Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Survivors Of Historical Intergenerational And Familial Trauma Scale For Black American Descendants Of Enslaved People: A Development And Initial Validation Study, Loryn Chás Kimbrough

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Despite extensive research documenting cultural and racialized trauma, no validated assessment tool had previously captured the intrafamilial mechanisms of trauma transmission specific to the BADEP population, whose trauma lineage is rooted in slavery. The present study addresses this gap through the development and initial validation of the Survivors of Historical Intergenerational and Familial Trauma Scale (SHIFTS), a culturally grounded instrument designed to measure the transmission of historical trauma (HT) and ongoing intergenerational trauma (IGT) among Black American Descendants of Enslaved People (BADEPs). The SHIFTS examines how HT gives rise to the continued transmission of two interrelated legacies: survival-based and trauma-rooted …

Preoperative Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Therapy In Bariatric Surgery Patients With Morbid Obesity (Premo): Rationale And Study Design For A Randomized Controlled Trial, Varun Jain, Colleen A. Mcmullen, Joy I. Kimbrough, Anna K. Rockich, Daniel L. Davenport, Gregory S. Hawk, Barbara S. Nikolajczyk, Philip A. Kern, Simon J. Fisher, Joshua P. Steiner, William B. Inabnet Iii, Marlene E. Starr

Surgery Faculty Publications

Introduction: Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment modality for individuals with morbid obesity, providing significant and durable weight loss and comorbidity resolution. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonists have shown promise as weight loss drugs, in addition to their use in the treatment of metabolic disorders. While multimodal weight management is the standard of care for individuals with morbid obesity, the benefit of antecedent GLP-1 therapy prior to bariatric surgery has not been well-studied. The objective of this study is to conduct a clinical trial testing the hypothesis that preoperative treatment with a dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic …

Histopathological Effects Of The Intrathecal Chondroitinase Abc Administration In Spinal Cord Injured Rats: A Systematic Review, Mohammad Amin Habibi, Ali Anjomshoa, Mohsen Sadeghi-Naini, Zahra Ghodsi, Samuel Berchi Kankam, Erfan Razavi, Armin Aryannejad, Seyed Mohammad Piri, Akam Ramezani, Rasha Atlasi, Kawthar Mohamed, Sina Shoo, Meysam Kaveh, Akbar Fotouhi, Arman Zeinaddini, James S. Harrop, Alex R. Vaccaro, Michael G. Fehlings, Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

Introduction: Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) has been considered a potential treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI). We aim to identify and evaluate the histopathological effects of intrathecal ChABC administration in SCI rat models.

Methods: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library for studies published from the inception of each database until November 22, 2022.

Results: Of 3857 screened citations, 17 studies met eligibility criteria and were entered into the qualitative analysis. Sixteen studies were of high quality, and one study was of medium quality. The four main rat strains used in studies were Sprague-Dawley, Wistar, Lister hooded, …

Assessing Sustainable E-Cigarette Prevention Messaging In Public Health Communication, Addo Anim Adinkrah

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This study examines the sustainability of e-cigarette or vaping prevention messaging on X (formerly Twitter) and the message-design strategies used by public health institutions to maintain message visibility over time. Using the McGuire Communication/Persuasion Model and Media Framing theoretical frameworks, the research employs a qualitative thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke’s six-phase approach to analyze 506 tweets from official accounts affiliated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The findings reveal that prevention messages are sustained through repeated core warnings and reinforcement of institutional authority rooted in scientific and …

A Multi-Study Examination Of Student-Athlete Mental Health And Mental Health Service Delivery In Mid-Major College Athletic Programs, Grace Louis

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Student-athlete mental health has become a central priority in intercollegiate athletics, with the NCAA emphasizing its Mental Health Best Practices (2016) and strengthening and expanding these standards through updated recommendations in 2024. These efforts reflect a broader cultural shift toward recognizing the unique psychological stressors faced by college athletes, including performance pressure, identity foreclosure, high time demands, and transitions both into and out of sport (Moreland et al., 2018; Hughes & Leavey, 2012). Additionally, student-athletes frequently delay or avoid help-seeking due to stigma, time constraints, identity-protective behaviors, cultural norms emphasizing toughness, and limited mental health literacy (Gulliver et al., 2012; …

