Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Mental Health And Substance Use Interventions Within Muslim Community Spaces: A Community Based-Participatory Research Proposal, Halah Mansour Alayleh

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background. Muslim Americans face significant mental health and substance use challenges compounded by Islamophobic discrimination, cultural stigma, and barriers to accessing culturally competent services. They also significantly underuse professional mental health services. Purpose. This study aims to collaborate with Muslim communities within the San Francisco Bay Area to develop a replicable intervention framework for addressing mental health and substance use stigma within mosques and other Muslim community spaces. Methods. The proposal uses a community-based participatory research (CBPR) methodology while integrating the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and stigma theory in the framework. This proposal outlines the four phases of intervention …

Hsp70 Is A Chaperone For Il-33 Activity In Chronic Airway Disease, Omar A. Osorio, Heather E. Raphael, Colin E. Kluender, Ghandi F. Hassan, Lucy S. Cohen, Deborah F. Steinberg, Ella Katz-Kiriakos, Morgan D. Payne, Ethan M. Luo, Jamie L. Hicks, Derek E. Byers, Jennifer Alexander-Brett

2020-Current year OA Pubs

IL-33 is a key driver of type 2 inflammation and implicated in pathology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. However, the mechanism for IL-33 secretion and regulation in the context of chronic airway disease is poorly understood. We previously reported an airway disease-associated isoform IL-33Δ34 that escapes nuclear sequestration and is tonically secreted from epithelial cells. Here, we describe how this IL-33Δ34 isoform interacts with HSP70 within cells and is targeted to secretory organelles through coordinated binding to phosphatidylserine (PS) and delivered to compartments for unconventional protein secretion (CUPS). Once secreted, extracellular HSP70 (eHSP70) in complex with IL-33Δ34 …

Subsets Of Follicular Lymphoma 3b Have Divergent Outcomes: Results From The Prospective Multicenter Mer And Leo Cohorts, Patrizia Mondello, David Russler-Germain, Brad Kahl, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Follicular lymphoma (FL) 3B is considered an aggressive lymphoma, however recent studies have challenged this paradigm. Additional controversy involves the clinical implication of pure FL3B (FL3Bp) vs FL3B with concurrent diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (FL3Bc). To address these questions, we performed a pooled study of the MER and LEO cohorts comparing 464 newly diagnosed, R-CHOP-treated patients with FL1-2 (n = 216), FL3A (n = 170), FL3B (n = 78) and 739 DLBCL. Among FL3B patients, 19 (24%) had FL3Bc and 59 (76%) FL3Bp. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were similar between the two FL3B subtypes. Compared to FL1-3A, FL3B …

Lipid-Mediated Gating Of A Miniature Mechanosensitive Mscs Channel From Trypanosoma Cruzi, Jingying Zhang, Aashish Bhatt, Grigory Maksaev, Yun Lyna Luo, Peng Yuan

2020-Current year OA Pubs

The mechanosensitive channel of small conductance (MscS) from E. coli (EcMscS) has served as the prevailing model system for understanding mechanotransduction in ion channels. Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite causing Chagas disease, encodes a miniature MscS ortholog (TcMscS) critical for parasite development and infectivity. TcMscS contains a minimal portion of the canonical EcMscS fold yet maintains mechanosensitive channel activity, thus presenting a unique model system to assess the essential molecular determinants underlying mechanotransduction. Using cryo-electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that TcMscS contains two short membrane-embedded helices that would not fully cross an intact lipid bilayer. Consequently, drastic …

Stability Of Micrornas In Serum And Plasma Reveal Promise As A Circulating Biomarker, Erryk S. Katayama, Jonathan J. Hue, Alexander W. Loftus, Semmer A. Ali, Hallie J. Graor, Luke D. Rothermel, Eric R. Londin, Mehrdad Zarei, Jordan M. Winter

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: To verify the stability and reliability of circulating microRNA (miRNA) profiles in plasma and serum under different processing and storage conditions to inform future applications to circulating biomarker analyses.

