Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Nurses For Newborns – Incorporating An Occupational Therapy Perspective In Its Work With Women And Families In The Perinatal Period, Lynsey Beros

OTD Capstone Projects

The author partnered with a nonprofit organization, Nurses for Newborns, to incorporate an occupational therapy perspective in its work with women and families in the perinatal period as part of the OTD capstone project.

The Impact Of Vaccine Coverage And Exemptions On The Resurgence Of Vaccine Preventable Disease: A Review Of The Literature, Kara Costantino

Honors Theses

Vaccinations are a safe and effective way to prevent the spread of disease. In recent years, vaccine coverage rates have declined while nonmedical exemption rates have increased. These changes have contributed to increased prevalence of vaccine preventable diseases. Declining vaccine coverage and increasing nonmedical exemptions are a threat to public health and the relationship between these factors needs to be understood. Clusters and outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases have occurred as a result of more people declining vaccination. Factors that may incline someone to refuse vaccination include safety concerns, lack of trust, freedom of choice, decreased understanding for the need, …

Insights From Immuno-Oncology: The Society For Immunotherapy Of Cancer Statement On Access To Il-6-Targeting Therapies For Covid-19., Paolo Antonio Ascierto, Bernard Fox, Walter Urba, Ana Carrizosa Anderson, Michael B Atkins, Ernest C Borden, Julie Brahmer, Lisa H Butterfield, Alessandra Cesano, Daniel Chen, Tanja De Gruijl, Robert O Dillman, Charles G Drake, Leisha A Emens, Thomas F Gajewski, James L Gulley, F Stephen Hodi, Patrick Hwu, David Kaufman, Howard Kaufman, Michael Lotze, Douglas G Mcneel, Kim Margolin, Francesco Marincola, Michael J Mastrangelo, Marcela V Maus, David R Parkinson, Pedro J Romero, Paul M Sondel, Stefani Spranger, Mario Sznol, George J Weiner, Jon M Wiggington, Jeffrey S Weber

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

The Use Of A Visual Motor Test To Identify Lingering Deficits In Concussed Collegiate Athletes, Katherine J. Hunzinger, Erik W. Sanders, Horace E. Deal, Jody L. Langdon, Kelsey M. Evans, Brandy A. Clouse, Barry Munkasy, Thomas A. Buckley

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: Faculty Publications

Background:

Emerging evidence suggests neurophysiological deficits, such as visual motor coordination (VMC), may persist beyond clinical concussion recovery. Instrumented measurement of upper-limb VMC is critical for neurological evaluation post-concussion and may identify persistent deficits further elucidating persistent neurophysiological impairments not detected by the current clinical assessment battery.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to determine if a VMC test identifies persistent deficits in concussed collegiate student-athletes who have returned to baseline on clinical concussion assessments.

Methods:

Thirteen recently concussed intercollegiate student-athletes (male: 7, 18.9±0.7 years, 175.5±12.4 cm, 75.5±23.2 kg), and 13 matched control student-athletes (male: 7, 19.3±1.1 years, 173.5±11.9 …

Natural History Of Non-Lethal Raine Syndrome During Childhood, Chiara Mameli, Giulia Zichichi, Nasim Mahmood, Siham Chafai Elalaoui, Adnan Mirza, Poonam Dharmaraj, Marco Burrone, Elisa Cattaneo, Jayesh Sheth, Ajit Gandhi

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Raine syndrome (RS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by biallelic loss-of-function mutations of FAM20C. The most common clinical features are microcephaly, exophthalmos, hypoplastic nose and severe midface hypoplasia, leading to choanal atresia. The radiological findings include generalized osteosclerosis and brain calcifications. RS is usually lethal during the neonatal period due to severe respiratory distress. However, there exists a non-lethal RS form, the phenotype of which is extremely heterogeneous. There is paucity of data about clinical course and life expectancy of these patients.
Results: This is the first description of follow-up features of non-lethal RS patients. Moreover, we …

Rna-Induced Conformational Switching And Clustering Of G3bp Drive Stress Granule Assembly By Condensation, Jordina Guillén-Boixet, Alex S. Holehouse, Rohit V. Pappu, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Stressed cells shut down translation, release mRNA molecules from polysomes, and form stress granules (SGs) via a network of interactions that involve G3BP. Here we focus on the mechanistic underpinnings of SG assembly. We show that, under non-stress conditions, G3BP adopts a compact auto-inhibited state stabilized by electrostatic intramolecular interactions between the intrinsically disordered acidic tracts and the positively charged arginine-rich region. Upon release from polysomes, unfolded mRNAs outcompete G3BP auto-inhibitory interactions, engendering a conformational transition that facilitates clustering of G3BP through protein-RNA interactions. Subsequent physical crosslinking of G3BP clusters drives RNA molecules into networked RNA/protein condensates. We show that …

Seeking Care At Free Episodic Health Care Clinics In Appalachia, Malerie Lazar, Sandra Thomas, Lisa Davenport

Journal of Appalachian Health

Background: People who live in rural Appalachia experience a wide variety of problems when seeking access to health care. Health care disparities continue to be one of the most complex and prevalent problems, and many barriers exist for impoverished men and women such as a lack of education, complications with health insurance, and personal distrust of healthcare providers.

