Bullying, Early Sexual Debut, And Sexual Health Behaviors Among Adolescents In New York City, Valentina I. Ramirez

Dissertations and Theses

Adolescent sexual and reproductive health remains a critical public health priority in the United States, particularly given the persistent burden of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people. Adolescents and young adults account for a disproportionate share of STI cases, reflecting ongoing gaps in prevention, early detection, treatment, and equitable access to sexual health care and services. These patterns are shaped not only by individual behaviors but also by broader social, structural, and developmental contexts that influence adolescents’ opportunities to engage in preventive sexual health care.

This dissertation examined associations between early sexual debut, experiences of bullying, and …

Screen-Based Simulation Assessment For Emergency Medicine Learners: A Rapid Review, Patrick Zeniecki, Rebecca Kamens, Jared Kilpatrick, Dimitrios Papanagnou, Xiao C. Zhang

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Simulation has played a vital role in training medical professionals. The COVID-19 Pandemic has highlighted the need for physically distant educational assessment methods. Screen-based simulation (SBS) demonstrates one alternative to traditional in-person simulation methods to assess learners clinical reasoning and communication skills. This study aims to compare in-person simulation to SBS as assessment methods in Emergency Medicine (EM).

METHODS: A rapid review literature search methodology of an electronic database (PubMed) was performed in February 2022 with search terms such as "Computer Simulation," "Patient Simulation," "Simulation Training," "Education, Distance," "Virtual OSCE," "Academic Performance," or "Emergency Medicine." Reference lists of relevant …

Genetic Architecture Of White Matter Microstructure Captured By Unsupervised Deep Representation Learning Of Fractional Anisotropy Maps, Xingzhong Zhao, Ziqian Xie, Wei He, Hyun Yong Koh, Bohong Guo, Han Chen, Myriam Fornage, Degui Zhi

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

Fractional anisotropy (FA) from diffusion MRI is a widely used marker of white matter (WM) integrity, but conventional FA-based genetic studies typically rely on tract- or atlas-defined averages that may obscure spatially distributed WM variation and limit genetic discovery. Here, we propose a deep learning framework, termed unsupervised deep representation of WM (UDR-WM), which uses voxel-wise FA maps to derive brain-wide unsupervised deep imaging phenotypes (UDIP-FA) without prior anatomical assumptions. Compared with traditional FA phenotypes, UDIP-FA shows greater sensitivity to aging and substantially higher SNP-based heritability. Multivariate GWAS identified 939 lead SNPs across 586 loci, mapping to 3,480 UDIP-FA-associated genes. …

The Influence Of Social Media Messaging On Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Attitudes And Confidence Among Adolescent Males: Group Discussion Study, Neha Trivedi, Rachel Van Vleet, Czesia Eid, Amelia Burke-Garcia, Amy Leader

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Despite the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine being available to males for the past 12 years, adolescent males continue to lag in HPV vaccine uptake due to a variety of factors. With the ubiquitous nature of social media use among this population, further research is needed to improve HPV vaccine confidence among young adolescent males using these platforms.

OBJECTIVE: Using the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), this study sought to better understand knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about HPV and HPV vaccination among male adolescents aged 14-17 years and examine how social media messaging influences vaccine perceptions and explore the characteristics of …

Transgenic Hookworm Secretes Anti-Tetrodotoxin Human Single Chain Antibody, Kumar Sachin Singh, Suman Bharti, Bruce A Rosa, Mahdiyeh Bigham, Samuel C Uzoechi, Young-Jun Choi, John C Martin, Danielle Kemper, Slavica Pavlovic Djuranovic, Sergej Djuranovic, Makedonka Mitreva, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Biologics, protein- and peptide-based drugs derived from living organisms or cell lines have emerged as effective therapies across a broad range of indications. However, parenteral administration and the need for frequent dosing increase costs and limit compliance, creating an urgent need for innovative platforms capable of continuously, safely, and efficiently delivering sustained biologics in situ within the host. Here, we describe a bioengineered hookworm platform to manufacture and deliver biologic therapeutics in vivo. As proof of concept, we engineer the Ancylostoma ceylanicum secretome by inserting a human single-chain variable fragment antibody (s16-HuScFv) into its genome. Transgene expression does not perturb …

