oxygen consumption and cellular ATP levels were reduced in Bax -deficient cells, while glycolysis was increased. These results suggest that cells lacking Bax have a deficiency in the ability to generate ATP through cellular respiration, supported by detection of reduced citrate synthase activity in Bax -deficient cells. Expression of either full length or C-terminal truncated Bax in Bax -deficient cells rescued ATP synthesis and oxygen consumption and reduced glycolytic activity, suggesting that this metabolic function of Bax was not dependent upon its C-terminal helix. Expression of BCL-2 in Bax-containing cells resulted in a subsequent loss of ATP measured, implying that, even under non-apoptotic conditions, an antagonistic interaction exists between the two proteins. Bax is composed of nine alpha-helices. While three of these helices have features of a trans-membrane region, the contribution of each domain to the apoptotic or non-apoptotic functions of Bax remains unknown. To examine this, we focused on the C-terminal alpha-9 helix, an amphipathic domain with putative membrane binding properties and discovered that it has an inherent membrane-binding and cytotoxic capacity. A peptide based on the last twenty amino acids (CT20p) of the alpha-9 helix was synthesized and proved a potent inducer of cell death independent of any apoptotic stimuli. The solubility of CT20p allowed it to be encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), and these CT20p-NPs caused the death of colon and breast cancer cells in vitro and induced tumor regression in vivo, using a murine breast cancer tumor model. CT20p caused increased mitochondrial membrane potential followed by cell death via membrane rupture, without the characteristic membrane asymmetry associated with apoptosis. Hence, while CT20p is based on Bax, its innate cytotoxic activity is unlike the parent protein and could be a powerful anti-cancer agent that bypasses drug resistance, can be encapsulated in tumor-targeted nanoparticles and has potential application in combination therapies to activate multiple death pathways in cancer cells. While previous work revealed novel aspects of the biology of Bax that were unrecognized, new structural information is needed to fully elucidate the complexity of Bax's function. One approach is to use computational modeling to assess the solved structure of Bax and provide insight into the structural components involved in the activity of the protein. Use of molecular dynamics simulators such as GROMACS, as well as other computational tools provides a powerful means by which to test the feasibility of certain modifications in defined parameters. Such work revealed that the removal of the C-terminal alpha-9 helix of Bax, which normally resides within a hydrophobic pocket, significantly destabilized the protein, perhaps explaining how the protein transitions from soluble to membrane-bound form and maintain energy production via aerobic respiration or, conversely, how the C-terminus helix conveys cytotoxicity. Collectively, this work reveals that Bax is more than an inducer of cell death but has complex activities yet to be determined.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004521, ucf:49285
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004521
- Title
- The Effect of Traumatic Brain Injury on Exposure Therapy in Veterans with Combat-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
- Creator
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Ragsdale, Kathleen, Beidel, Deborah, Neer, Sandra, Bowers, Clint, Ni, Liqiang, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn are presenting for treatment with high rates of combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), spurring a need for clinical research on optimal treatment strategies. While exposure therapy has long been supported as an efficacious treatment for combat-related PTSD, some clinicians are hesitant to utilize this treatment for veterans with TBI history due to presumed...
Show moreVeterans of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn are presenting for treatment with high rates of combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), spurring a need for clinical research on optimal treatment strategies. While exposure therapy has long been supported as an efficacious treatment for combat-related PTSD, some clinicians are hesitant to utilize this treatment for veterans with TBI history due to presumed cognitive deficits that may preclude successful engagement. The purpose of this study was to compare exposure therapy process variables in veterans with PTSD only and veterans with PTSD+TBI. Results suggest that individuals with PTSD+TBI engage successfully in exposure therapy, and do so no differently than individuals with PTSD only. Additional analyses indicated that regardless of TBI status, more severe PTSD was related to longer sessions, more sessions, and slower extinction rate during imaginal exposure. Finally, in a subset of participants, self-report of executive dysfunction did not impact exposure therapy process variables. Overall, findings indicate that exposure therapy should be the first-line treatment for combat-related PTSD regardless of presence of TBI history.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005868, ucf:50894
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005868
- Title
- Role of Sleep in Exposure Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in OIF/OEF Combat Veterans.
