Digital Commons Network^™

A Rare Cause Of Low Back Pain, Abigail Conroy, Justin Bui, Emily Barnard, Lazaro Diaz

HPD Articles

This is the case of a 60-year-old man with no known medical history who presented with progressively worsening lumbar pain and was found to have idiopathic dorsal epidural lipomatosis. The patient’s condition improved significantly with pain management. Therefore, no surgical intervention was warranted at the time, but the patient was advised to keep close follow-up as an outpatient. Being familiar with this potential cause of lumbar pain is vital, as it can lead to severe morbidity if left unrecognized.

The Dilemma Of Socrates’ Position: Interview Methods And Feminist Empirical Bioethics, Michiel De Proost

The Qualitative Report

There is a growing body of bioethics research that addresses the importance of adapting empirical, predominantly qualitative, methods to generate debate on ethical arguments. However, there is an absence of illustrative work examining how this could be realised from a feminist perspective. This article, seeking to address the research gap, examines interview methods through a reflexive lens. Drawing on the doctoral research I conducted through interviews with women who were interested in social egg freezing (i.e., healthy women freezing their eggs in anticipation of future infertility), I describe how I encountered a dilemma because of my gendered positionality and the …

Design And Implementation Of 360-Degree Video Vignettes In Immersive Virtual Reality: A Quality Management In Higher Education Case, Martha Snyder, Steven Kramer, Diane Lippe, Sharan Sankar

The Qualitative Report

Immersive virtual reality (IVR) in higher education has gained traction as a way to engage learners in immersive and authentic learning experiences. However, there is a need for guidance on how to design and implement IVR solutions. We used a design-based research methodology to answer the following overarching research question and sub-questions: (1) How can 360-degree video vignettes presented within an IVR environment be designed and implemented to facilitate quality management competencies? (1a) How do learners experience this technology? (1b) What is the process for creating and implementing this technology? (1c) How can we best design the learning experience? We …

Giving Voices To Jamaican Canadian Immigrant Women: A Heuristic Inquiry Study, Sandra P. Dixon, Dania Amin, Nancy M. Arthur

The Qualitative Report

The Heuristic Inquiry (HI) qualitative method applied in this study explored the role of Pentecostal faith in the post-migration lived experiences of Jamaican Canadian immigrant women (JCIW). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven JCIW whose Pentecostal faith helped them to reconstruct their cultural identity post-migration. The creative flexibility of HI allowed for the integration of the primary researcher’s (i.e., first author's) voice into the study alongside those of the co-researchers. Positioning the study within a postmodern social constructionism theoretical framework created space for multiple realities to emerge that were constructed through social interaction and language. These realities were evident in …

A Rare Case Of Folate Deficiency-Induced Subacute Combined Degeneration Of The Spinal Cord: A Case Report., Lohitha Guntupalli, Andrew Lurie, Veenah Stoll, Luis Daniel Lugo

HPD Articles

Folate deficiency is a rare cause of subacute combined degeneration (SCD). SCD is characterized by demyelination of the dorsal and lateral columns of the cervical and thoracic spine most commonly caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Folate deficiency, which can be clinically indistinguishable from B12 deficiency, leads to a variety of presentations, including absent vibratory sensation and proprioception, sensory ataxia, and progressive motor weakness. Recognizing the clinical sequelae of SCD is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. We present a case of a 38-year-old male with progressive ascending bilateral lower extremity numbness and motor weakness in the presence of normal vitamin …

Urolithin A As A Potential Agent For Prevention Of Age-Related Disease: A Scoping Review., Breanne Kothe, Sarah Klein, Stephanie N. Petrosky

HPD Articles

The aging of an organism is hallmarked by systemic loss of functional tissue, resulting in increased fragility and eventual development of age-related neurodegenerative, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and neoplastic diseases. Growing scientific evidence points to mitochondrial dysfunction as a key contributor in the aging process and subsequent development of age-related pathologies. Under normal physiologic conditions, the body removes dysfunctional mitochondria via an autophagic process known as mitophagy. Urolithin A (UA), a metabolite produced when gut microflora digests the polyphenol compounds ellagitannin and ellagic acid, is a known inducer of mitophagy via several identified mechanisms of action. The primary objective of this scoping …

