Digital Commons Network^™

Discourse Production And Its Relationship To Cognition In Mild Aphasia, Marcy D. Edwards

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Objective:Standardized assessments such as the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised do not reliably detect subtle language impairments in mild aphasia (Dalton & Richardson, 2015). Discourse tasks may provide a more sensitive measure of impairment. Although discourse tasks differ in cognitive demands (Kim & Kintz, 2024), variation in discourse performance across tasks and the influence of cognition remains unclear. Therefore, this study examined (1) whether discourse performance differs across different discourse elicitation tasks, and (2) the extent to which cognition influences discourse performance in individuals with mild aphasia.

Participants & Methods: Fifteen participants with mild aphasia participated (mean age = 62.7 years). Discourse …

Detection, Persistence, And Rising Prevalence Of Oncogenic Viruses Revealed By Wastewater Metagenomics, Harihara Prakash, Ryan K Perez, Matt Ross, Michael Tisza, Sara J Javornik Cregeen, Jennifer Deegan, Joseph F Petrosino, Eric Boerwinkle, Justin R Clark, Anthony W Maresso

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Oncogenic viruses cause high-risk cancers in humans and are responsible for nearly 20% of all cancer cases worldwide. Currently, very limited data exist in the realm of wastewater-based viral epidemiology (WBE) for cancer-causing viruses, with existing studies using targeted approaches (i.e., PCR-based approaches) that lack genomic resolution. In this study, we used a hybrid-capture approach to detect, filter, and sequence all known oncogenic virus signals from wastewater samples collected over 3 years (May 2022-May 2025) in 16 Texas cities, covering nearly 25% of the state's population. Once sequenced, we used custom computational tools designed for wastewater metagenomics to assign reads …

Parental Perspectives On Their Children’S Mental Health Changes During And After The Covid-19 Pandemic In A Florida Community, Brianna Yumul

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Anatomy And Function Of Vasopressin Receptor 1a-Expressing Neurons In The Limbic Thalamus, David Joseph Kahn

Theses and Dissertations

The vasopressin (Avp) system modulates social behavior through region-specific and sex-dependent mechanisms, yet the role of Avp receptor 1a (Avpr1a) signaling in the thalamus has remained largely unexplored. This dissertation examined the distribution and functional contributions of Avpr1a-expressing neurons across the mouse thalamus using a combination of genetic labeling, anatomical quantification, and chemogenetic manipulation. Mapping of Avpr1a-expressing neurons revealed a presence in most thalamic nuclei, with highest densities in the anterior thalamic nuclei and midline nuclei. Notably, Avpr1a-expressing neuron densities did not mirror previously described patterns of Avp innervation, and no sex differences in Avpr1a-expressing neuron density were observed. Chemogenetic …

Long-Term Outcomes Of Lamellar Crescentic Wedge Resection On Corneal Astigmatism And Optical Aberrations In Patients With Advanced Pellucid Marginal Degeneration, Ayşe Burcu, Hande Hüsni̇ye Telek, Hakan Mert, Yaprak Arzu Özdemi̇r, Züleyha Yalniz Akkaya, Evi̇n Şi̇ngar, Selma Özbek Uzman

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The present study investigates the long-term changes in corneal astigmatism and aberrations following lamellar wedge resection in cases with advanced pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD).

Materials and methods: Patients with advanced PMD whose visual acuity did not improve with glasses or contact lenses underwent lamellar crescentic wedge resection. Pre- and postoperative assessments at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months using Pentacam HR were conducted to identify changes in corrected visual acuity, corneal astigmatism, and higher-order aberrations (HOAs) following the procedure, and compared with a control group.

Results: Statistically significant postoperative improvements in corrected visual acuity were observed at 6 and …

Effects Of Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation On Poststroke Ankle Spasticity: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial, Hüseyi̇n Oğuzhan Aslantaş, Şehi̇m Kutlay, Haydar Gök, Semra Özkan, Seçi̇lay Güneş, Ati̇lla Hali̇l Elhan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) is a noninvasive, painless therapy aimed at improving spasticity, with a proposed mechanism that involves neuromodulation through somatosensory and proprioceptive afferent stimulation. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of rPMS on ankle plantar flexor spasticity in participants with stroke.