Transgenic Hookworm Secretes Anti-Tetrodotoxin Human Single Chain Antibody, Kumar Sachin Singh, Suman Bharti, Bruce A Rosa, Mahdiyeh Bigham, Samuel C Uzoechi, Young-Jun Choi, John C Martin, Danielle Kemper, Slavica Pavlovic Djuranovic, Darren A Pickering, Rachael Ryan, Bethany K Bracken, Maria Elena Bottazzi, Eric C Carnes, Wannaporn Ittiprasert, Matthew Moyle, Paul J Brindley, Alex Loukas, Sergej Djuranovic, Makedonka Mitreva

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Biologics, protein- and peptide-based drugs derived from living organisms or cell lines have emerged as effective therapies across a broad range of indications. However, parenteral administration and the need for frequent dosing increase costs and limit compliance, creating an urgent need for innovative platforms capable of continuously, safely, and efficiently delivering sustained biologics in situ within the host. Here, we describe a bioengineered hookworm platform to manufacture and deliver biologic therapeutics in vivo. As proof of concept, we engineer the Ancylostoma ceylanicum secretome by inserting a human single-chain variable fragment antibody (s16-HuScFv) into its genome. Transgene expression does not perturb …

“Thrown To The Fire”: Exploring The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Education And Self-Efficacy In New Graduate Physical Therapists, Michael Furtado, Gregory Brusola, Dana Wild

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education and practice, leading to emergency transitions to online learning and interruptions in clinical experiences across the United States. These disruptions raised concerns about their impact on new graduate DPTs' self-efficacy and professional readiness. The current issue addressed by this study is the effect of these disruptions on new graduate self-efficacy and confidence in their professional role. This mixed-method study aimed to assess the extent of clinical education disruption, evaluate its effects on self-efficacy, and explore the lived experiences of new graduate DPTs during the pandemic. Method: A survey …

An Exploratory Study: The Presence Of Imposter Syndrome In New Graduate Allied Health Professionals And Its Relationship To Location Of Practice, Samantha J. Barber, Carol A. Flavell Dr, Moira Smith Dr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Imposter syndrome (IS) explores the feelings of fraudulence within personal and professional settings. Commonly IS results in impaired self-confidence, and self-perceptions of one’s own abilities, their mental health, and places them at a higher risk of burnout. Imposterism is linked to transitionary periods, such as being newly graduated, and while IS addressed amongst the medical community [doctors and nurses], there is a gap in literature relating to IS amongst allied health professionals (AHPs). Additionally, there is no known literature in which IS presence or severity is explored in relation to an individual’s geographic location. The aim of this study …

Aphasia Therapy In An Arabic-Speaking Individual After Stroke: A Case Report, Mohammed F. Alharbi Dr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This case report describes the clinical application and preliminary outcomes of Arabic-adapted Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA), Phonological Components Analysis (PCA), and Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST) in an Arabic-speaking adult with post-stroke aphasia and highlights language-specific factors that affect the adaptation of these interventions to Arabic. Methods: The participant was a 53-year-old right-handed native Arabic-speaking man who developed moderate to severe nonfluent transcortical motor aphasia after a left middle cerebral artery stroke. One month after stroke onset, he underwent assessment with the Short Aphasia Test for Gulf Arabic speakers, which showed relatively preserved auditory comprehension and repetition but marked …

Enhancing Hiv Prevention: Implementation And Evaluation Of A Standardized Hiv Risk Assessment Screening In A Primary Care Setting, William Duckworth

Doctoral Dissertations

Background: HIV remains a persistent public health concern, with 1.3 million people affected worldwide. Although advances in treatment have improved long-term management, early prevention still relies on identifying individuals at elevated risk. In many primary care settings, routine HIV risk assessment is inconsistent or absent, resulting in missed opportunities to screen, educate and initiate prevention strategies such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This gap underscores the need for structured, evidence-based tools to improve early risk identification and strengthen HIV prevention efforts. Purpose: Implement and evaluate an evidence-based standardized screening process for HIV risk assessment to achieve early identification and enhance appropriate …

Enhancing Hpv Vaccination Engagement And Uptake Among Young Adults Aged 17 To 26 Through A Multilevel, Multicomponent Intervention, Sarah Dianne Girlinghouse

