Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Vaccination With Acinetobacter Baumannii Adhesin Abp2d Provides Protection Against Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection, Morgan R Timm, Kevin O Tamadonfar, Taylor M Nye, Jesús Bazán Villicaña, Jerome S Pinkner, Karen W Dodson, Ali H Ellebedy, Scott J Hultgren

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) contribute greatly to the burden of healthcare-associated infections. Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative bacterium with high levels of antibiotic resistance that is of increasing concern as a CAUTI pathogen. A. baumannii expresses fibrinogen-binding adhesins (Abp1D and Abp2D) that mediate biofilm formation on catheters, which become coated with fibrinogen upon insertion. Here we develop a protein subunit vaccine against the Abp1D and Abp2D receptor binding domains (RBD) and show that vaccination significantly reduces bacterial titers in a female mouse model of CAUTI. We further demonstrate that immunity to Abp2D

Enhancing Target Dose Conformity While Effectively Sparing The Spinal Cord In Proton Arc Treatment Plans For Cervical Chordomas And Chondrosarcomas, Jon Blalock

Masters Projects

Cervical spinal chordomas and chondrosarcomas present significant therapeutic challenges due to their proximity to the spinal cord and resistance to conventional radiotherapy. This retrospective study investigated the capability of proton arc therapy (PAT) to maintain or improve adequate target coverage while reducing dose to the spinal cord for cervical spinal chordomas and chondrosarcomas over standard fixed beam intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT). While both IMPT and PAT use pencil beam scanning (PBS) to with energy modulation to deliver dose in discrete layers, IMPT relies on a limited number of fixed beam angles, whereas PAT delivers dose over an arc trajectory. …

Educational Lifecycle: Transitioning From Undergraduate To Graduate-Level Expectations, Khalil A. Mrabe, Rosie Defeo, Arlenys Loffredo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The World Health Assembly has recognized the current and future place of education, training, and development within their 2030 global strategy. While education in allied health professions continues to evolve, limited information is known about the challenges graduate students face when transitioning into these programs. In response to recent societal and educational shifts, a systematic review was conducted to explore the academic, psychological, social, and professional barriers affecting first-term allied health students. Utilizing the SPIDER framework along with searching across different platforms (Psychinfo, Web of Science, and ProQuest) to locate peer-reviewed studies published within the last five years. Forty-seven studies …

Learning To Treat The Whole Person: Assessing Spiritual Care Curriculum Inclusion At Faith And Non-Faith-Based Doctor Of Physical Therapy And Master Of Athletic Training Programs In Texas, Tricia Blalock, Heather Hudson, Andrew R. Meyer, Ryan Hebdon

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Given the identified importance of assessing the spiritual domain of health as a component of cultural competence and holistic care in physical therapy and athletic training and the importance that their governing bodies have indicated that spiritual care should play in treating patients, this current study examined how faculty, at entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Master of Athletic Training (MAT) programs in Texas, perceive the importance and inclusion of spiritual dimensions of care in their programs. Methods: We disseminated an online, cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey to a total of 289 faculty members from a total of 27 programs …

Holistic Approach To Managing Grade 3 Vaginismus: An Obg Physiotherapy Perspective, Nagma Khan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Vaginismus is a condition characterized by involuntary pelvic floor muscle contractions, which can make vaginal penetration painful or impossible. This disorder has both physical and psychological components, often leading to significant emotional distress, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. Effective management requires a holistic, multidisciplinary approach, combining physical therapy with psychological support. This case report examines the treatment of a 29-year-old woman with grade 3 vaginismus, highlighting the role of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (OBG) physiotherapy in improving both physical symptoms and emotional well-being.

