Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Long-Term Changes In Bolus Parameters During Swallowing Post-Chemoradiation Treatment., Brittany Rebecca Smiley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Current treatment for oropharyngeal cancer involves chemoradiation, which can have profound effects on swallowing function. Submental muscle activity is critical for airway protection and bolus transit but is highly susceptible to radiation-related swallowing impairments. This study examined whether chemoradiation targeting the submental muscles leads to measurable changes in esophageal distension during swallowing in a rodent model. We hypothesized that rats receiving chemoradiation would exhibit aberrant esophageal distension compared to chemotherapy-only controls. Twenty male rats underwent four cycles of cisplatin concurrently with either radiation or sham radiation. High-speed videofluoroscopy swallow studies were conducted pre- and post-treatment with thin liquids to analyze …

Analyzing The Association Of Competitive Food Policy On Competitive Food Content In U.S. Schools., Mary E. Curnutte

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

OBJECTIVES: School food can have a profound effect on the population’s health. Thirty million children receive food at school and consume half their daily calorie intake at school. Competitive foods are foods sold outside of school breakfast and lunch, such as those sold in vending machines. A new ruling for Smart Snacks Standards, a set of competitive food guidelines, started in the school year 2014-2015. It is known that competitive foods undermine school lunch participation, and a decrease in school lunch consumption is associated with poorer student health. Additionally, an increase in competitive foods tends to be of nutrient-poor …

Investigating Mental Health Outcomes Of National Collegiate Athletic Association (Ncaa) Division I Student-Athletes At The University Of Louisville, 2019-2023., Paul Harvey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mental health outcomes among collegiate student-athletes, has become a broader concern in the 21^st century. This study examines prevalence and incidence of anxiety and depression amongst student-athletes at the University of Louisville from 2019-2023 across different Sports Groups. The prevalence of anxiety was found to be 20.22% and risk of anxiety was 15.65%. The prevalence of depression was found to be 13.11% and risk of depression was 18.75%. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between sports groups and anxiety/depression. There was a borderline association between sports groups and prevalence of anxiety after confounder adjustment (OR=1.86, 95% CI: …

Cns-Specific Hiv Reservoir Characterization In Humans: Advancing Our Understanding Through Novel Genomics Methods., Ghazal Sadri

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The persistence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reservoir despite years of suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) represents the principal obstacle to achieving a functional cure. Because the intact, replication-competent portion of the reservoir drives viral rebound after treatment interruption, HIV cure strategies must specifically identify and target cells harboring these proviruses. Conventional reservoir‐characterization techniques typically require separate assays to capture integration sites, assess proviral integrity, and quantify clonal proliferation and they rely on short‐read sequencing. These limitations hinder our ability to understand how integration landscapes, the integrity of the HIV genome, and cell‐division dynamics intersect to maintain viral persistence in …

Healthcare Utilization Patterns, Associated Factors, And Readmission Rates Among Children With Sickle Cell Disease., Daniya Mohammed Sabrah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is common in Saudi Arabia, with a prevalence rate of 2.3%. It is an expensive disease to manage due to the extensive utilization of healthcare resources, including hospital readmissions, extended hospital stays, and frequent emergency department visits, which cost approximately $395 million annually in U.S. dollars. The primary objective of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review of healthcare utilization and cost of patients with SCD, following the PICO framework and PRISMA guidelines. The second aim utilized count models, including the negative binomial and Poisson, to identify factors associated with emergency, inpatient, and outpatient …

Differences In Prostate Cancer (Pca) Stage At Primary Diagnosis And Pca-Specific Mortality Among Rural Versus Urban Populations In Kentucky., Chase Herrmann

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Kentucky Cancer Registry (KCR) prostate cancer (PCa) cases between the years of 1994 and 2021 were analyzed to examine differences between rural and urban populations’ primary stage at diagnosis and PCa-specific mortality. After adjusting for covariates, rural populations did not experience significantly higher odds of stage 3 diagnosis when compared to urban populations (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.95 – 1.06). Rural populations had 16% increased odds of stage 4 diagnosis when compared to urban populations (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.10 – 1.23). Rural populations had a 17% increased rate of PCa-specific death when compared to urban …

