Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Pgc-1Α Activation To Enhance Macrophage Immune Function In Mycobacterial Infections, Joel R. Frandsen, Zhihong Yuan, Brahmchetna Bedi, Zohra Prasla, Seoung-Ryoung Choi, Prabagaran Narayanasamy, Ruxana Sadikot

Journal Articles: Pathology and Microbiology

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) are a heterogeneous group of environmental microorganisms with distinct human pathogenesis. Their incidence and prevalence are rising worldwide, due in part to elevated antimicrobial resistance which complicates treatment and potential successful outcomes. Although information exists on the clinical significance of NTMs, little is known about host immune response to infection. NTM infections alter macrophage mitochondrial capacity and decrease ATP production, efficient immune response, and bacterial clearance. Transcription factor peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) is a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, influencing metabolism, mitochondrial pathways, and antioxidant response. Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) is a …

Improving Health Literacy Related To Hypertension In A Minority Faith-Based Population, Kasaundra M. Beverly-Marshall, Kasaundra M. Beverly-Marshall

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Background: Insufficient research on health literacy related to cardiovascular disease highlights a gap in healthcare. Healthy People 2030 and local community health programs acknowledge gaps in research with future goals to improve health literacy.

Local Problem: The health literacy rate for Winnebago County, IL (41%) is higher than both the State of Illinois and national health literacy rates, which aligns with the results of a community needs assessment survey.

Methods: A community-based health promotion project using a pre-post study design uses the health promotion model to engage participants in advancing cardiovascular health outcomes.

Interventions: DNP student assisted participants in creating …

Extracellular Adherence Proteins Reduce Matrix Porosity And Enhance Staphylococcus Aureus Biofilm Survival During Prosthetic Joint Infection, Mohini Bhattacharya, Tyler D. Scherr, Jessica Lister, Tammy Kielian, Alexander R. Horswill

Journal Articles: Pathology and Microbiology

Biofilms are a cause of chronic, non-healing infections. Staphylococcus aureus is a proficient biofilm-forming pathogen commonly isolated from prosthetic joint infections that develop following primary arthroplasty. Extracellular adherence protein (Eap), previously characterized in planktonic or non-biofilm populations as being an adhesin and immune evasion factor, was recently identified in the exoproteome of S. aureus biofilms. This work demonstrates that Eap and its two functionally orphaned homologs EapH1 and EapH2 contribute to biofilm structure and prevent macrophage invasion and phagocytosis in these communities. Biofilms unable to express Eap proteins demonstrated increased porosity and reduced biomass. We describe the role of Eap …

Mujeres Hispanas Y Latinas: Influencias Culturales Y Religiosas En El Uso De Métodos Anticonceptivos, Paola Martinez

World Languages and Cultures Senior Capstones

This paper analyzes the importance of sexual and reproductive health for women’s overall wellbeing, focusing on how religious and cultural factors significantly influence contraceptive use in Hispanic and Latina communities. Religious affiliation, particularly within Catholicism and evangelical Christianity, promotes values that may discourage contraception, impacting STI prevention and family planning. Sociocultural constructs like machismo and familism reinforce these barriers, limiting women’s autonomy. Additionally, a lack of sexual education and distrust in healthcare systems contribute to unplanned pregnancies and increased STI risks. The analysis suggests that culturally sensitive educational programs could improve access to reliable information and empower women to make …

Sistemas De Salud Público Y Privado En El Salvador, Ana Ledford

World Languages and Cultures Senior Capstones

This paper analyzes El Salvador’s healthcare system, divided into public and private sectors. The public system, managed by the government, provides accessible healthcare for most of the population, though it faces issues like long wait times. In contrast, the private sector offers faster, specialized services for those who can afford them. The study discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each system, highlighting the need to enhance public healthcare and address access disparities. Solutions include increasing healthcare facilities in underserved areas and fostering collaboration with national and international organizations to improve overall healthcare quality for Salvadorians.

