Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

40 Years Passing By In (A) “Heartbeat”, Christopher Janney

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

This article outlines the forty-year history go Christopher Janney’s iconic performance work “HeartBeat.” Trained as an architect and jazz musician, Janney combines these two disciplines to create large interactive light/sound installations and performances. On the one hand, he attempts to make architecture more like music, more “alive” using real-time sensing devices as on his “Harmonic Convergence” installation on the Miami International Airport. On the other hand, he attempts to make music more like architecture, more physical more visual. In his “HeartBeat” performance, a dancer wears a heartbeat device that amplifies his/her heartbeat in “real time.” Over this pulse, live musicians …

Yoga Sūtra Book Four And The Yogabindu, Christopher Key Chapple

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

Four themes from the fourth pāda of Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra are examined here: karma (IV:2-13), individuality (IV:16), humility (IV:20-22), and freedom (IV:29-34). Affirmations and variant interpretations of these four are provided from Haribhadra Virahāṅka’s Yogabindu, most likely composed a century or two later.

Collective Karma: From The Yogasūtra To Taylor Swift, Zoë Slatoff

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

The Indian knowledge traditions speak at length about karma, which is divided into three categories—accumulated (saṃcita), ripe (prārabdha), and future (kriyamāṇa). While much is said about our individual karma and how it affects our repeated reincarnation in cyclic existence, how does this affect others and how do others affect us? In other words, as this paper explores, what is our reciprocal and collective karma?

Painting Liberation: A Visual Ontology Of The Interplay Of Mind And Consciousness In Book Four Of The Yoga Sūtras, Melissa Townsend

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

This presentation explores how artistic practice can illuminate philosophical questions about the nature of mind, consciousness, and liberation as articulated in Book Four of the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali. Through a series of paintings that visually translate these sūtras, I propose that art offers a unique, experiential means of engaging with the complex relationship between citta (mind) and puruṣa (consciousness).

The paintings function as a form of “visual ontology,” inviting viewers to engage with abstract philosophical concepts in a sensory, tangible way. By depicting the interplay between the mutable processes of the mind and the unchanging awareness of consciousness, these …

Find Your Brave Spot!, Jessica R. Bentoski D.D.S., M.S., F.A.A.P.D.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This introduction emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear, both in pediatric patients and within personal and professional growth. The author reflects on the rewarding experience of helping children manage dental anxiety and encourages peers to find their "brave spot" to embrace challenges and opportunities in dentistry. Highlighted articles in the issue focus on practical approaches for treating children with special needs and the importance of prenatal care for establishing a foundation for oral health. The message celebrates mentorship, leadership, and the joy of serving young patients.

The New Professional: Intentional Goal-Setting For 2025, Amrita Patel D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article emphasizes the importance of intentional goal setting, networking, and leadership for new dentists to achieve long-term success. It advocates for setting clear, measurable goals, breaking them into manageable milestones, and focusing on building strong professional relationships. Networking with mentors and peers, engaging in social media, and participating in dental organizations are highlighted as ways to foster growth and opportunities. Leadership roles, even in small capacities like volunteering or joining committees, are seen as critical steps toward personal development and career advancement. These strategies collectively help new dentists establish a solid foundation for achieving their professional aspirations.

A Decade Of Pediatric Intubation Experience By An Advanced Prehospital Unit, Conor Mclaughlin Do, Zachary Matuzsan Do, Mark Walck Fp-C, Nrp, Mark A. Diubaldo Rn, Jeffrey M. Kuklinski Do, Matthew B. Ferdock, Bryan D. Nelson Mba, Cphq, Nrp, Christopher Connell Do, Keith D. Micucci Rn Bsn Phrn Cen, Duy P. Tran Do, Jeanne L. Jacoby Md, Susan K. Yaeger Md

Department of Emergency Medicine

No abstract provided.