Doctoral Dissertations

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) remains one of the most common vaccine-preventable infections, with vaccination rates among young adults aged 17 to 26 remaining below Healthy People 2030 targets. University health settings represent a critical opportunity to improve vaccine uptake. Prior to this quality improvement (QI) initiative, student health services (SHS) at a public university in the southern United States did not routinely offer HPV vaccination, resulting in missed opportunities for prevention. Evidence supports provider recommendation, clinical decision support, and improved access as key drivers of HPV vaccination uptake. Purpose: The purpose of this QI project was to increase HPV vaccination …

Activated Dorsomedial Hypothalamic Astrocytes Regulate Feeding Behavior, Bella M. Lisenby

Honors Projects

The dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) region of the brain has been shown to be important for anticipatory feeding activity and play a role in restricting excessive food intake. In obese animals that overconsume calories, astrocytes within the DMH exhibit intracellular signaling changes indicative of cellular activation. Because astrocytes are known to influence neuronal function, we hypothesize that activated astrocytes regulate behavior. In the current study, we use chemogenetics combined with stereotaxic surgery to assess the contribution of astrocyte activity in the DMH towards metabolic behaviors.

Motivation And Leadership Development Among Federal Nurse Leaders, Sarah Davis-Arnold

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Mdds: The Road Ahead, Shelly Fava Ms, Cmp, Cae

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This article outlines the Metro Denver Dental Society’s (MDDS) vision for supporting dental professionals through education, innovation and community engagement. MDDS Executive Director, Shelly Fava, highlights the organization’s commitment to addressing emerging trends in dentistry, including oral-systemic health and workforce development. It also explores how MDDS plans to strengthen member value through expanded programming, strategic partnerships and future-focused initiatives. The article provides insight into the association’s long-term priorities and its role in shaping the future of organized dentistry in Colorado.

A Multi-Country Community Of Practice To Strengthen Quality Improvement In Low- And Middle-Income Countries: A Quality Improvement Program Description, Samhita Bhargava, Heather A Haq, Brodus A Franklin, Elizabeth Davis, Florence Anabwani-Richter, Thobile Bhembe, Lindokuhle P Dlamini, Makhosazana Dlamini, Andy Chapola, Nomsa Kafumba, Chisomo Mzandu Zinyemba, Menard Bvumbwe, Kyakuwa Richard Jjuuko, Jacqueline Balungi Kanywa, Dithan Kiragga, Andreas Boy Isaac, Esther Makhalanyane, Lwamba Nyembo, Retselisitoe Mahlaha, John T Farirai, Eunice W Ketang'enyi, Andrea E M Imsen, Iuliana Costas, Susan B Torrey

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background/objectives: Quality improvement (QI) is widely used in global health to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and strengthen service delivery. The Texas Children's Global Health Network (TCGHN) includes nine independent non-governmental organizations supporting healthcare in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with pediatric HIV clinical centers of excellence in six countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), supported technically by Baylor College of Medicine. We describe the development of a virtual QI Community of Practice (QICoP) to connect geographically dispersed teams and strengthen local QI capacity.

Methods: In 2022, QI and global health experts convened to design the QICoP and assess site readiness. …

Nmda Receptor Subunit Nmr-2 Regulates Pathogen-Induced Immune Responses Via The Nervous System In C. Elegans, Benson Otarigho, Jonathan Lalsiamthara, Alejandro Aballay

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Neural control of innate immunity must balance restraint of basal immune activity with rapid activation upon pathogen encounter. Glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system, has been implicated in several neurological disorders associated with inflammation, suggesting a potential link to immune regulation. However, how glutamatergic signaling contributes to immune balance remains unknown. Here, we demonstrated that the NMDA-type ionotropic glutamate receptor subunit NMR-2, a component of the NMDA receptor complex, acts in the

Diabetes Mellitus Exacerbates Covid-19 Severity And Prolongs Recovery: A Clinical Study From Southern Iraq, Hussein Ali Hussein Al-Hchaimi, Mohammad Ali Hassan Jassim, Mustafa Abbass, Shahab Abdulla, Ralela Makline

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Diabetes mellitus (DM) constitutes one of the most consequential comorbidities shaping the clinical trajectory of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), operating through intersecting mechanisms of chronic inflammation, endothelial injury, and immunosuppression that collectively amplify viral pathogenicity. This study investigated the impact of diabetes type on COVID-19 symptom severity, hospitalization duration, and recovery time among patients in Nasiriyah City, southern Iraq — a region substantially underrepresented in the global DM–COVID-19 literature. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across healthcare facilities in Nasiriyah City from 2023 to 2024. A total of 150 hospitalized adult patients carrying confirmed diagnoses of both COVID-19 and type …