Poner En Práctica Las Regulaciones Federales: Habilitando A Los Pacientes Dominio Limitado Del Inglés, Caitlyn Gailey

World Languages and Cultures Senior Capstones

This paper examines the gaps in the U.S. healthcare system that affect the Hispanic community, focusing on language barriers and cultural competence. It highlights the challenges faced by Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients, who may struggle with medical terminology, leading to misdiagnosis and improper treatment. The paper advocates for culturally sensitive language services, including qualified interpreters, translated documents and signage in order to improve communication, patient satisfaction, and reduce medical errors. It calls for systemic changes to ensure equitable care for all patients, regardless of language or cultural background.

Los Inmigrantes Indocumentados Y Su Pelea Para La Salud Medica En Los Estados Unidos, Alejandro Del Rello

World Languages and Cultures Senior Capstones

This essay explores the critical issue of healthcare access for undocumented immigrants in the United States. Despite contributing significantly to the economy through labor and taxes, undocumented immigrants face systemic barriers to medical care, including lack of insurance, fear of deportation, and economic troubles. These barriers result in untreated illnesses, mental health struggles, and increased use of emergency services, which generate higher long-term costs. The paper argues for inclusive healthcare policies, such as Medicaid expansion and protections for patient privacy, to improve public health, reduce disparities, and enhance economic stability. Drawing from U.S. and international examples, the essay demonstrates that …

El Uso De Las Prácticas Curativas No Occidentales En Lugar De Y Dentro De La Cultura Biomédica, Lynda Gulledge

World Languages and Cultures Senior Capstones

This paper explores the difficulties that the Hispanic community faces when accessing healthcare in the United States, which emphasizes the use of biomedical culture. Topics such as cultural and linguistic barriers, past and present healthcare policies, and the use of non-Western medical practices are examined. Furthermore, this paper explores the history and use of curanderismo as an accessible and culturally appropriate form of healthcare. Lastly, the integration and acknowledgement of curanderismo in biomedical culture is explored and encouraged in order to create a more holistic healthcare experience for the Hispanic community.

Applications Of Motor Learning Strategies In Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Scoping Review, Kathlynne F. Eguia, Shamay S.M. Ng, Catherine M. Capio, Thomson W.L. Wong

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Synthesized knowledge of motor learning strategies could be used to facilitate the motor development of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). To map the current research, we followed the established framework and protocol for scoping reviews. Among the 25 papers, the most studied strategies include dual-task and observational learning. The studies predominantly involved children with cerebral palsy, but research is growing among children with intellectual disability, autism and developmental coordination disorder. Most of the studies integrated motor learning strategies in researcher-led interventions that are delivered over several weeks in school, home, or clinic settings. Further research using robust study designs and …

Burnout In The Emergency Room: Corrective Measures Vs. The Absence Of Solutions, Zane Walters, Zachary Woodall

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Physician burnout has become an increasingly prevalent and critical issue in healthcare systems worldwide, particularly among emergency room physicians who face high-stress, high-demand working conditions. Burnout manifests as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment, leading to negative outcomes for physicians’ mental health, job satisfaction, and overall career longevity. This phenomenon not only threatens the well-being of physicians but also compromises patient care quality and contributes to costly turnover within healthcare organizations.

Purpose of the Study: The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the impact of burnout interventions on emergency room physicians. …

Impact Of Hospital Virtual Dementia Tour® On Caregivers’ Knowledge And Attitudes Towards People With Dementia, Sarah Cope

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The incidence of dementia, associated with poor health outcomes, is rapidly rising. In review of the literature, dementia education is broadly recommended to impact staff knowledge and patient outcomes. This Doctoral project sought to answer the project question: in healthcare workers who care for hospitalized patients with dementia and behavioral disturbance, will the dementia-centered education initiative, the Hospital Virtual Dementia Tour® (HVDT), improve the care team's knowledge and attitudes in caring for people with dementia, particularly behavioral dysregulation, as measured by scores on pre-post Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS) Assessment?

