Digital Commons Network^™

Promoting The Well-Being Of Refugee Students Through A Kawa-Guided Occupational Therapy Intervention: A Mixed-Methods Study, Suzanne Brederson, Heidi Baist, Jennifer E. Lape

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Refugee students newly enrolled in U.S. schools encounter academic, socialization, and mental health challenges because of trauma, language barriers, and cultural differences. Many have had limited or interrupted access to formal education in their home country. This study aimed to gain the perspectives of refugee students on their lived experiences and explore the impact of an occupational therapy intervention guided by the Kawa model on the well-being of this student population.

Methods: The researchers employed a convergent mixed-methods design. Refugee students (n = 8) created Kawa models, which provided rich, qualitative data. Participants completed pre and posttest surveys. Quantitative …

Effects Of The Lsvt Big® On Occupational Performance And Functional Skills In Parkinson’S Disease: A Case Study, Sandra J. Allen, Madison Gumm, Donald Stapleton, Lexee Trainer, Lydia Workman

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) leads to motor decline and reduced occupational performance. Limited evidence addresses if gains from the LSVT BIG® are sustained, particularly in occupation-focused outcomes.

Objective: This single-subject study evaluated the effects of the LSVT BIG® on occupational performance and functional skill outcomes in a 69-year-old woman with PD, and whether improvements were sustained 8 weeks postintervention.

Methods: The participant completed 16 1-hr LSVT BIG® sessions over 4 weeks. Outcomes included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), the Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills (PASS), the Five Times Sit to Stand (FTSTS), and the Functional Reach Test (FRT). …

Solving The Problem Of Non-Linear Data In The Health Care Professions Using Spline Regression, Heather Staal, Rob Lyerla, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

A Case Of Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension Secondary To Pure Autonomic Failure, Lauren Cooper, William Studt, Rayan Islam, Richard Weinberger

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) is a debilitating manifestation of autonomic dysfunction and is most commonly associated with neurodegenerative disorders, though it can occur in isolation. Pure autonomic failure (PAF) is a rare and often underrecognized cause of nOH, particularly in older adults. We report the case of an 80-year-old man with hereditary hemochromatosis who presented with recurrent falls due to severe orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic vitals demonstrated a marked blood pressure drop with minimal heart rate response consistent with a neurogenic etiology. He lacked motor, cognitive, or sensory features of neurodegenerative disease, and extensive evaluation excluded secondary causes, supporting a diagnosis …

Lactulose Hydrogen Breath Test Findings In Children And Adolescents With Duodenogastric Reflux And Suspected Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: A Pilot Study ​, Hati̇ce Yilmaz Dağli, Zafer Şahi̇n, Dudu Duygu Ci̇van, Reha Artan, Aygen Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to identify small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in children and adolescents with persistent symptoms of duodenogastric reflux disease (DGRD).

Materials and methods: Patients aged 5–18 years who were diagnosed with DGRD between 2021 and 2023 were identified. Patients with two or more of 10 symptoms suggestive of SIBO (nausea, vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, fatigue, joint pain, bloating, depression, acne rosacea, malnutrition) underwent lactulose hydrogen breath testing (LHBT).

Results: A total of 112 patients with DGRD were identified. Seven patients who could not be reached via the telemedicine method were excluded from the study. LHBT was not …

Reliability And Validity Of The Turkish Version Of The Nose-Perf Scale ​, Aykut Özdoğan, Zülküf Küçüktağ, Gökçe Saygi Uysal, Enes Ahmet Subay, Serdar Özer

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the NOSE-Perf scale, developed to assess symptom severity and quality of life in patients with nasal septal perforation (NSP), and to compare the symptom profile of patients with NSP with those of the nasal obstruction and healthy control groups.

Materials and methods: To evaluate the temporal stability of the NOSE-Perf scale, a test–retest assessment was performed in the NSP group at a 1-month interval. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, while discriminative validity was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) …

Influence Of Head Posture In Sitting And Standing Positions On The Vertical Dimension Of Rest Value In Dentate Patients: A Comparative Clinical Study, Mia Bardawil, Carole Abi Ghosn, Jihad Fakhouri

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: This study investigates the value of the vertical dimension of rest (VDR) in dentate patients in different head postures, supported and unsupported by the headrest of the dental chair, as well as in standing position.

