Digital Commons Network^™

Inflammation Associated With Obesity, Aging, And Amyloid Burden In Adults With Down Syndrome, Victoria L. Fleming-Batayneh, Brian C. Helsel, Lauren T. Ptomey, Benjamin L. Handen, Mark Mapstone, Melissa Petersen, Sharon J. Krinsky-Mchale, Christy L. Hom, Davneet Minhas, Weiquan Luo, Charles Laymon, Joseph H. Lee, Annie Cohen, Beau M. Ances, Adam M. Brickman, Margaret Pulsifer, H. Diana Rosas, Florencia Lai, Shahid H. Zaman, Elizabeth Head, Dana Tudorascu, Julie Price, Fredrick Schmitt, Bradley T. Christian, Ozioma Okonkwo, Sigan L. Hartley, Beau M. Ances, Howard F. Andrews, Karen Bell, Rasmus M. Birn, Adam M. Brickman

Neurology Faculty Publications

Objective: Adults with Down syndrome (DS) often show elevated systemic inflammation, but the association with obesity, aging, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology is not well understood. Methods: Data were drawn from 188 nondemented adults with DS participating in the Alzheimer Biomarkers Consortium-DS (ABC-DS). Participants completed clinical assessments, blood draws, and neuroimaging. Plasma biomarkers included indicators of general, pro-, and anti-inflammation. Mixed linear models tested associations between BMI, age, PET-measured amyloid burden, and inflammatory biomarkers, adjusting for sex, trisomy type, and collection site. False discovery rate correction was applied. Results: The majority of the participants met criteria for obesity. Higher BMI …

Using Clinical And Thrombus Characteristics To Predict The Etiology Of Ischemic Stroke, Graham A. Branscom, Carina Seah, Tannishtha Som, James Vicari, Alan R. Dabney, Selva Baltan, Farida Sohrabji, Keith Pennypacker, Keith B. Woodward, Benjamin I. Rapoport, Sol Schulman, Justin F. Fraser, Christopher P. Kellner

Neurology Faculty Publications

Background and purpose: Ischemic stroke comprises about 87% of all stroke cases in the US. 20% of these have a cardioembolic (CE) etiology, and 25% are still considered embolic strokes of undetermined sources (ESUS). ESUS strokes are associated with worse functional outcomes and survival rates, underscoring the need for understanding the clinical differences in stroke etiology. Methods: We analyzed the Investigation of Clot in Ischemic Stroke and Hematoma Evacuation (INSIGHT) registry (NCT04693767, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04693767), which includes n=388 patients total (n=208 CE, n=142 AFIB, n=180 non-CE). We analyzed 123 data features, spanning across domains including demographics, past medical history, baseline blood lab …

Development Of The Comparative Wellness Index (Cwi): A Cross-National Assessment Of Resident Physician Wellness In India And The United States, Jeevan Nammi

Expo Student Presentations

2026 Summer Expo Oral Presentation

• Education

Patient Factors Influencing Caregiver Burden After Stroke, Madison Johnson, Catherine Vaughn, Elizabeth Byrd

Expo Student Presentations

2026 Summer Expo Poster Presentation

• Health Sciences & Health Professions

Adolescent Brain Activity During Associative Memory Encoding Is Related To Dietary Nutrient Intake, K S. Mohankumar, C T. Eickstead, A Bolaram, D K. Grey, C A. Orihuela, R Evans, S Mrug, D C. Knight

Expo Student Presentations

2026 Summer Expo Poster Presentation

• Social & Behavioral Sciences

Machine Learning Identifies Structural Predictors And Residual Hotspots Of County-Level Cardiovascular Mortality In The United States, Jeevan Nammi

Expo Student Presentations

2026 Summer Expo Oral Presentation

• Health Sciences & Health Professions

Comparative Hepatobiliary Adverse Event Reporting Phenotypes Among Traditional And Emerging Masld Therapies: A Faers Analysis, Jeevan Nammi

Expo Student Presentations

2026 Summer Expo Oral Presentation

• Health Sciences & Health Professions

Waring Library Society Newsletter, Summer 2026, Jude Arendall, J. G. Reves, Joann Livingston Zeise, Elinor Cecile Gray Borgert

The Waring Library Society Newsletters

This issue includes a tribute to President David Cole by Dr. Jerry Reves, in honor of Cole’s retirement. It features an intriguing story on the history of the X-ray, and a special article on the history of the gin and tonic, written by our very own WLS member and leader, Dr. Elinor Borgert.

Addressing Homelessness As A Key Risk Factor For Overdose Deaths In King County, Washington, Catherine Mutti-Driscoll

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

Goal Statement:

In this portfolio, I identify prevention strategies that address the nested problems of overdose deaths and homelessness in King County, Washington. By examining how housing instability, substance abuse, structural racism, and gaps in coordinated care intersect, this paper advocates for a responsive prevention approach that combines evidence-based substance abuse strategies, phased housing approaches, and culturally responsive care.