Language Sample Analysis In Preschool-Age Children At-Risk For Speech Sound Disorders, Hannah Spear

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction: Language sample analysis is a highly beneficial tool that speech-language pathologists can utilize to provide a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for their client. This method is particularly valuable because it assesses a child’s speech in a naturalistic form, allowing therapists to observe how the child communicates in real-world settings. Speech sound disorders account for the highest number of cases treated by speech-language pathologist in the pediatric population. This thesis aims to investigate two different types of language sample analysis software, CLAN and SALT, as well as their benefits and limitations in diagnosing speech sound disorders. Understanding the …

Exploring Spatial Arrangements And Smart Technology To Manage Cognitive Load In Kitchens For Aging In Place, Monique Chabot

Full-Text Theses & Dissertations

Older adults undergo natural physiological changes in various physical and cognitive functions, including balance, strength, memory, attention, and executive functioning. Memory, attention, and executive functioning integrate to form functional cognition, a skill that allows people to safely and efficiently complete daily tasks. Functional cognition is integral to the ability to age in place and is sensitive to demands in the environment. While a decline in some cognitive functions is expected with age, it is not typically observable except in the presence of pathological conditions or situations of cognitive overload from complex tasks or high environmental demands.

Older adults have identified …

Bioavailability Of Lead In Terre Haute Soils, Terre Haute, Indiana, Zach Kemp

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Contamination of soils from heavy metal pollution has been a global concern for decades. Heavy metals are released into the soil from natural and anthropogenic releases. The largest producers of heavy metal pollution include mining, industrial production, and the combustion of fossil fuels. Vigo County formed in 1818, and Terre Haute was established in 1832. After the discovery of coal in Clay County in 1867, Terre Haute became the third largest coal producer and fifth largest iron manufacturer in the state during that time. Lead, in particular, is a heavy metal of concern because of the harmful effects to humans …

A Review On Treatment, Prevention, And Research Of Worldwide Parasitic Disease: Toxoplasmosis, Hannah Skinner

All Theses

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide, yet often overlooked, parasitic disease caused by the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. The parasite is capable of infecting humans and almost all warm-blooded vertebrates. Over a million people are infected in the United States with toxoplasmosis each year. Most infections are asymptomatic but severe cases can lead to vision impairment, neurological disorders, and congenital birth defects. T. gondii is transmitted through undercooked meat, infected feline feces, or contaminated water and soil. The burden of T. gondii infection is most notable in livestock, felines, and immunocompromised humans. Despite being a widespread disease, toxoplasmosis is neglected in …

Modeling Buprenorphine Treatment Discontinuation In Opioid Use Disorder – Predictors And Disparities Using Statistical And Machine Learning Approaches, Wanru Guo

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Background: Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) remains a major public health crisis in the U.S., and while buprenorphine is an effective treatment, early discontinuation undermines its impact. Existing statistical and machine learning (ML) models often overlook key social and healthcare-related predictors and fail to capture subgroup disparities, limiting their utility for equitable intervention design. This study addresses these gaps using a nationwide, longitudinal dataset and a two-stage modeling approach focused on disparity identification. Methods: We analyzed buprenorphine treatment episodes for OUD from the IQVIA Pharmetrics Plus database (2006–2023), defining discontinuation as episodes lasting under 180 days. A Cox proportional hazards model …

Adolescent Identity And Belongingness: Using Arts-Based Participatory Action Research, Vivian Boyer, Kam Brooks, Emily Camp, Hannah Checkwicz-Grosberg, Jenna Newman, Renee O’Connor, Jacqueline Tardie