A quality improvement quantitative pretest posttest pilot study implementing the Hospital …

Embolization Of Brain Av Malformations, Ashleigh M. Button

Student Research Poster Presentations 2025

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to discuss brain Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM) and the Interventional Radiology treatment plan. An AVM is a section of blood vessels that gets tangled, which then causes blood to flow abnormally through arteries and veins in the brain. Brain AVMs are considered to be very rare and approximately 1% of the population is affected. These malformations seem to be equally common in all genders and ethnicities. Most people diagnosed with AVMs are usually asymptomatic. AVMs may be a congenital birth defect or may occur throughout the lifetime. Endovascular embolization uses coils to fill or …

Review Of High-Intensity Interval Training (Hiit) Protocols For Older Adults With Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review, Matthew G. Carter, Emma Pole, Elizabeth Buonanno, Abigail Curtis, Nicole Paranich

Student Research Poster Presentations 2025

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, with approximately 17.9 million lives lost each year, and has an incidence of 77-80% amongst those 60-80 years old. HIIT is not the initial treatment of choice in those with CVD among physical therapists because of the fear and concern relating to the patient’s response to high-intensity exercise.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on older adults with cardiovascular disease and, if it was effective, find the proper protocol for this population. This systematic review intends to find …

The Filipino Experience Of Kutob: Understanding Culturally-Informed Hyper-Intuition, Carl Lorenz Gaston Cervantes

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive

Kutob is a Filipino concept that usually refers to a sense of what may happen. It is often experienced as an omen of negative events. Despite its apparent ubiquity in everyday conversations, there is a lack of sincere academic reflection surrounding the topic of kutob. Relying on foreign (that is, western) approaches and frameworks to understand this concept may only limit it to certain categories of psychological thought. In this paper, I use the lens of indigenous psychology—in particular, Sikolohiyang Pilipino (Filipino psychology)—to identify the nuances and contexts of kutob. I show how kutob is a function of the dynamic …

Understanding The Relationship Between Children's Oral Health Utilization And Parent's Use Of Healthcare Services, Shillpa Naavaal, Rashmi Lamsal

Dental Public Health and Policy Publications

Introduction: Parents play an influential role in their children's lives, but little is known about how their healthcare experiences connect. This study examined the relationship between parent's healthcare use and their child's overall and preventive dental care use.

Methods: We pooled three years (2017–2019) of Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data and merged child (0–17 years) and parent data. Our outcomes included any dental visit, preventive visit, and receipt of sealant or fluoride. The primary exposure variable was the parents’ medical and dental care use, grouped into four categories. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted, and multivariable logistic regression analyses …

Investigating The Association Between Parental Paid Sick Leave Benefit And Children's Dental Care Utilization, Rashmi Lamsal, Shillpa Naavaal

Dental Public Health and Policy Publications

Objective: The purpose of this research is to examine the association between paid sick leave (PSL) benefit for employed parents and their child's dental care utilization, including preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services.

Methods: Using pooled data from the 2017–2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, we created a dyadic observational unit linking children aged 0–17 years with their parents (n = 7652) specifically focusing on the younger children of employed parents. Descriptive statistics and a multivariate logistic regression model were employed to examine the association between parental PSL benefit and child dental care utilization, accounting for various child and …

Oral Health Impact And Cost-Effectiveness Of Resealing First Permanent Molars, Christina Scherrer, Pritam Deb, Jayden Ayash, Shillpa Naavaal

Dental Public Health and Policy Publications

Introduction: This study examined the cost-effectiveness and health impact of various dental sealant resealing scenarios for first permanent molars from the payer perspective.

Methods: The authors used a discrete event simulation model for 4,000 recently sealed first molars in a hypothetical cohort of 1,000 children aged 7 years over a 10-year time horizon. Scenarios included a base case of no resealing, resealing at first dental visit, and resealing at the age of 12 years.