Creative Works By Ed Fehringer, M.D., Ed Fehringer

The Art of Medicine

• Ode to a Skeleton
• Progress

Creative Works By Zoe Keese, Zoe Keese

The Art of Medicine

• A Family History of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Creative Works By Elizabeth Kettler, Elizabeth Kettler

The Art of Medicine

• Towards the Sun

Effects Of An Early-Onset Hfd On Hepatic Functioning In A 3xtg Model Of Ad, Matthias Hirst

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Approximately 1 billion people currently live with obesity. Driven by factors such as a high-fat diet (HFD), this pathology can have drastic effects throughout the body, with the liver in particular being a main target of its downstream consequences. Although it is capable of storing lipids, excess fat can conglomerate in the liver and contribute to various hepatic pathologies. A specific pattern of hepatic dysfunction seen in response to an HFD is increased acetylation of mitochondrial proteins. Further, expression and activity of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), involved in the degradation of Aβ, are altered in response to an HFD. Aβ …

Strategic Transition Planning And Post-Graduation Preparedness For Students In Secondary School, Kelsey Renae Armentrout

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The transition period between high school and post-graduation life can be a challenging time for many students. Young adults may follow different paths, including going into the workforce or attending post-secondary education, as well as learning how to navigate life skills such as paying bills, buying a house or a car, applying for jobs, obtaining insurance, and occupations within the adult life stage. While young adults may learn about these things throughout their high school career, it is likely that the feelings of unpreparedness are continuously relevant. The purpose of this DCE is to develop and implement learning modules for …

The Dual-Factor Model (Dfm) Of Mental Among Appalachian Youth, Mawyah Adel Bashatah

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background. Adolescent mental health is a critical public health concern, particularly in rural Appalachian communities where rates of depression, anxiety, and substance use exceed national averages and access to mental health resources remain severely limited. Traditional mental health frameworks rely predominantly on the identification and reduction of psychopathological symptoms, neglecting the independent contributions of positive well-being to adolescent risk and resilience. The Dual-Factor Model (DFM) of mental health offers a more comprehensive alternative by simultaneously assessing subjective well-being (SWB) and psychopathology, classifying individuals into four distinct groups: Complete mental health, Vulnerable, Symptomatic but content, and Troubled. Despite the DFM’s growing …

Preference Of Smiling Esthetics By Caucasian And Chinese Orthodontic Professionals, Tamana Spingher

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background and Objectives: Comprehensive orthodontic treatment aims to achieve optimal facial esthetics, which is guided by established norms that have shown variability across different ethnic and gender groups. There is a paucity of literature comparing the esthetic preferences of Chinese and Caucasian orthodontic professionals regarding smiling esthetics. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived smiling attractiveness ratings between Chinese and Caucasian orthodontic professionals. Methods: One Chinese and one Caucasian lateral smiling photograph generated by artificial intelligence (AI) were used in this study. The maxillary central incisor position was digitally manipulated to simulate variations in anteroposterior (AP) position …

Sex Differences In Clinical Characteristics, Treatment, And Outcomes Of Cardiovascular Disease: Kenya Heart Registry Analysis, Lilian Mbau, Martha Gulati, Mzee Ngunga, Jasmit Shah, Felix Barasa, Jeilan Mohamed, Anders Barasa, Bernard Gitura, Harun Otieno, Etienne Amendezo

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, with approximately 80% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Sex differences in cardiovascular disease are well described in high-income countries but limited in low- and middle-income countries.

Objectives This study sought to evaluate the sex differences in clinical presentation, cardiovascular risk profile, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes among patients in the Kenya Heart Registry.

Methods Data were prospectively collected from 3 tertiary hospitals, including patients with heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, venous thromboembolism, and atrial fibrillation. Primary outcomes were in-hospital and 6-month mortality, as well as sex-specific differences …

Vape Counseling At Pediatric Practices: The Rethink Vape Toolkit, Paul T. Harrell, Ann L. Edwards, Natasha K. Sriraman, Rebecca J. Slimak, Anisha S. Vanka, Amy C. Paulson, Kelli J. England

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Introduction:

E-cigarettes (Vapes) represent the most common form of tobacco used by adolescents, with one out of every 29 (3.5%) middle school students and one in every 13 (7.8%) of high school students vaping daily. This project aimed to increase vape screening and prevention education in youth visits at pediatric practices, to increase provider comfort with the topic of vaping, and to evaluate this educational process.

