Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Genetic And Anatomical Basis Of The Barrier Separating Wakefulness And Anesthetic-Induced Unresponsiveness., William J Joiner, Eliot B Friedman, Hsiao-Tung Hung, Kyunghee Koh, Mallory Sowcik, Amita Sehgal, Max B Kelz

Department of Neuroscience Faculty Papers

A robust, bistable switch regulates the fluctuations between wakefulness and natural sleep as well as those between wakefulness and anesthetic-induced unresponsiveness. We previously provided experimental evidence for the existence of a behavioral barrier to transitions between these states of arousal, which we call neural inertia. Here we show that neural inertia is controlled by processes that contribute to sleep homeostasis and requires four genes involved in electrical excitability: Sh, sss, na and unc79. Although loss of function mutations in these genes can increase or decrease sensitivity to anesthesia induction, surprisingly, they all collapse neural inertia. These effects are genetically selective: …

Early Intervention Provider Use Of Child Caregiver-Teaching Strategies, Philippa Campbell, Phd, Catherine Ehret-Coletti, Ms

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

Most current early intervention approaches emphasize the importance of a provider role as teacher or coach, a role in which providers give parents or other caregivers information about how to optimize children’s growth and development (Stremel & Campbell, 2007). However, few studies have examined the information that should be provided for caregivers or how this information is best delivered to caregivers although a number of rating scales are able to distinguish between roles of direct service provider for the child (e.g., traditional) and triadic interaction among provider, caregiver, and child (Campbell & Sawyer, 2007; Salisbury & Cushing, 2013). Related factors …

Cyclin D1 Determines Estrogen Signaling In The Mammary Gland In Vivo., Mathew C Casimiro, Chenguang Wang, Z Li, Gabriele Disante, Nicole E Willmart, Sankar Addya, Lei Chen, Yang Liu, Michael P. Lisanti, Richard Pestell

Department of Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

The CCND1 gene, which is frequently overexpressed in cancers, encodes the regulatory subunit of a holoenzyme that phosphorylates the retinoblastoma protein. Although it is known that cyclin D1 regulates estrogen receptor (ER)α transactivation using heterologous reporter systems, the in vivo biological significance of cyclin D1 to estrogen-dependent signaling, and the molecular mechanisms by which cyclin D1 is involved, are yet to be elucidated. Herein, genome-wide expression profiling conducted of 17β-estradiol-treated castrated virgin mice deleted of the Ccnd1 gene demonstrated that cyclin D1 determines estrogen-dependent gene expression for 88% of estrogen-responsive genes in vivo. In addition, expression profiling of 17β-estradiol-stimulated cyclin …

Samuel D. Gross, M.D. (1805-1884): An Innovator, Even In Death., Peter R. Bucciarelli, B.S., John C. Kairys, Md, Ernest L. Rosato, Md, Charles J. Yeo, Md, Scott W. Cowan, Md

Department of Surgery Gibbon Society Historical Profiles

Dr. Samuel Gross' contributions to the field of surgery are well known and range from numerous clinical advances to pioneering scholarship and professional activities. Dr. Gross was ceaselessly ambitious and even remarked in his autobiography that his ‘‘conviction has always been that is far better for a man to wear out than to rust out.’’1 It is through this frame of motivation that Dr. Gross lived his life.

Presence Of Virus Neutralizing Antibodies In Cerebral Spinal Fluid Correlates With Non-Lethal Rabies In Dogs., Clement W Gnanadurai, Ming Zhou, Wenqi He, Christina M Leyson, Chien-Tsun Huang, Gregory Salyards, Stephen B Harvey, Zhenhai Chen, Biao He, Yang Yang, D C Hooper, Berhnard Dietzchold, Zhen F Fu

Department of Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Rabies is traditionally considered a uniformly fatal disease after onset of clinical manifestations. However, increasing evidence indicates that non-lethal infection as well as recovery from flaccid paralysis and encephalitis occurs in laboratory animals as well as humans.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Non-lethal rabies infection in dogs experimentally infected with wild type dog rabies virus (RABV, wt DRV-Mexico) correlates with the presence of high level of virus neutralizing antibodies (VNA) in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and mild immune cell accumulation in the central nervous system (CNS). By contrast, dogs that succumbed to rabies showed only little or no VNA in the …