Materials and methods: Included in this prospective, double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled study were 50 participants with poststroke ankle plantar flexor spasticity graded 1–3 according to Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Participants were randomized into rPMS (n = 25) and sham (n = 25) groups. All participated in a conventional rehabilitation program, while the rPMS group received 10 …

Comparison Of Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block And Thoracic Paravertebral Block For Postoperative Analgesia After Breast Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Noninferiority Trial, Mustafa Sirri Kotanoğlu, Musa Zengi̇n, Onur Küçük, Atakan Sezgi̇, İbrahi̇m Topcu, Aras Meti̇n, Zeynep Ersoy, Jüli̇de Ergi̇l

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This noninferiority trial aimed to evaluate whether the serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) provides noninferior postoperative analgesia compared with the thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) after unilateral mastectomy.

Materials and methods: This prospective, randomized, assessor-blinded, parallel-group noninferiority trial enrolled 60 female patients scheduled for elective unilateral mastectomy. Patients received either ultrasound-guided SPSIPB (n = 30) or TPVB (n = 30) with 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine before induction. The primary outcome was visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores (0–100 mm) at rest and during coughing over 24 h. Noninferiority was assessed using the Hodges–Lehmann median difference with 95% …

Bridging The Methodological Gap In Multitrauma Literature: A Competency-Based Educational Framework And Clinical Appraisal Filter, Şaki̇r Hakan Aksu, Burcu Doğan, Merve Yazla

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The statistical complexity of contemporary multitrauma literature has increased considerably in recent years, which may pose challenges for clinicians seeking to interpret high-impact research and apply evidence-based practices. Characterizing this methodological landscape and exploring education-oriented approaches may help to improve the interpretability of the literature and support informed clinical decision-making.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on the 100 most-cited multitrauma studies published in Science Citation Index Expanded journals indexed in the Web of Science database between January 2018 and November 2025. The statistical methods used in each article were categorized into the three competency levels of …

Clinical Outcomes Of Injectable And Conventional Pulmonary Valve Replacement In Severe Pulmonary Regurgitation, Sercan Tak, Murat Koç, Ali̇ Kutsal, Vehbi̇ Doğan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Pulmonary regurgitation following tetralogy of Fallot repair is a common long-term complication requiring pulmonary valve replacement. Injectable bioprosthetic valves offer a less invasive alternative to conventional surgical replacement, but comparative data in pediatric populations remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate short-term and long-term clinical outcomes of injectable pulmonary valve replacement and conventional pulmonary valve replacement in pediatric patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation following tetralogy of Fallot repair.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 22 pediatric patients who underwent pulmonary valve replacement. Patients were divided into injectable (n = 9) and conventional (n = 13) groups based on …

Omega-3–Rich Fish Oil Lipid Emulsions Significantly Prevent Sepsis-Driven Mesenteric Hypoperfusion And Multi-Organ Injury In Murine Models, Gökşen Öz, Esi̇n Özçelebi̇, Ayşe Yeşi̇m Göçmen, Cenk Sükmensüer, Selma Yildirim, Arzu Topeli̇, Alper Bektaş İski̇t

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Parenteral feeding is used in critically ill patients when enteral nutrition is inadequate or intolerable, and the gastrointestinal tract is not functioning properly. Lipid emulsions play a major role in parenteral nutrition because they supply necessary fatty acids and a high-calorie density. We investigated the effects of parenteral lipid emulsions on mesenteric perfusion, inflammation-induced oxidation, and organ damage in lipopolysaccharide-induced mice endotoxemia model.

Materials and methods: In septic mice, organ damage induced by lipopolysaccharide was assessed by histopathology and biochemical examination. Additionally, an ultrasonic blood flowmeter was used to measure the impact of lipid emulsions on mesenteric blood flow. …

Vnotes High Uterosacral Ligament Suspension Versus Laparoscopic Lateral Suspension In The Management Of Vaginal Vault Prolapse: Initial Experience In A Single Tertiary Center, Ramazan Adan, Fati̇h Şahi̇n, Ulya Üskent, Mehmet Gökhan Çulha, Arzu Bi̇lge Teki̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The optimal technique for vaginal vault prolapse correction has yet to be identified. This study aimed to evaluate the anatomic and functional outcomes of women who underwent vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic high uterosacral ligament suspension (vNOTES HUSLS) or laparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS).

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included symptomatic women with stage ≥2 vault prolapse who underwent vNOTES HUSLS or LLS between January 2019 and June 2022 at a tertiary center. The surgical efficacy, postoperative outcomes, complication rates, and recurrence frequencies of these procedures were compared. The primary outcomes of the study included anatomical success, patient-reported (subjective) …

Letter To The Editor: Telemedicine Versus Conventional Care For Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Study, Gülsemi̇n Ertürk Çeli̇k

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection On Pain, Disability, And Kinesiophobia In Lumbar Disc Herniation With Radicular Pain, Hande Ece Öz, Rumeysa Çeti̇nkaya Bulutoğlu, Furkan Çeti̇n, Ezgi̇ Can, Alp Eren Çelenli̇oğlu, Ender Si̇r

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim was to evaluate the effect of single-level transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) on kinesiophobia (KP) in patients with lumbar radicular pain (RP) caused by single-root, single-level lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

Materials and methods: A total of 63 patients diagnosed with unilateral single-level radicular pain due to LDH and treated with single-level TFESI were included. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), and Neuropathic pain (NP)-Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questionnaire (DN4) were used before the procedure and at 3 weeks and 3 months postoperatively.

