Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Next Drug Epidemic Is Legal: The Nation's Kratom Problem Is More Complicated—And More Harmful—Than It Seems, Elizabeth Walsh

Capstones

This two-part health and science investigative piece reports how kratom and its offshoots have quietly fueled a lucrative and legal addiction epidemic for the last decade. While kratom’s derivative alkaloid 7-hyrdoxymitragynine made headlines this year and as the DEA is poised to ban the strong derivative, “natural” kratom and other kratom-derived products will remain. This piece tracks the history of the 'gas‑station opioid' crisis in the U.S. over ten years: what was thought to be an innocuous southeast Asian supplement has become multi-billion dollar industry built on gray‑area laws, marketed falsehoods, and regulatory loophooles.

Part 1: The ‘Gas Station Opioid’ …

Two Major Ontario Hospital Labs Bought Research Dogs From U.S. Breeder With Troubled Pastdogs Bred For Scientific And Medical Testing Suffer Abuse As The Scientific Industry Increasingly Turns To Alternatives For Research., Allison Hunter, Mary Beech, Sami Marshak, Kate Morano

Capstones

The purpose-bred dog breeding industry for research is little known. Each year, thousands of dogs are bred for scientific and medical testing, supplied to research facilities by a handful of major commercial breeders. But gaps in enforcement and regulation have allowed abuses to persist, even as the industry increasingly turns to alternatives to animal testing. Animal rights advocates have been decrying the treatment of these dogs. A federal Inspector General report found lax oversight of the industry, raising further concerns about how dogs are treated. This story was reported in collaboration with the Investigative Journalism Bureau, based in Toronto, and …

Abc Pharmaceutical Company Change Model: Implementing J.P. Kotter's 8-Step And Adkar Change Models For Ethical Alignment, Shelbi B. Chandler, Amalfi Gayosso, Alison Lawton, Ali Holness-Roland

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

In this paper, we use the pseudonym ABC Pharmaceuticals (ABC) to refer to the company under examination, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). ABC Pharmaceutical (ABC) must assess, adapt, and change to ensure regulatory compliance, maintain and attract employees, and remain competitive. ABC has a history of erroneous practices and is at risk internally with employees, and externally with regulators and the public sectors. The authors applied J.P. Kotter’s (1996) 8-step and the ADKAR (Hiatt, 2006) models for change management. J.P. Kotter’s top-down model addresses leadership’s role in creating a compelling vision aligned with its actions, and the ADKAR bottom-up model assesses employees’ readiness …

Personal Health Advice In The World Of Artificial Intelligence: An Assessment Of Responses From Chatgpt For Three Common Health Conditions In The Southern United States, Marion W. Evans Jr, Julie Harrison Swartz, Harrison Ndetan, Damian Francis, John Moore, Mary Kozub, Ernie Kaninjing, Jennifer Jones-Locklear, Debbie Greene, Josie Doss

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) applications within the health sciences including education and healthcare practice are now common. Patients are likely to apply AI to better understand their health status or to learn what they can do to improve their health.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate outputs from ChatGPT for three common health conditions seen in the southern United States as to whether it would include medically biased care or lifestyle related advice, legitimate sources of information and to assess reading levels generated.

Methods: Health care professionals rated outputs in 4 areas and interrater …

Assessing Education And Training Of Developmental Screening Tools Among Residents In A Southern Academic Medical Center, Paige Seabrook, Dustin E. Sarver, Susan Buttross

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Developmental disabilities are highly common. Early identification of developmental disabilities is critical, but many practitioners, including those in Southern U.S. states like Mississippi, do not utilize developmental screening tools.

Purpose: We aimed to identify modifiable targets within resident training experiences and their correlates using a quality improvement approach to serve as a baseline for intervention efforts.

Methods: Medical residents (N = 57) in pediatrics (n = 26), combined medicine-pediatrics (n = 12), and family medicine (n = 19) completed a survey assessing training, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers regarding using screening tools. Perceived barriers were …

Enhancing Public Health Strategies: Addressing The Rsv Burden In Alabama Through Clinical Treatment, Community Prevention, And Surveillance Approaches, Martha K. Findley Roper, Jennifer S. Dawson

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Introduction: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly contagious pathogen driving morbidity, hospitalizations, and economic burden. This review uses the epidemiological triad and National Wastewater Surveillance System data to assess transmission, viral load spikes in Alabama, and strategies for treatment and prevention.

