Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Enhancing Developmental Care In The Nicu: A Program Evaluation And Roadmap For Trauma- Informed Practice, Roberto Conner

OT Doctoral Capstones

This capstone evaluated the current state of trauma-informed developmental care practices in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at El Paso Children’s Hospital to identify barriers and inform sustainable improvement strategies. The capstone student shadowed across multiple disciplines, including occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, and lactation consultants. The capstone student surveyed NICU team members and interviewed unit leadership to assess staff knowledge, confidence, and feedback mechanisms. The capstone student found that staff expressed moderate confidence in delivering developmental care but faced barriers, including communication gaps between disciplines, limited leadership prioritization, and knowledge gaps. The capstone student developed a roadmap specific to …

Mind Matters: Addressing Food Insecurities As A Mental Health Barrier, Nicholas Thomas Guerra

OT Doctoral Capstones

Food insecurity (FI)—the limited or uncertain access to adequate food—is a growing concern among college students and is linked to increased stress, poor mental health, and reduced occupational engagement. Nationally, 41% of college students report experiencing FI, with higher rates among marginalized groups (Nickolaus et al., 2020). At the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), 61% of students are affected, a figure influenced by financial strain, limited access to aid, and unique border-related barriers such as immigration status and language (El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, 2022; Weigel et al., 2007). This capstone project, grounded in the Person-Environment- Occupation (PEO) model, …

Heart Rate Variability Following Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise And Traditional Resistance Exercise In Trained Men And Women, Michael R. Perlet, Lauren I. Mendonça, Peter A. Hosick, Nicholas Licameli, Evan L. Matthews

Research Data

Autonomic nervous system responses are attenuated following blood flow restriction (BFR) resistance exercise vs traditional resistance exercise (TRE) in men, but women’s responses are unknown. The purpose of this investigation is to compare the effects of a single BFR vs TRE session on HRV. Thirty-nine adults (M=20, W=19, age: 23±4yrs, body mass: 72.3±13.2kg, height: 169±9cm) participated in the study. Barbell back squat 1 repetition maximum (1RM) testing was performed followed by two randomized and counterbalanced exercise visits ≥48hrs apart (BFR: 4 sets, 30-15-15-15 repetitions, 30% 1RM, 60s rest; TRE: 4 sets x 10 repetitions, 70% 1RM, 60s rest). Pre- and …

Hdr Brachytherapy Treatment For Basal Cell Carcinoma​, Makayla L. Kester

Student Research Poster Presentations 2025

This research explains basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common form of skin cancer, and the role radiation therapy can play in treating patients with the disease. General information about BCC, common locations of occurrence, diagnosis methods, treatment options, side effects, and expected outcomes are discussed. BCC most often appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, and neck. For patients who are not good surgical candidates or when surgery could result in disfigurement, radiation therapy offers an effective, non-invasive alternative. One advanced technique is high-dose-rate (HDR) surface brachytherapy, which uses detailed imaging and customized applicators to deliver targeted …

Investigating The Potential Of Broccoli Seed Extract To Attenuate Morphine Tolerance, Atharv Ashwin Battu, Minho Kang, Hamid Akbarali

Pharmacology and Toxicology Publications

Opioids remain one of the most effective treatment strategies for managing severe and persistent pain. However, its long-term use leads to pharmacological tolerance, requiring progressively higher doses to achieve analgesia. This dose escalation increases the risk of life-threatening side effects and dependence, underscoring the urgent need for safe adjuncts to preserve opioid efficacy. Emerging evidence suggests that morphine tolerance is linked to intestinal inflammation and disruption of gut barrier integrity. Broccoli Seed Extract (BSE), rich in the bioactive compound sulforaphane, exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may protect against these effects. We hypothesized that BSE could prevent the development of …

Validating Search Strategies For Healthy People 2030’S Leading Health Indicators: An Update On The Ph/Ha Caucus’S Structured Evidence Queries Project, Samantha Guss, Anita Kuiken, Erin Wentz, Dani Lapreze, Erin Reardon, Laura Zeigen, Courtney Pyche