Methods: The VDR was measured and compared in 60 dentate individuals aged 20–25 in different positions (sitting with and without head support, and standing) three times per position. The head was aligned according to the Frankfurt plane when unsupported or standing. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality and ANOVA to assess the effects of posture, gender, and their interaction. …

Comparative Evaluation Of The Effect Of Different Desensitising Methods On The Retention Of Crowns Cemented With Resin Modified Gic: An In-Vitro Study, Zainab Inayatullah, Kartika N. Kumar, Punit Rs Khurana, Anju Aggarwal, Aditya Chaudhary, Naila Perween

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introductions: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of three different desensitizing methods— Admira Protect, dentin bonding agent (Tetric N Bond), and diode laser—on the retention of porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns cemented with resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC).

Methods: Forty extracted, non-carious human premolars were prepared for full-coverage crowns and divided into four groups (n = 10): Group I (Control, no desensitizer), Group II (Admira Protect), Group III (Dentin bonding agent), and Group IV (Diode laser). Standardized tooth preparations were performed and PFM crowns were fabricated and cemented using RMGIC (RelyX Luting 2, 3M ESPE). …

Quality Of Life And Religiosity Of Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Adjuvant Ultra-Hypofractionated Radiotherapy With Sequential Tumor Bed Boost: A Pilot Study, Efrosyni Kypraiou, Ioannis Koukourakis, Andromachi Kougioumtzopoulou, Kalliopi Platoni, Marina Chalkia, Kyveli Zourari, Efstathios Efstathopoulos, Nikolaos Kelekis, Anna Zygogianni, Vassilis Kouloulias

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Quality of life (QoL) is an important parameter that should be taken into account when assessing treatment efficacy in cancer patients. The FAST-FORWARD radiotherapy (RT) regimen (5-day schedule) for early-stage breast cancer has been reported by both physicians and patients to be associated with toxicity comparable to that of longer schedules. However, the impact of the addition of a tumor bed boost to ultrahypofractionated RT on patient QoL has not been extensively reported to date.

Materials and methods: QoL was assessed before and after RT and again 3 months later in 24 patients with early-stage breast cancer who underwent …

Turkish Translation, Cultural Adaptation, And Validation Of The Patient-Reported Villalta Scale For The Diagnosis Of Postthrombotic Syndrome In Patients With Vascular Behçet Disease ​, Tuğçe Kübra Güneş, Murat Karabacak, Mehmet Umut Çapar, Tüli̇n Ergun, Rafi̇ Haner Di̇reskeneli̇, Fatma Ali̇baz Öner

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) constitutes 70% of all vascular findings related to Behçet disease (BD). Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a serious complication of DVT that develops due to chronic venous insufficiency and decreases the patient’s quality of life. The physician-reported Villalta scale is a widely used and validated diagnostic tool for diagnosing and evaluating the severity of PTS. However, the necessity of physical examination by a physician burdens the clinician during routine practice. For that reason, a patient-reported Villalta scale was developed and validated. This study aimed to translate the patient-reported Villalta scale into Turkish and validate …

Impact Of Weather Changes On Pediatric Trauma: A Detailed Demographic Analysis ​, Nuri̇ Koray Ülgen, Ali̇ Sai̇d Nazligül, Ni̇hat Yi̇ği̇t, Sadik Emre Ergi̇noğlu, Arslan Kağan Arslan, Mehmet Orçun Akkurt

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Pediatric trauma creates substantial emergency and orthopedic workload, and fluctuations in volume may affect staffing and resources. This study investigated the associations of ambient temperature, precipitation, and calendar characteristics with pediatric orthopedic trauma consultations and fracture events, including age-, sex-, and fracture-location-specific patterns.

Materials and methods: All pediatric trauma-related consultations were requested from the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology by the emergency department between June 1, 2023, and June 1, 2024, were retrospectively analyzed. Consultation and fracture data were aggregated daily. Negative binomial regression was used for count outcomes, temperature nonlinearity was tested using a quadratic term, and weighted …

Decoding The Silent Damage: Clinical And Electrophysiological Features Associated With Occupational N-Hexane Exposure ​, Mehli̇ka Panpalli Ateş, Umur Poyraz, Mustafa Yurtdaş, Emi̇n Gemci̇oğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate early findings in patients exposed to n-hexane while working in a shoe factory.