Results: At baseline, 76.19% (n = 48) …

Impact Of Race-Based And Race-Free Ckd-Epi Equations On Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate In A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease, Özgür Akin Oto, Abdulmeci̇t Yildiz, İsmai̇l Koçyi̇ği̇t, Hali̇l Yazici, Sai̇de Eli̇f Güllülü Boz, Yi̇ği̇t Kurtuluş, Alparslan Demi̇ray, Müge Doksan, Vafa Suleymanova, Ece Ük, Alper Akin, Bahar Bastani, John C. Edwards, Krista Leigh Lentine, Yaşar Kerem Çalişkan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The 2021 revision of the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation, which eliminates race-based coefficients, may significantly influence disease staging and treatment in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). This study was designed to evaluate the impact of the 2021 race-free CKD-EPI equation on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) staging in a multi-ethnic ADPKD population.

Materials and methods: In this multicenter, retrospective cohort study, 597 ADPKD patients were evaluated, including 515 self-identified as Caucasian and 82 as African-American. eGFR values at baseline and final follow-up were calculated using both the 2009 and 2021 …

Preliminary Population Genetic Analysis Of 12 X-Str Loci In A Sample From Türkiye: Allele Frequencies, Haplotype Diversity, And Linkage Disequilibrium​, Hizir Asliyüksek, Esra Güzel Tanoğlu, Abdulkadi̇r Can, Muhammed Fevzi̇ Esen, Yusuf Atan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: X-chromosomal short tandem repeats (X-STRs) are informative genetic markers in kinship testing and specific forensic contexts, particularly when standard autosomal approaches are less informative. This study aimed to provide preliminary allele frequency, haplotype diversity, and linkage disequilibrium (LD) data for 12 X-STR loci in a sample from Türkiye.

Materials and methods: A total of 136 unrelated individuals from Türkiye were genotyped for 12 X-STR loci. Inferential analyses of X-linked loci require diploid genotypes; therefore, allele frequencies, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), LD, and regional comparisons were based primarily on female samples (n = 115), whereas male haplotypes (n = 21) were …

Pediatric Mr Cholangiopancreatography: Comparison Of 3d Fast Spin-Echo And Single-Shot Fast Spin-Echo Thick-Slab Techniques For Pancreaticobiliary Anatomy, Seda Kaynak Şahap, Suat Fi̇toz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study compared thick-slab and three-dimensional (3D) T2-weighted magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) sequences in pediatric patients with respect to image quality and visualization of the pancreaticobiliary anatomy.

Materials and methods: The MRCP examinations of 62 pediatric patients evaluated for suspected pancreaticobiliary pathology were retrospectively reviewed, comprising a total of 69 studies. Thick-slab single-shot fast spin-echo and 3D fast spin-echo MRCP sequences were compared. The visualization of pancreaticobiliary structures was assessed using a qualitative visual scoring system. Image quality was graded as good, moderate, poor, or nondiagnostic. Biliary anatomical variations were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate nonparametric …

Postoperative Normocalcemic Hyperparathyroidism: A Comprehensive Analysis Of 510 Cases, Alparslan Ertenli̇ce, İbrahi̇m Kilinç, Mustafa Oruç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Postoperative normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (NC-HPT) is defined as elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels despite normal calcium levels after parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). This study investigates the demographic, biochemical, and histopathological factors associated with NC-HPT in a large patient cohort and presents the follow-up outcomes.

