Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Characterization Of Immunogenicity Of Hiv Mrna Vaccine In Humanized Mice, Omoyeni Precious Adejare

Biotechnology Theses

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a leading global cause of mortality. Despite decades of research, a definitive cure or an effective vaccine for HIV infection has yet to be discovered. The major target for HIV vaccine development is the envelope (Env) trimeric protein that is responsible for host cell attachment and fusion. This comprises gp120 and the transmembrane gp41. Gp140, a truncated form of gp160(full envelope trimer) lacks the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of gp41, closely mimics the native HIV envelope has been shown to enhance the induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies (BnAbs) when used as protein vaccine in previous …

Staff Education To Improve Oncology Nurses' Cultural Competency Literacy, Sharon Taziwa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Executive Summary: Staff Education Project Staff Education to Improve Oncology Nurses' Cultural Competency Literacy by Sharon Taziwa MSN, Walden University, 2023 BSN, University of Texas at Arlington, 2015 Executive Summary Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University May 2025 Summary A staff education project was implemented at a comprehensive cancer center in the Southwest United States. The nurses at the comprehensive cancer center faced challenges in delivering culturally competent care to a diverse patient population, necessitating enhanced training in cultural knowledge, skills, and awareness. The lack of consistent cultural competence …

Optimizing Warfarin Management In Cardiovascular Care, Tessa A. Martinez

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Background: Maintaining a therapeutic International Normalized Ratio (INR) is essential to reduce bleeding and thromboembolic risks in patients on warfarin therapy. In a rural outpatient cardiac clinic serving a predominantly underserved population, many patients face financial and access barriers that preclude the use of newer non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or mechanical valve replacements who rely on warfarin require consistent monitoring and management, which can be challenging in settings with limited resources and staffing.

Purpose: The purpose of this evidence-based pilot project was to improve therapeutic INR outcomes through the implementation of a standardized …

The Association Between Neighborhood Environment, Social Relations, And The Prevalence Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Negin Iranfar

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of gut-brain interaction influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Stress and socioeconomic influences on IBS have been studied, however few studies have explored the impact of neighborhood and social environments across racial and ethnic groups and sex at birth. The biopsychosocial framework was used to examine whether built environment and social context contribute to IBS prevalence. A cross-sectional analysis of 80,874 participants from the All of Us Research Program was conducted to assess the associations between IBS and six neighborhood and social factors: safety, structure, cohesion, supportive relationships, social relationships, and perceived …

Staff Education Program On Smoking Cessation Strategies, Justina Ugorji

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctoral project implemented a staff education program to enhance smoking cessation knowledge in a mental-health care setting. Despite the well-documented risks, smoking cessation efforts remain insufficient, often due to providers’ limited knowledge and confidence in delivering effective interventions. The practice-focused question for this project was: Will implementing a staff education program improve health care providers’ knowledge of smoking cessation strategies as compared pre- to posteducation? The purpose was to equip providers with evidence-based techniques to enhance patient smoking cessation. A comprehensive literature review using the Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice model was performed, and 20 relevant articles were identified supporting …

Comorbidities, Therapy And Health System Factors Associated With Treatment Interruption Among Males With Tuberculosis In Nairobi County, Kenya, Lorraine Nkirote Mugambi-Nyaboga

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

While males are recognized as key drivers of tuberculosis (TB) transmission, the association between comorbidities (i.e., diabetes and malnutrition), adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and health system factors (i.e., frequency of drug refills) with TB treatment interruption, remains unclear. I aimed to determine the association between these factors and TB treatment interruption among males diagnosed with TB in Nairobi County, Kenya controlling for age, sub-county of residence, alcohol use, HIV co-infection, type of TB and presence of treatment supporter. Guided by WHO’s framework on adherence to long-term therapies, a quantitative, case-control study was conducted using secondary analysis of Kenya’s TB surveillance …

Staff Education To Improve Staff Knowledge Of Medication Adherence Strategies For Mood Disorders, Samnang Son Oeur

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Executive Summary: Staff Education Project Staff Education to Improve Staff Knowledge of Medication Adherence Strategies for Mood Disorders by Samnang Oeur MS, University of California, San Francisco, 2019 BS, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, 2009 Executive Summary Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University August 2025

Improving Access And Retention Of Medication-Assisted Treatment (Mat) For Minority Inmates In The California State Prison System: A Quality Improvement Initiative Using A Culturally Competent Approach, Douglas Seangmany

