Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Dopaminergic Regulation Of Aversive Motivation, Elaine M. Grafelman

Dissertations (1934 -)

We all experience adversity in our lives, and we must be able to effectively respond to these challenges in order to thrive. One way to respond to stressors is to change one’s behavior to cope with the stress. This can include escaping or avoiding the stressor, focusing effort to diminish the effect of the stressor, or other coping strategies such as drug use. In fact, stress is one of the principal triggers of relapse for those in the abstinence phase of a substance use disorder and it exacerbates a variety of other disorders. Therefore, it is critical to understand the …

Activation Of Pro-Regenerative Gene Programs In The Mature Central Nervous System, Elizabeth Carlisle Batsel

Dissertations (1934 -)

Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects millions of people worldwide. Damage to the spinal cord disrupts the long-distance axon tracts of central nervous system (CNS) neurons. These axons fail to regenerate, leading to permanent dysfunction. Past work has shown that CNS neurons lose the capacity to elongate their axons as they mature. Conversely, after injury, embryonic and peripheral nervous system (PNS) neurons can elongate axons towards target cells, driven by the growth cone at the growing tip of the axon. Previous research has identified transcription factor (TF) families, such as the SoxC family, that contribute to embryonic and peripheral neurons’ high …

Glp-1 Medications For Kids: Do They Work, And At What Price?, Sylvia Peña, Marilyn Frenn

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Context

Childhood obesity continues to increase along with the numbers of children with severe obesity and related comorbidities. This meta-analysis1 sought to determine whether or not glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications are safe and effective for children and adolescents.

Methods

Appropriate search and abstraction approaches were used in the meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials making it the highest level of evidence. Included studies were those with participants younger than 18 years with obesity, overweight, pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes (T2D) assessing GLP-1 RAs alone or with lifestyle modification versus placebo published between 2023 and 2025. Most participants …

Black Women’S Experiences Accessing Health Care And Law Enforcement After Intimate Partner Violence: A Qualitative Pilot Study, Kaylen M. Moore, Linda M. Wesp, Jeneile Luebke, Peninnah M. Kako

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background:

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health issue impacting millions of people each year. Black women constitute 14% of the US population but alarmingly comprise 31% of homicides resulting from IPV. African American women survivors of IPV experience intersecting impacts of racism, sexism, and historical mistrust. This research aimed to raise awareness about their experiences of violence and perceptions of institutional support.

Objective:

This study sought to explore African American women’s experiences with IPV and navigation of health care and law enforcement after experiences of violence.

Method:

Critical ethnography was used as an approach for this qualitative …

Energy Flow Differences In Throwing Arm Joints Between Javelin And Weighted Balls In Male Javelin Throwers, Hans-Peter Köhler, Kristof Kipp, Nikola Prvulović, Maren Witt

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction: To enhance release velocity during competition, javelin throwers incorporate implements of varying mass into their training regimens. Previous research has demonstrated that, although velocity contributes quadratically to the computation of kinetic energy, heavier implements generate substantially greater kinetic energy at the moment of release, despite markedly lower release velocities. The primary objective of the present investigation was to analyze energy transfer within the throwing arm to gain deeper insight into the biomechanical mechanisms underlying the use of implements with different masses.

Methods: The three-dimensional coordinates of 16 reflective markers were recorded for 6 athletes during throws using 6 different …

Improving Dynamic Balance And Gait Adaptation With Ischemic Conditioning Post-Stroke, Stephanie Christine Wolfe

Dissertations (1934 -)

The purpose of this dissertation was to quantify the benefits of ischemic conditioning on reactive balance responses and gait adaptation during treadmill walking in chronic stroke survivors. Reactive balance and gait adaptations are believed to be limited in this population. Ischemic conditioning is an emerging adjunct to physical therapy that improves motor function post-stroke via improvements in strength, voluntary muscle activation, walking speed, and fatigability. Here, we quantified how ischemic conditioning could impact performance of a more complex task: altering gait to meet various perturbing conditions. Specifically, we quantified mediolateral margin of stability in response to lateral cable pulls (both …

Cultural Humility In Patient Education: Development Of A Nutrition-Related Simulation For Nursing Students, Theresa G. Schnable, Sylvia Peña, Juanita T. Garcia, Marilyn Frenn

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction:

The Latinx community is disproportionately impacted by social and structural inequities such as food insecurity and culturally and linguistically appropriate resources. To address a gap in culturally appropriate nutrition education with Latinx individuals among baccalaureate nursing students, a simulation learning experience (SLE) was developed.