Purpose: A critical gap in the literature is the unheard voice of persons in rural underserved areas. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of persons in rural Appalachia who seek healthcare services at free episodic health care clinics, …

Skin Cancer And Uv Exposure-Related Behaviors Among Appalachian And Non-Appalachian Adults, Minal Patel, Katrina Serrano, Elise Rice, Chan Thai, Kelly Blake, Robin C. Vanderpool

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Appalachian communities experience elevated rates of cancer incidence and mortality relative to other regions in the U.S. Specifically, melanoma mortality rates are higher in Appalachia compared to the national average, despite comparable incidence rates.

Purpose: To examine differences in self-reported history of skin cancer and prevalence of two UV exposure behaviors between Appalachian and non-Appalachian adults in a nationally representative sample.

Methods: Data are from four cross-sectional cycles of the Health Information National Trends Survey (2011–2014) (N=14,451). We examined sunscreen use and tanning bed use, and self-reported history of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Descriptive and weighted …

Impact Of The Affordable Care Act On Referral To Care For People Living With Hiv In Appalachia, Cameron A. Wade, Timothy N. Crawford, Nicole Leedy, Alice C. Thornton

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) enacted on March 23, 2010 significantly impacted access to healthcare for people living with HIV (PLWH). Expansion of care was accomplished in three areas: eliminating exclusions for pre-existing conditions, elimination of lifetime caps on healthcare expenditures, and expansion of Medicaid eligibility.

Purpose: This study evaluated the impact of state implementation of the ACA Medicaid expansion on referral to HIV care at a Ryan White federally funded clinic in Kentucky (University of Kentucky Bluegrass Care Clinic [UK BCC]).

Methods: Retrospective chart review of all newly enrolled patients at the UK BCC between March 2010 and …

Food Insecurity Among College Students With And Without Medical Disorders At A University In Appalachia, Laura Mcarthur, Melissa D. Gutschall, Kimberly Fasczewski, Anna Jackson

Journal of Appalachian Health

Objective: This study compared severity of food insecurity, characteristics, and behaviors of college students with and without diagnosed medical disorders.

Design: Data were collected using a cross-sectional online questionnaire. Variables measured were food security status, disorders, coping strategies, and perceived barriers to food access. Descriptive and inferential statistics examined associations and compared groups. Statistical significance was p≤0.05.

Setting: Data were collected at Appalachian State University in North Carolina.

Participants: The sample was 247 food insecure students, of whom 60% were females, 50% 3rd- and 4th-year students, and 75% whites.

Results: Medical disorders were reported by 67.2% of food insecure students, …

A Nutritional And Environmental Analysis Of Local Food Pantries Accessible To College Students In Rural North Carolina, Emily E. Frymark, Jonathon Stickford, Alisha Farris

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Food insecurity is a growing concern among college students and is especially prevalent in rural areas. Food pantries often serve as a resource to food insecure individuals yet, their policies, standards, and nutritional quality vary due to the unpredictability of food donations.

Purpose: To examine the nutritional quality of food items and adherence of best practices at local food pantries accessible to college students near a university in rural Appalachia.

Methods: Three food pantries in North Carolina were selected due to their proximity to a local, rural university. Food items were analyzed for nutrient and food …

Use And Perceptions Of A Campus Food Pantry Among Food Insecure College Students: An Exploratory Study From Appalachia, Laura Mcarthur, Kimberly S. Fasczewski, Alisha Farris, Miranda R. Petrone

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Food insecurity has emerged as a public health problem among college students in Appalachia, jeopardizing their physical, mental, and emotional health and academic success. Campus food pantries have been established in this region, but no data are available concerning student use or perception of services.

Purpose: This study measured use and perceptions of a campus food pantry by students at a mid-sized university in rural North Carolina.

Methods: An online questionnaire collected behavioral and perceptual data, and follow-up interviews explored these variables. Descriptive statistics with significance at p<0.05 and thematic analytical procedures were used.

