Digital Commons Network^™

Metabolic Dysfunction And Metabolic Management In Episodic Migraine, Delora E. Denney, Michael J. Marmura

Department of Jefferson Headache Center Papers and Presentations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Evidence suggests a significant link between migraine and metabolic syndrome,, especially in those with chronic or refractory migraine. Weight loss and exercise may effectively prevent migraine. Here, we review the evidence behind exercise and weight loss as migraine treatments.

RECENT FINDINGS: While metabolic syndrome and pain have long had a known association, only recently have strong studies demonstrated a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome in people with migraine. Additionally, other sequelae of metabolic syndrome, obesity, hypertension, hypercoagulability, and diabetes also interplay with migraine. New medications like GLP-1 agonists may be a potential treatment for migraine as …

Personalized Treatment Of Chronic Tendinopathy Using Ultrasound And Neuroimmune Markers: A Narrative Review, Rohan Phadke, Samer Salman, Kirtan Patel, Jad Wardeh, Akhil Marupudi, Rahul Kumar, Arbaz A. Momin, Alireza Tavakkoli

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

Introduction: : Chronic tendinopathy affects approximately 30% of musculoskeletal consultations, yet treatment outcomes remain inconsistent despite numerous available interventions. This variability stems from the absence of validated frameworks to match individual patients to optimal treatments based on underlying pathophysiology. To synthesize current evidence on ultrasound imaging biomarkers, neuroimmune mechanisms, and interventional therapies in chronic tendinopathy, and propose a clinically applicable framework integrating ultrasound phenotyping with neuroimmune assessment to guide personalized treatment selection. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science through December 2025. Studies examining ultrasound/elastography imaging, neuroimmune mechanisms, or treatment interventions in chronic …

Measuring Disability Prevalence In Healthcare: A Study Comparing Two Disability Measures, Kristen L. Milefchik, Rhonda K. Dailey, Sharon Milberger

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

People with disabilities experience significant health disparities and interventions are needed to address them. Measuring disability prevalence is an essential aspect of designing effective, data-driven healthcare strategies. Accurately measuring disability prevalence is challenging given disability is a complex phenomenon, with biological, social, environmental, and cultural components. Previous studies have compared a variety of disability status measurements and found that measurements were incongruent with each other. This study examines the concordance between disability status using two different measures: the nationally recognized American Community Survey (ACS-6) functional difficulty questions and one disability identity question. We used data from 3,621 adult patients participating …

Can A Different Research Poster Format Increase Attendee Engagement? A Case Report., Elizabeth M. Ardolino, Kelli Nielsen, Mike Morrison, Jane E. Sullivan

Journal of Innovation in Health Sciences Education

Introduction: Poster sessions are a widely used method of knowledge dissemination at professional conferences, yet their effectiveness in promoting engagement and knowledge transfer is uncertain. Traditional poster formats often follow a dense, text-heavy structure that may contribute to cognitive overload. Billboard-style posters, grounded in Cognitive Load Theory, offer an alternative design intended to enhance clarity and engagement.

Methods: This case report describes a three-year implementation (2022–2024) of billboard-style posters at the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Annual Conference. Attendees were invited to complete a brief survey after viewing either traditional or billboard-style posters. The survey assessed engagement (time spent reading …

Innovative Framework And Checklist For Enhancing Interprofessional Education: A Literature Review Of Program Design, Delivery, And Outcome Measurement, Stacy Castronova, Lori Rainchuso

Journal of Innovation in Health Sciences Education

Introduction: This dual-focused study aimed (1) to conduct a comprehensive literature review of interprofessional education (IPE) initiatives across health disciplines to examine collaboration patterns, delivery methods, validated assessment tools, and outcome measures and (2) to develop an evidence-informed framework and checklist, based on the findings and identified gaps, to improve the standardization and reporting of IPE programs.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across three professional databases, targeting peer-reviewed publications from 2012 to 2024. Inclusion criteria prioritized studies that provided detailed descriptions of IPE intervention delivery, utilized validated measurement tools, and demonstrated participant engagement to ensure the selection …

How Nutrition And Physical Activity Shape Your Well-Being, Stacy Phillips

EFNEP

This publication will explore the link among nutrition, physical activity, physical health, and mental health and how it impacts whole-body well-being. Understanding how multiple aspects of a person's lifestyle can affect an individual's overall well-being is essential to providing better education on how to make better choices to improve their well-being.