Optimizing Recruitment Strategies, Outcome Measures, And Intervention In Clinical Research With Adults With Multiple Sclerosis: Insights From The Tele-Exercise And Multiple Sclerosis (Teams) Study, Tracy Flemming Tracy

All ETDs from UAB

Background: Recruiting people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) into research can be a significant challenge. This is often due to limited awareness of the research objectives, lack of accessibility, and restrictive inclusion criteria. In addition to a general reluctance to participate, assessing multiple sclerosis (MS) and assigning appropriate interventions can be challenging due to the heterogeneity of symptoms. Identifying outcome measures that accurately reflect a participant’s perception and functional performance, while remaining sensitive to change across different levels of disability, poses a challenge. Methods: Data from the Tele-Exercise and Multiple Sclerosis (TEAMS) trial was analyzed to identify effective recruitment strategies (Study …

Effect Of Pre-Treatment Lab-Based Comorbidities On Treatment Related Outcomes Among Patients With Cancer, Jeffrey Alan Franks

All ETDs from UAB

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the United States. In addition to their cancer, nearly 50% of individuals have a comorbid condition. This adds complexity to the treatment of these patients as it may delay cancer diagnosis or treatment or prevent treatment all together. Lab-values are an important tool to measure comorbidities and end-organ damage as they are routinely captured as part of standard of care and the basis of clinician decision making. However, despite the widespread multimorbidity and how crucial they are to decision making, few studies assess the association of lab abnormalities …

The Impact Of Transportation Insecurity On No-Show Appointments And Acute Care Utilization In Pediatric Sickle Cell Patients, Seabrook Hannah Jeffcoat

All ETDs from UAB

Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients experience high levels of transportation insecurity. Missed or delayed medical care due to transportation barriers can result in worsened clinical outcomes and increased hospital admissions and emergency department (ED) visits. We hypothesized that the relationship between transportation insecurity and acute care utilization is partially mediated by no-show appointments. This retrospective cohort study included 101 SCD patients aged ≤ 21 treated through the Pediatric Sickle Cell Clinic at Children’s of Alabama (COA) hospital from 2023 to 2024 and completed a social determinants of health (SDoH) questionnaire. Negative binomial or Poisson regression was used to model ED …

Optic Nerve Head Remodeling In Experimental High Myopia, Mahmoud Khalafallah

All ETDs from UAB

Myopia is a global health concern, with projected estimates that nearly half of the world's population will be myopic by 2050. While its refractive aspect can be corrected, the heightened susceptibility to sight-threatening comorbidities, particularly with high myopia, remains a challenge. Among these comorbidities, glaucoma is a major concern, with myopia recognized as an independent risk factor. However, the mechanistic link between myopia and glaucoma remains poorly understood. This dissertation investigates the multiscale remodeling changes in experimental high myopia and their potential implications for increased risk of glaucoma later in life. Using a multimodal approach, this dissertation investigates: (1) neural …

"The Association Between Serious Psychological Distress And Life Satisfaction Among U.S Adults With Hypertension", Kellen Michael Lenz

All ETDs from UAB

Purpose: Given the observed link between psychosocial and physical health outcomes, this study investigates the association between serious psychological distress and life satisfaction among U.S adults with hypertension. Methods: A cross-sectional study using 2021 National Health Interview Survey data among U.S adults was conducted to investigate the association between serious psychological distress and hypertension and assess the role of life satisfaction in modifying this relationship. Hypertension (diagnosed, undiagnosed), serious psychological distress (≥ 13 on the Kessler 6 nonspecific distress scale), and life satisfaction (Very satisfied, Satisfied, Dissatisfied, Very dissatisfied) were self-reported by participants. Ordinal logistic regression was used to investigate …

Accuracy Of 3d Printed Models With Various Range Of Crowding Created By Dlp Printer With Different Designs Of Model Base, Chih Yen Liu

All ETDs from UAB

Objective: Treatment planning and appliance fabrication depend on the accurate representation of dentition. Research on the accuracy of digital light processing (DLP) printed models with different base designs across various levels of dental crowding remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the fidelity of DLP printed models and the suitability of different base designs for representing dentition with mild, moderate, and severe crowding. Materials and Methods: The objective is to determine the optimal base designs for DLP-printed models to address varying degrees of dental crowding. A two-way ANOVA was used to compare root mean square (RMS) error across different base …

Molecular Imaging Of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Characterization And Modulation Of The Tumor Microenvironment, Shannon E. Lynch