International Society Of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Coffee And Sports Performance, Lonnie M. Lowery, Dawn E. Anderson, Kelsey F. Scanlon, Abigail Stack, Guillermo Escalante, Sara C. Campbell, Chad M. Kerksick, Michael T. Nelson, Tim N. Ziegenfuss, Trisha A. Vandusseldorp, Douglas S. Kalman, Bill I. Campbell, Richard B. Kreider, Jose Antonio

HPD Articles

Based on review and critical analysis of the literature regarding the contents and physiological effects of coffee related to physical and cognitive performance conducted by experts in the field and selected members of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), the following conclusions represent the official Position of the Society:

(1) Coffee is a complex matrix of hundreds of compounds. These are consumed with broad variability based upon serving size, bean type (e.g. common Arabica vs. Robusta), and brew method (water temperature, roasting method, grind size, time, and equipment).

(2) Coffee’s constituents, including but not limited to caffeine, have neuromuscular, …

Enhancing Therapeutic Efficacy Of Curcumin: Advances In Delivery Systems And Clinical Applications., Hossein Omidian, Renae L. Wilson, Sumana Dey Chowdhury

HPD Articles

Curcumin, a potent active compound found in turmeric and Curcuma xanthorrhiza oil, possesses a wide range of therapeutic properties, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound healing activities. However, its clinical effectiveness is hindered by its low bioavailability and rapid elimination from the body. To overcome these limitations, researchers have explored innovative delivery systems for curcumin. Some promising approaches include solid lipid nanoparticles, nanomicelle gels, and transdermal formulations for topical drug delivery. In the field of dentistry, curcumin gels have shown effectiveness against oral disorders and periodontal diseases. Moreover, Pickering emulsions and floating in situ gelling systems have been developed to …

Pediatric Hand Therapy & Development Of Resources For Brachial Plexus Injuries, Brianna M. Gratama Jackson

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Cultural Meaning In Ritual Traditions For The Character Of Osing People Banyuwangi, Indonesia, Imam Suyitno, Yuni Pratiwi, Kusubakti Andajani, Heni Dwi Arista Mrs.

The Qualitative Report

This study examined the cultural meaning of the ritual tradition for the character of the Osing people, Banyuwangi. The study focused on describing (a) the personal character in ritual tradition, (b) the social character in ritual traditions, and (c) the character values in ritual traditions. This study was qualitative research with the hermeneutic approach to interpret and explain the meaning of ritual tradition by involving three culturalists and community leaders as data resources. The study found that ritual tradition has cultural meaning for Osing people to build (a) personal character, which includes responsible, consistent, caring, sincere in their work, willing …

Podcast Listening And Informal Learning, Christopher Shamburg, Veronica O'Neill, Remberto Jimenez, Juan Rodriguez, Kristina Harb

The Qualitative Report

Listening to podcasts is a popular way adults learn outside of formal school settings. Examining podcast listening through the lens of informal learning is an important and underexplored area of inquiry. This is especially important considering the growth of the adult population in the United States and the new opportunities for learning and recreation. In this research, we interviewed 31 adult podcast listeners from across the United States about their experiences listening to and learning from podcasts. We open coded and refined the analysis to three themes. There was a strong connection between listening, learning, and personal growth among the …

Racial Concordance On Healthcare Use Within Hispanic Population Subgroups., Alyson Ma, Jason Campbell, Alison Sanchez, Steven Sumner, Mindy Ma

Faculty Articles

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of patient-provider racial and ethnic concordance on healthcare use within Hispanic ethnic subgroups.

