Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Characteristics Of Pulmonary Vs. Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Cases In Kentucky From 2020 To 2024, Mariam M. Alkhairat

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Objective: Tuberculosis (TB) remains an important public health concern in the United States, especially among people experiencing social and clinical vulnerabilities. Extrapulmonary TB, which occurs outside of the lungs, can be harder to detect and diagnose than pulmonary TB. This study aimed to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of people with active TB in Kentucky and to identify factors associated with extrapulmonary TB.

Methods: Secondary surveillance data were obtained from the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) using the National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS). The study sample included 301 confirmed active TB cases reported in Kentucky. Descriptive statistics were …

Development And Evaluation Of Mitochondria-Targeted Caseinolytic Protease (Clpp) Agonist Chemical Probes In In Vitro Breast Cancer Models, Xiaoyu Hao, Gunjan Purohit, Yahani P. Jayasinghe, Don Ronning, Oleh Khalimonchuk, Paul C. Trippier

Journal Articles: Pharmaceutical Sciences

Mitochondria carry out a plethora of functions that are vital for cellular physiology and metabolism. Mitochondrial caseinolytic protease (ClpP) is part of the larger CLPXP machinery that is critical for mitochondrial protein homeostasis and has emerged as a prospective molecular target in several types of cancer. ClpP agonists based around the imipridone scaffold have shown some promise in acute myeloid leukemia, but the polypharmacology of these compounds limits their utility. Effective methods to deliver drugs specifically to mitochondria have emerged, involving covalent linking of either a lipophilic cation, such as an alkyltriphenylphosphonium moiety, or a XJB peptide sequence to a …

In Vivo Telemetry To Record Long-Term Cardiovascular Parameters, Temperature, And Activity In Spinal Cord Injury Rat Models, Sajeev Kaur, Anna M. Baur, Jillian A. Condrey, Dorottya P. Gal, Samir P. Patel, John C. Gensel

Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center Faculty Publications

Higher-level spinal cord injury (SCI) above thoracic level 6 (T6) disrupts autonomic function and contributes to secondary complications, including fluctuations in blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. In rats, the placement of telemetric implants in the descending aorta offers a robust methodology for assessing various cardiovascular parameters, such as systolic and diastolic pressure, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate. Core body temperature and animal activity can also be recorded following telemetric implant placement. A rat with a telemetric implant is kept on the receiver plate connected to a computer system for recording various parameters. Continuous long-term recordings at defined time …

Bayesian Reanalysis Of Early Remdesivir For The Treatment Of Covid-19 In Outpatients With High Risk Of Progression To Severe Disease, Mazin Abdelghany, Fang Yu, Stephen I. Rennard, Yeongjin Gwon

Journal Articles: Pulmonary & Critical Care Med

BACKGROUND: Though Bayesian methods are flexible, intuitive, and readily incorporated into clinical decision-making, with particular utility when prior information is available, they remain underutilized in the analysis of clinical trials.

METHODS: In PINETREE, a Phase 3 randomized controlled trial (RCT) of remdesivir (RDV) for the treatment of outpatients with COVID-19 at high risk of severe disease, the primary outcome of COVID-19-related hospitalization or all-cause death was reanalyzed using a range of reference and data-driven priors. Posterior probability distributions were used to calculate the probability that the estimated hazard ratio (HR) was below a range of clinically meaningful specified thresholds and …

Communication Access In Action: Evaluating Aac Supports For Young Children In A Community Museum, Amy L. Yacucci, Sarah L. Ballard

Faculty Publications – Communication Sciences and Disorders

This utilization-focused evaluation study aimed to describe augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports to enhance communication accessibility for children with significant communication support needs in a children’s museum. Most of the participants had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which informed the design and interpretation of AAC strategies implemented in the museum setting. Utilizing feedback from museum staff and parents of children with communication disabilities, the study sought to identify practical strategies to improve the effectiveness of AAC supports in creating more inclusive community spaces. A utilization-focused evaluation framework guided the assessment of embedded-aided communication supports within the museum, …

Emotion Regulation Difficulties And Substance Use: The Role Of Conscientiousness, Caitlyn M. Donnelly

Theses and Dissertations

Difficulties in emotion regulation have been consistently linked to substance use among college students. However, individual differences may influence this relationship. Conscientiousness, a personality trait characterized by self-control, planning, and goal-directed behavior, has been proposed as a potential protective factor. The present study examined associations among difficulties in emotion regulation, conscientiousness, and substance use behaviors, as well as whether conscientiousness moderates the relationship between emotion regulation difficulties and substance use. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational design, data was collected from college students recruited through a university participant pool. Participants completed self-report measures of emotion regulation difficulties, conscientiousness, and substance use …

