Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Balneotherapy For Sleep Improvement And Reducing Depression In Knee Osteoarthritis Patients, Anca Paula Ciurba, Alexandru Bogdan Ilieș, Ionel Haidu, Doriana Ioana Ciobanu, Theodora Ursu, Florin Mihai Marcu, Dorina Ianc

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic condition and a leading cause of global disability, often associated with pain, depression, and sleep disturbances. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of warm mineral water combined with physical therapy on sleep quality, depression and pain intensity in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: The study involved 101 subjects (68.78±6.92 years) who were assigned to  a control group (CG) or an experimental group (EG). All subjects benefited from physical therapy and electrotherapy for 10 days. The experimental group additionally benefited from therapy with hot mineral water. …

Development Of The U.S. Academic Ophthalmology Faculty Database (Us-Aofd): A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Analysis, Brenton T. Bicknell, Josephine M. Rudd Zhong Manis, Haley Chishom, Yejin Heo, Lance Dzubinski, Alvina Liang, Taylor L. Aaserud, Shayan Massoumi, Thanushri Srikantha, John Stoffer, Emily Mccourt, Sruthi Arepalli, Beeran Meghpara, Ayan Chatterjee, Basil K. Williams, Janice Law, Steven E. Brooks, Robert Tauscher

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology

Background: Academic ophthalmology plays a critical role in advancing eye care and training the next generation of ophthalmologists. However, comprehensive data on the U.S. academic ophthalmology workforce remains limited. Existing databases focus on individual subspecialties or specific demographics, without capturing a national, integrated perspective.

Purpose: To develop and analyze the U.S. Academic Ophthalmology Faculty Database (US-AOFD), a comprehensive, national resource that characterizes the demographic composition, academic ranks, leadership roles, and research productivity of ophthalmology faculty at Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)–accredited programs in the United States.

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study compiled data for 4,028 …

The Effect Of Low And High-Carbohydrate Diets On Memory Performance In College Students, Samia Baugh, Zoe Zajko, Jamie Analuisa, Ivanna Jacome

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the brain and play an important role in processes related to memory performance. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a low-carbohydrate diet compared to a high-carbohydrate diet on memory performance in college students aged 18–22 years. For the purposes of this study, a low-carbohydrate diet is defined as a diet providing fewer than 130 grams of carbohydrates per day, while a high-carbohydrate diet provides approximately 325 grams of carbohydrates. This population is particularly important to study because college students experience high academic demands that require strong memory …

Exploring The Role Of Patient Feedback In Medical Education, Hovhannes John Hayrapetyan, Stella Hayrapetyan, Diane L. Levine Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: Patient feedback is increasingly recognized as a valuable yet underutilized component of medical student assessment. When collected reliably, delivered with specificity, and embedded in a supportive learning environment, feedback can improve communication, professionalism, and patient-centered behaviors while promoting reflective, self-directed learning. However, studies highlight limitations including inadequate longitudinal evidence for sustained improvement, inconsistent use of structured tools, and insufficient faculty guidance. Instruments such as the Patient Feedback in Clinical Practice (PFCP) questionnaire show promise but require broader testing, and links between learner feedback and patient outcomes remain weak.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, …

Six-Week Time-Restricted Eating Lowers Premature Mortality Risk In Overweight Early Elderly Adults: Evidence From A Body Shape Index, Przemysław Domaszewski, Mariusz Konieczny

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: A Body Shape Index (ABSI) is an anthropometric indicator combining waist circumference, weight, and height, providing a BMI-independent measure of central obesity and a recognized predictor of mortality. Despite its relevance, research on ABSI in early elderly populations remains limited. This study assessed the impact of a six-week time-restricted eating (TRE) intervention on ABSI z-scores in overweight adults aged 65–74, with attention to gender differences. Materials and Methods: A total of 116 participants were randomized into a TRE group (16:8 fasting window from 8:00 PM to 12:00 PM) or a control group maintaining habitual eating. ABSI z-scores were evaluated …

Changes In 25(Oh)D Concentration, Bone Resorption Markers And Physical Performance Due To Sun Exposure, Diet And Training Load Among Professional Women Handball Players During The Half-Year Training Season, Sorin Dacian Buhas, Zbigniew Jastrzębski, Paul Florian Dragos, Marius Alin Marinau, Maria Skalska, Mirela Stef, Joanna Jastrzębska, Mihai Sandra, Dana Ioana Cristea