Significant Findings:

While recent harm reduction measures have improved overdose death rates in King County, unhoused individuals continue to account for 50% of the county’s still concerning fatal overdose numbers. Data shows that historical racism in King County also shapes who …

Addressing The Stigma: Fostering Mental Health And Resilience Among Law Enforcement Officers In The Columbia River Gorge, Claire Ranit

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

Goal Statement:

This portfolio aims to raise awareness of the increased risk of suicidality in small, rural law enforcement agencies and identify prevention strategies to reduce the risk by empowering and educating law enforcement officers (LEOs).

Significant Findings:

LEOs in small, rural agencies like those found in the Columbia River Gorge face significant mental health challenges, with research indicating LEOs rate of suicide at agencies employing 50 or fewer sworn staff is 43.78 per 100,000 between 2016 to 2022, compared to the United States (U.S.) general population of 13.78 per 100,000 in that same time period (Lawrence et al., 2025; …

Reducing Chronic Loneliness Among Lgbtq+ Older Adults In Greater Seattle, Douglas J. Gallup

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

Goal Statement

The goal of this project is to reduce chronic loneliness and social isolation among LGBTQ+ adults age 65 and older in the Greater Seattle area by increasing access to affirming, accessible, and evidence-informed opportunities for meaningful connection.

Significant Findings

LGBTQ+ older adults in Seattle and King County face elevated risks of living alone, social isolation, and limited access to affirming services, while also demonstrating substantial resilience (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2015). A promising approach would combine meaningful activity, social support, practical access assistance, and PEARLS-informed strategies. GenPride is a logical community partner because its programs foster well-being and belonging …

The Impact Of Childhood Trauma On Parenting And Emotional Regulation In Charlotte, Nc], Raven Forrest

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

Goal Statement:

The goal of this social change project is to increase awareness of how unresolved childhood trauma can affect parenting, emotional regulation, and family relationships among low-income families in Charlotte, North Carolina. This project focuses on prevention by promoting trauma-informed education, emotional regulation skills, and evidence-based parenting support programs that can help reduce intergenerational patterns of trauma.

Significant Findings: Unresolved childhood trauma may affect adults through emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, unhealthy communication, harsh discipline, and difficulty forming healthy family relationships. These challenges may increase parenting stress and create emotionally unsafe home environments for children. In Charlotte, families …

Preventing Mental Health Issues In Children And Adolescents With Learning Disabilities, Laura Barrett

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

Goal Statement: The goal of this social change portfolio is to prevent mental health issues in children and adolescents with learning disabilities in the state of Utah.

Significant Findings: Children and adolescents with learning disabilities (LDs) in Utah face elevated risks of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and related difficulties stemming from chronic academic frustration and social challenges, yet substantial service gaps for this vulnerable population exist. Approximately 58% of children needing mental health care in Utah do not receive any, and only about half of the estimated 58,000 students diagnosed with LDs have specialized educational supports such as individualized education …

Adolescent Social Disconnection And Social Media Overuse In San Jose, California, Gilmour Arufo

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

The goal of this Social Change Portfolio is to support the implementation of a school-based prevention program for high school students in San Jose, California, that promotes healthy technology use, strengthens peer and adult connections, and increases participation in face-to-face social activities. The proposed program seeks to increase adolescents' awareness of their social media use patterns while strengthening protective factors associated with positive youth development, including school connectedness, supportive peer relationships, trusted adult relationships, and meaningful social engagement.

Evaluating Variety- And Market-Class-Specific Effects Of Dietary Pulses On Human Health, Jiayu Tang

Department of Food Science and Technology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

While pulses are globally recognized for their high levels of dietary fibers, protein, and polyphenols, research often focuses on characterizing the physiological effects of a single variety. This approach overlooks the substantial genetic and compositional diversity that exists across pulse varieties and individual market classes, which can differ extensively in nutrient content and structure. These compositional differences have the potential to produce distinct physiological and microbial responses in humans, yet variety- and market-class-specific effects remain poorly characterized.