- Creator
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Mesa, Franklin, Beidel, Deborah, Neer, Sandra, Bowers, Clint, Ni, Liqiang, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Exposure therapy is theorized to reduce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology by promoting habituation/extinction of fear responses to trauma-related cues. Empirical evidence indicates that emotional memory, including habituation/extinction learning, is enhanced by sleep. However, service members with combat-related PTSD often report disturbed sleep. In this study, quality of sleep and indicators of extinction learning were examined in veterans of recent wars who had completed...
Show moreExposure therapy is theorized to reduce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology by promoting habituation/extinction of fear responses to trauma-related cues. Empirical evidence indicates that emotional memory, including habituation/extinction learning, is enhanced by sleep. However, service members with combat-related PTSD often report disturbed sleep. In this study, quality of sleep and indicators of extinction learning were examined in veterans of recent wars who had completed an exposure-based PTSD intervention. Fifty-five participants were categorized into two groups based on self-reported quality of sleep: low sleep disruption severity (LSDS; N = 29) and high sleep disruption severity (HSDS; N = 26). Participants in the LSDS group exhibited faster habituation to their traumatic memories and reported less PTSD symptomatology during and following treatment relative to participants in the HSDS group. These findings indicate that individuals with combat-related PTSD reporting less disturbed sleep experience greater extinction learning during exposure therapy. Thus, incorporating interventions that target PTSD-related sleep disturbances may be one way to maximize exposure therapy outcomes in service members with PTSD.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006355, ucf:51520
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006355
- Title
- Using Exposure Therapy to Treat People Who Stutter: A Multiple Baseline Design.
- Creator
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Scheurich, Jennifer, Beidel, Deborah, Neer, Sandra, Vanryckeghem, Martine, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a debilitating condition, and it is estimated that approximately half of adults who stutter have SAD. Thus, there is a need for the assessment and treatment of SAD in this population. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promise in decreasing anxiety symptoms among adults who stutter and have SAD, but exposure, the key ingredient for successful CBT for SAD, has been understudied and underemphasized. The aims of this study were to develop an exposure...
Show moreSocial anxiety disorder (SAD) is a debilitating condition, and it is estimated that approximately half of adults who stutter have SAD. Thus, there is a need for the assessment and treatment of SAD in this population. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promise in decreasing anxiety symptoms among adults who stutter and have SAD, but exposure, the key ingredient for successful CBT for SAD, has been understudied and underemphasized. The aims of this study were to develop an exposure therapy protocol specifically for people who stutter and have SAD and to evaluate its efficacy for reducing anxiety and stuttering severity. Utilizing a multiple baseline design, six participants were randomized to receive zero, two, or four sessions of progressive muscle relaxation therapy. This served to establish the staggered start and to account for the common factors of therapy. All participants received ten sessions of exposure therapy. Participants recorded daily social anxiety levels, and anxiety and stuttering severity were assessed at major assessment points. All participants demonstrated substantial reductions in social anxiety and substantial improvements in the affective, behavioral, and cognitive experiences of stuttering following exposure therapy. No reliable change was observed for stuttering frequency. Results suggest that exposure therapy may be useful for people who stutter and have SAD, but will not necessarily influence their speech fluency. These findings underscore the importance of the assessment and treatment of SAD among adults who stutter and suggest that the integration of care between psychologists and speech-language pathologists may prove beneficial for this population.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006914, ucf:51702
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006914
- Title
- Living with Marie: Dramatherapy in the Creation of Performable Theatre.
- Creator
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James, Madelyn, Listengarten, Julia, Ingram, Kate, Wood, Vandy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Living with Marie is a project aiming to adapt dramatherapy techniques so that they are better suited to the creation of theatre in an attempt to educate audiences of the struggles some individuals cope with while living with mental illness. By using the practices implemented by dramatherapists Sue Jennings, John Casson, R. M. Simon, and Phil Jones, the evolution of my play Living with Marie can be seen as first originating in imagery before progressing to text and finally, performable art....