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to demonstrate changes in 25(OH)D concentration, bone resorption indicators and physical fitness in female handball players as a result of their exposure to the sun, diet and exercise load during the six-month training period from mid-March to mid-September, i.e. the time when the sun exposure is the highest during the calendar year. Twenty-two women handball players participated in the study. Due to the random occurrences and exclusion criteria, 20 players completed the project. Biochemical analysis of blood, aerobic capacity, running speed and power tests (Wingate test, squat jump, counter movement jump, etc.) was …

Breaking Barriers: Advancement Toward Practical Nursing Licensure For Certified Medication Assistants In Long-Term Care--A Descriptive Study, Aleshia L. Maxwell

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

The persistent nursing shortage across the United States, particularly in Long-Term Care (LTC) settings, has complicated the healthcare system’s ability to meet the needs of an aging population. While existing research often examines progression from Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN), limited research explores factors influencing progression from entry-level LTC healthcare workers to Practical Nursing (PN) licensure. This quantitative descriptive study examined the barriers and supporting factors influencing advancement toward PN licensure for Medication Assistants-Certified (MA-Cs) in Arkansas LTC facilities. A convenience sample of N=100 participated in the study. Results indicated that financial and structural barriers often …

Florence S.T.C. Building Starts, Birmingham News

Documents

Student health at Florence State Teachers College to be enhanced with new gymnasium for the school

Construction Projects Picking Up At Una Again, Jennifer Edwards

Documents

Demolition of Floyd Hall and other talk of new construction for The University of North Alabama

Media Center Gets New Studio, Name, Timesdaily

Documents

New Media Center and grand opening for the new Communications Building (former Gymnasium) in 1988

Health, Physical Education Program At College Will Be Aided By New Gym And Pool, The Florence Times

Documents

Construction of new Gymnasium and Pool at Florence State Teachers College

Evaluating Clinical-Academic Partnerships In Physical Therapy Education: A Critically Appraised Topic On Available Assessment Tools, Jocelin Friedman, Hannah Bennett, Rachel Atkinson, Leona Hidalgo

Pacific Journal of Health

Scenario: Physical Therapy Clinical Education represents a significant component of curricula and requires cooperation between academic institutions and clinical education sites (CES). Curriculum structure variation, clinical instructor availability, and student internship demands impact the academic institutions and CES partnership. For stakeholders, communication of expectations and the individuality of the student placement workflow can strain partnerships. Longevity of the clinical-academic partnership depends on effective evaluation incorporating perspectives of both parties. Question: Are there bi- directional assessment tools or protocols available to help academic institutions and CES to evaluate each other in the areas of administrative and collaborative performance? Methods …

Bias Analysis And The Movement Toward A Bias-Free Curriculum, Haley J. Mcmahon, Denyelle Kenyon

Scholarship Pathways Program

Implicit biases within medical education can influence learners’ perceptions, clinical reasoning, and future patient interactions. This study analyzed implicit bias within the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine’s (USD SSOM) Pillar I pre‑clerkship curriculum using a two‑phase mixed‑methods approach. Phase I consisted of a subjective content analysis of randomly selected lectures across ten system blocks, examining both textual and visual materials for evidence of bias in eleven domains identified by the Association of American Medical Colleges. Phase II employed quantitative survey data from the MD Class of 2027, who rated perceived bias in lecture content, lecture images, exam …

Iris Melanoma: A Case Report And Review, Emily Scully Od, Breyne Middleton Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Uveal melanoma is the most common primary cancer of the eye. It can be diagnosed with fundus exam and ancillary tests. Metastasis occurs in about half of primary uveal melanoma patients and is very often fatal. The liver is the most common site of metastasis. Iris melanomas are the least common type of uveal melanoma. Choroidal and ciliary body melanoma are the most common. Iris nevi are quite common and the rate of transformation into melanoma is low but early detection is critical given the high mortality rate associated with metastasis.

Case Report: This case highlights the importance of …

Empathy, Compassion Fatigue, And Resilience In Central Florida Firefighters And Ems Personnel, Lisa M. Correll

PhD in Education

The purpose of this nonexperimental quantitative study was to determine the relationship between empathy, compassion fatigue (CF), and resilience in firefighters and EMS personnel. Career firefighters and EMS personnel (N = 76) in Central Florida participated in an online survey that included demographic information, the Empathy Assessment Index, Professional Quality of Life Scale, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10. Participants reported high perceptions of empathy (M = 4.11), resilience (M = 3.98), and quality of life (M = 3.28), but CF was perceived at low levels (M = 2.97). Empathy was not predictive of CF, indicating that overall empathy alone does …

Education And Training In Water Operator Certification And Its Role In Water Utility System Performance, Heath A. Edelman

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

Access to safe and reliable drinking water is a foundational component of public health and environmental protection. The United States drinking water sector is highly regulated and increasingly challenged by workforce shortages, aging infrastructure, and variability in operator training requirements across states. Despite the federal mandate for operator certification under the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996, empirical evidence on the effectiveness of certification policies in improving regulatory compliance outcomes remains limited.