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Abstract

Background: The opioid crisis disproportionately affects minority populations in correctional settings, where limited access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) contributes to high overdose rates and healthcare costs. At a California prison, only 48% of individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) receive MAT. Local Problem: Limited MAT access and low provider cultural competence exacerbate health disparities among minority inmates. Methods: A culturally sensitive training intervention was implemented for healthcare providers at a California prison, guided by a review of ten evidence-based studies. Pre- and post-training surveys on a 5-point Likert scale assessed provider competency, defined as "Agree" or …

Investigating The Role Of Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor 3 In Ocular Surface Ion Transport And Fluid Secretion, Ethan Lindgren

Natural Sciences and Mathematics | Biological Sciences Master's Theses

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease that drives tear film instability and hyperosmolarity, directly damaging the ocular surface epithelium. Lysophosphatidic acid receptor (LPAR) is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) responsible for Ca²⁺ and cAMP mobilization via PLC and adenylyl cyclase activation, respectively. LPAR signaling is involved in cell proliferation and wound healing in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) as well as in neuropathic pain. This study aims to investigate expression and functional roles of LPAR3 in ocular surface. Ocular surface potential difference (OSPD) and tear fluid volume measurements were performed in mice with topically applied LPAR modulators. …

The Rise Of Nutrition Misinformation: Impact On The Credibility Of Registered Dietitians In Practice, Sarah Owens

Honors Theses

With the rise of social media usage, misinformation on health and nutrition has increased in the last decade. The consequences of this misinformation by social media users has been documented in research, although the effects of misinformation on registered dietitians (RDs) in the United States have not been extensively studied. This thesis examines how the credibility of RDs is affected by unregulated nutrition information and counseling on social media (e.g. by “wellness influencers") using a qualitative survey of twenty-seven RDs licensed and registered in the U.S. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis methods to determine recurring responses and themes among …

Staff Education On Psychoeducational Interventions For Older Patients With Mood Disorder, Vera Ngenwie Nkweti

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No included because we used the Walden University School Template

Adhd Diagnosis And Treatment Within Ethnic Minority Groups, Dianthe Hoang

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is commonly diagnosed in childhood, and the National Survey of Children’s Health reported that ADHD had a prevalence of around 6.1 million children aged 2-17 years old (NSCH, 2016). This review discusses the cultural and socioeconomic barriers that contribute to the underdiagnosis and treatment in members of ethnic minority communities. Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian adults received less mental health care compared to White Americans. Previous findings indicated that cultural factors, such as misinterpretation of symptoms from families and teachers and cultural perceptions of mental health, contributed to disparities …

The Global Clinical Trials Ecosystem: A Critical Evaluation And Future Outlook, Sydney-Ariel D. Muneses

Undergraduate Honors Theses

As global clinical trials expand, inconsistencies in regulatory and ethical frameworks are increasingly evident, raising concerns about economic sustainability and participant protections. Existing research attributes this surge to pharmaceutical companies seeking cost efficiencies in emerging markets but acknowledges the challenges posed by fragmented oversight across international jurisdictions. To examine these limitations, a modified Delphi approach was used to gather expert insights from key stakeholders in global clinical trials. Findings highlighted systemic inefficiencies and ethical gaps, emphasizing the need for regulatory harmonization to balance scientific rigor, economic feasibility, and equitable participant treatment. By identifying critical shortcomings and proposing strategies to align …

Myocardin Effector Proteins Affect Tgf-Beta-Induced Myofibroblast Differentiation In Ipf Cells, Allison Gonzalez

Biotechnology Theses

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an incurable interstitial lung disease defined by the progressive, irreversible scarring of the tissues between the lung’s alveoli. To date, only two drugs have received approval for treatment. However, these medications are not considered cures since they do not stop the progression of the disease. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying IPF could aid in discovering a cure. We recently found that myocardin (MyoCD) regulates SMAD2/3 transcription factors in the TGF-β signaling pathway and governs the genes involved in pleural fibrosis. However, it is unclear whether MyoCD plays a critical role in IPF by …

Educational Program Focused On Medication-Assisted Treatment To Improve Healthcare Providers’ Knowledge Of Managing Opioid Use Disorder In Primary Care Setting, Genean Marie Doyle

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project is a staff education project focused on enhancing healthcare providers’ knowledge of managing opioid use disorder (OUD) through medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in a primary care setting. The practice problem focuses on the lack of provider knowledge and persistent misconceptions about MAT. Primary care providers often feel ill-equipped to manage OUD, due to inadequate formal training and report insufficient understanding of MAT medications, regulatory requirements, and patient management strategies, contributing to underutilization of MAT, even in settings where patient need is high. Given the ongoing opioid epidemic and the important role that primary care …