Materials and methods: The initial study sample included 571 patients who underwent surgery for PHPT between January 2018 and January 2024, 510 of whom were analyzed retrospectively after the application of the exclusion criteria. Preoperative and postoperative biochemical parameters, bone mineral density, pathological findings, and follow-up data were evaluated. NC-HPT was defined as postoperative PTH …

Link, Retain, Suppress: A Grounded Theory Study Of Medical Case Management In The Philadelphia Hiv Service Agencies, Shakeera Wynne

Social Work Doctoral Dissertations

Medical case management (MCM) plays a critical role in supporting engagement in HIV care; however, differences in implementation across agencies may influence service delivery and outcomes. Existing research has focused primarily on outcomes such as retention in care and viral suppression, while less is known about how the MCM intervention is implemented in practice. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to explore how medical case management is implemented within HIV care settings and to examine the structural, organizational, and relational factors that shape service delivery. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with medical case managers working within Ryan White-funded agencies …

From Scenario To Safety: Simulation As A Catalyst For Infection Prevention, Brianne M. Bachman, Jennifer E. Jones, Jessica L. Mcclusky, Mallory Davis

Posters

Simulation-based education has emerged as a transformative tool in healthcare, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice.

In the realm of infection prevention, simulation offers a controlled, risk-free environment to reinforce essential protocols, build competency, and identify system level vulnerabilities before harm occurs.

A Caveat Regarding The Unfolding Argument: Implications Of Plasticity, Viknas N. O'Reilly-Shah, Alessandro Maria Selvitella, Aaron Schurger

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

The unfolding argument in the neuroscience of consciousness posits that causal structure cannot account for consciousness because any recurrent neural network (RNN) can be “unfolded” into a functionally equivalent feedforward neural network (FNN) with identical input–output behavior. Subsequent debate has focused on dynamical properties and philosophy of science critiques. We examine a boundary condition on the unfolding argument for RNN systems with rapid plasticity in their connection weights. We demonstrate through rigorous mathematical proofs that rapid plasticity negates the functional equivalence between the RNN and the FNN. Our proofs address history-dependent plasticity, dynamical systems analysis, information-theoretic considerations, perturbational stability, complexity …

Pa Dent J Mar 2018

Pennsylvania Dental Journal

The Pennsylvania Dental Journal is produced by the Pennsylvania Dental Association six times a year, in January, March, May, July, September and November. Issues include regular columns with regional news impacting the Pennsylvania membership including editorial and government relations news, association activities, member updates, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Pa Dent J May 2017

Pennsylvania Dental Journal

The Pennsylvania Dental Journal is produced by the Pennsylvania Dental Association six times a year, in January, March, May, July, September and November. Issues include regular columns with regional news impacting the Pennsylvania membership including editorial and government relations news, association activities, member updates, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Pa Dent J July 2016

Pennsylvania Dental Journal

The Pennsylvania Dental Journal is produced by the Pennsylvania Dental Association six times a year, in January, March, May, July, September and November. Issues include regular columns with regional news impacting the Pennsylvania membership including editorial and government relations news, association activities, member updates, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Pa Dent J Nov 2021

Pennsylvania Dental Journal

The Pennsylvania Dental Journal is produced by the Pennsylvania Dental Association six times a year, in January, March, May, July, September and November. Issues include regular columns with regional news impacting the Pennsylvania membership including editorial and government relations news, association activities, member updates, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Pa Dent J Jul 2021

Pennsylvania Dental Journal

The Pennsylvania Dental Journal is produced by the Pennsylvania Dental Association six times a year, in January, March, May, July, September and November. Issues include regular columns with regional news impacting the Pennsylvania membership including editorial and government relations news, association activities, member updates, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Pa Dent J Mar 2021

Pennsylvania Dental Journal

The Pennsylvania Dental Journal is produced by the Pennsylvania Dental Association six times a year, in January, March, May, July, September and November. Issues include regular columns with regional news impacting the Pennsylvania membership including editorial and government relations news, association activities, member updates, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Pa Dent J Jan 2021

Pennsylvania Dental Journal

The Pennsylvania Dental Journal is produced by the Pennsylvania Dental Association six times a year, in January, March, May, July, September and November. Issues include regular columns with regional news impacting the Pennsylvania membership including editorial and government relations news, association activities, member updates, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Pa Dent J Sept 2020

Pennsylvania Dental Journal

The Pennsylvania Dental Journal is produced by the Pennsylvania Dental Association six times a year, in January, March, May, July, September and November. Issues include regular columns with regional news impacting the Pennsylvania membership including editorial and government relations news, association activities, member updates, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Pa Dent J July 2020

Pennsylvania Dental Journal

The Pennsylvania Dental Journal is produced by the Pennsylvania Dental Association six times a year, in January, March, May, July, September and November. Issues include regular columns with regional news impacting the Pennsylvania membership including editorial and government relations news, association activities, member updates, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Pa Dent J July 2019

Pennsylvania Dental Journal

The Pennsylvania Dental Journal is produced by the Pennsylvania Dental Association six times a year, in January, March, May, July, September and November. Issues include regular columns with regional news impacting the Pennsylvania membership including editorial and government relations news, association activities, member updates, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.