Digital Commons Network^™

Balneotherapy For Sleep Improvement And Reducing Depression In Knee Osteoarthritis Patients, Anca Paula Ciurba, Alexandru Bogdan Ilieș, Ionel Haidu, Doriana Ioana Ciobanu, Theodora Ursu, Florin Mihai Marcu, Dorina Ianc

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic condition and a leading cause of global disability, often associated with pain, depression, and sleep disturbances. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of warm mineral water combined with physical therapy on sleep quality, depression and pain intensity in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: The study involved 101 subjects (68.78±6.92 years) who were assigned to  a control group (CG) or an experimental group (EG). All subjects benefited from physical therapy and electrotherapy for 10 days. The experimental group additionally benefited from therapy with hot mineral water. …

Mental Health Rates Across Ethnic Groups In A Small Midwestern Christian University, Arianna Torres

Honors Theses

This study aims to find if there is a significant difference in depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicidality among students of different ethnic backgrounds at Andrews University. By focusing on ethnic disparities, this research aims to target the mental health issues rising among college students and bring to light the importance of cultural competency in relation to mental health. Results from this study may aid Andrews University in developing more inclusive and culturally responsive mental health services and inform broader discussions about mental health equity in higher education. It can also add insight into how mental health rates may vary by …

Implementing Measurement-Based Care In Virtual Mental Health Services For Rural Veterans: Provider Insights From A Pre-Implementation Evaluation, Amanda Heeren, Kimberly Mccoy, Lindsey Fuhrmeister, Natalie Suiter, Jan A Lindsay, Chloe Hoang, Laura Marsh, John Fortney, Carolyn Turvey

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background

Measurement-Based Care (MBC) uses repeated standardized psychological assessments to monitor treatment progress and guide clinical decision-making. Although MBC improves outcomes when results are discussed collaboratively, adoption across the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) remains below 50%, particularly in virtual and rural settings. This pre-implementation evaluation explored provider perspectives to inform development of a digital MBC workflow for rural tele-mental health settings.

Methods

Using the Alacrity Center’s Discover, Design, Build, and Test model and User Centered Design, we conducted a pre-implementation survey of mental health providers at a VHA Medical Center providing care to rural and highly rural Veterans in South …

Six-Week Time-Restricted Eating Lowers Premature Mortality Risk In Overweight Early Elderly Adults: Evidence From A Body Shape Index, Przemysław Domaszewski, Mariusz Konieczny

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: A Body Shape Index (ABSI) is an anthropometric indicator combining waist circumference, weight, and height, providing a BMI-independent measure of central obesity and a recognized predictor of mortality. Despite its relevance, research on ABSI in early elderly populations remains limited. This study assessed the impact of a six-week time-restricted eating (TRE) intervention on ABSI z-scores in overweight adults aged 65–74, with attention to gender differences. Materials and Methods: A total of 116 participants were randomized into a TRE group (16:8 fasting window from 8:00 PM to 12:00 PM) or a control group maintaining habitual eating. ABSI z-scores were evaluated …

Chrononutrition: A Beginner’S Guide For Mental Health Professionals, Jerrod Brown Phd, Ma, Ms, Ms, Ms, Ms, Ms, Jeremiah Schimp Phd, Ma, Lpcc, Leanne Skehan Dcn, Msacn, Mph, Mba, Shelley Mydra Dmft, Lmft, Jonathan Ward Dc, Phd(C), Ms, Dibcn, Kelly Rain Collin Ed.M.

Nutritional Neurocriminology Today

Chrononutrition focuses on how nutritional timing influences biological rhythms (Castro-Mata et al., 2025; Kim et al., 2025; Raji et al., 2024). This includes examining how dietary patterns (e.g., timing, frequency, and regularity) affect the circadian system and metabolic health (Cart & Pauling, 2025; Juliana et al., 2023; Negri et al., 2025). Sleep schedule, shift work, substance use, malnutrition, and other external factors, which will be discussed in this article, can disrupt the circadian rhythm. This disruption increases the risk for serious mental health problems (Baron & Reid, 2014; Castro-Mata et al., 2025; Franzago et al., 2023). Alternatively, consistent and nutritious …

Changes In 25(Oh)D Concentration, Bone Resorption Markers And Physical Performance Due To Sun Exposure, Diet And Training Load Among Professional Women Handball Players During The Half-Year Training Season, Sorin Dacian Buhas, Zbigniew Jastrzębski, Paul Florian Dragos, Marius Alin Marinau, Maria Skalska, Mirela Stef, Joanna Jastrzębska, Mihai Sandra, Dana Ioana Cristea