Results: Questionnaires were submitted by 896 of 6000 recruited students (14.9%), …

The Need For Evidence-Based Interventions To Reduce Food Insecurity Among College Students, Sarah Brothers, Stephanie Jilcott-Pitts Phd

Journal of Appalachian Health

Food insecurity is defined as insufficient resources to meet food needs. This is a global problem but is not confined to those countries identified as poor. One group of Americans who are particularly affected, and for whom the effects are particularly severe, is college students.

Antidepressants Versus Music Therapy: Which Treatment Is Better For Treating Depression In Parkinson's Disease?, Emaan Dawood

Virginias Collegiate Honors Council Conference

Music and medicine are merging to treat depression in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Antidepressants, the current standard, demonstrate mixed effects in clinical trials, warranting other treatment options. Here, I compare music therapy to antidepressants in the treatment of depression in PD via literature review. Studies of depressed PD patients undergoing music therapy and/or antidepressants were reviewed with attention to variables including depression (on a patient-reported outcome) that were measured pre- and post- therapy. In the music studies, improvements were seen in depression. Methodological inconsistencies across these studies, a paucity of studies, and small sample sizes, however, necessitate more research to reach …

Charting A New Course Through Meaningful Occupation, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Rory Odom, an artist and United States Marine Corps Veteran based in Florida, provided the cover art for the Spring 2020 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Turtles All the Way Down” is an 8”x10” oil painting on canvas. After a tragic accident changed the course of Rory’s life, painting gave him hope. During rehabilitation, Rory sought opportunities to challenge himself and build technical skill as a painter. His bold use of color and signature impressionist style convey emotion and movement. In the face of adversity, meaningful occupation helped Rory chart a new course in life.

Pediatric Heart Conditions: What Do Occupational Therapists Need To Know?, Stefanie Rogers

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Social Media As Occupation: Implications For Occupational Therapy Practice, Sheryl Eckberg Zylstra, Kimberly Erler, Wendell Nakamura, Brenda Kennell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Are We Missing Opportunities? How Occupational Therapists Would Benefit From Connecting Mindfulness To Occupational Participation, Barbara P. White, Paige Brousseau, Jessica Daigneault, Emily Harrison, Virginia Lavallee, Kaleigh St Cyr

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Examining Occupational Therapy Students’ Responses To Integrative Seminars, Robyn Wu, Chi-Kwan Shea

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The integrative seminar is an innovative teaching-learning approach that focuses on active learning and peer collaboration, characteristics that align with millennial learners’ preferences. The use of integrative seminars has been reported by various health professions with positive outcomes. Course feedback survey data from the first cohort of occupational therapy students who participated in a new four-course integrative seminar series were analyzed. Findings suggest that the format of the courses was engaging for the learners. The students particularly valued the small class; the opportunities for peer collaboration; and the variety of active learning opportunities, including simulations. The students also indicated that …

Approaches To Studying: A Cross-Sectional Comparison Of Occupational Therapy Students In Six Education Programs In Norway, Astrid Gramstad, Lene Angell Åsli, Susanne G. Johnson, Trine A. Magne, Tove Carstensen, Gry Mørk, Linda Stigen, Tore Bonsaksen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Students’ approaches to studying have been associated with their academic performance. Although previous research suggests that the cultural and educational context may influence approaches to studying, few studies have investigated differences in study approaches across education programs. The aim of this study was to examine whether approaches to studying differed among occupational therapy students enrolled in six different educational programs in Norway. From a population of 308 students, 187 first-year occupational therapy students in six educational programs in Norway were recruited. The students provided their sociodemographic information and completed the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST), and group …

Patient Perceptions Of Acute Phases Of Rehabilitation Following Shoulder Arthroplasty, Elizabeth Horrall Stith, Lisa Borrero, Laura Santurri, Lori Breeden, Sarah Shemanski

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Shoulder arthroplasty is a common procedure, but a lack of research regarding recovery and rehabilitation limits occupational therapists from providing appropriate education and support. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the patient’s experiences in the acute recovery phase following shoulder arthroplasty.

Method: Twelve participants completed three semi-structured interviews in the first 6 weeks following surgery. A basic-interpretive approach was used before coding interview transcriptions into categories.

Results: The participants initially reported increased reliance on assistance and/or modifications in ADLs routines, such as dressing, bathing, and sleep. Interruption in sleep was reported because …

Development Of The Occupational Performance Inventory Of Sexuality And Intimacy (Opisi): Phase One, Beth Ann Walker, Kasey Otte, Kelsey Lemond, Pamela Hess, Kandyse Kaizer, Tori Faulkner, Davis Christy

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The occupational therapy profession needs a framework to guide understanding of the occupational nature of sexuality and intimacy, assessment, intervention design, and measurement of outcomes. This study aimed to define the occupational nature of sexuality and intimacy and develop a theoretical and occupation-based screen, in-depth self-assessment, and performance measure.