This study examined the relationship between operator certification policies and drinking water compliance outcomes under the Safe Drinking Water Act, with particular attention to differences across violation …

Optimizing Makeup Application Techniques For Women With Tenodesis: Adaptations And Ergonomic Solutions, Ashley J. Medina, Wendy Tremaine, Lee Ann Hoffman

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

To enhance independence in makeup application for women utilizing a tenodesis grasp, Ashley Medina, OTS, in collaboration with Able Faith, Inc., developed and presented a capstone poster outlining a targeted program of adaptive strategies and ergonomic solutions. This program was designed to address the unique functional challenges experienced by women with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) while promoting autonomy and confidence in daily self-care routines.

The experience objectives included: (1) identifying existing adaptive equipment that supports individuals with SCIs in completing makeup application tasks; (2) examining and understanding the roles of interdisciplinary team members working with individuals with SCI in comparison …

Start With What They Know: Using Motivational Interviewing To Create A Cooking Class, A Culinary Intervention For Teens (Autistic And Non-Autistic), Gwendolyn S. Tedder

LEND Trainee Presentations

Autistic teens are at greater risk for having heart disease and diabetes as adults. Food particularity, sensory issues, fixed mindset, and anxiety over trying new things can slow down their interest in preparing food for themselves. Nurturing basic cooking skills and gently encouraging trying new foods would provide more nutritional options to teens as they move into adulthood. A cooking class preceded by Motivational Interviewing (MI) developed further interest in preparing food afterward in teens, both autistic and non-autistic, and in trying new foods for autistic teens with food concerns.

Pastoral Listening Skills Training In The Black Baptist Church: Equipping Clergy To Better Support Congregants, Regina Pair Allen

Doctor of Ministry Projects and Theses

This study engages a historical survey of qualitative studies of perspectives of Black pastors regarding pastoral care, examining various avenues for training in pastoral listening and the role of ministers as theological clinicians in supporting church ministries and community needs. The findings highlight the ongoing need for professional development among pastors as primary educators and theological clinicians. The study underscores the importance of equipping Black Baptist pastors to address the clinical pastoral needs of African American congregants. The significance to this field of study is providing Black Baptist clergy with practical skills and tools, grounded in theological principles, to better …

A Word From The Writing Team (April 2026), Pam Walter, Mfa, Laura Deloretta, Phd

A Word From the Writing Team (Newsletter)

No abstract provided.

2026 Research Day Program, Lincoln Memorial University

Research Day

This program contains abstracts and presentation summaries from LMU's 2026 Annual Research Day conference.

We Are Each One Second Away From Being Someone Else's Patient, Paul B. Freeman Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Editorial

Birdshot Chorioretinopathy: A Review Of Diagnosis And Treatment, Jill Gottehrer Od, Steven Follansbee Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Birdshot chorioretinopathy is a rare, bilateral chronic uveitis resulting in choroidal and retinal inflammation in the form of vasculitis, papillitis, and/or macular edema. For an accurate diagnosis, a thorough patient history, fundoscopic exam, and appropriate ancillary testing are necessary.

Case Report: A 49-year-old male presented to the eye clinic due to vitreous floaters in both eyes that had worsened over the last year. The patient was new to the clinic with no prior history of eye examinations. At presentation, a mild vitritis was noted along with small, multiple white dots in the posterior pole of both eyes. Ancillary testing, …

Focal Choroidal Excavation Associated With Resolved Central Serous Chorioretinopathy, Loren W. Bennett Od, Katherine M. Mehalik Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Focal choroidal excavation is a localized concavity of the choroid within the macula defined by its appearance on optical coherence tomography. The condition is typically nonprogressive and often an incidental finding. It may not impact vision, although it can be associated with other visually significant macular pathologies.