The Effect Of Malnutrition On Patients Undergoing Elective Joint Arthroplasty., Ronald Huang, Md, Max Greenky, Bs, Glenn J. Kerr, Md, Mathew S. Austin, Md, Javad Parvizi, Md, Frcs

Rothman Institute Papers

Malnutrition has been linked to serious complications in patients undergoing elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This study prospectively evaluated 2,161 patients undergoing elective TJA for malnutrition as defined by either an abnormal serum albumin or transferrin. The overall incidence of malnutrition was 8.5% (184 of 2,161) and the rate of overall complications in the malnourished group was 12% as compared to 2.9% in patients with normal parameters (P55years-old undergoing TJA and is associated with a significant increase in post-operative complications.

Sequential Sectioning Of The Ulnar Collateral Ligament Of The Elbow In Cadaveric Arms With Ulnohumeral Laxity Assessed By Dynamic Ultrasonography, Christopher C. Dodson, Levon N. Nazarian, Michael G. Ciccotti, Steven B. Cohen, Sommer Hammoud, Michael C. Ciccotti

Rothman Institute Papers

Objectives: Injury of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), whether acute or chronic, is potentially career-threatening for elite overhead throwing athletes. Dynamic ultrasound (DUS) allows for rapid, cost-effective, non-invasive, and non-radiating evaluation of the UCL and elbow joint both at rest and with applied stress. The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of cadaveric elbow valgus laxity with sequential UCL sectioning using DUS. Our objective was to quantify which portions of the UCL must be injured to cause the varying levels of laxity seen clinically on DUS testing. No prior study has used DUS to quantify valgus joint …

Occupational Exposure To Hepatitis C Virus: Early T-Cell Responses In The Absence Of Seroconversion In A Longitudinal Cohort Study., Theo Heller, Jens Martin Werner, Fareed Rahman, Eishiro Mizukoshi, Yuji Sobao, Ann Marie Gordon, Arlene Sheets, Averell H. Sherker, Ellen Kessler, Kathleen S. Bean, Steven K. Herrine, M'Lou Stevens, James Schmitt, Barbara Rehermann

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: T-cell responses have been described in seronegative patients who test negative for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA despite frequent HCV exposure. However, the cross-sectional design of those studies did not clarify whether T cells were indeed induced by low-level HCV exposure without seroconversion or whether they resulted from regular acute infection with subsequent antibody loss.

METHODS: Over a 10-year period, our longitudinal study recruited 72 healthcare workers with documented HCV exposure. We studied viremia and antibody and T-cell responses longitudinally for 6 months.

RESULTS: All healthcare workers remained negative for HCV RNA and antibodies. However, 48% developed proliferative T-cell …

Identifying Barriers To Patient Acceptance Of Active Surveillance: Content Analysis Of Online Patient Communications., Mark V Mishra, Michele Bennett, Armon Vincent, Olivia T Lee, Costas D Lallas, Edouard J Trabulsi, Leonard G Gomella, Adam P Dicker, Timothy N Showalter

Department of Urology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVES: Qualitative research aimed at identifying patient acceptance of active surveillance (AS) has been identified as a public health research priority. The primary objective of this study was to determine if analysis of a large-sample of anonymous internet conversations (ICs) could be utilized to identify unmet public needs regarding AS.