BACKGROUND: The development of blood-based methods for early disease detection has become increasingly desirable across various medical fields. RNA profiles have been investigated but have been a challenge due to rapid degradation of the analyte by ubiquitous RNases. miRNAs are short, non-coding regulatory RNAs that are believed to be more stable under certain conditions, large in number, and specific to cell type and disease state. Thus, circulating miRNA profiles hold …

Micbg406a Polymorphism Reduces Risk Of Mechanical Ventilation And Death During Viral Acute Lung Injury, Harry Pickering, Narges Alipanah-Lechner, Ernie Chen, Dylan Duchen, Holden T Maecker, Seunghee Kim-Schulze, Ruth R Montgomery, Chris Cotsapas, Hanno Steen, Florian Krammer, Charles R Langelier, Ofer Levy, Lindsey R Baden, Esther Melamed, Lauren Ir Ehrlich, Grace A Mccomsey, Rafick P Sekaly, Charles B Cairns, Elias K Haddad, Albert C Shaw, David A Hafler, David B Corry, Farrah Kheradmand, Mark A Atkinson, Scott C Brakenridge, Nelson I Agudelo Higuita, Jordan P Metcalf, Catherine L Hough, William B Messer, Bali Pulendran, Kari C Nadeau, Mark M Davis, Ana Fernandez Sesma, Viviana Simon, Monica Kraft, Chris Bime, David J Erle, Joanna Schaenmann, Al Ozonoff, Bjoern Peters, Steven H Kleinstein, Alison D Augustine, Joann Diray-Arce, Patrice M Becker, Nadine Rouphael, Matthew C Altman, Steve Bosinger, Walter Eckalbar, Carolyn S Calfee, Oscar A Aguilar, Elaine F Reed, John R Greenland, Daniel R Calabrese

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence B (MICB) is a ligand for NKG2D. We have shown NK cells are central to lung transplant acute lung injury (ALI) via NKG2D activation, and increased MICB in bronchoalveolar lavage predicts ALI severity. Separately, we found a MICB polymorphism (MICBG406A) is associated with decreased ALI risk. We hypothesized this polymorphism would protect against severe SARS-CoV-2 respiratory disease. We analyzed 1,036 patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection from IMPACC. Associations between MICBG406A and outcomes were determined by linear regression or Cox proportional hazards models. We also measured immune profiles of peripheral blood and the upper and lower …

Dual-Function Polyester Nanoparticles For Amplified Anti-Inflammatory Effects, Ingrid M Heyns, Abiodun T Wahab, Raghu Ganugula, David Sheikh-Hamad, M N V Ravi Kumar, Meenakshi Arora

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

This study investigates a dual-acting drug delivery system using naringenin (NAR) as a folate receptor ligand to enhance intestinal uptake and encapsulated NAR for combating inflammation. The dual-acting systems were tested in vitro on cisplatin-induced human kidney-2 cells and in vivo in a mouse model of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). NAR-loaded passive nanoparticles [P2Ns(NAR)] and dual-acting systems [P2Ns-NAR(NAR)] showed notable advantages over unformulated NAR, reducing the required dose by up to 57 and 79%, respectively. These nanoparticles modulated immune responses, restored T cell function, and shifted macrophage polarization from proinflammatory M1 to tissue-repairing M2. In addition, P2Ns-NAR(NAR) alleviated AKI …

Correction: Development And Extensive Sequencing Of A Broadly-Consented Genome In A Bottle Matched Tumor-Normal Pair, Jennifer H Mcdaniel, Vaidehi Patel, Nathan D Olson, Hua-Jun He, Zhiyong He, Kenneth D Cole, Alexander A Gooden, Anthony Schmitt, Kristin Sikkink, Fritz J Sedlazeck, Harsha Doddapaneni, Shalini N Jhangiani, Donna M Muzny, Marie-Claude Gingras, Heer Mehta, Sairam Behera, Luis F Paulin, Alex R Hastie, Hung-Chun Yu, Victor Weigman, Alison Rojas, Katie Kennedy, Jamie Remington, Isai Salas-González, Mitch Sudkamp, Kelly Wiseman, Bryan R Lajoie, Shawn Levy, Miten Jain, Stuart Akeson, Giuseppe Narzisi, Zoe Steinsnyder, Catherine Reeves, Jennifer Shelton, Sarah B Kingan, Christine Lambert, Primo Baybayan, Aaron M Wenger, Ian J Mclaughlin, Aaron Adamson, Christopher Kingsley, Melanie Wescott, Young Kim, Benedict Paten, Jimin Park, Ivo Violich, Karen H Miga, Joshua Gardner, Brandy Mcnulty, Gail L Rosen, Rajiv Mccoy, Francesco Brundu, Erfan Sayyari, Konrad Scheffler, Sean Truong, Severine Catreux, Lesley Chapman Hannah, Doron Lipson, Hila Benjamin, Nika Iremadze, Ilya Soifer, Gat Krieger, Stephen Eacker, Mary Wood, Erin Cross, Greg Husar, Stephen Gross, Michael Vernich, Mikhail Kolmogorov, Tanveer Ahmad, Ayse G Keskus, Asher Bryant, Francoise Thibaud-Nissen, Jonathan Trow, Jacqueline Proszynski, Jeremy Wain Hirschberg, Krista Ryon, Christopher E Mason, Mital S Bhakta, J Zachary Sanborn, Elizabeth M Munding, Justin Wagner, Chunlin Xiao, Andrew S Liss, Justin M Zook