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Presentations

The Public Health/Health Administration (PH/HA) Caucus’s work in developing Structured Evidence Queries (SEQs) for Healthy People 2030’s leading health indicators, an initiative from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) aimed at improving the nation’s health in measurable ways highlights their search validation strategy and plans for outreach and assessment as the project nears completion. The SEQs, developed for PubMed, are designed to measure progress toward specified health outcomes while addressing health disparities and promoting health equity. The team collaboratively developed and peer-reviewed these SEQs, refining criteria and creating a validation strategy using resources from HHS. Plans for …

The Safe Steps Project: Fall Prevention Amongst Older Adults In A Skilled Nursing Facility, Maiana Cabrera, Nicole Le, Yen Tran, Madeline Turcotte

ELMSN E-Portfolio. A collection of Scholarly and Creative Works

BACKGROUND: The Safe Steps Project aimed to reduce falls at Pine Creek Care Center, a skilled nursing facility located in Roseville, CA. Before this intervention, the fall rate at Pine Creek Care Center had been rising above their 15% goal in the first few months of 2025. Through an in-service education, this project has helped educate and increase nursing staff knowledge on fall prevention, such as intentional rounding with the 4 Ps (pain, position, potty, and possessions).

AIM: The Safe Steps Project addresses a major cause of injury in older adults, falls. The aim of this project was to improve …

Transportation Barriers To Healthcare Access: A Scoping Review Of Measurement Approaches And Associated Health Outcomes, Josiane Kabayundo, Muskan Ahuja, Snehal Jadhav, Lisa C. Smith, Farzana A. Bithi, Shamim Shahi, George Johnson, Siddhi Munde, Kendra L. Ratnapradipa

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

Background

Objectives

Methods

Nutrition Assessment Of Substance Use Population Compared To Control Population, Lalitha Indrani Dasari

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study aims to evaluate and compare the nutritional status of individuals undergoing treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) with a matched control population. Poor nutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and malabsorption are common in individuals with SUD, potentially affecting recovery outcomes. This study involves collection of biometric data, demographic information, conducting a structured nutrition survey and performing a one-time blood draw of 35ml to assess key nutritional markers such as lipid panel, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), magnesium, selenium, chromium, zinc, copper and lithium. While the original protocol was designed to recruit approximately 110 participants across …

Species-Specific Discrimination Of Bacterial Biofilms Using A Ratiometric Fluorescence Sensor Array And Machine Learning, Ritika Gupta, Aayushi Laliwala, Elena Muldiiarova, Kenneth W. Bayles, Denis Svechkarev, Marat Sadykov, Aaron M. Mohs

Journal Articles: Pathology and Microbiology

Biofilms are intricate bacterial communities encased in a self-produced extracellular matrix (ECM) of DNA, lipids, proteins, and polysaccharides. The diverse ECM composition across bacterial species significantly influences the progression of biofilm-associated infections, making precise identification crucial for effective treatment. Traditional methods such as biochemical assays, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, DNA sequencing and culturing provide valuable insights but have notable drawbacks, including time-consuming procedures, high costs, and the need for specialized equipment and trained personnel. These limitations hinder the rapid and widespread adoption of biofilm identification in clinical settings, underscoring the need for more streamlined, accurate, and accessible methods. In this study, …

Creating A Safe Space: Engaging Graduate Nursing Students In Meaningful Discourse About Racism, Mary J. Isaacson, Brandon Varilek

Journal Articles: College of Nursing

INTRODUCTION: Providing education for graduate nursing students about implicit bias, covert/overt racism in the United States has become challenging due to state and federal policies. Yet, national accrediting bodies require these concepts in doctoral level nursing curricula. While these concepts may be viewed as divisive, faculty can facilitate meaningful discourse by fostering an authentic and safe learning environment.

METHODS: This article describes a curricular revision and our approach of integrating these concepts into a doctoral level ethics course using Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory and Kitchenham's evolution of Mezirow's theory with instrumental learning, dialogic/discourse learning, and self-reflection.

