Digital Commons Network^™

Assessing Content Validity Of The Osteo-Taq(Aus) Using Cognitive Interviews: Cross-Jurisdictional Evidence From Uk Osteopathic Practice​​, Oliver P. Thomson, Elena Golder, Gopi Anne Mcleod, Jerry Draper-Rodi, Steven Vogel, Brett Vaughan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The Osteopaths’ Therapeutic Approaches Questionnaire (Osteo-TAQ) has demonstrated content, construct, and face validity across multiple jurisdictions but required cognitive validation for use in the United Kingdom (UK). Objectives: To assess the cognitive content and face validity of the Australian-adapted Osteo-TAQ (Osteo-TAQ(Aus)) with practising UK osteopaths, and to determine whether any revisions were necessary. Methods: Cognitive interviews were conducted with six (n = 6) UK osteopaths using a combination of think-aloud and verbal probing techniques, informed by the Cognitive Interview Reporting Framework (CIRF). Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using team-based content analysis to identify issues of item interpretation, clarity …

Progression Of Non-Radiographic To Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Risk Model Based On A Chinese Cohort Study, Rui Ying Deng, Xiaojia Xu, Jian Hua Peng, Feng Cai Shen, Yao Gong, Dan Min Wang, Hong Jin Liang, Shu Xin Huang, Zhao Peng Chen, Wen Long Wu, Ze Xin Zheng, Ling Lin, Zhi Duo Hou

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: To evaluate the progression from non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) to radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) in a Chinese cohort, identify associated risk factors in both clinical and imaging arms, and enable risk stratification based on these factors. Methods: Overall, 572 patients with nr-axSpA were enrolled with a median follow-up of 5 years. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were conducted to identify potential risk factors associated with the progression from nr-axSpA to r-axSpA in both clinical and imaging arms. A risk-scoring system was then developed by assigning each independent predictor a weight based on its regression coefficient. Patients were subsequently categorized …

Implementation And Effectiveness Of A Food Education Intervention To Promote Plant-Based Foods: A Partially Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial, Henna Vepsäläinen, Satu Kinnunen, Sari Niinistö, Leena Forma, Suvi T. Itkonen, Tuuli E. Korhonen, Liisa Korkalo, Heli Kuusipalo, Jelena Meinilä, Kaija Nissinen, Susanna Raulio, Ros Sambell, Mari Åkerlund, Suvi M. Virtanen, Maijaliisa Erkkola

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Legumes can substitute for meat and are thus a particularly important food group for environmental sustainability. As the use of legumes among Finnish children is marginal, there is potential for a substantial increase in their consumption. However, food education delivered through early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings has rarely focused specifically on environmentally sustainable foods, such as legumes. This study describes the implementation and effectiveness of an ECEC-delivered food education intervention within the FoodStep study. Methods: The partially cluster-randomized FoodStep intervention aimed to increase the supply of vegetables, legumes, fruits, berries, and sustainable fish while reducing the provision …

Local Government Policies Restricting Unhealthy Outdoor Food Advertising In Australia: Stakeholder Perspectives Identify Political Willingness Is Key To Overcoming Barriers, Alexia Bivoltsis, Frith Klug, Jacinta Francis, Clare Whitton, Gina S.A. Trapp, Claire E. Pulker

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Unhealthy outdoor food advertising is strongly linked to poor diet, highlighting the need for policies. Western Australian (WA) local governments (LGs) can restrict advertising on their owned infrastructure through their Public Health Plans, but limited policy action has occurred. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of WA LGs and public health organizations (PHOs) on current and potential policies restricting unhealthy outdoor food advertising on LG owned infrastructure to (1) identify barriers and enablers to the policy making process, (2) assess the current level of political willingness (i.e. political want, political can and political must) and (3) inform development …