Materials and methods: Twenty-four patients exposed to n-hexane were evaluated by physical examination and electroneuromyography 2–5 weeks after the onset of paresthesia symptoms. The examination and electrophysiological results of these patients were assessed by different physicians who were blinded to both examinations.

Results: Among patients who had weakness, it was particularly obvious in the proximal muscles of the lower extremities. Nerve conduction studies showed decreased motor nerve conduction velocity, conduction block, prolonged distal latency, and prolonged F-wave latency in 20 patients. …

Patterns And Clinical Outcomes Of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: A 5-Year Single-Center Cohort Study ​, Mert Can Rador, Ahmet Can Tuzluklu, Gaye Fi̇li̇nte, Kaan Gi̇deroğlu, Alperen Kahraman, Bi̇lal Eryildirim, Hasan Fehmi̇ Küçük

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Necrotizing soft tissue infections are uncommon but rapidly lethal, and their perineal form, Fournier’s gangrene, is most often referred for reconstruction. Whether routine admission findings identify the highest-risk patients more accurately than severity scores remains uncertain, and whether sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, which are widely used in patients with diabetes, influence clinical outcomes also remains unclear.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively studied consecutive adults with necrotizing soft tissue infection at a tertiary referral center over 5 years. A subcohort of 70 patients who underwent plastic and reconstructive surgery was identified within the full institutional cohort of 137. Admission findings …

Endovascular Management Of Vascular Complications In Hemodialysis Patients: A Single-Center Experience ​, Ati̇ye Cenay Karabörk Kiliç, Burak Mert Akhan, Nemat Ibrahi̇mkhanli, Esra Kulaksiz Turan, Fati̇h Öncü, Mehmet Koray Akkan, Ahmet Baran Onal, Erhan Turgut Ilgit

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Vascular access failure remains a major cause of morbidity in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This study aimed to evaluate the types of endovascular interventions performed for hemodialysis-related vascular complications, as well as their technical success and patency outcomes, at a single center.

Materials and methods: A total of 103 lesions in 89 patients treated between 2001 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Catheterrelated complications, central venous stenosis or occlusion, and arteriovenous fistula- or graft-related complications were managed using endovascular techniques. Endovascular interventions included catheter repositioning, thrombolysis, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), stent placement for central venous lesions, PTA of the fistula vein …

Subclinical Trigeminal Involvement In Bell’S Palsy: Insights From Cranial Somatosensory Evoked Potentials ​, Ahmet Hakan Ekmekci̇, Burcu Sümeyye Çağar, Nadi̇re Ünver Doğan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Bell’s palsy (BP) has traditionally been considered an isolated peripheral facial nerve mononeuropathy; however, subclinical trigeminal involvement has been suggested. We evaluated whether cranial somatosensory evoked potentials (cSEP) demonstrate electrophysiological alterations in the trigeminal system in patients with BP.

Materials and methods: The records of 32 patients with BP who underwent cSEP between March 2010 and April 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. For the six patients without explicit chart documentation, the affected side was determined using acute-phase facial electromyography records. During routine clinical assessment, cSEP recordings were obtained using inferior alveolar nerve stimulation according to a standardized protocol. Latencies (N1, …

Microbiota Awareness And Glycaemic Status In Primary Care Patients: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study ​, Cansu Sepetçi̇, Erhan Şi̇mşek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim in this study was to assess microbiota awareness in adults across different glycaemic groups and to investigate the association between microbiota awareness and HbA1c levels in a primary care population.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 330 adults aged 18–65 years: 110 participants with type 2 diabetes, 110 with prediabetes, and 110 without diabetes or prediabetes. Microbiota awareness was assessed using the Microbiota Awareness Scale (MAS), which was administered through face-to-face interviews. HbA1c values and relevant clinical data were obtained from medical records. Group differences in MAS scores were evaluated using both unadjusted analyses and …

Effects Of A Virtual Reality-Based Nature Video Intervention On Sleep Quality And Mental Well-Being In Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial ​, Hati̇ce Yağci Karamanli, Nuray Bi̇ngöl

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Sleep quality and mental health are negatively affected in many patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of virtual reality (VR) on sleep quality and mental well-being.