Methodology:

The SLE was designed using best practice standards by faculty experts and reviewed by consultants. After the SLE, students and faculty provided feedback regarding simulation design and implementation.

Results:

Participants reported improved knowledge and confidence when providing culturally appropriate nutrition education and valued working with an interpreter.

Discussion:

This innovative strategy using simulation offers …

A Novel Method For Examining Autistic Children’S Comprehension Of Individual Words Produced Within Delayed Echolalia: A Proof-Of-Concept Pilot Study, Janine Mathee-Scott, Grace Corrigan, Emily Lorang, Zachary Hesse, Jennifer Johnson, Courtney E. Venker

Speech Pathology and Audiology Faculty Research and Publications

Delayed echolalia, or the repetition of previously heard speech, is often observed in the expressive language of autistic children. Relatively little is known about how the production of delayed echolalia fits within the overall picture of autistic children’s language ability, including receptive language. To date, no empirical studies have tested autistic children’s comprehension of individual words within their delayed echoes. The present study aimed to establish proof-of-concept for a novel method of examining children’s comprehension of individual words that they produce in their own delayed echoes. Using natural language sampling combined with parent report, we identified instances of delayed echolalia …

Reproducibility Of Fnirs Within Subject For Visual And Motor Tasks, Julie C. Wagner, Anthony Zinos, Scott A. Beardsley, Wei-Liang Chen, Lisa Conant, Marsha Malloy, Joseph Heffernan, Brendan Quirk, Robert W. Prost, Mohit Maheshwari, Jeffrey Sugar, Harry T. Whelan

Biomedical Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is becoming a popular metric to noninvasively identify brain activity through assessing changes in oxygenated (HbO) and deoxygenated (HbR) hemoglobin concentration. Several aspects of fNIRS imaging are appealing for clinical applications but the reproducibility of fNIRS signals has yet to be determined over several sessions. To address this, four participants completed at least ten sessions on separate days where they performed Motor and Visual tasks while fNIRS signals were measured from 102 channels spanning the entire head. Reproducibility was quantified as the percentage of significant task related activity occurring across sessions at the channel and …

Noise-Optimized Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic Imaging Of Different Post Materials With Multiple Settings: A Comparative Analysis, Solaleh Shahmirzadi, Dilek Helvacioglu-Yigit, Umut Seki, Maharaj Singh, Sarang Saadat, Husniye Demirturk Kocasarac

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 4 different post materials on the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in various tooth regions using multiple cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging settings and metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithms. Materials and Methods Forty single-rooted teeth with 4 different post materials were mounted in a skull and scanned using the Planmeca ProMax 3D Max under different conditions: 90 and 96 kVp; no, medium, and high MAR settings; and voxel sizes of 100 and 200 μm. Image analysis was performed with ImageJ software to calculate CNR. The dose-area product (DAP) was recorded, …

A Scoping Review Of Oral Feeding Skill Development In Typically Developing Children Part Ii: Exploring Variability In Oral Feeding Skill Descriptions, Amy Delaney, Anna Flatt, Hannah Koepp, Alissa Fial, Katherine C. Hustad

Speech Pathology and Audiology Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose:

This scoping review is the second in a two-part series that aims to synthesize the literature on oral feeding skills development and to create a classification system of observable skills. Building on the findings from Part 1, this article compiles and analyzes the types of feeding skills reported across studies and proposes a framework for standardizing terminology.

Method:

The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Of the 14 studies identified in Part 1 that focused on feeding skill development, 11 included unique skill descriptions. These skills were coded and …

Supporting Discharge Preparation For Children With Medical Complexity: A Scoping Review, Emily Moore, Mia Waldron, Darlene Acorda, Cara Gallegos, Barbie Giambra, Stacee M. Lerret, Christine R. Platt, Danielle A. Sarik, Zara Sajwani-Merchant, Nesibe Sumeyye Kutahyalioglu, Pamela Gampetro, Susan Groshong, Marianne Weiss, Teri L. Hernandez, Sandra Staveski

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background

The transition from hospital to home is a critical period for children with medical complexity (CMC) and their caregivers, often associated with increased risks and stress. Both registered nurses and advanced practice nurses play a pivotal role in facilitating this transition through discharge preparation, including planning, coordination, and teaching. However, best practices for optimizing discharge processes for CMC remain unclear. The need for a comprehensive understanding of hospital discharge during this crucial time is apparent as adverse events following discharge are common and are often attributed to insufficient preparation and communication. This scoping review aims to identify key nursing …

Structure-Activity Relationships Of A–And B-Type Proanthocyanidins In Long-Term Dentin Biomodification And Biocompatibility, Yvette Alania, Mariana Reis-Havlat, Shu-Xi Jing, Fahimeh Tabatabaei, James B. Mcalpine, Shao-Nong Chen, Guido F. Pauli, Ana K. Bedran-Russo

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

To explore the structure-activity relationships of plant-based proanthocyanidins (PACs) with dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and the long-term biomechanical stability of PAC-modified dentin extracellular matrix (ECM).