LMU Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the concepts of empathy and belonging through the collaborative creative arts process among high school-aged girls at an all-girls Catholic school in Los Angeles County, California. Employing a Participatory Action Research (PAR) framework, researchers and participants collaborated as co-researchers, founded on the principles of cross-cultural art therapy and in the hope of fostering youth advocacy. In partnership with the school community and institution, as well as supported by an Anti-Hate grant from The Jenesse Center, this study examines the intersectional identities of participants and how empathy and belonging can be affected through the art-making process. The project …

Quality Improvement Of Technical Training Program For Mls/Mlt Hires, Bethany E. Johnson, Allison Waswick, Heather Langerud

Medical Laboratory Science Independent Study Projects

As a pinnacle of clinical support services, the laboratory department plays a crucial role in diagnostic medicine. Given the highly technical and regulated nature of clinical laboratories, training, education and competency are important. Meta analysis was conducted to review several important aspects of a quality training program. These aspects include barriers to effective training and competency programs, laboratory regulatory requirements, current processes for clinical training, continuing education and good laboratory practices. Research into these aspects will help learn how to improve the overall initial training and competency for new laboratory professionals. There is a need to reduce patient safety errors …

The Impact Of Structured Feedback And Evaluation Systems On Clinical Preceptor Performance And Student Satisfaction In Medical Laboratory Science Programs, Kyleen Newman, Mary Coleman, Heather Langerud

Medical Laboratory Science Independent Study Projects

Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) students' education heavily relies on clinical practicum experiences to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Knowledgeable clinical preceptors are vital for engaging and inspiring learning and enabling students to interact within authentic clinical environments involving laboratory peers, patients, and healthcare providers. This literature review explores the impact of implementing a structured feedback and evaluation system for clinical preceptors in medical laboratory science (MLS) programs, highlighting its influence on student satisfaction and preceptor performance. The databases utilized for this literature review include PubMed and CINAHL. Due to a profound lack of published literature available additional healthcare …

The Perceived Effect Of The Menstrual Cycle On Sleep, Mood, And Training In Ncaa Di Collegiate Athletes, Rachel Conhoff

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study aimed to understand whether collegiate female athletes perceived that their menstrual cycle influenced sleep, mood, and training. Additionally, it looked to identify which phases of the menstrual cycle (pre-menstruation, menstruation, and post-menstruation) were associated with a positive perception of these three variables. Methods: An online questionnaire was designed and sent out to all NCAA Division I (DI) female athletes whose schools had permitted them to participate in the study. The questionnaire was a novel instrument that assessed the perception of the menstrual cycle on the three variables across the three phases. Inclusion criteria included NCAA DI female …

The Impact Of Public Health Authority On Emergency Response In State Health Departments, Jessica L. Baggett

Dissertations: Doctor of Public Health

Background

Public health authority plays a crucial role in enabling state health officials to implement emergency response measures such as isolation, quarantine, and vaccination campaigns. However, legislative changes following the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly curtailed these authorities in many states, raising concerns about the ability of public health officials to respond effectively to future health crises. The erosion of public health authority has highlighted gaps in the legal literacy of health officials and underscored the need for enhanced training in navigating political and legal challenges.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess legal literacy among state health officials, …

The Effect Of Pickleball On Postural Control For Young Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Emma Wilkinson

Honors Theses

Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, impacting various aspects of life, including balance. Individuals with IDD often experience balance deficits due to muscle weakness, sensory deficits, and slower processing times, leading to an increased risk of falls and injuries. Traditional balance training programs such as yoga, aquatic exercises, and exergaming have shown promise in improving balance and physical health in this population.

This study explores the potential of pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, as an alternative balance training intervention for young adults with IDD. Pickleball's unique combination of physical …

Relationship Between Past And Present Physical Activity On The Self-Reported Well-Being Of College-Aged Students With And Without Add/Adhd, Eleanore Cornn

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This study explores the relationship between past and present physical activity for college students with and without ADD/ADHD on their self-reported perceptions of well-being.