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Facilitating Engagement And Well-Being In Older Adults Through Personalized Background Music, Anna Heady

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project explores personalized background music as a client-centered intervention to enhance engagement, emotional well-being, and quality of life for older adults in a senior living community. Conducted at Treyton Oak Towers in Louisville, KY, the project integrated meaningful music into daily leisure and social activities. Key goals included building rapport with residents and staff, assessing residents’ functional needs, planning and adapting activities, and incorporating music preferences to support participation and enjoyment. Older adults in long-term care often experience cognitive decline, low motivation, and limited engagement in meaningful occupations. Literature supports music’s ability to stimulate memory, enhance mood, and …

Implementing A Multi-Faceted Approach To Reduce Falls And Enhance Safety In Psychiatric Patients While Improving Nurses Perception While Improving Nurses Perception Of Fall Risk Identification, Shanika King

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: The goal of this quality improvement project was to decrease falls in inpatient psychiatric units by at least 5% within six months, utilizing a multifaceted approach while increasing nurses' ability to identify patients at risk for falls. This project incorporated fall risk assessment, staff education, visual identifiers, and debriefings. Nurse confidence was measured post-intervention using a Likert scale survey.

Background: Psychiatric fall rates range from 13 to 25 per 1,000 hospital days, compared to 3 to 4 in general hospitals. These rates highlight the importance of tailored interventions. This project was completed in an inpatient psychiatric facility in …

Preventing Nurse Burnout Through Self-Care Strategies, Doris Iwuh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Executive Summary: Staff Education Project Preventing Nurse Burnout through Self-Care Strategies by Doris Iwuh MS, Walden University, 2022 BSN, Grand Canyon University, 2020 ADN, Radiance College, 2016 Executive Summary Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University August 2025 Summary An outpatient mental health clinic identified a rise in burnout among psychiatric nurse practitioners, licensed therapists, and social workers. A gap in practice revealed that staff lacked knowledge of self-care strategies to manage burnout, leading to the project question: Does implementing an educational program for nurses and mental health specialists on …

The Lived Experience Of In-Home Social Distancing And Other Preventative Measures Among Covid-19-Positive Individuals And Other Household Members, Jimmette Naytwain Brooks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), first detected in Wuhan, China, is caused by a new virus strain: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). On March 11, 2020, COVID-19 was classified as “the second pandemic of the 21st century” by the World Health Organization. To better control the spread of the virus, governments and communities adopted several established public health protocols to quell the spread of the disease and decrease the resulting morbidity and mortality. Specific measures included masking, hand hygiene, social distancing and disinfection. Though these are proven measures, not much was known about adherence in the home …

Heart Failure And Home Health Care Referral Utilization, Tatiana Le

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Heart Failure and Home Health Care Referral Utilization

Purpose

The purpose was to increase provider awareness of the benefits of home health care (HHC) referrals for heart failure patients. It aimed to increase HHC referral utilization intention to maintain compliance with the American Heart Association’s (AHA) recommendation for early follow-up within seven days post-discharge.

Background

Heart failure is a major cause of readmissions in older adults. HHC has been shown to reduce readmissions and improve outcomes post-discharge. HHC referrals remain underused despite its benefits, due to limited provider awareness. This project addressed the gap at a Southeast Texas suburban hospital …

Effects Of Mode And Transitioning To A Mixed-Mode (Web/Phone) Design On Categorical Survey Estimates: Do Question Characteristics Matter?, Mengyao Hu, Vicki A Freedman, Justin Kamens

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

An increasing number of telephone surveys are introducing a web option. Limited experimental research has explored the implications of such design changes and how they vary by question characteristics. Using an experimental design and propensity score matching techniques, this study examines the effects of mode (web vs. telephone) and transitioning to a mixed-mode design (from telephone-only to the choice of web or telephone) on survey estimates and how effects differ by question characteristics. We draw upon an experiment embedded in the National Study of Caregiving (NSOC), in which half of NSOC-eligible caregivers were randomized to a telephone-only design and the …

A Comprehensive Evidence-Based Educational Initiative For Improving Hand Hygiene, Lyanna L. Chan

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Problem: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a persistent concern in assisted living facilities, often resulting from inconsistent hand hygiene practices. Although national guidelines exist, adherence remains suboptimal, especially where staff training and compliance monitoring are limited.