RESULTS: Students evaluations revealed …

Exploring Maternal-Infant Attachment And Its Relationships With Perinatal Depression And Anxiety Symptoms And Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Among Predominantly Hispanic, Latina, And African American/Black Marginalized Populations, Leslie B. Lantz, Amy Salisbury, Sara Moyer, Sally Russell, Leroy Thacker, Candice Gault, Josselyn Valenzuela, Merilyn Arikkat, Maria Mooney, S Bodnar-Deren, Patricia Kinser

School of Nursing Publications

The purpose of this study is to explore maternal-infant attachment at 26 weeks PP as it relates to concurrent postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms and breastfeeding self-efficacy in ethnically diverse postpartum mothers (from a larger RCT [“Mindful Moms Study”]).

A History Of Individuation: Aristotle, Jung, Simondon And The Vital Impulse, Sam Gould

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive

This paper theoretically situates transformation as a biophysiological process specific to information transfer in and throughout a multicellular organism, conceptualized as the epigenesis, morphogenesis, and formation of the self in the unfolding process of individuation. The self will be ascribed, not merely as the Jungian definition of something to be realized through individuation, but rather, as a twofold operation: (a) As a conjunction within the process of individuation that extends into, as part of, the possible future process of individuation; to account for this phase in the operation of the unfolding of the self, the paper refers to Gilbert Simondon’s …

Impact Of Tranexamic Acid On Patient Outcomes In Intracranial Hemorrhage: A Review, William G. Johnson

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Intracranial hemorrhage is a medical emergency that remains a significant source of death and disability for patients globally. Tranexamic acid has shown promise in treating trauma related bleeding loss in various settings. This study aims to evaluate its role in the management of intracranial hemorrhages.

Methods: A review of data in the PubMed National Library of Medicine was conducted to find relevant and reputable studies related to this topic. Using the search “tranexamic acid AND intracranial hemorrhage*” and the following filters: last 5 years, free full text, English language, including RCTs, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews, 13 results …

Efficacy Of Ultrasound To Detect Rotator Cuff Tears, Hunter Morrison

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Rotator cuff injury is the most common cause of shoulder pain in the world, and there are a few different imaging techniques that can be used to help with their diagnosis. The purpose of this review is to determine the efficacy of ultrasound, an available and cost-effective option, to detect rotator cuff tears.

Methods: PubMed was searched for studies and meta-analyses that compared ultrasound to other imaging modalities and their ability to detect rotator cuff tears.

Results: One meta-analysis and 4 clinical research studies revealed that ultrasound has variable diagnostic accuracy compared to MRI depending on the RCT tendon, …

In Patients With Submassive Pulmonary Embolism, Does Catheter Direct Thrombolysis Reduce Mortality Compared To Anticoagulation, Melky Perez

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: PE is a life-threatening condition leading to obstructed blood flow and compromised gas exchange. Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial to improving outcomes and reducing mortality, particularly in patients with submassive PE. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in enhancing treatment protocols for PE compared to standard anticoagulation.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using the PubMed database, focusing on articles related to pulmonary embolism, anticoagulation, and catheter thrombolysis from 2019 to 2024. The search, refined by MeSH terms and Boolean operators, yielded 192 results, narrowed down to 16 relevant randomized control trials, meta-analyses, and systematic …

Reduced Risk Of Necrotizing Enterocolitis With Breastfeeding, Jadyn Tavekelian

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Abstract

Introduction: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening disease in infants that causes direct damage to the intestines and requires emergent treatment. The purpose of this clinical review is to analyze the prevention of NEC in preterm neonates with breastfeeding.

Methods: PubMed was searched using a specific search strategy using the key terms “breast,” “feed,” “formula,” “necrotizing,” and “enterocolitis.” Operators and filters applied narrowed the results to 4 quality articles for review.