Methods:

A provider training and resource modules (talking points, billing codes, and shareable parent/teen-tailored resources) were developed. Providers (N = 32) completed an anonymous pre/postsurvey regarding their knowledge, comfort levels, barriers, and practices related …

Bortezomib And Vorinostat In Combination With Mitoxantrone, Dexamethasone, And Pegasparaginase During Induction And Reinduction For Infants With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia: A Multicentre Single-Arm Phase 1/2 Study, Tanja A. Gruber, Sima Jeha, Rebecca J. Deyell, Victor Lewis, Bill H. Chang, Eric J. Lowe, Jamie Frediani, Catherine Vezina, Bruno Michon, Michael Richards, Erin H. Breese, Thai-Hoa Tran, Norman Lacayo, Christine Bolen, Sunil Desai, Jennifer L. Pauley, Minxuan Huang, Emily Ashcraft, Cheng Cheng, Kirk R. Schultz, Linda Stork, Krysta Schlis, Van T. Huynh, Nathan Gossai, Yoav H. Messinger, Henrique Bittencourt, Terzah M. Horton, Uma Athale, Duncan Stearns, Deborah Schiff, Paul S. Gaynon

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in infants remains a therapeutic challenge. In preclinical studies we previously identified bortezomib and vorinostat as active agents against KMT2A rearranged (KMT2Ar) leukaemia. The aim of this study was to determine the tolerability of incorporating bortezomib and vorinostat into an acute lymphoblastic leukaemia-chemotherapy backbone for newly diagnosed infants with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia both with and without KMT2Ar.

Methods: In this single-arm phase 1/2 study conducted at 18 hospitals in the USA and Canada, we enrolled patients aged 1 year or younger at the time of diagnosis with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia or undifferentiated leukaemia (with …

Incorporating New Guidelines Into School-Based Asthma Management, Jessica Michala Jindra, Angela Duff Hogan

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Purpose of the Review

The aim of this review is to identify barriers and provide solutions to the implementation of inhaled corticosteroid-formoterol as rescue therapy within schools.

Recent findings

GINA guidelines in 2019 and NAEPP in 2020 recommended inhaled corticosteroids combined with formoterol for a rescue inhaler over the traditional short-acting beta-agonist.

Summary

The findings discussed in this article describe the barriers to the implementation of inhaled corticosteroids combined with formoterol for a rescue inhaler in school systems. Traditional asthma action plans, school nursing and parental education, and differences in dosing are some barriers identified. This paper provides solutions for …

Empowering Caregivers, Protecting Patients: An Ambulatory Central Line Quality Improvement Initiative For Education And Follow-Up, Elizabeth Martinez, Belinda Bordeaux, Stephanie Langevin, Cristina Herrera, Mary Smith, Merissa Doyle, Barbara Stein, Kimberly Poshar, Marissa Dunlap, Allison Silva, Eric Werner

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Introduction: Preventing ambulatory central line-associated bloodstream infections (A-CLABSIs) is challenging due to inconsistent education, follow-up, and home care practices. Pediatric intestinal failure (IF) patients are particularly vulnerable. This institution aimed to decrease its IF A-CLABSI rate by 25% within 2 years through a standardized, step-by-step central line care education program.

Methods: Using the Toyota problem-solving method, the team reviewed data and performed a root cause analysis of the prioritized problem, implementing a 2-phase education program. Phase 1 delivered in-hospital education using videos, handouts, and hands-on teaching with skill demonstration. The existing pediatric central line skills class was expanded and offered …

Targeting Nuclear Receptors In Muscular Dystrophies And Regenerative Myogenesis, Eira Mann, Hoang Vu, Vihang A Narkar, Yu Liu

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

Skeletal muscle is a highly plastic tissue with a robust capacity for regeneration, largely driven by resident satellite cells. Muscular dystrophies comprise a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders characterized by progressive muscle degeneration, chronic inflammation, and impaired regenerative capacity. Despite well-defined genetic etiologies, effective disease-modifying therapies for these disorders, as well as many acquired myopathies, remain limited. Emerging evidence identifies nuclear receptors (NRs) as key regulators of skeletal muscle homeostasis, integrating hormonal, metabolic, and environmental signals to control transcriptional programs governing mitochondrial function, metabolism, inflammation, and myogenesis. In this review, we summarize the diverse roles and mechanisms of action of …