Reality Check: Examining Perceived Stress In Student Pharmacists Using Virtual Reality, Kimberly B. Garza, Channing R. Ford, Kristen L. Helms

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

The impact of stress on learning is complex and multifaceted, and there is a balance between stress that promotes learning and that which inhibits it. This study presents a qualitative analysis of students’ responses to a questionnaire about their experience using virtual reality (VR) in a perspective-taking task to promote empathy for patients with physical limitations due to arthritis of the hands. Including data collected from a first-year course in 2023, 2024, and 2025, 214 students ranked their stress while experiencing the task, and those who ranked stress as anything other than “no stress” were asked to elaborate on the …

Her Fire This Time: Black Women Faculty And The Liberatory Pedagogy That Can't Wait, R. Danielle Scott, Andi Toliver-Smith, Nailah Smith

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

The purpose of this paper is to document the experiences of Black women faculty sustaining culturally responsive, justice-oriented, liberatory pedagogy in the current sociopolitical climate of higher education. In the context of coordinated attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion infrastructure, the erasure of culturally responsive accreditation standards in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences (SLHS), and the unwritten expectation that Black women faculty absorb the weight of equity work that institutions have abandoned, this paper examines the sustaining forces that keep liberatory teaching aflame. Drawing on critical autoethnography and reflective practice, three Black women, two faculty members and one doctoral student …

An Exploration Of The Intersection Of Artificial Intelligence And Speech-Language Pathology -- Potential Impacts, Manish K. Rami

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This paper explores the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the profession of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP). AI is widely recognized as a transformative force, presenting opportunities across both service delivery and professional practice in SLP. Method: The analysis employs the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's  Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology as an organizing framework to systematically evaluate AI applications across professional and service delivery domains. Within each domain, the study identifies emerging use cases, evaluates the capacity for AI technologies to automate or augment clinical processes, and examines broader implications for the profession, with particular attention to anticipated changes …

An Analysis Of Dei Preparation In Health Science Programs For Future Healthcare Providers, Michael Holik, Scott Heinerichs

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Research has indicated patients have better outcomes when their healthcare providers are comprehensively trained in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) related areas during their academic preparation. By understanding students’ perceptions of the DEI education, they receive and knowing how that training may impact future patient interactions, educators can allow educational programs to prepare health science students better. This study aimed to garner and examine the perceptions health science students have on the DEI education they receive as undergraduate and/or graduate students in a regional public comprehensive university. Methods: Upon approval of research from the Institutional Review Board, 2,700 health …

Understanding Interprofessional Collaborative Practice: A Firm Foundation For Allied Health Student Education, Isabel A. Paton, Narelle T. Patton, Anne Croker

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Accompanying the contemporary need for a collaborative practice ready health workforce is a focus on health student preparation for interprofessional collaborative practice. This research explored allied health pre-registration student preparation for interprofessional collaborative practice. Further, this examination illuminated new understandings of interprofessional collaborative practice itself. Methods: Informed by philosophical hermeneutics, this research involved two studies. One study was drawn from interpretation of the literature. The other study drew from 24 academic and student participants’ experiences from five allied health professions, accessed through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Thematic interpretation was used to highlight key themes and topics. Results: This …

Student Perceptions Of Clinical Educator Competence Across Healthcare Professions, Samar Long, Sarah Varekojis, Tonya Apke, Erika Kemp

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Educational units that house a variety of healthcare programs require unique skills and knowledge development and vastly different professional responsibilities. The training for students is similar in that they use clinical educators to provide practical educational experiences. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore healthcare students' perceptions of their clinical educators' skills across six domains related to clinical education for six health professions. Methods: The data collection process involved a survey of students who have completed clinical rotations with at least two different clinical educators. Results: Seventy-four responses were included in data analysis. Students have positive perceptions …

Radiographic Assessment Of Morphometric Knee Angles In Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study, Sandhya Nagolu, Lavanya Prathap, Subhadra Devi Velichety, Jeyakumar S, K.Venkata Naga Prahalada