METHODS: We estimate multivariate probit models using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, the only national data source measuring how patients use and pay for medical care, health insurance, and out-of-pocket spending. We collect and utilize data on preventive care visits, visits for new health problems, and visits for ongoing health problems from survey years 2007-2017 to measure health outcomes. Additionally, we include data on race and ethnicity concordance, non-health-related socioeconomic and demographic factors, health-related characteristics, provider communication characteristics, and provider …

Compartment Syndrome Secondary To Calcium Gluconate Extravasation., Derek S. Weimer, Sydney Jones, Tanya Ramadoss, Una Milovanovic, Mohammadali M. Shoja, Gary Schwartz

HPD Articles

This case report highlights a rare yet severe complication of calcium gluconate extravasation, namely, compartment syndrome. We present the case of an 86-year-old female who developed compartment syndrome following an extravasation of intravenously administered calcium gluconate for the management of hyperkalemia. Initially, mild erythema and edema were observed at the site of extravasation, which eventually progressed to severe pain, a reduction in the joint range of motion due to increased compartment pressure. Despite undergoing a series of fasciotomies, the patient's condition did not improve, and extensive tissue necrosis and gangrene necessitated amputation. This case emphasizes that calcium gluconate extravasation can …

Covid-19: Variants, Immunity, And Therapeutics For Non-Hospitalized Patients., Cameron Y.S. Lee, Jon B. Suzuki

HPD Articles

The continuing transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a world-wide 21st-century public health emergency of concern. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused greater than 600 million cases of COVID-19 and over 6 million deaths globally. COVID-19 continues to be a highly transmissible disease despite efforts by public health officials and healthcare providers to manage and control the disease. Variants identified in selected worldwide epicenters add to the complexity of vaccine efficacy, overage, and antibody titer maintenance and bioactivity. The identification of the SARS-CoV-2 variants is described with respect to evading protective efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and …

Understanding Athletes’ Experience When Transitioning To Life Beyond Sport, Mary L. Dell'arciprete, M Lauren Dell'arciprete

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Discontinuation may be by choice or may be due to an injury; however most collegiate athletes’ sports engagement ends due to graduation causing them to shift their role in an occupation that played a crucial role in their self-identity. Athletes of all levels are challenged in their transition beyond sport and in the adjustment to the various role changes that occur. A significant life event, such as the end of one’s athletic engagement, can cause a loss of identity, purpose, and mental health decline. Former athletes may experience occupational disruption, a temporary inability to adequately engage in meaningful tasks due …

Clinical Practice Skills And Educational Resources For Managing Lymphedema, Grimes-Williams Lacinda

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Effect Of Symbiodiniacea On Survival, Growth, And Acquisition Of Newly Settled Corals Of Three Caribbean Species, Michael B. Hood

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Symbiosis between corals and Symbiodiniaceae is critical to coral reef health. However, this mutually beneficial relationship is threatened by a variety of stressors. This study aims to assess if seeding newly settled corals with different species of Symbiodiniaceae promotes differences in survival, growth, and symbiont acquisition in corals. Three reef-building species (Colpophyllia natans, Orbicella faveolata, and Pseudodiploria strigosa) reared in sterile saltwater baths were seeded with one of four Symbiodiniaceae species (Breviolum minutum, Durusdinium trenchii, Fugacium kawagutii, and Symbiodinium microadriaticum). Coral survival, growth, and symbiont acquisition were assessed biweekly during the first two months and monthly …

Implementation Of An Intensive Amplitude-Focused Program With Stroke Patients In An Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting, Lauren R. Lafreniere

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This 16-week capstone experience with Southern Crescent Traumatic Brain Injury Center (SCTBI) focused on creating and implementing an intensive amplitude-focused program to improve functional and motor outcomes in stroke survivors. The student achieved Lee Silverman Voice Treatment-BIG (LSVT-BIG) certification to gain in-depth knowledge regarding neuroplasticity and recalibration of the sensorimotor system through high-amplitude movements. The student utilized the knowledge gained from the certification course to create an intensive high-amplitude program appropriate for acute stroke survivors in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. The program is comprised of exercises that are completed in either supine, seated, or sitting and focus on functional movements …