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to demonstrate changes in 25(OH)D concentration, bone resorption indicators and physical fitness in female handball players as a result of their exposure to the sun, diet and exercise load during the six-month training period from mid-March to mid-September, i.e. the time when the sun exposure is the highest during the calendar year. Twenty-two women handball players participated in the study. Due to the random occurrences and exclusion criteria, 20 players completed the project. Biochemical analysis of blood, aerobic capacity, running speed and power tests (Wingate test, squat jump, counter movement jump, etc.) was …

Drd2 Rs6276 Polymorphism And Trait Impulsivity In Individuals With Mixed Behavioral And Substance Addictions, Gabriela Zdunek, Remigiusz Recław, Aleksandra Suchanecka, Krzysztof Chmielowiec, Dariusz Larysz, Patryk Ilków, Kinga Łosińska, Jolanta Chmielowiec, Łukasz Jaworski, Anna Grzywacz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background/Objectives: Impulsivity is a key transdiagnostic trait linked to dysregulated reward processing in both behavioral and substance-related addictions, as recognized in DSM-5. Dopaminergic genes, including DRD2, may modulate individual differences in impulsivity, particularly under conditions of increased addiction vulnerability. This study examined whether the DRD2 Exon 8 rs6276 polymorphism predicts impulsivity levels in men with mixed addictive behaviors compared with healthy controls. Methods: A total of 328 males (128 with mixed behavioral and substance addictions and 200 controls) were assessed. Diagnoses were confirmed using the MINI interview, and impulsivity was measured with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Genotyping of …

Nurse Driven Intervention To Address Cesarean Section Rates, Cavetta Tulloch-Lewis

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Translational and Clinical Research Projects

Abstract

Cesarean sections (C-sections) account for approximately one-third of births in the United States and remain the most common inpatient surgical procedure. Primary cesarean sections are a major contributor to rising rates, often leading to repeat cesareans in subsequent pregnancies. While medically necessary C-sections are lifesaving, their overuse in low-risk pregnancies is associated with increased maternal morbidity. Labor dystocia is one of the leading indications for primary cesarean delivery and may be mitigated through evidence-based, nurse-driven interventions such as maternal positioning and peanut ball utilization. Registered nurses are uniquely positioned to influence labor progression and promote vaginal birth through continuous …

The Effect Of Cerebral Somatosensory Network Priming On Language Function In Chronic L-Mca Ischemic Stroke: A Companion Case Study, Mandelin E. Wollesen

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Chronic aphasia following a left middle cerebral artery (L-MCA) stroke is often associated with limited recovery beyond the acute phase, necessitating interventions that target neuroplastic mechanisms. This study examined the effects of somatosensory pneumotactile stimulation paired with cognitive-linguistic tasks on functional language performance in an individual with chronic aphasia. Using a single-subject pre-post design, the participant completed a 10-week intervention protocol involving repeated pneumotactile stimulation via the GALILEO system combined with language and motor tasks. Outcomes were assessed using standardized measures, discourse-based language samples, oral reading, repetition, and phonemic verbal fluency. Discourse was analyzed using Correct Information Units (CIUs), words …

Icdpicr2 Calculates Abbreviated Injury Scale Scores From Diagnostic Codes: Limitations For Traumatic Brain Injury Epidemiology, Joseph Piatt

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Many large data sets are limited in their usefulness for trauma epidemiology by a paucity of clinical data reflecting injury severity. Software packages have been developed for extrapolation of diagnostic codes to Injury Severity Scores commonly used in trauma research. The aim of this project was to evaluate one recently upgraded package, ICDPICR2.

METHODS: Data were taken from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) for 2022. The inclusion criterion was an Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) head score of 1 or greater. The ICDPICR2 package in R was used to calculate AIS body region scores and Injury Severity Scores (ISS) …

Mental Health Under Pressure: A Scoping Review Of Suicide In The Dental Workforce, Man Hung, Spencer John, Nicholas Beasley, Amir Mohajeri, Connor Schwartz, Martin S. Lipsky

Institute on Aging Publications

Aims:

Suicide among healthcare professionals is a growing concern. Despite evidence of high psychological distress in dental practice, suicide in dentists remains underexplored. This scoping review systematically examined the literature on suicide and suicidal ideation among dentists, including prevalence, risk factors, and temporal trends.

