Digital Commons Network^™

Sex Differences In Motor Unit Behavior In Patients With Parkinson's Disease, Yuichi Nishikawa, Kohei Watanabe, Aleš Holobar, Tetsuya Takahashi, Noriaki Maeda, Hirofumi Maruyama, Allison Hyngstrom

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

The aim of this study was to determine whether there are sex differences in motor unit firing behavior in patients with Parkinson's disease. Twenty-seven patients with Parkinson's disease (females = 14 [age = 71.1 ± 6.8], males = 13 [age = 69.2 ± 10.3], Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III score; females = 10.8 ± 4.8, males = 11.4 ± 1.4) performed a contraction at 30% of the maximal voluntary contraction. For each participant, motor unit spike trains were decomposed from high-density surface electromyography data recorded from bilateral vastus lateralis muscles via blind source separation algorithms. In addition to …

Transdiagnostic Links Of Reward Processing In Obsessivecompulsive Disorder And Depression, Kevin Wagner, Matti Cervin, Jessica Sc. Cheng, Jasmine Arriaga, Vanessa Zavala Cruz, Dayan Berrones, Isabella A. Cruz, Joseph D. Hovey, Monica E. Ochoa, Nadeen Salhadar

Psychological Science Faculty Publications

Objectives

Transdiagnostic models aim to uncover shared mechanisms across mental disorders. Reward responsiveness (the ability to experience pleasure from rewarding stimuli) is a plausible, yet underexplored, transdiagnostic mechanism linking obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression. This study used network analysis to (1) examine how key reward responsiveness domains are interlinked in individuals with OCD and (2) explore how each domain is uniquely associated with OCD and depression.

Methods

A total of 1345 individuals with a history of OCD symptoms (ages 18–88, 71 % women) from Latino communities in the United States (including Puerto Rico) and nine Latin American countries completed validated …

The Effects Of Extreme Weather On Rural Transportation Infrastructure And Crop Prices Along The Lower Mississippi River, James Mitchell, Hunter D. Biram

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Extreme weather events are worsening the fragile rural infrastructure in the United States, impacting trade flows of agricultural products. The Mississippi River, vital for transporting agricultural commodities, reached historic lows during the 2022 and 2023 fall harvests, increasing transportation costs and lowering crop prices. This paper estimates the cost of these drought events by analyzing Arkansas soybean basis data and Mississippi River stream gauge data. Low river levels significantly weaken soybean prices, with the impact being a function of a grain market's distance to a river port. Findings have implications for public policy investment in rural infrastructure and risk management …

The Unappreciated Role Of Intent In Algorithmic Moderation Of Abusive Content On Social Media, Xinyu Wang, Sai Koneru, Pranav Narayanan Venkit, Brett Frischmann, Sarah Rajtmajer

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

In Reply: Most Elderly Patients With Subclinical Hypothyroidism Do Not Need To Be Treated, Risheng Xu, Nicola Abate, Nalini Ram, Kristina Little

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Unfolding The Mystery Of Autoimmunity: The Environmental Determinants Of Diabetes In The Young (Teddy) Study, Marian Rewers, Daniel Agardh, Suzanne Bennett Johnson, Ezio Bonifacio, Helena Elding Larsson, Patricia Gesualdo, William Hagopian, Michael J Haller, Heikki Hyöty, Randi Johnson, Richard Mcindoe, Eoin Mckinney, Jessica Melin, Åke Lernmark, Richard E Lloyd, Kristian F Lynch, Jill M Norris, Stephen S Rich, Roswith Roth, Desmond Schatz, Jorma Toppari, Eric Triplett, Kendra Vehik, Suvi M Virtanen, Anette-G Ziegler, Beena Akolkar, Jeffrey P Krischer, Teddy Study Group

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

In 2025, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) at the National Institutes of Health celebrates 75 years of leadership in diabetes research. The NIDDK serves people of the U.S. affected by or at risk for many chronic diseases, including diabetes and other endocrine, metabolic, and digestive disorders, by funding innovative research to develop better treatment and prevention and a cure for these conditions. Autoimmunity that leads to type 1 diabetes or celiac disease or thyroid autoimmunity affects 1 in 20 children and adolescents in the U.S. While treatments are available, prevention of these common autoimmune …

Quality Of Life Outcomes Following Total Temporomandibular Joint Replacement: A Systematic Review Of Long-Term Efficacy, Functional Improvements, And Complication Rates Across Prosthesis Types, Luis Eduardo Almeida, Samuel Zammuto, Louis G. Mercuri

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction:

Total temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) is a well-established surgical solution for patients with severe TMJ disorders. It aims to relieve chronic pain, restore jaw mobility, and significantly enhance quality of life. This systematic review evaluates QoL outcomes following TMJR, analyzes complication profiles, compares custom versus stock prostheses, explores pediatric applications, and highlights technological innovations shaping the future of TMJ reconstruction.