Incorporating Poi As A Therapeutic Modality For Preschool Aged Children In The Care Clinic, Danielle Zirkle

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Prompt Management Of Airbag Burn Injuries Leads To Optimized Patient Outcomes: A Pilot Study., Grant N. Schalet, Stacey L. Tannenbaum, Taylor Ouellette, James W. Fletcher

HPD Articles

BACKGROUND: Dual airbags are required to be installed and available for use in all motor vehicles since 1997. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 50,457 lives were saved by airbags from 1987 to 2017; however, airbag deployment can cause injuries, including thermal and chemical burns, hyperpigmentation, and dysaesthesia. There is little information available in the literature regarding differences in outcomes between promptly visiting a plastic surgeon and waiting for treatment, especially as an injury may not be immediately apparent or patients may not know that airbag burn injuries may be delayed in presenting.

METHODS: This is a retrospective …

A Qualitative Study On Malaysian Academics' Perceptions And Suggestions On Gamified Learning, Mohd. Elmagzoub Eltahir, Nagaletchimee Annamalai, Arulselvi Uthayakumaran, Samer H Zyoud, Bilal Zakarneh Dr, Najeh Rajeh Alsalhi

The Qualitative Report

This study explores lecturers' perceptions and suggestions on integrating gamified lessons in Malaysian higher institutions. The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the norm of traditional classroom teaching by accelerating digital integration amongst educators and necessitating the need to address classroom gamification. To further understand educators' perceptions, we conducted in-depth interviews with 25 lecturers. We thematically analyzed the interviews by following the steps undertaken by Braun and Clarke (2006) to identify the emerging themes. The findings determine that educators found gamification suitable in teaching and learning activities during the set induction, reinforcement and assessment of specific skills. Several misconceptions also evident …

Variations In Anxiety And Related Psychiatric Comorbidity Levels Among Youths With Individual Diagnoses Of Autism Spectrum Disorder Or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder And Those With Both Diagnoses., Michael Wu, Ernesto Joubran, Divya Kumar, Nasser D. Assadi, Hoang Nguyen

HPD Articles

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) individually and those with co-occurring ADHD and ASD experience higher rates of total anxiety and psychiatric comorbidities such as gender dysphoria and locomotor skills compared to their typically developing (TD) peers. In this study, it was hypothesized that youth with comorbid ADHD and ASD would experience higher levels of overall anxiety, specifically separation, generalized, and social anxiety. A literature review of relevant studies published from 2007 to 2020 was performed, with a search involving key terms such as "Anxiety," "ADHD" and "ASD'". It was discovered that individuals with …

Creating A Veteran Suicide Prevention Module In An Entry-Level Doctor Of Occupational Therapy Program, Christina A. Swoyer

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Omani Families Caring For A Member With Mental Illness: A Descriptive Qualitative Study, Khaldoun Aldiabat Dr., Enam Alsrayheen, Muna A. Alshammari Phd, Dr Carole-Lynne M. Le Navenec, Odette Griscti

The Qualitative Report

The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to gain an in depth understanding and knowledge regarding how Omani families care for a member with mental illness including how they supported the later in self-care activities. Data was collected from participants using a purposive sample consisting of ten family caregivers whose member was in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Muscat. Each caregiver participated in one semi-structured interview. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings included two major themes: The first theme was “caring and empowering with empathy, love, and understanding.” The second theme was “self-denial and giving …

Pilot Testing Of A Non-Gaming Cognitive Battery In Expert Esports Athletes, Allison J. Brager, Patrick Belling, Jason Sada, Jeffrey Osgood, Bradley Fawver, Michael Dretsch

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Introduction: The esports industry is rapidly expanding, making it imperative to identify common data elements of expert gamers for the purposes of performance optimization and enhancement. We aimed to measure cognitive performance in a convenient sample of expert esports athletes, as well as to determine if cognitive performance of these individuals could be further enhanced through a novel non-gaming neurocognitive test battery.