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Cardiotoxicity: From Immune Mechanisms To Clinical Surveillance And Targeted Therapies, Nathan K Chen, Kathryn D Hok, Narsi Chokshi, Anthony Shadid, Haydn E Rich, Lavanya Gunamalai, Marie-Francoise Doursout, Nirmal K Banda, Pooja Shivshankar

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the treatment landscape across a broad range of malignancies by restoring antitumor immunity through blockade of key inhibitory immune pathways, including programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1), programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4). Yet the same widespread immune activation that drives their therapeutic benefit renders patients susceptible to immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Among these cardiovascular toxicities have emerged as a particularly critical concern, drawing growing attention within the evolving field of cardio-oncology. ICI-associated cardiotoxicity encompasses a broad clinical spectrum, ranging from myocarditis and pericarditis to arrhythmias, heart failure, and vascular complications. Of these, …

In Memoriam: Professor Dan J. Stein (1962-2025) — A Global Pioneer With An African Heart, Gregers Wegener, Bernard Lerer, Alan Frazer, Anthony Grace, Kazutaka Ikeda, Gabriella Gobbi, Allan Young, Joseph Zohar, Pierre Blier, Lukoye Atwoli

Internal Medicine, East Africa

With profound sadness we mark the passing of Professor Dan J. Stein—clinician, scientist, philosopher, and friend. A pioneer of International and African psychiatry, and a central figure in global neuropsychopharmacology, he devoted his life to understanding and relieving the burden of mental disorders in South Africa, across the African continent, and worldwide. In his death, we have lost a true giant.

Experience Of Using Anti-Cd 20 Therapies In Multiple Sclerosis Patients In Kenya, Eunice Nyambane, Tejal Patel, Jacqueline Mavuti, Juzar Hooker, Dilraj Sokhi

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ocrelizumab (OCR) and rituximab (RTX) in multiple sclerosis.

Methods: This was a retrospective single-centre study. Ocrelizumab- and rituximab-treated patients were identified through the multiple sclerosis (MS) registry maintained at Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi (AKUHN), Kenya. Adult patients aged 18–65 years old who fulfilled the McDonald 2017 diagnosis criteria and received treatment with either rituximab or ocrelizumab between January 2016 and June 2025 were retrospectively evaluated. Data collected at baseline included age, gender, first symptoms, disease duration since onset, MS phenotype, treatment duration, previous …

Surgical Interventions For Treating Vesicovaginal Fistula In Women, Yoshiyuki Okada, Tomomi Matsushita, Takeshi Hasegawa, Hisashi Noma, Erika Ota, Bob Achila, Yasukuni Yoshimura

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objectives This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows:

To assess the benefits and harms of surgical interventions for treating vesicovaginal fistula in women.

The Two-Step Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Is Associated With Excellent Engraftment, Improved Survival And Low Nonrelapse Mortality In Patients With Myelofibrosis, Xia Bi, Shaik Rashid, Joanne Filicko-O'Hara, Joseph Van Galen, William O'Hara, John L. Wagner, Dolores Grosso, Neal Flomenberg, Usama Gergis

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

Myelofibrosis is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder primarily affecting older adults, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only curative treatment option. However, HSCT for myelofibrosis presents significant challenges, including high nonrelapse mortality (NRM) and an increased risk of graft failure. In this 20-year retrospective study, we evaluated outcomes for 32 myelofibrosis patients who underwent HSCT at our institution, with particular focus on a two-step transplant approach designed to optimize T-cell dosing by separating the lymphoid and myeloid graft components, with cyclophosphamide administered after the lymphoid infusion and before infusion of CD34-selected stem cells. Eighteen patients underwent transplantation using …

Implementation Of An Acute Critical Event Debriefing To Enhance The Quality Of Cardiopulmonary Arrest Resuscitation In The Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit At A Safety-Net Hospital, Shara Baker

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

This scholarly project aimed to implement an Acute Critical Event Debriefing (ACED) program in an intensive care unit to improve resuscitation quality by increasing post–cardiopulmonary arrest debriefing completion rates and enhancing documentation of airway confirmation during resuscitation events. The project took place in a 12-bed intensive care unit at a large academic safety-net hospital in Dallas, Texas.