Show moreLiving with Marie is a project aiming to adapt dramatherapy techniques so that they are better suited to the creation of theatre in an attempt to educate audiences of the struggles some individuals cope with while living with mental illness. By using the practices implemented by dramatherapists Sue Jennings, John Casson, R. M. Simon, and Phil Jones, the evolution of my play Living with Marie can be seen as first originating in imagery before progressing to text and finally, performable art. This venture, inspired by my own psychotic struggle, gives audiences a glimpse into the clandestine existence of a nameless Young Woman and her m(&)#234;l(&)#233;e with a schizophrenic embodiment of her mental disorders named Marie.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006949, ucf:51659
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006949
- Title
- Application of Two-Photon Absorbing Fluorene-Containing Compounds in Bioimaging and Photodyanimc Therapy.
- Creator
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Yue, Xiling, Belfield, Kevin, Campiglia, Andres, Miles, Delbert, Frazer, Andrew, Cheng, Zixi, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Two-photon absorbing (2PA) materials has been widely studied for their highly localized excitation and nonlinear excitation efficiency. Application of 2PA materials includes fluorescence imaging, microfabrication, 3D data storage, photodynamic therapy, etc. Many materials have good 2PA photophysical properties, among which, the fluorenyl structure and its derivatives have attracted attention with their high 2PA cross-section and high fluorescence quantum yield.Herein, several compounds with...
Show moreTwo-photon absorbing (2PA) materials has been widely studied for their highly localized excitation and nonlinear excitation efficiency. Application of 2PA materials includes fluorescence imaging, microfabrication, 3D data storage, photodynamic therapy, etc. Many materials have good 2PA photophysical properties, among which, the fluorenyl structure and its derivatives have attracted attention with their high 2PA cross-section and high fluorescence quantum yield.Herein, several compounds with 2PA properties are discussed. All of these compounds contain one or two fluorenyl core units as part of the conjugated system. The aim of this dissertation is to discuss the application of these compounds according to their photophysical properties. In chapters 2 to 4, compounds were investigated for cell imaging and tissue imaging. In chapter 5, compounds were evaluated for photodynamic therapy effects on cancer cells. Chapters 2 and 3 detail compounds with quinolizinium and pyran as core structures, respectively. Fluorene was introduced into structures as substituents. Quinolizinium structures exhibited a large increase in fluorescence when binding with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA). Further experiments in cell imaging demonstrated a fluorescence turn-on effect in cell membranes, indicating the possibility for these novel compounds to be promising membrane probes. Pyran structures were conjugated with arginylglycylaspartic acid peptide (RGD) to recognize integrin and introduced in cells and an animal model with tumors. Both probes showed specific targeting of tumor vasculature. Imaging reached penetration as deep as 350 ?m in solid tumors and exhibited good resolution. These results suggest the RGD-conjugated pyran structure should be a good candidate probe for live tissue imaging. Chapter 4 applied a fluorene core structure conjugated with RGD as well. Application of this fluorenyl probe compound is in wound healing animal models. Fluorescence was collected from vasculature and fibroblasts up to ? 1600 ?m within wound tissue in lesions made on the skin of mice. The resolution of images is also high enough to recognize cell types by immunohistochemical staining. This technology can be applied for reliable quantification and illustration of key biological processes taking place during tissue regeneration in the skin. Chapter 5 describes three fluorenyl core structures with photoacid generation properties. One of the structures showed excellent photo-induced toxicity. Cancer cells underwent necrotic cell death due to pH decrease in lysosomes and endosomes, suggesting a new mechanism for photodynamic therapy.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005565, ucf:50276
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005565
- Title
- Seeing a Whole Life: Genre and Identity in Occupational Therapy.
- Creator
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Johnson, Stefanie, Wardle, Elizabeth, Hall, Mark, Roozen, Kevin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
A significant body of writing and rhetoric research focuses on the literate practices that reflect or construct the professional self, particularly in disciplines that rely heavily on the use of forms to categorize or identify customers, clients, or patients. Many of these studies examine the influence of discipline-specific genres on the creation of a professional self for healthcare practitioners. Occupational therapy, a nearly 100-year-old yet little understood profession, is significantly...