Malignant Habits: An Addiction With Potentially Fatal Consequences, Marvin E. Pizer Dds, Ms, Ma, Ficd, Kenneth E. Danty

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Delivering Food, Exercise, And Nutrition Education For The Prevention Of Chronic Disease, Ava Caron

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart and respiratory diseases, cancer, and stroke pose significant health challenges in the United States, with Arkansas experiencing some of the highest rates of related mortality. This project aimed to improve health literacy related to nutrition and physical activity among adults at risk for chronic disease in Arkansas, focusing on those living independently in Ozark, Ouachita, and Delta regions, as well as cooperative extension agents in Family & Consumer Sciences. Using a mixed-methods approach involving surveys and focus groups, the study explored participants’ nutrition knowledge, health awareness, physical activity engagement, and preferred methods of receiving …

Exploring The Quality-Of-Life Impact Of Driving For People With Aphasia, Kaleigh Welch, Emily Huddleston

Appalachian Student Healthcare Research Review

Purpose: This study explored how driving ability or loss affects the social, emotional, and practical quality of life of people with aphasia (PWA). Given that driving is a key marker of independence, identity, and community participation, the study aimed to understand how individuals with aphasia experience driving resumption or cessation and how these experiences shape daily functioning and psychosocial well‑being.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven adults with aphasia recruited from a university-based aphasia group. Interviews were completed in a private university clinic room. Open-ended questions elicited participants’ feelings, experiences, and perceptions regarding driving or not driving after aphasia. …

Factors Influencing Patient Recall For Follow-Up In The Multi-Stage Deployment Of Medical Intelligent Screening Systems, Wenjie Chen

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

With the deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the healthcare sector, intelligent screening systems have achieved significant breakthroughs in predictive accuracy; however, they commonly face a management challenge in clinical implementation: accurate early warnings but limited patient recall. To address this ineffective technological empowerment issue in practice, this study proposes a theoretical framework featuringbidirectional interactions between "technological empowerment" and"relational empowerment" based on empowerment theory to systematicallyinvestigate the dynamic evolution mechanisms and boundary conditions of patient recall willingness under multi-stage, cross-departmental deployment of medical intelligent screening systems. Using a leading municipal hospital as the primary experimental setting, the study …

Connecting With Augmentative And Alternative Communication Users: An Internship Report, Karaline Kerzie

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

This article evaluates and reflects on personal experiences working with children with autism in an early intervention, multidisciplinary setting. Implementation of Applied Behavior Analysis, Speech-Language Pathology, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and Occupational Therapy techniques created a multifaceted and comprehensive intervention environment in a free-clinic setting.

Supporting An Inclusive Summer Camp For Children With Developmental Disabilities Who Use Aac And Their Neurotypical Peers: A Practice-Based Report, Jessica Hicks

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

For my honors research, I completed an internship in an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) lab at the University of Arkansas. For most of my internship work, I helped support an inclusive AAC summer camp for children with and without developmental disabilities, such as autism, for whom speech does not fully meet their communication needs. AAC includes high-tech tools such as communication apps on tablets that serve as speech-generating devices (SGDs). SGDs were used by many of the AAC summer camp participants with developmental disabilities. In this report, I will provide background information on AAC and developmental disabilities. I will …

Assessing The Preparedness Of New Graduate Physical Therapists For Primary Care Physical Therapy Roles, Hannah Ellen Snobeck, Olivia Mavis Manuel, Rachel Jean Dukart, Samantha Marie Krogfoss, Logan Nicole Redding, Haley Paige Hase, Reese Paige Richards

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The growing shortage of primary care providers in the United States has led to increased discussion about expanding the role of physical therapists (PTs) in primary care. Physical therapists have advanced diagnostic and musculoskeletal expertise that helps them succeed in these roles. This study aimed to assess how new graduates perceive their readiness to practice as primary care providers and to identify the education and experiential factors that shape this.