Methods:

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted throughout April 2025 in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Sixty-four studies were included, comprising 2387 patients. Results: Primary outcomes assessed were QoL improvement, pain reduction, and …

A Survey Study Of Roadblocks In Translational Science, Fasiha Kanwal, Christopher I Amos, Katherine H Sippel, Claudia Neuhauser, Ariel Harrison, Mary E Dickinson, Charles Minard, Bettina M Beech

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Clinical and translational science needs to address roadblocks to the translational processes. We conducted a survey at two institutions, a private medical school and a large public university, to understand the frequency and distribution of barriers and roadblocks to research. We reviewed the literature to compile a pool of barriers and roadblocks and convened a panel of relevant stakeholders to develop a 20-item questionnaire. Survey respondents were asked to select and prioritize the five leading clinical and translational roadblocks, provide information regarding their academic degrees and rank/position, complete open-ended items regarding their areas of research, and optionally add additional remarks …

Exploring Dna Metabarcoding To Understand Diet In Declining Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus Phasianellus), Alexandria J. Serbellon, Jack Knutson, Morgan Calahan, Julia Parker, Stephanie J. Galla

Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research

The Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus; hereafter CSTG) formerly occupied shrub-steppe ecosystems across western North America but now inhabit less than five percent of their former range due to habitat loss and other anthropogenic factors. Despite their social and ecological significance, research on CTSG diet has been limited, with the last comprehensive study taking place over 20 years ago. Understanding dietary habits is crucial, as food availability directly impacts population dynamics, local adaptation, and overall fitness of this species. Through the application of plant DNA metabarcoding (i.e., p6 loop of trnL) from non-invasively collected fecal samples, this …

How Does Irrigation Affect American Kestrel (Falco Sparvarius) Nest Site Selection And Parasite Infection?, Izzy C. Piedmont, Sarah E. Scott, Mackenzie G. Hutchinson, Stephanie A. Low, Julie A. Heath

Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research

Irrigated agricultural lands can provide important habitat and forage locations for wild birds. The costs and benefits of irrigated agricultural areas compared to wildlands remain unclear. Green vegetation attracts insects and small mammals, creating an abundant food source for predators. In addition, the use of chemicals on crops may reduce vectors of disease. American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) are a small species of falcon that make extensive use of both irrigated and non-irrigated landscapes. We examined nest site selection and Haemosporidian parasite loads in a partial migrant population of American Kestrels in irrigated and non-irrigated landscapes. If irrigated lands …

Network And Tree-Based Approaches To Data-Driven Modeling Of Complex Climate Systems, Adam M. Giammarese

Theses

The guiding thread throughout this thesis work is data-driven modeling of Earth's climate. We investigate a variety of settings within the field of complex climate systems, such as gridded, high-resolution reanalysis data, lower-resolution climate indices, and incomplete paleoclimate records with missing values. We begin with reanalysis data of high spatial and temporal resolution, and use climate network analysis to uncover hidden trends in the data in regards to the Amazon rainforest and its changing role in the global climate system. We introduce a novel formulation of k-nearest neighbors climate networks to study changing trends at a local level, and apply …

The Impact Of A Nurse Navigator On The Completion Of Medicare Annual Wellness Visits, Nanette L. Snyder

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Despite being a covered service designed to support individualized prevention planning, the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (MAWV) remains underutilized at a rural Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Barriers include low patient awareness, inconsistent outreach, and a reactive scheduling process that excludes patients without upcoming appointments. These issues limit the FQHC’s ability to meet preventive care goals and sustain performance in value-based reimbursement models.

