Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

An Analysis Of 10 Years Of Actinomyces Cultures At A Large Academic Institution, Evan Dittus, Amy Slenker Md

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation Of Root Proximity Of Miniscrew Implant And Its Correlation With Failure, Hyeon-Shik Hwang, Hyun-Jung Lee, Seung-Weon Lim, Jin-Hyoung Cho, Till E. Bechtold

Pacific Faculty Work

Background: Orthodontic miniscrew anchorage induced a paradigm shift in orthodontics, by avoiding unwanted movement of anchoring teeth. Failure of miniscrew anchorage (premature loosening of the miniscrew) is known to be related to root proximity after insertion. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate root proximity of orthodontic miniscrew implants using CBCT and to more precisely investigate the correlation between root proximity and miniscrew failure. Materials and methods: CBCT images of 47 miniscrews, placed buccally between maxillary first molars and second premolars, were used in this retrospective study. In the reoriented CBCT images, presence and amount of root proximity were measured. Miniscrew …

Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Compressed Sensing Cine Enhances The Workflow Of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance In Challenging Patients, Huaijun Wang, Anne Schmieder, Mary Watkins, Pengjun Wang, Joshua Mitchell, S Zyad Qamer, Gregory Lanza

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: A key cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) challenge is breath-holding duration, difficult for cardiac patients.

AIM: To evaluate whether artificial intelligence-assisted compressed sensing CINE (AI-CS-CINE) reduces image acquisition time of CMR compared to conventional CINE (C-CINE).

METHODS: Cardio-oncology patients (

RESULTS: In 89 participants (58.5 ± 16.8 years, 42 males, 47 females), total AI-CS-CINE acquisition and reconstruction time (37 seconds) was 84% faster than C-CINE (238 seconds). C-CINE required repeats in 23% (20/89) of cases (approximately 8 minutes lost), while AI-CS-CINE only needed one repeat (1%; 2 seconds lost). AI-CS-CINE had slightly lower contrast but preserved structural clarity. Bland-Altman plots …

Pilot Study Of [11c]Hy-2-15: A Mixed Alpha-Synuclein And Tau Pet Radiotracer, Chia-Ju Hsieh, Dinahlee Saturnino Guarino, Anthony J Young, Andrew D Siderowf, Ilya Nasrallah, Alexander Schmitz, Carol Garcia, Ho Young Kim, Erin K Schubert, Hsiaoju Lee, Joel S Perlmutter, Robert H Mach

2020-Current year OA Pubs

A novel brain positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand, [

Single-Cell Transcriptomics Of Ventral Forebrain Progenitors Identifies Evf2 Enhancer Lncrna-Enhancer Gene Guidance Through Direct Rna Binding And Rnp Recruitment Domains, Edward Li, Abhijit Chakraborty, Sara J Kohtz, Ivelisse Cajigas, Laura Hinojosa-Gonzalez, Fion Shiau, Ryan Bertossi, Robert J Vassar, Jack A Kessler, Ferhat Ay, Brian S Clark, Jhumku D Kohtz

2020-Current year OA Pubs

During mouse embryonic brain development, the Evf2 ultraconserved enhancer (UCE) lncRNA guides the Dlx5/6UCE to ~129 sites across chr6. However, previous work identified only 4 transcriptionally regulated targets associated with Evf2-Dlx5/6UCE-gene guidance, raising questions about the significance of Evf2-regulated Dlx5/6UCE-gene interactions. Here, single-cell transcriptomics reveal far greater alignment between Evf2-Dlx5/6UCE-gene guidance and transcriptional regulation than previously reported. Evf2 divides chr6 into short-range ( < 10 Mb distant), activated genes, and long/super-long-range (10-129 Mb distant), repressed genes, identifying seizure regulating genes in the embryonic subventricular zone that predict adult phenotypes. Evf2-regulated Dlx5/6UCE-gene distances and directions (closer to or further from gene targets) can be decoupled from gene target transcriptional effects. Evf2 regulates Evf2-ribonucleoprotein (RNP) binding in a combinatorial manner to key regulatory sites, including chr6 Evf2-Dlx5/6UCE-gene guided sites, Evf1/2 RNA-directly bound sites (RBSs), and inter-chromosomal HiC looping interactions. RBSs divide chromosomes into multi-megabase domains enriched for Evf2-regulated RNP recruitment, transcription factor motifs, and HiC looping interactions. Together with Evf2-controlled homeobox motif recognition at Evf2-RNP recruitment sites and transcription factor motif enrichment in RBSs with DNA identity, this work supports direct roles for Evf2 in enhancer-gene guidance and transcriptional regulation, with the potential for both site-specific and chromosomal domain specific RNP recruitment.