This thesis uses two complementary research methodologies to investigate the health-relevant effects of different pulse varieties and market classes, providing foundational knowledge to …

Improving Iv Access Outcomes In Obstetric Care Through A-Diva Scale Utilization And Point-Of-Care Ultrasound, Parth S. Patel, Matthew T. Komorowski

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Manuscripts

Obstetric (OB) patients frequently present physiological changes, including edema, obesity, and peripheral vasoconstriction, that increase the risk of difficult intravenous access (DIVA). Multiple IV attempts can delay time-sensitive therapies in obstetric emergencies and increase patient discomfort and provider workload. Research studies have supported the use of the Modified Adult Difficult Intravenous Access (A-DIVA) scale to assess patients for DIVA, and the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) guided peripheral intravenous access (PIVA). In 2025, a preceding Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) project implemented A-DIVA in the Labor & Delivery (L&D) unit of an OB department and found that 35% of …

Empowering Domestic Violence Survivors Through Community-Based Self-Regulation Suppor, Xen Gabrielle O. Advincula

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Purpose: Program development of trauma-informed, occupation-based resources and program and incorporating OT-related principles to support occupational balance and engagement of survivors of DV and IPV

Goal: Enhance and support the staff’s capacity and understanding of OT-scope in community settings and incorporation of OT-focused self-regulation strategies

Outcome: Increase the staff’s confidence levels of knowledge on the scope of OT within community-based settings and OT-related strategies to support self-regulation levels

An Epilepsy Community Collective Towards Occupational Justice And Empowerment, Tyler Debuty

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Underutilization of epilepsy-specific resource programs, lack of public awareness about epilepsy, limitations in community belonging, and implications for self-management programs aimed towards improving quality of life and reducing the burden of care during the transition into adulthood and throughout the lifespan for people with epilepsy.

Improving Quality Of Life For Informal Caregivers Of Post-Stroke Survivors: Implementing Preventative, Advocacy And Educational Strategies, Joann Bennett

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Stroke recovery extends beyond hospital discharge, yet community-dwelling stroke survivors and their informal caregivers often have limited access to continued education, wellness resources, and community-based support.

This gap contributes to caregiver burden, reduced occupational participation, and decreased quality of life.

Amplifying Parental Well-Being: Ot-Informed Support For Families Of Children With Hearing Loss, Joelle Barth

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Despite the many demands placed on parents of children diagnosed DHH, limited support exists to specifically address their mental health needs

Bridging Gaps In Spanish-Speaking Individuals In Rural Areas About Parkinson’S Disease, Fabiola Barajas Velasco

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Provide education and bring awareness of Parkinson’s disease in rural areas through educational trainings and community outreach, specifically those close in contact with farmworkers or farmworkers themselves.

Occupational Therapy Approaches To Mitigating Cancer-Related Fatigue (Crf): A Scoping Review And Practice Framework, Brooke Carson

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Goal: Improve knowledge and competence in CRF management through evidence-based education to improve CRF interventions in oncology rehabilitation

Outcome: Increased confident and application of evidence based CRF intervention strategies, leading to improved functional performance and occupational engagement for individuals experiencing CRF

Promoting Mental Health Awareness, Advocacy, And Occupational Justice For First-Generation College Students, Gilberto Duran Garcia

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

First Generation College Students (FGCS) face a high prevalence of mental health concerns

Stress, anxiety, depression, financial burden, cultural expectations, imposter syndrome, pressure to meet expectations, fear of the unknown, lack of guidance, and lack of preparedness

Enhancing New Mother's Mental Health And Confidence After Discharge, Breana De La Cruz

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

New mothers lack guidance, education and resources for common postpartum complications resulting in a decreased overall wellbeing in the postpartum period.

Exploring The Role Of Functional Cognition In Early Psychosis Care: An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Angelica Detata

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Cognitive impairment is a core feature of psychosis significantly impacting functional outcomes. Functional cognition as a target in early psychosis treatment is insufficiently addressed.

Fostering Wellness: Developing Strategies To Improve Mental Health And Decrease Burnout For Professionals Serving Foster Youth, Amaya Dorado Ledesma

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

High burnout rates, turnover, and decreased mental health are limiting not only foster youth professionals, but also the families and children they serve.

Going With The Flow: Psychological Flow & The Mental Health Of Occupational Therapy Students, Sydney Buchanan

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Despite a growing interest in psychological flow as a factor associated with positive mental health outcomes, its relationship to OTD student well-being has remained underexplored.

Post-Stroke Fatigue: Bridging Neuropathology And Neurorehabilitation-Translating Research Into Clinical Assessment And Intervention Strategies, Wesley Green

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Current clinical approaches to post-stroke fatigue are challenged by limited evidence and an incomplete understanding of its underlying mechanisms.

Healing After Loss: Maternal Wellness Following Perinatal Loss, Farah S. Hakim

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Perinatal loss can disrupt women's roles, routines, identity, and emotional well-being.

Postpartum services often focus on medical recovery within healthcare settings.

Limited occupational therapy and culturally responsive resources exist after perinatal loss

Neurodivergent Well-Being In Independent Living Skills Programs: Impact Of Ot-Informed Resources And Community Programming, Grace Hepner

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

There is a need for multidimensional support for neurodivergent college students due to an increasing number of these students enrolling in higher education.