Case Presentation: A 29-year-old female presented with grade 3 vaginismus, with a history of severe pelvic floor tension …

Navigating The Path: Barriers And Motivators For Physical Therapy Students Pursuing Residency Programs Or Board Certification, Lauren Butler, Amanda L. Thomas, Erasmo Alvarez, David Capote, Teresa Munecas, Abigail Adjei, Erik Estevez, Robert Haller, Isabella Satizabal, Leonardo Valdesuso,, Mark D. Rossi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

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Introduction: While the number of physical therapists (PTs) pursuing post-graduate education has increased since the inception of residency programs, the volume of new Doctor of Physical Therapy graduates applying for residency training has remained low. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the barriers and motivations of PT students in their pursuit of PT residency programs and board certification. Review of the Literature: The American Physical Therapy Association provides licensed PTs with a wide range of opportunities to advance their knowledge through residency programs and board certification.The decision to pursue these opportunities is left to each individual …

The Impact Of Pet Therapy On Stress Reduction And Academic Performance Among Allied Health Students, Catherine Brock

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Interest in pet therapy is increasing due to its potential to alleviate internal and external stress signs through the human-animal bond. This study investigates the effects of pet therapy compared to environmental and behavioral modifications on allied health students' stress levels and exam performance. Methods: We conducted an anonymized randomized intervention design with allied health students to compare perceived stress and test scores. Eighty-five students were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups. We hypothesized that students who participated in pet therapy before their exam would report lower anxiety and achieve higher exam scores than those who received …

Health Maintenance: Oral Health For Primary Care. The Role Of The Inflammatory Process In Periodontitis And Diabetes, Maureen O'Hara, Debra A. Dixon

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

There is a bidirectional relationship for inflammation with periodontal disease and chronic, systemic diseases. The focus of this review specifically includes diabetes because it is a global health problem. Periodontal disease is reversible in the early stages. The benefit of controlling the inflammatory process associated with periodontitis is a reduction in serum levels of inflammatory mediators, which can improve hemoglobin A1c and other microvascular complications of diabetes. Dental practitioners may be the first health care professional to encounter the patient with diabetes and periodontal complications. Having a relationship with primary care providers in the community is essential for the care …

Dietary, Behavioral, And Psychosocial Factors Related To Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among South Asian Americans: A Scoping Review, Lakshmi Meyyappan, Peggy A. Ursuy, Olivia S. Anderson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: South Asian Americans disproportionately represent the world’s prevalence of cardiovascular disease. This scoping review assessed the dietary and psychosocial factors associated with cardiovascular disease risk that South Asian Americans encounter and concluded with considerations for health professionals who encounter this population in practice. Method: Inclusion criteria included studies with the primary population as South Asian Americans and investigated diet or psychosocial factors as variables and cardiovascular disease as an outcome variable. Results: Thirteen studies were included. Analysis of nutritional factors showed that South Asian Americans have high dietary quality yet eating non-vegetarian diets and high alcohol consumption is associated …

Impact Of Occupational Therapy Based Enrichment Program On Children In Transitional Housing, Taylor Lynn Miller, Dana Madalon, Cynthia Haynes

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Development, implement and evaluation of occupational therapy based enrichment program for children in transitional housing who have previously experienced homelessness.

Academic Year In Review 2024-2025, Dugoni School Of Dentistry

Dugoni Academic Year in Review

The Dugoni School family makes a difference in the lives of thousands of people each year, and we are fulfilling our purpose of helping people lead healthy lives. Our Year in Review report highlights just some of the great happenings over the last year across our academic programs, clinical services, research, community outreach and other areas.

Equine Assisted Services To Increase Participation In Activities Of Daily Living And Social Engagement For Veterans With Ptsd, Mackenzie A. Alexander, Rebecca King, Gwen R. Morris

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Currently there are limited occupational therapy programs in equine assisted services that promote engagement in meaningful occupations for veterans who experience PTSD. This capstone project aims to increase occupational participation of veterans with PTSD by providing modules on education and interventions to therapy staff who work in equine assisted services. The modules focus on increasing engagement in activities of daily living and social participation to promote overall quality of life.

