Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Macrophages As Gatekeepers Of Glioma Progression, Cliona M Rooney, Jasia Mahdi

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Culturally Informed Approaches To Support Perinatal Mental Health: Perceptions And Experiences Of Perinatal Depression And Support Systems Among Postpartum African-Born Women In The United States, Joyce O. Imafidon

ETDs from 2020-2029

Perinatal mental health (PMH) of African-born women (ABW) is underrepresented in research and practice in the United States (US) despite known consequences of poor mental wellbeing on one’s overall health, relationships and productivity. Beyond their fundamental role in family support, ABW contribute significantly to the US workforce, education sector, and economy. This three-paper dissertation enhances understanding on PMH outcomes, perception and experiences of ABW in the US. Perinatal depression (PD), one of the most common mood disorders affecting 1 in 8 women, is highlighted. The overarching question is to what extent does the US health system address PMH of ABW …

Bone Marrow Adiposity, Obesity, And Tumor Burden In Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma, Ananya Deshpande

ETDs from 2020-2029

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy in the United States. It is characterized by the accumulation of clonally expanded plasma cells in the bone marrow, which leads to end organ damage and myeloma-defining events requiring treatment. The only modifiable risk factor for MM is obesity. However, associations between obesity, bone marrow adipocytes, and tumor burden at MM diagnosis remain unclear. We evaluated associations of bone marrow adipocytes, body mass index (BMI), and clinical features of tumor burden among 168 patients with histologically confirmed newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) enrolled in the Integrative Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology …

Evaluation Of Occupational Exposure To Noise And Respirable Particulate Matter In Dentistry, Kabe Fetner

ETDs from 2020-2029

Dental procedures can result in occupational exposures to both noise and particulate matter. Dental professionals routinely operate high-speed instruments and mechanical tools that may produce elevated sound levels and aerosolized particles during clinical treatment. Although these exposures are common in dental environments, limited data exist describing full-shift occupational exposure levels during routine dental procedures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate occupational exposure to noise and respirable particulate matter (RPM) during routine dental procedures in a clinical setting. Area noise monitoring and real-time aerosol monitoring were conducted over six clinical days while common dental procedures were performed, including fillings, …

Evaluating The Service Life Of A Respirator Cartridge When Exposed To Various Volatile Organic Compounds, Neha Murad Alwani

ETDs from 2020-2029

Inhalation is the most common exposure pathway. With the significant presence of respiratory exposure, respirator cartridges are widely used as personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce exposure to gases, vapors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study evaluated the breakthrough time of respirator cartridges under various VOC environments commonly encountered in beauty salons and automotive repair shops. Breakthrough time is the duration a respirator cartridge can provide protection before contaminants can be inhaled and the respirator cartridge is no longer effective. The breakthrough time of three VOCs was examined: acetone, toluene, and m-xylene. Using a custom designed test chamber equipped …

Fibulin-4 Expressed In Metastatic Breast Cancer Is A Target Of Peptide-Based Imaging Probes And Experimental Therapeutics, Alexes C Daquinag, Sukhen C Ghosh, Solmaz Aghaamiri, Stephen M Farmer, Sheng Zhang, Servando Hernandez Vargas, Ashwin K Ramesh, Zhiqiang An, Ali Azhdarinia, Mikhail G Kolonin

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

There is a lack of approaches to detect and kill metastatic cells. As an agent for metastasis targeting, a cyclic peptide BLMP6 has been previously characterized. As a step toward translation, we designed AZDye555-labeled BLMP6 and demonstrated its homing to metastases of human MDA-MB-231 cells in mice. We show that 68Ga-radiolabeled BLMP6 can be used for the detection of MDA-MB-231 metastases. We designed a peptide-drug conjugate consisting of monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) and BLMP6. We show that MMAE-BLMP6 kills MDA-MB-231 cells in cell culture and in vivo. In mouse models of lung metastases, treatment with MMAE-BLMP6 suppressed metastasis growth …

‘Latest And Greatest Findings In Aboriginal Cancer Research In Wa ’, Andrew Redfern

Talking Heads Seminar Series

In this talk we will invite the audience to walk with us along the path we have taken over the last 20 years, exploring the reasons why Aboriginal people can experience poorer outcomes when they develop cancer. From there we discuss our search for solutions; cultural, biological and medical, looking at how both improving and personalising our approach to the individual person and the services we build for them may overcome the problems uncovered.