Examining The Relationship Between Stigma And Physical Disability Through Lived Experiences, Apphia M. Donoghue

Student Journal of Occupational Therapy

The primary objective of this study is to examine the relationship between stigma and physical disability, to discover the impact that perceived stigma has on several factors in a person’s life including overall health, well-being, and quality of life. A qualitative research design was used. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted to examine the relationship between stigma and physical disability, and to discover the impact of stigma on overall health and well-being. Three themes are identified: stigma narratives, shifts in awareness, and factors inhibiting quality of life. Stigma narratives contained three subthemes: experiences with stigma, frequency of stigma, and settings where …

Abstract Book (Pdf), School Of Medicine

Summer Research Internship Program

Abstract Book for the 2025 Summer Research Internship Program. Participants are listed alphabetically by last name.

Contributions Of Occupational Therapy In Sport Provider Training Using A Health-Promoting Environment For Positive Youth Development, Jennifer Papenfuse Otd, Otr/L, Chc, Camille Skubik-Peplaski Phd, Otr/L, Faota, Shirley P. O'Brien Phd, Otr/L, Faota

Student Journal of Occupational Therapy

Rising youth public health disparities can be attributed to the social determinants of health that influence health and wellness. Youth sport providers can be influential in creating healthier environments that facilitate positive youth development and social emotional learning, thus positively impacting life-long health behaviors choices and public health. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of an education module developed by an occupational therapist on sport’s providers perceptions of their capacity to implement positive youth development programming and to create a health-promoting environment.

A qualitative descriptive approach was used in this study allowing for purposive sampling, inductive …

Reframing Sleep Diagnostics: A Structured Clinical Guide To Polysomnography Evaluation, Elvie Zulka Kautzia Rachmawati, Mikhael Yosia

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Polysomnography (PSG) remains the gold standard for evaluating sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and related conditions, yet its clinical potential is often limited by overreliance on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and similar summary metrics. This narrative review offers a structured, physiology-informed approach to PSG interpretation that integrates sleep architecture, arousal burden, respiratory event morphology, oxygenation patterns, and CO₂ trends. Recognizing phenotypic patterns-such as REM-related and positional OSA-through sleep stage and positional stratification is essential for directing targeted therapy. We outline common interpretive pitfalls, including automated scoring errors, overlooked signal artifacts, and the first night effect, emphasizing the need for careful manual …

Transformative Role Of Laser Technology In Ophthalmology And Dermatology: A Mini Review Of Precision Applications In Modern Medicine, Haider Hameed, Maryam Aqeel, Hussein Rafid, Rasha Sabah, Mustafa Fadhel, Zahraa Hameed, Muqtada Khalawi, Zahraa Sarmed, Ail Ahmed, Ayat Abd Albari, Lina M. Shaker

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Laser technology has significantly transformed healthcare and biological sciences by Laser devices are offered precision, efficiency, and Multiple simple solutions in various medical fields and research domains. In ophthalmology, lasers play a pivotal role in vision correction, retinal imaging, and therapeutic applications, such as femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK and two-photon fluorescence scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Dermatology has also benefited from CO₂, Nd:YAG, excimer, and Q-switched lasers, which are widely used for pigmentation disorders, tattoo removal, and skin rejuvenation. Moreover, Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) enhances wound healing and tissue regeneration, while intense pulsed light (IPL) and diode lasers improve hair removal …

Living In Fear: Be Empathetic (Life)-Tool Kit, Desiree A. Díaz, Heather Peralta, Samantha Stephenson, Danny Hernandez, Geraldine Luzincourt, Syretta Spears, Ann Marie Parker, Trysten Altamirano

Nursing Handouts, Tools, and Other Documents

Open source materials to immerse learners in rural and public health experiences are needed to ensure the new work force is equipped to care for a variety of people in differing circumstances. Public health remains a vital yet underemphasized component within healthcare education, specifically nursing education. This often limits opportunities for students to develop the skills necessary to become strong advocates for equity and systemic change. A