Body Composition And Muscle Health Changes After Providing Vascular Imaging Results In Older Adults: Secondary Analysis Of A Randomised Controlled Trial, Jack Dalla Via, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Marc Sim, Abadi K. Gebre, Catherine P. Bondonno, Kun Zhu, Shelby Mullin, John T. Schousboe, Richard J. Woodman, Markus P. Schlaich, Moira Sim, Pawel Szulc, Douglas P. Kiel, Wai H. Lim, Robin M. Daly, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Joshua R. Lewis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Provision of vascular imaging results has been investigated to prompt changes towards healthy lifestyle behaviours, but effects on body composition and muscle health are unknown. Aim: This secondary analysis of a 12-week parallel-group randomised controlled trial (RCT) aims to explore body composition and muscle health effects of providing healthy lifestyle education (Ed) with and without abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) results. Methods: A total of 240 Australian community-dwelling older men and women (mean ± SD age 68 ± 5 years; 58% female; 57.1% with evidence of AAC) were randomised to AAC + Ed (n = 121) or Control + Ed …

Eccentric Exercise: Muscle Damage To The New Normal, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Between Dietary Sodium Intake And Cognitive Function: A Narrative Review, Samantha L. Gardener, M. Fu, L. Morini, T. Schwartzkopff, G. Savage, R. N. Martins, S. R. Rainey-Smith

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose of Review: This narrative review provides discussion on current evidence regarding the relationship between sodium intake and cognitive function in animal and human studies, as well as potential mechanisms underlying this relationship. Recent Findings: Recent evidence suggests high sodium intake is associated with development of cognitive impairment and neural dysfunction. Additionally, studies have proposed that high sodium intake is associated with increased aggregation of Aβ-amyloid and that hypertension (for which high sodium intake is a risk factor) modulates the relationship between Aβ-amyloid and development of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. However, while animal studies demonstrate a consistent relationship between …

Temptation At The School Fence: A Qualitative Exploration Of The Impact Of External Food Outlets On The School Community, Sharonna Mossenson, Klug, Jacinta Francis, Siobhan Hickling, Lukar Thornton, Gina Trapp

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Retail food outlets are commonly located in close proximity to schools, providing students with opportunities to purchase and consume food enroute to or from school. These outlets are typically unhealthy and disproportionately clustered near schools, and this trend has been increasing over time. While quantitative studies have established associations between school food environments and adolescent dietary behaviours, little is known about how school personnel perceive and experience their impacts. This qualitative study explored perspectives of school personnel (n = 9) from a secondary school in Perth, Western Australia, located 150 m from two retail food precincts (areas with a high …

Women’S Empowerment And Child Stunting In Peru: A Nationally Representative Analysis, Marisella Chumán-Sánchez, Brando Ortiz-Saavedra, Leonardo J. Uribe-Cavero, Anita P. Llamo-Vilcherrez, Joshua W. Moxey, Carlos J. Toro-Huamanchumo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Child stunting remains a persistent public health challenge in Peru. Although women’s empowerment has been linked to improved child health, evidence on its domain-specific relationship with stunting remains limited. The objective of this study was to assess the association between women’s empowerment, across attitudes towards violence, social independence, and decision-making, and child stunting in Peru.

Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study using nationally representative data from the 2021 Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES), including 16,650 mother-child pairs. Analyses of women’s empowerment were conducted in a sub-sample with complete SWPER data (n = 12,696). Stunting was defined as …

Correctional Officer Suicide: A Theory-Driven Investigation Of Acquired Capability And Suicide Behavior, Abigail R. Andersen

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A growing body of research suggests that correctional officers (COs) die by suicide at a significantly higher rate compared to the general population and some other public safety personnel. Despite what is known about this phenomenon, an understanding of the risk factors driving the high rate of suicide among this population remains unclear. Specifically, little attention has been paid to specific risk factors for suicide among this population and there is an overall absence of theory-driven research investigating CO suicide. The present study sought to address the gap in this area of research by investigating potential risk factors for suicide …

Environmental Or Occupational Heavy Metal Exposure In The Development And Progression Of End Stage Kidney Disease: A Systematic And Network Meta-Analysis, Lauren Nguyen

Summer Research Program Abstracts

No abstract provided.