Methods

Mid-coronal dentin ECM (n= 8) was treated with eight PAC tetramers and trimers with varying A-/B-type linkages. Chemo-mechanical analyses included dynamic mechanical analysis and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Viscoelastic components were calculated after PAC biomodification, 18-month incubation, and protein destabilization. Collagen structure was assessed via IR amide absorbance ratios. DPSCs were cultured with PACs at different concentrations (100, 10, and 1 μg/mL) to measure proliferation. ANOVA and post-hoc tests were used for …

Mechanisms For The Age-Related Increase In Fatigability Of The Elbow Flexor Muscles In Healthy Adults, Blaine E. Arney, Andrew Kuplic, Mitchell D. Adam, Christopher W. Sundberg, Sandra Hunter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

The mechanisms for the age-related increase in fatigability of the elbow flexor muscles during dynamic contractions are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of supraspinal and contractile mechanisms for the age-related increase in fatigability of the elbow flexor muscles. Twenty-eight young (23.2 ± 2.6 years; 14 females) and 32 older adults (72.6 ± 5.6 years; 15 females) performed 80 maximal velocity contractions at 20% of maximal isometric strength. Voluntary activation and muscle contractile properties were assessed before and immediately following the fatiguing exercise using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electrical stimulation. Fatigability (% reduction in …

A “Re-Imagining The Economic Value Of Nursing” Summit Summary And Recommendations, Olga Yakusheva, Marianne E. Weiss, Tanya Mulvey, Anabel F. Castillo, Marcela Campoli

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

In April 2024, the ANA Enterprise sponsored a “Re-imagining the Economic Value of Nursing” Summit to move the conversation forward on recognizing and leveraging the economic value of nursing within organizations across the US healthcare system. Invited participants engaged in a spirited dialogue about reconceptualizing nurses as critical assets in generating value within the production and financial dynamics of contemporary healthcare systems. This article summarizes the discussion and recommendations emerging from the summit.

In healthcare organizations and systems, nurse executives are the bridge between the production of patient care by the nursing workforce and the organizational financial performance. Historically, nursing …

Experiences And Perspectives Of Sexual And Reproductive Health Among Women In Recovery From Opioid Use Disorder, Nicole M. Mattson, Aleigha Barry, Jessica L. Zemlak

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Women in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) have unmet sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs resulting in health disparities such as unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections/HIV infection compared with women without OUD. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of co-occurring multiple social-ecologic influences (individual, interpersonal, community, society) on SRH among women in recovery from OUD.

Methods

Purposive sampling was used to recruit cis-gender women aged 18–49 who self-identify as being in recovery from OUD and speak English. We conducted one 45- to 60-minute audio-recorded semistructured telephone interview with each …

Imagining What’S Next In Pediatric Feeding Care, Amy L. Delaney

Speech Pathology and Audiology Faculty Research and Publications

Pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) is now recognized as a diagnostic entity, and we have the diagnostic and procedural codes for it. This is a turning point in our field because these codes don’t just unlock reimbursement—they validate and name the invisible. They allow us to collect data and identify patterns, and they open a door to remarkable things.

A Scoping Review Of Oral Feeding Skill Development In Typically Developing Children Part I: Methodologies, Populations, And Normative Data, Amy L. Delaney, Anna Flatt, Hannah Koepp, Alissa V. Fial, Katherine C. Hustad

Speech Pathology and Audiology Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose:

This scoping review is the first in a two-part series aimed at synthesizing literature on oral feeding skills and informing the development of a classification system of observable skills. This article consolidates research on feeding skill development in typically developing children. The second paper analyzes individual skills identified. This review addresses three questions: (a) What methods have been used to study feeding skill development? (b) What populations of typically developing children without feeding disorders have been studied? (c) What normative data on feeding skills are available?