Context: This project took place in a 53-bed assisted living facility without a formal system to track or reinforce hand hygiene. The aim was to improve staff knowledge and promote infection prevention through education.

Interventions: A Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) led an evidence-based hand hygiene education program. The intervention included interactive training, visual reminders, personal sanitizers, and leadership support during clinical huddles.

Measures: Pre- …

Enhancing Adherence To Oxytocin Administration Guidelines To Reduce Postpartum Hemorrhage Rates In A Labor And Delivery Unit, Maya Denny

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a critical challenge in maternal care. It shows a 13% PPH incidence rate in a high-risk labor and delivery unit in a northern California medical center, exceeding the national benchmark of 5%–10% based on 2021 ACOG data from 150 patient records.

Problem: There is inconsistent adherence to oxytocin administration guidelines, with only 60% of 100 audited charts documenting fetal and uterine activity, contributing to the elevated rate. The team is looking for a target rate of 90%.

Intervention: This involves implementing a checklist, providing training for 25 clinicians, and conducting two 30-minute simulation scenarios …

Assessing College Athletic Departments’ Ability To Implement The Ncaa Mental Health Best Practices, Grace O. Louis, Shaine Henert

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Student-athletes endure rigorous schedules, intense pressure, and significant physical and mental strain, all while being expected to show no signs of weakness. This high-stakes environment can exacerbate mental health challenges (Harris & Maher, 2023; Rice et al, 2016 & Brown, 2021). To address these concerns, the NCAA’s Sport Science Institute developed mental health best practices to support college student-athletes. However, FBS Division I non-autonomous athletic programs often struggle to fully implement these guidelines due to resource limitations, despite their commitment to student-athlete well-being (2021; Beebe & Petrie, 2024). This study employs an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach to explore the …

Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis And Systemic Inflammation: A Cadaveric Study For Dental Insights, Nathan Kent Bs, David Patterson Bs, Alyssa Luu Bs, Samantha Pipkin Bs, Jason Ciccotelli Dpt, Phd, Jeremy James Dmd, Ms, Jessica Immonen Phd, Ms

The Journal of Integrative Physiology

The objective of this study was to determine if gross signs of cadaveric osteoarthritis (OA) have

a tendency to present systemically and if this presentation includes pathology found at the

temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Signs of OA were then correlated to gross alterations of the aorta and common carotid arteries seen with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Ipsilateral synovial joints including the TMJ, knee joint, radiocarpal joint and trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint were all assessed for signs of OA in 4 cadaveric donors (3 males; 72, 82 and 92 years-old / 1 female; 89 years-old) using a validated scale of disease severity. A Grade …

Fetal Losses Associated With Prrsv, Ppv, And Pcv2 Detection, Em-On Olanratmanee, Pachara Pearodwong, Duangkamol Lewchalermwong, Padet Tummaruk

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine parvovirus (PPV), and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infections associated with fetal losses in 10 commercial swine herds in Thailand. Samples were collected from 100 sows and included 25 aborted fetuses, 35 mummified fetuses, and 40 stillborn piglets. The average parity number of the sows was 2.8 ± 2.4, ranging from 0 to 11. Fetal age was determined based on either the day of abortion or estimated using crown-rump length, and categorized as ≥70 days. Organs from each case were pooled, homogenized, and tested …

Preliminary Study Of A Support System For Noninvasive Pneumonia Detection Using Breath Sound Analysis In Calves, Yasuhiro Morita, Seiji Inoue, Satoshi Ohkura

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Pneumonia in calves is caused by a complex association between host, pathogen, and environmental factors, and it is challenging to detect the subclinical stages. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately and rapidly identify calves with pneumonia on farms to provide appropriate treatment in a timely manner. In the present study, we focused on the frequency components of lung sounds to distinguish calves with and without pneumonia, without the need for veterinary expertise. In addition, we evaluated the pathogenesis of pneumonia by clarifying the relationship between the frequency components of lung sounds and lung ultrasound findings in calves. Although further case …

The Legal System For Influencers On Social Media Platforms: A Comparative Study, Ahmad Ibrahim Ballal Dr, Najem Riyad Al-Rabadi Dr, Ma’Moun Rashed Al-Huneiti Dr