The Benefits And Barriers To Expanding Crna Programs In Michigan, Grace Van Zweden

Honors Theses

The demand for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and their delivery of safe, high-quality anesthesia care has increased significantly due to nationwide anesthesia provider shortages and the growing reliance on CRNAs to meet healthcare system needs. This demand underscores the importance of expanding nurse anesthesia programs in Michigan and across the United States to support nurses pursuing advanced education and to improve patient access to essential care within their communities. The CRNA profession has evolved over time to meet the changing needs of the healthcare system, and current CRNA programs require applicants to satisfy rigorous and highly specific admission criteria. …

Parental Perceptions Of Child Health And Their Alignment With Clinical Indicators In Overweight Or Obese Low-Income Children, Katherine Moorman-Wolfe

Summer Research Program Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Consensus Recommendations For Movement Therapies Of Patients With Heritable Vascular Diseases: A Modified Delphi Study, Randy Liu

Summer Research Program Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Building Bots That Teach Thinking: Using Custom Ai Chatbots To Enhance Critical Thinking And Decision-Making, Megan Biagi

AI in the Classroom: A Virtual Summit

Generative AI is increasingly common in education, but its effect on student learning depends largely on how it is used. This interactive session will introduce practical strategies for creating custom AI chatbots that encourage students to think through problems rather than simply ask for answers. Participants will explore ways to design bots that ask learners to explain their reasoning, consider alternative perspectives, identify assumptions, and revise their thinking before receiving feedback.   Examples from healthcare education and other disciplines will show how these tools can support guided inquiry, reflective questioning, clinical reasoning, and decision-making. Participants will review and revise sample chatbot …

Efficacy Of Diode Laser As An Adjunct To Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy In The Treatment Of Stage Ii And Iii Periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Heba Samir, Ayat Gamal-Abdelnaser, Marwa Elsayed

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: The goal of periodontal therapy is to reduce the bacterial deposits in the pockets; which is mainly achieved by non surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). Despite effective, it may sometimes be insufficient. Laser offered several advantages as bactericidal, disinfectant and healing accelerator. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the use of adjunctive diode laser to NSPT compared to NSPT alone in the treatment of periodontitis.

Methods: In this randomized controlled study with parallel groups, 12 periodontitis patients were randomly assigned to either control group (NSPT only, n=6) or intervention group (laser + NSPT, …

The Immediate Impact Of Fixed Appliances And Aligners On Perioral Soft Tissues And Speech: A Comparative Approach, Nissi Gurindapalli, Lakshmi Mani Kumari Nachu, Divya Bhavani Vasamsetti, Ramesh Kumar Budumuru, Lakshmi Manojna Nachu, Mohan Kumar Pasupuleti

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Background and Objective: Facial aesthetics and self-presentation assume significant importance in modern society and augmenting interest in orthodontic treatment practices. Fixed labial, or regular, appliances, namely braces, and clear aligners are the most common orthodontic modalities, and these two vary in their effects on perioral soft tissues and speech. The objective of this study was to compare the immediate effects of fixed labial appliances and clear aligners on perioral soft tissues and speech.

Methods: Anin-vivo comparative study was conducted at Vishnu Dental College. The samples included an equal number of orthodontic patients who were randomly allocated into two …

Effectiveness Of Animated Video And Electronic Dental Booklet Among Children In Primary Healthcare Centers, Kediri, Indonesia: A Prospective Interventional Study, Arini Indriyasari, Sayekti Wahyuningsih, Indasah Ir, Yuli Peristiowati

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introductions: Dental caries and poor oral hygiene remain major public health problems among children in Indonesia. Conventional dental health education has shown limited effectiveness in achieving sustainable behavioral change. Digital media, such as an animated video and an electronic dental booklet (e-Saku Gigi), offer a promising strategy to improve oral hygiene behavior in children.

Aim: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Dental Health Education (DHE) intervention using an animated video and e-Saku Gigi on oral hygiene status (OHI-S), dental caries experience (DMF-T), and the knowledge–attitude–behavior pathway.

Methodes: A two-stage design was used. The first stage employed an …

Cholesterol Metabolism And Oral Health: An Integrative Review, Raíssa Colherinhas, Carla Guimarães Moutinho, Ana Cristina F Vinha, Carla Alexandra Lopes Andrade De Sousa E Silva

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Background: This integrative review associated changes in cholesterol metabolism and oral diseases. Conditions such as periodontal disease, tooth loss and oral cancer may be influenced by imbalances in lipid levels through mechanisms involving inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune modulation.