Methods:

Searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source identified English-language studies reporting suicide, suicidal ideation, or related mental-health risks in dental professionals. Duplicates were removed; titles/abstracts and full texts were screened against predefined criteria. Data were extracted and thematically analysed.Results Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were mostly retrospective …

Geographic Variation In Adrd Prevalence And Mortality And Their Association With Social Vulnerability Across Us Counties: A Spatial Epidemiological Analysis Using Norc And Cdc Svi Data, Dean Kyne

Sociology Faculty Publications

Introduction: Geographic disparities in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs) remain insufficiently understood at the national scale, limiting efforts to address inequities in dementia burden across USA communities. This study examined county-level variation in ADRD prevalence and mortality and evaluates the association between social vulnerability and these outcomes.

Methods: This cross-sectional ecological study analyzes 2020 county-level ADRD prevalence and all-cause mortality among Medicare beneficiaries from the NORC Dementia DataHub. The analytic sample included 3,108 USA counties in the contiguous USA and the District of Columbia. ADRD outcomes included (1) prevalence of highly likely ADRD and (2) prevalence of all determinations, …

Innovator - Summer 2024

Innovator

06 - A Message from the President

10 - Time Machine

16 - The Nexus

32 - Our History

38 - Weaving a Legacy of Excellence

40 - Bridging the Gaps

44 - Harnessing the Qualities That Create Healthcare Heroes

48 - Question & Innovate

52 - Alumni Impact

54 - Ram Roundup

58 - Be Kind

62 - Class Notes

68 - In Memory

70 - Trivia

The Importance Of Holistic Care: The Development And Implementation Of Spiritual Resources For Caregivers And Staff At Joni’S House El Salvador, Chloe Veilleux

Capstone Projects

It is within the occupational therapy (OT) scope of practice to not only address client needs related to mind, body, and spirit, but also those of caregivers as a means of fostering overall improved quality of life. Additionally, when OTs address spirituality and implement spiritual/spirituality-informed interventions, correlations of improved psychosocial factors such as well-being, motivation, and reduced stress have been shown, as well as improved hope and reduced burden for caregivers. There remains, however, a gap in the research and implementation of spiritually informed care and resources specifically as it pertains to caregivers of those with disabilities. To address this …

A Topic Modeling Analysis Of Stigma Dimensions, Social, And Related Behavioral Circumstances In Clinical Notes Among Patients With Hiv, Ziyi Chen, Yiyang Liu, Mattia Prosperi, Krishna Vaddiparti, Robert L Cook, Jiang Bian, Yi Guo, Yonghui Wu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: To characterize stigma dimensions, social, and related behavioral circumstances in people living with HIV (PLWHs) seeking care, using natural language processing methods applied to a large collection of electronic health record (EHR) clinical notes from a large integrated health system in the southeast United States.

Methods: We identified a cohort of PLWHs from the University of Florida (UF) Health Integrated Data Repository and performed topic modeling analysis using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) to uncover stigma-related dimensions and related social and behavioral contexts. Domain experts created a seed list of HIV-related stigma keywords, then applied a snowball strategy to iteratively …

From Story Time To Self-Esteem: Using Books To Foster Positive Body Image In Pediatric Athletes, Emma Lieser

Senior Theses

This creative project explores the relationship between sport-specific musculature development and body image among pediatric girls, addressing how differing athletic movements shape both physical form and self-perception. Research indicates that girls often disengage from sports at a young age due in part to negative body image and comparison with peers, despite the physical and psychological benefits of participation. This project examines how common athletic movements—such as running, jumping, throwing, and skating—develop distinct muscle groups, contributing to diverse yet functional body types. In addition, the project investigates the influential role of children’s literature in shaping perceptions of body image and physical …

Alumni Journal - Volume 97, Number 1, Loma Linda University School Of Medicine

Alumni Journal, School of Medicine

Editorials
2 | From the Editor
4 | From the President
6 | From the Dean

News
8 | This & That
12 | Alumni News
16 | School of Medicine News
18 | AIMS Report: Whispers From God
20 | AIMS News
22 | Department Report: Dermatology
24 | Students: Learning In Community

APC 2026
26 | Annual Postgraduate Convention (APC) 2026 in Review

Features
42 | Dr. Nava's Last Lecture: To Medical Students
45 | A Legacy of Humble Acts
46 | A Life of Service & Impact
48 | Spiritual Care
49 | Alumni Gatherings
50 | …

Paws And Practice: Overcoming Barriers To Mindfulness, Hazel Norris

2026 Awards for Excellence in Student Research and Creative Activity - Documents & Media

With the rise in chronic illnesses, healthcare professionals have sought to improve habits and behaviors to extend longevity and quality of life. However, for many people, unhealthy habits, such as smoking or binge eating, may develop as a way of coping with life stressors, which can make behavior changes harder to implement. Recently, there has been an increase in new research on whether improving mindfulness could be used to combat this problem. If mindfulness does encourage more engagement in health-promoting behaviors while protecting against risky behaviors, mindfulness-based behavior interventions could be very valuable for improving the health of college students …