The Impact Of Functional Disabilities On The Quality Of Life Of Older U.S. Adults, Bernadette Lavender

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Among older U.S. adults, functional disabilities are critical determinants of quality of life (QoL), influencing mobility, social engagement, and independence. Despite growing evidence of these impacts, limited research examines how healthcare access, social support, and socioeconomic factors moderate this relationship. This quantitative study explored the effects of functional disabilities on QoL, operationalized through self-reported health, while examining the moderating roles of key social determinants. Using a cross-sectional design, secondary data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were analyzed. The sample included 42,405 participants aged 60 years and above from all 50 states. Multiple regression analyses and ANOVA were employed …

Food Insecurity, Myplate Utilization, And Hba1c In United States Adults With Prediabetes, Lindley R. Sharp

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The rising prevalence of prediabetes in the United States presents a significant public health challenge, particularly due to its progression into Type 2 diabetes. Despite national dietary guidelines, disparities in dietary adherence persist, especially among food-insecure adults. This quantitative study examined the impact of food insecurity and MyPlate utilization on HbA1C levels in prediabetic U.S. adults, while accounting for structural and intermediary determinants of health. Guided by the Commission on Social Determinants of Health framework, this cross-sectional study utilized secondary data from the 2015–March 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey including a sample size of 1,417 noninstitutionalized male and …

Synergy Of Stress: Examining The Effects Of Proinflammatory Stimuli On C8-D1a Astrocytes, Asher Stang

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Neuroinflammation is a complex synergy of different cells within the central nervous system. Astrocytes play a key role in the maintenance of neural functioning, but take a special part in the inflammatory process as well. By releasing pro-inflammatory modulators like cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species, astrocytes modulate the inflammatory response in the brain. Astrocytes can be activated into this proinflammatory state in response to pathogen derived molecules such as bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Lipopolysaccharides are glycoproteins derived from gram negative bacteria and commonly used to stimulate cells in vitro to produce an inflammatory response. To look at the effects of …

Mining Medical Data Toward A More Equitable Health System For The Public, Julian Powell

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

The aim of this study is to identify predictors of different sleep disorders which are less studied within the field. With sleep disorders affecting the overall well being of millions of individuals worldwide this is an important examination of potential factors which can lead to the development of such disorders. A relational database was constructed using MySql and Python in order to perform multiple different statistical analyses on data provided by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset. Correlations and predictions between described sleep disorders and different physiological factors described within the dataset were found to establish conclusions …

A Comparison Of Muscular Strength And Power Development In Unilateral And Bilateral Lower Body Exercises, Natalie Pickeral

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare muscle strength and power development following training programs that involved unilateral and bilateral lower-body exercises. A randomized between-groups research design was used in which results from a pretest and posttest were compared across the unilateral and bilateral groups. Sled machine one repetition maximum (1-RM) testing was used as a measure of strength, and countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) testing was used as a measure of absolute power. Total body bioelectrical impedance analysis testing was used to predict lean body mass in both the left and right legs. Six college-aged female students who were …

Synthesizing Palladium-Unnatural Amino Acid Complexes: Structural Analysis And Potential For Anti-Cancer Biological Activity, Jillian Francis

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Cisplatin is a potent anticancer drug that has been widely used in the treatment of several cancers. The drug works by stopping the DNA replication process in cancer cells, preventing them from rapidly multiplying. Despite its effectiveness in treating many cancers, cisplatin has several toxic side effects that hinder its use. Platinum is the central metal in cisplatin, but research has not explored other transition metals, specifically palladium, as an alternative central metal in similar structural complexes. Palladium, being a more reactive species than platinum, offers the potential for a new and improved anticancer drug through the formation of palladium-non-natural …

An Inside Look At Para Sport Concussion Care: Para Sport Healthcare Providers' Perspectives, Alexander Derstine

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Stress On Injury And Sickness Rates Of Middle-Distance And Distance Division Iii Athletes, Hailey Smith

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Running training intentionally stresses the body to experience positive physiological changes, however, maladaptions such as suppressed immune function and growth hormone production may occur without adequate recovery. Male distance and middle distance athletes (n = 14) participated in this study. For 6 weeks, heart rate variability (HRV), resting heart rate (HRrest), perceived stress, and cortisol levels were assessed as indicators of recovery and stress. It was anticipated that indicators of physical stress, such as higher resting heart rates and lower heart rate variability, would correspond with greater perceived stress and higher occurrence of injury and sickness. Cortisol (n = 2, …