Method:

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for …

Botulinum Neurotoxin Light Chain/A1 Uses Fast Synaptic Vesicle Cycling To Cleave Plasma Membrane Bound Snap-25, Alexander Gardner, Molly Sneller, William H. Tepp, Joseph T. Barbieri, Sabine Pellett

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) are the most potent protein toxins for humans, yet how BoNT-Light Chain/A1 (LC/A1) journeys to cleave intracellular SNAP-25 is understudied. Here we use a cell-based assay to measure cytosolic EGFP-LC/A1 intracellular trafficking and SNAP-25 cleavage in Neuro-2A cells. Intracellular LC/A1 associated on microtubules and co-localized with Rab GTPases involved in fast synaptic vesicles and endosome recycling. Multiple Dominant Negative (DN) Rabs GTPases involved in fast synaptic vesicles or endosome recycling inhibited LC/A1 trafficking to the intracellular plasma membrane and SNAP-25 cleavage. A cytosolic LC/A1 variant that bound the plasma membrane from the cytosol was insensitive to DNRab …

Color Change In Commercial Resin Composites With Different Photoinitiators, Feng Gao, David W. Berzins

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

The yellowing effect of camphorquinone (CQ) has led manufacturers to add alternative initiators into resin composites (RCs) to reduce the amount of CQ used. The aim of this study was to investigate the color change in commercial RCs with alternative photoinitiators besides CQ. Color change upon polymerization and aging in air and artificial saliva for up to 3 months was tested for seven commercial RCs (traditional and bulk-fill) with either CQ only or CQ and additional photoinitiators (CQ+). Color measurements were obtained with a spectrophotometer. Color change (ΔE) was calculated using the CIELab and CIEDE2000 formulae. ANOVA and a post …

Corrigendum To “A Compound Of Concentrated Growth Factor And Periodontal Ligament Stem Cell-Derived Conditioned Medium” [Tissue Cell 65 (2020) 101373], Z. Aghamohammadi, M. Kadkhodazadeh, M. Torshabi, Fahimeh Tabatabaei

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Dental Ai Research Papers: Key Considerations For Editors And Reviewers, Sergio E. Uribe, Manal H. Hamdan, Nicola Alberto Valente, Satoshi Yamaguchi, Fahad Umer, Antonin Tichy, Ruben Pauwels, Falk Schwendicke

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in dental research for diagnosis, treatment planning, and disease prediction. However, many dental AI studies lack methodological rigor, transparency, or reproducibility, and no dedicated peer-review guidance exists for this field.

Methods

Editors and reviewers from the ITU/WHO/WIPO AI for Health – Dentistrygroup participated in a structured survey and group discussions to identify key elements for reviewing AI dental research. A draft of the recommendations was circulated for feedback and consensus.

Results

The consensus from editors and reviewers identified four key indicators of high-quality AI dental research: (1) relevance to a real clinical …

Signaling By Intracellular Β2-Adrenergic Receptors Regulates Ampa Receptor Trafficking And Synaptic Plasticity, Paul J. Gasser

Biomedical Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Signaling by norepinephrine (NE) via adrenergic receptors (ARs) mediates attention, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. AMPA receptors (AMPARs) form a complex with β2ARs, Gs, adenylyl cyclase, and protein kinase A (PKA) to augment AMPAR phosphorylation and, thereby, surface expression. We show that signaling by intracellular β2ARs is required for these effects and two different forms of long-term potentiation (LTP) that depend on β2AR signaling and phosphorylation of the AMPAR GluA1 subunit on S845. Inhibition of two NE transporters, the organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3) and the plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT), impairs phosphorylation of the AMPAR GluA1 …

Pre-Emptive Analgesia For Periodontal And Implant-Related Surgery: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Christos Gousias, Zainab Alsuwaiyan, Alissa Fial, Shengtong Han, Dimitris N. Tatakis, Vrisiis Kofina

Library Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

This systematic review aimed to answer the question: In patients undergoing periodontal and peri-implant surgery, gingival augmentation, implant site development or placement, are pre-emptive analgesics effective in controlling post-operative pain compared with patients not receiving pre-emptive medications?

Materials and Methods

After comprehensive electronic and manual literature searches, randomised placebo-controlled clinical trials on adults undergoing the aforementioned surgeries were included. A meta-analysis was performed comparing pain (standardised mean difference) between pre-emptive medication and placebo at post-operative hours 1, 3, 6, 8, 24 and 72.