This project emerged from a commitment to provide experiential opportunities replicating the communities we serve. A Empathy Walk and LIFE Clinic (Díaz et al., 2025) was created as a strategy designed to engage …

Practical Intelligence: Generative Ai Toolkit For Nurse Education, Jennifer Vanderlaan, Lisa Nicholas, Necole Leland

Nursing Faculty Research

This toolkit delivers a structured introduction to generative AI tailored for nurse educators, offering practical guidance across six domains: foundational concepts; course and lesson design; assignment development; scholarly applications; simulation integration; and strategies for facilitating student engagement with AI. Beginning with an accessible overview of how generative models function and where they fail. It presents frameworks for critical evaluation and transparent use. Subsequent sections demonstrate how to leverage AI for organizing curricula, writing objectives, crafting assessments, and generating discussion prompts, all aligned with professional standards. Applications in scholarship cover literature search planning, peer‑review simulation, and evidence‑based question development. Simulation chapters …

Staff Education On Evidence-Based Transitional Care Interventions Toward The Goal Of Reducing Readmission Rates, Adebowale A. Oyebamiji

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The staff education project was implemented in a behavioral health hospital in the Midwestern region of the United States. The behavioral healthcare setting experiences poor transitional care, resulting in high readmission rates of psychiatric patients. Poor transitional care is associated with inadequate knowledge of evidence-based transitional care strategies among psychiatric nurses. The practice-focused question was: For staff in an inpatient mental health unit, will education on evidence-based transitional care interventions improve knowledge toward reducing readmission rates? The project aimed to enhance psychiatric staff knowledge on evidence-based transitional care interventions to reduce readmission rates. The analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation …

Electromyographic Analysis Of Lower Limb Muscles During Multi-Joint Eccentric Isokinetic Exercise Using The Eccentron Dynamometer, Brennan J. Thompson, Merrill Ward, Brayden Worley, Talin Louder

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Eccentric muscle actions are integral to human movement, rehabilitation, and performance training due to their characteristic high force output (overload) and low energy cost and perceived exertion. Despite the growing use of eccentric devices, a gap in the research exists exploring multi-muscle activation profiles during multi-joint eccentric-only, isokinetic exercise. This study aimed to quantify and compare surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of four leg muscles—vastus lateralis (VL), tibialis anterior (TA), biceps femoris (BF), and medial gastrocnemius (GM)—during a standardized (isokinetic) submaximal eccentric multi-joint exercise using the Eccentron dynamometer. Eighteen healthy adults performed eccentric exercise at 40% of their maximal eccentric strength. …

Mindfulness Techniques And Practices In Islamic Psychotherapy: The Power Of Mu-Raqabah, Sehrish Haroon

Consensus

Isgandarova, N. (2025). Mindfulness techniques and practices in Islamic psychotherapy : the power of muraqabah. Routledge. ISBN: 9781032631387

Spiritual, Philosophical, And Psychotherapeutic Engagements Of Meaning And Service, Bradley Morrison

Consensus

Harper, K., O’Connor, T. S. J., & Maoz, D. (2024). Spiritual, philosophical, and psychotherapeutic engagements of meaning and service. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. ISBN: 9781036402822

Handbook Of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapies, Thomas St. James O'Connor

Consensus

Richards, P. S., Allen, G. E. K., & Judd, D. K. (2023). Handbook of spiritually integrated psychotherapies. American Psychological Association. ISBN: 9781433835933

Cocoa Polyphenols Modulate The Mouse Gut Microbiome In A Site-Specific Manner, Abby D. Benninghoff

Browse all Datasets

Background/Objectives: Dietary modulation of the gut microbiome is a promising strategy for mitigating gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). Cocoa powder is rich in polyphenols, including (-)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin, which have been associated with beneficial effects on gut health and microbiome modulation. Importantly, changes in the bacterial populations associated with the gut mucosal layer may have different health impacts compared to changes in cecal or fecal microbiomes. This study investigated the effects of cocoa polyphenol supplementation on microbiome composition across the cecal, fecal, and mucosal compartments in a mouse model of colitis. Methods: …