Show moreA significant body of writing and rhetoric research focuses on the literate practices that reflect or construct the professional self, particularly in disciplines that rely heavily on the use of forms to categorize or identify customers, clients, or patients. Many of these studies examine the influence of discipline-specific genres on the creation of a professional self for healthcare practitioners. Occupational therapy, a nearly 100-year-old yet little understood profession, is significantly different from many other healthcare disciplines, in part, because the genres used by occupational therapists reflect the profession's careful attention to the whole life of a patient. These genres are built around an understanding of a patient's occupation as the object of the profession's activity system. (")Occupation(") (commonly defined too narrowly by those outside of the profession as (")work(")), is, quite simply, anything that meaningfully and purposefully occupies a person's time. This broadly defined object invites an expansive professional vision that includes the patient's life and history outside of a diagnosis. This study presents the narratives of four occupational therapists and the literate activities that inform their practice. Their voices, as excerpted in this case study, join a strong, ongoing conversation in writing and rhetoric studies about the relationship between genre and identity. Using the lens of activity theory, this is one account of a healthcare profession that pays unusual attention to patients' whole lives through genres that mediate shared agency between the caregiver and patient. It is also, however, the story of the ways in which this identity, as a uniquely occupation-based discipline, becomes obscured as therapists translate their work to genres created and controlled by other, more powerful activity systems.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005813, ucf:50036
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005813
- Title
- Post-traumatic stress disorder: The effect of age and military status on the military population's awareness of community mental health resources.
- Creator
-
Stapp, Susan, Kaplan, Jeffrey, Cornell, Richard, Moskal, Patsy, Brophy-Ellison, James, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study sought to explore the existence of a relationship between age and/or military affiliation (active, veteran, or family member) and awareness of local community mental health programs available for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. The study separated age from military affiliation to better distinguish between influences on awareness level. Considerations that remain critical regarding post-traumatic stress disorder were described and used to guide a comprehensive...
Show moreThis study sought to explore the existence of a relationship between age and/or military affiliation (active, veteran, or family member) and awareness of local community mental health programs available for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. The study separated age from military affiliation to better distinguish between influences on awareness level. Considerations that remain critical regarding post-traumatic stress disorder were described and used to guide a comprehensive review of the literature to find directions to fulfill the goal of this study. A survey was conducted and 586 active military, veterans, and their family members responded to an instrument that contained 40 items. This study was constrained to three items from the survey; age, military affiliation, self-rated awareness of treatment for PTSD. Multiple analysis techniques found no significant (p (<) .05) correlation between either age and awareness or military affiliation and awareness. Further analysis found a significant (p = .003) correlation between veterans and awareness, as well as between family members of veterans (p = .017) and awareness. Veterans and their family members indicated a greater awareness of local community mental health programs available for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder than did active troops and/or their family members. The significance of this finding presents new opportunities to study and improve both the marketing and the delivery of mental health treatment for PTSD to the active military population. Multiple opportunities for future research are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005266, ucf:50586
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005266
- Title
- Treatment Matching in PTSD: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis Based On Therapeutic Mechanisms of Action.
- Creator
-
Trachik, Benjamin, Bowers, Clint, Beidel, Deborah, Jentsch, Florian, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The current study takes an initial step toward deriving a method for empirically based, theory-driven treatment matching in a military population suffering from PTSD. Along with the more overt symptoms of PTSD (e.g., persistent hyperarousal), secondary cognitive symptoms have also been shown to be significantly associated with avoidance and intrusive symptoms, as well as contribute to functional impairment. Based on the factor analytic and treatment literature for PTSD, it appears that there...
Show moreThe current study takes an initial step toward deriving a method for empirically based, theory-driven treatment matching in a military population suffering from PTSD. Along with the more overt symptoms of PTSD (e.g., persistent hyperarousal), secondary cognitive symptoms have also been shown to be significantly associated with avoidance and intrusive symptoms, as well as contribute to functional impairment. Based on the factor analytic and treatment literature for PTSD, it appears that there are two central mechanisms associated with beneficial therapeutic change that underlies both CPT and PE treatments (i.e., habituation, changes in cognitions). Additionally, different traumatic events and peritraumatic responses may be associated with unique symptom profiles and may necessitate targeted treatment. The present study proposes a novel approach to treatment matching based on the factor structure of PTSD and underlying mechanisms of treatment response. More broadly, this paper provides evidence for a broader understanding of peritraumatic responses and the potential implications of these responses for symptom profiles and illness trajectories.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005727, ucf:50126
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005727
- Title
- THE EFFECTS OF HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT) ON SURGICALLY POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.