Case Report: A 48-year-old male patient presented with a recent history of blurred vision in the left eye. A dilated fundus examination revealed a discrete area of pigment mottling in the macula; both the history and clinical appearance were consistent with resolved central serous chorioretinopathy. Optical coherence tomography did not show residual …

Perceptions Of Virginia Dentists And Dental Hygienists Towards Emerging Alternative Dental Hygiene Workforce Provider Models, Lauren B. Mangum

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Background: A perceived shortage of dental hygienists in the United States has been linked to delays in preventive care and concerns about declining oral health outcomes. In response, some states have proposed alternative pathways permitting internationally trained dentists, dental students, and oral preventive assistants (OPAs) with limited or inconsistent education requirements to provide dental hygiene services. Limited evidence exists regarding whether these strategies would effectively address access to care and workforce challenges. Concerns have also been raised about the potential effects of expanding scope of practice for providers with limited education or training on patient safety and quality of care. …

Modeling Early Indicators For Success In An Associate Degree In Nursing Program, Joseph D. Moss

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

Persistent nursing workforce shortages across the United States have increased the importance of Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs as primary entry points into the profession. Community colleges prepare a substantial portion of the nursing workforce; however, attrition within ADN programs limits the number of graduates entering practice. Understanding factors associated with academic performance and program completion is essential for strengthening nursing education pathways and supporting workforce development. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine early academic and sociodemographic factors associated with successful completion of an ADN program at a suburban community college.

Guided by Becker’s Human Capital …

Learning In Motion: How Small Groups Can Promote Self-Regulated Learning In Physical Therapy Students, Sara Mclaren

STEMPS Theses & Dissertations

Self-regulated learning (SRL) is a critical skill for success in rigorous graduate health professions programs, where students must independently manage complex academic demands. Despite its importance, limited research has examined SRL processes among Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in the didactic phase of training. Guided by Zimmerman’s cyclical model of self-regulated learning, this study examined SRL behaviors among second-year DPT students and explored how small group learning contexts may influence engagement in SRL processes and academic performance.

This mixed-methods study included 39 DPT students enrolled in a physical therapy program at a public university in the southeastern United States. …

From Eccentric Force To Explosive Output: A Multidimensional Analysis Of Mechanical Efficiency, Neuromuscular Strategy, And Performance Prediction In National-Level Junior Badminton Athletes Undergoing Overload Training, Mariola Gepfert, Kinga Łosińska, Dariusz T. Skalski, Magdalena Prończuk, Izabella Socha, Alicja Markiel, Aleksandra Markowska, Adam Maszczyk, Artur Gołaś

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

This study aimed to investigate the neuromechanical pathways linking eccentric force production to explosive concentric output during countermovement jumps (CMJ) in national-level junior badminton athletes undergoing a specialized eccentric training program. Objective: 36 male athletes (age 16.5 ± 1.2 years) were quasi-randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n=18), which completed a 6-week supervised eccentric overload training in-volving flywheel squats and depth jumps thrice weekly, or a control group (CG; n=18), which maintained their habitual in-season training without additional interventions. Methods: Pre- and post-intervention assessments included CMJ performance measured on a force platform, with detailed analysis of kinetic and temporal …

Physical And Physiological Profiles Of Competitive Fencers: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Strength, Power, Endurance, Agility And Asymmetry, Joanna Motowidło, Miłosz Drozd, Petr Stastny, Dariusz T. Skalski, Izabella Socha, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Evidence on lower-limb strength, explosive power and bilateral asymmetry in competitive fencing is fragmented, and the relative impact of general neuromuscular capacity versus targeted training interventions remains unclear. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide a multidimensional, evidence-based synthesis of data on strength, power, and bilateral asymmetry of the lower limbs in professional fencers. Materials and methods: Following PRISMA 2020 (PROSPERO CRD420251041007), six databases were searched by 31 January 2025. Forty studies of fencers aged ≥ 12 years met the inclusion criteria. Three domain-specific random-effects meta-analyses (DerSimonian–Laird) were conducted: (1) integrated strength and power across …

Perspective In Biomedical Sciences Field: Education And Career, Fitra Adi Prayogo, Mellyaning Oktaviani Sonya Kirana Sari, Isy Royhanaty, Poppy Fansisca Amelia, Heni Wijayanti, Ni Nyoman Maryaningtyas Adinatha, Dyah Wulandari, Anto Budiharjo

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Abstract

Background: The biomedical sciences represent a dynamic and multidisciplinary field pivotal to advancing human health through research, education, and innovation.

Objective(s): This review explores the evolving landscape of biomedical education and career pathways, driven by technological advancements, interdisciplinary integration, and global health demands.

Methods: We examine the distinctions between biomedical science, biomedicine, and biomedical engineering, highlighting their historical origins and contemporary roles. The education and career trajectories of biomedical laboratory scientists (BLS) are analysed, emphasising diverse competencies, core curricula, and the impact of regional policies on professional qualifications. Emerging trends and ethical/regulatory challenges are discussed.

Result(s): Key trends include …