Background

Structured debriefing after cardiopulmonary arrest events was recommended to enhance team performance, clinical education, and resuscitation quality. However, debriefing following code events was inconsistently conducted across many intensive care units, limiting opportunities for team reflection and quality improvement.

Methodology

The Plan-Do-Study-Act …

Occupational Exposure To Pesticides Increases The Risk Of Amyotrophyc Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, France Labrèche, Pamela Prudhomme, Maryse Gagnon, Nicolas Dupré, Sabrina Gravel

Études primaires

Objective To systematically review the evidence on the association between occupational exposure to pesticides and the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods A systematic search, conducted in eight bibliographic databases for publications between 1990 and 2025, identified observational studies estimating the risk of ALS after occupational pesticide exposure. Study quality was assessed using the WHO Risk of Bias (RoB) assessment instrument for systematic reviews, with the ROBINS-E (RoB in non-randomised studies of exposure) tool domains of bias. Pooled risk estimates were produced using random-effects models with restricted maximum likelihood, heterogeneity was assessed with I² statistics, and meta-regressions and publication …

Open Wide: Examining Dental Narratives In The Age Of Tiktok, Steve Jacob

Honors Theses - Providence Campus

Over the past few years, TikTok has emerged as a major conduit for health-related information through its wide array of short, emotionally charged videos that shape public perceptions. Within that broader category, this thesis evaluated dental-related content. Studies have investigated educational dental-related content on platforms such as YouTube and Facebook; however, no literature has explored how TikTok’s unique, narrative-driven content characterizes dentistry. For this study, primary research was conducted via content analysis of recently uploaded dental-related TikTok videos across 10 popular oral health-based hashtags. Results underline the dominance of patient voices, the use of personal experience as a messaging format, …

The Impact Of Medicaid Policy Limitations On Access To Eating Disorder Treatment: Uncovering The Consequences Of A System Built To Fail, Meghan Frost

DSW Capstone Projects

Individuals who rely on Medicaid face major barriers when trying to access eating disorder (ED) treatment, reflecting broader patterns of structural disadvantage in publicly funded health care. Research shows delayed diagnosis, limited access to ED specialists, and frequent denials for recommended services. These gaps occur because Medicaid policies do not match the needs of evidence based ED care, resulting in delayed or incomplete care for many individuals with eating disorders.

This issue is highly relevant to social work practice because the policies shaping these barriers are complex and difficult for clients and ED providers to navigate. Social workers across clinics, …

Aadej Comm 12 1 2026

AADEJ - The Communicator

The Communicator is the official publication of the American Association of Dental Editors & Journalists (AADEJ), promoting awareness of the association’s activities and offering valuable insights for dental editors and journalists to enhance their publications. It is published quarterly, distributed digitally via email to members, and posted on the Association’s website at aadej.org, with archives on ADA Commons. Regular contributions from the Editor-in-Chief, Executive Director, President, and Associate Editor cover various topics.

This issue provides practical strategies for journal growth, such as building sustainable author pipelines and using digital analytics to increase content reach. Features include articles addressing ethical, …

Eight Tips For Securing Authors And Articles That Will Enhance Your Dental Journal Quality And Reach, Lindsay A. Robinson Dds

AADEJ - The Communicator

This feature article offers eight practical tips to help dental editors attract high-quality manuscripts and a diverse range of authors. Key strategies include building pipelines with dental schools, mining material from professional meetings, and specifically encouraging the dental student voice. The author recommends using themed issues with guest editors and leveraging digital media like LinkedIn to discover new contributors. Additionally, the article emphasizes supporting authors through mentorship, utilizing website analytics to guide content selection, and maintaining ethical standards regarding the disclosure of Generative AI. These combined efforts aim to bridge research with practical clinical guidance.

Addressing Author Misconduct, Christopher J. Smiley

AADEJ - The Communicator

This feature article addresses the growing need for clear editorial policies on author misconduct, especially with the rise of Generative AI (GAI). Editors are vital gatekeepers who ensure the accuracy and transparency of dental literature, thereby protecting patient safety. The author distinguishes between unintentional misconduct, such as inadvertent plagiarism, and intentional misconduct, like data fabrication or deliberate non-disclosure of AI use. Remedial measures emphasize author education for honest mistakes, while severe violations require zero-tolerance actions such as formal retraction and institutional notification. Implementing these protocols is vital for maintaining reader trust and upholding professional integrity.