Promoting Early Identification Of Developmental Delays With The Cdc’S Learn The Signs. Act Early. Campaign, Katsia Renaud

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Chew On It: A Pilot Study Of A Multimodal Assessment Of Mastication Protocol, Michelle Catão

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Despite its subconscious nature, deglutition is an elaborate and multifaceted process, contingent on the activation of specific neural pathways and muscles. The inherent complexity gives rise to a wide array of potential complications and difficulties, known as dysphagia. Screening and assessment for dysphagia aid in determining the presence and etiology of swallowing difficulties, providing information that is critical for maintaining and improving the health status of vulnerable populations from the standpoint of nutrition, hydration, and socialization (Dziewas et al., 2017). Previous studies surrounding dysphagia assessment have prioritized formulating clinical protocols to evaluate the nonvolitional stage, often failing to address the …

An Implementation Study Of Phonological Awareness Assessment Tasks For Literacy Development In D/Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Students, Sara Tuddenham

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Minimal auditory input can impact phonological awareness skill acquisition in d/Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students. Teachers of the Deaf and speech-language pathologists can assess and instruct DHH students through methods tailored to their needs, but research on effective strategies is limited. This study explores the development and implementation of a linguistically and culturally inclusive set of phonological awareness tasks for DHH students at Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD). Tasks investigate phonological awareness in spoken English (i.e., rhyming, sound matching, blending, etc.) and American Sign Language (i.e., ASL parameters) for nine DHH students. Results indicate the feasibility …

Effect Of Histidine Tag On The Enzymatic Activity Of Pseudolysin And Its Interaction With The Streptomyces Metalloprotease Inhibitor (Smpi) Protein, Adewale Adeboye Adewole

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pseudolysin (PLN) protein is a major virulent factor in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. PLN belongs to the family of zinc-dependent metalloproteases. It is naturally inhibited by a smaller protein called streptomyces metalloprotease inhibitor (SMPI), secreted by Streptomyces nigrescens. Previous and current studies demonstrate that the interaction between PLN and SMPI offers unique mechanistic insights for drug development against infections caused by P. aeruginosa. This study investigated the effect of N-terminal Histidine (His) tag on the enzymatic activity of PLN and its interaction with SMPI. His-tagged PLN and SMPI proteins were expressed in bacteria and purified by affinity chromatography …

Diagnostic Imaging-Based Radiation Therapy Planning (Dbrp) For Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (Nsclc) Patients, Joshua Langer

Masters Projects

Purpose

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients benefit by starting radiation therapy (RT) promptly upon diagnosis. Diagnostic scan-based radiation therapy planning (DBRP) eliminates the need for computed tomography (CT) simulation. This is a retrospective study comparing dosimetric differences between volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) diagnostic scan-based plans recalculated onto simulation CT scans.

Methods

Radiotherapy (60 or 66 Gy in 20-30 fractions) for eight NSCLC patients was planned on diagnostic CTs. The plans were recalculated onto the fused simulation CTs, mimicking first treatment setups. Dose-volume histogram (DVH) were used to compare the minimum dose received by 95% of the planning target volume …

Comparison Of Left Breast Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation Plans: Flattening Filter Free Vmat Vs. Standard Vmat In Deep Inspiration Breath Hold And Free Breathing Techniques, Monica Albeck

Masters Projects

This retrospective planning study compared dosimetric outcomes and treatment efficiency between flattening filter free (FFF) and standard volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans for left breast accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) under deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) and free-breathing (FB) conditions. Ten patients with early stage left breast cancer were replanned to create four plans each: FFF VMAT and standard VMAT in DIBH and FB. All plans prescribed 30 Gy in 5 fractions. Measures included planning target volume (PTV) coverage, mean heart dose, ipsilateral lung V30%, contralateral breast maximum dose, and monitor units (MUs). Statistical analysis used repeated-measures ANOVA with …

Improving Intraoperative Antibiotic Stewardship To Reduce Surgical Site Infections: A Quality Improvement, Allyson Nichelle Heard

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Purpose: Surgical site infections (SSIs) have been associated with poor pre-surgical incision antibiotic and intraoperative redosing practices and are the leading cause of postoperative readmissions and healthcare-acquired infections. A Quality Improvement (QI) project was developed to evaluate SSIs rates and pre-surgical incision antibiotic dosing and intraoperative redosing practices of anesthesia providers at a Level 1 trauma center in the Midwest. Methods: A pre- and post-intervention knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) survey addressing intraoperative antibiotic stewardship was administered to 138 anesthesia providers. Interventions included education, a reference sheet, and a clinical pathway. Data analysis for surgical procedures involving anesthesia services, …