Analyzing The Use Of Quantifying Patient Acuity On Medical Surgical Units And Its Impact On Nursing Care, Molly Silva

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Using existing data, qualitative research and quantitative research, this paper is an analysis of the literature regarding the use and effects of assessing patient acuity within the medical surgical population. A patient acuity tool is a system used in health care to determine the complexity of a patient. Current methods and studies of implementing a patient acuity tool are presented and their results are analyzed to determine aspects that have improved, as well as negatively impacted, the delivery of nursing patient care. The need for a standardized patient acuity tool is linked to better patient outcomes, yet a protocol is …

Analyzing The Effectiveness Of Dance Movements In Enhancing Activities Of Daily Living For Geriatric Patients And Relevant Implications For Nursing Care, Rachel Bruce

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Within the healthcare industry, the geriatric population holds a unique set of patient-care needs due to a myriad of physical and cognitive challenges that are not present in other subcategories of the population (Cremer et al., 2023). The presentation of these challenges can negatively impact a patient’s quality of life and their overall independence, which in turn decreases their overall quality of life (Cremer et al., 2023). One specific challenge healthcare providers must consider when caring for elderly patients is the reduced range of mobility typically associated with growing older (Machacova et al., 2015; Hartigan, 2007; Sinoff & Ore, 1997; …

The Relationship Between Lynchburg Area Ob-Gyn Physician Exercise Recommendations, Physical Activity Status, And Depression In Postpartum Women., Mckenzie Brundage

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) significantly impacts maternal well-being and infant care, necessitating effective and accessible interventions. This study examines the role of physical activity as a potential therapeutic modality for PPD, focusing on whether OB-GYNs in the Lynchburg, VA area provide exercise recommendations to pregnant and postpartum patients, and how these recommendations relate to postpartum activity levels and mood. We hypothesize that OB-GYN recommendations on exercise will lead to a positive correlation between regular physical activity and reduced PPD symptoms, supporting the integration of exercise into standard postpartum care protocols. Methods: Data was collected through an anonymous Google-Form administered to …

Bedside Nursing Report: Changing The Practice In The Hospital And How It Affects Patients, Holly Burns

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

This literature review explores barriers and obstacles that have prevented bedside shift reports to be the standard of practice for hospitals nation-wide. By analyzing existing research from 2019-2024, the review was able to explore data from both qualitative and quantitative research studies. The analysis reveals that there are benefits of the bedside shift report style for nurses and their patients. Nurses are able to gain more knowledge and information on their patients while being less distracted by their surroundings when completing a report at the bedside. Patients will also benefit in the bedside shift reports because it allows for an …

Determining Diagnostic Criteria To Define Infant Swallowing Through Dyad Interviews With Experts, Evon Youkhana

Speech and Hearing Sciences ETDs

INTRODUCTION: With the increasing incidence of pediatric dysphagia, understanding what constitutes normal swallowing is essential to identifying aberrant swallowing. The purpose of this investigation is to understand how expert clinicians define swallowing disorders in infants and young children through a qualitative analysis of clinical decision-making processes.

METHODS: Data collection occurred in two phases. Phase I consisted of an online survey, which gathered demographic information and expert opinions on pediatric feeding and swallowing assessments. Phase II consisted of two dyad interviews to discuss key clinical and instrumental components important in determining the presence or absence of swallowing problems in infants and …

Using Natural Materials In Art Therapy To Address Accessibility And Well-Being In Low-Income Older Adults, Ahlyana J. Richardson

Expressive Therapies Theses

This study investigated the implementation of natural materials during the artmaking processes in an older adult art therapy group (eco-art therapy), and its effects on their well-being and the role of accessibility in their lives. An open-studio approach was applied to emphasize the artmaking process being driven by the participants independently, while also sharing a collaborative space and creating community with each other. There was an exception to this condition in this study, being that the participants were encouraged to ask for assistance in using unconventional materials in their artwork if they felt they needed it. The participants were older …

Alive Old-Time Radio Play: Performance-Based Drama Therapy With Cognitively Healthy Older Adults, Aaron T. Dore

Expressive Therapies Theses

The live radio play format is uniquely positioned to offer social benefits for older adults when explored through a performance-based drama therapeutic lens. Though firsthand familiarity with old-time radio is not a prerequisite for meaningful participation in a group styled after this bygone era of storytelling, the format naturally supports accessibility needs common among the older adult population. The minimal blocking requirements, script-in-hand approach, and adaptable format make it especially accommodating to a wide range of skill levels and areas of interest. Research into therapeutic interventions for older adults tends to rely on reminiscence and life review approaches with an …