Materials and methods: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Data were collected from patients with MS who presented to a hospital in Türkiye. The study was completed by 21 participants in the experimental group and 22 participants in the control group. Participants in the experimental group watched nature videos using VR headsets for 6 weeks. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) …

Posture And Musculoskeletal Symptom Burden, But Not Daily Step Count, Are Independently Associated With Physical Quality Of Life In Office Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study ​, Gülsemi̇n Ertürk Çeli̇k, Abdurrahman İskender, Ahmet Usta, Alper Doğanci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Office work is characterized by prolonged sitting and may be accompanied by musculoskeletal symptoms and reduced well-being. This study examined associations of step-based and self-reported physical activity, clinical posture, attitudes toward sports, smartphone addiction, and musculoskeletal symptom burden in office workers with the four domains of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF).

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional analysis included 44 desk-based office workers at a public institution. WHOQOL-BREF domain scores were transformed to a 0–100 scale. Physical activity was assessed via 7-day average daily step counts and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF); posture …

Psychological Distress Among Dental Students: A Comparative Study Of Preclinical And Clinical Stages ​, Ömer Faruk Sari, Eli̇f Albayrak, Muhammed Hi̇lmi̇ Büyükçavuş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Understanding the degree of psychological stress experienced by dental students, together with the contributing factors, is important for reducing the adverse effects of stress and improving student well-being. Accordingly, the present study examined psychological distress levels among dental students and compared psychological distress across different academic years.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included all undergraduate students enrolled in a single 5-year dental faculty in Türkiye during the 2024–2025 academic year. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) survey was administered to the students and 399 dentistry students filled out the survey completely.

Results: Statistically significant differences in K10 scores …

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 …

Destaining Of Stained Clear Aligners When Subjected To Different Cleaning Techniques: A Comparative In Vitro Analysis, Malik Cn Sadah, Raj Kumar Jaiswal, Amit Kumar Singh, Nishtha Srivastava, Stuti Raj, Ayushi Singh

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: Clear aligners are widely used due to superior esthetics; however, staining and loss of transparency remain major clinical concerns. This study evaluated color changes in stained clear aligners after different destaining techniques.

Methods: In this in vitro comparative study, 40 new clear aligners were stained using coffee solution and divided into four groups: control, Invisalign cleaning crystals alone, crystals with ultrasonic cleaning, and crystals with motorized brushing. Color change was assessed using VITA Easyshade spectrophotometer, Adobe Photoshop LAB analysis, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data were analysed using ANOVA, Tukey post hoc test, Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann–Whitney U …

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 …

Investigation Of Feed Values With In Vitro Technique And Chemical Properties, Particle Size Of Total Mixed Rations Prepared In Commercial Dairy Farms, Özlem Karcioğlu, Betül Zehra Sariçi̇çek

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study was conducted to investigate the chemical and physical properties and feed values of total mixed rations used on dairy cattle farms in Ankara Province. Included in the study were three farms from each of the five districts of Ankara Province (atotal of 15 commercial dairy farms). Total mixed ration (TMR) samples were collected weekly from each farm over a 3-month period in 2025. The chemical composition (crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL)), in vitro digestibility parameters (in vitro gas production (IVGP), methane production (MP), organic …

Optimizing Marination Methodology, Holding Temperature, And Holding Time To Upgrade The Physicochemical And Sensorial Attributes Of Japanese Quail (Coturnix Japonica) Breast Fillets, Naveen Uduwawithana, Ruvini Mutucumarana