Starting with improved cancer prevention, the talk will move to screening issues and their possible remedies, then on to optimising cure in people with early cancer …

Independent Living Skills For The Aging Population Of Adults With Disabilities, Sara K. Fetter Otd, Otr, Jennifer L. Martin Otd, Otr, Cht, Clt, Michele L. Mccarroll Phd, Faacvpr, Acsm-Ccep, Ccrp, Lssbb

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Adults with intellectual disability (ID) are living longer and increasingly outlive family caregivers. Strengthening independent living and vocational skills has therefore become a critical public-health priority. Occupational therapy (OT) can address this need through person-centered, community-based programming. This paper describes the co-design, delivery, and preliminary outcomes of a short occupation-based curriculum intended to enhance autonomy and work readiness in aging adults with ID. In partnership with a Dallas, Texas nonprofit, the authors conducted a needs assessment and created an 8-session course rooted in the Independent Living Model and the Occupational Competence Model. The curriculum addressed four domains (physical health, financial …

Hypovitaminosis A - Associated Neurologic Syndrome With Concurrent Babesiosis In A Captive African Lion Cub (Panthera Leo), Kano, Nigeria, Shaarani Habibu Musa, Aminu Bello Hanga, Auwal Usman Nagoma, Caleb Ayuba Kudi, Paul Ayuba Abdu, Musa Ibrahim Waziri, Haruna Baba Galadima, Yusuf Aminu Yusuf, Muhammed Mikail

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Neurological disorders in captive wild felids presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, particularly in juveniles animals maintained under suboptimal nutritional transitions. This case report describes the synergistic effects of dietary deficiencies and a concurrent hemoparasitic infection in a seven-month-old male African lion cub (Panthera leo) weighing 30 kg, housed at Audu Bako Zoological Garden in Kano, Nigeria. Following premature weaning onto an unsupplemented muscle-meat diet, the cub exhibited progressive neurological symptoms, including ataxia, hindlimb paresis, star-gazing, and opisthotonos. Hematological analysis revealed a mild normocytic, normochromic anemia (packed cell volume; 23%) and the presence of erythrocytes rouleaux formation, while Giemsa-stained …

Effects Of Acepromazine On Intraocular Pressure, Anterior Chamber Depth In Horses: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study, Abdelhaleem Elkasapy, Magdy Elgioushy, Mohamed Marzok, Sayed Elhawari, Adel Almubarak, Mohamed Rizk, Sabry El-Khodery, Adel Al-Akraa

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acepromazine on intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber depth (ACD), cardiovascular and respiratory rates in horses. In a prospective, randomized, controlled trial, twelve horses were equally allocated randomly into two groups: treatment and control (n = 6 each). Horses of the treatment group received 0.1 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of acepromazine intravenously, while those in the control group received 0.4 mL/100 kg bwt of 0.9% sodium chloride intravenously. IOP, ACD, heart rate, and respiratory rate were recorded before (T0) and then at T10, T20, T30, T40, T50, T60, T70, T80, and T120 min …

Twenty-First-Century Readiness Of Thai Doctor Of Veterinary Medicine Curricula: A Documentary Analysis Using The Competency-Based Veterinary Education 2.0 Framework, Pongphol Pongthaisong, Manakant Intrakamhaeng