Predictors Of Filipino Life Satisfaction Using The Revised Filipino Satisfaction With Life Scale, Razel Bacuetes Milo, Patricia Calero, Maria Luisa Ramira, Kathleen Soon, Maria Fontimayor, Cynthia D. Connelly

School of Nursing and Health Science: Faculty Scholarship

Background: 

Mental health stigma serves as a significant barrier to seeking help, often leading to maladaptive coping strategies. Given these complexities, it is essential to validate the Satisfaction With Life Scale Revised (SWLS-R) within the Filipino context to assess its psychometric reliability, cultural relevance, and suitability for evaluating well-being and mental health outcomes among Filipinos.

Objective: 

The aims of this study were to evaluate the psychometric properties of the SWLS-R and describe the relationships and significant predictors of life satisfaction among Filipinos living in the United States.

Methods: 

A purposive sample of Filipino adults, fluent in both English and Filipino, …

Research Day 2026 Program, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School Of Medicine

Research Day

No abstract provided.

Unpacking Developmental Programming: A Conceptual And Historical Analysis In The Context Of Dohad, Andrea Gretchev, Heide S. Temples, Gillian England-Mason, Deborah Dewey, Sara M. Sarasua, Christopher Farrell, Vivian Haley-Zitlin

Publications

The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) paradigm posits that early environmental factors may influence a child’s development and long-term health outcomes. Developmental programming (DP) is central to this paradigm, whereby specific early life exposures during critical periods of development are associated with changes to physiological and metabolic pathways, potentially predisposing individuals to disease. However, no standard definition of DP exists, and various terms have been used to describe similar processes. This analysis aimed to develop a conceptual definition for DP to inform interdisciplinary research, education, and practice. Walker and Avant’s eight-step method was employed to analyze the literature, …

Feeling Like A Woman: Interoception And The Objectified Body, Tomi-Ann Roberts, James W. Pennebaker, Benita Jackson

Psychology: Faculty Publications

Much of the interoception literature assumes that people can accurately detect their heart rate, stomach contractility, muscle tension, and other biological cues. This is not true. Instead, interoception is an active integrative psychological process where the feeling of one’s internal state emerges from physiological signals, contextual cues, and the social and cultural experiences of living in a body. Thinking of interoception this way shifts the focus from measuring accuracy at detecting biological signaling to studying lived experience. One such experience is the widespread objectification of women’s bodies. Living in a body that is chronically evaluated creates a particular form of …

The Impact Of Stress On Dream Content, Tessa Duncan, Mason Trevino

Posters - 2026

• This research investigated how daily stress levels influence the intensity of dreams. The study aimed to clarify the relationship between stress and dream intensity, enhancing understanding of stress’s broader effects on mental health. • Building on Rush’s concept of a “goldilocks zone” in the stress scale, where moderate stress benefits well-being while too little or too much stress can cause harm (2024). The current study used the hallucination model of dreaming from Gillespie and Trakas (2024), which views dreams as vivid, perception-like experiences that can amplify emotions. Drawing on Gessert’s methods for measuring stress and nightmare frequency, stress is …

The Effects Of Sour & Spicy Food On Visual & Auditory Reflexes, Aditi Kumar, Alondra-Sophia Martinez, Magdalena E. Saad, Emma J. Welsch

Posters - 2026

• The reflex reaction time measures how quickly the nervous system can respond to a stimulus. • In the experiment, both visual and auditory reflexes were measured to evaluate differences in reaction time after the consumption of sour and spicy foods. • Spices and herbs produce different signals that interact with the nervous system. (McMullen 2024) • Comparing the response times from before and after consumption, this experiment allowed us to determine if different tastes affect reflex reaction times.

Transcultural Headache Medicine: A Framework For Integrating Cultural Contexts Into Headache Science And Care - A Call To Action From The International Headache Society., Mario F. P. Peres, Giancarlo Lucchetti, Homero Vallada, Ivy L. Riso, Georgia K. Westenhofen, Marcelo Moraes Valença, Juliana Ramos De Andrade, K. C. Brennan, Morris Levin, Tsubasa Takizawa, Zhao Dong, Yonggang Wang, Wanakorn Rattanawong, Henry Riyanto Sofyan, Massimo Leone, Freda Dodd-Glover, Hsiangkuo Yuan, Abdulrazaq Albilali, Taoufik Alsaadi, Leonardo Caixeta, Anna P. Andreou, Peter J. Goadsby, Antoinette Maassenvandenbrink, Sait Ashina, Rami Burstein, Patricia Pozo-Rosich, Fayyaz Ahmed, Shuu-Jiun Wang