Aim of the Project: This quality improvement project evaluates the impact of implementing a nurse navigator on MAWV completion. The intervention incorporates proactive scheduling and cohort engagement to address barriers related to awareness, access, and outreach. …

Recruitment And Retention Of Intensive Care Unit Survivors In Follow-Up Studies: A Systematic Review, Beverley Ewens, Vivien Kemp, Yvonne Middlewick, Amanda Towell-Barnard, Lisa Whitehead

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Engaging intensive care unit survivors in research is challenging. Studies have reported recruitment and attrition rates; details are lacking on retention strategies and attrition. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore barriers and enablers to recruitment and retention in research of people post intensive care discharge. Methods: A convergent mixed-method review using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology considered studies that reported on recruitment, retention, and attrition rates of adult post–intensive care survivors in longitudinal studies. CINAHL Ultimate (CINAHL+), PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), PsycINFO, Scopus, Proquest Health, and Medical Collection were searched in March 2024 using …

Sequencing-Based Detection Of Measles In Wastewater: Texas, January 2025, Sara Javornik Cregeen, Michael J Tisza, Blake Hanson, Marissa Cook, Anil Surathu, Rebecca Schneider, Jingjing Wu, Kirstin Short, Kaavya Domakonda, Loren Hopkins, Matthew C Ross, Joseph F Petrosino, Jennifer Deegan, Lauren B Stadler, Eric Boerwinkle, Anthony Maresso

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Measles is a potentially deadly viral infection spread via respiratory droplets from infected individuals. Outbreaks occur when vaccine coverage drops below the threshold of herd, or community, immunity. Using a sequencing-based approach, we report the prospective (January 7, 2025) detection of measles in nucleic acid extracts from 2 wastewater treatment plants in Houston, Texas, with a population of more than 218 000 residents. The sequencing data from 2 samples contained 53 unique reads mapping to 11 different regions of the measles virus genome with a 99.4% match to genotype B3. Importantly, no detections were observed from 821 previous samples from …

A Phase 2 Trial Of Short-Term Intravenous N-Acetylcysteine In Biliary Atresia After Kasai Portoenterostomy, Sanjiv Harpavat, Kristin A Borovsky, Michael E Scheurer, Laurel Cavallo, Franca E Erhiawarie, Sanjeev Vasudevan, Adam M Vogel, Dana Cerminara, Elizabeth M Tessier, Kalyani R Patel, Sridevi Devaraj, Benjamin L Shneider

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Background: For infants with biliary atresia, the only treatment that can establish bile flow and delay need for liver transplant is the Kasai portoenterostomy (KP). Unfortunately, the KP has variable success. In this study, we hypothesized that intravenous N-acetylcysteine (IV NAC) treatment following KP would improve bile flow.

Methods: This was a phase 2 study following the two-stage "minimax" trial design. Participants received IV NAC (150 mg/kg/day) for 7 days after KP, and the primary endpoint was achieving total serum bile acids (TSBA) ≤10 μmol/L within 24 weeks of KP. Secondary endpoints were clinical markers and the occurrence of sentinel …

Atypical Beta Oscillatory Dynamics Are Related To Poor Procedural Learning In Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder, Jarrad A.G. Lum, Kaila M. Hamilton, Li Ann Leow, Welber Marinovic, Ian Fuelscher, Pamela Barhoun, Talitha C. Ford, Aron T. Hill, Samaneh Nahravani, Melissa Kirkovski, Peter G. Enticott, Christian Hyde

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Procedural learning difficulties are commonly reported in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), yet the neural basis of this impairment remains unclear. This study addressed this gap by examining the correlation between cortical oscillatory activity and procedural learning of a sequence of finger movements in children with and without DCD. Participants were 19 children with DCD and 38 typically developing (TD) children, with a mean age of 10 years and 3 months. Children completed the Serial Reaction Time task, a standard measure of procedural learning, during which they unintentionally learned a sequence of finger movements. Electroencephalography (EEG) was continuously recorded …

Performance Of Interrupted Minichannel Heat Sink Using Various Coolant Fluids, Ernie Mat Tokit, Mohd Zamri Yusoff, Hussein A. Mohammed

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The advancement in the micro electro mechanical system, MEMS, had been utilized for several years before. This embarked on the compact and high density of power generation for tiny devices. This led to the development of a heat dissipating system for high-power-density devices. Hence, the work intends to simulate the fluid flow performance of interrupted minichannel heat sinks due to the redeveloping and interrupting of the boundary layer merging in previous work that augments the heat dissipation. The study is conducted through numerical work of laminar steady flow, by governing the Navier-Stokes and energy equation. Three interrupted minichannel heat sinks …