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Twenty-first-century veterinary practice demands graduates who combine clinical expertise with professional competencies including communication, financial literacy, evidence-based practice, and One Health awareness. Whether Thai Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curricula systematically develop these competencies has not been evaluated across the full national cohort. This study assessed the 21st-century readiness of all 11 accredited Thai DVM programs using the Competency-Based Veterinary Education 2.0 (CBVE 2.0) framework (AAVMC Council, 2024). Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and course specifications from Thai Qualifications Framework curriculum specification documents (TQF-2; มคอ.2) were analyzed using deductive content analysis against all 9 CBVE 2.0 domains, with inter-rater reliability established …

Parental Perspectives On Their Children’S Mental Health Changes During And After The Covid-19 Pandemic In A Florida Community, Brianna Yumul

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Breaking Bread And Barriers: Interprofessional Strategies To Improve Mental And Nutritional Health In Family Caregivers, Candy Ratliff

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

Family caregivers provide essential unpaid support to individuals with chronic illness, disability, dementia, and age-related decline; however, caregiving responsibilities often place caregivers at increased risk for psychological, physical, nutritional, and social challenges. This literature review examines the mental health and nutritional implications of family caregiving and explores barriers that contribute to declining caregiver wellness. Findings reveal elevated rates of depression, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, social isolation, food insecurity, sleep disturbances, financial strain, and chronic stress among caregivers. The literature further highlights the interconnected relationship between mental health, nutrition, and overall quality of life. Given the multidimensional nature of caregiver burden, interprofessional …

Oral Cancer Numerical Index (Ocni): Development And Validation Of A Cytology-Based Risk Assessment For Oral Lesions, Michael P Mcrae, Nadarajah Vigneswaran, Alexander Ross Kerr, Spencer W Redding, Martin H Thornhill, Craig Murdoch, Paul M Speight, Rachelle Wolk, Kritika S Rajsri, Pooja Gaikwad, Nancy Ruel, Nicolaos J Christodoulides, John T Mcdevitt

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background/Objectives: Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) require accurate risk stratification to identify patients at the highest risk for severe oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) or oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We developed and internally validated the oral cancer numerical index (OCNI), a quantitative risk score derived from clinical features and deep learning-based brush cytology measurements.

Methods: This retrospective model development and internal validation study was conducted using data from the multicenter Grand Opportunity study. Prospectively recruited subjects with OPMD with complete data were divided at the subject level into a training set (n = 384) and a holdout test set …

Effectiveness Of Cadre Training In Improving Knowledge On The Completion Of The Elderly Health Book In Sidoarjo, Lilik Djuari, Sulistiawati Sulistiawati, Linda Dewanti, Muhammad Izhar Yuliantama, De Farras King, Minarni Wartiningsih

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Primary healthcare in Indonesia faces challenges due to an ageing population since 2021. An elderly health book, published by Ministry of health, is an essential tool for recording, monitoring, and following up elderly health status. However, Health cadres have not yet fully understood how to fill in and use the book, resulting in suboptimal data quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cadre training to complete the Elderly Health Book (before and after training) in Sidoarjo Regency. A quasi-experimental study with a one-group pre-test and post-test design was conducted among 50 elderly health cadres which …

Advancing Culturally Relevant Mindfulness In Public Health, Marcus Johnson, Candy Ratliff

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have gained significant traction in public health, education, and clinical settings due to their demonstrated benefits for stress reduction and psychological well-being. However, these interventions often originate from Eurocentric frameworks that insufficiently reflect the cultural, historical, and structural contexts of diverse and historically marginalized communities. This commentary proposes a Culturally Relevant Mindfulness (CRM) framework that centers the lived experiences, healing traditions, and epistemologies of underrepresented populations. Drawing on interdisciplinary literature and critiques of conventional mindfulness models, the article articulates four guiding principles of CRM: cultural identity affirmation, historical consciousness, ancestral integration, and community-centered practice. Rather than merely …

Examining Diversity And Cultural Competency Within A Historically Black College And University (Hbcu) Public Health Curriculum, Alyce L. Hays, Yalanda M. Barner, Latarsha Michael