All ETDs from UAB

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive, heterogeneous subset of breast cancer which currently has no targeted therapies available due to lack of molecular therapeutic targets. Importantly, various radiopharmaceuticals can be imaged via positron emission tomography (PET) to quantify cellular and molecular features of the tumor microenvironment including glucose metabolism, receptor status, and immune activation. Somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2) is G-protein coupled receptor overexpressed in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) which can be imaged and targeted for theranostics via FDA-approved radiotherapy. SSTR2 expression is increased in hormone positive breast cancer but is expressed at low or variable levels in TNBC. However, …

Evaluating Multiparametric Imaging Biomarkers For Guiding Targeted Therapies In Her2+ Breast Cancer, Ameer Mansur

All ETDs from UAB

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2+) breast cancer is a biologically diverse disease, in which intratumoral heterogeneity plays a significant role in tumor progression. Advanced medical imaging and image processing techniques offer the potential to noninvasively characterize the underlying intratumoral biology. Capturing these complex changes can allow for assessing therapeutic response and eventually guiding personalized therapeutic strategies. This work evaluates single and multiparametric imaging biomarkers to characterize tumor biology, identify treatment-induced changes, and predict response to targeted therapies. First, the utility of 3’-Deoxy-3’-[18F]Fluorothymidine positron emission tomography ([18F]FLT-PET) was assessed as a biomarker of proliferation for monitoring response to …

Investigating Potential Therapeutic Vulnerabilities And Elucidating Molecular Mechanisms For The Tumor Suppressors Nfkbia And Anxa7 In Diffuse Gliomas, Aran Merati

All ETDs from UAB

Gliomas, and especially diffuse gliomas, can be a devastating disease when attempting treatment in the clinic. Diffuse gliomas are typically malignant and pose definitive problems with respect to patient care predominantly due to their ability to exist outside of the bulk tumor by invading into the surrounding brain parenchyma. Consequently, not every cancerous cell can be fully removed by surgical resection and therapeutic resistance, so the stem-like population left behind can repopulate a recurrent tumor from a single cell. There is a desperate need for pinpointing novel therapeutic vulnerabilities in diffuse gliomas, which could potentially involve the targeting of key …

Maternal Immune Activation Causes Oligodendrocyte Deficits In The Hypothalamus, Kate Miller

All ETDs from UAB

Maternal immune activation (MIA) refers to the occurrence of an inflammatory immune response during any stage of pregnancy. This manifests as the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and can be caused by air pollution, obesity, or viral infection. When this occurs during the first trimester in humans, it increases the offspring’s susceptibility to developing neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism (ASD) and schizophrenia (SZ), in males more commonly than females. In addition to behavioral manifestations of neuropsychiatric disorders, metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common comorbidity, defined as the co-occurrence of three or more symptoms including but not limited to hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and …

Exploring The Impact Of Returning To Office Work Post-Pandemic On The Mental Health Of Workers: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Jasmine M. Nelson

All ETDs from UAB

This study examines the association between work settings and mental health outcomes among Black working-aged women, with a focus on racial disparities and the role of self-care. Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 Household Pulse Survey, this cross-sectional analysis includes responses from 196,293 employed women aged 18–65. Mental health outcomes, including anxiety, worry, lack of interest, and depressive symptoms—were assessed through self-reported measures. Work settings were categorized as telework (hybrid/remote) or in-office, and logistic regression models were used to assess associations between work setting and mental health outcomes, adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors. Findings indicate that Black …

Exploring Gaps In Hiv Prevention: Hiv Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Awareness, Attitudes, Utilization, Coverage, Hiv Testing And Risk Perception Among Sub-Saharan African College Students In The United States, Ikenna Obasi Odii

All ETDs from UAB

This dissertation focuses on increasing HIV awareness and contributing to efforts at reducing new HIV infections among Sub-Saharan African (SSA) college students. It begins with an introductory chapter one and ends in the concluding chapter five. Chapter two presents a systematic review identifying key gaps in HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) knowledge, attitudes, and utilization among Black college students in the United States (U.S). The review synthesizes findings from four studies, revealing that a third of participants demonstrated adequate PrEP knowledge, while PrEP utilization remained under-utilized at three percent. Key barriers to PrEP uptake included fear, low self-perceived HIV risk, infrequent …

Parsing Clinical And Neurobiological Heterogeneity In First-Episode Psychosis Patients With And Without Features Of The Deficit Syndrome Of Schizophrenia, Matheus Teles Gomes De Araujo