Results: One RCT, and two meta-analyses, reviewed had a reduction in the development of necrotizing enterocolitis among breastfed neonates. One randomized noninferiority trial totaling 123 neonates did not …

Efficacy Of Second Generation Antipsychotics As An Adjunct Therapy For Major Depressive Disorder, Gina Russo

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

INTRODUCTION: Major depressive disorder is a debilitating mental health condition for many US adults. Traditional therapies may not be effective for many patients. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of brexpiprazole, a second generation antipsychotic medication, as an adjunctive treatment for resistant MDD.

METHODS: PubMed was searched with a specific search strategy using key terms “brexpiprazole” and “major depressive disorder.” This search resulted in 21 results in which four articles were chosen based on the availability of free full text and the included content. Of the articles selected, three were a systemic review and meta-analyses, …

Efficacy Of Low-Level Laser Therapy For Osteoarthritis Of The Knee, Emily Drummond

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease associated with numerous effects on quality of life (QoL) and activities of daily living (ADLs). In recent years, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been evaluated as a symptom management option for KOA due to its non-invasive mechanistic properties. The purpose of this paper is to assess the efficacy of LLLT as a modality of treatment to help reduce mild to moderate symptoms associated with KOA.

Methods: A search via PubMed database was made using the keywords “LLLT” AND “osteoarthritis” AND “knee” with additional specifiers resulting in 10 articles for review. Four articles were chosen …

Buprenorphine As An Adjunctive Therapy For Pain Management In Opiate Use Disorder, Zane Hogston

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, has gained significant attention for its potential to address both opioid use disorder (OUD) and pain management. Offering an alternative to traditional opioids, buprenorphine is seen as a promising option, particularly for patients with a history of opioid misuse. Despite its increasing use in treating OUD, the evidence supporting its effectiveness in pain management remains limited, especially among broader patient populations. This review aims to explore current research findings and highlight buprenorphine’s role in managing pain among individuals with OUD.

Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed was conducted using keywords such as “pain,” “buprenorphine,” …

The Impact Of Proton Pump Inhibitors On Cardiovascular And Bleeding Outcomes In Coronary Heart Disease Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Melanie R. Stelling

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as the primary therapeutic approach. This review evaluates the effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding risks and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CHD who are undergoing PCI.

Methods: A systematic search using the PubMed database was conducted. Included in the search terms were: “dual antiplatelet therapy,” “proton pump inhibitors,” “percutaneous coronary intervention,” and “clopidogrel.” The search was narrowed down to include only systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized control trials (RCTs) that were published in English within the last 10 …

Efficacy Of Collagenase Injection In Dupuytren’S Contracture, Janson Witcher

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Dupuytren's contracture is a debilitating hand condition characterized by progressive contracture of the palmar fascia. The use of collagenase clostridium histolyticum injections has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to surgical interventions, with varying degrees of efficacy and safety compared to traditional methods like limited fasciectomy and percutaneous needle fasciotomy.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed to assess the efficacy and safety of collagenase injections for treating Dupuytren's contracture. The search focused on peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published in the last five years. Five relevant studies were selected based on the robustness …

Cardiovascular Event Reduction In Adults With Hypertension: Comparing Arbs And Other Antihypertensive Medications, Anna Macaluso

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Hypertension is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke worldwide. There are various medications available for effective management of hypertension. This paper aims to evaluate the efficacy of antihypertensive medications on cardiovascular events in adults with hypertension, explicitly investigating angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).

Methods: PubMed was searched with filters using key terms “angiot*” AND “hypertens*” AND “antihyp*” and key terms "arb" AND "hyper*" AND "cardiovasc*" to identify articles underlining the efficacy of ARBs and other antihypertensives in the reduction of cardiovascular events in adults with hypertension. Four articles, chosen by their direct comparison of antihypertensive medications and …

Apixaban Vs. Warfarin For Stroke Prevention In Patients With Atrial Fibrillation, Quinn Payne

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation is a cardiac arrythmia that increases risk of stroke. The prevention strategy for this is anticoagulation, historically with the medication warfarin, but more recently with the factor Xa inhibitor apixaban. The purpose of this paper is to compare the efficacy of apixaban and warfarin for stroke prevention.