Managing Multi-Drug Resistance: An Evolutionary Game Theory And Optimal Control Approach, Shukhrat Nasrulloev

Theses and Dissertations

Multi-drug resistance is an evolutionary process in which treatment eliminates sensitive cells, allowing resistant clones to dominate. This thesis investigates this process using a framework integrating population dynamics, evolutionary game theory, and optimal control theory. We develop a two-population logistic growth model describing competition between drug-sensitive and drug-resistant cells under treatment, construct dose-dependent payoff matrices and replicator dynamics to characterize evolutionary competition, and derive a critical drug level D_crit = (r_S - rR)/(dS - d_R) at which resistant cells gain a fitness advantage. An optimal control problem is formulated via Pontryagin's Maximum Principle to identify schedules …

Moving Forward Together For Cancer Recovery: Collaborative Guide For Researchers And Cancer Care Organizations, M. Madison Kindred, Karen E. Wickersham, Daneille E. Ostendorf, Bernardine M. Pinto

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Use Of Virtual Reality In Ptsd Research And Practice, Kenneth B. Abrams, Lindsay Okindo, Marta E. Bacon, Yiking Skylar Yu, Sofia Santamaria Germani, Malvika Malhotra, Nancy A. Cullen

Psychology Faculty Work

In the aftermath of traumatic events such as combat, sexual violence, or a natural disaster, individuals may develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Technological advancements in virtual reality (VR) over the past few decades have opened new avenues for improving the assessment, treatment, and understanding of PTSD. VR allows users to be immersed in interactive, computer-generated environments that simulate real-world scenarios, such as a warzone or assault location, that would be difficult or unsafe to reproduce using traditional methods. The present paper offers an overview of how VR technology has been employed in both clinical and research settings related to PTSD. …

What Is A Standard? Perspectives On Acd’S Standards For Leadership In Oral Healthcare, N. Karl Haden Phd, Facd

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The American College of Dentists’ new Standards for Leadership in Oral Healthcare mark the first attempt in dentistry to articulate standards specifically for leadership, complementing the broader orientation offered by the Ethics Handbook for Dentistry. This article explores the basic question, “What is a standard?” Close reading of the document indicates at least three distinct but related senses of the term: an expectation, a norm, and a guiding principle. The article offers an interpretation of how these three senses fit together coherently. Referencing the Handbook, the article argues that the leadership standards are most impactful only when habituated, when practiced …

American College Of Dentists Team Leadership Standards, Julie Connolly Dds Mph Ms Facd, Sreenivas Koka Dds Ms Phd Mba Mas Facd Fcgdent

Journal of the American College of Dentists

Leadership standards elevate the profession of dentistry by establishing how leaders can be effective and impactful. The American College of Dentists presents 10 carefully curated team leadership standards that serve as guiding principles for team leaders in dental settings. When these standards are followed, leaders increase the likelihood of creating and sustaining a high-performing, mission-focused team. The importance of each standard is described and, where appropriate, examples are provided.

Standards For Leadership In Oral Healthcare: Applying Local And Regional Standards In Practice, Teresa A. Dolan Dds, Mph, Facd, Robin Henderson Dds, Facd

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The dental profession has well-established standards governing clinical practice, education, and research, yet has lacked comparable standards to guide leadership behavior. The American College of Dentists (ACD) Standards for Leadership in Oral Healthcare Task Force developed a comprehensive framework spanning four levels: 1) core; 2) team; 3) local and regional; and 4) national and international. This article describes the local and regional standards, which include 10 standards organized into three themes—Building Foundation, Leading with Purpose, and Developing Others—and their application through interactive workshops at the ACD Spring Leadership Conference 2026. Using structured role-playing exercises, Section leaders and Regents stress-tested the …

Functional Cognition: Supporting Clinicians In Practice, Molly Grawe

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone was completed at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital, an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) serving adults with neurological, orthopedic, and medically complex conditions. The project focused on education and clinical experience. Its purpose was to develop and implement an evidence-based educational program on functional cognition while gaining a deeper understanding of cognitive rehabilitation in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. The overall goal was to improve clinicians’ understanding of functional cognition and provide practical resources to support evidence-based practice.

Functional cognition refers to cognition within the context of everyday occupational performance. It reflects the interaction among personal factors, task demands, and …

Occupational Therapy: There Through It All, Leanne Bates

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

'Occupational Therapy: There Through It All' is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy Capstone project in collaboration with VNA Health at Home in London, Kentucky. The Applied Leadership Experience focused on patients, and their family members or caregivers, receiving home hospice care. The primary ACOTE focus areas were education, advocacy, and clinical practice. The purpose of the project was to facilitate an increased quality of life in home hospice patients by determining the gaps of care present for patients that do not receive occupational therapy (OT) services, provide education about OT’s role in hospice care, and creating educational resources for patients …

Project Connect: Social Participation For Deafblind Individuals In Kentucky, Rebecca Jade Riegler

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

For my capstone project, I collaborated with Kentucky DeafBlind Project (KDBP) to develop Project Connect, a pilot initiative aimed at encouraging social participation by creating regional social opportunities for DeafBind individuals across Kentucky. As my primary ACOTE focus area was program development, the goal was to create an accessible, sustainable model for ongoing social engagement and reduce isolation through structured community-based events.