Method: The Occupational Performance Inventory of Sexuality and Intimacy (OPISI) was developed following DeVellis’s (2017) guidelines for scale development that involved mapping the construct, generating an item pool, determining the format for measurement, and reviewing the initial item pool.

Results: The Occupational Therapy Sexual Assessment Framework (OTSAF) was developed to …

Assessing Unmet Needs Of Caregivers After Stroke: Occupational Therapist Practices And Perspectives, Deborah R. Clymer, Hadley A. Fields, Kathy Kniepmann

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Family caregivers of stroke survivors often feel unprepared and overwhelmed post discharge with numerous unmet needs. Occupational therapists can play an integral role in addressing family caregivers’ needs. Limited research exists on assessment practices of occupational therapists in identifying caregivers’ needs poststroke. This study explores the practices and perspectives of occupational therapists in assessing unmet caregivers’ needs.

Method: A cross-sectional, mixed methods research design was used to electronically survey 15 occupational therapists. Part 1 of the survey explored participant methods for identifying caregivers’ needs and their views on using formal caregiver assessment tools. Part 2 gathered participant perspectives on …

Pilot Study Of The Just Right Challenge Feeding Protocol For Treatment Of Food Selectivity In Children, Michelle A. Suarez, Elsie Bush

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background. This pilot study investigated the Just Right Challenge Feeding Protocol, a multicomponent treatment protocol for food selectivity that combines escape extinction, positive reinforcement, and systematic desensitization.

Method. This study used a single-subject, multiple-baseline-across-participants design to investigate whether treatment produced increases in the food inventories for seven children. All of the children in the study started with parent report of fewer than 15 foods in their dietary repertoire. A sensory profile for each child provided information for treatment planning and interpretation of the results of the study.

Results. Five out of the seven children accepted significantly more …

A Survey Of Occupational Therapy Services Provided For Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alisha Ohl, David Schelly, Dustin Brown, Nette Schulze, Maria Smith, Beth Davies

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: We examined the services provided to adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by occupational therapists across the United States.

Method: This cross-sectional study used an online survey, with a combination of structured and open-ended questions, to collect data from a nonprobability sample. Descriptive, inferential, and nonparametric statistics were used to analyze data.

Results: In our sample (N= 57), the majority of the participants spent less than half of their workweek intervening with the adult ASD population. Caregivers were instrumental in both referral and discharge, and Medicaid was the most common payer source. The Adult …

Exploring How Older People Living At Home Alone Occupy Their Time – A Time-Geographic Study, Alison Wicks, Megan Blanchard, Ingeborg Nilsson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Knowing what older people choose to do with their time informs occupational therapists in their everyday practice. This study explored how sixteen older Australians living at home alone without support occupied their time.

Method: People aged 70 years and older living alone in one’s home and receiving no support services were voluntary recruited. The participants completed time-use diaries for 5 days and recorded how, with whom, and where they spent time. Data were coded and analyzed using the software program Vardagen.

Results: The participants reported 217 different daily activities. While patterns of daily participation varied, all …

Effectiveness Of A Multimodal Mindfulness Program For Student Health Care Professionals: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Sharon A. Gutman, Martha Sliwinski, Justin Laird, Jennifer Nguyen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The effectiveness of a multimodal mindfulness program incorporating traditional and nontraditional forms of active and nonactive meditation practices with a sample of occupational and physical therapy students was assessed in this study.

Method: Thirty-six participants were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. The 8-week mindfulness program consisted of one weekly 40-min in-person group session and four weekly 10-min online guided meditations. Pre and postintervention measures included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Student Stress Management Scale (SSMS), mindfulness activity log, open-ended qualitative questionnaire, GPA, and counseling visit frequency.

Results: Statistically significant differences, with large effect …

How To Be A Good Peer Reviewer, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Letter To The Student Body, Carey Collins

Reflections, Poetry, Photos, and other Writings

Encouragement to students, staff and faculty for thriving and finding meaning during difficult times.

Current Status Of Magnetic Resonance On Saliva For Oral And Dental Health Early Diagnosis, Anastasia Katsavochristou, Dimitrios Koumoulis

Oral Health Practice Faculty Publications

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of biomolecules has recently gained attention for clinical diagnosis. Its combination with saliva collection and analysis can promote early disease detection and monitoring, by identifying biomarkers of specific underlying pathology or disease as detected in saliva. With this novel, non-invasive technique, certain salivary biomarkers have been linked to dental and periodontal tissues pathology, as well as to specific head and neck cancer malignancies. At present, diagnostic biomarkers are still in need for further identification (e.g., diagnosis and monitoring of Sjögren’s syndrome), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has been found to be a promising technique to compliment the …