METHODS: English-language ICs regarding prostate cancer (PC) treatment with AS from 2002-12 were identified using a novel internet search methodology. Web spiders were developed to mine, aggregate, and analyze content from the world-wide-web for ICs centered on AS. Collection of ICs was not restricted to any specific geographic region of …

Aseptically Processed And Chemically Sterilized Btb Allografts For Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective Randomized Study., Peter A Indelicato, Michael G Ciccotti, Joel Boyd, Laurence D Higgins, Benjamin S Shaffer, C Thomas Vangsness

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes of bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) allografts processed via a novel sterilization system with the traditional aseptically processed BTB allografts for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

METHODS: A total of 67 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction at 6 independent investigation sites were randomized into one of two intervention groups, BioCleanse-sterilized or aseptic BTB allografts. Inclusion criteria included an acute, isolated, unilateral ACL tear, and exclusion criteria included prior ACL injury, multi-ligament reconstruction, and signs of degenerative joint disease. Post-op examiners and patients were blinded to graft type. Patients were evaluated at 6, 12, and 24 months. Clinical …

Conservation Of Structure And Mechanism By Trm5 Enzymes., Thomas Christian, Howard Gamper, Ya-Ming Hou

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

Enzymes of the Trm5 family catalyze methyl transfer from S-adenosyl methionine (AdoMet) to the N¹ of G37 to synthesize m¹ G37-tRNA as a critical determinant to prevent ribosome frameshift errors. Trm5 is specific to eukaryotes and archaea, and it is unrelated in evolution from the bacterial counterpart TrmD, which is a leading anti-bacterial target. The successful targeting of TrmD requires detailed information on Trm5 to avoid cross-species inhibition. However, most information on Trm5 is derived from studies of the archaeal enzyme Methanococcus jannaschii (MjTrm5), whereas little information is available for eukaryotic enzymes. Here we use human Trm5 (Homo sapiens; HsTrm5) …

Antithrombin Iii Deficiency In A Patient Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation., Jonathan R. Sarik, Md, Shinya Unai, Md, Harrsion Pitcher, Md, Qiong Yang, Md, Hitoshi Hirose, Md, Phd, Nicholas C. Cavarocchi, Md

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Introduction:

Antithrombin or antithrombin III (ATIII) is a vitamin K-independent, natural anticoagulant that is the major inhibitor of thrombin. With the binding of heparin, a conformational change in antithrombin occurs that increases the inactivation of thrombin by antithrombin by 4000-fold. Antithrombin deficiency can be hereditary or acquired; the acquired form is frequently encountered in patients requiring mechanical circulatory support.

Formulation of clots within the circuit of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-threatening emergency and requires emergent intervention. Decreased ATIII is associated with a hypercoagulable state, which can lead to dangerous complications for patients requiring mechanical circulatory support.

We Came, We Saw, We Cannulated?, Hitoshi Hirose, Md, Phd, Kumar Gaurav, Md, Nicholas C. Cavarocchi, Md, Vanjul Agarwal, Md, Roselle Almeida, Md, Andrew Toscano, Md, Urvashi Vaid, Md, Ms, Bharat K. Awsare, M.D., Fccp, Michael Baram, Md

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Introduction: Despite advances in management of patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), mortality due to ARDS still remains high. In patients with refractory gas-exchange abnormalities, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is considered as salvage therapy that aims to decrease ventilator induced lung injury and provide lung rest. injury and provide lung rest.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with ARDS from October 2010 to September 2012. The aim of the study was to describe the population of patients placed on ECMO for ARDS in our institution. All patients placed on ARDSnet protocol were identified in the …

Equivalence Of Students' Scores On Timed And Untimed Anatomy Practical Examinations., Guiyan Zhang, Bruce Fenderson, Richard R Schmidt, J J. Veloski

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Untimed examinations are popular with students because there is a perception that first impressions may be incorrect, and that difficult questions require more time for reflection. In this report, we tested the hypothesis that timed anatomy practical examinations are inherently more difficult than untimed examinations. Students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Thomas Jefferson University were assessed on their understanding of anatomic relationships using multiple-choice questions. For the class of 2012 (n = 46), students were allowed to circulate freely among 40 testing stations during the 40-minute testing session. For the class of 2013 (n = 46), students …

Understanding The Pincer - The Importance Of Reference Plane Orientation On Acetabular Rim Evaluation, Anil K. Gupta, Nozomu Inoue, Michael D. Hellman, Joshua D. Harris, Frank M. Mccormick, Shane Nho