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The aim was to optimize the effect of meat marination method (unmarinated, tumbling, injection, and immersion), holding temperature (4 oC and 8 oC), and holding time (4 h, 8 h, and 12 h) on the physicochemical and sensorial properties of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) breast fillets. Ninety-six deboned breast fillets (mean weight ± SD; 10 g ± 2) from 42-day-old unsexed Japanese quails were marinated. Injection marination showed the highest uptake (p < 0.05). The method × temperature × time interaction (p < 0.05) was significant for cooking yield, meat pH, hardness, cooking loss, and surface color lightness (L*). The highest pH (p < 0.05) was reported when the unmarinated control was retained for 8 h. Tumbling marinated meat when held for 12 h at 8 oC yielded the maximum cooking yield (60.3%). The cooking loss was minimal in unmarinated, tumbled, and immersion-marinated meat when held for 12 h. Irrespective of the temperature, 4-h holding time caused the minimum meat hardness in all four treatments. Tumble-marinated meat when held for 12 h at 8 oC resulted in the minimum cooking loss, hardness, and lightness (L*), as well as the maximum cooking yield. Meat when held at 4 oC for 4 h following injection marination had the highest scores for color, aroma, marinade penetration, flavor, and overall acceptability. In conclusion, quail breast fillets when tumble-marinated and held at 8 oC for 12 h were the best in terms of overall meat quality. Quail breast fillets held for 4 h at 4 oC following injection marination were rated highest by the panelists.

The Use Of Case-Based Experiential Learning With First-Year Occupational Therapy Students: A Two-Year Pilot Study, Michelle Jackson

Journal of Applied Disciplines

Background: Understanding and applying biomechanical principles to participation in functional activities is vital to occupational therapy (OT) education. Exposure to such principles underlying prosthetic use and occupational engagement related to lower extremity (LE) limb loss provides opportunities to better understand these concepts as well as the role of OT with this population.

Method: An experiential learning framework was used to develop a three-phase, case-study-based pilot project, completed with first-year graduate-level OT students from two cohorts (n = 26, n = 31).  At the conclusion of the project, an anonymous Likert-style survey and a reflection assignment were completed by all students. …

Outcomes Of An Interprofessional Education Event On Aac And Co-Teaching, Annelise Yost, John W. Mccarthy

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

This study explored the outcomes of an Interprofessional Education (IPE) event between preprofessional speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and special educators aimed at identifying the outcomes of IPE on preprofessional teachers’ and SLPs’ knowledge of co-teaching and classroom-based models to support students who use AAC. Students at a midwestern university completed an IPE session as part of their coursework. A pre-post assessment exploring knowledge of co-teaching and classroom-based services was utilized. A focus group with preprofessional SLPs and special educators was run to identify perceptions and practicality of classroom-based models to support AAC users. Results demonstrated the ability for a short, focused …

Evaluating The Link Between Metabolic Syndrome And Cognitive Dysfunction In People Who Use Cannabis: A Critical Review Of Mechanistic Pathways, Evidence Quality, And Future Research Directions, Ghadah Alharbi, Ahmad H. Alhowail, Ashraf Mahmoud Emara

Saudi Toxicology Journal

Background: Cannabis is the most commonly used internationally controlled substance worldwide, with increasing rates of heavy use and cannabis use disorder (CUD) among adolescents and adults. While epidemiological evidence links cannabis exposure to both metabolic dysfunction and cognitive impairment, these outcomes have been examined predominantly in isolation. The mechanistic relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cannabis-related cognitive deficits remains poorly characterized. Objective: This review critically appraises the evidence linking cannabis use to metabolic dysfunction and cognitive impairment, proposes an integrative ``Cannabis–Metabolic–Cognitive Axis'' model, and identifies gaps limiting causal inference in the existing literature. Key Findings: Human studies frequently report lower …

The Human Side Of Healing: A Qualitative Study Of The Holistic Benefits When Integrating Dog Training Into Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Recovery, Michelle J. Nordstrom

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Introduction: Posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are highly prevalent among Servicemembers and veterans. Many of those with PTSD also struggle with moral injury and co-occurring health complications. This combination results in poor outcomes with current evidence-based practices. However, a series of recent studies examined the efficacy of a service dog training program (SDTP) which demonstrated improvements in symptoms.

Methods: A privatized archival dataset of redacted transcripts was used. The interviews were collected during a broader mixed methods study and maintained for a phenomenological, thematic analysis. There were 119 transcripts from 84 of the original 117 participants who engaged …