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

Integrating diversity and cultural competency content into public health curricula is vital in preparing future health professionals to optimize health outcomes of all individuals; however, very few studies have examined whether diversity and cultural competencies are taught in public health curricula. Studies have consistently incorporated diversity, equity, and inclusion in education for healthcare professionals such as nursing, community health workers, health educators, etc. The purpose of this study was to assess the presence of course content diversity, equity, inclusion, cultural competency, or other related topics. A formative assessment approach utilizing a four-step evaluation process was used to review the inclusion …

Lived Experiences Of Polysubstance Use And Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders: A Phenomenological Inquiry, Candee Dione Rillon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health disorders (MHD), with particular attention to the transition into polysubstance use. The purpose of the study was to understand how individuals experience and make meaning of these co-occurring conditions and the factors influencing substance use patterns. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with participants who reported both mental health challenges and substance use histories. Thematic analysis revealed that participants experienced SUD and MHD as deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing, often functioning within a cyclical pattern of distress and temporary relief. Substance use …

The Prevalence Of Moral Injury Among Veterans Diagnosed With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd): Analyses By Combat Exposure, Gender, Age Group, And Military Service, Carl B. Forkner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, and the ensuing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, heralded in a new concept affecting our combat and support military personnel. This concept is known today as moral injury. Military personnel were already familiar with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), whether from personal experience or from reading and training on the subject, but no training addresses the prevalence or effects of moral injury. The term moral injury (MI) was first coined by psychiatrist Jonathan Shay and his colleagues based on feedback from military and veteran patients in 1998; however, it remains that …

The Relationship Between Estimated Vo2max And Poor Mental Health: A Study Of Brfss Data, Angelina Somadina Oputa

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Mental health conditions are one of the leading contributors to the global burden of disease. Despite advancements in mental health therapies and psychiatric medications, significant numbers of patients continue to struggle with mental illness. Despite these challenges, exercise can serve as a powerful tool to address mental health concerns. Current literature has referenced the value of physical fitness to support mental health, however there is limited large-scale research assessing the estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2Max) as a predictor of poor mental health days. In response, this quantitative secondary analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between estimated VO2Max and poor …

The Effect Of Structured Prebriefing On Pre-Simulation Anxiety In Baccalaureate Nursing Students Participating In High-Fidelity Simulation: A Quantitative Quasi-Experimental Nonequivalent Pretest-Posttest Control Group Study, Laura D. Wade

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative quasi-experimental nonequivalent pretest-posttest control group study was to examine the effect of structured prebriefing on pre-simulation state anxiety among baccalaureate nursing students participating in high-fidelity simulation (HFS) at a private faith-based university in the South-Central United States (U.S.). Simulation is widely used in nursing education; however, nursing students frequently experience elevated anxiety prior to simulation that may negatively influence learning and performance. Despite recognition of prebriefing as best practice in simulation-based education, limited quantitative research has examined the effect of structured prebriefing on pre-simulation anxiety. A convenience sample of 73 baccalaureate nursing students enrolled in …

Design And Development Of Foot Arch Diagnosis Application, Arif Wicaksono, Arta Farmawati, Neni Trilusiana Rahmawati, Herianto Herianto

Folia Medica Indonesiana

The foot is a part of the lower extremity that has several characteristics, namely foot length, width, height, and arch. Foot arch is a characteristic that has not been widely researched in Indonesia, but it plays a crucial role in movement and daily life. A normal foot arch facilitates physical activities, work, and overall human health, whereas an abnormal foot arch can hinder physical activities, work, and negatively affect health. Foot-arch diagnosis is commonly performed using footprint creation and foot-arch determination. Foot arch diagnosis can be established through conventional examinations, which are relatively more time-consuming, and examinations using scanning devices, …

The Prevalence Of Dysphonia: A Comparison Of Indoor And Outdoor Athletic Coaches, Keelyn Peacock