A literature review and needs assessment identified a need for accessible, ongoing social opportunities for DeafBlind individuals across Kentucky, supporting the development of Project Connect.

Project Connect was designed as a replicable framework for regional Connect Day events. …

Swing Bed Orientation Packet: Onboarding Education For New Staff And Patients/Families Covering Therapy Expectations, Interdisciplinary Roles, And Patient-Centered Care., Shayla M. Gibson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) was completed at Saint Joseph Berea Hospital in Berea, Kentucky, with primary ACOTE focus areas in program development, leadership, and education. The purpose of this project was to develop and implement a standardized Swing Bed Orientation Packet to improve onboarding education for newly admitted swing-bed patients, their families, and staff.

A needs assessment, patient survey, and discussions with swing-bed coordinators and interdisciplinary team members identified gaps in patient and family education. An 11-question survey evaluated patients' understanding of the swing-bed program, therapy services, interdisciplinary roles, and discharge planning. …

Classroom Sensory Kits: Enhancing Student Engagement And Regulation, Rachel Topp

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project was completed at Henry County Public Schools (HCPS) in Kentucky. The primary ACOTE focus areas were program development and education. The purpose of this project was to promote inclusive learning environments for students with diverse sensory needs by increasing access to sensory tools and strategies. A needs assessment conducted in collaboration with the school-based occupational therapist (OT) identified gaps in sensory tools to support students, as well as a need for increased school staff education on sensory processing and classroom sensory strategies. To address these needs, five classroom sensory kits were developed and distributed to one preschool …

Occupational Therapy Led Data Analysis And Intervention Development For Injury Prevention In Automotive Manufacturing, Bailey N. Thompson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

A capstone project and ALE at Toyota's Georgetown, Kentucky plant focused on hand injury prevention through program analysis.  Work related injuries remain one of the biggest concerns for companies as it results in reduced quality of life for employees and economic burden. Data analysis revealed that new hires were disproportionately affected by hand injuries. This led to three key deliverables. First, a hand risk assessment tool was developed to evaluate injury risk per process, preventing new hires from being assigned to high-risk tasks consecutively while building skills. Second, a hand strengthening program was created to support new hires as they …

Early Intervention: The Importance Of Regulation & Therapy In The Nicu And Early Childhood, Acey Page

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with T.J. Samson Pediatric Rehabilitation Services in Glasgow, Kentucky, with a focus on the ACOTE areas of education and advocacy. The purpose was to promote the importance of early intervention through the development of a website for therapists, healthcare providers, and caregivers. The website serves as a resource to support evidence-based pediatric therapy practices in the outpatient clinic and the NICU at T.J. Samson Community Hospital. Key topics include the effects of pain and stress in infancy, regulation, occupational therapy-based strategies, and advocacy for pediatric therapy services. A literature review highlighted that …

Optimizing Recovery Following Thumb Cmc Arthroplasty, Madison E. Poole

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project was completed at Lexington Clinic Orthopedics Hand Surgery and focused on developing evidence-based educational resources to support occupational therapy practice in hand surgery rehabilitation. The primary project involved creating a comprehensive Home Exercise Program (HEP) and patient education handout for individuals following Thumb Carpometacarpal (CMC) Arthroplasty, along with practitioner-focused educational materials to enhance consistency in postoperative care and patient education. The project was developed through collaboration with an orthopedic hand surgeon and was guided by current literature on hand therapy, splinting, edema management, sensory re-education, and functional recovery. Resources were designed to improve patient understanding of the …

Enhancing Continuity Of Care: The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Cardiac Rehabilitation, Bailey Conley

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone project was completed within an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation setting and focused on the ACOTE areas of clinical practice skills, program development, education and advocacy. The purpose of the project was to promote the role of occupational therapy in cardiac rehabilitation while developing resources to support continuity of care following discharge. Project goals included increasing awareness of occupational therapy's role in cardiovascular health, supporting patient self-management, and creating educational resources to facilitate long-term engagement in heart-healthy behaviors and meaningful daily activities. A review of the literature identified cardiovascular disease as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, while …