Increasing Gonorrhea And Chlamydia Testing By Using Universal Trauma-Informed Care And Offering Self-Collected Vaginal Swabs To Patients At A Non-Profit Independent Reproductive Healthcare Center, Dana M. Bloomburg

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Background & Significance: The sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemic in the United States remains a public health concern, with over 2.4 million cases in 2023 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024). Increased screening can help prevent complications and enable treatment for the sexual partners of these asymptomatic infections (CDC, 2024). The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that obstetrician-gynecology offices aim to provide universal trauma-informed care (TIC) to all patients (McNicholas et al., 2021). Purpose: Universal TIC practices were used to improve acceptance of gonorrhea and chlamydia (GC/CT) testing among at-risk individuals by adding a self-collected vaginal …

Addressing Medical Errors In Nursing Practice Through An Evaluation Of The Barcode Medication Administration Program, Alma Trigg

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

The barcode medication administration (BCMA) process is complex. When a step is omitted or altered, the risk of a medication error reaching the patient increases, which subsequently increases the chance of the patient experiencing an adverse drug event. A BCMA program evaluation was implemented to address questions related to policy and practice. Dr. Harrington's BCMA checklist provided the framework for the assessment. The Medication Administration System—Nurses Assessment of Satisfaction (MAS-NAS) scale, developed by Hurley et al. (2006), and the BCMA perceived usefulness scale, adopted by Darawad et al. (2019), measured nurses' perception of the program, including technology integration and ease …

Enhancing Care Coordination And Expedited Appointment Scheduling By Structured Workflow Process In Oncology Clinics: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Jasmine Lassiter

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Background and Significance: Delays in oncology appointment scheduling can negatively impact timely cancer treatment, care coordination, and patient outcomes. Inefficiencies often stem from inconsistent workflows, communication breakdowns, and limited visibility into provider availability, contributing to scheduling inaccuracies, and treatment delays (Fletcher et al., 2023; Johnson et al., 2020). Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to implement and evaluate a structured workflow for expedited oncology appointment scheduling in an outpatient setting to improve scheduling accuracy, care coordination, and healthcare team vitality. Intervention and Implementation Plan: Guided by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Model for Improvement and the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based …

Increasing Health Literacy To Improve Cardiovascular Risk Factors In Patients With Low Socioeconomic Status In The Appalachian Region: A Quality Improvement Project, Kara M. Dougherty

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Abstract

Improving health literacy is one of the main goals of Healthy People 2030. However, there are no evidence-based guidelines as health literacy is still in research status (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, n.d.). Vulnerable populations are especially at risk of having low health literacy skills. Social determinants of health, such as poverty, lack of access to care, few community resources, and low health literacy, are common issues throughout Appalachia, which includes West Virginia. These disparities negatively impact the success of primary and secondary prevention for cardiovascular disease (Mangini et al., 2018). This quality improvement project utilized the …

Evalutaing The Effectiveness Of A Two-Year Nurse Residency Program On Reducing Nursing Turnover In The One To Three Years Tenure, Nancy J. Plum

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Background: First-year turnover for new registered nurses continues to take the lead in all tenured categories, accounting for 59% of turnover, carrying with it a financial impact averaging $88,000 per staff nurse lost. A synthesis of the literature finds the research to be ambiguous and anecdotal, with a narrow focus on understanding the causes of turnover, while an underwhelming amount of rigorous research has been conducted on identifying effective solutions. Solutions to mitigate nursing turnover will require an innovative approach.