Rothman Institute Papers

Objectives: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of young adult hip pain. FAI can result from an acetabular-sided bony lesion, or “pincer” lesion. A pincer lesion is defined as an area of linear contact between the acetabular rim and the femoral head-neck junction due to general or focal acetabular overcoverage. Three dimensional (3D) analysis of the acetabular rim morphology is essential to understand etiology and aciculate diagnosis of the of the pincer type FAI. A few studies have measured 3D geometry of the acetabular rim; in which the acetabular rim is described as a deviation from a reference plane. …

The Use Of Interpreters To Improve The Quality And Safety Of Healthcare Through Better Communication In Obstetrical Patients: Effect On Primary Cesarean Delivery Rate, Stephen A. Pearlman, Md

Master of Science in Healthcare Quality and Safety Capstone Presentations

Patients with limited English proficiency have poorer healthcare outcomes. An assessment of the cultural and linguistic competency of Christiana Care Health Systems revealed that our language services were not sufficiently robust and this was affecting care. Therefore, the purpose of this quality improvement study was to improve healthcare outcomes, specifically the rate of primary cesarean delivery, through improved language assistance, to patients with limited English proficiency presenting to labor and delivery. The methods employed included use of the TeamSTEPPS program to educate the staff on how to improve safety for patients with limited English proficiency, adding a live Spanish interpreter …

Spinal Anesthesia: Should Everyone Receive A Urinary Catheter?: A Randomized, Prospective Study Of Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty., Adam G Miller, James Mckenzie, Max Greenky, Erica Shaw, Kishor Gandhi, William J Hozack, Javad Parvizi

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: The objective of this randomized prospective study was to determine whether a urinary catheter is necessary for all patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia.

METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia were randomized to treatment with or without insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter. All patients received spinal anesthesia with 15 to 30 mg of 0.5% bupivacaine. The catheter group was subjected to a standard postoperative protocol, with removal of the indwelling catheter within forty-eight hours postoperatively. The experimental group was monitored for urinary retention and, if necessary, had straight catheterization up to two …

Spinal Anesthesia: Should Everyone Receive A Urinary Catheter?: A Randomized, Prospective Study Of Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty., Adam G Miller, Md, James Mckenzie, Bs, Max Greenky, Ba, Erica Shaw, Rnp, Kishor Gandhi, Md, William J Hozack, Md, Javad Parvizi, Md, Frcs

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: The objective of this randomized prospective study was to determine whether a urinary catheter is necessary for all patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia.

METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia were randomized to treatment with or without insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter. All patients received spinal anesthesia with 15 to 30 mg of 0.5% bupivacaine. The catheter group was subjected to a standard postoperative protocol, with removal of the indwelling catheter within forty-eight hours postoperatively. The experimental group was monitored for urinary retention and, if necessary, had straight catheterization up to two …

You've Got A Friend In Me: Effectiveness Of Social Skills Interventions For Children With Adhd, Michelle Carlton, Kelly Davis, Jacquelyn Matlack, Marietta Van Ness

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Children diagnosed with ADHD present with the core symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, which lead to challenges with school based activities, including peer interactions, academics, and extracurricular activities (McClelland, Morrison, & Holmes, 2000; Hoza, 2007). Current research identifies social skills interventions as a potential strategy for occupational therapists (OTs) to address these participation challenges of children with ADHD, however there is a multitude of interventions that fall under this umbrella. The variety of social skills interventions allows for flexibility and diversity in implementation, but poses the challenge of choosing the most effective intervention. This choice should be informed by evidence-based …

Rehabilitative Interventions To Improve Biomechanical Or Functional Outcomes For Children With Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy, Loren Massimino, Erin Mulrain, Katherine Scheponik, Rachel Wiley, Houman Ziai

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Background: Obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) affects children worldwide, with incidence rates ranging from 0.5 to 3 per 1000 live births (Foad, Mehlman & Ying, 2008). Injury characteristics vary greatly and therefore, discrepancies exist regarding the most effective rehabilitation interventions. These children receive conservative management (through occupational and physical therapy), Botulinum toxin, surgery, or a combination of treatments (Benjamin, 2005).