Methods: A review of literature on supportive care, vaccination, monoclonal antibodies, and emerging nanomedicine was reviewed to evaluate strategies for reducing viral burden and complications.

Results: Trends from December 2024–January 2025 were assessed with National Wastewater Surveillance System data. Primary prevention includes immunization, hygiene, air quality maintenance, and early diagnostics. Tertiary care addresses complications such as secondary …

Risk For Infant Mortality Among Childbearing Women In Alabama, Michael Rutalira Koko

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Infant mortality is an important indicator of the health of a population. From 2016 to 2020, the infant mortality rate in Alabama significantly decreased. However, disparities remain among different groups. The objective of this analysis is to evaluate risk factors and disparities of infant mortality for the past five years.

Methods: We used the Alabama Center for Health Statistics database, a population-based state vital records registry. We included 290,832 births to women aged 15 to 44 years linked to 1,575 infant deaths from 2016 to 2020. We excluded births at less than 20 weeks of gestation and weighing 500 …

Trends In Drug Overdose Deaths In Alabama, 2010-2020, Michael Rutalira Koko, Raphu Wakumeki

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Drug overdose deaths are the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. Over the past two decades, drug overdose deaths have dramatically increased in the United States, and the rise in the number of drug overdose deaths is mostly due to opioids. This descriptive study aimed to examine trends in drug overdose deaths according to age, sex, and race/ethnicity from 2010 to 2020 in Alabama.

Methods: We used data from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) and the U.S. Census Bureau to calculate age-adjusted mortality rates for specific age groups, gender, and race/ethnicity. We used SAS Version …

What Are The Global Differences In Air Quality Due To The Covid-19 Pandemic?, Jude Spencer, Ian Mcgee, Brandon Solis-Martinez

Student Scholar Symposium

The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented global disruptions, including significant changes in air quality due to lockdown measures, reduced industrial activity, and shifts in transportation patterns. Air pollution, primarily from nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and particulate matter (PM2.5), is a major environmental and public health concern. While some studies suggest temporary improvements in air quality during lockdowns, long-term impacts remain uncertain across different regions. To examine this, we investigated the research question: "What are the global differences in air quality due to the Covid-19 pandemic?" Using peer-reviewed studies from the Greenfile and ScienceDirect databases, along with EPA data, …

“In A Relationship”: Can Ai Take The Place Of A Human Relationship?, Hannah Smith

Student Scholar Symposium

This research explores the impact of AI on adolescent development, specifically focusing on how large-language models (LLMs) influence the way adolescents approach and value human connections. While AI can offer some benefits, it cannot fully replace the essential elements of human relationships, such as empathy, creativity, and emotional understanding, which are fundamental to a fulfilled life.

Hyperbaric Chambers For College Athletes, Alex Pinkston

Student Scholar Symposium

The use of hyperbaric chambers is gaining attention as a beneficial treatment for college athletes, offering a healthier alternative to more common, yet riskier, performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and modern pharmaceuticals. While professional athletes often have the financial resources to afford hyperbaric therapy, college athletes face similar intensive training regimens but frequently turn to harmful substances to enhance recovery and performance due to limited access to alternative treatments. This research explores the potential of hyperbaric chambers to support the physical and mental well-being of college athletes, highlighting their role in reducing recovery time, enhancing tissue repair, and improving overall performance. Furthermore, …

Acceptance And Commitment Therapy: A Treatment Option For Substance Use Disorders, Miriam N. Mukasa, Ashley Yaugher, Ty Aller

All Current Publications

There are many evidence-based treatments for individuals experiencing substance use disorders (SUDs) that support both individuals and families. Psychological treatments are effective for a wide range of SUDs, making them a key approach for helping people with differing needs. This fact sheet provides information on treatments and provides more detail about acceptance and commitment therapy as a SUD treatment support.