The Evolution Of Dental Aesthetics: An Artistic And Cultural Journey Through History And Race, Naya L. Weems

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This thesis explores the intersection of art, dentistry, race, and healthcare through a critical analysis of how visual culture has shaped societal perceptions of dental aesthetics from antiquity to the modern day. Beginning with ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and Renaissance anatomical drawings, the study traces how artistic portrayals of teeth evolved into tools of both medical education and social hierarchy. Particular attention is given to the racialization of dental aesthetics, examining how caricatures, colonial pseudoscience, and exclusionary marketing practices contributed to enduring stereotypes and disparities in oral healthcare. Through the lens of cultural symbols like grills—once markers of status among Etruscans, …

Empowering Caregivers: Enhancing Early Intervention Through The Coaching Model, Lindsay M. Carlson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The caregiver coaching model, aligned with the Best Practices in Early Intervention (BPEI) framework, is a family-centered and strengths-based approach to Birth to Three early intervention. This framework aims to empower caregivers with strategies to embed into the family’s daily routines, increasing their confidence and competence as well as the child’s development and participation. Despite research supporting its effectiveness, providers may face challenges including provider preparedness, caregiver engagement, and varying family and/or cultural preferences. Therefore, the purpose of this capstone project was to develop in-depth clinical practice skills in applying BPEI’s coaching model and to create educational resources to support …

Sketching Moments: Improving Quality Of Life For Individuals With Dementia By Engaging The Senses Through Environmental Modifications, Marie E. Mclaughlin

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

An estimated 1.2 million direct dementia care workers will be needed between 2020-2030 to meet the needs of persons living with dementia (PLWD) (AHCA/NCAL, 2021). The solutions come in the form of creating a site that promotes engagement in meaningful activities without the leadership of a staff member. By creating space for residents to engage in activities safely without staff guidance, a site allows residents to independently engage in a meaningful activity while freeing staff to help with other caregiving tasks. Increasing physical activity for those living with dementia helps to promote continued independence and maintenance of body control (Lam …

Breaking Barriers: Exploring Collaboration Between Ot And Aba, Grace Elizabeth Hayworth

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project examines the collaborative relationship between occupational therapists (OTs) and behavior analysts (BAs) at an Autism and Child Development Center. Through a mixed-methods approach, pre- and post-surveys assessed changes in perceptions of collaboration, communication, and role clarity among OTs, BAs, and registered behavior technicians (RBTs). The project included lunch-and-learn presentations designed to promote interdisciplinary understanding and teamwork. Results showed significant improvements in participants' confidence and knowledge regarding collaborative practices. Qualitative feedback emphasized the value of shared learning experiences in fostering mutual respect and reducing barriers. This project highlights the importance of interprofessional education in advancing collaborative care models …

Limitless: Transforming Lives Through Adaptive Sports, Virtual Reality, And Occupational Therapy, Justin R. Kooiman

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Although it is known that physical activity and engagement in meaningful occupations lead to numerous positive physical and mental health outcomes, individuals with neurological conditions are often unable to participate in these activities. This capstone experience focused on adaptive sports, assistive technology, and the implementation of virtual reality at a Veterans Affairs hospital. This capstone project consisted of three primary goals: the development of clinical skills and knowledge in assistive technology used in neurorehabilitation, the development of skills and experience in adaptive sports as it relates to occupational therapy, and the exploration of feasibility for expanding adaptive sports opportunities and …

Beyond The Flames: Occupational Therapy Approaches To Address Pain Management, Mental Health, And Occupational Engagement In Burn Patients, Mackenzie Mertz

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project centered around gaining advanced clinical skills and knowledge, advocating for occupational therapy’s role in burn rehabilitation, and creating education on topics such as pain management and mental health. This project was completed at the Medical University of South Carolina Burn Center with a diverse population throughout the continuum of care and various functional and psychosocial needs. The theoretical framework supporting this project was the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement. Assessment tools included range of motion, manual muscle testing, sensation, a pain analogue scale, and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Clinical skills were gained throughout the …

Mealtime Mastery: A Quality Improvement Project For Pediatric Feeding Therapy, Jada D. Cunningham