All ETDs from UAB

Schizophrenia is highly heterogeneous in its neurobiological and clinical presentations, which hinders attempts to understand its pathophysiology, limits efforts to identify biomarkers, and deters optimal patient care. A way to parse clinical heterogeneity is to subtype patients based on clinical presentations. The deficit syndrome (DS) is a possible subtype, characterized by primary and enduring negative symptoms. Evidence for neurobiological abnormalities dissociating DS from other forms of schizophrenia is inconsistent as most studies do not account for heterogeneity within patient groups due to limitations of group-level comparisons. The question remains whether DS presents a unique and less heterogeneous neurobiological phenotype. The …

Physiotherapy Experiences Of Injured Immigrant Workers In Quebec: An Intersectional Perspective, Victoria Gómez, Debbie Ehrmann Fieldman, Daniel Côté, Dahlia Kairy, Marie Laberge, Amelia León, Maxi Miciak, Maud Morin, Sara Saunders, Tatiana Orozco, Anne Hudon

Études primaires

Purpose: Immigrant workers are more likely to suffer work-related injuries compared to native-bornCanadians. Their physical rehabilitation usually involves physiotherapy. This study sought to betterunderstand the experiences of injured immigrant workers receiving compensation and physiotherapytreatments.Materials and methods: We conducted a qualitative study using an interpretive descriptivemethodology. Semi-structured interviews were completed with 10 compensated immigrant workersabout the physiotherapy services they received. Transcripts were analyzed thematically and with anintersectional lens.Results: Two major themes were identified: 1) complex pathways to physiotherapy, and 2) key pillarsof physiotherapy experiences. The first theme demonstrates that a lack of familiarity with the healthand compensation systems, delayed access to …

Post-Migration Living Distress And Suicidal Behavior In Refugee Populations Resettled In Vermont, Phoebe K. Lewis

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The study of refugee psychology and suicidal distress is a comparatively nascent field when compared with the body of research concerning non-refugee populations. Over the past fifty years, however, the post-migration refugee experience has been the subject of growing clinical interest. In particular, the construct of post-migration living distress (PMLD) has been identified as a salient factor contributing to psychological distress in refugee populations. This dissertation explores the relationship between PMLD and suicidality in a sample of refugees resettled in a New England city. Guided by the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPTS), this dissertation considers how elements of the post-migration …

How Marriage And Family Therapy Graduate Programs Awaken, Develop, And Teach Clinical Intuition: A Hermeneutic Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Jessica Fountas

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This research explored how marriage and family therapy graduate programs awaken, develop, and teach clinical intuition. Using criterion-based sampling and snowball sampling, six licensed marriage and family therapists participated in a two-step hermeneutic phenomenological study consisting of individual semistructured interviews and a follow-up focus group. Requirements for participation were licensed marriage and family therapists who were in clinical practice, had experienced the phenomenon of clinical intuition and awakening of clinical intuition, and used clinical intuition in therapy with clients and in systemic supervision with supervisees. The research findings highlighted 14 themes: Reflection of the Experience of Clinical Intuition; Bodily Knowing, …

A Case Of “Double Positive” Goodpasture Syndrome, Nidhi Patel, Md, Qian Leng, Md

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Background: • Goodpasture Syndrome is a rare autoimmune vasculitis disorder that affects the glomerular capillaries, pulmonary capillaries, or both, with glomerular basement membrane (GBM)deposition of anti-GBM autoantibodies. • Initial presentationis generally characterized byrapidly progressive glomerulonephritisand diffuse alveolar hemorrhage • Early recognition and subsequent treatment are vital fof management of Goodpasture Case Presentation: • 59 F presenting to the ED with a month-long history of hemoptysis and shortness of breath • Had been living in her car and is a vague historian. Mentions previously traveling but would not specify where • Has had frequent nosebleeds and two new pruritic wounds on …

A Potentially Cat-Astrophic Missed Diagnosis: Systemic Autoimmune Disease Or Something More Sinister, Cameron Smith, Do, Mph, Amy Dechet