Methods: Using a qualitative research design guided by self-perception theory, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three physical therapists who graduated between 2022 and 2024. Participants were asked …

The Intersection Between Adolescent Pregnancy, Mental Health Concerns, Stigma, And Sex Education, Madelon Cox

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This thesis discusses research from the past two decades focused on factors contributing to an increased risk of adolescent pregnancy and the lasting impact of that pregnancy. The consequences of being a pregnant adolescent can be compounded by race, gender, socioeconomic class, and access to education. Adolescent pregnancy also carries significant physical and mental health risk for the adolescent and the child. Awareness and various interventions can help pregnant adolescents or those who may be at risk for adolescent pregnancy to support them, prevent isolation, and reduce further negative mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.

A Program Evaluation Of A Family-Based Healthy Weight Program For Overweight And Obese Children And Their Families, Ashley Heimbouch, Margaret Platel, Kelly Betts

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

This project’s purpose was to complete a program evaluation of the Building Healthy Families (BHF) program to determine its effect on children and their families’ health outcomes. The specific aims of success were 1) an improved perception of health-related quality of life for children and parents and 2) decreased body mass index (BMI) percentiles for age and sex in children from baseline measurements and scores compared to measurements and scores at 3 months and 6 months of program completion. The project was completed in a community setting on the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Western Nebraska campus, and the population …

Blooming Beginnings: An Occupational Therapy Approach To Helping Families Grow, Grace L. Mcconnell

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The transition to parenthood is accompanied by monumental changes in health, wellness, roles, and routines. These changes impact an individual's ability to participate in their daily activities and particularly for mothers, this experience impacts her entire life. Through this transition, parents must not only participate in their own occupations but also learn how to advocate and care for their child(ren). However, families are provided very limited educational resources to prepare them for this transition. Occupational therapy can bridge the gap in family preparedness by utilizing evidence-based education to address physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. Occupational therapy education can advise parents …

Associations Between Water Intake, Dietary Quality, And Beverage Consumption Among University Students, Mohammad A. Qazi

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Title: Associations Between Water Intake, Dietary Quality, and Beverage Consumption Among University Students

Background and Aims: Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) and ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption significantly contribute to chronic disease risk and is often more common in underserved and racially/ethnically diverse communities. Drinking water is a low-cost, calorie-free behavior that may support healthier beverage and dietary patterns. Previous studies show that increased daily water consumption positively correlates with better diet quality and is inversely correlated with SSB and UPF consumption. This study aims to examine whether (1) increased daily water intake is associated with self-reported diet quality and (2) self-reported hydration …

How Are Women Dealing With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?, Adrianna A. Brown

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background and Aims: PCOS is one of the leading multisystem conditions among women of reproductive age. Dietary changes may help improve outcomes associated with PCOS and its comorbidities. While a lower carbohydrate, moderate protein diet is often recommended, those with PCOS often use temporary diets or dietary supplements instead of or in addition to prescription medications due to dissatisfaction with their treatment options. Additionally, studies examining the usefulness of supplements and their effects on PCOS symptoms are lacking. This study explored the prevalence of use of temporary diets, prescription medications, and dietary supplements among women with PCOS.