Methods: Elite esports athletes (n = 5) participated in a four-day cognitive and strength & conditioning program at the Sports Academy (Thousand Oaks, CA). Cognitive performance was assessed through five tasks of increasing cognitive load. Baseline …

Drug Reaction With Eosinophilia And Systemic Symptoms (Dress) Syndrome Caused By Apalutamide: A Case Presentation., Gabriella Martin, Evan Lambert, Gordon K. Wang

HPD Articles

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe drug reaction that is triggered several weeks after the start of a new medication. This syndrome presents with a variety of clinical symptoms, specifically a manifestation involving a fever followed by a severe rash. A variety of medications are known to trigger DRESS, with the most common being anticonvulsants and allopurinol. Here, we discuss the case of a medication, apalutamide, that caused DRESS in our patient. Early recognition and abrupt discontinuation of the medication is required for the management of this syndrome and to minimize morbidity and mortality.

Cpg Odn/Mangiferin Dual Delivery Through Calcium Alginate Hydrogels Inhibits Immune-Mediated Osteoclastogenesis And Promotes Alveolar Bone Regeneration In Mice., Yingzhi Gu, Yang Hu, Shengyuan Huang, Sunniva Ruiz, Toshihisa Kawai, Yuxing Bai, Xiaozhe Han

HPD Articles

The immune system plays an important role in the skeletal system during bone repair and regeneration. The controlled release of biological factors from the immune system could facilitate and optimize the bone remodeling process through the regulation of the activities of bone cells. This study aimed to determine the effect of the controlled delivery of immunomodulatory biologicals on bone regeneration. Immunostimulatory cytosine-phosphate-guanosine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODN) and glucosylxanthone Mangiferin (MAG)-embedded microbeads were incubated with P. gingivalis-challenged splenocytes, or co-cultured with RAW264.7 cells. The effect of CpG ODN/MAG-containing microbeads on bone regeneration was then tested in vivo in a mouse alveolar bone …

Ηow To Use Artificial Intelligence (Ai) As A Resource, Methodological And Analysis Tool In Qualitative Research?, Prokopis Christou

The Qualitative Report

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has had far-reaching effects in research and the academic world. It has been used in many ways by the scientific community within the context of qualitative research, such as literature and systematic reviews, for conceptualization purposes, thematic and content analysis. It has however prompted concerns and questions about the potential for unreliable research, bias, and unethical behavior in the outcomes of AI-produced research. The purpose this paper is to examine the current use of AI in research, its strengths and limitations, dilemmas and ethical considerations from theoretical critical perspective principles, while delivering five key considerations for the …

A Critical Perspective Over Whether And How To Acknowledge The Use Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) In Qualitative Studies, Prokopis Christou

The Qualitative Report

There has been a rise in scepticism regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in qualitative research tasks such as critical reviews, conceptualization, thematic and content analysis, and potentially theory development. Concerns have been raised over the possibility that researchers intentionally avoid discussing or even mentioning the use of AI in their studies for a variety of reasons, including the "fear" of criticism and rejection of their papers. The purpose of this paper, which is guided by critical perspective principles, is to examine the controversy surrounding the appropriate recognition of AI in theoretical discussions and qualitative research, including conceptual, critical …

Coping Mechanisms For Lymphedema: An Analysis Of Patient Experiences, Claudia Admoun, Harvey N. Mayrovitz

HPD Articles

Background and objective Lymphedema is a condition caused by impaired lymphatic function. Acquired lymphedema is often due to neoplasia, infection, trauma, or radiation damage. Most patients rely on advice from fellow patients and personal research to manage their symptoms. We believe coping mechanisms for lymphedema can be more streamlined and made easily accessible if the most common effective strategies are determined and collected in a single repository for reference. To that end, we aimed to assess the experiences of lymphedema patients and the coping mechanisms they employed. Methods Feedback from lymphedema patients was obtained using a 19-item questionnaire-based survey distributed …