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: Disseminated bartonella infection has a mortality rate approaching 10%. Clinical presentation of bartonellosis can mimic systemic autoimmune disease. Traditional testing may not identify the organism, so a high degree of suspicion is warranted in patients with risk factors. Case Presentation: 32M with history of Tetralogy of Fallot with prosthetic pulmonary valve presented with fatigue x3 months. Reported severe splenomegaly, pancytopenia requiring transfusions, and renal failure requiring hemodialysis. Given concern for lupus-like syndrome, treated with steroids + cyclophosphamide. Persistent fevers despite broad antibiotics. Second opinion of renal biopsy: Postinfectious GN. Immunostains ruled out lupus-like disorder. Negative blood cultures, TEE, and …

A Case Study Using The Transparency Framework And Artificial Intelligence To Promote Effective Writing And Student Success In A Writing-Intensive Course, Elizabeth A. Brown, Maria Kronenburg, Ashlee Steeley, Diana Tagbor

Health Behavior, Policy & Management Faculty Publications

Program evaluation data suggest that undergraduate students struggle with writing in a clear and concise manner and appropriately citing. Faculty implemented the plan-do study-act cycle to pilot the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) project framework and to explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and discuss approaches to using AI, along with the TILT framework, in a writing-intensive course to identify the pros and cons of using ChatGPT in an online classroom. The TILT framework reinforces adult learning by helping students clearly understand the assignment's purpose and establish a clear relationship between assignment and students' professional lives. Faculty encouraged …

A Qualitative Analysis Of College Students' Interest In Mhealth Solutions, Leslie Hoglund, Craig M. Becker, Cara Tonn

Health Behavior, Policy & Management Faculty Publications

This study explores college students' perceptions of an AI-driven mHealth application designed to promote well-being. With rising mental health challenges in academic settings, students increasingly seek digital tools that provide holistic support for physical, mental, and financial health. Through focus groups, this qualitative study examines students' preferences for personalized health tracking, educational content, and flexible reminders within a private, supportive community. Key findings emphasize students' desire for a balanced, all-in-one app that integrates health and wellness tools without overwhelming them with notifications. Students also highlighted the importance of social media integration for outreach, though concerns were raised about potential stress …

Clarification Of Public Health Pathways Toward Clinical Careers: A Pilot Study Describing A Benchmark Analysis Project, Elizabeth A. Brown, Melissa Feliciano, Daniel Martinez

Health Behavior, Policy & Management Faculty Publications

Introduction: Undergraduate public health programs have adapted the required basic sciences based on medical and technological advances and the needs of the public health workforce. We aim to demonstrate how a benchmark analysis project was used to improve curriculum and develop a model where basic sciences in public health can be used to build pathways to clinical graduate programs like medicine, pharmacy, physician assistant, etc.

Methods: Authors conducted a benchmark analysis of Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) Degrees (or public health-related degrees) in the southern region of the United States (US) to explore required basic sciences. Authors searched …

Impact Of Volume-Based Procurement Policy On Coronary Stent Use In Tianjin: Interrupted Time Series Analysis, Zhao Yang, Liangyu Ni, Wei Zhao, Yuxi Li, Yongyi Wu, Qiyun Zhu, Linlin Da, Weijia Liu, Qi Zhang, Jianping Li, Bin Jiang

Health Behavior, Policy & Management Faculty Publications

Objectives

This study aimed to analyze the impact of China’s centralized volume-based procurement policy on the procurement and utilization of coronary stents in Tianjin from 2019 to 2021.

Methods

An interrupted time-series design was used to assess monthly procurement data of coronary stents and balloons in Tianjin from January 2019 to December 2021.

Results

The volume-based procurement policy significantly reduced coronary stents prices, with an average price reduction of 92.67% for ten selected stents, and the lowest price dropped to 469 CNY. Following policy implementation, annual procurement in Tianjin increased by 59.55%, and tertiary hospitals demonstrated a significant monthly level …

Exploring Occupational Therapy Students’ Coping Strategies And Styles, Ashley E. Stroud, Amanda J. Mohler, Amanda M. Carpenter

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This study aimed to determine occupational therapy students’ coping strategies and styles to manage stress. The final sample included 160 students, with 39 master of occupational therapy (MOT) students and 121 occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) students who were currently enrolled in an MOT or OTD program. This study used a cross-sectional, descriptive survey. The survey included both closed-ended and open-ended items to provide a greater insight into occupational therapy graduate students’ stressors, coping strategies, and coping styles. Results of the survey showed the most frequently reported coping strategies for both programs were emotional support, instrumental support, self-blame, and religion. The …