College Athlete Mental Health: Identifying Sources Of Support In Collegiate Athletics, Levone Lee, Lauren Beasley, Kaylee A. Palomino, Patricia M. Kelshaw, Joycelyn Kennedy, Deborah Chanan, Elinah Russell, Tarkington J. Newman

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Despite having access to resources and services, college athletes continue to encounter negative mental health experiences and outcomes. Prior research has begun to identify key sources of social support within collegiate athletics, including teammates and athletic trainers. However, there is limited understanding of with whom college athletes feel most comfortable discussing their mental health. The current study aims to identify preferred sources of social support when athletes wish to discuss their mental health and, in turn, examine differences in preference among unique college athlete populations. In total, 247 college athletes participated in the study, representing eight universities within an NCAA …

Examining The Relationship Between Gambling Advertising & Gambling Behavior, Ilkim Green, Eric Wickenhauser, Hannah White Ph.D

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Gambling advertising has become increasingly prevalent across various media platforms such as TV, social media, real-life advertising, etc. With advertisements designed to influence attitudes, intentions, and behaviors of potential and existing consumers, this review aims to compile existing research to examine the measurable effects of gambling advertising. Studies indicate that young people and problem gamblers are especially vulnerable to these advertisements, which normalize gambling and contribute to increases in gambling behavior. This effect on behavior is dose-dependent; increased exposure to advertising is associated with greater gambling engagement. While responsible gambling messages are often included in advertisements, they remain largely ineffective …

Comparing Romantic Love And Chocolate Craving, Oluchi Onyegbula, Sandra Langeslag

Undergraduate Research Symposium

People in love often crave their beloved, and some people who enjoy chocolate crave chocolate. This study explored the differences in craving, pleasantness, and arousal for the beloved and for chocolate. It also measured whether people exhibited a greater attentional bias for their beloved or chocolate. It is hypothesized that participants would experience greater craving, pleasantness, and arousal for their beloved than for chocolate. Additionally, some difference was expected for attentional bias toward the beloved and chocolate, but the directionality was not predicted. Six participants (M = 23.83 years, SD = 3.66) who reported being in love and self-identified …

The Equity Dead Zones: Legal Intersectionality Failure Points In Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Tearria N. Simmons

The Guardianship Journal

Legal intersectionality failure points describe the systemic fractures that occur where overlapping legal, social, and economic inequalities converge, potentially producing compounded barriers to relief. Each failure point marks a site of marginalization. In what ways do individuals already recognized as vulnerable in Chapter 13 bankruptcy face a heightened risk when multiple forms of disadvantage intersect? When these intersections combine in mutually reinforcing ways—racial, economic, and relational disparities colliding with structural deficiencies in family, property, and bankruptcy law—does it result in pronounced negative outcomes, and, if so, what are those outcomes? Within this convergence, could there be a space where compounded …

The Impact Of Exercise On Albuminuria And Kidney Function In The 2nd And 3rd Trimesters Of Physiological Pregnancy, Wojciech Wołyniec, Andrzej Kochanowicz, Jan Mieszkowski, Łukasz Radzimiński, Marcin Renke, Anna Szumilewicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Physical activity is an important part of healthy lifestyle and should be continued during low-risk pregnancy. Several studies have suggested that most pregnant women had no contraindications to perform exercises. The aim of the study was to assess the acute effect of an exercise test up to refusal and a chronic impact of an 8-week HIIT program on albuminuria and kidney function in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Material and Methods: A group of 36 pregnant women was studied. At the beginning of the study, all participants had normal kidney function and albuminuria at rest. Nineteen women …

Exploring The Impact Of Inpatient Mental Health Care On Adolescents, Alexandria M. Mckahan

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

Adolescent psychiatric hospitalizations continue to rise, yet there is limited research on which daily practices inside inpatient units genuinely support engagement and recovery. This project examined how structure, staff tone, and therapeutic programming influence adolescents’ participation and emotional stability within a real inpatient setting. The study focused on three questions: how structured routines affect recovery, what challenges staff face when supporting adolescents with complex needs, and how adolescents’ engagement patterns reflect their perception of care. Using a mixed-methods case study at Mesa Springs Behavioral Health Hospital, I conducted approximately twenty field observations, semi-structured staff interviews, and descriptive engagement tracking across …

Best Integrated Writing Fall 2025 - Complete Edition, Wright State University School Of Humanities And Cultural Studies, Tracy Smith, Kristie Mckiernan

Best Integrated Writing

Best Integrated Writing includes excellent student writing from Integrated Writing courses taught at Wright State University.