Department of Jefferson Headache Center Papers and Presentations

Headache disorders are among the most disabling neurological conditions, affecting over 1.5 billion people globally. Despite advances in pharmacological therapies, major inequities persist due to underdiagnosis, undertreatment and limited access to effective care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Social determinants of health, including cultural meanings, language and health beliefs, are increasingly recognized as key drivers of disparities in burden, diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Traditional medicine, used by more than 80% of the global population, remains first-line care in many regions and continues to influence therapeutic choices in high-income settings. Major systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Unani and …

Educating Nurses On Caring For Patients With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities – An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Amyela Adarlo

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) refer to a range of conditions that begin before age 18 and impact physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development. Patients with IDD often experience poorer health outcomes due to healthcare providers’ limited training in effective communication strategies. This evidence-based project aims to evaluate whether educating nurses on effective communication with IDD patients improves nurse self-efficacy and confidence in communication and enhances caregiver perceptions of nursing care.

Early Mental Health Screening In The Gi Patient Population: A Quality Improvement Project, Jacqueline Sagala

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Aims

This quality improvement project aimed to increase awareness and better integrate mental health screening in a GI clinic by educating staff and providers. The project evaluated changes in depression literacy, attitudes toward mental illness assessment, perceived training effectiveness, use of the training in clinical practice, and referrals to the Resiliency Clinic.

Background

Patients with chronic GI disorders commonly experience anxiety and depression, yet mental health concerns are often overlooked in specialty care. Although annual depression screening was already a part of the standard care at the Digestive Disease Center at Loma Linda University Faculty Medical Clinics, staff education and …

Implementing A Noise Reduction Protocol To Reduce Perceived Noise In The Icu – An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Soh Jeon

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purposes/Aims:

This project aims to reduce perceived noise in the ICU and promote a healing environment through a multi-interventional noise-reduction protocol and nursing staff education.

Rationale/Background:

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that hospital noise levels remain below 35 decibels during the day and 30 decibels at night. However, ICU noise often exceeds 50-70 decibels. Increased noise levels are primarily caused by conversations, monitoring alarms, and routine care activities, such as cleaning and procedures. These high noise levels directly affect patients’ sleep, which is essential to recovery. Insufficient rest can lead to immunosuppression, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and elevated stress …

Setting Research Priorities For The Use Of Digital Technology In The Self-Management Of Heart Health: The Results Of The James Lind Priority Setting Partnership, Lis Neubeck, Simon Nichols, Nicola Straiton, Louise J. Dunford, Amitava Banerjee, Susan Dawkes, Donna Fitzsimons, Maria Hayes, Alistair Lawson, Abigail A. Lyons, Mary Mcauley, Jill Mclaggan, Richard Mindham, Nicholas L. Mills, Rakesh Modi, Alice Pearsons, Amanda Pitkethly, Fiona E. Strachan, Coral L. Hanson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims: There are wide inequalities in access to cardiovascular care, and risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, and physical inactivity are often not well managed. We aim to identify the most important questions about how digital technologies can help people and their carers prevent cardiovascular disease and improve access to care. Methods and results: A priority setting partnership that aimed to generate a top 10 list of research priorities for the use of digital technology in the prevention and management of heart disease and heart conditions in the UK and Ireland, with equal input by people with lived …

Impact Of Plasma Ptau181 Levels On Clinician Diagnostic Confidence And Management In Memory And Cognition Clinics: A Multi-Site Before-And-After Study, Johannes C. Michaelian, Azadeh Feizpour, James C. Vickers, Jane E. Alty, Jessica M. Collins, Vincent Doré, Catriona Ireland, Anna E. King, Ralph N. Martins, Michael Woodward, Sharon L. Naismith, Christopher C. Rowe

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Recent advances allow blood tests to detect key proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: In this before-and-after study across three Australian memory and cognition clinics, we evaluated the impact on clinicians' diagnostic confidence and management following disclosure of routine patients' AD probability, using predefined plasma phosphorylated tau 181 (pTau181) thresholds set at 90% sensitivity and 90% specificity for amyloid-beta (Aβ) positron emission tomography (PET) positivity. Results: One hundred thirteen participants (mean age: 71.2 ± 8.4; mean Mini-Mental State Examination score: 27.7 ± 2.5) with dementia (n = 17, 15.0%), mild cognitive impairment (n = 48, 42.5%), and subjective …