Results: Without resealing, only 34.88% of teeth retained sealants after 10 years, whereas resealing at the age of 12 years increased this to …

Role Of Oral Health Providers In Supporting Hpv-Related Cancer Prevention In The Dental Setting, Megan Cloidt, Sarah Vivo, Aubree Thelen, Shillpa Naavaal

Dental Public Health and Policy Publications

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination can prevent HPV-related illness and associated cancers, including oropharyngeal. The safety and efficacy of HPV vaccination has been well-established, but national HPV vaccination rates remain unacceptably low with persistent disparities for certain populations. While vaccination has been one of the biggest public health accomplishments of the last century, vaccine hesitancy continues to grow in the United States, and remains a challenging element of low HPV vaccine uptake.

Description: Oral health providers have been traditionally siloed and largely uninvolved in vaccination counseling and administration, but the COVID-19 pandemic brought oral health providers, pharmacists and …

An Analysis Of Comprehensive Sex Education As A Means Of Reducing Teenage Pregnancy Rates, Ben Hiett, Adriana Parella

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Teenage pregnancy rates have been declining since the 1990s, yet teenage pregnancy remains a pressing public health concern given its associated negative maternal and infant complications. Many experts and advocates have placed an increasing emphasis on school programs that provide teenagers with comprehensive education on healthy sexual functioning, safe sex practices, and effective contraceptive use, pointing to them as a means of reducing unplanned teen pregnancies. However, there is still some debate regarding the effectiveness of comprehensive sex education compared to more limited programs that focus primarily on promoting abstinence. Using data from County Health Rankings and SIECUS, we compared …

Big Data Analytics In Inventory Management In Healthcare Supply Chain, Bailee White

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: As healthcare organizations increasingly have relied on digital transformation to meet growing demands for efficiency and cost reduction, big data analytics have emerged as a key tool for optimizing supply chain performance. Inventory management, which accounted for up to 50% of total hospital operating costs, remained one of the most critical and complex areas in the healthcare supply chain. Traditional inventory methods often led to stockouts, waste, and inefficiencies. The integration of big data tools such as predictive analytics and enterprise resource planning systems presented an opportunity to streamline operations and reduce costs.

Purpose of the Study: …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Teledermatology For Undeserved Populations During And Post-Covid-19, Jakob Gibbs, Sean Hanshaw

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Teledermatology, a subset of telemedicine, has gained prominence as a means to increase access to dermatologic care while reducing costs and improving patient satisfaction. The swift expansion of teledermatology during the COVID-19 pandemic was driven by the necessity to limit physical contact and adapt to public health restrictions. This technological shift aimed to address longstanding disparities in dermatology access, especially in rural and underserved populations, and to respond to the rising demand for dermatologic services amid provider shortages.

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects that teledermatology following the COVID-19 pandemic had …

The Impacts Of Artificial Intelligence In Radiology, Misty Farmer, Wendy Trzyna

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: There has been significant growth in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the healthcare industry, especially in Medical Imaging. Radiology has been the clear frontrunner in the adoption of AI in medicine, due in part to the massive amount of digital data available for use in Deep Learning (DL) AI integration has the potential to solve multiple challenges in radiology, address workload issues and transform the field.

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the research was to evaluate the impact of implementing Artificial Intelligence in radiology to determine if these technologies have had an impact …

Effects Of Rideshare Services On Alcohol Related Motor Vehicle Collision (Mvc) Outcomes, David Bassa, Morgan Johnson, Devika Pavuluri, Michael Truitt

North Texas Research Forum 2025

BACKGROUND: In 2022, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over 42,000 motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) deaths with 31% of MVC deaths secondary to alcohol (AR-MVCs). In 2010, rideshare services (RSS) were introduced to the market providing a new method of transportation with the potential to reduce the incidence of driving under the influence (DUI). We analyzed the NHTSA database to evaluate trends in alcohol related MVC deaths (AR-MVC Deaths) since the initiation of ride share services. METHODS: Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) source from the NHTSA was used to obtain data from years 2009 and 2022 from 50 …