Physical Performance Differences Between Top And First League Female Football Players: Insights From Locomotion Metrics, Mariola Gepfert, Artur Gołaś, Miłosz Drozd, Katarzyna Strońska-Grabień, Piotr Sawicki, Ewelina Lulińska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aims to compare locomotion metrics between Poland’s Top League and First League at the team level using 10 Hz GPS. Methods: Team-level match data (autumn round) were analysed. The following metrics were computed: total distance, high-speed running (HSR: 19–23 km·h⁻¹ [5.28–6.39 m·s⁻¹]), sprinting (> 23 km·h⁻¹ [> 6.39 m·s⁻¹]), accelerations and decelerations at two thresholds (> 3.0 and > 4.0 m·s⁻²), and Player Load (arbitrary units, tri-axial accelerometry). Between-league differences were tested with Mann–Whitney U; rank-biserial effect sizes were reported. Results: Top League teams covered more sprint and HSR distance and performed more ACC/DEC at both thresholds (all …

Incorrect Administration Of The Rabies Vaccine Leading To An Unusual Case Of Acute Bursitis And Tendonitis Of The Rotator Cuff, Chelsea Lee, Jina Nmn Park, Alberto Giardini

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is an uncommon but increasingly recognized complication resulting from improper intramuscular injection technique. SIRVA occurs when a vaccine is administered too high or too deep into the deltoid muscle, leading to inflammation of the shoulder structures such as the rotator cuff and subacromial bursa. While most reported cases involve influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, SIRVA following rabies vaccination is rare. This case highlights a 46-year-old female who developed acute rotator cuff tendinitis and bursitis after a malplaced rabies vaccine injection. Early recognition and intervention, including corticosteroid injection and physical therapy, led to significant symptom …

Integrating Peer Specialists In Primary Care: Narrative Review With Illustrative Examples, And Pragmatic Recommendations To Support Implementation, Emily M. Johnson, Christina Shook, Kimberly Barrie, Kyle Possemato

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Behavioral health peer support specialists, peers, are health care system employees with lived experience of mental health or substance use concerns who are trained and hired to support others with behavioral health concerns in behavioral health clinics and medical settings. Peer-delivered services have a long history and research consistently demonstrates evidence of varied benefits for a wide range of patients. Peers are increasingly being hired to work within primary care settings to support the needs of primary care patients with behavioral health concerns and enhance the interdisciplinary nature of integrated primary care teams. However, integration of peers into this new …

Addressing Challenges In Accessing Secondary And Tertiary Healthcare Services For Migrants And Refugees In Egypt, Noura Seada, Nehal El-Bakhshawangy, Heba Semary, Fatma Alzahraa Hassan, Ahmed Hammad

Papers, Posters, and Presentations

The growing number of vulnerable migrants and refugees worldwide presents a significant challenge to host countries, particularly in terms of accessing healthcare services. Egypt hosts over 9 million migrants and refugees, with 1.5 million in a vulnerable situation. Despite the country’s efforts in providing adequate healthcare to these vulnerable groups, some challenges persist. This paper addresses the barriers that vulnerable migrants and refugees face when seeking secondary and tertiary healthcare services in Egypt, analyzing the legal, economic, social, and health system factors that contribute to this problem.

In 2018, the Egyptian government began an ambitious journey to reform its healthcare …

Moving Toward Healthy Ageing: The Role Of Physical Activity In Cognitive Function And Self-Esteem Among Older Adults In Türkiye, Canan Birimoglu Okuyan, Müjde Kerkez

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between religious attitudes and breastfeeding attitudes and the effect of this relationship on breastfeeding practices.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 251 older adults. Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Spearman’s correlation and chi-square tests were employed for statistical analysis.

Results: Physical activity levels were positively correlated with both cognitive function (r = 0.546, p < 0.001) and self-esteem (r = 0.168, p < 0.05). No significant association was observed between cognitive function and self-esteem. Physical inactivity, cognitive decline, and low self-esteem were more prevalent among women, participants with lower educational attainment, those with chronic diseases, and individuals engaged in polypharmacy.