Objective: To present the results of a systematic review of the literature to identify rehabilitative interventions that demonstrate statistically significant functional/biomechanical outcomes in children with OBPP.

Methods: A systematic search of the databases PubMed, CINAHL, and MEDLINE …

Doing It Well: Education To Promote Satisfaction With Sexual Intimacy For People With Spinal Cord Injury, Allison Duggan, Erin Maniscalco, Dannielle Miccinello, Lauren Pasciuto, Catherine Scaccia

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Physical and psychosocial effects of a spinal cord injury may lead to concerns and difficulty with sexual satisfaction, exploration, and arousal as well as diminished confidence with participation in intimate relationships (Craig Hospital, 2012). Current research indicates a decreased level of satisfaction with participation in sexual intimacy for adults with spinal cord injury (Fisher et al., 2002). Occupational therapists have a key role in the rehabilitation of individuals with spinal cord injury, and sexuality is an area of occupation which falls within our scope of practice (AOTA, 2008). Therefore it is necessary that occupational therapists are assertive in addressing the …

Technology In Practice: Promoting Participation In Patients With High Level Of Spinal Cord Injury, Morgan Gill, Kate Nuschke, Kaitlin O'Sullivan, Casey Puvogel, Alex Sagnor

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Motor impairment often occurs following a spinal cord injury, limiting participation in functional tasks. Although the primary rehabilitative focus is to cure paralysis, not all patients experience full recovery. For those who may not regain complete motor function, rehabilitative interventions are needed to bridge the gap between disability and optimal participation. During rehabilitation, patients prioritize increasing independence and participation in meaningful activities (Rigby, Ryan, & Campbell, 2010). More specifically, regaining arm and hand function was reported as a top priority during treatment for individuals with complete spinal cord injury (Peckham, et al., 2001). Technology has been utilized to improve participation …

Dementia And Technology: Evidence Supporting Assistive Technology For Individuals With Alzheimer’S Disease And Related Dementias, Diana Skoutelas, Christine Tanner, Gabriella Vulpis, Gittel Zelczer

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in the Unites States is estimated to be 5.2 million (Alzheimer’s Association, 2013). Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) can impact an individual’s ability to independently participate in daily occupations within their environment due to executive dysfunction, memory loss, poor judgment, and decreased problem solving (Desai, Grossberg, & Sheth, 2004; Alzheimer’s Association, 2013). Due to the rising prevalence of dementia, Labelle and Mihailidis (2006) note the importance of occupational therapists finding innovative and evidence-based strategies to enable participation in daily occupations. The purpose of this presentation is to present the results of a literature review …

Thinking Through The Chemo-Fog: Occupational Therapy’S Role In Promoting Participation In Adults With Breast Cancer, Amanda Ally, Lisa Ferguson, Emily Grabow, Katrina Long, Alisha Sharp

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Breast cancer is currently the most common type of cancer in women (American Cancer Society, 2012). In 2012, 2,971,610 women in the United States were breast cancer survivors (American Cancer Society, 2012). Chemotherapy is often used to effectively treat breast cancer but can cause chemobrain, or chemotherapy-related cognitive impairments (CRCI), including decreased attention, concentration, memory, and difficulty learning new skills and completing routine tasks (American Cancer Society, 2013). CRCI can persist for years and may impact an individual’s occupational performance in daily activities and occupations. Occupational therapy practitioners currently work with this population in other areas including cancer-related fatigue management, …

Beyond Piecework: Employment For Persons With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Kelly Brandwene, Ilese Coleman, Adva Epstein, Alyssa Peachey, Lauren Rosenthal