Eco-Friendly Additives For Biodegradable Polyesters: Recent Progress In Performance Optimization And Environmental Impact Reduction, Ahmad Fayyazbakhsh, Nima Hajinajaf, Hamed Bakhtiari, Michael Feuchter, Ilaria Improta, Ehsan Salehi, Sara Kamal Shahsavar, Marketa Julinova, Amirehsan Ghasemi, Bita Ghasemi, Reza Afsharnia, Marek Koutný, Young Cheol Chang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Biodegradable polymers have emerged as principal alternatives to petroleum-based polymers, which exert a detrimental impact on the environment. Among these, biodegradable polyesters stand out as particularly noteworthy, renowned for their exceptional properties that find application across diverse industries, including food packaging, biomedical devices, and agriculture. This comprehensive analysis delves into the impact of various additives, with a focus on eco-friendly ones, on biodegradable polyesters, as evidenced by recent research endeavors. The additives are systematically categorized to provide a nuanced understanding within distinct industrial contexts. In the exploration of these additives, a meticulous classification is employed, ensuring a focused analysis of …

Increasing The Effectiveness Of Rural, Regional And Remote Food Security Initiatives Through Place-Based Partnerships—A Qualitative Study, Stephanie L. Godrich, Melissa Stoneham, Isabelle Chiera, Jess Doe, Amanda Devine, Emily Humphreys

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Issue Addressed: This work aimed to understand the ways in which local organisations were working in partnership to support food security action in rural, regional, and remote areas. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 101 food security initiative leaders, representing 148 food initiatives within Australia's largest state, Western Australia (WA). A thematic analysis was undertaken using NVivo that indicated a total of 378 partnering organisations worked on the food security initiatives. Results: Organisations partnered to address food security in their regions through coordinated action; community consultation; food/financial donations; funding and grants; on-ground programme and service delivery and physical and human …

Postoperative Care Pathways For Patients Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery: An Observational Study, Dima Nasrawi, Sharon Latimer, Debbie Massey, Brigid M. Gillespie

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims: The aim of this study was to describe the postoperative care pathway, with phase 1 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) delivery, for adult patients following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery at one large hospital in Queensland, Australia. Design and methods: This observational study involved structured observations, patient electronic medical record audits, and field notes to gather postoperative data. Four continuous hours of patient and healthcare professional (HCP) observations gathered at 30-min intervals occurred on 12 separate days over a 1-month period (February–March 2023). We observed post-CABG patients and HCPs involved in delivering direct care. Data were gathered on the clinical …

Improving Provider Documentation For Procedure Authorizations: A Nursing Perspective On Enhancing Outcomes And Compliance, Juli Legg

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Insurance denials resulting from non-standardized documentation and communication gaps in the prior authorization process adversely impacted financial performance and patient care within the electrophysiology (EP) department of a large Midwest academic medical center. High denial rates for costly procedures revealed a need for improved alignment with payer medical necessity criteria. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to enhance provider documentation, reduce denials, improve care delivery, and increase revenue by implementing standardized documentation templates. A review of the literature supports that standardized documentation and clinical decision support tools enhance consistency, reduce errors, and improve prior authorization success rates. Guided by the …

Implementing An Evidence-Based Transitional Care Toolkit To Reduce Postpartum Readmissions In Women With Chronic Conditions, Cassidy La Fleur

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Postpartum women with preexisting chronic conditions are at increased risk of hospital readmissions due to fragmented care transitions and poor follow-up adherence. At the project site, the 30-day postpartum readmission rate was 10%, exceeding the national benchmark of 7.15%. Gaps in standardized discharge planning and limited patient engagement were identified as contributing factors.

Aim of the Project: The aim of this quality improvement (QI) project was to reduce 30-day postpartum readmissions in women with chronic health conditions by implementing an evidence-based transitional care toolkit within a women’s outpatient clinic.

Review of the Evidence: Evidence supports the use of structured, …

Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening Referrals In A Rural Health Clinic, Kysha Mcbee

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Preventive screening for colorectal cancer has been associated with early detection and improved 5-year survival rates. The referral rates for colorectal cancer screening at the practicum site were 17.7%, well below the national benchmarks of 71.8%.

Aim of the Project: The aim of this project was to increase the screening referral rates in adults aged 45 to 75 years by 50% over a ten-week period by implementing an evidence-based toolkit.

Review of the Evidence: Literature review highlighted barriers to colorectal cancer screening, such as knowledge …

Improving Depression Screening For Young Adults In Outpatient Settings, Addie Smith

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Depression among young adults aged 25 to 35 years in the United States has been among the second highest at 19.9%. Depression underdiagnosis stems from many patient-level causes, including a lack of standardized screening, inadequate provider education, and stigma of mental illness. Untreated depression results in low quality of life, comorbidities, suicidality, and socioeconomic issues.