Epigenetic Profiling Of Cell-Free Dna In Cerebrospinal Fluid: A Novel Biomarker Approach For Metabolic Brain Diseases, Kyle Sporn, Rahul Kumar, Kiran Marla, Puja Ravi, Swapna Vaja, Phani Paladugu, Nasif Zaman, Alireza Tavakkoli

SKMC Student Presentations and Publications

Due to their clinical heterogeneity, nonspecific symptoms, and the limitations of existing biomarkers and imaging modalities, metabolic brain diseases (MBDs), such as mitochondrial encephalopathies, lysosomal storage disorders, and glucose metabolism syndromes, pose significant diagnostic challenges. This review examines the growing potential of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) derived from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) epigenetic profiling as a dynamic, cell-type-specific, minimally invasive biomarker approach for MBD diagnosis and monitoring. We review important technological platforms and their use in identifying CNS-specific DNA methylation patterns indicative of neuronal injury, neuroinflammation, and metabolic reprogramming, including cfMeDIP-seq, enzymatic methyl sequencing (EM-seq), and targeted bisulfite sequencing. By synthesizing current …

Physician And Hospital Performance In Medicare’S Updated Bundled-Payment Model For Joint Replacement, Aidan P. Crowley, Austin S. Kilaru, Qian Erin Huang, Erkuan Wang, Jingsan Zhu, Ayush Arora, Torrey Shirk, Deborah S. Cousins, Kristin A. Linn, Said A. Ibrahim, Joshua M. Liao, Amol S. Navathe

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

IMPORTANCE: Independent evaluations of Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Advanced (BPCI-A) have focused on hospitals and have not assessed the performance of physicians in participating physician group practices (PGPs). However, PGPs are accountable for a larger proportion of surgical procedures, including for lower-extremity joint replacement, in the BPCI-A model than are hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of treatment by BPCI-A-participating physicians and hospitals with health care spending, quality, and utilization for joint replacement procedures compared to nonparticipants.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cohort study used Medicare claims of beneficiaries receiving lower-extremity joint replacement between April 2016 and September 2019 …

From Feedback To Framework: Improving Mentorship Through Resident Insights In Scholarly Activity, Eleni Mastrokalos, Angela Colistra Lpc, Phd, Ms

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

Adherence To The 2022 Down Syndrome Guidelines In Children Less Than 18 Years Of Age In The Greater Lehigh Valley Area, Constance Mulligan, Christopher P. Raab Md, Ms

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

Impact Of The Junior Research Scholar Program At Lehigh Valley Health Network (Lvhn), Part Of Jefferson Health, Yashimabet Burke, Kerri Green Edd, Ms

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

Mechanical Circulatory Device Impella Usage In Patients With Cardiogenic Shock On Ecmo Support, Julia Pekala, James K. Wu Md, Bryan D. Nelson Mba, Cphq, Nrp

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

A National Hospital Review And Community Survey: Assessing Fall Risk Concern And Fall Prevention Program Awareness Among Older Adults, Luciana Carnero, Kendal Davis, Daniel Patruno, Doree Feldman Md, Mba

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

A Hairy Situation: Investigating Facial Hair's Role In Central Line Dressing Integrity, Jaylen Lesser, Elisa C. Moyer Bsn, Rn, Cen, Jonathan T. Berback Mph, Cic, Joseph Yashur Bsph, Brenda Croll-Stachelek Msn

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Consistent Self-Care And Mobility Scoring Across The Inpatient Continuum, Makenzie Epting, Kasey Hutter Ms, Ccc-Slp, Michael Pechulis Dpt, Christopher Johns Pt, Dpt, Ocs, Cert. Mdt

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

Impacts Of Care Navigation On Patient Readmissions Post Total Joint Replacement Surgery, Prajeet Santra, Teresa Latvis Ma, Bsn, Rn, Jessica Snyder Bsn, Rn, Carissa Hrichak Mba, Bsn, Rn

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

Hepcidin Overexpression In Burn Patients Causes Decreased Red Blood Cell Synthesis, Joshua Rushing, Sigrid A. Blome-Eberwein Md, Gordon Lindberg Md, Nadine Koenig Bmst, Tc-Nrcc, Cynthia Berger Bmst-Ascp, Elizabeth Berger, Tomas Ganz

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.

Barriers Preventing Discharges Home Before Noon, Julia Sealing, Heather Faust Msn, Rn, Cmsrn, Karanda Erdman Bsn, Rn

Research Scholars

No abstract provided.