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

All people deserve competitive, fulfilling employment (Lysaght, Cobigo, Hamilton, 2011). Many people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) have difficulty obtaining competitive employment despite desiring to work (Lysaght, Ouellett-Kuntz, & Lin, 2010). In past years, people with I/DD have been employed in sheltered workshops; however, they are often paid below minimum wage, do not receive benefits, and are viewed as subordinates. Workers report the desire to work outside of sheltered employment. Competitive employment (integrated/supported employment), can lead to social justice, social inclusion, personal growth, and improved financial situations (Migliore, Mank, Grossi, & Rogan, 2007). Occupational therapists are suited to assist …

Falling Into Home Mods: Occupational Therapy’S Role In Keeping Older Adults Safe At Home, Elizabeth Janeczko, Brendan Kiernan, Mary Susan Paige, Stephanie Reitemeier, Joshua Springer

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for older adults aged 65 and older.¹ Other consequences of falls are increased fear of falling, and decreased independence and participation in performance of daily activities. In the past decade, evidence has identified the multifactorial approach, which includes home modification, as the most effective approach in preventing falls in older adults.² Occupational therapists have the education and unique skill set to perform client-centered home modifications. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the results of an evidenced-based literature …

Can't Hold Me Back! Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy For Children With Cp: Evidence Based Review, Rebecca Coale, Danni Eisner, Alissa Herman, Sarah Merhaut

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have various functional impairments impacting participation in meaningful occupations. While Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is a widely used intervention for adult populations, a modified version of this technique is a relatively new practice in pediatrics (Charles et al., 2006). Occupational therapy intervention, such as CIMT, can support functional goal attainment to enhance participation and quality of life (Boyd et al., 2010). The purpose of this presentation is to synthesize results of a comprehensive evidence-based review and identify treatment characteristics that impact efficacious use of mCIMT on children with hemiplegic CP. Practitioners will learn about best …

Clinical Effectiveness Of Motor Imagery Post-Stroke: An Evidence Based Review, Azadeh Narimanian, Amanda Reese, Karina Ryabo, Rachel Shepp, Annalisa Synnestvedt

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Following a stroke, many individuals experience participation limitations secondary to upper extremity hemiparesis (Shenn & Leishear, 2011). Motor imagery, the mental representation of movement without any body movement, is an evidenced-based intervention to optimize upper extremity function for patients following stroke (Dickstein & Deutsch, 2007). Motor imagery is a readily applicable, safe, and cost-effective intervention that can help clients achieve a variety of occupational goals within diverse environments (Guttman, Burstin, Brown, Bril, & Dickstein, 2012). The purpose of this presentation is to present the results of an evidence-based review examining the use of motor imagery to increase functional outcomes for …

Paws With A Purpose: Evidence Supporting The Use Of Animal Assisted Therapy To Improve Quality Of Life In Adults With Psychiatric Diagnoses, Julia Andraka, Lacey Brinser, Kelly D'Ambrosio, Jordan Justice, Elizabeth Rugen

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Approximately 62.7 million Americans have a psychiatric diagnosis, including Alzheimer’s disease and mental disorders^1,6. Adults who are diagnosed with these conditions experience a variety of limitations, including decreased quality of life⁴. Occupational Therapy (OT) has been shown to be an effective treatment to increase quality of life in adults with psychiatric diagnoses³. Occupational therapists working within the mental health field often need to use creative and innovative approaches to motivate their clients, including Animal-assisted therapy (AAT). AAT is a unique intervention approach that has the potential to improve a person’s emotional, physical, cognitive and …

Transitions For Tomorrow: An Evidence-Based Review Of Post-Secondary Transition Planning For Individuals With Autism, Julie Bardenwerper, James Gillette, Elizabeth Luk, Hilary Moser, Alanna Raffel

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disability in the US other than ADHD (IACC, 2012). Currently, the prevalence of individuals with ASD is estimated to be 1 in 88 in the US (CDC, 2012). Therefore, increasing numbers of children with ASD will age out of high school and transition to postsecondary settings. Individuals with ASD have demonstrated less successful postsecondary outcomes than individuals with other disabilities (Shattuck et al., 2011). Currently, there is limited research supporting the methods of successful transition planning for students with ASD (IACC, 2012). The purpose of this presentation is to introduce the …