Aim of the Project: The aim of this project was to address the gap in practice by implementing a standardized screening process for young adults to enhance diagnoses and increase screening rates.

Review of the Evidence: A comprehensive review of the evidence …

Optimizing Pressure Injury Prevention: Implementation Of The Sskin Bundle In Acute Care, Joycelyn Mccall

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) contribute to increased morbidity, extended hospitals stay, and significant healthcare costs. At the project site in northwest, Indiana, HAPI rates averaged 6.29%, which significantly higher than the national benchmark of 2.24%. Inconsistencies in documentation, a lack of standardized preventive practices, and variable staff engagement contributed to these increased rates. Despite the use of the Braden Scale, staff inconsistently implemented preventive interventions.

Aim of the Project: The aim of the project is to reduce HAPI incidence by 30% over 10 weeks by implementing the surface, skin inspection, keep moving, incontinence/moisture management, and nutrition (SSKIN) bundle and …

Patient-Centered Approach To Decrease Length Of Stay, Erika Beck

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Unmet social needs contribute to hospital readmissions and extended inpatient stays, placing strain on care coordination and hospital throughput. Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), such as housing instability, lack of transportation, or food insecurity, are often unaddressed in clinical workflows. At the project site, a gap in effectively integrating SDOH into the discharge planning process led to delayed discharges and increased length of stay (LOS). Additionally, 41.20% exceeded the Geometric Mean Length of Stay (GMLOS), surpassing the organizational benchmark of 40.17%. Gaps in standardized assessment and communication of SDOH data limited the ability to plan timely discharges and connect …

Preventing 30-Day Rehospitalization In Congestive Heart Failure Utilizing Transitional Care Teams, Esther Baminrin

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) continues to be a prevalent and challenging health issue, contributing significantly to hospital readmissions within the first 30 days of patients transitioning to home health care. Rehospitalization affects the patient's quality of life and the agency's revenue, as reimbursements are paused when patients are hospitalized during the first 30 days of admission to a home health agency. The agency experienced a 22% rehospitalization rate within a year, slightly higher than the national average of 10%.

Aim of the Project: The primary objective of this project was to decrease rehospitalization of patients with CHF within the …

Optimizing Transfer Classification: Enhancing Accuracy And Reducing Readmission Rate Penalties For Cardiovascular Care In Short-Term Rehab, Aeshia Hicks

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: In a short-term rehabilitation (STR) setting, misclassification of planned hospital transfers as unplanned readmissions among elderly cardiovascular patients inflated CMS-reported readmission rates, distorted performance metrics, and led to financial penalties under the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP). A gap analysis revealed a 14% misclassification rate, significantly higher than the CMS benchmark of 8.65%, which was attributed to inconsistent documentation and a lack of standardized classification criteria.

Aim of the Project: To reduce transfer misclassification by 20% through the implementation of a standardized electronic health record (EHR) template and targeted staff education, thereby improving CMS compliance and documentation integrity in …

Preventing Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries Using Turn Teams And Verbal Reminders, Joyce O. Blaboe

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) are a preventable, yet persistent issue in healthcare, particularly in the pulmonary and infectious disease unit of a Northeastern U.S. hospital. HAPIs prolong hospital stays, increase healthcare costs, and pose potential legal risks. Despite implementing evidence-based protocols, including the leaf patient monitoring system, the hospital reported six avoidable HAPIs cases in the early fiscal year 2025.

Aim: The quality improvement (QI) project aimed to reduce HAPIs incidents by 10% within 12 weeks by introducing turn teams and verbal reminders to enhance existing protocols.

Evidence Review: Regular turning and repositioning are essential to HAPIs prevention. Additionally, …

Enhancing Diabetes Care In Adult Patients With Type 2 Diabetes In An Outpatient Setting, Osayanmo Ojo

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent chronic condition associated with significant morbidity, particularly among underserved populations. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement (QI) project aimed to improve diabetes care among adult patients with poorly controlled T2DM (A1C > 9%) in an outpatient primary care clinic by increasing referrals to the Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) program. Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle and the OhioHealth Change Management (OHCM) model, the project implemented structured interventions including standardized DSME referral workflows, electronic health record (EHR) prompts, provider education, and culturally tailored communication strategies.

The 12-week initiative targeted 68 eligible patients. …