- Creator
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Hertweck, Leslie M, D'Amato-Kubiet, Leslee, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The primary purpose of this research was to examine the effects of HRT in women with acute estrogen deficiency from surgically induced menopause. The secondary purpose was to evaluate how HRT improves symptoms of acute estrogen deficiency and quality of life (QOL) in women using hormone supplementation. Peer reviewed articles published from 2000 to 2017 that were written in the English language with a focus on the use of HRT in women with acute estrogen deficiency after surgical menopause...
Show moreThe primary purpose of this research was to examine the effects of HRT in women with acute estrogen deficiency from surgically induced menopause. The secondary purpose was to evaluate how HRT improves symptoms of acute estrogen deficiency and quality of life (QOL) in women using hormone supplementation. Peer reviewed articles published from 2000 to 2017 that were written in the English language with a focus on the use of HRT in women with acute estrogen deficiency after surgical menopause were evaluated for relevance. Evidence suggests the primary reason for decreased use of HRT is the associated risks outweighing the benefits; however, this is not reflected in health care provider's (HCP's) clinical experience. HCP's were more likely to prescribe HRT for themselves or family members if they were experiencing the negative side effects of estrogen deficiency due to surgical menopause, but not to women in their care with similar clinical manifestations of menopause. Additionally, serious risks associated with HRT for acute estrogen deficiency remain incongruent with HRT for women experiencing natural menopause; although risk for breast cancer due to HRT was a universal concern. Risks of HRT related to thromboembolism, stroke and heart disease, were discussed with comparison to the undesirable clinical manifestations of menopause. Results indicate further education and research is needed that explores the risks and benefits for HRT in women with sudden onset of estrogen deficiency from surgical menopause.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000452, ucf:45796
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000452
- Title
- SINGLET OXYGEN GENERATION USING NEW FLUORENE-BASED PHOTOSENSITIZERS UNDER ONE- AND TWO-PHOTON EXCITATION.
- Creator
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Andrasik, Stephen, Belfield, Kevin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Molecular oxygen in its lowest electronically excited state plays an important roll in the field of chemistry. This excited state is often referred to as singlet oxygen and can be generated in a photosensitized process under one- or two-photon excitation of a photosensitizer. It is particularly useful in the field of photodynamic cancer therapy (PDT) where singlet oxygen formation can be used to destroy cancerous tumors. The use of two-photon activated photosensitizers possesses great...
Show moreMolecular oxygen in its lowest electronically excited state plays an important roll in the field of chemistry. This excited state is often referred to as singlet oxygen and can be generated in a photosensitized process under one- or two-photon excitation of a photosensitizer. It is particularly useful in the field of photodynamic cancer therapy (PDT) where singlet oxygen formation can be used to destroy cancerous tumors. The use of two-photon activated photosensitizers possesses great potential in the field of PDT since near-IR light is used to activate the sensitizer, resulting in deeper penetration of light into biological tissue, less photo-bleaching of the sensitizer, and greatly improved resolution of excitation. The synthesis and photophysical characterization of new fluorene-based photosensitizers for efficient singlet oxygen production were investigated. The spectral properties for singlet oxygen production were measured at room temperature and 77 K. Two-photon absorption (2PA) cross-sections of the fluorene derivatives were measured by the open aperture Z-scan method. The quantum yields of singlet oxygen generation under one- and two-photon excitation (ΦΔ and 2PAΦΔ, respectively) were determined by the direct measurement of singlet oxygen luminescence at ≈ 1270 nm. The values of ΦΔ were independent of excitation wavelength, ranging from 0.6 - 0.9. The singlet oxygen quantum yields under two-photon excitation were 2PAΦΔ ≈ ½ΦΔ, indicating that the two processes exhibited the same mechanism of singlet oxygen production, independent of the mechanism of photon absorption.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001860, ucf:47411
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001860
- Title
- COMPLEMENTARY AND INTEGRATIVE THERAPIES FOR THE TREATMENT OF FIBROMYALGIA.
- Creator
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Hushla, Jennifer, Burr, Joyce, Forlaw, Loretta, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a debilitating and chronic condition with an array of symptoms, the most distinguishable being widespread pain. FMS patients experience a marked decrease in quality of life related to intensity of symptoms. Current treatment options and pharmaceuticals do not provide adequate relief. This thesis examines integrative and complementary therapy options for symptom management and improvement of quality of life for FMS patients. A literature review was conducted of...