Purpose: This program evaluation aimed to examine the impact of a two-year nurse residency program (NRP) on registered nurse turnover …

Enhancing Nurses’ Joy And Meaningful Work In A Military Treatment Facility: A Quality Improvement Project, Ann M. Uetz

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Background: Prior to the pandemic, there was growing concern regarding nurse burnout and retention – concern which still exists today in healthcare organizations. Purpose and happiness in work ensures staff engagement, positive patient outcomes, improves nurses’ well-being, and decreases burnout. The Institute of Healthcare Improvement’s (IHI) Quadruple Aim emphasizes improving the work life and well-being of healthcare teams. IHI’s white paper, Joy in Work, outlines nine components to guide interventions for enhancing joy and meaningful work. Purpose: This project’s purpose is to determine the impact of implementation of the Joy in Work’s framework on registered nurses and nursing leadership …

The Implementation Of A Pilot Program On Puberty And Menstruation Education For Adolescent Females And Youth Development Specialists For A Gender-Specific Community Organization: A Quality Improvement Project, Cassandra Tavares

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Background & Significance: Adolescent girls in the United States (U.S.) often lack adequate education and support regarding puberty and menstruation, despite the importance of this knowledge for healthy development (Schmitt et al., 2022). Only 21% of school systems serving ages 8–12 provide puberty education, and many educators feel unprepared to teach it (Schmitt et al., 2022). Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to equip youth development specialists (YDS) at a community organization with a structured curriculum and educational tools to confidently educate adolescent females (ages 8–13) on the physical, emotional, and social aspects of puberty and menstruation. Intervention: A four-day …

Improving Influenza Vaccination Rates In A Teen/School-Based Clinic, Alina Leigh

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states the best way to prevent the flu is through vaccination recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Clinic flu vaccination rates are low, and effective strategies are needed to improve rates and promote knowledge on the benefits of the vaccine. This can be achieved by educational intervention, provider recommendation, improved screening, and obtaining consents for teens and young adults in the teen clinic.

Background: Every year, the influenza virus is responsible for thousands of deaths and billions of dollars in spending in the United States, however immunization rates remain below …

Evaluating Dosimetric Outcomes In A Prostate Rapid Plan Model: A Comparison Of Prostate Treatment Plans With And Without Standardized Planning Structures, Erica Wartman

Masters Projects

Abstract

Knowledge-based planning (KBP) using RapidPlan (RP) has demonstrated the ability to produce high quality radiation therapy treatment plans while reducing time. This study evaluated whether the inclusion of department specific standardized planning structures, including rings and other optimization tools, improves plan quality when using a prostate and lymph node RP model, or if the model alone is sufficient to provide a quality plan without the use of these additional planning structures.

Ten previously treated Prostate+LN patients were replanned using the departmental RP model in Varian Eclipse treatment planning system.1 For each patient, two plans were created, one with standardized …

Exploring The Self-Efficacy And Experiences Of Caregivers Using Thickened Liquids To Manage Pediatric Dysphagia, Jaimee E. Conmy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pediatric dysphagia affects 1 in 37 typically developing children under five, with increased prevalence in at-risk populations. Thickened liquids are often used as an intervention despite limited evidence supporting their effectiveness in the pediatric population. Caregivers play a critical role in managing their child’s dysphagia, yet their experiences, self-efficacy, and challenges with thickened liquids remain underexplored. This mixed-methods study surveyed 57 caregivers of children on thickened liquid diets, to assess their self-efficacy, education, perceptions of effectiveness, and overall impact on their quality of life. Findings highlight gaps in caregiver training, concerns about preparation, and benefits and/or challenges experienced by caregivers. …

Quality Improvement Project Impact Of Impostor Phenomenon On Medical Personnel, Elizabeth L'Heureux

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The DNP project examined medical healthcare personnel who displayed an impostor phenomenon (IP), as reflected in the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) surveys, identifying a lack of structured support for reducing stress. The aim of the quality improvement project (QI) is to evaluate the impact of a four-week structured mentorship and resilience training intervention on perceived stress levels among medical healthcare personnel experiencing symptoms of the impostor phenomenon. The QI project utilized the Cognitive-Affective framework to shape what needed to change, the origins of IP stress, while Lewin’s Change Theory guided how to implement and sustain those changes. A quasi-experimental study …