Highlight: This review examined scientific studies published mainly in the last decade. The findings indicate consistent associations between hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia and periodontal disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular conditions, peri-implant health, and tooth loss. Hypocholesterolemia was associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Periodontal disease was the most frequently investigated oral condition, representing almost half of the included studies.

Conclusion …

Psychological Therapy In The Management Of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review, Pragatheeswari R, Kavitha M, Sarumathi T, Niveditha B, Barkavi Panchatcharam, Pavithra D, Samu Fathima A I, Vigneshwaran J

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of psychological therapy in the management of temperomandibular disorders compared to other treatment modalities.

Methodology: Studies were selected according to PICO criteria, considering the RDC/TMD as a reference, improvement of pain and psychological parameters were the primary outcomes. Data search was mainly carried out through electronic search in several renowned databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Google scholar. The publications collected were published between 2010 and 2024. Randomized clinical trials that compared the efficacy of psychological treatment modality with other conservative treatment modalities were screened and evaluated. A total of 5 …

Stem Cell-Based Therapies In Periodontology And Implant Dentistry: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Abdullah Saeed, Marycris Padrigo

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: Periodontal disease and peri-implantitis remain the leading causes of tooth and implant loss, and conventional regenerative procedures consistently fall short of full structural restoration. Stem cell therapies have emerged as a promising alternative, operating through multi-lineage differentiation, immunomodulation via paracrine signaling, and extracellular vesicle communication. Prior systematic reviews, however, lacked methodological rigor — omitting clustering adjustments, REML/HKSJ estimation, prediction intervals, and publication bias modeling.

Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether stem cell therapy produces superior clinical and radiographic outcomes compared to cell-free controls in adults with periodontal or peri-implant bone defects.

Methods: Searches across …

Effect Of Beverages With Varying Acidity On The Surface Microhardness Of Resin Composites: An In Vitro Study, Vishnu S, Shweta Purohit, Yashas Dm, Mangala G K, Chinnu Mary Jose, Athira Bs

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introductions: The increasing consumption of acidic beverages has raised concerns regarding their impact on the longevity of composite resin restorations. Surface microhardness is a critical parameter for evaluating the mechanical performance and durability of restorative materials.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the effect of beverages with varying acidity on the surface microhardness of different composite resin materials and to assess the relationship between beverage pH and microhardness reduction.

Materials and Methods: This in vitro experimental study included 140 disc-shaped specimens of four composite resins: Filtek Z350 XT, Tetric N-Ceram, Beautifil II, and Charisma Smart (n = 35 …

Interdisciplinary, Delphi-Driven Consensus Guidelines On The Use Of Intravenous Ketamine Infusions For Depressive Disorders From The American Society Of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists, And Practitioners (Askp3), David S Mathai, Madeleine Cluck, Amna M Aslam, Erin Amato, Arsalan Azam, Michael Banov, Kathleen A Barrett, Carl J Bonnett, David Feifel, Nicolas Grundmann, H Samuel Ko, Rupert Mcshane, Sandhya Prashad, Tatiana Santini, Lowan H Stewart, Patrick Sullivan, Stefany D Wolfsohn, Jill O Robinson, Amy L Mcguire, L Alison Mcinnes

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Background: Off-label use of intravenous ketamine (IVK) for depression is a widespread practice with limited regulation in the United States. There is an urgent need for current, evidence-informed treatment guidelines to facilitate patient safety, clinical decision-making, and care quality in real-world contexts.

Methods: The American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists and Practitioners (ASKP3) convened an interdisciplinary working committee tasked with creating guidelines for use of IVK for depression in outpatient settings. Guideline development followed a two-stage process: 1) a hybrid systematic and targeted evidence review and preliminary drafting by the committee, and 2) consensus refinement through a modified Delphi method …

Clinic White Paper: Usd Tele-Mental Health Training Clinic, Nicholas Boyd, Lauren Bruaski