I Am God's Masterpiece: Ministry For Adults With Idd, Sydney Wheeler

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

Adults with IDD, or Intellectual and Developmental Delays, face challenges to participate in leisure and social activities within their communities, often due to a lack of programs, facilities, and staff to accommodate them. Non-traditional settings, such as local churches, are rising to meet the need but feel unexperienced and unprepared to serve these individuals. This project was based at a local church in Southeast KY, which recognized its inability to connect with this population in its current state. The project goal was to develop a ministry targeted to adults with IDD, and other disabilities, along with their caregivers through faith-based …

Injury Prevention For Farmers In Rural Areas, Kelsie Johnson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone was completed with Greenup County Farm Bureau in Greenup, Kentucky. Greenup County Farm Bureau advocates for and supports local farmers through education and community outreach. The purpose of this capstone was to reduce the risk of work-related injuries among farmers by providing evidence-based injury prevention education, promoting safer work practices, and increasing awareness of occupational therapy's role in agricultural health. The goals of the Capstone and Applied Leadership Experience were to develop and implement educational workshops, create sustainable educational resources, and collaborate with the practice site to improve community health and safety. A needs assessment, literature review, discussions, …

Where Healing Meets The Horse: Designing An Educational Website For Enabling Equines, Amanda Young

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This Capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) was completed with Enabling Equines, a nonprofit organization providing hippotherapy and therapeutic riding services in rural Eastern Kentucky. The primary ACOTE focus area was Education, with additional emphasis on Advocacy and Clinical Practice. The purpose of this project was to develop a sustainable educational website to increase community awareness, advocate for the role of occupational therapy in equine-assisted interventions and improve access to information about hippotherapy and therapeutic riding. A needs assessment conducted with the site mentor and organizational members identified the lack of an online presence as a significant barrier to community …

Designing Inclusions: Strategies For A School Multi-Sensory Room, Sarah K. Barker

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The purpose of the ALE and Capstone Project was to address the predetermined need for a sensory room in Bullitt East High School stated by the ECE Department Chair. My project focused on education, advocacy, and program development by promoting neurodiverse inclusion and increasing awareness of occupational therapy among staff and the community. A needs assessment and SWOT analysis confirmed the value of creating a sensory room and identified an appropriate location within the school. Students will learn to regulate their emotions in a safe and controlled environment, improve focus and regulation, practice self-advocacy skills, further develop motor skills, and …

Mental Health In Inpatient Rehabilitation, Kayla M. Minor

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone project was completed at Frazier Neurorehabilitation Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, to address mental health in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. My primary ACOTE focus area was program and project development, with additional emphasis on education and advocacy related to mental health awareness. The purpose of this project was to create an online mental health toolkit that provides occupational therapists with resources to address mental health concerns with patients and caregivers during sessions. The online mental health toolkit consists of 11 main topics containing approximately eight interactive and educational pages in each folder to support therapeutic intervention. The literature …

Caring For Your Child With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Emma H. Overstreet

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project took place in collaboration with UK Pediatric Therapies and UK NEMO Clinic in Lexington, KY. This project focused on the ACOTE areas of Program Development, Education, and Advocacy, with the goal of determining a need for caregivers and children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), and to develop a comprehensive educational resource to fill the gap and meet this need. DMD is a progressive neuromuscular disease that impacts motor function in boys. As the disease progresses, motor function becomes increasingly impacted, resulting in decreased functional independence. A needs assessment, literature review, observation of evaluations and doctors appointments, discussions …

Ot For The Future: Promoting Occupational Therapy Careers Among High School Students, Audrey C. Hale

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Ot Student Engagement Through Universal Design For Learning, L. Addie Asher

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project took place at Eastern Kentucky University in the Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy Department with a primary ACOTE focus area on education. The goal was to address student engagement and accessibility by improving utilization of department resources. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) was the chosen framework to develop this project. UDL empowers learners by removing barriers and providing flexibility in how students engage with content and demonstrate knowledge (CAST, 2021). Universal Design principles were also utilized as this project included both virtual and on-campus components. Project elements were intentionally designed to consider diversity in student skills, preferences, …

Enhancing Parent And Caregiver Education Through Accessible Therapy Resources In A Pediatric Outpatient Setting, Megan E. Huff

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This Capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) was completed in collaboration with Bluegrass Pediatric Therapies, a pediatric outpatient clinic in Winchester, Kentucky. The project addressed ACOTE focus areas of education and advocacy by improving caregiver education to promote treatment carryover and family engagement. A literature review, needs assessment, clinical observations, and interdisciplinary collaboration identified opportunities to strengthen caregiver education. Evidence highlighted the importance of family-centered education and demonstrated that health literacy, educational attainment, and socioeconomic factors influence caregivers' understanding, confidence, and ability to implement therapy recommendations. These findings emphasized the need for accessible, evidence-based educational resources. The primary objective was …