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common causes of anterior knee pain, but its radiographic diagnostic indicators are still not clearly defined. This study aimed to evaluate key radiographic morphometric parameters, including Q angle, sulcus angle, patellar tilt angle, and Insall–Salvati ratio in individuals with PFPS compared with healthy controls and to determine their association with anthropometric variables. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out involving 110 individuals diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and 110 age- and sex-matched asymptomatic controls. Standardised digital radiographs were analysed using INSTARISPACS software to obtain morphometric measurements. Statistical analyses …

Physicians’ Perceptions Of Factors Influencing Pediatric Athletic Healthcare Of Low Socioeconomic Status Patients, Mayrena I. Hernandez, Emily C. Srygler, Stephanie N. Adler, Thomas J. Swain, Marian E. Abowd, Kirsten M. Schneider, Jonathan A. Santana, Neeraj M. Patel, Justin S. Disanti, David Bell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: A patient’s social determinants of health (SDOH) and socioeconomic status (SES) play an important role in the quality of healthcare they receive. Patients of low SES tend to face greater obstacles in receiving healthcare and experience greater health disparities. Understanding how physicians provide care for pediatric student athletes of low SES is critical in ensuring they can receive appropriate care. Methods: Thirteen physicians shared experiences they have in providing care to patients of low SES, including challenges they have encountered and what strategies, if any, in overcoming those challenges in providing equitable care. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews. …

Physical Therapists' Perspectives Of Implicit Racial And Ethnic Biases And The Influence On Physical Therapy Practice, Michael Blizniak, Mary Shotwell, Cheryl Kerfeld, Shanda Gore

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Problem: Physical therapy (PT) outcome disparities exist among racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States. Implicit racial and ethnic biases (IREBs) may contribute to these inequities. Understanding IREBs within PT practice is crucial for addressing disparities and helping physical therapists comply with the American Physical Therapy Association Code of Ethics Principles. Purpose: This study examines the role of IREBs in PT by exploring physical therapists' awareness of them and their potential influence on PT practice. Methods: A virtual explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. Fifty-one United States physical therapists participated in the …

Perceptions Of Shared Decision-Making And Interprofessional Education At National Collegiate Athletic Association Institutions, Shelene Thomas, Rebecca Downey, Kaylyn Mcanally Star, Erin Choice, Anthony P. Breitbach

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: When a shared decision-making design is employed in the return to sport (RTS) Continuum, the athletes’ outcome improves. Yet, many professional programs (i.e., athletic training and medicine) integrate interprofessional education into curricula differently or not at all. Therefore, there may be a mismatch between theory, curricula, and practice implementation. This discrepancy could impact care team operations and RTS outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess perceptions of shared decision-making practices, communication strategies, and perceived barriers among interprofessional RTS care team members in NCAA intercollegiate athletics.

Methods: A mixed-methods, cross-sectional study including anonymous, web-based survey responses from 253 …

Operational And Implementation Evaluation Of A Short-Term Medical Service Program In Rural Guatemala, Mitchell M. Michalak, Shamecka Douglas, Oscar Gonzalez, Giovanna Sanguinetti, Ashley Sweat

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Defining Success Differently: The Clear Model For Allied Health Admissions, Ladarius Woods

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

This opinion paper argues that threshold-based lottery admissions offer a strategically necessary response to equity challenges, enrollment pressures, and evolving definitions of merit in allied health education. Current admissions models, whether traditional or holistic, often reflect underlying tensions between academic metrics and institutional missions and may unintentionally privilege certain applicant groups. As demographic shifts and the looming enrollment cliff intensify these pressures, allied health programs must reconsider how they define and identify admissions excellence. Drawing on examples from other sectors and recent literature, this opinion piece argues that a threshold-based lottery system, applied to applicants who meet baseline academic criteria, …

Can We Bridge The Divide Between Community And Metropolitan University Stakeholders In The Development Of Longitudinal Allied Health Placements In Rural Australia?, Debra M. Jones, Anne Hill, Giti Haddadan, Lindy Mcallister

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Rural communities experience allied health workforce shortages that detrimentally impact health care access and outcomes. Allied health student exposure to rural practice is a key strategy to influence rural practice uptake in Australia. Yet, these placements can be short in duration and undertaken across multiple speciality areas contributing to fragmented learning, challenges in translating theory to practice in rural contexts, and host site fatigue. We aimed to review placement standards and key rural and metropolitan university stakeholder perspectives of placements to inform the co-design of a rural longitudinal placement to address the challenges described. Method: This qualitative study was …