Methods: An anonymous …

A Pilot Project On Improving Icu Nurses’ Confidence In Early Defibrillation, Adetutu Obadina

Doctoral Projects

Early recognition of shockable cardiac rhythms and timely defibrillation are critical components of effective resuscitation during in-hospital cardiac arrest. Despite established guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA), nurses may experience uncertainty or reduced confidence when identifying shockable rhythms and delivering timely defibrillation during cardiac arrest events. The purpose of this project was to examine whether a structured educational intervention incorporating simulation-based training could improve intensive care unit (ICU) nurses’ confidence and knowledge in recognizing shockable rhythms and performing timely defibrillation. A pre-and post-intervention design was implemented among ICU nurses at a large academic medical center between September and October …

Clawing Our Way To Inclusion: Identifying Minority Students’ Barriers To Entering The Veterinary Medicine Profession, Danielle Reeves

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Veterinary services are being utilized more each year as pet owners are increasingly viewing and treating their pets like family members. Due to this changing perspective, the veterinary profession has grown significantly. Yet, despite this change, there is a lack of ethnic/racial diversity within the veterinary field. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors and/or barriers associated with minority students' desire or lack of desire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. This study used an online survey tool to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 423 undergraduate students at the University of Arkansas during the spring …

Treatment And Interventions For Sexual Assault In Humanitarian Contexts: Addressing Gaps In Refugee And Idp Camp Care In Myanmar, Erin Nash

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) remains a pervasive yet under-addressed issue in humanitarian settings. Refugee and internally displaced person (IDP) camps along the Thai– Myanmar border represent a complex nexus of protracted displacement, ethnic conflict, and limited access to medical and psychosocial care. Although the prevalence of sexual assault in these contexts is well-documented, there is a critical gap in the literature regarding effective, context-specific treatment and intervention strategies. This capstone project conducts a comprehensive review of existing research on sexual assault care in humanitarian crises worldwide and assesses its applicability to displaced ethnic minorities from Myanmar. The analysis considers …

Plan To Develop A Theory-Based Diabetes Social Media Campaign For Spanish-Speaking Adults In Finney County, Ks: Integration Of A Promotora, Focused Discussion Groups, And Community Feedback To Ensure Cultural Appropriateness, Julevi P. Bernido

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

The 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) shows that over 11% of adults in Finney County, Kansas, have diabetes, which surpasses both state and national averages. Census data from 2016-2020 indicate that 42.6% of residents ages five and older speak a language other than English at home, and 36.1% speak Spanish (United States Census Bureau, n.d.). The CHNA further highlights concerns about language and cultural barriers to care, especially among the Spanish-speaking population. Notably, 21.74% of residents have limited English proficiency—much higher than the state’s 12.1% (CHNA, 2025).

This capstone will develop a theory-based social media campaign plan to support …

Gestational Diabetes And Social Determinants Of Health In Black Women, Darianne Greenwood

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) poses significant health risks, specifically increasing the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes post-delivery, as well as increasing the risk of adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes. Black women, in particular, experience disproportionately higher rates of GDM incidence, severity, and complications in comparison to White women. Biological factors alone do not account for these disparities, necessitating a deeper examination into how systemic factors, particularly the social environment, influence these inequitable health outcomes. The purpose of this comprehensive literature review is to answer the question: “How do the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), such as residential segregation, food …

Oxytocin-Mediated Trust Formation In Relationship-Based Sales, Isabella G. Farrington

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Trust is a critical driver of success in relationship-based sales, particularly in complex environments such as medical, pharmaceutical, and B2B markets where decisions involve uncertainty, risk, and long-term commitment. Existing research in marketing and psychology primarily explains trust through interpersonal behaviors, communication, and relationship management strategies. However, the biological mechanisms underlying trust formation remain largely underexplored in these contexts.