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Among the pediatric population, feeding problems are common. Feeding challenges can be addressed by several professions including occupational therapists. The purpose of this capstone is to conduct a quality improvement project of feeding evaluation forms while also gaining clinical practice skills at Piller Child Development in Phoenix, Arizona. A needs assessment determined the feeding evaluation form, feeding parent questionnaire, and feeding report template would benefit from being updated. A thorough literature review was completed to analyze current feeding assessments being used across multiple fields of healthcare. To determine the validity of the feeding evaluation, interviews were conducted with practitioners employed …

Implementing An Art-Based Occupational Therapy Program To Enhance Mental Health And Well-Being For Domestic Violence Survivors, Kameron A. Sievert

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Domestic violence significantly impacts the mental health and well-being of survivors and their children, often leading to disruptions in engagement and performance of occupations. This capstone project aimed to address these challenges by developing a therapeutic craft-based occupational therapy program at a domestic violence shelter. The program was guided by the following theories: Person-Environment-Occupation Model, Recovery Framework, and Trauma-Informed Care Distinct to Occupational Therapy. Current literature and a needs assessment at the site revealed gaps in therapeutic programming and child-related resources. Adult-specific and family-oriented program sessions were designed to facilitate opportunities for self-expression and building coping skills, with modifications made …

Occupational Therapy Intervention Program Addressing Mental Health For Student Athletes Navigating Transition And Recovery, Taylor K. Pfrommer

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project aimed to develop and evaluate an occupation-based mental health program for student-athletes navigating the transitions in and out of sports. Guided by the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), Occupational Adaptation (OA), and Self-Determination Theory (SDT), intervention sessions contained six one-on-one sessions focused on identity reformation, building adaptive responses, and restructuring a meaningful routine. A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate outcomes from two participants using the Brief-COPE, Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), satisfaction surveys, and thematic analysis of qualitative feedback. Results indicated growth in self-awareness and emotional expression for both participants. Participant …

Identifying Novel Molecular Targets To Induce Ferroptosis In Drug-Tolerant Cancer Cells Through Computational Modeling, Haris J. Rana

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-driven form of regulated cell death in which the cell membrane is degraded by lipid peroxidation. It is regulated by multiple enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), which prevents membrane degradation by reducing lipid peroxides and protecting cells from oxidative damage. When inhibitors like RSL3 target GPX4, lipid peroxides build up, and toxic ROS compromises membrane integrity. Traditional anticancer treatments, such as most chemotherapies, aim to eliminate tumor cells by damaging DNA and triggering apoptosis. However, resistance to apoptosis is a “hallmark of cancer,” often resulting in treatment failure. As a distinct …

Investigating The Effect Of Fasting On Senescent Cells In Nothobranchius Furzeri Fish, Israel A. Akinola

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Senescent cells (SCs) have been documented to accumulate with age in the organism. Recent studies have shown that reducing the number of SCs in an organism result in tissue rejuvenation and extension of life expectancy. Intermittent fasting is reported to have multiple health benefits and is speculated to reduce the burden of SCs. Nothobranchius furzeri are a new model organism for studying aging and for which there are short- and long-lived strains available. We hypothesize that long- and short-lived strains of N. furzeri will accumulate SCs at different rates; and that fasting will reduce the burden of SCs.

The results …

Examination Of The Relationships Between Religious Or Atheistic Belief Certainty And Mental Health Outcomes, Christopher S. Percifield

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Perceived meaning in life is considered to be an outcome of one’s efforts to create and sustain a sense of subjective understanding and purpose in the world. Meaning-making researchers have historically emphasized the role of religious worldviews as fundamental structures through which meaning-making attempts can be guided. Often, researchers have suggested that religious beliefs offer unique benefits for physical and psychological well-being for religious believers compared to non-believers. Archival data was analyzed across two separate waves, and significant correlates of aspects of meaning in life, belief certainty, and psychological well-being were identified. Perceived meaning and peace and mitigation of lapses …