Addressing The Opioid Epidemic Across The United States And In West Virginia, Kailyn Smith, Addison Hughes

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: The opioid crisis had a profound impact on public health across the United States and West Virginia, with overdose deaths reaching unprecedented levels by 2021. Traditional abstinence-only rehabilitation programs demonstrated limited success, largely due to high relapse rates and insufficient mental health support. These programs often overlooked the complex relationship between opioid addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, which are common among those with substance use disorders. In contrast, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), when supplemented with behavioral therapies and antidepressant medications, has shown greater success in improving recovery outcomes and reducing relapse rates. This …

An Integral Transpersonal Approach To The Self: Practical Maps And Models, Pier Luigi Lattuada

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive

This work aims to focus attention on the concepts of the psyche and of self, and the participatory dialogue between the self and the world, to highlight the contribution that an integral transpersonal psychotherapy (ITP) approach of biotransenergetics (BTE) offers. The ITP approach sees the psyche as the totality of the being and the self as the unifying archetype that defifines it. Some new epistemological maps and concepts are outlined to highlight their usefulness for a clinical and research methodology based on assumptions of a transpersonal and integral order.

A Survey-Based Quantitative Analysis Of Stress Factors And Their Impacts Among Cybersecurity Professionals, Sunil Arora, John D. Hastings

Research & Publications

This study investigates the prevalence and underlying causes of work-related stress and burnout among cybersecurity professionals using a quantitative survey approach guided by the Job Demands-Resources model. Analysis of responses from 50 cybersecurity practitioners reveals an alarming reality: 44% report experiencing severe work-related stress and burnout, while an additional 28% are uncertain about their condition. The demanding nature of cybersecurity roles, unrealistic expectations, and unsupportive organizational cultures emerge as primary factors fueling this crisis. Notably, 66% of respondents perceive cybersecurity jobs as more stressful than other IT positions, with 84% facing additional challenges due to the pandemic and recent high-profile …

School Personnel Perceptions Of School-Based Mental Health Prevention And Interventions, Kelsey Lytle

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Despite millions of children across the United States experiencing at least one mental health disorder about half do not receive any sort of treatment or counseling. Within schools, many children receive formal intervention services once they are identified. However, there are many other children who would benefit greatly from learning social emotional skills who have not been identified. Prevention could be a great resource to prevent children from falling through the cracks. The purpose of this study was to assess personnel perceptions on the school’s role in student mental health, mental health interventions and prevention, evidence-based practices, and barrier to …

Help-Seeking For Problematic Alcohol Use: Stigma, Shame, & Guilt, Olivia G. Chapell

2025 Honors Symposium

Stigmatization is a prevalent barrier to help-seeking behaviors in problematic alcohol users, especially among college-aged students. By using a cross-sectional electronic survey method, the relationship between personal or immediate family experience with substance-related treatment and perceptions of stigmatization was assessed.

The Effect Of Maternal Anxiety Of Breastfeeding Exclusivity And Duration, Zoe E. Treat

2025 Honors Symposium

This study examined whether postpartum anxiety affects breastfeeding exclusivity and duration among mothers in Northwest Arkansas. While maternal anxiety was not a significant predictor, child age and infant birth order were associated with breastfeeding outcomes.

Incorporating Mindfulness Techniques In Therapeutic Practices To Impact A Patient’S Pain Perception, Abigail E. Masters

2025 Honors Symposium

Background: Chronic pain is a widespread condition that affects millions of individuals and leads to substantial healthcare costs, with estimates in the U.S. ranging from $560 billion to $635 billion annually. Traditional pain management heavily relies on opioid prescriptions, which, while effective in the short term, have contributed to the ongoing opioid crisis due to risks of addiction and dependency. As a result, there is a growing interest in alternative, non- pharmacological approaches to pain management, including mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). MBIs have been increasingly recognized for their ability to help patients modulate pain perception and improve overall well-being. This study …