Results

Two reviewers screened 1995 titles, included 18 studies in the systematic review (open flap debridement, …

Clinician And Caregiver Perspectives On A Community-Based Dynamic Temporal And Tactile Cueing Treatment Trial For Childhood Apraxia Of Speech: Exploring Perceptions Of Research And Routine Clinical Practice, Donna C. Thomas, Geraldine Bricker-Katz, Elizabeth Murray, Shelley L. Velleman, Jenya Iuzzini-Seigel

Speech Pathology and Audiology Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose:

Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) is an evidence-based treatment for children with childhood apraxia of speech. In clinical practice, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) frequently use an eclectic approach incorporating aspects of DTTC, for reasons that are not well understood. This research note describes a qualitative investigation of the experiences of SLPs and caregivers who participated in protocolized research DTTC for a 24-session treatment efficacy study. Specifically, we sought to understand the perspectives of these SLPs and caregivers regarding (a) DTTC treatment, as provided during the study, and (b) participating in a treatment research study.

Method:

Four SLPs and three …

Genotoxicity Assessment Of Conventional And Cad/Cam Denture Base Materials, Alanood Aldubayan

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Aim: In prosthodontics, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) has been widely used. Their biocompatibility and potential genotoxicity remain a concern due to the residual monomer release. Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) denture base materials have emerged and offered some improved mechanical and physical properties compared to the standard conventional heat-cured denture base material. However, their long-term biocompatibility remains unstudied. Therefore, this study evaluates the genotoxicity effects of conventional and CAD/CAM denture base materials on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Methodology: Disk-shaped samples were fabricated of six denture base resins, including heat-cured PMMA, milled PMMA, and four 3D-printed resins. HGFs were exposed to the …

Comparing The Mechanical Properties Of Conventional, Milled, And 3d-Printed Occlusal Splint Materials: An In Vitro Study, Sadeem Alzaghran

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Aim: Evidence on the mechanical properties of digitally manufactured occlusal splint materials remains scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the mechanical properties of CAD/CAM fabricated occlusal splint materials versus conventionally heat-cured acrylic resin materials. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 specimens were manufactured for the present study. One CAD-CAM milled (ProArt CAD Splint), one heat-polymerized (SR IVOcap Clear), and three 3D-Printed (KeySplint Hard, NightGuard Firm2 and RoDIN Splint 2.0) resin materials were evaluated. Flexural strength, flexural modulus and surface hardness were measured. The three-point flexure test was used for the determination of flexural strength …

Comparison Of Leveling A Deep Curve Of Spee With Extractions Versus Non-Extraction: A Biomechanical Perspective, Mitchell James Muller

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Introduction: This study evaluated and compared orthodontic forces from different archwire designs and materials used to correct a deep curve of Spee. Methods: A three-dimensional orthodontic force tester (OFT) was used to measure forces and moments exerted by archwires on brackets from central incisors to first molars. Two setups were tested: one with a full dentition from central incisor to first molar, and another simulating bicuspid extractions with the first premolar removed. Dentoform models representing a deep curve of Spee were created using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data. The setup employed 0.022 × 0.028-inch zero-prescription brackets secured with elastomeric ligatures. …

Low-Magnitude High-Frequency Mechanical Vibration Enhances Osteogenesis In Human Pdl Cells Through Piezo1 Ion Channel, Mina Oh

Master's Theses (2009 -)

ABSTRACT LOW-MAGNITUDE HIGH-FREQUENCY MECHANICAL VIBRATION ENHANCES OSTEOGENESIS IN HUMAN PDL CELLS THROUGH PIEZO1 ION CHANNEL Mina Oh, D.M.D Marquette University, 2025 Introduction: Low-magnitude high-frequency (LMHF) mechanical vibration has been shown to enhance osteogenesis in various osteogenic tissues and cells, including periodontal ligament (PDL) cells, however its effectiveness remains relatively low. The Piezo1 mechanosensitive ion channel plays a critical role in mechanotransduction, however its specific involvement in the LMHF-induced osteogenesis is unknown. This study aims to elucidate the role of Piezo1 in mediating osteogenic responses in human PDL cells subjected to LMHF mechanical vibration. Materials and Methods: Human PDL cells were …

Electrochemical Properties Of Rhodium-Plated Esthetic Orthodontic Archwires, Michael Hoy

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Objective: Esthetics are becoming more important to patients with increased desire for ceramic brackets as they go through orthodontic treatment. Despite ceramic brackets offering an esthetic option for patients, traditional metal wires are still most commonly being used. Very little research on rhodium plated wires, specifically the American Orthodontics Iconix Aesthetic Arch Wire, exists in the literature with no tests of corrosion through electrochemical testing. The objective of this research is to analyze how rhodium plating affects the electrochemical properties of nickel-titanium (NiTi) orthodontic wires. Methods: Rhodium-plated NiTi orthodontic wires (Iconix Aesthetic; American Orthodontics) and non-plated NiTi orthodontic wires (NT3 …