Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Placenta & Covid-19: Histological Changes & Clinical Implications, Melissa F. Paul, Allyson J. Zadlo Sensor

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic presented the medical community with complex and novel challenges, not the least of which is how to optimize prenatal and postnatal care for pregnant individuals who have been infected. At present, seven years have elapsed, and despite definitive research demonstrating adverse outcomes associated with placental changes, no professional consensus has been reached.
Methods: This integrative review includes studies involving pregnant individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, who recovered during the same pregnancy, and their infants. An examination of the data available reveals a triad of placental pathologies (chronic histiocytic intervillositis, perivillous fibrin deposition, and trophoblast necrosis) that …

Patient Safety: Paramedic To Nurse Patient Handover Quality And Its Influence On Clinical Deterioration In The Emergency Department, Madison P. Penick

Nursing | Student Research Posters

No abstract provided.

Normative Data For Blazepod Lateral Shuffle Test, Dalston Duff, Hunter Fujimori, Paige Hall, Koichiro Kurosawa, Karah Smith, Jason Brumitt

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

The BlazePod lateral shuffle test assess lateral agility and reaction time. Despite its growing use, no published normative value currently exist for this test. This limits the ability of clinicians to interpret performance and track progress

Prevalence Of Traumatic Brain Injury And Sequelae In Ukrainian Soldiers With Amputation, Jeanne Lojovich Pt, Phd, Peter J. Rundquist Pt, Phd, Enrique Castaño Spt, Abbygail Wohl-Kovatovich Spt, Mason Grimes Spt, Dominick Kaphing Spt, Taavan Mielke Spt, Daniel Myronchuk Pt

DPT Capstone Posters

Purpose / Hypothesis:

• To investigate the prevalence of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) among Ukrainian amputee soldiers.
• Participants would present with undiagnosed or subclinical signs of TBI.

Number of Subjects:

• 41 male Ukrainian soldiers receiving amputee rehabilitation at Protez Foundation in Oakdale, MN.
• IRB approval obtained through Concordia University - St. Paul

Materials and Methods:

• Participants were screened for TBIs using the Military Acute Concussion Evaluation - Version 2 (MACE 2).
• Participants were active Ukrainian military status and current recipient of prosthetic or rehabilitation services for war related injuries.

Results:

• Results found a high prevalence of positive TBI MACE II findings …

Comparative Scapular Kinematics Of Female Lacrosse Athletes - A Pilot Study, Peter J. Rundquist Pt, Phd, Joshua J. Curtiss, Brea L. Glickman, Reid H. Huebert, Collin M. Woll

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Research on women’s lacrosse athletes has focused on the lower extremity, highlighting the need for upper extremity investigation within this population
• Scapular kinematics play a critical role in shoulder function and injury risk in overhead athletes¹
• Symptomatic individuals demonstrate decreased upward rotation during elevation²
• Lacrosse athletes perform repetitive overhead movements resulting in risk of upper extremity injuries (23% prevalence) including the shoulder (6-9% prevalence)³
• Purpose: To compare dominant and nondominant shoulder complex kinematics in asymptomatic NCAA Division II female lacrosse athletes

Methods

Participants

• 10 NCAA Division II right handed lacrosse players (age 18-22, ave = 19.6 …

Feasibility Fo Blood Flow Restriction Training In Individuals With Down Syndrome, Erin Simunds Edd, Pt, Megan Dowdal-Osborn Pt, Phd, Emily Braesch Spt, Reese Crowell Spt, T Johnson Spt, Brayden Kurth Spt, Andrew Nordstrom Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Intro

• Individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) demonstrate hypotonia, hypermobility, reduced muscle mass, fatigue, and cardiac anomalies, making high-intensity resistance (HIR) training challenging and potentially unsafe.^1-4
• Although moderate-to-high intensity resistance training is recommended, clear guidelines for safe load progression in DS are limited.
• Blood flow restriction (BFR) training allows strength gains at low loads by partially restricting venous return, producing adaptations similar to high-load training in other populations⁵
• Therefore, this study investigates the feasibility of BFR training compared to traditional progressive resistance training in young adults with DS.

Methods

• Four adults with DS, subjectively active with exercise in daily …

Qualitative Analysis Of Physical Therapist Assessment Of Fear Of Re-Injury Following Acl Reconstruction, Travis Gunderson Pt, Dpt, Calle Bye Spt, Kiana Fall Spt, Bailly Sackett Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Background

• Prevalence: 40% of patients fail to return to sport after ACLR, with fear of reinjury as a primary barrier.
• Impact: Fear of reinjury is associated with altered movement, reinjury risk, and reduced activity.

Purpose

• To characterize the assessment methods used by PTs to assess fear of reinjury in patients post-ACLR.

Methods

• Design: A qualitative content analysis of responses to a single free-text question within a web-based survey.
• Participants: US-based PTs who reported treating ≥5 ACLR patients/year, currently assess fear of reinjury, and provided a free-text response (n=289).
• Analysis: A reflexive thematic analysis approach focusing on semantic and latent features, …

From Fear & Stress To Success: Supporting Dpt Students Through Holistic Development, Lyndsey Vandenberg Pt, Dpt, Edd, Olivia Clouse, Kayla Gehring, Avery Kellin, Abigail Kilmer

DPT Capstone Posters

Background

• Known : FOF and stress heightened in students, Influenced by several factors, Negative impact on students
• Unknown : Relationship between FOF and stress, changes over time, impact on DPT students
• Prediction : Reduction in FOF and stress over time, and correlation between variables at each time interval

Case Description

• Population : Non-experimental quantitative, correlation analysis
• Measures : Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory (PFAI) Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) Administered in month 1 and month 4
• Purpose : Examine changes in FOF and stress across the first semester and their correlation