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

This study explores the legal regulation of social media influencers through a comparative analysis between French and Jordanian legislation. The research problem lies in the absence of a clear and comprehensive legal framework regulating influencers' growing role in shaping public opinion. Using the comparative analytical method, the study examines relevant legal texts and regulatory approaches in both jurisdictions. The findings highlight significant differences, with France enacting a specific law to govern influencer activities, while Jordan still relies on general legal provisions. The study recommends drafting a dedicated Jordanian law that outlines influencers' legal responsibilities and balances freedom of expression with …

Representations Of The Other In Hamas's Media Discourse During The "Al-Aqsa Flood" Operation: A Rhetorical Analytical Study, Enad Mamdouh Al-Zaben, Sabah Al Harahsheh Dr

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

This study aimed to determine how the Hamas movement represented the "other" in its media discourse during the "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation. To achieve this goal, the study relied on the qualitative analytical approach, specifically rhetorical discourse analysis. The study sample included all Hamas's media spokesman speeches, between October 7, 2023, and January 1, 2024, numbering 11 speeches. The study results showed that Hamas's media discourse focused on portraying two main groups: "us" and "them." The "us" group included the Palestinian people in all their spectra. They were referred to using terms with positive connotations such as: "the steadfast," "the one …

Advancing Mental Health Awareness Among Persons Of Color: An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Irene Rattitham, Cassandra Nelson

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project aimed to advance mental health awareness among persons of color (POC) residing in a skilled nursing facility by developing and implementing a culturally responsive psychoeducational program. Informed by the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness-based practices, the program addressed barriers such as stigma, limited awareness, and cultural perceptions of mental health. A needs assessment guided the creation of an 8-module curriculum covering topics like emotional regulation, family involvement, and accessing support. Educational materials were translated into Spanish, Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese to enhance accessibility. The program was delivered through group and individual sessions, in-service presentations, and …

Addressing Anxiety In The Pediatric Population: An Ot Perspective, Joshua D. Johnson, Mary Jan Greer, Wendy Tremaine, Justine Faghihifar

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone develops and evaluates a trauma-informed training for RBTs and caregivers in outpatient ABA clinics serving children with ASD and anxiety. Grounded in MOHO, the seven-module program teaches trigger→support mapping, sensory strategies, visual tools, and brief co-regulation routines. Findings show improved knowledge and confidence, with recommendations to embed a fidelity rubric, booster sessions, and ready-to-use templates.

Empowering Occupational Therapists: Navigating Cancer Care Through The Lens Of Moho​, Luis G. Lares

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Cultivating Inclusion: A Multicultural Sensory Garden For Pediatric Occupational Therapy​, Carolyne Teixeira

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Defining, Educating, And Inspiring Young Diverse Students About The Career Of Ot, Matthew Pinckney

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Quality Improvement Project Increasing Job Satisfaction Among Nurses, Sarah Hines

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Ineffective nurse leadership has been attributed to low nurse satisfaction, a decrease in morale, and can increase nurse turnover rates. Patient care and safety can be affected when nurses are dissatisfied with their workplace. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase nurses’ satisfaction rates on three behavioral health units by providing leadership classes for nursing leaders to attend to help combat nurse dissatisfaction rates. The methods utilized a quantitative design with pre- and post-intervention measurements. Pre- and post-intervention Likert-scale questionnaire data collected from direct-patient care registered nurses who met inclusion criteria on three behavioral health units by …

Proactive Planning For Contextual Fit: The Role Of The Implementation Premortem, Guillermo M. Wippold, Kaylyn A. Garcia, Ariel Domlyn, Dylan Wong, Maria E. Fernandez

Faculty Publications

Background

Implementation failure is a major barrier to program success. It is widely acknowledged that context matters—individual, community, and organizational norms, values, environment, and priorities influence successful program implementation. A mismatch between how the program was intended to be delivered and the constraints of the context in which it was delivered is a major cause of implementation failure. The barriers to implementation are usually understood after a program has failed. Although there are tools that can help accommodate for, or overcome, contextually-driven sources of implementation failure, there remains a significant gap – a tool and structured approach to analyze data …

Adapt & Thrive: Parkinson’S Training For A More Meaningful Life, Alyson Chew

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

As of 2022, there are 107,601 people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in California with 78% of cases above 70 years old (California Department of Public Health, 2024). Falls are the most common cause of injury for adults 65 years and older with over 14 million falls reported annually (CDC, 2024). Occupational therapy is an underutilized profession that can assist both people with PD and caregivers to reduce falls and injuries from occurring.