This thesis examines the role of oxytocin, a neuropeptide associated with social bonding and cooperation, in shaping trust and decision-making in professional sales environments. Drawing on research from neuroscience, neuroeconomics, and relationship marketing, it proposes that oxytocin-mediated processes provide a biological …

Construction Workers Noise Exposure And Hearing Conservation Program Needs, Quinn Noelle Overlin

Doctoral Scholarly Projects & Capstones

Noise exposure among construction workers is a pervasive occupational hazard with serious implications for long-term hearing health and overall well-being. This literature review examines the extent of noise exposures in the construction industry and the long-standing need for implementation of effective hearing conservation programs (HCPs). It synthesizes current evidence on exposure levels, health outcomes, and the effectiveness of existing interventions. Findings reveal that construction workers are routinely exposed to noise levels that exceed occupational safety standards, resulting in a heightened risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and associated health consequences. Despite regulatory frameworks and available intervention strategies, substantial gaps persist …

Stromal Interaction Molecule (Stim) Proteins In Microglia And The Impact On Store-Operated Calcium Entry (Soce) And Spinal Cord Injury Recovery, Norah G. Hill

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses

In spinal cord injury (SCI), worsening functional outcomes are largely because of secondary injury processes and prolonged chronic inflammation. A major contributor of secondary injury is overload of intracellular calcium, causing neuronal overexcitation and persistent inflammatory responses. One of the primary mediators of calcium entry into the cell is store-operated calcium entry (SOCE). In SOCE, sensors detecting calcium depletion from the endoplasmic reticulum stores are called STIM proteins (1-2). When calcium is low in the cell, STIM proteins will activate Orai channels to open, allowing for the influx of calcium into the cell. The purpose of this study was to …

The Influence Of Valence On Action Control: A Comparison Of Simon Effects In The Extrinsic Affective Simon Task (East) And The Spatial Simon Task, Yaara Aleissa

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses

People adjust their thoughts and actions in response to a changing environment every day and emotions may influence these actions. Understanding how emotion impacts action control in situations where emotion is central to the action (task-relevant) compared to when it is present in the environment as distracting information (task-irrelevant) is essential. Currently it is unclear when emotion most significantly modulates action control. This study seeks to compare how valence (positive versus negative emotion) impacts action control performance when valence is task-relevant and task-irrelevant by using two modified versions of the Simon conflict task.

The Simon task is a paradigm to …

The Burnout Machine: Finding The Guide Between Burnout And Meaning Making Using Ifs And Role Theory For Mental Health Professionals (An Integrative Literature Review), Jade Ahneman

Expressive Therapies Theses

Burnout is a syndrome in which compounded stress leads sufferers to feel physical and mental exhaustion, mental distancing, cognitive and emotional impairment, depressed mood, psychological distress, and psychosomatic complaints. Originally thought of as a phenomenon affecting only individuals in helping roles (i.e., mental health workers, teachers, nurses, and police officers), research on burnout and its effective management has become increasingly important since the 1980s, highlighting its pervasiveness across occupational and personal realms. This integrative literature review focused on understanding the effects of burnout on master 's-level counseling students, investigating how Internal Family Systems theory (IFS) and drama therapy’s role theory …

Art Therapy And A Strength-Based Approach For Working With Children With Emotional And Behavioral Challenges: A Qualitative, Arts-Based Study, James D. Wyld

Expressive Therapies Theses

Abstract

            Children with emotional and behavioral challenges represent a vulnerable population that needs more attention and innovative forms of treatment. The behavior of these young people is often marked by impulsive behaviors and intense emotions in the process of getting their basic needs met. The current study explores how a combination of art therapy and a strength-based approach is beneficial and appropriate for children in a behavioral based therapeutic school. Progress was traced through one singular client in both group and individual settings over the course of 6 months. Interventions varied with the goals of increasing self-awareness, fostering autonomy, increasing …

Preserving Life In An Age Of Autonomy: A Critique Of Physician-Assisted Suicide, Adeline Holcombe

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis critiques physician-assisted suicide (PAS) as a reflection of Western thought’s shift from a biblical sanctity-of-life ethic toward autonomy and relativism. Through analysis of biblical and historical foundations, major cases, and state PAS laws, it argues that legalization weakens the state’s interest in preserving life, normalizes suicide, and exposes vulnerable populations to coercion, inadequate safeguards, and legal expansion. The thesis concludes that PAS laws should be repealed and that palliative care, hospice, and mental health treatment provide more compassionate and ethically sound alternatives.