Conclusions: The findings emphasize the importance of integrating physical activity promotion into national healthy ageing policies, particularly in Mediterranean contexts such …

Behind The Badge: Effects Of Stress And Trauma In Policing -- Understanding The Importance Of Evidence-Based Prevention, Early Intervention, And Wellness Programs, Jessica Rolshouse

Master of Arts in Human Services

Law enforcement officers are exposed to occupational stress and trauma routinely and at rates that far exceed the general population. This chronic exposure places them at risk for physical and psychological injury and negative outcomes to include mental health disorders including burnout, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Prolonged exposure to occupational stress and trauma also increases the risk of suicidal ideation and dying by suicide, the most tragic outcome of the stress law enforcement officers face. This literature review focuses on individual risk factors, occupational stress, and trauma, and the development of mental health disorders in law enforcement officers. It also …

Neurobehavioral Mechanisms Of Psychotic-Like Experiences And Cannabis Use, Ethan Campbell

Psychology ETDs

As cannabis use has increased steadily over the past decade, there is critical need to evaluate early cannabis use as a potential risk factor for the development of psychosis. Neurobehavioral mechanisms underlying novelty salience could clarify how cannabis exposure may influence subclinical psychotic-like experiences (PLEs). The present study leveraged dynamic functional connectivity and task-fMRI to assess the role of novelty processing in cannabis use and PLEs. A group of brain regions dynamically tied to the salience network while viewing short films were found to increase their activation as a function of stimulus novelty during a novelty bandit task. PLEs were …

Lycopene, Race And Periodontitis: Disparities In Older Adults, Katherine Kwong, You Lu, Zhuo Huan Li, Susu Luo, Zhaoyu Huang, Zhong Chen, Na Zhao, Tung Sung Tseng

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Background Periodontitis is a severe gum disease that can be an indicator of other health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Lycopene has been suggested as an adjunct therapy for periodontitis. This study aims to investigate the association between insufficient lycopene intake and the risk of Periodontitis among non-Hispanic White (NHW) and non-Hispanic Black (NHB) older adults. Methods The study included 1,227 adults aged 65–79 years from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (2009–2014). Total lycopene intake from daily diet was studied with age, race, marital status, smoking status, BMI, diabetes, sex, and education as independent variables in …

Prevention Of Suicide As Perceived By Educated Adults In Ondo Metropolis, Ondo State, Nigeria, Margaret Kehinde Soetan

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

This study investigated prevention of suicide as perceived by educated adults in Ondo metropolis, Ondo State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. Population of the study consisted of all educated adults in Ondo metropolis, Ondo State. The sample comprised two hundred (200) educated adults randomly selected from the metropolis. Structured questionnaire was used as instrument to collect data for the study. Data collected was analysed using mean, ranking, t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results revealed the perception of prevention of suicide as giving people hope for a better life after current problems are resolved, …

Program Outcome Evaluation Of A Flexibly Structured Individual Outpatient Program For Severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder In A Private Practice Setting, Jason R. David

Doctoral Dissertations

The current study is a quantitative program evaluation of the effectiveness private practice for treating obsessive compulsive disorder while incorporating multiple validated components to reduce common barriers of treatment access. There were three outcomes used to evaluate the first being the reduction in symptom severity across treatment, the second being the length of time in treatment before reduction can be seen, and the third being the rates completing treatment as agreed by therapist and participant. The current study was able to complete analysis for the first and third research question, and unable to answer the second. The first and primary …

Musculoskeletal Disorders In Dentistry: An Insight Into Dental Techniques And Practices, Mehwash Kashif, Aman Ashar, Amna Rehman, Abdul Aleem, Sidra-Tul-Muntaha Hashmi, Muhammad Yousuf Ali

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common workplace hazards in dentistry resulting from poor ergonomics and static postures, which lead to back, neck, and upper limb (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand) problems among dentists, resulting in harm to their health, productivity, and career. This study aimed to assess the frequency of MSDs, risk factors related to MSDs, and awareness of ergonomics among clinicians. Methods: Data were collected from 400 dental professionals, including house officers, postgraduate trainees, general dentists, and teachers/consultants, each with at least 12 months of practice. Data were collected using a structured, closed-ended questionnaire. Before data collection, ethical approval …