Methods: PubMed was searched using the key terms “atrial fibrillation,” “stroke prevention,” “warfarin,” and “apixaban.” Only relevant articles comparing apixaban to warfarin were included among RCTs, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses from the last 5 years. Four were chosen for review based on content and data quality.

Results: Three articles were …

Lateral Vs. Medial Parapatellar Approach Efficacy In Total Knee Arthroplasty, Savannah Howard

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Total knee arthroplasties are the mainstay of treatment in patients with osteoarthritis and can be completed in a lateral parapatellar surgical approach or a medial parapatellar surgical approach. The purpose of this review is to compare if the lateral parapatellar approach has superior clinical outcomes to the medial parapatellar approach.

Methods: PubMed was searched using MeSH terms and Boolean operators “lateral” AND “medial” AND “knee replacement” AND “outcomes”. Filters were applied to narrow the results to four articles directly related to the comparison of clinical outcomes. Four articles were selected for clinical review.

Results: In all articles reviewed it …

Efficacy Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy On Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing, Steven Dang

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication of diabetes, associated with high morbidity, recurrence, and amputation, driving up healthcare costs. While standard care includes topical treatments and debridement, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a promising adjunct. This study evaluates HBOT’s efficacy in enhancing DFU healing based on current clinical evidence.

Methods: A PubMed search using the terms ((Hyperbaric oxygenation*) AND (Diabetic foot*)) AND ("Wound Healing") returned 226 results. After filtering for recent articles (2019-2024), nine were reviewed, with five selected for analysis.

Results: The studies reviewed demonstrated significant improvements in wound healing outcomes with the use …

The Role Of Continuous Glucose Monitoring In Quality Of Life And Glycemic Control In Type 1 Diabetes, Brooke Strickland

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder caused by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells which produce insulin, leading to the need for exogenous insulin to maintain glycemic control. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has become a pivotal piece of technology in treating T1D. The purpose of this clinical review is to analyze the role of CGM in improving glycemic control and quality of life in T1D patients.

Methods: PubMed was searched with a specific search strategy using key terms “continuous glucose monitoring,” “type 1 diabetes,” “quality of life,” “glycemic control,” and “hbA1c.” Operators and filters narrowed results to 4 …

Steroid Injections Versus Hyaluronic Acid In Knee Osteoarthritis, Jessica Dawn Alley

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder that affects more than 300 million individuals. Individuals with osteoarthritis have limitations in function and quality of life due to knee pain, swelling, difficulty walking, tightness, and neurologic symptoms. There have been increasing efforts to treat the condition, including corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, PRP, and other injectables. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis

Methods: A search via PubMed database was completed using the keywords “knee osteoarthritis” AND “hyaluronic acid” AND “intra-articular” with an additional search completed using “knee osteoarthritis” AND …

Antibiotics Vs Appendectomy In Acute Uncomplicated Appendicitis, Elizabeth Wilson

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Acute appendicitis is a common cause of the acute abdomen, and the current standard of care is surgical removal of the appendix. The purpose of this review is to compare the long-term efficacy of antibiotics in the treatment of acute uncomplicated appendicitis.

Methods: PubMed was searched using the key terms “anti-bacterial agents” AND “appendicitis” AND “appendectomy”. Operators and filters narrowed results to four relevant articles for review.

Results: Of the four articles, 3 were meta-analyses of the same RCTs comparing the efficacy of antibiotic therapy to appendectomies. The fourth reviewed 12 RCTs comparing antibiotic therapy to appendectomies.

Discussion: …

Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography Versus Ventilation-Perfusion Scanning For Pe During Pregnancy, Grace Perkins

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Pregnant women who are diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE) face a high rate of mortality due to its significant compilations. Timely and accurate diagnosis of PE is essential for appropriate management. Diagnostic imaging modalities, such as computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan, are required to confirm the PE. This study aims to determine the most optimal early diagnostic imaging for PE in pregnancy.

Methods: This study searched the PubMed database for research comparing diagnostic imaging modalities used in PE for pregnant women from 2018 to 2024. Keywords searched included “pulmonary embolism,” “pregnancy,” “computed tomography pulmonary …