Student Theses and Dissertations

This investigation was conducted to assess the Prevalence of Dysphonia, while comparing indoor and outdoor athletic coaches. This investigation also looked at the prevalence of self-perceived vocal dysphonia symptoms within collegiate athletic coaches. This study was conducted by distributing a survey to the Division I athletic coaches in the state of Arkansas. The survey consisted of demographic questions, a questionnaire that explored the self-perceived vocal symptoms, clinician perspective vocal ratings, and acoustic parameters of voice recordings. The data collected revealed that there were vocal symptoms that were identified as an effect of occupational voice demand during the current season of …

Evaluating Opioid Treatment Programs’ Preparedness For Meeting The Needs Of Pregnant & Parenting Individuals, Dennis J. Hand, Taylor Carrubba, Katherine Everman, Meghan Gannon, Alie Keegan, Nicole Leighton, Martina Manfra, Melody Mcalister, Kimberly Mclaughlin, Kelliann O'Hare, Vanessa Short, Veronica Virgilio

College of Nursing Posters

Background & Aims

- Methadone has been used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), including during pregnancy, for over 50 years.

- Pregnancy-driven increases in methadone metabolism have long been known to reduce methadone’s half-life, necessitating alternative dosing strategies including providing multiple doses of per day (split-dosing).

- Pregnant and parenting persons with OUD are often have experienced interpersonal violence and other trauma, are less likely to receive adequate reproductive health care, and would benefit from supports to improve the quality of parenting.

- It is not clear whether opioid treatment programs (OTPs) meet the above needs of pregnant and …

The Association Of Daily Urinary And Bowel Incontinence With Emotional Functioning In Young Adults With Spina Bifida: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study, Audrey I. Young '26, Devon J. Hensel, Konrad M. Szymanki

Student Research

Many young adults with spina bifida experience bladder and bowel leakage, but clinic visits often rely on people remembering and summarizing their symptoms over long periods. In this study, we asked participants to report their experiences each day for one month using simple phone-based check-ins. We found that leakage does not affect every day in the same way. On days when symptoms were more frequent or harder to manage, participants reported worse mood, more worry, and were more likely to avoid activities. These day-to-day experiences also related to over- all quality of life at the end of the month. For …

Nursing Staff Education On Transgender Patient Care In A Nursing Home, Cyril Shan Madera Tena

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of Standardized Mental Health Screening And Referral Protocols For Depression In Patients Aged 65 And Older In Primary Care Settings, Elizabeth Nyambura Irungu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Management Algorithm For Vasoplegic Shock After Cardiac Surgery: An Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Subhasis Chatterjee, Jamel Ortoleva, Rakesh C Arora, Kelci R Dalton, Daniel T Engelman, Natalia Ivascu Girardi, Michael C Grant, Travis J Miles, Marc R Moon, Orlando R Suero, Erica Wittwer, Patrick M Wieruszewski

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Vasoplegic shock is distributive shock that follows cardiopulmonary bypass, characterized by hypotension, low systemic vascular resistance, and catecholamine resistance despite preserved or elevated cardiac output. Reported incidence ranges from 5% to 50%. Associated adverse outcomes include acute kidney injury, prolonged intensive care unit stay, and mortality. A single, universally accepted consensus definition is lacking, and few evidence-based best-practice management strategies exist.

Methods: A panel of 12 clinicians-cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, intensivists, and pharmacists-from 6 institutions conducted a structured expert review. PubMed and Embase were searched for research studies, including clinical trials, retrospective analyses, and mechanistic studies covering epidemiology, risk factors, …

Placenta Accreta Spectrum Risk In Endometriosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study With Art Subanalysis, Madeline West, Amir Alsaidi, Michael A Belfort, Hendrik A Lombaard, Yamely H Mendez, Christina C Reed, Amir A Shamshirsaz, Jessian L Munoz

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Psycho-Behavioral And Psychosocial Factors Influencing Childhood Obesity In The United States, Nadia Ntori Nkansah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.