Browsing by Subject "Screening"
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Item Developing a screening measure for at-risk and advanced beginning readers to enhance response-to-intervention frameworks using the Rasch model(2011-12) Weisenburgh, Amy Boward; Vaughn, Sharon, 1952-; Dodd, Barbara Glenzing; Linan-Thompson, Sylvia; O'Reilly, Mark; Rieth, HerbThe Rasch model was employed to analyze the psychometric properties of a diagnostic reading assessment and then create five short forms (n = 10, 16, 22, 28, 34 items) with an optimal test information function. The goal was to develop a universal screening measure that second grade teachers can use to identify advanced and at-risk readers to enhance Response-to-Intervention frameworks. These groups were targeted because both will need differentiated instruction in order to improve reading skills. The normative dataset of a national reading test developed with classical test theory methods was used to estimate person and item parameters. The measurement precision and classification accuracy of each short form was evaluated with the second grade students in the normative sample. Compared with full bank scores, all short forms produced highly correlated scores. The degree to which each short form identified exceptional readers was also analyzed. In consideration of classification accuracy and time-efficiency, the findings were most robust for the 10-item form.Item Development of a measure of the process of informed decision-making about prenatal genetic screening in expectant women(2015-05) Kaur, Mandeep, Ph. D.; Rew, Lynn; Walker, Lorraine; Brown, Adama; Champion, Jane; Bonevac, DanielExisting literature shows low levels of informed decision-making regarding prenatal genetic screening (IDM-PGS) in expectant women. In an attempt to increase autonomy and promote more ethical healthcare, this study aims to develop an instrument to measure of an expectant woman’s informed decision-making regarding prenatal genetic screening. The instrument was developed based on review of the literature. Thorough psychometric testing including content validity analysis, cognitive interviewing, and readability analysis, as well as exploratory administration for criterion-related validity, construct validity, factor analysis and reliability was performed. The population of interest is women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, between the ages of 18 and 34, with no known genetic predispositions. A sample of eight women was recruited for the cognitive interviews, 433 for the exploratory administration and 111 participants in the two-week retest. Results show the instrument is a valid and reliable measure of IDM-PGS. Content validity was achieved after two rounds of expert review and feedback. Cognitive interviews showed high understanding of items in the instrument. Readability analysis resulted in a high grade level, but was justified in the highly technological nature of the information. Criterion-related validity showed a statistically significant ability for the instrument to predict participant action based on results from the IDM-PGS. Construct validity was validated by exploratory factor analysis and known group analysis. Factor analysis resulted in factor loading in line with the developed conceptual model. Known group analysis showed individuals with medical training were significantly more likely to measure high on the IDM-PGS. Reliability was confirmed. The highly valid and reliable nature of this instrument shows its general applicability to various settings. Thus, healthcare providers can apply this instrument in clinical settings to measure the IDM-PGS in expectant women. The instrument is adaptable and should be adapted in diverse populations. In addition to future implementation and study, the results of this study indicate policy implications as well. Policy level changes and implementation of this instrument could increase IDM-PGS for all expectant couples.Item Exploring the eukaryotic gene expression machinery using a single-cell yeast gene expression reporter(2014-08) Sorenson, Matthew Richard; Stevens, Scott W.; Ellington, Andrew D; Iyer, Vishwanath R; Johnson, Arlen W; Marcotte, Edward MIt has become increasingly evident that gene expression processes in eukaryotes involve communication and coordination between many complex, independent macromolecular machines. To query these processes and to explore the potential relationships between them in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we designed a versatile reporter employing multicolor high-throughput flow cytometry. Due to its design, this single reporter exhibits a distinctive signature for many defects in gene expression including transcription, histone modification, pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA export, nonsense-mediated decay, and mRNA degradation. Analysis of the reporter in 4967 non-essential yeast genes not only revealed striking phenotypic overlaps between similar functions, but also provided us a dataset in which to compare additional genetic or chemical perturbations. Utilizing a binning and clustering algorithm we developed we are able to compare reporter expression data from thousands of mutants in a semi-automated fashion, essentially grouping mutants or conditions based on the levels of reporter signal. I further utilized our reporter to screen a vast library of in vivo produced cyclic peptides using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), identifying a cyclic peptide that resulted in mild gene-specific pre-mRNA splicing inhibition. Additionally, I adapted our reporter assay to perform a high-throughput small molecule screen to identify inhibitors or modulators of specific gene expression processes. Our efforts led to the identification of a small molecule that inhibits pre-mRNA splicing in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, I utilized our reporter system to quickly identify loss-of-function mutants in the poorly characterized gene SWM2. The three mutants of interest have reduced interaction with Tgs1p, the conserved trimethylguanosine synthase, which we believe leads to decreased hypermethylation of the 5’ caps of spliceosomal snRNAs. Altogether this work describes the development, validation and utility of the versatile gene expression reporter system we developed, providing our lab and others a valuable tool to interrogate a wide-range of gene expression processes in yeast.Item Preventing cervical cancer in rural Tanzania : a program model for health worker trainings(2015-12) Morrison, Peter Barclay; Weaver, Catherine, 1971-; Harrell, Melissa BlytheWith a focus on Northern Tanzania, this report seeks to demonstrate the need for increased resource allocation to cervical cancer interventions, examine best practices for cervical cancer screening promotion, and develop an intervention and program evaluation framework. The intervention is a training program designed for dispensary-level healthcare providers in the Northern Zone of Tanzania and aims to increase provider awareness and knowledge of cervical cancer, and build skills among providers to educate patients on cervical cancer prevention and screening and treatment resources. This report is purely a program design and planning tool; no new data was collected, nor interventions implemented in the development of report. The first objective of the report is to develop an intervention to be presented to Foundation for Cancer Care in Tanzania (FCCT) and the second is to develop an evaluation framework to be presented to FCCT. FCCT is a non-profit agency working to bring comprehensive cancer services to the region. The program will complement existing and planned services related to cervical cancer prevention and treatment in the Northern Zone of Tanzania, and will be considered for implementation by the Foundation for Cancer Care in Tanzania (FCCT). Part I of the report reviews published literature and data to demonstrate the need for increased resource allocation to cervical cancer interventions and the appropriateness of Northern Tanzania as a case selection. Part I also examines best practices for cervical cancer screening promotion in Northern Tanzania, providing evidence from the published literature to inform Part II, the intervention design and program evaluation framework. Included in the intervention design is a logic model for change, detailed training plans and curriculum, and guidelines for selecting trainers. The report recommends appointments to a local planning team and estimates a timeline and budget for the program. Additionally, the report designs a thorough program evaluation, the objective of which is to measure the effect of training and health education materials on dispensary-level healthcare providers’ awareness, knowledge, and skills regarding cervical cancer prevention.