Community Engagement

California is home to over 1.8 million veterans and 18,000 National Guard members, representing one of the largest military-connected populations in the United States. Despite substantial demand, over 50% of veterans experiencing mental health symptoms do not seek treatment, while those seeking care within federal systems frequently face significant wait times. This academic white paper evaluates the operational framework, clinical effectiveness, and workforce expansion model of the University of San Diego (USD) Tele-Mental Health Training Clinic – Veterans Initiative. Utilizing a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth model paired with a tiered supervision structure, the clinic provides evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) at no cost …

Prescribing Patterns For Treatment Of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Retrospective Chart Review Across Two Dermatology Clinical Settings, Kennedy Cook

Summer Research Program Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Modified Frozen Elephant Trunk Repair For Aortic Coarctation With Segmental Post-Stenotic Aneurysms, Pham Quoc Dat, Ma Nguyen Thai Hoang, Dang Van Phuc, Ta Dinh Do, Ngo Phi Long

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Aortic coarctation can be complicated by descending thoracic aortic aneurysms in adults. A 31-year-old man presented with exertional chest pain radiating to the back. Preoperative evaluation showed a 27-mmHg arm-leg systolic pressure gradient, echocardiographic coarctation with a 10-mm narrowest diameter and 25-mmHg gradient, and computed tomography showing two segmental post-stenotic aneurysms, the largest measuring 62 mm. He underwent one-stage modified frozen elephant trunk repair using a Medtronic thoracic stent graft sutured to a surgical graft. The postoperative gradient decreased to 5 mmHg, with stable 9-month follow-up.

Risk Factors Associated With Hair Loss Severity Among Female University Students: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study, Roaa Mohammed Jabbar, Rusul Mahdi Abid

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Hair loss is a frequent health problem of women and can have an adverse impact on physical appearance, body image and quality of life. Its development has been attributed to a number of demographics, lifestyle and clinical factors, but which factors have the greatest influence on its development is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the demographical, lifestyle and clinical parameters with hair loss severity among female university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among female university students', and data collected using a structured questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using chi-square, one-way ANOVA and Tukey post …

Community-Based Well Testing And Outreach To Mitigate Human Health Risk From Unsafe Drinking Water, W. Adam Sigler, Katharine Sutphen, Margaret J Eggers, Kaleena Miller, Michelle Grocke-Dewey

Journal of Extension

Twenty-two percent of groundwater wells tested nationwide have one or more contaminants above a health threshold, yet many private well owners are unaware of these risks because they have not tested their water. Researchers piloted a community well testing clinic for education/outreach and surveyed participants about outcomes. Two months later, 75% of participants with high or intermediate health risk water quality results had taken action or intended to, indicating that community private well testing clinics can be effective in mitigating human health risks from contaminated drinking water.

The End Of Unmeasured Exploitation: How A.S.M., C.A.S., And S.I.A. Challenge Digital Attention Capitalism, Delante Clark

Graduate Scholarship and Creative Works

Digital attention capitalism generates value through the capture and monetization of human attention, yet it has historically lacked standardized mechanisms for measuring attention-related harm. This paper argues that the Attention Safeguard Models (A.S.M.), Cognitive Attentional Standards (C.A.S.), and Sociological Impact Assessment (S.I.A.) collectively challenge this system by introducing an integrated framework for classifying, measuring, and evaluating digital attention harm and its societal consequences. C.A.S. provides standardized measurement of digital attention harm, A.S.M. identifies and classifies patterns of attentional disruption and manipulation, and S.I.A. evaluates broader impacts on institutions, communities, civic engagement, education, social cohesion, and inequality. Together, these systems transform …

Have You Done Your Duty? Impact Of Direct Mailing Campaign On Septic System Owners' Maintenance Knowledge And Behaviors In Coastal Texas Watersheds, Audrey Mccrary, T. Allen Berthold

Journal of Extension

As part of a watershed protection plan, the Texas Water Resources Institute and AgriLife Extension Service developed and distributed an educational postcard (``mailer'') about septic system maintenance to mailing addresses outside of public sewer service areas. The mailer was distributed four times within 1 year. The impact of this mailer was evaluated with a retrospective pre/post-test within a mailed survey. Overall, the mailer was effective at increasing knowledge of septic system owners and prompting maintenance action. Mailers can be a cost-effective alternative for educational initiatives where the target audience is not able to or interested in in-person or online programs.