Discussion

• Findings : Strong positive correlation between variables Higher FOF than …

The Impact Of Collaborative Testing In Biomechanics Coursework In An Entry-Level Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program, Linsey Hamilton Pt, Dpt, Dsc, Amy Swanton Spt, Elizabeth Lavine Spt, Kelsey Huettl Spt, Natalie Degener Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Background and Purpose

• Student-centered alternative to traditional summative exams studied in multiple health professions
• Students complete an exam individually, then retake it in small groups
• Limited research in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education
• Shown to improve exam performance and reduce test anxiety
• Purpose: Evaluate effects on biomechanics exam performance among high-, mid-, and low-performing first-year DPT students

Methods

Design & Participants: Longitudinal cohort study of 34 first-year DPT students enrolled in a biomechanics course (Spring 2025)

Conclusion and Relevance

• Collaborative testing improved exam scores for high-, middle-, and low-performing students.
• Course letter grades not significantly impacted
• Supports collaborative testing …

Effects Of Pressure-Threshold Versus Flow-Resistive Inspiratory Training On Maximal Inspiratory Pressure In Healthy Adults, Amy Toonstra Pt, Dpt, Phd, Andrew Jacobs Spt, Nathaniel Richter Spt, Nicole Sperling Spt, Olive Westberg Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Background

• High-intensity exercise induces respiratory fatigue and reduces exercise performance via respiratory metaboreflex.^1,2
• Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been proven to increase respiratory muscle strength and delay metaboreflex.^3-4
• Two most common IMT methods include use of flow-resistive and pressure-threshold devices.^5-6
• Despite extensive research, current literature remains inconclusive about device superiority.

Purpose

To compare the effectiveness of matched-volume IMT delivered via pressure-threshold versus flow-resistive loading on maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) in healthy adults.

Methods

• Blinded randomized controlled trial
• 20 healthy adults enrolled, 19 included in data analysis (12 M, 7 F).
• Inclusion Criteria: > 18 years of age, English-speaking …

Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates At A Federally Qualified Health Center: A Quality Improvement Project, Kaeli H. Mcphee

DNP Scholarly Projects

Abstract 

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is on the rise and is currently the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States (Wender, 2022). CRC screening rates are below national goals, particularly among underserved populations. At Lowell Community Health Center (LCHC), only 41.9% of eligible adults were up to date with CRC screening as of 2024.

Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to increase CRC screening rates among average-risk adults aged 45 to 75 by implementing a multifaceted, low-burden intervention targeting both provider and patient behaviors.

Methods: Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, the intervention included: (1) provider and …

Protein Intake Patterns, Health Profiles, Body Composition Among Us Adults By Physical Activity Levels: Nhanes 2017–2020, Jacqueline Vernarelli, Jessica R. Kiel, Christopher D. Coleman, Satya S. Jonnalagadda

Public Health Faculty Publications

Regular physical activity is known to provide numerous health benefits, including improvements in cardiovascular function, metabolic health, and mental well-being. This study aimed to assess the metabolic, behavioral, and physiological benefits of physical activity in US adults and compare the dietary intake of active versus inactive individuals, with a specific focus on protein consumption. This study used data from 7,910 adults (>18 y) who participated in the 2017–2020 NHANES Pre-Pandemic Survey. As part of the NHANES, height and weight were measured by trained examiners, dietary intake data was collected using 24-hour recall. Data analysis was conducted using SAS 9.4 …

Fusion, 2026, George Washington University, William H. Beaumont Medical Research Honor Society

Fusion

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Menopausal Symptoms On Physical Activity Participation, Morgan T. Walsh, Rebecca Franklin, Meghan E. Radnoff, Amy Tremback-Ball

Student Research Poster Presentations 2026

No abstract provided.

Clinical Effectiveness Of An Aquatic Exercise Program On Those With Visual Impairment, Mikayla Calitis, Haley Mcmenimen, Isabella Bernitsky, Amelia Gansz, Karol Bialek

Student Research Poster Presentations 2026

No abstract provided.

How Ai Is Used In Computed Tomography, Dominic Selvenis

Student Research Poster Presentations 2026

This project explains artificial intelligence (AI) and how it is used in computed tomography (CT). AI and CT are both defined, and the project shows how both relate to each other to create a better overall outcome of the studies. Different uses of AI are demonstrated in the following ways: patient positioning, 3D analysis, and within a lung screening study. Even though there is only one example of using AI in a lung screening study, AI can be used in almost every study to either measure, identify, or locate. Arteries, nodules, and tumors are some examples that AI can detect …

Stronger Isn't Always Better: 1.5 Tesla Vs 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scanners, Taylor Deiter

Student Research Poster Presentations 2026

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an imaging modality that does not use ionizing radiation. Instead, MRI uses magnetic fields, gradience, coils, and radio frequency to provide anatomic and physiologic information. The purpose of the research study is to examine the strengths and weaknesses of a 1.5 tesla to a 3-tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Cross sectional images are produced to better visualize muscles, organs, and soft tissues for diagnostic purposes. MRI screening and safety is a crucial part of the modality. The most common magnetic strength used for clinical diagnosis are 1.5 and 3 teslas. The higher the strength …

The Role Of Mammography In Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Olivia J. Maniskas

Student Research Poster Presentations 2026

Abstract Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women, making early detection through mammography essential for improving patient outcomes. Breast cancer continues to impact millions of women each year. This capstone project shows the different types of breast cancer and their appearance on mammographic imaging. The main focus includes ductal carcinoma in situ, lobular carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, and invasive lobular carcinoma. The display of images demonstrate the main differences within each type of breast cancer. Each type presents with distinct imaging characteristics. This research aims to improve understanding of the various types of breast …

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 …