Show moreFibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a debilitating and chronic condition with an array of symptoms, the most distinguishable being widespread pain. FMS patients experience a marked decrease in quality of life related to intensity of symptoms. Current treatment options and pharmaceuticals do not provide adequate relief. This thesis examines integrative and complementary therapy options for symptom management and improvement of quality of life for FMS patients. A literature review was conducted of English current research using multiple databases. Findings indicate mindful movement therapies (MMT) such as yoga and tai chi, mindfulness, sensory-related relaxation techniques with guided imagery, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) provided some relief and increased in perceived quality of life (QoL).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000367, ucf:45900
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000367
- Title
- A SYSTEMIC LITERATURE REVIEW EXPLORING THE EFFECTS OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY REHABILITATION AND MOTIVATION ON GERIATRIC PATIENTS.
- Creator
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Buckman, Melissa A, Biddle, Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this thesis was to examine the effects of occupational therapy rehabilitation on geriatric patients by reviewing studies conducted on motivation in occupational therapy. In occupational therapy it is important that you set goals for your patients (Creek & Lougher, 2008). It is also important to understand what motivates a patient to achieve those goals because goals and valued activities are intimately connected to motivation. Motivation deals with why we perform certain...
Show moreThe purpose of this thesis was to examine the effects of occupational therapy rehabilitation on geriatric patients by reviewing studies conducted on motivation in occupational therapy. In occupational therapy it is important that you set goals for your patients (Creek & Lougher, 2008). It is also important to understand what motivates a patient to achieve those goals because goals and valued activities are intimately connected to motivation. Motivation deals with why we perform certain behaviors. It can predict physical performance and how well a person might recover from an illness and has been suggested to be predictive for rehabilitation success (Carlson, 1997). Because the geriatric population has more longevity, it is important to ensure that they receive the appropriate care necessary to improve and maintain their quality of life (Mason, 1994). After reviewing multiple studies the results reinforced the importance of motivation in occupational therapy treatment. Self-efficacy was found to highly influence a person�s motivation and was a recurring theme throughout this review (Peralta-Catipon & Hwang, 2011). One key to understanding and studying motivation in older adults was to identify what occupations matter to them (Teitelman, Raber, & Watts, 2010). It is important that occupational therapists understand how occupations become meaningful for the geriatric population as participation in those occupations plays an important role in promoting productive aging. When the occupational therapist was able to understand how occupations became meaningful to the patient, they were more equipped to help motivate the patient to participate in their rehabilitation (Janssen & Stube, 2013).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFH2000007, ucf:45575
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000007
- Title
- BARRIERS AFFECTING COMPLIANCE WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EARLY GOAL DIRECTED THERAPY IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.
- Creator
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Castro, Ivan, Blackwell, Christopher, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Early Goal Directed Therapy (EGDT) has been thoroughly researched and clinically supported to be effective at lowering morbidity and mortality associated with severe sepsis and septic shock. Due to the strengths of its efficacy, it has been integrated as an essential component of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign. However, very few studies have explored the barriers that affect compliance of the protocol in actual practice. The purpose of this study was to synthesize current research findings...
Show moreEarly Goal Directed Therapy (EGDT) has been thoroughly researched and clinically supported to be effective at lowering morbidity and mortality associated with severe sepsis and septic shock. Due to the strengths of its efficacy, it has been integrated as an essential component of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign. However, very few studies have explored the barriers that affect compliance of the protocol in actual practice. The purpose of this study was to synthesize current research findings regarding nursing barriers associated with EGDT. This research was limited to studies performed in the United States between 2003-2012, with patients at least 18 years old, and with data obtained from studies conducted within emergency departments (EDs) only. These findings may serve to help increase the compliance rate with the protocol among nurses in the ED. Findings indicated that compliance rates were mostly affected by two major barriers: 1) Lack of knowledge regarding the presentation and management of sepsis and septic shock, and 2)Lack of resources in the ED to perform the protocol to its full potential. Limitations of the review noted were that most research studies used were in major academic hospitals which limited the generalizability of the findings to other hospital settings. Nursing education should emphasize early recognition and aggressive treatment of sepsis. Future research should focus on addressing the most efficient ways to educate nurses on sepsis presentation and management and the ways these can be implemented in practice.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004420, ucf:45095
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004420
